bob@nbdho.com
ANC vs ENC Earbuds: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Buy?
Great question! ANC and ENC are two popular but very different technologies found in modern earbuds. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the difference — and decide which is right for you.
🎧 ANC vs ENC: What’s the Difference?
✅ ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)
- Purpose: Blocks external noise you hear.
- How it works: Uses outward-facing microphones to detect ambient sounds and creates anti-noise signals to cancel them out.
- Best for:
- Airplane/train travel
- Noisy offices
- Urban commuting
- Examples: AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
✅ ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation)
- Purpose: Reduces background noise others hear when you’re talking.
- How it works: Uses microphones and AI algorithms to isolate your voice and suppress ambient sounds during calls.
- Best for:
- Phone calls in busy environments
- Online meetings
- Gaming or streaming with voice chat
- Examples: Many budget and mid-range earbuds promote ENC for clear calling, like SoundPEATS or Realme Buds
🔍 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ANC | ENC |
|---|---|---|
| Who benefits | You (the listener) | The person you’re talking to |
| Cancels noise during | Music, videos, silence | Phone/video calls |
| Works best for | Quiet listening | Clear speaking |
| Found in | Mid to high-end earbuds | Budget to mid-range earbuds |
🤔 Which Should You Buy?
- Choose ANC earbuds if:
You often listen to music or podcasts in noisy environments and want peace and focus. - Choose ENC earbuds if:
You take a lot of calls or attend virtual meetings in noisy places and want to sound clear to others. - Best of Both:
Some premium earbuds offer both ANC and ENC — perfect if you want great listening and speaking quality.
👉 Try: Bose QC Earbuds II, Sony WF-1000XM5, Jabra Elite 8 Active
Let me know your budget and what you’ll use the earbuds for most, and I can suggest some great models!
