Noise-cancelling technology has become an essential feature in modern earphones, but many people are still unsure about the difference between ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) and ENC (Environmental Noise Cancelling). While they sound similar, these two technologies work in very different ways and are designed for different listening needs.
What is ANC?
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) uses microphones to pick up external sounds and then generates sound waves that cancel them out. This makes it highly effective in reducing continuous background noises such as airplane engines, train rumbles, or air conditioning. For frequent travelers or anyone who wants an immersive music experience in noisy environments, ANC earphones are often the preferred choice.
What is ENC?
Environmental Noise Cancelling (ENC), on the other hand, focuses mainly on improving call quality. It uses dual microphones and algorithms to filter out background sounds—like keyboard clicks, traffic, or people talking—so that the person on the other end of the call hears your voice more clearly. ENC doesn’t block noise for the listener as effectively as ANC, but it enhances communication in busy surroundings.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between ANC and ENC largely depends on how you plan to use your earphones:
- For music, travel, and immersive sound → ANC earphones are the better option.
- For work calls, online meetings, or gaming → ENC earphones provide clearer voice transmission.
- For mixed usage → Many people consider owning one of each, depending on whether music or calls are more important.
Learn More and Explore Earphones
If you’d like to see different models that feature ANC and ENC technology, you can browse the NCC TWS Wireless Earbuds collection.
For a deeper dive into this topic, including practical scenarios and detailed comparisons, you can read the full guide here: How to Choose Noise-Cancelling Earphones: Understanding ANC vs. ENC.
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