Where we’re constantly surrounded by traffic, chatter, and background noise, good noise cancellation has become essential — especially for earphones, headphones, and TWS earbuds. You may have seen terms like ENC and ANC listed in product specifications. But what do they really mean, and which one is better for you?
Let’s break it down in simple words and compare ENC vs ANC to help you choose the right audio device for your needs.
What is Noise Cancellation Technology?
Noise cancellation is a technology designed to reduce unwanted background sounds so you can hear music or calls more clearly.
There are two main types of noise cancellation used in modern earphones:
- ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation)
- ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)
Both aim to give you a clearer listening experience — but they work in different ways.
Understanding ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation)
ENC focuses on improving your voice clarity during calls.
It uses dual or multiple microphones to detect surrounding noises and filter them out so the person on the other side hears only your voice, not background sounds like fans, cars, or people talking nearby.
Key Features of ENC:
- Works best for voice calls and video calls
- Removes background noise picked up by your mic
- Does not affect what you hear — it only improves how others hear you
- Commonly found in budget and mid-range earbuds
Understanding ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)
ANC focuses on improving your listening experience.
It uses built-in microphones to listen to outside noise and creates an opposite sound wave (anti-noise) to cancel it before it reaches your ears. This helps you enjoy music or movies without distraction, even in noisy places like buses or flights.
Key Features of ANC:
- Reduces ambient noise for the listener
- Ideal for music, gaming, and travel
- Can block sounds like engine noise, AC hum, and crowd chatter
- Often found in premium or high-end headphones
ENC vs ANC: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) | ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Filters noise during calls | Blocks noise during listening |
| Technology | Uses mics to suppress noise from your environment for outgoing sound | Uses anti-noise signals to cancel incoming noise |
| Best For | Voice and video calls | Music, travel, gaming, and movies |
| Noise Reduction Type | Outgoing (microphone) | Incoming (listener’s ear) |
| Performance in Loud Areas | Moderate | Excellent |
| Power Usage | Low battery consumption | Slightly higher battery usage |
| Common in | Budget & mid-range TWS earphones | Mid-range to premium headphones |
| Example Devices | Basic Bluetooth headsets, budget TWS earbuds | Premium earbuds like OnePlus Buds Pro, AirPods Pro, Sony WH-1000XM5 |
Which is Better: ENC or ANC?
It depends on your usage:
- If you make a lot of calls or video meetings, ENC is all you need. It ensures your voice stays clear, even in noisy places.
- If you love music, gaming, or travel frequently, ANC gives a peaceful, immersive sound experience.
For best results, many premium TWS earbuds and headphones now offer both ENC and ANC, giving you crystal-clear calls and deep, quiet sound quality.
Real-World Example
- ENC earbuds: Ideal for professionals taking calls in cafes or offices.
- ANC headphones: Perfect for frequent travelers, students, or audiophiles who want silence and focus.
When shopping on your favorite eCommerce site (like skgadgets.in), check the specs carefully — some brands use both technologies under names like Hybrid Noise Cancellation or AI Noise Reduction.
| For Users Who… | Should Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Make lots of calls | ENC | Ensures clear voice without background noise |
| Listen to music or travel often | ANC | Blocks external noise for immersive experience |
| Want the best of both | ENC + ANC | Enjoy clear calls and distraction-free sound |
- ENC = for call clarity
- ANC = for peaceful listening
Both play different but important roles in modern earphones. Understanding them helps you pick the right pair that matches your lifestyle and budget.
The next time you see ENC or ANC on a product description, you’ll know exactly what they mean! Whether you’re buying Bluetooth earphones, TWS buds, or over-ear headphones, choose based on how you use them — calls, music, or both.
