The Best Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds for 2025 — Top Picks, Comparisons & Buyer’s Guide
Our Top Picks – Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds (2025)
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 (MTW4)
Premium sound with adaptive ANC and long battery life.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Wireless Earbuds
Smart features with deep integration and comfort.
View on AmazonSony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is widely regarded as one of the best premium noise-cancelling headphones available today. Across hundreds of user reviews, the headphones consistently receive praise for exceptional sound quality, industry-leading ANC, excellent microphone performance, and long battery life. Many users describe it as a “no-regret purchase” and a significant upgrade from entry-level or mid-range headphones.
That said, some recurring concerns emerge around long-term durability, comfort in hot climates, lack of foldable design, and service experience in India. While most users are highly satisfied, a smaller group reports hinge breakage, ear pressure, skin irritation, and expensive out-of-warranty repairs—important considerations for a premium-priced product
1. Best-in-Class Noise Cancellation
- ANC is consistently described as “top-notch” and “industry-leading”
- Effectively blocks low-frequency noise (AC, engines, traffic)
- Ideal for travel, flights, work-from-home, and focus sessions
2. Excellent Sound Quality (After EQ Tuning)
- Clear vocals, balanced mids, and deep bass
- Instrument separation and detail are highly praised
- Custom EQ via Sony Headphones Connect app improves experience significantly
3. Outstanding Call & Mic Quality
- One of the strongest upgrades over XM4
- Performs well on Zoom, Teams, and phone calls
- Voice isolation works even in noisy environments
4. Strong Battery Life & Fast Charging
- Real-world battery life ~25–35 hours with ANC
- Many users report charging once per week
- Fast charging adds hours of playback in minutes
5. Comfort & Lightweight Design
- Lightweight and easy to wear for long sessions
- Soft ear cushions and minimal clamping force
- Dual-device connectivity works reliably
1. Durability & Hinge Issues (Major Concern)
- Multiple reports of hinge or ear-cup breakage
- Some failures occur just after warranty expiry
- Repairs are costly and sometimes unsupported in India
2. Heat, Sweat & Skin Irritation
- Ear pads trap heat in warm climates
- Some users report sweating after 2–3 hours
- A few users experienced skin allergies due to non-breathable vinyl pads
3. Not Foldable & Bulky Case
- Headphones do not fold inward
- Carry case is large compared to XM4
- Less travel-friendly for backpacks
4. ANC Pressure & Adaptive Behavior
- Some users feel ear pressure with ANC on
- Adaptive ANC can behave inconsistently (improved via updates)
5. Price & Service Experience
- Expensive without discounts
- After-sales service complaints reported by a few users
- Out-of-warranty repair costs are high
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
This AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) protective case is generally seen as a sturdy, stylish, and value-for-money accessory that offers strong protection against drops while maintaining MagSafe and wireless charging compatibility. Most buyers appreciate the snug fit, premium TPU material, strong magnets, and enhanced grip, making it a popular choice for everyday use and travel.
However, a recurring issue appears with the carabiner/hook quality. While the case itself is well-built, multiple users report that the carabiner can break or get stuck, potentially putting the AirPods at risk. A few users also note that the case adds slight bulk and lacks a locking mechanism to prevent the lid from opening during drops.
Overall, it’s a solid protective case—best suited for users who want durability and MagSafe support, but who may prefer to replace or avoid using the included carabiner.
1. Strong Protection & Build Quality
- Made of durable TPU material
- Provides excellent drop and scratch protection
- Users describe it as tough, sturdy, and reliable
2. Perfect Fit & Grip
- Snug fit for AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
- Improves hand grip and reduces chances of slipping
- Stylish finish (Green & Black colors especially praised)
3. MagSafe & Wireless Charging Support
- Magnetic alignment works well with MagSafe chargers
- Wireless charging works without removing the case
- Magnets are strong and secure on metal surfaces
4. Premium Look & Value for Money
- Looks stylish and modern
- Feels worth the price according to most buyers
- Lightweight protection with a premium feel
1. Poor Carabiner / Hook Quality
- Multiple reports of carabiner breaking within a month
- Risk of AirPods falling if clipped to bags or belts
- Replacement or support experience reported as poor
2. No Lid Lock Mechanism
- If dropped, the lid may open and earbuds can fall out
- Some users expected a locking design at this price
3. Slightly Bulky
- Adds noticeable bulk compared to slim silicone cases
- Not ideal for users who prefer ultra-minimal cases
4. Minor Usability Issues
- Hook can get stuck when clipped to jeans or bags
- Requires removing internal sticker for proper fit (not obvious to all users)
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are widely praised for delivering arguably the best Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) ever seen in true wireless earbuds. Many users describe the experience as an “auditory sanctuary,” where outside noise almost completely disappears. Sound quality is another major highlight—rich, balanced, and immersive, especially for music and movies. Comfort is also a strong point, with many reviewers noting they can wear the earbuds for long periods without fatigue.
However, the product suffers from serious consistency issues. A large number of users report Bluetooth connectivity problems, unreliable multipoint behavior, buggy app performance, and poor call quality, particularly in noisy environments. Long-term reliability is another concern, with repeated complaints about earbuds failing, battery degradation, buzzing or crackling sounds, and costly or unsatisfactory after-sales support once the warranty expires.
In short, these earbuds are excellent at ANC and sound, but frustrating in daily real-world usage for many buyers.
1. Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
- Frequently rated as the best ANC in earbuds, better than Apple and Sony by many users
- Creates near-silence in offices, traffic, flights, and public transport
2. Excellent Sound Quality
- Rich bass, clear mids, and natural highs
- Immersive and spatial sound modes enhance movies and music
- Audiophile-friendly tuning (with EQ tweaks)
3. Very Comfortable Fit
- Secure, pressure-balanced fit with multiple ear tips
- Suitable for long listening sessions
4. Premium Listening Experience
- Ideal for music, movies, focus, and travel
- Touch controls are smooth and responsive
Major Connectivity Issues
- Random disconnections
- One earbud failing to connect
- Multipoint often unreliable or buggy
2. Poor Call / Mic Performance
- Call quality degrades badly in noisy environments
- Voice often muffled or drowned by background noise
- Not recommended for frequent office or outdoor calls
3. App & Software Problems
- Bose app frequently blamed for disconnections
- Many users report better performance after uninstalling the app
4. Durability & Reliability Concerns
- Buzzing, crackling, or humming sounds reported
- Battery and charging issues within months for some users
- Multiple replacement cycles reported
5. Bulky Case & Missing Features
- Large, bulky charging case
- No wireless charging (disappointing at this price)
6. After-Sales Support Complaints (India)
- Expensive out-of-warranty repairs
- Refusal to repair or replace after warranty ends
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Earbuds
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 (MTW4) is widely regarded as one of the best-sounding true wireless earbuds in the market, clearly targeted at audiophiles and music-first users. Across Indian and global reviews, users consistently praise its exceptional sound quality, wide soundstage, precise instrument separation, and support for high-end codecs like aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless.
Where the MTW4 divides opinion is ANC strength, size, and long-term reliability. While ANC is described as good and usable for travel, many reviewers agree it does not match Sony or Bose. Fit can also be hit-or-miss due to the slightly bulky design. A small but notable number of users reported earbud failures after 6–12 months, although Sennheiser’s 2-year warranty and responsive service often resolved these issues.
1. Best-in-Class Sound Quality
- Audiophile-grade tuning with rich mids and detailed highs
- Excellent instrument separation and wide soundstage
- Handles all genres well (classical, Indian music, rock, EDM)
- Often preferred over Sony, Bose, AirPods for pure sound
2. High-End Codec Support
- SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LC3
- Snapdragon Sound devices unlock true lossless potential
- Very low latency for video and gaming
3. Powerful Customization App
- Smart Control app with EQ & Sound Personalization
- Sound Zones auto-adjust profiles
- ANC, transparency, and firmware controls are intuitive
4. Comfort (For Medium–Large Ears)
- Secure, stable fit once correct tips are chosen
- Comfortable for long sessions (3–6 hours) for many users
- Strong passive isolation with good seal
5. Solid Battery & Fast Charging
- ~7–7.5 hours per charge
- ~30 hours total with case
- Qi wireless charging + fast top-ups
6. Good Mic & Call Quality (Mostly)
- Clear indoor call quality
- Performs well for Teams / Zoom / WhatsApp calls
- Better mic quality than many competitors according to users
7. Strong After-Sales Support
- 2-year warranty is a major plus
- Many users report quick replacements without hassle
1. ANC Is Good, Not the Best
- Clearly behind Sony WF-1000XM5 & Bose QC Ultra
- Struggles more with higher-frequency noise
- Some call ANC “average” or “secondary feature”
2. Bulky Design & Case
- Earbuds look large compared to AirPods
- Case is premium but bulky for pockets
- Can cause discomfort for small ears or helmet use
3. Fit Is Not Universal
- Some users experience ear pain after 2–3 hours
- Slips during gym sessions for a few users
- Stock silicone tips feel flimsy for some
4. Reliability Issues for a Few Users
- Reports of one earbud failing after months
- Occasional sync issues between left/right buds
- Rare static noise during device switching (Windows)
5. ANC / Transparency Feel Secondary
- Transparency mode is natural but not class-leading
- Anti-wind works, but wind handling still inconsistent
6. Expensive at Full Price
- Considered overpriced unless bought on sale (₹14k–₹15k)
- Sound justifies price, features may not for everyone
Samsung Galaxy Buds3
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are positioned as premium, feature-rich earbuds designed primarily for Samsung Galaxy users. Reviews show a highly polarized response: many users praise the sound quality, call clarity, Galaxy AI features, voice commands, and ecosystem integration, while others criticize inconsistent ANC, wind noise, average battery life, charging reliability, and fit issues.
At discounted prices (₹10k–₹11k), most users feel the Buds3 Pro offer good value, especially if paired with a Samsung flagship. At full price, however, expectations rise—and that’s where complaints about ANC inconsistency, comfort, and reliability become more prominent.
1. Sound Quality
- Detailed, immersive sound with wide soundstage
- Dual-driver setup improves instrument separation
- Works especially well with Samsung SSC / UHQ codecs
- 360 Audio enhances movies and videos (music is subjective)
2. Excellent Call Quality
- One of the strongest call performances in this segment
- Background noise suppression works very well
- Clear voice even on roads, bikes, and crowded environments
3. Galaxy AI & Smart Features
- Voice commands without wake words (“Play music”, “Stop”)
- Voice Detect auto-switching to ambient mode
- Live translation, posture alerts, adaptive sound (Samsung-only)
- Pinch controls provide tactile feedback (learning curve exists)
4. Premium Look & Build
- Stylish silver finish with blade lights
- Comfortable for many users; lightweight feel
- Case opens easily with one hand
- IP57 water & dust resistance adds durability
5. Seamless Samsung Ecosystem Integration
- Fast pairing, stable connectivity with Galaxy phones
- Settings saved on earbuds (usable later with iPhone/macOS)
- Wireless charging support
- Best experience on Galaxy S-series devices
1. ANC Is Inconsistent
- Some users say ANC is excellent, others call it weak or gimmicky
- Wind noise is a major complaint outdoors
- Adaptive ANC not optimized for Indian environments
2. Battery Life Is Average
- ~4–5 hours with ANC ON
- ~5–6 hours without ANC
- Case charges fast, but not ideal for long continuous use
3. No True Multipoint Connectivity
- Works seamlessly only between Samsung devices
- No simultaneous laptop + phone connection
- Big drawback for work users and iOS users
4. Fit Is Not Universal
- Stem design feels bulky to some
- Can slip out for smaller ears
- Discomfort reported after 2–3 hours by some users
- Limited ear-tip sizes; missing extra tips reported
5. Charging & Quality Control Issues
- Buds sometimes don’t charge due to dust sensitivity
- Uneven battery drain between earbuds
- Some reports of crackling sounds in ambient mode
- Missing accessories in box (ear tips, cable)
6. Price vs Value Debate
- Considered overpriced at full retail
- Competes with OnePlus, Sony, Apple at lower prices
- Many recommend buying only during sales
Comparison
| Feature / Criteria | Sennheiser MTW4 | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II / QC Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (audiophile) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very balanced & detailed) |
| Bass Response | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (deep & tight) |
| Highs & Mids | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (clean, natural) |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (industry-leading) |
| Transparency / Aware Mode | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (most natural) |
| Codec / Hi-Res Support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (aptX, Lossless) | ⭐⭐⭐ (AAC only) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (LDAC) | ⭐⭐⭐ (AAC / SBC) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (good quality AAC/SBC) |
| Latency (video/gaming) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Battery Life (buds only) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~7 hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~6 hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~8 hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~5–6 hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~6–7 hrs) |
| Battery Life (with case) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~30 hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~30 hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~30 hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~30+ hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~30 hrs) |
| Fit & Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ergonomic) |
| Call / Mic Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (excellent) |
| App / Customization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ecosystem Perks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Samsung) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Outdoor / Wind Noise Handling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money (sale) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best Suited For | Audiophiles | Apple users | ANC + all-round | Samsung users | Best all-round ANC + calls |
