Best ANC Earbuds 2026: Block Out the World
Based on hundreds of hours of listening, we present our top earbud picks for 2026.
What to Look For
- Noise Cancellation: Look for adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment
- Sound Quality: Consider your preferred sound signature — warm, neutral, or bass-heavy
- Battery Life: 6+ hours from the buds, 18+ with the case
- Comfort: Tip fit is crucial for both comfort and ANC
- Codec Support: LDAC and aptX Adaptive offer higher quality than AAC alone
Our Top Picks
Sony WF-1000XM5 — £259
Rating: 9.1/10 | Battery: 8h (24h case) | ANC: Excellent
Best for audiophiles. Punches well above its price point.
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds — £279
Rating: 8.9/10 | Battery: 6h (18h case) | ANC: Excellent
Best for audiophiles. Punches well above its price point.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 — £229
Rating: 8.7/10 | Battery: 6h (30h case) | ANC: Very Good
Best value for money. Purpose-built for active use with IP rating and secure fit.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 — £259
Rating: 8.6/10 | Battery: 7.5h (30h case) | ANC: Good
Best for Apple users. Exceptional sound quality meets industry-leading ANC.
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — £219
Rating: 8.4/10 | Battery: 6h (18h case) | ANC: Very Good
Best value for money. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.
How We Test
We use every product for at least two weeks in real-world conditions before making our recommendations.