AirPods with Active Noise Cancelling

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is built into three AirPods models: AirPods Pro (both the original and the newer second generation), and AirPods Max. The regular AirPods and AirPods Fit do not have this feature.

Active Noise Cancelling works by having tiny microphones listen to the sound around you, then playing an inverted sound wave through the speaker to cancel it out. This is different from just blocking sound with foam or rubber — it actively fights the noise. On AirPods Pro, you'll notice it cuts down low rumbling sounds most effectively, like airplane engines or air conditioning hum. Higher-pitched sounds like voices are reduced but not eliminated.

The AirPods Max, Apple's over-ear headphones released in late 2023, also have Active Noise Cancelling. Because they cover your entire ear, they block more sound passively (just by being there) and the ANC works on top of that, making them the most effective at silencing your surroundings.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods Pro (first and second generation) and AirPods Max have Active Noise Cancelling; regular AirPods and AirPods Fit do not.
  • Active Noise Cancelling uses microphones to detect outside sound and plays an opposite sound wave to cancel it, working best on low rumbling noises.
  • You can turn ANC on or off in your device's Control Center or by holding the stem on AirPods Pro, and you can also switch to Transparency mode to hear your surroundings.
  • AirPods Pro work with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, while AirPods Max work with any device that supports Bluetooth audio.

How to Turn Noise Cancelling On and Off

On AirPods Pro, press and hold the stem (the thin part below the earbud) for a few seconds. A chime will play and you'll hear which mode you've switched to — Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency, or Adaptive Audio. Each press cycles through the modes. You can also change this in Settings on your iPhone or iPad by going to Bluetooth, tapping the info icon next to your AirPods, and choosing which modes appear when you hold the stem.

On AirPods Max, use the Digital Crown (the knob on the right ear cup) to cycle through modes. You can also control it from Control Center on your iPhone or iPad by tapping the audio icon and selecting your AirPods, then choosing the noise control mode you want.

If you're using AirPods Pro with a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, the same stem-hold method works. The mode you select on one device carries over to your other Apple devices, so you don't have to change it separately on each one.

Transparency Mode vs. Noise Cancelling

Transparency mode does the opposite of Active Noise Cancelling. Instead of blocking outside sound, it amplifies it. The microphones pick up voices and environmental noise and play them through the speakers so you can hear what's happening around you without taking the AirPods out. This is useful when you're wearing them in a store, at home with family, or anywhere you need to stay aware of your surroundings.

Adaptive Audio is a third mode available on AirPods Pro (second generation) and AirPods Max. It automatically adjusts between Noise Cancelling and Transparency based on your movement and environment. If you're walking, it leans toward Transparency so you can hear traffic. If you sit down, it shifts toward Noise Cancelling. You don't have to manually switch.

Battery Life with Noise Cancelling On

Using Active Noise Cancelling drains the battery faster than using AirPods without it. AirPods Pro last about 6 hours with ANC on, and up to 30 hours total with the charging case. With ANC off, you get closer to 8 hours per charge. AirPods Max last about 20 hours with ANC on, and they take about 30 minutes to charge from empty to full.

The charging case for AirPods Pro holds multiple charges, so you can top them up throughout the day. AirPods Max charge via USB-C, and you can use any standard USB-C cable and power adapter.

Which AirPods Should You Choose

If you want noise cancelling in a small, portable form, AirPods Pro are the standard choice. They fit in your pocket, work with all Apple devices, and the second-generation version added Adaptive Audio and better sound quality. The original AirPods Pro still work well if you find them at a lower price.

If you want the strongest noise cancelling and don't mind wearing over-ear headphones, AirPods Max deliver more isolation because they physically cover your ears. They're larger and more expensive, but they also have better sound quality for music and movies. They work with any device that supports Bluetooth, not just Apple products.

If you don't need noise cancelling and want to save money, regular AirPods or AirPods Fit are simpler and cheaper. They still connect seamlessly to Apple devices and work fine for calls and everyday listening — they just won't block outside noise.

Noise Cancelling with Non-Apple Devices

AirPods Pro work with any device that supports Bluetooth, including Android phones, Windows computers, and non-Apple tablets. The noise cancelling feature works the same way on these devices. However, some features like Adaptive Audio and automatic switching between devices only work with Apple products.

AirPods Max also work with non-Apple devices via Bluetooth, and the noise cancelling functions normally. You won't have access to some Apple-specific features, but the core ANC performance is the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do regular AirPods have any noise blocking at all?

Regular AirPods and AirPods Fit have passive noise isolation — the physical fit of the earbud in your ear blocks some sound naturally. But they don't have Active Noise Cancelling, so they won't detect and cancel outside noise the way AirPods Pro do. For most people, the passive blocking is enough for everyday use, but it's noticeably less effective than ANC.

Can I use AirPods Pro noise cancelling while on a phone call?

Yes. Active Noise Cancelling stays on during calls, and the microphones in the AirPods filter out background noise so the person on the other end hears you more clearly. You can also switch to Transparency mode during a call if you want to hear your surroundings while talking.

Does noise cancelling work on all types of sound?

No. Active Noise Cancelling works best on steady, low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, traffic rumble, and air conditioning. It's less effective on sudden noises, high-pitched sounds, and voices. You'll notice a significant reduction in these sounds, but they won't disappear completely.

What happens if the battery dies while I'm wearing AirPods Pro?

When the battery is completely dead, the AirPods stop working and you won't hear anything. They won't passively let sound through. Put them in the charging case for 5 to 10 minutes and they'll have enough charge to use again, though you'll get limited battery life until they're fully charged.