When it comes to the best active noise canceling in-ear headphones, based on experience, we can say that they include models from ANKER (Soundcore) and Belkin, which have a huge budget for laboratory research and improvement of Noise Cancelling technologies. Also, cool offers can be found in the assortment of Huawei, LG and Samsung. Let’s consider some of them.
HUAWEI FreeBuds 4
Starting the next category of TWS noise-canceling in-ear headphones, we will briefly review the reliable model in price / quality HUAWEI FreeBuds 4. The series will definitely appeal to fans of Huawei’s proprietary form factor, and the sound quality will pleasantly surprise fans of dance, hip-hop, R&B and any other modern music with electronic bass delivery. The bass is worked out perfectly, which is an amazing result for this class of audio equipment. The device has active noise cancellation, but due to the semi-open acoustic design, it does not work as well as in the “gags”. However, the sounds of a crowded city, moving cars and other noise sources are leveled out quite well. The same applies to monotonous noise in the low-frequency range.
In their reviews, users pay attention to a comfortable fit in the ears and a solid assembly. They also like the high-quality Bluetooth 5.2 connection and the presence of a multipoint for quickly connecting to two sources and switching between them. Support for fast charging allows you to restore the battery level from 0 to 100% in just 1 hour. And 10 minutes of being in the charging case will give you as much as 2.5 hours of autonomy. Of the minuses, we highlight the lack of full-fledged sound control in the application. Also, the model does not support the aptX adaptive codec. Purely audiophile theme, but still, someone is very important.
LG TONE Free FP8W
Today, standing out against the backdrop of a huge variety of headphones is not as easy as it seems. However, LG managed to slightly outperform the competition by offering special features and high-tech options such as a UVnano charging case with UV emitters to clean the in-ear part of the case and its own design. The LG Tone Free FP9 Premium Noise Canceling Drop Headphones were produced in collaboration with the best sound engineers from Meridian Audio, which guarantees excellent sound and smooth frequency response. In addition, LG reports a 75.5% increase in effective membrane area compared to its predecessor.
Also, an active noise reduction system with a “transparency” mode and flexible settings for personal hearing features is implemented here. The operating time reaches an impressive 10 hours (and this is without taking into account the case). Another nice bonus is the basic standard of water protection. The lack of multipoint (simultaneous connection to several sources) is a little frustrating, but this is not critical.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
The presentation of Samsung Galaxy Buds Live RU has become a real event in the world of wearable TWS technology. This compact accessory in the signature bean shape sounds an order of magnitude better than the first AirPods. At least that’s what users who consider themselves audiophiles say. In many ways, this is the merit of 12 mm drivers and a separate phase inverter hole. Such a set provides a deep study of the bass and disclosure of the entire frequency range at loud moments in the songs. The “tops” sound distinct and do not squeak, the “middle” is also perfectly expressed. Given the limitations of the in-ear form factor, these results deserve applause.
Compared to AirPods, the delay for these wireless earbuds up to $140 is slightly higher, but still acceptable, so you will not feel much discomfort when watching videos or playing games. Support for the adaptive aptX codec is not provided, but this is covered by the presence of SBC and the flagship SSC (Samsung Scalable Codec). The latter supports the transmission of 24-bit audio and 96 kHz over Bluetooth. When listening to uncompressed FLAC files with top Galaxy smartphones, there is a significant difference compared to other headphones. Noise reduction works flawlessly and is turned on through software or using gestures on the sensor. The system does not put pressure on the ears, but significantly raises the listening comfort.
Belkin SoundForm Freedom
The next hero of our ranking of Bluetooth in-ear headphones is often positioned as the most “Apple” accessory from a third-party manufacturer. By the way, it even supports the Locator application in iOS to find a lost earpiece. The battery life is impressive – 8 hours plus 28 hours with the case. Pleased with the presence of autopause when removing the device from the ears and low latency when playing videos. By default, support for the aptX adaptive codec is provided, but the sound character here is completely different than in the usual TWS models with this processing algorithm. Even picky audiophiles were able to appreciate the amplitude-frequency response and excellent elaboration of the sound stage. The active noise reduction system effectively cuts off any external sounds, even monotonous “bottom”, so the device is ideal for walking and listening to music in public transport.
However, the model has a terribly annoying minus – a glossy surface and a flimsy case cover. Scratches appear on it literally after a couple of hours of use. There are also questions about the shape of the case and the fit of the device in the ears. Otherwise, these third-party iPhone wireless earbuds are well worth the price.
Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro
Soundcore’s best noise-canceling wireless earbuds, the Liberty 3 Pro, is an advanced continuation of the Liberty 3 Pro line, with clear improvements in all respects. Like its predecessor, the model is controlled through the proprietary Soundcore application, which still has practically no equal in terms of functionality and capabilities. Using the software, you can perform flexible equalizer settings, or select one of the preset presets. Sadly, the Grammy-winning blanks have been dropped, and replaced with 3D spatial audio that supports the LDAC codec, which takes music to a whole new level.
These noise-cancelling wireless earbuds with advanced codecs also feature Hear ID, which adapts both sound and active noise cancellation to the wearer’s hearing. In terms of ergonomics, the model has become slightly worse than the previous generation. users note that it does not fit so tightly in the ears. The problem is partially solved by complete ear pads. Autonomy, taking into account the included SBC, AAC and aptX codecs, as well as active noise reduction, is 6-8 hours. If you connect LDAC and ANC, it will drop to 2-3 hours. The total time of work with the case is 32 hours.