Are you looking for the best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds to block out distractions while commuting, studying, or working remotely? When comparing options, you’ll often come across two acronyms: ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation). These abbreviations respectively represent two different noise cancellation technologies, and each technology is designed for specific purposes.
In this guide, we’ll explain what ANC and ENC mean, how they work, their key benefits, and which type of earbuds is best for your needs.
What is ENC?
ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) is designed primarily for voice calls. Using a dual-microphone array and advanced algorithms, ENC identifies the speaker’s voice direction and suppresses surrounding noises. As a result, the person on the other end of the call hears you clearly without background interference.
- Beneficiary: The person you’re speaking to
- Key Features: Filters out environmental noise, enhances voice clarity
- Typical Use Cases: Online meetings, in-car calls, gaming voice chats
Pro Tip: ENC doesn’t cancel noise for the wearer. Instead, it improves the outgoing audio signal, making it a popular feature in gaming headsets, Bluetooth call earbuds, and conferencing microphones.
What is ANC?
ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) focuses on the wearer’s listening experience. Microphones pick up external sounds, and the system produces “anti-noise” sound waves to cancel them out. This significantly reduces the noise you perceive while wearing the earphones.
- Beneficiary: The wearer
- Key Features: Suppresses low-frequency noises such as airplane engines, subway rumbles, or wind; some models offer “transparency mode” to amplify ambient sounds for safety
- Typical Use Cases: Commuting, long flights, studying in public places
Pro Tip: ANC works best with constant low-frequency noise but is less effective against sudden or high-pitched sounds. Premium headphones often combine ANC + passive isolation to achieve optimal performance.
ANC vs. ENC: Which One Do You Need?
When choosing between ANC and ENC earbuds, think about your lifestyle and usage scenarios:
- Choose ENC earbuds if you:
- Make frequent phone calls or attend online meetings
- Play multiplayer games and need clear team communication
- Work remotely and want colleagues to hear your voice without background noise
- Choose ANC earbuds if you:
- Commute daily on buses, trains, or airplanes
- Want to enjoy immersive music or movies without distractions
- Need to focus on studying or working in noisy environments
Recommended Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
NCC T22 TWS ANC Earbuds
Perfect for music lovers and commuters, the NCC T22 ANC earbuds deliver immersive sound with Active Noise Cancelling, dual microphones, and Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connectivity.
Key Features:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for immersive sound
- Hi-Fi Stereo Sound with deep bass and clear treble
- Bluetooth 5.3 for ultra-low latency
- Dual microphones for enhanced call clarity
- Compact, lightweight design with long battery life
NCC S56 TWS ENC Earbuds
Built for professionals and gamers, the S56 ENC earbuds ensure crystal-clear communication with dual-mic ENC technology, eliminating background noise during calls or online meetings.
Key Features:
- Dual Mic ENC for clear calls
- Hi-Fi audio for balanced sound quality
- Bluetooth 5.3 with stable connectivity
- Smart LED power display
- Comfortable fit for all-day wear
Final Thoughts: Which Earbuds Should You Choose?
When deciding between ANC and ENC earbuds, it all comes down to your priorities:
- If you need clear calls and virtual meetings, go with ENC.
- If you want to block out noise and enjoy immersive sound, ANC is the better choice.
For commuters, travelers, and music lovers, ANC earbuds deliver the superior everyday experience.
Coming Soon!!!
NCC’s New ANC Earbuds
(August 2025)
NCC is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new Active Noise Cancelling TWS earbuds this August.
Contact our sales team to get a first look at the latest models.
Meet Us at IFA 2025, Berlin
Want a closer look? Visit NCC at IFA 2025 in Berlin to explore our full product lineup, including the latest ANC earbuds and our entire range of private-model designs.
📍 Location: Hub27, Booth D09
📅 Date: September 5–9, 2025
🏢 Address: Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin, Germany
We look forward to meeting you there!
FAQ: ANC vs. ENC Earbuds
Not necessarily—ANC and ENC serve different purposes. ANC is for personal noise reduction, while ENC is for call clarity.
Yes, many premium earbuds now combine both technologies, offering immersive listening and clear communication.
ENC earbuds are better for remote work and virtual meetings, as they reduce background noise for the person on the other end of the call.
ANC earbuds are ideal for travelers since they block out airplane, train, and bus noise for a more comfortable journey.