Here are the top earbuds (as of late Oct 2025) for active noise cancellation, and which to choose depending on what matters most to you.

Top picks

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — best overall ANC: Bose’s QuietComfort line (including the QC Ultra/QuietComfort Ultra models and QuietComfort Earbuds II variants) consistently ranks at or near the top for noise cancellation; they deliver very strong, reliable ANC and useful transparency modes. Great if ANC performance is your #1 priority. (theverge.com)

• Sony WF‑1000XM5 — best balance of ANC, sound, and features: Sony’s flagship buds offer class‑leading ANC that is very close to the best, with excellent sound tuning, LDAC support (better Android hi‑res), multipoint, and long battery life. A top pick if you want excellent ANC plus superior audio features. (theverge.com)

• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — best ANC for iPhone users / best seamless Apple integration: very strong ANC that integrates with iOS features (Spatial Audio, Find My, Siri), best choice if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. Recent guides/roundups still list it among the top ANC earbuds for Apple users. (theverge.com)

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II — still a top ANC performer and slightly more compact/affordable than some Ultra models: reviewers note near‑best noise cancellation and good sound. Choose these if you want Bose ANC performance but prefer the Earbuds II form/price. (TechRadar.com)

• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 — best sound with good ANC: Sennheiser is often the choice if audio fidelity is a high priority while still wanting solid ANC; ANC is effective though not usually rated quite as strong as Bose/Sony. Good for audiophiles who want the best sound with capable noise cancelling. (theguardian.com)

Quick comparison (what to pick by priority)

• Maximum noise blocking (commutes, airplanes, loud offices): Bose QuietComfort Ultra or QuietComfort Earbuds II. (Wired.com)
• Best all‑around (ANC + audio features + battery): Sony WF‑1000XM5. (theverge.com)
• Best for iPhone/iPad users (ecosystem features + very good ANC): AirPods Pro (2nd gen). (theverge.com)
• Best sound quality (audiophile focus) with decent ANC: Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4. (Wired.com)

Price and fit notes

• Expect flagship ANC earbuds to cost roughly $200–$350 depending on model, sales, and region. Fit matters a lot for ANC effectiveness — try to test different tip sizes or buy from a retailer with a good return policy if fit is uncertain. (Fit affects both noise sealing and comfort.) (TechGearLab.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Recommend the single best option for your use case (commute, airplane, open office, workouts, iPhone/Android), or
• List the best value/cheap ANC earbuds under $150, or
• Show current prices and where to buy (I can fetch live prices and availability).