The best noise cancelling earbuds on the market in 2021

With more choice than ever before, which ones will cut through the noise for you?

Shirley Green
6 min readApr 21, 2021

Looking to drown out the drone of the crowd when it comes to your earbuds? Well luckily, 2021 has seen a whole host of noise-canceling true wireless earbuds hit the shelves — many boasting some of the most advanced silencing audio technology around. But with so many options out there, which noise-cancelling earbuds are the perfect fit for your ears and your wallet? Here’s a pick of some of the best performing products for 2021 to help you decide.

  1. Cleer Ally Plus

The hybrid digital noise-cancellation technology of the Ally Plus noise cancelling true wireless earbuds means that you can suppress even the most distracting noises around you. Choose between three intelligent sound cancelling settings, including a clever Ambient Mode (which lets some of the outside noise in) to find the perfect audio balance for you. Designed for longer lasting battery life than competitors, the Ally Plus wireless earbuds give you an industry-leading 30 hours ofwith just one five-minute charge providing a full hour of playback. Perfect for those long-haul flights or serious audiobook binges…

Key features:

● Active digital noise-cancellation

● Swipe control for volume and a soft touch control pad

● 10mm Neodymium custom tuned drivers

● 10 hours of battery life (earbuds alone)

● Small charging case providing additional 20 hours of playback

● Secure fit ergonomics

● IPX4 water and sweat resistance

Typical price point: US$99.99

  1. Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds

Sony’s WF-1000XM3 earbuds combine highly effective noise-cancellation with a high-quality sound, as well as a host of smart listening features, including NFC connectivity. Their high-friction rubber surface design keeps surrounding noise firmly out and allows the buds to sit securely in your ear, without any unexpected slips. There’s also an all-day battery life promise and undeniable comfort, despite their slightly bulkier design compared to other wireless earbuds on the market. One of the only downsides? A heftier charging case that could definitely benefit from being a little more compact.

Key features:

● Digital HD noise-cancelling and dual noise sensor technology

● Six hours battery life from one charge

● Quick Attention function gives you hands-free ease

● A super secure fit in your ears

● Sony’s intelligent Adaptive Sound Control function

Typical price point: ‎US$229.99

  1. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Using a combination of patented active and passive noise-cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (formerly known as the Bose Noise Canceling 700 Earbuds), deliver solid noise-cancelling performance from their super soft and totally airtight ear nozzles. Choose between three customizable noise-canceling settings to get the transparency that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re exercising, chilling out to some tunes, or jumping on a conference call — you can enjoy the crystal clear sound of these true wireless earbuds that hit all the right notes, and shut the world around you totally out.

Key features:

● Customized earbud touch control

● Instant voice assistant access

● Up to six hours’ battery life

● Two-hour playback from a single 15-minute charge

● IPX4 water and sweat resistance

Typical price point:

US$279.00

  1. Apple AirPods Pro

These silicone tipped earbuds are a welcome step-up from Apple’s original AirPods. The noise-cancelling capabilities of these light, compact wireless earbuds don’t disappoint –and neither does their high-quality audio performance. Their intuitive fit test allows you to identify the perfect sized tips for your ears, giving you an even better noise-cancelling experience. They’re also (unsurprisingly) a great fit for Apple users, with a host of intelligent features to explore when paired with your other Apple devices.

Key features:

● Active noise-cancellation with transparency mode

● Surround sound effect with Apple’s Spatial Audio

● Customizable controls to sync with your Apple device#

● Apple’s Ear Tip Fit Test for ultimate fit and comfort

● IPX4 water and sweat resistance

Typical price point: US$250.00

  1. Libratone Track Air+

With their slick, Danish design, these noise-canceling true wireless earbuds are easy on the eyes as well as the ears. Once activated through their accompanying app, the TRACK Air+ instantly syncs with your Bluetooth device to maintain a strong connection that won’t drop out. Plus, the earbuds know when you’re wearing them and will automatically pause when you’re not. Although some reviewers have judged the audio quality of the Libratone Track Air+ to be less superior than other wireless earbuds on the market, it’s clear that if it’s the good noise-cancelling capabilities you’re after — you simply can’t go wrong with these.

Key features:

● Smart noise-cancelling technology

● Customizable earbuds double and triple tap function

● Ultra-lightweight design

● 6 hours of battery life on a full charge

● Compact charging case provides 3 full charges

Typical price point: US$220

The ones to watch for 2021…

The Ally Plus II from Cleer

The Ally Plus II true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds are due to hit stores at the end of April and they’re already creating a buzz. When it comes to clever noise-cancelling technology, the Ally Plus II’s are set to provide an extra performance boost to rival some of the biggest hitters on the market, with a promise to deliver industry-leading adaptive noise cancellation technology.

With their strong wireless connectivity, 11 solid hours of playback (with just the earbuds), enhanced call quality with dual-microphones, and Qualcomm cVc 8th generation noise reduction technology and sound customization features with the Cleer+ app. Set noise cancellation, ambient noise levels and customize the earbuds EQ. In addition, the app will allow you to reconfigure the touch pad functionality, enabling you to create your preferred experience. You’ll also be able to update the firmware and check the remaining battery life as well. One last trick up the Ally Plus II sleeve…the charging case provides an additional 22 hours of playback for the Ally Plus II and it’s Qi enabled for wireless charging. These true wireless earbuds promise to be a solid choice for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle, looking to cut right through all of that background noise. Watch this space.

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Shirley Green

Shirley is a contributing writer and specializes in reviewing smart audio products, and is fond of headphones, speakers, and recording gears.