ANC vs ENC: Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds & Headphones Online
Table of Contents
- What is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
- What is Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC)?
- ANC vs ENC: Key Differences and Feature Comparison
- Core Insights, Best Models, and Buying Advice
- Conclusion
1. Understanding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is designed to block out external ambient sounds so that you can enjoy an immersive listening experience. Using external microphones, ANC earbuds and headphones detect low-frequency noises (like airplane engines, traffic, or office chatter) and generate “anti-noise” sound waves that cancel them out before they reach your ears.
👉 Key Benefits of ANC:
- Immersive music, podcasts, and movies without distractions
- Ideal for travel, commuting, studying, and focused work
- Reduces the need to increase volume, protecting your hearing
Limitations: ANC is less effective at reducing sudden, sharp noises such as keyboard clicks or people talking nearby. It also consumes more battery power compared to ENC. 
2. Understanding Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC)
Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) is primarily designed to improve call quality. Instead of blocking what you hear, ENC ensures that the person on the other end hears your voice clearly, even in noisy environments.
It works by using beamforming microphones and AI algorithms to isolate your voice and suppress background noises such as traffic, wind, or café conversations.
👉 Key Benefits of ENC:
- Clear voice transmission for online meetings, calls, or gaming
- Essential for professionals, remote workers, and commuters
- Lower battery consumption compared to ANC
Limitations: ENC does not reduce the noise you hear, only what others hear during calls.
3. ANC vs ENC: Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
| Feature | ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) | ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Function | Blocks external sounds for the listener | Filters background noise from your mic for clearer calls |
| Who Benefits | You (listener) | Others (people on your call) |
| How It Works | Creates anti-noise signals to cancel ambient sounds | Uses mic arrays + AI to isolate voice |
| Best Against | Constant low-frequency sounds (engines, fans, traffic) | Background noises (keyboard, chatter, wind) |
| Use Cases | Travel, study, focus, entertainment | Online meetings, gaming, customer service |
| Effectiveness | Immersive listening, fewer distractions | Crystal-clear communication |
| Battery Impact | Higher consumption | Lower consumption |
| Limitations | Struggles with sudden noises | Doesn’t reduce noise for you |
4. Core Insights and Best Headphones/Earbuds
🏆 All-Rounder (Great in Both ANC and ENC)
- Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Balanced performance for both music and calls.
🎶 Best for Noise Cancellation (ANC Leaders)
- Sony WF-1000XM5
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 – Great for immersive audio quality and deep noise reduction.
📞 Best for Call Quality (ENC Leaders)
- Jabra Elite 10 – With bone conduction sensor and advanced microphones, ideal for professionals.
5. Conclusion: ANC vs ENC – Which Should You Choose?
- ✅ For music, podcasts, or movies → choose ANC headphones or earbuds.
- ✅ For clear calls in noisy environments → choose ENC earbuds or headsets.
- ✅ Want both features in one device? → go for premium all-rounder models like AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
In short:
- For your own listening → focus on ANC.
- For others to hear you clearly → focus on ENC.
- Always match your choice to your budget and lifestyle needs.
With the right device, you’ll enjoy a better, more seamless personal audio experience every day.