What is ANC in Earbuds? ANC vs ENC Explained

What is ANC in Earbuds? ANC vs ENC Explained

Think about this: you’re stuck in traffic, chilling in a café that’s louder than it should be, or crammed into the metro during rush hour — and your music still sounds clean, crisp, and totally yours. That’s what ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) does.

It’s basically the “mute button” for the world around you. Once a super high-end feature, ANC is now the real deal in everyday earbuds — and GoBoult ANC earbuds are making sure you don’t have to pay a fortune to get it.

What is ANC in Earbuds?

ANC stands for Active Noise Cancellation — a fancy way of saying your earbuds don’t just play music, they also cancel out the chaos around you.

Here’s the deal: most normal earbuds only block some noise because of their fit (that’s called passive noise isolation). But with ANC, your earbuds actually listen to the outside world using built-in mics and then create opposite sound waves to cancel the noise.

The result? You get to vibe with your playlist, podcast, or even that important work call, without random background sounds stealing the spotlight.

And here’s where GoBoult earbuds shine — our ANC is designed to keep things simple, effective, and affordable. No tech jargon, no premium pricing. Just pure sound, minus the noise.

Passive Noise Isolation vs ANC

Feature Passive Noise Isolation Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
How it works Blocks noise physically (earbud seal/fit) Uses microphones + sound waves to cancel noise
Best against Mid to high-frequency sounds (people talking, clinking dishes) Low, constant sounds (traffic, engines, AC hum)
Battery use No battery needed Requires battery power
Experience Reduces some noise, but not perfectly Immersive, like hitting mute on the world
Available in GoBoult? Yes Yes — advanced ANC tech

 

How Does ANC Work in Earbuds?

The science behind ANC might sound geeky, but it’s actually pretty cool — and simple to get.

Here’s how it goes down inside your earbuds:

  1. Microphones pick up the noise – Tiny mics on the earbuds “listen” to outside sounds (traffic, chatter, AC hum).

  2. Smart chip flips the sound – The earbuds instantly create a soundwave that’s the exact opposite of the noise.

  3. Noise gets cancelled – When the two waves meet, they cancel each other out. Boom. Quiet.

  4. Your music stays pure – Only your playlist, podcast, or call comes through crystal clear.

Think of it like this: if the world is yelling “blah blah,” your earbuds say “shhh” at the exact same time — and all you hear is what you want.

That’s the magic of ANC, and that’s the level of calm GoBoult earbuds bring, even when life outside is chaos.

Types of ANC Technology

Not all ANC is built the same. There are different flavors of Active Noise Cancellation, and knowing them helps you understand what’s packed inside your GoBoult earbuds.

  1. Feedforward ANC

    • Uses an external mic on the outside of the earbud.

    • Best for catching noise before it even reaches your ear.

    • Works well against steady, low-frequency sounds like traffic or AC.

  2. Feedback ANC

    • Uses a mic inside the ear canal.

    • Adjusts based on what you actually hear.

    • Great for mid-range noises like chatter or clinking cups.

  3. Hybrid ANC

    • A mix of both feedforward + feedback.

    • Strongest performance overall.

    • This is the tech you’ll find in GoBoult’s advanced earbuds — giving you that “silence on demand” feel.

Advanced Features & Modes

ANC isn’t just “on” or “off” anymore. With GoBoult earbuds, you get smarter control over how much of the outside world you let in.

Mode What It Does Best For
Adjustable ANC Lets you increase or decrease cancellation power Studying, traveling, focused work
Transparency Mode Allows outside sound to pass through Walking outdoors, quick chats
Adaptive ANC Auto-adjusts based on your environment Switching between quiet & noisy places
  1. Adjustable ANC

    • Crank it up when you want complete silence.

    • Turn it down when you just need to soften the background buzz.

  2. Transparency Mode

    • Sometimes you don’t want to block everything — like when crossing the road or chatting at the gym desk.

    • Transparency mode lets in just the right amount of outside sound so you stay aware without losing your music.

  3. Adaptive ANC

    • Automatically adjusts noise cancellation depending on where you are.

    • Whether you’re in a quiet library or a noisy café, your GoBoult earbuds fine-tune the experience for you.

Basically, you’re in full control — mute the world, let some of it in, or let your earbuds decide for you.

 

Pros and Limitations of ANC

Like every cool tech, ANC comes with its highs and lows. The good news? With GoBoult earbuds, you get all the perks with minimal trade-offs.

Pros of ANC in GoBoult Earbuds

  • Immersive listening – Blocks out distractions so your music or calls feel richer.

  • Lower volume, safer ears – You don’t need to blast your music just to hear it over noise.

  • Perfect for travel & work – Whether it’s planes, buses, or buzzing offices, ANC gives you peace.

  • Focus mode unlocked – Great for studying, working out, or zoning in on deep work.

Limitations (and how GoBoult solves them)

  • Battery usage – ANC uses extra power, but GoBoult earbuds are tuned for long battery life so you don’t run out mid-journey.

  • Pressure sensation – Some users feel a slight “ear pressure” with ANC, but GoBoult’s design minimizes it for all-day comfort.

  • Not magic for every noise – Sudden or sharp sounds (like someone clapping or shouting) may still sneak in, but that’s true for any ANC tech.

With GoBoult, you get ANC that feels powerful, practical, and designed for real-life listening.

ANC vs ENC: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably seen both ANC and ENC listed in earbud specs and wondered if they’re the same. Spoiler: they’re not.

  • ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)

    • Blocks external sounds around you.

    • Best for immersive listening — music, movies, gaming.

    • Example: You’re on a flight, and GoBoult earbuds mute the engine hum so your playlist takes over.

  • ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation)

    • Cuts background noise during calls.

    • Your voice stays crystal clear, even if you’re outdoors or in traffic.

    • Example: You’re on a work call while walking, and GoBoult earbuds make sure the other person hears only you — not the honking cars.

Think of it this way: ANC is for your ears, while ENC is for their ears. With GoBoult earbuds, you get both.

ANC in 2025: Where GoBoult Stands Out

ANC used to be a “premium-only” feature, but in 2025 it’s a must-have for everyday earbuds. The real trend isn’t just having ANC — it’s about who does it better.

That’s where GoBoult earbuds make a difference:

  • Advanced Hybrid ANC – Cancels both low rumbles (like buses) and mid-range noise (like chatter).

  • Dual Modes – Switch between ANC and Transparency Mode depending on where you are.

  • ENC for Calls – So even your calls sound studio-clear.

  • Long Battery Life – Because what’s the point of ANC if your earbuds die mid-playlist?

Whether you’re working from a buzzing café, traveling, gaming, or just chilling at home, GoBoult has an ANC earbud that fits the vibe — without the crazy price tag like GoBoult Klarity 4 ANC Earbuds

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Block the Noise, Keep the Vibe

At the end of the day, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) isn’t just a cool feature — it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It lets you stay focused, enjoy your music the way it’s meant to sound, and take calls without background chaos getting in the way.

And with GoBoult earbuds, you don’t have to shell out big bucks to get it. You get powerful ANC, ENC for clear calls, long battery life, and sleek designs — all tuned for real people who want premium audio without the premium price.

So if you’re ready to hit mute on the noise and turn up your vibe, it’s time to experience ANC the GoBoult way.

FAQs on ANC in Earbuds

Q1. What does ANC in earbuds mean?
ANC stands for Active Noise Cancellation. It’s a technology in earbuds that uses microphones and sound waves to cancel outside noise, so you only hear your music or calls.

Q2. Is ANC good in earbuds?
Yes, ANC is a game-changer. It blocks background noise, keeps audio crystal clear, and helps you enjoy music at lower volumes — which is safer for your ears.

Q3. What is the difference between ANC and ENC in earbuds?

  • ANC (Active Noise Cancellation): Blocks outside sounds for an immersive listening experience.

  • ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation): Focuses on reducing background noise during calls so your voice stays clear.
    With GoBoult earbuds, you get both.

Q4. Do ANC earbuds drain battery faster?
ANC uses extra power, so it can slightly reduce battery life. But GoBoult earbuds are optimized for long playtime, even with ANC switched on.

Q5. Are ANC earbuds worth buying?
Definitely. If you commute, travel, work in noisy spaces, or just want distraction-free music, GoBoult ANC earbuds are worth it — premium performance at an affordable price.

Explore More GoBoult Earbuds

Looking for the perfect pair of earbuds? Check out our collections:

With GoBoult, there’s an earbud for every vibe — all backed by powerful features like ANC, ENC, and long-lasting battery.