We tested dozens of earbuds: These 8 are the best for noise-cancelling

In the world of noise-cancelling earbuds, top brands each offer unique styles and features. Due to the impossibility of trying all new earbuds, the Mashable team reviewed the top ANC earbuds for you. Not all earbuds are the same; some are more comfortable than others. Despite offering good sound quality and noise cancellation, some brands stand out in the realm of ANC earbuds.

These earbuds not only provide excellent ANC but also enhance music and podcasts' listening experience. You'll find yourself singing along to Olivia Rodrigo's latest album louder than ever on the perfect pair of earbuds.

Earbuds are typically less comfortable than over-the-ear headphones, often failing to fit snugly or causing discomfort. However, Bose remains known for producing both comfortable headphones and earbuds. Nonetheless, Bose and Sony are not the only brands in the market. The Mashable team set out to test the best the market has to offer, aiming to identify the characteristics of a great pair of wireless earbuds.

Noise-cancelling earbuds are small enough to fit in a pocket. They achieve passive noise cancellation, similar to over-the-ear headphones, by wrapping around the ears. However, earbuds don't block sound as effectively. Instead, wireless earbuds deliver sound directly into the ear canal to muffle outside noises. They primarily rely on active noise cancellation (ANC), an electronic process within the headphones.

Microphones detect ambient sounds, and then invert them, effectively cancelling the noise. Occasionally, you may hear a slight buzzing or humming, indicating that the ANC is functioning.

For this review, the Mashable team focused on wireless earbuds, as wired options were virtually unheard of until recently. In late September, Bose introduced its Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds for $99, which the team will evaluate as a potential contender for this list. Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern had positive initial thoughts on their performance.