Top 10 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds 2023 Reviews

When you’re gaming there is nothing worse than being engrossed in a game and someone coming along distracting you. We think you’ll agree that it takes you completely out of the moment. That is why a large number of gamers are moving towards noise cancelling earbuds when they play. Of course headphones and earphones can be used for a wide variety of activities, but gamers are a growth market at the moment.

Why do that though? Do you really need to get so into a game that you cut out all of the background noise? Well, it’s a twofold thing really. Firstly, it does cut out all of the background noise. It stops people from putting you off by talking to you, as well as loud noises outside of the game startling you. Secondly, it gives you a light edge. You can hear the game better, which means that you can use the sounds to help you play. It’s not just recording music that requires noise cancelling headphones! With that all cleared up, which are the best noise cancelling earbuds? We’ve compiled a list to help you decide.

Top 10 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds On The Market 2023 Reviews

1Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort 20 are a set of incredibly high end earbuds. Allowing for a number of different settings to provide high quality sound they also have a superb feature called “aware mode”. This mode allows you to change between focusing solely on what comes out of the earbuds to allowing outside noise to filter through at the touch of a button. How does that help with gaming? Read on and we’ll tell you!

While it won’t directly help with the game itself, the ability to switch in and out of the mode means that if the sounds are getting too intense, like in a big firefight for example, you can come out of the loud noises so that your senses won’t be overloaded. This is great for people who like to visually focus.

There is also a microphone included. This means the QuietComfort 20 can easily work as a headset. When in a team battle this is vital for tactics. The inclusion of a microphone means there is no need for additional peripherals. For the space conscious gamer this is a great help. It also means there is no need for extra spending, which is always a bonus.

The sound quality for the QuietComfort 20 is top notch. The active EQ makes sure that everything is crystal clear. There is very little distortion at high volume and you can even use it on your phone too!

Our rating: (4.2 / 5)

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2 Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless Earbuds

The Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless Earbuds are exactly what you would expect them to be. A set of wireless earbuds that allow for noise control. They come with a wide range of settings that are aimed at an optimum listening experience. There is even a comfortable neckband to hold them in place while you play. They also allow for you to choose your level of noise cancellation.

This means that you will easily be able to switch between what you do and don’t hear. You won’t have to worry about outside noise putting them off. You won’t have to worry about your senses being overloaded. You won’t have to worry about missing vital clues through the in game sounds. These earbuds make sure that everything in game is clearly defined.

The inclusion of Bluetooth makes the QuietControl 30 Wireless Earbuds perfect for the wire-phobic player. If you feel like wires just get in your way then these earbuds will solve that problem. They include both Bluetooth and NFC pairing so you can easily connect to whatever device you like in an instant. The range of 10m means that there is no worries about losing connection and the 10 hour battery means you have plenty of time to play. But how does it sound?

In terms of sound quality the QuietControl 30 Wireless Earbuds are near the top of the pile. There is razor sharp clarity without pops and buzzes. This means nothing will jump out and surprise you as you play. The microphone also has noise reducing technology which makes it easier to communicate with team mates. If you want a top class wireless set of earbuds then these should definitely be on your shortlist.

Our rating: (3.2 / 5)

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3 Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E4 Advanced Active Noise Cancelling Earphones

The Beoplay E4 are some of the most technologically advanced earbuds on the planet. Offering a wide range of different features they will ensure that gamers have perfect sound at all times. The main feature that they include is advanced active noise cancellation. This makes sure that no matter what environment you are in, the sound quality remains clear.

This is complemented by noise cancelling memory foam that is used to craft the earbuds. It all adds to the overall quality of the noise cancelling technology. One of the most overlooked features is to include different size earbuds, Bang and Olufsen have made sure that there are different sizes available. This means that these earbuds can be used effectively by anyone.

There is also a transparency mode included. This allows gamers to switch between full noise cancellation and hearing the ambient background noise. With just one simple motion on the remote control you can switch back and forth between modes. This allows gamers to utilise any sound mode that they require.

The sound quality is typical of Bang and Olufsen. Gamers are treated to the typical high end sound quality that Bang and Olufsen always deliver. This combined with the noise cancellation means that full immersion is easy to achieve. You will hear every engine, gunshot and scream with full clarity with these earbuds.

Our rating: (3.9 / 5)

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4 TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

The TaoTronics ANC headphones are marketed as a more budget product when compared to other earbuds. TaoTronic however decided to ignore the budget monicker and produce a superb set of earbuds that can go toe to toe with almost any set there is. The active noise cancellation is of the highest order. They have the ability to reduce background noise by up to 30 dB. This makes it much easier to concentrate on the game you’re playing and increases the clarity of the sounds.

The build quality on the buds themselves is top class. Using a machined aluminium alloy that helps to reduce battery consumption makes the buds durable. This means there is no worries about them breaking after one or two uses. The inner ear section is removable to allow for different sizes and thicknesses. There are also hooks included to help hold them in place, this is vital if you throw you head around when you win or lose. The 3.5mm jack connector is gold plated and it even has an airplane adapter for if you want to game on the move.

The included 140mAh battery allows for 15 hours on continuous use, which is more than enough for even the most dedicated gamer. They are fully rechargeable as well. This means that once your 15 hours is up, you can simply charge them back up for the next session.

The TaoTronic ANC headphones offer a quality performance at a relatively low price. This makes them one of the most desirable sets of earbuds on the market. If you’re on a budget but still want some high quality earbuds then TaoTronic have the right offering for you.

Our rating: (3.9 / 5)

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5 Phiaton BT 220 NC Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 and Active Noise Cancelling Earphones

The Phiaton BT 220s are a set of wireless noise cancelling earbuds that allow gamers to be in full control of their earbuds. The innovative remote for the BT 220s means that it is a simple task to control your sounds. All it takes to stop sound is to remove the earbuds from your ears. This helps to save the battery, which limits the amount of times that the earbuds need to be charged.

They can also be operated with a simple finger swipe. This makes it a simple task to make the ear buds do exactly what you would like. In terms of gaming this makes it much simpler to control your sounds without it impacting on your game.

The BT 220s can cancel up to 95% of background noise which helps gamers to concentrate on their game. In addition to this it also eliminates almost all background noise from using the microphone. This means that when talking to your team there will be no noise from your microphone putting you off.

They also allow for them to be turned into wired ear buds. This means that if your battery dies then it doesn’t mean the end of your gaming, just plug them in and you can carry on. They also allow you to share your sounds with other BT 220s which means that you can make your gaming a more social experience. Your friends won’t be as bored when they come and visit with these ear buds.

Our rating: (3.7 / 5)

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6 Huawei Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Customizable Ergonomic in-Ear Headphones

The Huawei ANC in ear headphones offer active noise cancelling technology that reacts to sound as it happens. This makes sure that your gaming isn’t interrupted by other distractions. The sound quality isn’t affected by the ANC and it still offers high quality sounds across all frequencies. The clarity and fidelity are both at the top of the scale, ensuring players can hear everything that goes on.

The speakers in the ear buds are of a high quality which helps with the sound quality. The sound chamber design helps to reduce distortion at higher volumes. This is combined with a composite diaphragm and high purity copper cable to improve the sound definition. This makes sure that players can really take advantage of high quality sound, without needing a surround sound system.

The ear buds are cut precisely from aluminum, which makes them perfect to remain in place. They also include the ability to be charged while being used. This is through the Huawei Honor 8 system, so the ear buds can be charged through the jack lead.

Our rating: (3.3 / 5)

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7 Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphones

The ATH-ANC23 are a set of ear buds that are aimed at erasing background noise. By creating a 180 out of phase wave of ambient noise, this works to remove all background noises. This in turn makes it much easier to focus on your game and grab that high score you’ve been aiming for.

There is also a small microphone in each earpiece that picks up on any ambient noise. The device then uses this to help cancel out background noise. It leads to up to 90% reduction in background noise. This makes it a much simpler task to just enjoy the sound effects and music of your game.

The device will still continue to work when the battery runs out, but obviously the ANC will stop working. The sound quality is of a high level and maintains high levels of clarity. There is very little distortion which helps when gaming. There is also the option to turn off the ANC, for those moments when you want some sound to bleed out.

Our rating: (3.6 / 5)

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8 COWIN HE8D Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds

The HE8D are one of the most feature rich set of ear buds on the market. Their noise cancellation technology is at the forefront of the industry. It doesn’t just cancel standard levels of background noise, it checks on the level you set the volume at. Then the technology makes sure that the sound is balanced. This makes sure that the background noise will be kept out at any volume. It also makes sure that your in game sounds are crisp and clear.

The ear buds themselves are designed with comfort in mind. With a tip that slips towards the ear canal, it ensures that sound doesn’t escape from the ear. It also comes with different sizes of ear bud. This is a great addition to the product as obviously, not everyone has the same size of ear.

The speakers that are included with the ear buds are of the highest quality. They have a liquid crystal polymer which helps to create a full range of frequencies, all of the way up to 40kHz. This means that there is full definition in the bass, middle and treble with the HE8D ear buds.

The ear buds are also water resistant. This means that mild exposure to water won’t damage them. As almost everyone sweats from time to time this is a vital feature. It means that sweating while you game won’t damage your ear buds. As some games can get incredibly tense this feature means your ear buds will last the distance. They also have the ability to be charged by the device you are using them in. This means that if the battery runs out and you still need the noise cancelling feature, the ear buds can take the power from your PC, or wherever you have them plugged in.

Our rating: (5 / 5)

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9 MORE E1004 ANC-BLKDual Driver in-Ear Headphones

The E1104 offer a promise of higher quality sound when compared to all other ANC ear buds on the market. This is a bold claim, but can the E1104 ear buds back it up? The dual drivers that power the ANC system make sure that there is no difference between the sound when the ANC is activated or not activated.

The ANC is dedicated to combating a number of different background noises. From the sounds of transport to workmen in the road, these ear buds help to keep it in check. This means that no matter what is going on outside your window, your gaming will be intrusion free.

The sound quality is one of the best around. The fidelity isn’t affected by the ANC being active. This means that no matter what you are blocking out, your game sounds will still be crystal clear. You won’t have to worry about distortion, buzzing or hissing. This makes the E1004 a top quality option for any gamer, especially gamers who get a lot of nuisances.

The E1004 are also the only set of ear buds on the market that have been tuned up by a Grammy award winning sound engineer. This guarantees a level of sound quality that other ear buds can only hope to achieve. The intuitive remote also manages to combine a wide range of controls in just two buttons. This means it isn’t intrusive on your space, but can still carry out whatever you need it to do.

Our rating: (3.5 / 5)

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10 Sony Digital Noise Cancelling Headset Earphone MDR-NC31EM

These Sony ear buds are optimised to work with the Xperia range of phones. That doesn’t mean that they don’t offer excellent quality on other devices though. The noise cancelling technology works by taking power from the device, so there is no need for charging. However, if your device doesn’t have the 5-pole audio connecter then the noise cancelling won’t work. So make sure your PC has a compatible sound card before purchasing.

In terms of sound quality the Sony ear buds offer a great range of tones. The bass, mid range and treble are all represented with excellent clarity. This makes sure that gamers can hear every aspect of their game as they play. There is also very little distortion when playing at higher volume, this helps when playing games with a lot going on. These are very clear ear buds that offer excellent clarity.

The noise cancellation itself works to a high level. Outside sounds are noticeably dampened from the moment it is activated. This ensures that there will be no problems if there is a lot of noise in your gaming area. It limits distractions and allows for your full concentration to be focused on your game. The ear buds themselves are very comfortable also. This means that a marathon gaming session won’t lead to an earache.

Our rating: (3.4 / 5)

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Buying Guide For Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds

When it comes to purchasing a set of noise cancelling ear buds the correct choice totally depends on what it is that you require. There are a number of different areas that can impact upon your choice. So what are they? Price, sound quality and level of noise cancellation. These are the three main areas when it comes to noise cancelling ear buds.

Firstly, price. When it comes to price, your budget it all important. If you can’t afford to purchase a set of ear buds that are at the higher end of the market then you may have to settle for a smaller set of features. This means that you need to look at what is most important. Do you require noise cancelling to a high level? Then perhaps you can accept slightly lower sound quality.

Do you need your sound quality to be top notch? Then perhaps a lower level of noise cancellation will be adequate. These are all factors that you need to take into account. Choose which features are most important to you and then choose the set that offers the best quality in that feature. Of course if a new set are not a vital purchase then you might be better off waiting until you can afford a better pair.

Sound quality is often an issue with ear buds. They don’t all offer high fidelity audio. This means that in general, unless you are purchasing a top of the range pair of ear buds, the sound quality might not offer the clarity your require. In addition to this, some sound quality is lost with the weaker noise cancelling software. That means that there is a possibility you may have to make a trade off between sound quality and noise cancelling.

The noise cancelling software varies from ear bud to ear bud. Some offer fantastic noise cancelling that blocks out most outside sounds as well as retaining high fidelity audio. There are however sets on the market that will block out sounds with a noticeable drop in audio quality. You have to choose how highly you value your sound quality in relation to how much sound you need blocked out. If you live in a particularly noisy environment then it may be worth the drop in sound quality. This is especially important when gaming as being able to concentrate can be the difference between winning and losing.

In the end you need to weigh up the options and decide which feature is most important to you. From there you can begin to make your choice as to which set of ear buds fits your needs best.

Conclusion

Overall the best set of noise cancelling earbuds on the market are far and away the COWIN HE8D Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds. The HE8D ear buds offer incredible noise cancelling software, incredible audio quality, superb comfort and are even water resistant. They are also one of the lower priced sets on the market which means they are more likely to fit in people’s budgets.

They offer a better quality of noise cancellation than almost all of the other ear buds on the market. This is combined with high clarity audio, and the retention of that clarity when the noise cancellation is activated. They have added to this a water resistant quality that means they are durable as well. This all ensures that the HE8D ear buds are unparalleled in terms of features and overall quality. If these ear buds fit within your budget then they should be at the top of your list.