Short answer — best ANC earbuds right now (different needs):

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — best overall noise cancellation for real-world use (excellent at drowning out airplane/commute noise) and very comfortable. Good all-rounder for travel. (whathifi.com, engadget.com)

• Sony WF-1000XM5 — top-tier ANC plus arguably the best sound quality and strong call performance; great pick if you want the best balance of ANC, audio, and features (LDAC support for Android hi‑res). (rtings.com, soundguys.com)

• Technics EAH‑AZ100 — standout ANC with unusually long single‑charge battery life for ANC earbuds (good if battery longevity matters). (rtings.com)

• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — excellent ANC for iPhone users and seamless Apple integration; note Apple just announced AirPods Pro 3 on Sept 10, 2025 claiming improved ANC, but that model is newly announced and not yet widely reviewed. If you want a proven option for iPhone today, AirPods Pro 2 are solid. (rtings.com, theverge.com)

• Best budget picks: Anker / Soundcore (Space A40 / Liberty series) or EarFun — very good ANC for the price and much cheaper than flagship models. Great value if strong ANC is needed on a budget. (rtings.com, whathifi.com)

Quick buying tips (most important):

• Fit matters as much as ANC tech — try foam tips or multiple tip sizes (good seal = far better cancellation).
• If you use Android and want hi‑res codecs, prioritize LDAC/aptX support (Sony, some Soundcore/Earfun models). iPhone users benefit most from AirPods for system features.
• For phone calls, mic quality varies — Sony, Jabra, and some Bose models tend to be among the better call performers. (soundguys.com, theguardian.com)
• Check return policy/trial window so you can test fit and ANC in your daily environments.

If you tell me your platform (iPhone vs Android), budget, and main use (flights, office, calls, workouts), I can narrow this to the single best pick for you.