It's a known fact that our world is unsettled. Might sound a little awkward tho…but it's the reality. You just can't have a whole day of peace and quiet without being interrupted by noise here and there. If you're not disturbed by the sound of traffic, machines, airplanes, and the likes, you're likely to get disturbance from the sound of wind, weather and even the people around you.
As it stands, it doesn't seem like the noise is going to stop anytime soon. As a matter of fact, our environment is likely to just keep getting noisier as the day goes by. As a result of this environmental noise, advancement in technology has brought us what they call the noise cancellation technology.
Hang on a sec…what exactly is noise cancelation and how does it work?
What is noise cancellation?
Noise cancellation is a feature that helps users to enjoy a better audio experience by filtering away the unwanted ambient sounds or background noise that are happening around the user. There are two types of noise cancellation namely the ANC and ENC. ANC is an acronym for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) while ENC stands for Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC).
I figured that it is more common for people to think about ANC than they think of ENC, especially when it comes to audio products. The technology used in ANC helps users to block out the ambient noise that would have been heard with the earbuds in. Simply put, the ANC blocks external/environmental sounds. Users like this because external sounds can’t be heard which produces a better listening experience.
On the other hand, the technology employed in ENC ensures that the audio going out is cleaned up. For instance if you’re on a call, ENC makes it possible for the person calling you to hear you more clearly. This comes in very handy especially when you’re in a loud environment and you want to engage in a call or videoconference. This tech ensures that the call quality is improved and clear. With ENC, a user can talk in a loud environment, and only their voice will be filtered out to come through the mic.
Compare AirPods Models: Which Ones Have the Best Noise Cancellation?
AirPods 4 |
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
AirPods Pro 2 |
AirPods Max |
AirPods (2nd generation) |
AirPods (3rd generation) |
White |
White |
White |
Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange |
White
|
White |
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
_____ |
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
H2 chip |
H2 chip
|
H2 chip |
H1 chip |
H1 chip
|
H1 chip |
Voice Isolation |
Voice Isolation |
Voice Isolation |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
Siri Interactions |
Siri Interactions |
Siri Interactions |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP54) |
Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP54) |
Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP54) |
_____ |
_____ |
Sweat and water resistant (IPX4) |
Up to 5 hours of listening time on one charge |
Up to 5 hours of listening time on one charge |
Up to 6 hours of listening time on one charge |
Up to 20 hours of listening time on one charge |
Up to 5 hours of listening time on one charge |
Up to 6 hours of listening time on one charge
|
Up to 30 hours of listening time with charging case |
Up to 30 hours of listening time with charging case |
Up to 30 hours of listening time with charging case |
_____ |
More than 24 hours of listening time with charging case |
Up to 30 hours of listening time with charging case |
Charging Case (USB‑C) |
Charging Case (USB‑C) with speaker; Apple Watch and Qi wireless charging |
MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) with speaker; Apple Watch and Qi wireless charging |
Smart Case
|
Lightning Charging Case
|
Lightning Charging Case or MagSafe Charging Case |
_____ |
Active Noise Cancellation
|
Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation |
Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
Adaptive Audio |
Adaptive Audio |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
Transparency mode |
Transparency mode |
Transparency mode |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
Conversation Awareness |
Conversation Awareness |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
Best Noise Cancelling: Apple AirPods Pro 2
With a starting price of $169.00 at Amazon, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 happens to be the best Airpods to deliver some of the strongest noise cancellation capabilities. Apart from what the specs have to say, I have tested the Apple AirPods Pro 2 hands-on and I can tell you for sure that the noise cancellation is fantastic! It offers a pleasing sound signature with a smooth finish to low-and high-frequency clarity.
Another great feature that I like about this product is the Adaptive Audio (transparency) mode that works so well. More interestingly the case no longer follows the old ways of lightning but now adopts a USB-C charging port with an IP54 rating. Without mincing words, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 remains the best in-ear AirPods you can buy currently.
Best Open-Design AirPods: Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
As far as open-design Airpods are concerned, the Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation remains the best choice for you if you prioritize noise cancelling. It has a starting price of $148.99 on Amazon. I understand that everyone may not be a fan of the open-design style; in fact, I’ve heard people allege that the open-design style often results in unbalanced audio, poor bass response, and a less secure fit. Regardless, I think that this product is great and the Active Noise Cancellation it offers is superd! Not a hype, but the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC really delivers rich sound, advanced adaptive audio features, and tight iPhone integration. While it may still face some ear-to-ear consistency issues (that’s usually a downside for open earbuds), I assure you that the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC minimize them by far better than most other models.
Which AirPods model are you using now?
As I have shown you in the table above, there are 6 Airpods models available for you to pick from. As of today, the latest AirPods models available in the market are:
1. AirPods 4 which is the latest standard AirPods from Apple with advanced features, improved sound quality, and enhanced performance.
2. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is the same as the standard AirPods 4 but includes Active Noise Cancellation.
3. AirPods Pro 2 boasts superior sound quality and the best noise cancellation capabilities and a comfortable in-ear design.
4. AirPods Max are on a different level entirely…lol. Unlike the aforementioned, they are over-ear headphones and they do not fall short on excellent noise cancellation, high-fidelity audio, and a premium design.
5. The AirPods (2nd generation) offer basic features and good sound quality. However, it falls short on the advanced functionalities of newer models.
6. Unlike the AirPods (2nd generation), the AirPods (3rd generation) features a MagSafe Charging Case and enhanced sound quality when put side by side with the 2nd generation.
So which Airpods model are you using presently and what has been your experience so far? Have you thought about what could happen to your precious Airpods if you dropped it on a hard/rough surface? Don't wait to find out! Check below to get protection from ESR today!
Give your AirPods the ultimate protection it deserves!
Airpods are fragile little beauties so therefore they need the ultimate protection they deserve. You should invest in high-quality protective cases in order to increase their lifespan and keep them looking as good as new. Below are the best protective cases to safeguard your AirPods from damage:
AirPods 4 Cyber FlickLock Case (HaloLock)
When looking for a good protective case for your Airpods 4, go for options that will provide full-body protection. This will give you assurance that your AirPods remain safe from accidental drops and everyday wear and tear.
Pros ● Extra protection ● MagSafe-compatible ● Drop-proof FlickLock ● Clip-On Carabiner ● Versatile Compatibility |
Cons ● Limited color available |
Product Type ● Airpod Case |
Material ● High quality materials ● PC and TPU materials |
Compatibility ● For Airpods 4 |
Price ● $19.59 |
AirPods Pro (2023/2022/2019) Pulse FlickLock Case (HaloLock)
Take advantage of this high quality case to keep your AirPods protected and looking great. This Hybrid case has a magnetic lid lock that protects your AirPods Pro and prevents it from falling off.
Pros ● Easy-Carry Strap ● Easy-Press Button ● Secure FlickLock ● Strong magnetic hold ● Hybrid drop protection ● Fast and easy wireless charging |
Cons ● Only one color option available (yellow) |
Product Type ● Airpods case |
Material ● High quality materials ● PC and TPU materials |
Compatibility ● For Airpods Pro |
Price ● $19.99 |
AirPods 3 (2021) Tough Shock Armor Case
Give your Airpods all round protection with this shockproof case that uses shock-absorbing TPU to protect your earbuds from scratches, drops, and bumps.
Pros ● 360-Degree Defense ● Shock armor case ● Secure fit ● Raised corners ● shock-absorbing TPU ● Easy-press button ● Special and precise cutout |
Cons ● Only clear style available |
Product Type ● Airpods Case |
Material ● Shock-absorbing TPU |
Compatibility ● Airpods 3 |
Price ● $24.99 |
Conclusion
It is interesting to know that technology is rapidly evolving to make the world a better place. One such example is of technological innovations is the introduction of Noise Cancelation. However, it is important to understand that as technology improves devices and gadgets are becoming more sophisticated. Hence, they need to be properly cared for.
In case of Airpods, there's the need for you to purchase high quality protective cases to keep your Airpods in the best conditions and also safe guard them from accidental drops that may lead to damage.