The Best Noise Isolating Earbuds – A Full Guide

A pair of soundproofing headphones sounds ideal for day-to-day activities, don’t you think? Imagine walking in the street unbothered by the rumbling noise around you. It is sure worth the extra bucks.

In this article, we will review some of the best noise isolating earbuds available, to give you an insight into what you have been missing with your regular pair. We will also include a full buyer’s guide for beginners.

The 6 Best Noise Isolating Earbuds in the Market

These are the best noise isolating headphones in terms of functionality, convenience, and durability. We handpicked them in various price ranges to fit all budgets.

Sony WF-1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds – Top Pick

• Industry leading noise canceling with HD noise canceling...
• Product Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the...
• 24bit Audio signal processing delivers dramatically improved...
• Battery life up to 24 hours with carrying case (with 10min quick...
• Easy and clear hands free calling; Leave your phone where it is,...
• Truly wireless design with uninterrupted L/R simultaneous...
• Alexa enabled for voice access to music, information, and more....
• In the box: Charging case, triple comfort earbuds (S, M, L × 2)...
• Smart listening by adaptive sound control automatically switches...
• Quick attention mode and wearing detection make conversations...

$99.97

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Sony headphones put up a solid display against their opponents. It is not a surprise with all the innovative features that come along. The WF-1000XM3 pair is arguably the best option for busy businessmen who want to look sharp while receiving a clear sound with minimal noise.

You will not have to worry about the fit with this pair; they come in 4 different sizes, which is more than most opponents can offer. Additionally, the 24-hour battery life will let you focus on the task at hand without worrying about recharging. Not only that, but there is also a fast charging feature that allows 90 minutes of battery life in exchange for only 10 charging minutes.

The wireless pair is small without any sacrificing of quality. It still delivers a heavy dose of authentic sound with deep tones. You cannot go wrong with this Sony pair.

• ✓ Impeccable noise isolation
• ✓ Long battery life
• ✓ Fast charging available
• ‍
• ✗ On the expensive side of the market

Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphones – Most Versatile

• Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad and iPod models
• Included Components: QuietComfort 20 headphones, Apple devices, 3...

$167.23

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When it comes to versatility, the Bose QuietComfort is hard to match. The high-end headphones have been engineered to work on a wide array of devices, including iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

The headphones boast an ergonomic design that aims at giving you maximum comfort. The ear tips are soft, so you will not feel pain inside your ears. Plus, they fit the earbuds securely to prevent them from slipping out and tangling. Not only that, but the tangle-free cable will also last longer than regular cables.

As for the noise cancellation, it works effectively in isolating all the ambient noise around you. That is thanks to the Bose technology that is featured in all their headphones. On top of that, the TriPort acoustic structure contributes to the deep, clear sound that results from the earbuds.

If you do not want the noise cancellation now, you can always activate the Aware mode.

• ✓ Rechargeable battery
• ✓ Carrying case included
• ✓ Soft ear tip for better securing
• ✓ Battery level indication available
• ‍
• ✗ Users reported that the headphones only last a year or so.
• ✗ High price

Symphonized NRG 3.0 Wood Earbuds – Best Design

• ALL-DAY COMFORT & SECURE FIT: Symphonized NRG 3.0 ear buds wired...
• HIGH-QUALITY SOUND: With handcrafted Bubinga wood housing and 8...
• HANDS-FREE CALLS & CONTROL: Enjoy seamless call handling and...
• HASSLE-FREE USE: With a tangle-free cord and no need for...
• TRAVEL-FRIENDLY DESIGN: These 3.5mm headphones wired include a...
• COLOR OPTIONS TO MATCH YOUR STYLE: Available in a variety of...

$29.99

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Although we are not yet familiar with wooden earbuds, the concept is quite impressive. The wood housing of the Symphonized NRG 3.0 aims at providing optimum acoustics by integrating the natural qualities of wood. That way, you get a clear sound, along with the noise cancellation. Not to mention that the wood looks aesthetically beautiful.

You will not suffer any sound leakage with this pair, courtesy of the top-tier housing and drivers. On top of that, the headphones will perform well in various frequency ranges, although you will need to turn the volume up sometimes to get rid of the noise. However, that’s fair considering the moderate price.

The Symphonized headphones come with a zippered carrying case for storage. Plus, it comes bearing three bud sizes to fit different users. The standard 3.5 mm jack will also go with any device that has the plug; it will work on our multiple devices.

• ✓ Comfortable silicone buds
• ✓ Affordable price
• ✓ Stylish wooden design
• ‍
• ✗ The volume controller supposedly stops working after a while

SoundMAGIC E10 Noise-Isolating Earphones – Best Value for Money

• WHAT Hi-Fi award-winning in-ear headphones for 6 consecutive...
• Exciting Sound:E10 have impressive dynamics and an even balance...
• Aluminium Construction For Durable:The full metal earphone...
• High Quality Twisted Pair Hi-Fi Cable:The twisted core cable not...
• Comfortable In-Ear Fit:Ergonomically designed sound tubes sit...

$29.99

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If you want to get a pair of headphones to last, you will want to look at the SoundMAGIC. Despite the low price, the headphones are exceptionally durable and long-lasting. That is thanks to the solid metal construction and the twisted cord.

Compared to similar products, this pair features a wide frequency range of 15 Hz – 22 kHz. This means that it delivers vibrant tones and detailed audio. You will get deep low tones and clear high tones. Add those to the impeccable noise cancellation, and you get a world-class listening experience.

If you are used to putting your headphones on for a long time, you will love the comfortable silicone tips on this pair. They will fit perfectly in your ears without causing unnecessary pain. They also come in 3 different sizes that you can choose from. You get a carrying case upon the purchase too.

• ✓ Durable anti-scratch build
• ✓ Tangle-free wire
• ✓ A wide frequency range for a detailed sound output
• ‍
• ✗ Users claim that the deep bass is not as promised.

Apple AirPods Pro – Most Durable

• Active noise cancellation for immersive sound
• Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world...
• Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
• Sweat and water resistant
• Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to the shape of your ear
• Easy setup for all your Apple devices
• Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
• The Wireless Charging Case delivers more than 24 hours of battery...

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The Airpods Pro earbuds are the first noise-isolating headphones from Apple, and we all know you cannot go wrong with Apple. The earbuds come with their own charging case that is waterproof. If you ever want to take a swim with a pair of earbuds, this is your go-to option.

Furthermore, the 24-hour battery life offers the best there is. It will not need frequent charging as most models do. And as for the noise cancellation, it is highly functional and accompanied by a crisp, high-quality sound. It is also adaptive, which means it will adjust automatically to your surrounding noise.

You may think that the price is high, considering the limited features. But the AirPods Pro are one of the most durable earbuds on the market. They will stay intact for as long as you have them, which is at least better than all wired models.

• ✓ Comfortable fit with different sizes available
• ✓ Waterproof charging case included
• ✓ Clear sound with deep tunes
• ‍
• ✗ No volume control available

Buyer’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Noise-Isolating Earbuds

If this is your first-time buying noise isolating earbuds, you will need to set your expectations right and know what you are looking for. That is what this guide is here for.

First Things First – How Does Noise Isolation Work?

The first thing you should know is the difference between noise isolation and noise cancellation. We bet you did not even know they were two separate modes.

To put it simply, noise isolation puts a physical barrier between your ear and the outer world, thereby eliminating the ambient noise around you. Meanwhile, noise cancellation has the advantage of electronic means that block the noise completely.

So, they supposedly work in the same way, but noise cancellation is the advanced version. Both will work for your purpose just fine. However, noise isolating headphones cost a lot less, so you ought to know the difference before buying.

4 Features to Consider Before Buying Noise-Isolating Earbuds

Now that you know how they work; you should know what features are essential for them to perform well. Here are 4 features that should concern you when deciding.

Wireless vs. Wired

Wireless earbuds have been around for a while now, but a lot of people are still not used to the concept. The lack of a cord gives you unmatched freedom of motion. You can work out, walk around, or jog while wearing the headphones. Meanwhile, you will get annoyed trying to do these activities with a wired pair.

On the other hand, wired headphones cost less. So, if you can live with the cable connection, opt for the lower price. That is if you do not mind the tangling wire.

Rechargeable Battery

All noise-isolating headphones come with rechargeable batteries, even the wired ones. This is a vital feature because you do not want the noise to come out suddenly in the middle of your favorite song. So, you will want to check the battery life of your chosen pair.

A 24-hour life will be fine. Anything less than that will require frequent charging. The headphones will still work if the battery is dead; only the noise isolation will stop. That is why you should use the passive mode of the headphones in quiet places to save your battery power.

Comfortable Design

Some earbuds are extra-large. These will cause you pain inside your ear, which is annoying to deal with, to say the least. On the other hand, tiny earbuds will slip out of your ears. You should look for a pair of headphones that come with various fits. That way, you will be sure you will find a suitable size in there.

The most comfortable headphones are over-ear ones, but not everyone likes the bulk on their head. Earbuds are generally more flexible to use.

Adaptive Noise Isolation

Adaptive noise isolation earbuds are a pleasure to own. They adjust on their own to your surroundings. For example, if you walk into a noisy place, the headphones will tailor the delivered sound to match it. The same goes for quiet places.

These cost more than regular noise-isolating headphones, but you get an impressive feature in exchange. If you are a frequent airplane traveler, you will love how these earbuds adjust to cancel the plane’s engine noise.

If you’re considering a model with adaptive noise isolation, the Apple AirPods Pro is a nice option, despite its high price.

Noise Isolating Headphones – A Reality Check

If this is your first-time using noise-isolating headphones, you will need to set your expectations right. TV commercials will have you believe that these earphones will eliminate the sound of an explosion, but it is not how they work.

The noise isolation will decrease the effects of any surrounding noise, but the isolation will differ according to the noise. For example, it will not perform as well with inconsistent noise, so you may feel it in your ears.

To give you a better understanding, compare the noise of a train’s engine and a dog’s barking. An engine’s noise is consistent, which makes it easier for the circuitry to block it. But a dog’s barking comes and goes in different frequencies, which is a hassle for the noise isolating system to deal with.

So, a pair of noise-isolating headphones will feel as if you are plugging your ears and listening to music. It will not feel as if you are in a soundproof room. Make sure to keep this in mind when trying your pair, to avoid getting disappointed.

The Verdict

Our favorite pair of noise-isolating headphones is the Sony WF-1000XM3. It comes at a high price, but it is worth every penny you pay. It makes the perfect balance between convenience, smart design, and high quality. The long battery life is also a bonus.

If you prefer a budget-friendly option, you can opt for the Symphonized NRG 3.0 pair. We love the unique wooden housing on these earbuds. Not to mention the efficient noise isolation and minimal sound leakage.