RTINGS

If you don't want to spend as much, look at the Jabra Elite 65e Wireless. These headphones aren't as customizable as the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless since they lack features like button remapping and virtual surround sound. However, they have a more comfortable fit for most people. They come with stability fins and are less likely to fall out of your ears during workouts. Their bass-heavy sound profile adds rumble and thump to your audio, which is great for genres like EDM and hip-hop. Instruments may lack a bit of presence and detail in genres like classical, but if you prefer a different sound, the app has a graphic EQ for sound customization.

Compared to our top pick, their ANC system does a better job of blocking out mid-range and high-pitched sounds, like chit-chat at the office or your laptop's fan. However, the Sony headphones' ANC is more effective with noise like rumbling bus and plane engines, so they may be a better choice if you need headphones for your commute. Also, while they have a similar continuous battery life of around 8.5 hours, they can't be used wired if they run out of power.

Best for Most

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Consumer Reports

You’ll have to spend a lot more than 50 bucks to get truly great noise-canceling earbuds, but we’ve found a few cheap options that are worth considering. The Plantronics Backbeat Go 410 doesn’t quite meet the threshold for an official CR recommendation, but they’re a decent pair of earbuds. They have pretty good sound quality and do a great job at blocking outside noise. 
These Plantronics have a cable connecting the earpieces, so they aren’t as sleek as other models, but they do have a flexible collar that can be rolled up for easy transport. The earphones have "smart sensors" that work with magnets built into the earpieces, which automatically power the earphones’ Bluetooth and noise-canceling functions on and off as you clip and unclip them. Plantronics advertises an 8-hour battery life, or more if you turn off noise-cancellation.

You’ll have to spend a lot more than 50 bucks to get truly great noise-canceling earbuds, but we’ve found a few cheap options that are worth considering. The Plantronics Backbeat Go 410 doesn’t quite meet the threshold for an official CR recommendation, but they’re a decent pair of earbuds. They have pretty good sound quality and do a great job at blocking outside noise. These Plantronics have a cable connecting the earpieces, so they aren’t as sleek as other models, but they do have a flexible collar that can be rolled up for easy transport. The earphones have "smart sensors" that work with magnets built into the earpieces, which automatically power the earphones’ Bluetooth and noise-canceling functions on and off as you clip and unclip them. Plantronics advertises an 8-hour battery life, or more if you turn off noise-cancellation.

Budget Pick

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Wirecutter

The wireless QC30 offers strong noise cancelling, good sound, and decent battery life but it carries a high price and doesn’t support a wired connection.

Looking for a wireless pair of earbuds that deliver excellent audio and great noise reduction? This $300 model from Bose is the answer. They allow you to adjust the noise-canceling tech, letting some hubbub (like, say, the airport boarding call) in and keeping the rest out, while you enjoy the sweet sound of your favorite symphony.

expert-review

The Pros and Cons of Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones

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The ideal travel companion, this pair of earbuds offered the best noise reduction in our tests and allows you to listen via Bluetooth or an included cable.

1MORE Dual Driver LTNG ANC In-Ear Headphones

The best neckband noise cancelling earbuds we've tested are the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless. Their flexible neckband is designed to keep your headphones close by without having to put them in your pockets when not in use. They have an ANC system that can block out a very good amount of ambient noise around you.

Out of the box, these well-built and decently comfortable earbuds have a warm and dark sound profile well-suited for vocal-centric genres like podcasts. However, if you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets so that you can tweak them to suit your tastes. Their continuous battery life of over eight hours is fairly solid, and they have a standby mode that can help you save battery life when you're not actively using them.

Unfortunately, their ANC has some trouble filtering out the right noise in the treble range, and they do a better job of blocking out the high-pitched hum of AC units when ANC is off. Their silicone neckband can also pull on long hair, which can cause some discomfort. However, these headphones are among the best neckband headphones that we've tested and offer a very good noise isolation performance suitable for most uses.

The best earbuds with microphone capability that we've tested are the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless. These wireless in-ears have an in-line mic that sits closer to your mouth than that of integrated microphones found in truly wireless earbuds. The mic makes your voice sound clear and understandable over the phone, and it's okay at separating it from background noise.

They have a flexible neckband, a decently comfortable fit, and good controls with call and music functions. Their somewhat warm sound profile has a very well-balanced mid-range, making them well-suited for vocal-centric content like podcasts or phone calls. Their ANC feature also does a very good job of isolating you from a range of background noise, from the low rumble of bus and plane engines to ambient conversations. They also support NFC for easier pairing and can connect simultaneously with two devices.

However, their neckband can also snag long hair. Some people may find their in-ear fit fatiguing, especially when wearing them for long periods. They come with several different sizes of ear tips, including foam and silicone options, which can help with finding a more comfortable fit. Overall, if you like the neckband design, they're a satisfactory choice for making phone calls.

The best overall neckband headphones we've tested are the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless. These headphones are the next generation of the Sony WI-1000X Wireless with easy-to-use controls and a more flexible neckband. They feel well-built and come with a great hard case to help protect them when you're on the go.

These headphones have a warm sound profile that you can tweak to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Thanks to their active noise cancelling (ANC) system, they can block out a very good amount of ambient noise, like the rumble of bus engines and office chatter. They have roughly 6.8 hours of continuous battery life, and they support multi-device pairing, meaning you can connect them to your smartphone and PC at the same time.

Unfortunately, their in-ear fit can be fatiguing over time. The buds can also fall out of your ear with moderate head shakes, which is a little disappointing if you want to wear them during a run in the park. Luckily, they come with several differently-sized pairs of ear tips to help you get the best fit.

The best earbuds for phone calls with a wireless design that we've tested are the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless. Unlike the TOZO T6 Truly Wireless, these neckband headphones have an in-line mic that places the mic closer to your mouth. It results in a decent overall performance, ensuring that whoever you're talking to hears you clearly. It has some trouble separating your voice from moderate background sound, so if you're calling from a busy office, your voice may be drowned out.

That said, the headphones support multi-device pairing, which is great if you want to stay connected to your PC and smartphone at the same time. They also have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system that can help block out noise like office chatter. These headphones last 8.6 hours continuously and have a standby mode to help conserve battery life when you're not using them.

The best headphones with a microphone we've tested are the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless. These in-ears aren't completely wireless since they have a cable that goes around your neck, so their style may not be for everyone. However, their in-line mic sits closer to your mouth than most integrated microphones found on truly wireless earbuds. It makes your voice sound clear and understandable over the phone, and it does an okay job of separating it from background noise. Their sound is well-suited for phone calls since voices reproduce clearly and accurately.

They last about eight hours of continuous use and have a decently comfortable fit, although the neckband can snag longer hair. They also have a good selection of differently-sized ear tips, including foam and silicone options. Their very good active noise cancelling (ANC) feature can block out the low rumble of bus engines during your commute and ambient chatter at work. You can also connect them to your phone and computer at the same time, so you can easily take calls on either device.

The best neckband headphones we've tested are the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless. These headphones are the next generation of the Sony WI-1000X Wireless with easy-to-use controls and a more flexible neckband. They feel well-built and come with a great hard case to help protect them when you're on the go. Thanks to their active noise cancelling (ANC) system, they can block out a very good amount of ambient noise, like the rumble of bus engines and office chatter. They have roughly 8.6 hours of continuous battery life, and they support multi-device pairing, meaning you can connect them to your smartphone and PC at the same time. You can also plug them in and use them wired if the battery dies at the wrong moment.

Fans of bass-heavy genres like EDM may find their sound lacks some thump and rumble, but they have a very accurate mid-range response that makes them well-suited for vocal-centric content like podcasts. You can also customize their sound with an EQ and presets in the companion app. Unfortunately, their in-ear fit can be fatiguing over time. The buds can also fall out of your ear with moderate head shakes, which is a little disappointing if you want to wear them during a run in the park. On the plus side, they come with several differently-sized pairs of ear tips to help you get the best fit.

If you prefer an in-ear fit, the best earbuds for phone calls with a wireless design we've tested are the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless. While their neckband may not be for everyone, this design helps bring the mic closer to your mouth. As a result, recorded speech sounds clear and intelligible. The mic also does a decent job separating your voice from background sound, but you'll still want to take calls from a quiet room as loud sounds can drown out your voice. They have a flexible, good build quality and come with several differently-sized ear tips to help you get the best fit.

These buds can block out a good amount of ambient noise, like ambient chatter and the high-pitched hum of AC units. With their ANC on, their 8.6-hour continuous playback time won't last as long as similarly priced headphones like the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless. Their warm sound profile ensures that voices sound present. However, they have a dip in their sound that slightly weakens speech. On the upside, you can adjust their sound using their companion app's customization features.

If you're looking for the best earbuds for phone calls, check out our best earbuds with a mic article!

TechGearLab

If you are trying to stick to a tight budget but still want to jam out to a good quality playlist during your workout, the JBL Reflect Mini 2 is for you. They feature enough thumping bass to motivate you while still sounding clear in the mid and treble ranges, amplifying the bass to a full and engaging sound. Most of our testers found these buds' fit to be more than stable enough for jumping, running, and even mountain biking. These aren't totally waterproof, but the IPX5 rating means that a sweat session or surprise rainstorm won't hinder their performance. You get all of this for just a portion of the cost of the top-of-the-line models' price tags.
The main drawback with this lower-cost model is the connecting wire that rests against the back of your neck. It can bounce some while running or jumping. It's not super noticeable because the wire doesn't weigh much, but it might be more apparent if you are used to a true wireless earbud. Additionally, while most of our testers found the Reflect Mini 2 to fit comfortably, those with larger ears struggled to find a fit that felt secure enough for running &#40;it's always a good idea to buy earbuds from a retailer with a good return policy&#41;. If you can find a stable fit with these buds, they provide a great overall experience for much less than the competition.

Adding an enjoyable soundtrack to your runs doesn't have to cost top dollar, and no earbuds prove this point better than the JBL Reflect Mini 2. These buds manage to provide great sound quality as well as impressive comfort and stability at a fraction of the cost of most of the true wireless models. An IPX5 water resistance rating means they can also shrug off rainstorms and excessive sweat with ease. We got 11.5 hours of juice on a single charge in our tests, meaning they can likely last through your next ultra-marathon &#40;or at least forgive the fact that you forgot to charge the buds after your last run&#41;. 
Our chief complaint with this budget option involves the wire connecting the two buds, which drapes behind your neck. When running, this wire tends to bounce, dropping onto your neck with every stride. Though the sensation is minimal, it is noticeable, and some might find it annoying. Additionally, though most of our testers easily found a comfortable fit, some with larger ears struggled to find an earpiece/ear fin combo that was comfortable and stable. Still, the JBL Reflect Mini 2 will offer most people excellent all-around performance at a competitive price. 

If you want to work out to sounds that keep you motivated, maintaining your budget is still possible. Enter the JBL Reflect Mini 2. These buds can keep the price down by not offering the premium features found on several other workout models. Yet these buds still manage to deliver the kind of bass that can motivate you to finish that last muscle-burning set and crisp vocals that will have you singing along to your favorite tracks, all while keeping a few extra bucks in your pocket. The Reflect Mini 2 also boasts an impressive 11.5-hour battery life and an IPX5 water resistance to assuage any worries about sweat or rain-induced damage. 
The primary callout that we have for these buds is the connecting wire. While this simplifies the technology and allows for the lower price tag, it inevitably bounces against your neck with every jump or stride. The sensation isn't overly offensive, but you might consider it if you are particularly sensitive to a brush from a wire while in motion. Additionally, some of our testers with larger ears struggled to find a stable and secure fit with the Reflect Mini 2. However, if you want a budget-friendly option, the JBL Reflect Mini 2 will be a good choice for your workout-accompanying tunes. 

The Sony WI-C400 Wireless are the best budget-friendly neckband earbuds we've tested. Their price sometimes fluctuates above $50, but they offer a versatile performance at a budget-friendly price. Also, unlike other headphones on this list, you can adjust the length of the cables that go to your ears.

They have a long, roughly 17.5-hour battery life, meaning you can take them from work to the gym without any recharging. Their sound lacks low bass, but otherwise, it's well-balanced, so vocals and lead instruments are clear and detailed. They also have a comfortable, stable fit, and although they don't have ANC, they block out a decent amount of mid-range ambient noise like background conversations.

Unfortunately, they don't isolate you from bass-range noise like rumbling bus and plane engines. Also, their build quality is just alright since the audio cables feel thin and the earbuds seem a bit cheaply made. Otherwise, if you're looking for budget-friendly neckband headphones, these offer solid all-around performance.

The Sony WI-C400 Wireless are the best neckband earphones in the mid-range we've tested. These headphones are much cheaper than the first two picks on this list and lack features like ANC, multi-device pairing, and a companion app. Still, if you're looking for a basic pair of headphones, they offer a decently comfortable fit and a long continuous battery life of about 17.5 hours to get you through your workday and commute. Also, unlike other headphones on this list, you can adjust the length of the cables that go to your ears.

Their sound lacks low bass, but it's well-balanced otherwise, so vocals and lead instruments are clear and detailed, making them a good choice for content like podcasts and audiobooks. Although they don't have ANC, they block out a decent amount of mid-range ambient noise, like background conversations. Unfortunately, they don't isolate you from bass-range noise like rumbling bus and plane engines. Their build quality is just alright since the audio cables feel thin and the earbuds seem a bit cheaply made. Also, it can be a bit harder to find them at online retailers compared to the other picks.

The Sony WI-C600N Wireless are the best neckband headphones for working out that we've tested. These headphones have a decent build quality with a lightweight and malleable neckband. They have a stable and breathable in-ear fit that doesn't create too much pressure in your ears.

These buds have a warm sound profile that delivers extra boom and warmth to mixes, so you stay pumped up during tough workouts. If you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets. They have a good noise isolation performance, thanks to their ANC system, which is handy if you're working out at a noisy gym. Their controls as easy to use, so you don't have to take out your phone to skip tracks or play and pause audio.

Unfortunately, they have under six hours of continuous battery life and lack a power-saving feature to keep the battery from draining while you're not using them. The audio cables feel very thin, and the headphones lack an IP rating for water resistance. However, if you're looking for neckband headphones that you can take to the gym, they're worth considering.

Neckband Headphones Comparison