Active noise cancelling earbuds have moved from premium niche to everyday essential. Whether commuting, working in an open office, or trying to focus at home, effective ANC can make the difference between distraction and concentration. Aside from noise cancellation, buyers should weigh battery life, call quality, sound signature, comfort, codec support, and practical features such as water resistance or case design.
This guide reviews five earbuds that balance ANC performance, battery stamina, and real-world usability. Recommendations cover a range of priorities: long battery life for travelers, advanced codecs for music lovers, tactile controls for hands-on users, and feature-rich options tuned for calls. Read on to find the best match for commuting, content watching, or critical listening.
1. soundcore P40i by Anker
Best for Long Battery and Powerful Bass
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: True wireless in-ear • ANC: Adaptive ANC (environment-aware) • Drivers: 11 mm composite drivers with BassUp • Battery Life: 12 hours per bud, 60 hours with case • Charging Case: 2-in-1 case that doubles as phone stand, wireless charging See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS |  £33.98 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Very long total playback — 60 hours with case +Large 11 mm drivers and BassUp deliver impactful low end +Adaptive ANC reacts to changing environments +Six-microphone system with AI improves call clarity +Unique charging case doubles as a phone stand for video |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -IPX5 rating is adequate for sweat but not heavy water exposure -No high-resolution codec specified, so wireless fidelity is limited -Case stand adds bulk compared with minimalist designs |
Review
This model leans into battery endurance and bass-forward sound. The large composite drivers combined with BassUp processing produce a punchy low end that suits modern pop, electronic, and video content. Adaptive ANC works to reduce steady road or office noise while adjusting in real time as ambient conditions shift, which helps maintain focus during long commutes.
The six-microphone array and AI processing translate into reliable voice pickup for calls and video meetings. Real-world performance keeps voices present even in moderately noisy environments, and the stability of Bluetooth 5.3 reduces dropouts when moving through transit hubs. The wireless charging case is unusually versatile thanks to a built-in phone stand, making this pair convenient for hands-free streaming on the go.
Comfort and build quality favor extended sessions. The earbuds isolate well passively and the fit remains secure for walking or light workouts. The 12-hour single-battery runtime extended to 60 hours with the case makes this a strong option for travelers or people who do not want daily charging cycles. The trade-offs are codec and water-resistance limitations, and the case is bulkier because of the stand feature.
2. soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Best for Gym and Everyday Use
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: True wireless in-ear • ANC: Adaptive ANC up to 42 dB • Drivers: 10 mm drivers with BassUp • Battery Life: 10 hours single charge (6 hours with ANC), 45 hours with case (25 hours with ANC) • Quick Charge: 10-minute charge = 2 hours playback See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £28.32 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Solid ANC performance certified to reduce noise by up to 42 dB +IP54 rating for sweat and light dust resistance +Quick-charge feature provides hours of use from minutes of charging +Secure, comfortable fit suitable for workouts and daily commuting +App control for customization and one-step Bluetooth pairing |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Reduced single-charge time when ANC is engaged -Four mics provide good but not class-leading call isolation -No mention of high-resolution codecs like LDAC |
Review
This pair focuses on practicality and dependable noise rejection. The ANC is rated up to 42 dB and performs well against steady cabin noise and street hum. Transparency mode is useful for quick conversations or announcements without removing the earbuds, and the IP54 rating provides confidence for gym sessions or rainy commutes.
The battery strategy balances endurance and fast top-ups. A quick 10-minute charge yields meaningful playback time, which helps when packing for a short trip or before a workout. App control offers basic tuning and the one-step pairing simplifies device switching for users who rotate devices frequently.
Fit and isolation are tuned for active use. The earbuds remain stable during movement and provide enough passive isolation to complement ANC for an immersive listening experience. Compared with larger, audiophile-focused models, this option leans toward convenience and robustness rather than raw hi-fi detail.
3. CMF by Nothing Buds
Best for Balanced Sound and Spatial Audio
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: True wireless in-ear • ANC: Hybrid ANC up to 48 dB with Environmental Adaptive mode • Drivers: 11 mm PMI driver with Dirac Opteo tuning and Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 • Battery Life: Up to 55 hours with case • Mics: 6 HD microphones with AI-powered Clear Voice Technology 3.0 See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £29.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Strong hybrid ANC with broad frequency coverage +Spatial audio and Dirac tuning deliver detailed staging +Good all-around battery life that supports long sessions +Six-mic system with wind-noise reduction for clear calls +IP55 makes it more resilient to dust and rain |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -No explicit LDAC or hi-res codec listed -Environmental adaptive ANC may vary based on fit and seal -Advanced features may benefit from companion app that varies by platform |
Review
This option is designed around balanced tonal quality and a convincing spatial presentation. The combination of a sizeable 11 mm driver and Dirac Opteo tuning yields clean mids and controlled lows, with a spatial audio algorithm creating an enveloping soundstage for movies and gaming. Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 adds low-frequency weight without drowning out vocals.
Noise cancellation is effective across a wide range of frequencies and the adaptive mode adjusts to surroundings automatically. Call performance benefits from six high-definition microphones and AI-driven voice isolation, reducing wind and ambient noise during outdoor calls. The IP55 rating provides extra peace of mind for workouts or wet-weather use.
Battery life keeps pace with multi-day usage, and quick-charge behavior supports short top-ups when needed. The set suits listeners who want a neutral but engaging signature for mixed content, and it competes well with earbuds emphasizing raw bass by offering clearer instrument separation and a more cinematic feel.
4. CMF by Nothing Buds
Best for Audiophiles Who Want Hardware Controls
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: True wireless in-ear • ANC: Smart Hybrid ANC up to 50 dB with leakage compensation • Drivers: High-definition drivers with Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 and Dirac tuning • Battery Life: 10 hours per bud, 43 hours with case • Controls: Customizable Smart Dial for volume, playback, ANC and more See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £49.69 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +LDAC support for higher-resolution wireless listening +Smart Dial offers tactile, precise control without reaching for a phone +Strong ANC up to 50 dB with compensation for ear fit +Spatial audio and Dirac tuning improve cinematic listening |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Smart Dial learning curve and potential accidental input -ChatGPT integration limited to specific phone ecosystems -LDAC usage reduces battery life compared with standard codecs |
Review
This model targets listeners who want detailed sound plus hands-on controls. LDAC support delivers higher bandwidth streaming when the source device and network permit, which reveals more texture in complex tracks. Spatial audio and Dirac tuning emphasize clarity and imaging, making this a good choice for movie fans and music that benefits from width and depth.
Hardware controls differentiate the design from typical touch-only earbuds. The Smart Dial provides immediate, nuanced adjustments to volume and ANC level without consulting a phone. For users who prefer tactile feedback, this approach reduces friction during commutes and meetings. The ANC is aggressive and compensates for typical earbud fit issues, which helps maintain consistent noise suppression across different listeners.
Call quality and wind mitigation are solid thanks to multiple high-definition microphones and voice processing. Battery figures are reasonable for a high-feature pair, but expect reduced runtime when using LDAC or maximum ANC settings. Integration features like voice assistant access and select AI services are useful additions, though full functionality can depend on phone compatibility.
5. Soundcore by Anker Liberty
Best for Noise Rejection and Personalization
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: True wireless in-ear • ANC: Adaptive ANC 2.0 with claimed reduction up to 98.5% • Drivers: 11 mm custom-tuned drivers, Hi-Res capable • Battery Life: 10 hours single charge (8 hours with ANC), 50 hours with case • Codec: LDAC support for higher-resolution audio See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £54.99 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Very aggressive ANC claims with adaptive tuning to ears +LDAC and Hi-Res support for higher fidelity wireless listening +HearID personalization tailors sound profile to the listener +Solid mic array and AI algorithms improve call quality +Multi-point Bluetooth simplifies switching between devices |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -IPX4 offers limited protection against heavy rain -Maximum ANC and LDAC playback will reduce battery life -Highly aggressive noise reduction can create a sense of pressure for some listeners |
Review
This offering places noise rejection and sonic personalization at the forefront. The adaptive ANC system tailors suppression to both the environment and ear canal characteristics, which helps maintain a quiet listening space in busy commutes or loud offices. Paired with LDAC and Hi-Res capability, this set appeals to listeners who want both strong isolation and high-fidelity streaming.
HearID 2.0 and a flexible EQ let users shape the sound to preference, from detailed mids to emphasized bass. The 11 mm drivers deliver a full-bodied presentation that scales well for podcasts, music, and video. Multi-point Bluetooth and quick, stable connections make device switching seamless for those who juggle phone and laptop audio.
Call performance is dependable thanks to six mics and beamforming algorithms that prioritize the speaker's voice. The IPX4 rating covers sweat and light rain, but this is not the most durable option for heavy exposure to water. Overall, the package suits commuters and listeners who value quiet and a personalized playback profile over extreme ruggedization.
Summary
Buyers who prioritize battery life and powerful low end should look at the long-lasting, bass-forward option with a 60-hour total runtime and a phone-stand case. Travelers and heavy users will appreciate the extended charge cycles and reliable call performance.
If fitness and daily robustness matter, the mid-sized model with IP54 protection and quick-charge capability makes a practical daily driver. For listeners seeking balanced, spatial sound with strong ANC and durable ingress protection, the hybrid model with Dirac tuning is a versatile all-rounder. Audiophiles who want tactile controls and LDAC support will find the Smart Dial equipped pair compelling, provided the slightly steeper learning curve is acceptable. Finally, those who want aggressive noise rejection plus personalized EQ should consider the Liberty-class option with adaptive ANC and HearID customization.
Choose based on primary use: long-haul battery and multimedia convenience for travelers, secure fit and quick-charge for active users, spatial clarity and call performance for mixed use, tangible hardware controls for hands-on listeners, or deep customization and hi-res support for critical listening. Each pick offers clear strengths for different priorities.
