Top 5 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds – Looking for budget ANC that actually works on the metro, in the office, and during flights—without wrecking your wallet? Here are five tested-and-trusted picks under ₹5,000 in India, plus a quick primer on how ANC works so you know what you’re buying.
Quick Picks (Why they stand out)
- Best overall under ₹5K: OPPO Enco Air3 Pro — excellent ANC for the price, balanced tuning, LDAC on many devices, reliable call quality. OPPO
- Best value & big discounts: realme Buds Air 5 — strong 50 dB ANC claim, punchy bass, often sells far below MRP. RealmeFlipkartAmazon India
- Best for calls + battery: OnePlus Nord Buds 2 — clean call mics, simple app, steady battery life, 25 dB ANC. OnePlus+1
- Best for commuters: Redmi Buds 5 — effective hybrid ANC, comfy fit, aggressive pricing. XiaomiAmazon IndiaFlipkart
- Style + smart features: CMF Buds 2 Plus — slick design, Smart ANC algorithm, great price. NothingThe Times of India
Top 5 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
1) OPPO Enco Air3 Pro — Best Overall Under ₹5K
Typical price: ₹4,999 (OPPO India)
Why it’s great: OPPO punches above its class here: convincing ANC, natural mids, and a fatigue-free treble. Comfortable for long sessions, with reliable multipoint on many phones and solid wind handling on calls.
Specs highlights: Smart Adaptive ANC, long battery life, Hi-Res/LDAC support on compatible devices.
Good for: Travelers and office use; Bollywood to podcasts without harshness. OPPO
2) realme Buds Air 5 — Best Value Warrior
Typical price: Frequently discounted online (MRP far higher; street price often ₹2K–₹3K on sale)
Why it’s great: “50 dB ANC” marketing aside, these deliver impressive low-frequency noise cut for the money and a fun, bass-forward sound.
Specs highlights: 50 dB ANC claim, 12.4 mm driver, fast charge (≈7 hours from 10 mins), up to ~38 hours total battery (with case).
Good for: Commutes and gym; listeners who like energetic bass. RealmeFlipkartAmazon India
3) OnePlus Nord Buds 2 — Call Quality + Battery
Typical price: ~₹2,299–₹2,999 (deals vary)
Why it’s great: Clean, intelligible calls and simple controls; ANC is modest (rated up to 25 dB) but cuts steady hums.
Specs highlights: Up to ~36 hours total playback (case), fast charge, IP55, easy app/EQ.
Good for: Students and WFH calls; everyday listening without fuss. OnePlus+1
4) Redmi Buds 5 — Commuter’s Favorite
Typical price: Often ₹1,999–₹2,499 in sales
Why it’s great: Hybrid ANC (up to 46 dB claim) works well on drones and bus rumble, with a secure fit that helps passive isolation too.
Specs highlights: 12.4 mm driver with titanium diaphragm, up to ~40 hours total battery, multiple transparency modes.
Good for: Metro/bus riders who want strong ANC on a tight budget. XiaomiAmazon IndiaFlipkart
5) CMF Buds 2 Plus — Smart ANC + Style
Typical price: ₹3,299 (India launch price)
Why it’s great: Nothing’s sub-brand packs a premium aesthetic and Smart ANC behavior that adapts after you wear them, plus snappy controls and a compact case.
Specs highlights: Smart ANC algorithm (specific conditions for best performance), reliable app, attractive build.
Good for: Style-conscious buyers who still want real noise reduction. NothingThe Times of India
Spec & Feature Snapshot
| Model | ANC Type/Claim | Battery (case on) | Water Rating | App & Extras | Typical Street Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPPO Enco Air3 Pro | Smart Adaptive ANC | Long battery life | — | LDAC/Hi-Res on many devices | ₹4,999 |
| realme Buds Air 5 | Up to 50 dB | ~38 hrs | — | Fast charge, big driver | ₹2,200–₹3,000 (sale) |
| OnePlus Nord Buds 2 | Up to 25 dB | ~36 hrs | IP55 | Clean calls, quick charge | ₹2,300–₹3,000 |
| Redmi Buds 5 | Up to 46 dB (Hybrid) | ~40 hrs | — | Multiple transparency modes | ₹2,000–₹2,500 |
| CMF Buds 2 Plus | Smart ANC algorithm | — | — | Polished app, sleek case | ₹3,299 |
*Street prices fluctuate with sales and bank offers. Check current listings before purchase. OPPORealmeFlipkartAmazon India+1OnePlus+1XiaomiNothingThe Times of India
How ANC Actually Works (so you pick smarter)
- Feedforward mics (outside the earbud) listen to external noise and cancel it by adding an inverse signal. Great for constant rumbles (AC, bus), but wind can trip it up.
- Feedback mics (inside the ear canal) correct what you actually hear, improving mid/high-frequency cancellation.
- Hybrid ANC combines both, usually best on a budget. Redmi Buds 5 and many rivals use this approach. Xiaomi
Decibels (dB) explained
When brands say “25 dB” or “50 dB ANC,” they’re quoting maximum attenuation at certain frequencies, not a flat reduction across the spectrum. Real-world results depend on fit, seal, and wind. Prioritize a good ear-tip seal—try all sizes.
Transparency modes
Handy for announcements and office chat. Look for adjustable transparency in the app (Redmi offers multiple modes; OPPO/realme/OnePlus have effective passthrough too). XiaomiOPPORealme
Codecs & latency
- AAC/SBC cover most Android/iOS.
- LDAC on OPPO Enco Air3 Pro gives higher bit-rates on supported phones—best for music fidelity, not mandatory for calls. OPPO
Battery & charging
Most buds here deliver 30–40 hours with the case and quick top-ups (10 minutes → hours of play) — perfect for travel days. Amazon IndiaOnePlus
Buying Tips (Under ₹5K)
- Fit first, then features. A poor seal defeats any ANC spec.
- Check the app. You want firmware updates, EQ, ANC/transparency toggles.
- Look for multipoint if you switch between laptop and phone.
- Beware wind. Cup a hand during outdoor calls or disable ANC if wind roars.
- Hunt deals. Big-festival sales often push the realme/Redmi/OnePlus models way under MRP. FlipkartAmazon India
Final Word
If you want the most consistent ANC and sound under ₹5K, pick OPPO Enco Air3 Pro. If you’re chasing the lowest price with surprisingly strong ANC, go realme Buds Air 5 or Redmi Buds 5. For calls and simplicity, OnePlus Nord Buds 2 wins. Want style + smart behavior? CMF Buds 2 Plus is the wildcard.
Prices and availability change fast—always confirm current pricing and stock before you buy. Sources: official brand pages and current India listings.
Author Profile
- I am Virendra Malhotra is a mobile and tech enthusiast who loves exploring the latest smartphones, gadgets, and innovations. He simplifies technology to help readers make smarter digital choices.
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