You’re hustling through a bustling airport terminal as gate announcements blast around 85 dB, rolling carry-on wheels rattle like distant thunder, and the espresso machine’s hiss threads through the crowd—yet with a single tap on your ANC controls, that cacophony dissolves into a serene hush. This is more than just turning down the volume; it’s an instant sonic sanctuary that transforms every chaotic commute into your personal calm retreat.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) performance often comes down to how many decibels of ambient sound a headset can knock out. Beyond just raw noise-blocking numbers, it’s about how cleanly and consistently that reduction happens across the frequency spectrum. Whether you’re trying to tune out the drone of airplane engines or the hum of an open‐plan office, understanding each model’s ANC depth helps you pick the best fit for your needs.
The Anker Soundcore Space One offers adaptive ANC that automatically tunes itself to your environment. In lab tests, it’s rated to reduce as much as 98% of background noise, effectively silencing chatter, urban rumble, and mid-frequency distractions. That puts it among the strongest budget-friendly ANC performers. Plus, you can fine-tune five levels of cancellation via the app, optimizing your decibel reduction whether you’re on a rowdy commute or in a quiet study hall.
Edifier’s W830NB takes a more traditional hybrid ANC approach, combining feed-forward and feedback mics to tackle both predictable and sudden noises. Its “upgraded hybrid digital” system is officially rated to cut ambient sound by up to 45 dB, an 18% improvement over its predecessor. That deep noise attenuation, along with multiple ANC modes, makes it an appealing mid-range option for commuters and remote workers who want reliable decibel reduction without breaking the bank.
EarFun’s Wave Pro rounds out the trio with QuietSmart 2.0 technology. It delivers up to 45 dB of active noise cancellation, blending strong-mode ANC for deep bass blocking, comfort mode for extended wear, and a wind-noise setting for outdoor use. While its sub-100 Hz performance can be a touch weaker than some flagship rivals, it still keeps cabin hum and street noise at bay for hours on end.
Focused ANC Contenders
Before we dig into how these ANC systems feel in real-world use, let’s take a quick look at their headline specs:
| Model | ANC Type | Max Noise Reduction | ANC Modes | Battery Life (ANC on/off) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Soundcore Space One | Adaptive ANC | 98% (lab) | 5 levels + transparency | 40 h / 55 h |
| Edifier W830NB | Hybrid digital ANC | 45 dB | Normal, ANC, transparency | 54 h / 94 h |
| EarFun Wave Pro | QuietSmart 2.0 (hybrid) | 45 dB | Strong, Comfort, Wind | 55 h / 80 h |
From this snapshot, you can see how each brand balances decibel reduction, mode flexibility, and endurance. Anker leads on raw lab-tested noise knockdown, Edifier packs the deepest dB-cutting punch in its class, and EarFun offers versatile ANC flavors with marathon battery life.
Ultimately, no headset’s ANC prowess exists in a vacuum. True noise cancellation shines when it stays steady across low-bass hums and higher-pitched interruptions alike, all while preserving sound quality. The Space One’s adaptive system feels transparent but sometimes struggles with very low rumbles. The W830NB tackles those deep frequencies aggressively, though its midrange can get a bit recessed under max ANC. The Wave Pro finds a middle ground, giving you strong bass attenuation without compromising comfort over long listening sessions.
Remember, the best ANC headphones aren’t just about the highest decibel-blocking figures. They’re built on broad, adaptive cancellation technologies that maintain sonic fidelity, handle dynamic noise profiles, and adapt seamlessly as your environment changes—so you enjoy peace and clarity in every scenario.
Anker Soundcore Space One ANC Headphones
- 2X Stronger Voice Reduction: Enhanced noise cancelling structure effectively blocks mid to high-frequency sounds compared to soundcore Life Q30.
- Up to 98% Noise Reduction: Adaptive noise cancelling technology auto-calibrates for optimal reduction of external sounds and sound leakage.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers and LDAC for detailed audio listening, providing 3X more detail than standard Bluetooth.
- 40 Hours of ANC Playtime: Enjoy 40 hours of active noise cancelling playtime or 55 hours with ANC turned off, ideal for long journeys.
- Comfortable Design: Features 8° rotating ear cups and a soft headband for a comfortable fit during prolonged use.
- Renewed Product: Comes with a 90-day limited warranty and is available in a sleek black color.
Edifier W830NB Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Hi-Res Audio with LDAC: Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers and LDAC decoding for high-definition wireless sound with rich detail.
- -45dB Active Noise Cancelling: Enhanced hybrid noise-canceling technology reduces ambient noise by up to -45dB with four adjustable ANC modes.
- Immersive Spatial Audio: Features a three-dimensional sound stage for a cinema-like surround sound experience.
- 94 Hours Playtime & Fast Charging: Offers 94 hours of playback with ANC off, and fast charging provides 10 hours of use from just a 15-minute charge.
- DNN Noise Reduction for Calls: Utilizes Deep Neural Network technology for clear voice calls by filtering out background noise.
- Comfortable & Foldable Design: Ergonomically designed with soft earpads, adjustable headband, and lightweight for extended wear; fully foldable for easy transport.
- Bluetooth V5.4 Technology: Ensures a stable and seamless connection for music and calls.
- Customizable Settings: Includes three preset EQ options and support for custom EQs via the EDlFlER ConneX App for a tailored listening experience.
EarFun Wave Pro Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Premium Active Noise Cancellation up to 45dB with EarFun QuietSmart 2.0 technology and 5 advanced ANC microphones.
- Hi-Res sound with LDAC support, offering 3x more audio detail through 40mm DLC composite dynamic drivers.
- Impressive battery life: 80 hours of playtime with ANC off, 55 hours with ANC on, and a 10-minute quick charge providing 10 hours of playback.
- Customizable listening experience via the EarFun App, allowing for noise-canceling mode selection and touch control customization.
- AI-powered 5-microphone system for crystal-clear hands-free calls, effectively reducing background noise.
- Ergonomic design featuring memory foam earpads, adjustable headband, and foldable structure for comfort and portability.
- Multipoint connection capability to seamlessly switch between two devices, but LDAC and multipoint connection cannot be used simultaneously.
- Backed by an 18-month warranty from EarFun for added peace of mind.