Nov 03: Both ANC and ENC promise cleaner audio, but they solve different problems. Active Noise Cancellation reduces the ambient noise you hear, such as traffic, trains or office chatter. Environmental Noise Cancellation reduces the background noise the person on the other end hears during calls. Understanding the difference can help buyers choose based on how they use their earbuds.
1. boAt Airdopes Prime 513 ANC
For commuters and everyday listeners looking to minimise background distractions, the boAt Airdopes Prime 513 ANC offers up to 32dB Active Noise Cancellation for a more focused listening experience. Equipped with 13mm drivers, it is designed to deliver an engaging audio experience across music, podcasts and video streaming. The earbuds offer up to 65 hours of total playback, making them suitable for extended listening throughout the day. Bluetooth 6.0 and multipoint connectivity allow users to switch seamlessly between two devices, while BEAST Mode with 50ms low latency makes them a practical choice for mobile gaming and entertainment.
2. Boult Z60
For users who want call clarity on a budget, the Boult Z60 features ZEN Quad Mic ENC, 13mm BoomX drivers and up to 60 hours of total playback. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and a low-latency gaming mode. It is priced at ₹999 against a listed price of ₹2,999, with 10 minutes of charging giving 150 minutes of playtime.
3. boAt Nirvana IoN ANC
For listeners looking to minimise background distractions without compromising on audio quality, the boAt Nirvana ION ANC offers up to 32dB Active Noise Cancellation and Crystal Bionic Sound powered by HiFi DSP for clear and balanced audio. It delivers up to 120 hours of total playback, with up to 24 hours from a single charge. The earbuds also feature Quad Mics with ENx technology for clearer calls and multipoint connectivity to seamlessly switch between two devices. Additionally, dual EQ modes let users customise their listening experience, while BEAST Mode with 60ms low latency caters to casual gaming and video streaming. IPX4 water resistance adds to its everyday practicality.
4. Noise Buds N1 Pro – ₹1,399 (ANC + ENC)
For buyers who want both, the Noise Buds N1 Pro offers up to 32dB of ANC and Quad Mic ENC for clearer calls. It has 11mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, up to 60 hours of total playback and ultra-low latency of up to 40ms. Instacharge gives about 200 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge. It is available at a discounted ₹1,399 against an MRP of ₹4,999 on Amazon.
5. realme Buds T200
For buyers who want noise cancellation from a realme pair, the Buds T200 offers up to 32dB ANC and a four-microphone system, with two mics per earbud, to cut background noise on calls. Battery life is up to 50 hours in normal mode and up to 35 hours with ANC on. It runs on Bluetooth 5.4 and supports Google Fast Pair. Fast charging gives up to 7 hours of playback from 10 minutes. It launched at a list price of ₹1,999, with a ₹300 bank offer bringing the effective price to ₹1,699.
ANC and ENC serve different listening needs, but some earbuds bring both together for a more comprehensive audio experience. From the boAt Airdopes Prime 513 ANC's 32dB noise cancellation, 13mm drivers and 65-hour playback to the Nirvana ION ANC's immersive listening capabilities, these options cater to commuters, music enthusiasts, professionals and frequent callers. Buyers should consider noise cancellation, microphone technology, audio performance and battery life when choosing their next pair of TWS earbuds.
