When shopping for headphones, earbuds, or headsets, you’ve likely seen the terms ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) and ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). Both technologies aim to reduce unwanted noise—but they work in different ways, and the best choice depends on how and where you use your audio gear. This article breaks down the differences between ENC vs. ANC, how they function, and which one suits your needs best—whether you’re commuting, gaming, working remotely, or traveling.
ENC vs. ANC – Which should you pick? Eureka Technical Q&A breaks down the difference between Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), helping you choose the right tech for clearer calls or immersive listening.
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What Is ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation)?
ENC is a microphone-focused noise reduction technology primarily designed for clearer voice transmission during phone calls or online meetings. It uses multiple microphones to detect ambient sounds and then filters them out from your voice signal.
How It Works
ENC captures background noise through auxiliary microphones and processes it through algorithms that subtract the noise from your voice. The goal is to ensure your voice is heard clearly by others, not necessarily to cancel noise you hear.
Key Features of ENC
- Optimizes voice clarity in calls
- Filters out typing sounds, traffic, or chatter behind you
- Common in gaming headsets, Bluetooth earphones, and conferencing devices
- Typically passive for the listener—no change in what you hear
What Is ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)?
ANC is designed to reduce ambient noise for the listener, making it ideal for immersive music listening or focused work. It uses microphones to detect external noise and creates soundwaves that cancel it out in real time.
How It Works
ANC microphones pick up incoming sound waves, then the internal processor generates inverse sound waves to neutralize them. This reduces or eliminates background noise before it reaches your ears.
Key Features of ANC
- Actively reduces noise like airplane engines, air conditioners, and street noise
- Enhances audio clarity for music and podcasts
- Found in high-end headphones and earbuds
- Requires power and affects battery life
ENC vs. ANC: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) | ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Function | Reduces background noise in your mic | Cancels noise for the listener |
| User Benefit | Improves voice clarity for others | Provides quieter environment for you |
| Primary Use Case | Calls, gaming, video conferencing | Music, travel, commuting, studying |
| Technology Focus | Outgoing audio | Incoming audio |
| Power Requirement | Often minimal or none | Requires battery and signal processing |
| Affected Devices | Microphones | Speaker output |
| Works Without Music/Audio | Yes | Not always (varies by model) |
Which Noise-Canceling Tech Should You Choose?
Choose ENC if:
- You make frequent phone or Zoom calls in noisy environments
- You’re a gamer needing clean mic audio without background sounds
- You use budget or mid-range wireless earphones with mic prioritization
Choose ANC if:
- You want to block out external noise during flights, commutes, or work
- You’re focused on music, movies, or relaxation
- You work in loud environments and need isolation from distractions
Want both?
Many modern headphones offer hybrid ENC + ANC, combining mic-based noise cancellation for calls and soundwave-based noise cancellation for your own listening experience.
Most Popular ENC and ANC Headphones
Choosing the right pair of headphones depends on your primary use—calls, music, or both. Here are some of the top-rated and most popular choices for both ENC and ANC technologies, based on consumer reviews and performance:
Popular ANC Headphones
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
One of the industry leaders in active noise cancellation, known for its exceptional sound quality, long battery life, and intelligent adaptive ANC. Ideal for travel, commuting, and high-fidelity music listening.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45
A favorite among frequent flyers and office users, this model offers premium comfort, strong ANC performance, and balanced audio.
3. Apple AirPods Max
Combines high-end ANC with spatial audio and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Popular for iOS users seeking immersive sound and active noise blocking.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Praised for detailed sound and effective ANC, this model suits audiophiles who also want quiet environments for music or work.
Popular ENC Headphones and Headsets
1. Logitech G Pro X
A wired gaming headset with Blue VO!CE ENC technology. It’s widely used by streamers and competitive gamers for its clear voice capture and durable build.
2. JBL Live Free NC+ TWS
An affordable true wireless option that features dual-mic ENC for calls and built-in ANC for listening—ideal for casual users needing both.
3. Anker Soundcore Life Q35
Budget-friendly over-ear headphones with hybrid ENC and ANC. Popular among remote workers and students for meetings and concentration.
4. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Targeted at gamers, it uses advanced ENC mics to suppress background sounds while ensuring vocal clarity on calls or streams.
Summary: Best Use Cases by Model
| Headphone Model | Best For | Type Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Music, travel, office | ANC |
| Logitech G Pro X | Gaming, voice calls | ENC |
| JBL Live Free NC+ TWS | Everyday multitasking | ENC + ANC |
| Apple AirPods Max | Immersive Apple ecosystem use | ANC |
| Anker Soundcore Life Q35 | Budget hybrid solution | ENC + ANC |
FAQs About ENC and ANC
Can you use ENC and ANC at the same time?
Yes. Many high-end headsets and earbuds support both ENC for outgoing calls and ANC for listening comfort.
Does ENC affect music playback?
No. ENC affects only the microphone input, not what you hear through the speakers or earphones.
Does ANC block all sounds?
ANC works best on constant, low-frequency noises like engine hums. Sudden or sharp noises may still come through.
Does ANC drain battery faster than ENC?
Yes. Since ANC continuously processes sound, it uses more power than ENC, which is typically less demanding.
Is ENC enough for noise-canceling headphones?
No. ENC is optimized for voice clarity, not personal audio isolation. If you want a quiet listening experience, ANC is the better choice.
Conclusion
Both ENC and ANC offer powerful noise reduction, but they serve different purposes. ENC is best for clear communication, making your voice stand out during calls. ANC is ideal for personal audio experiences, cutting out distractions so you can focus or relax.
If you’re a frequent traveler or audiophile, go with ANC. If you’re on work calls all day or gaming online, prioritize ENC. Better yet, look for audio gear that offers both for the best of both worlds.
To get detailed scientific explanations of ENC vs. ANC, try Patsnap Eureka.
