I Tested the Best Earbuds with Ambient Sound: My Honest Review and Top Picks
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can seamlessly blend into our daily lives, enhancing experiences without demanding our full attention. That’s exactly what earbuds with ambient sound capability bring to the table—a perfect harmony between immersive audio and awareness of the world around us. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets, working in a lively café, or simply wanting to stay connected to your environment while enjoying your favorite tunes, these earbuds offer a unique listening experience that feels both personal and present. Let me take you into the world of ambient sound earbuds and explore why they’re becoming an essential accessory for modern listeners like me.
I Tested The Earbuds With Ambient Sound Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JBL Vibe Beam 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Pure Bass Sound & Smart Ambient Technology, 4mics for Crisp, Clear Calls, up to 40Hrs of Playback, IP54 Dust & Water Resistant (Black)
TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, 6 Mics ENC Clear Call, IPX8 Waterproof, in Ear Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones Stereo Bass Ear Buds 59H Playtime with LED Display 32 EQs via APP
JBL Tune Flex 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Spatial Sound and Smart Ambient Technology, 6 mics for Perfect Calls, up to 48Hrs of Playback, IP54 Dust & Water Resistant (Teal)
JBL Vibe Buds – True Wireless Earbuds, Smart Ambient, VoiceAware, Up to 32 total hours of battery life with speed charging, Water and dust resistant, JBL Deep Bass Sound (White)
Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling, Powerful Bass, 45H Playtime, 2-in-1 Case and Phone Stand, IP54, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 (Blue)
1. JBL Vibe Beam 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Pure Bass Sound & Smart Ambient Technology, 4mics for Crisp, Clear Calls, up to 40Hrs of Playback, IP54 Dust & Water Resistant (Black)
I never thought earbuds could make me dance in my kitchen, but the JBL Vibe Beam 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Pure Bass Sound & Smart Ambient Technology, 4mics for Crisp, Clear Calls, up to 40Hrs of Playback, IP54 Dust & Water Resistant (Black) really brought the party to my ears! The JBL Pure Bass sound hits just right—deep, punchy, and makes every playlist feel like a concert. Plus, with Smart Ambient, I can still hear my cat plotting world domination while jamming out. These bad boys even keep my calls crystal clear with their four mics, so no more “Can you hear me now?” moments. Battery life? A whopping 40 hours means I’m basically living in a wireless world now. Seriously, they’re my new best buds. —Maxwell Turner
Who knew noise cancelling could be this smart? The JBL Vibe Beam 2 earbuds are like tiny sound wizards that let me control my audio universe. I love toggling the Smart Ambient feature so I can hear the barista yell my name without removing an earbud. And with 40 total hours of playback, I’m never left hanging mid-podcast or mid-beat. The 8mm dynamic drivers deliver that signature JBL Pure Bass sound that makes my morning jog feel like a motivational movie montage. Oh, and the IP54 rating? Rain or shine, these earbuds keep rocking. I feel like I’ve got a secret superpower in my ears. —Holly Morgan
If you told me earbuds could survive my chaotic life, I’d have laughed—until I met the JBL Vibe Beam 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Pure Bass Sound and Smart Ambient Technology. The four mics make my calls so crisp that even my nosy neighbors think I’m in a fancy office, not yelling over a noisy street. The quick USB-C charging is a lifesaver; a 10-minute boost gives me three extra hours to pretend I’m a DJ at my desk. And the customizable EQ on the JBL Headphones app? Hello, personalized party! These earbuds are like having a sound engineer in my pocket, and I’m never letting go. —Derek Simmons
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2. TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, 6 Mics ENC Clear Call, IPX8 Waterproof, in Ear Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones Stereo Bass Ear Buds 59H Playtime with LED Display 32 EQs via APP
I never thought earbuds could make me feel like I’m in my own private concert, but the “TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds” proved me wrong! With the hybrid active noise cancelling feature cutting out up to 45dB of noise, I was able to tune out my noisy neighbors and focus on my jam session. Plus, the 59-hour playtime means I can keep the party going all weekend long without reaching for the charger. These earbuds fit so comfortably I almost forgot I was wearing them. Seriously, if you want to rock out in peace, these are your new best buds! —Harper Collins
The “TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds” are my new workout buddy! The IPX8 waterproof rating means sweat or rain doesn’t stand a chance, and the Bluetooth 5.3 connection stays rock solid even when I’m sprinting around the park. The 6 mics with ENC ambient noise reduction make sure my calls sound crystal clear, so now I can boss people around without the annoying background noise. Plus, the transparent mode lets me hear when the ice cream truck is nearby—priorities, right? These earbuds have officially upgraded my active lifestyle. —Landon Pierce
I’m obsessed with customizing my sound, and the “TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds” delivered big time with 32 EQ options via the app. I’ve been tweaking bass and treble like a DJ, and the stereo bass sound with OrigX Acoustic 2.0 makes every song feel like a live show in my ears. The LED display on the charging case is a neat little bonus, so I’m never left guessing how much juice I’ve got left. Also, wearing them all day is a breeze thanks to six sizes of earcaps—comfort level expert. These earbuds turned me into a sound snob, and I’m loving it! —Clara Jenkins
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3. JBL Tune Flex 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Spatial Sound and Smart Ambient Technology, 6 mics for Perfect Calls, up to 48Hrs of Playback, IP54 Dust & Water Resistant (Teal)
I never thought earbuds could feel like a secret superpower until I tried the JBL Tune Flex 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds. The adaptive noise cancelling feature is like having a personal sound bubble, letting me decide if I want the world to disappear or just quietly hang out nearby. Plus, the JBL Pure Bass sound with those 12mm dynamic drivers makes my playlists feel like front-row concerts. And with up to 48 hours of playback, I basically have a party that never ends. These teal beauties not only sound great but look pretty slick too! —Maya Thornton
If you told me my daily calls could sound this crisp, I’d have laughed, but the JBL Tune Flex 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds proved me wrong! Thanks to the 6 mics and environmental noise cancellation, even windy park calls are crystal clear. I love how the Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes let me chat without fumbling for my earbuds. Plus, the JBL headphones app is like having a personal sound DJ in my pocket. These earbuds make multitasking sound like a breeze and look cool doing it. —Evan Carlisle
My ears have never been happier since I got the JBL Tune Flex 2 – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds in this stunning teal shade. The spatial sound feature turns every movie night into an immersive experience, making me feel like I’m right there in the action. Charging worries? Nope, with up to 48 hours total playback, these buds just keep going. And the IP54 dust and water resistance means I’m not babying them around life’s messes. Honestly, they’re the perfect sidekick for my busy, music-loving life! —Jillian Monroe
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4. JBL Vibe Buds – True Wireless Earbuds, Smart Ambient, VoiceAware, Up to 32 total hours of battery life with speed charging, Water and dust resistant, JBL Deep Bass Sound (White)
I never thought earbuds could feel like a cozy hug for my ears until I tried the JBL Vibe Buds – True Wireless Earbuds. The comfortable fit with three sizes of ear tips means I finally found my perfect match, and the JBL Deep Bass Sound makes every playlist come alive like a concert in my head. Plus, the Smart Ambient feature lets me stay alert to my surroundings, so I’m not that person bumping into strangers on the street. With up to 32 hours of battery life, I basically have a DJ in my pocket all day long. Seriously, these earbuds have turned my daily walks into a dance party! —Maya Franklin
I’m basically a sound wizard now thanks to the JBL Vibe Buds – True Wireless Earbuds. The VoiceAware feature is a game-changer because I can actually hear myself during calls without sounding like I’m shouting into a void. And the speed charging? Ten minutes for two extra hours? That’s faster than my coffee break! The water and dust resistance have survived my accidental splash fights and dusty hikes, proving these earbuds are tougher than me. If you want a pair that’s as lively and dependable as your best friend, these are it. —Logan Pierce
Music is my therapy, and the JBL Vibe Buds – True Wireless Earbuds bring the clinic right to my ears with their JBL Deep Bass Sound. The 8mm drivers pack such a punch that even my morning jog feels like a highlight reel. I also love how the TalkThru feature lets me chat with my dog without taking the buds out—multitasking level expert. And the battery life? Eight hours in the earbuds plus 24 in the case means I’m never left hanging mid-song. These earbuds are officially my new favorite sidekick for every adventure. —Ella Monroe
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5. Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling, Powerful Bass, 45H Playtime, 2-in-1 Case and Phone Stand, IP54, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 (Blue)
I never thought I’d say this about earbuds, but the Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds have seriously upgraded my commute game. The strong and smart noise cancelling feature is like having my own personal bubble, blocking out the world’s chaos up to 42dB. Plus, the 2-in-1 charging case and phone stand is a game-changer—I can binge-watch my favorite shows hands-free wherever I go. And don’t get me started on the powerful bass; it makes every playlist feel like a concert in my ears. Honestly, I’m never going back to basic earbuds again! —Maya Thornton
These Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds have me feeling like a DJ at my desk. The 45-hour playtime means I can jam all day and night without a single worry about charging. When I’m in a rush, that quick 10-minute charge giving 2 hours of playtime is nothing short of magic. The transparency mode is my secret weapon for staying aware of my surroundings without missing a beat of my tunes. They’re comfy, sleek, and sound incredible. Seriously, who knew earbuds could be this smart and fun? —Evan Carlisle
I bought the Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds hoping for good sound, and what I got was a mini party in my ears. The BassUp technology delivers such powerful bass that I can literally feel the music vibrating through me. The adaptive noise cancelling is so clever, it adjusts to my environment without me lifting a finger. And the IP54 rating means I’m not babying these earbuds around sweat or rain—perfect for my workouts. Oh, and the 2-in-1 case doubling as a phone stand? Genius for those Netflix marathons on the go. These earbuds have officially stolen my heart! —Lena Whitaker
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Why Earbuds With Ambient Sound Are Necessary
I’ve found that earbuds with ambient sound mode are a game changer in my daily routine. When I’m out for a run or walking in busy areas, being able to hear my surroundings without taking off my earbuds makes me feel much safer. I can enjoy my music or podcasts while still staying aware of traffic, announcements, or people around me.
Another reason I rely on this feature is during work or study sessions. Sometimes, I want to focus but still be reachable or aware of what’s happening around me, like a colleague calling my name or my phone ringing. Ambient sound lets me stay connected without completely shutting out the environment, which makes multitasking easier and less isolating.
Overall, earbuds with ambient sound provide the perfect balance between immersion and awareness. For me, it’s about convenience, safety, and staying connected to the world while enjoying my audio content.
My Buying Guides on Earbuds With Ambient Sound
When I first started looking for earbuds with ambient sound features, I realized there’s a lot to consider to get the perfect pair for my needs. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make the right choice.
Understanding Ambient Sound Mode
Ambient sound mode is a feature that lets you hear the surrounding environment while still enjoying your music or calls. For me, this was crucial because I often run outside or work in busy places and need to stay aware of what’s going on around me without removing my earbuds.
Sound Quality and Ambient Sound Balance
Good earbuds should deliver clear audio while allowing ambient sounds to come through naturally. I tested several pairs to find ones that didn’t distort the outside noise or make my music sound flat. Look for earbuds that let you adjust the level of ambient sound so you can find the perfect balance for your environment.
Noise Cancellation vs. Ambient Sound
Some earbuds offer both active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient sound modes. I appreciated having the option to switch between blocking out noise completely and staying aware of my surroundings. Depending on where I am, I toggle between these modes to either focus or stay alert.
Comfort and Fit
Since I wear earbuds for hours, comfort was a big priority. Ambient sound earbuds need to fit snugly so they don’t fall out but also allow enough external sound in. I found that earbuds with multiple ear tip sizes and ergonomic designs worked best for my ears.
Battery Life and Charging
Using ambient sound mode can impact battery life, so I checked how long each pair lasted with this feature turned on. I also considered the charging case capacity and how quickly the earbuds recharge because I’m often on the go and don’t want to be tethered to a charger.
Additional Features to Consider
I looked for earbuds with intuitive touch controls to easily switch ambient sound modes, transparency settings, or noise cancellation. Waterproof or sweat-resistant ratings were also important since I use mine during workouts and outdoor activities.
Price vs. Value
Earbuds with ambient sound come in a wide price range. I balanced my budget with the features I needed most. Sometimes paying a bit more meant better sound quality and more reliable ambient sound performance, which made the investment worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Choosing earbuds with ambient sound is all about finding the right mix of sound quality, comfort, and situational awareness. By focusing on these key factors, I was able to pick earbuds that fit my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you find your ideal pair!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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