Noise-canceling earbuds
Wireless earbuds that quiet the subway, the office and the gym without the bulk of over-ear headphones. Apple and Sony's flagships cost the most, but cheaper buds now cover the basics well and some last longer on a charge.
Best noise-canceling earbuds by budget
Cheaper alternatives
Apple AirPods Pro 3 alternatives
If you own an iPhone, get the AirPods 5 unless strong noise canceling or long battery matters most. Both models now cancel noise, and when we last checked prices the base model was about half the price. On Android, or for longer battery, the Sony WF-C710N costs about the same.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds alternatives
Get the Sony WF-C710N if you want strong noise canceling without paying for the best. One review compared its quiet with Bose, and it runs longer per charge for well under half the price. The EarFun Air Pro 4 costs even less and adds wireless charging and LDAC.