ANC vs ENC: what is noise cancellation?
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Quick answer
ANC (active noise cancellation) uses microphones and electronics in the headphones to reduce the outside noise you hear, mostly steady low sounds such as engine hum and air-conditioner drone. ENC (environmental noise cancellation) works on the microphone side. It cleans background noise out of your voice so the other person hears you better on a call, and does nothing for what you hear. ANC is for listening, ENC is for talking.
Who this is for
Anyone shopping for headphones or earbuds who sees ANC and ENC on the box and wants to know which one they need.
What ANC does
Bose, which makes noise cancelling headphones, explains that microphones pick up the sounds around you and the headphones then produce an opposite signal that cancels them when the two sound waves meet in your ear.
Soundcore says ANC works best on constant, low-frequency droning, such as engine hum, aeroplane cabin noise and office air conditioning. It adds that high-quality ANC can use more power and reduce battery life, that some people notice a pressure feeling in the ears, and that it reduces your awareness of the surroundings, which can be a safety concern outdoors.
What ENC does
Soundcore describes ENC as focused on call clarity: it isolates your voice from background noise during a conversation. It says ENC does nothing for your own listening and does not cancel noise coming into your ears.
Brands use “noise cancellation” loosely in marketing, so read what a model says about each feature. Some earbuds have both ANC for listening and ENC for calls.
ANC vs ENC at a glance
| ANC | ENC | |
|---|---|---|
| What it improves | What you hear | What the caller hears |
| How it works | Microphones detect outside noise and the headphones play an opposing signal | Microphones and software filter noise out of your voice |
| Best at | Steady, low sounds such as hum and drone | Background noise on calls |
| Weaker at | Sudden sounds and voices | Not meant for music or listening |
| Side effects | Can use more battery, some people feel ear pressure | None for your listening |
Which should you choose
- Commuting by metro, train or bus: ANC helps with steady rumble. Stay aware of traffic and use any transparency or pass-through mode near roads.
- Working from home in a noisy flat: ANC, for fans, the AC and street hum.
- Many calls and meetings: look for ENC and a good microphone, as well as ANC.
- Student in a hostel or library: ANC can help you focus. Over-ear designs also block some noise just by covering the ear.
- Mostly music at home in a quiet room: you may not need ANC.
- Sensitive to ear pressure: try before you buy, as some people dislike ANC.
What to check on a model
- Whether it has ANC, ENC or both, and whether ANC can be switched off or adjusted.
- The battery life the maker states with ANC on and with ANC off. Treat it as a manufacturer claim.
- How many microphones the maker lists for calls.
Noise cancelling headphones on Amazon.in (over ₹3,000)
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Frequently asked questions
What is ANC?
Active noise cancellation. It uses microphones and an opposing sound to reduce outside noise you hear.
What is the difference between ANC and ENC?
ANC cleans what you hear. ENC cleans what the other person hears on a call.
Does ANC block all noise?
No. It works best on steady low sounds. Voices and sudden sounds are reduced less.
Does ANC drain the battery faster?
It can, because the electronics use power. Check the stated battery life with ANC on and off.
Is ANC safe to use outdoors?
Be careful near traffic, because ANC reduces your awareness of the surroundings. Use a transparency mode, or one earbud.
Sources
Checked on . Rules can change, so confirm with the official page before you travel or buy.