One of the most important features to consider when choosing earbuds is noise cancellation. Two popular types of noise cancellation, ENC & ANC, are always mentioned in most noise-canceling headphone advertisements. And the question is, What is ANC/ENC? I believe that most people rarely know the difference.

Electronic Noise Cancellation (ENC) and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are two popular technologies used in modern audio equipment. Both techniques are designed to eliminate unwanted noise, but they differ in their approach and effectiveness. In this blog, we will look at the main differences between ANC and ENC.

What is ENC?

ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation), which means canceling or suppressing all ambient background noise while protecting the subject's voice.

ENC works by using microphones to pick up external sounds, and then advanced algorithms are used to filter out the unwanted noise. Just like how a coffee filter takes out the unwanted coffee grounds and leaves behind only the delicious coffee. In the same way, ENC filters out unwanted background noise, especially effective at high-frequency sounds such as the sound of people talking, and leaves behind clear and understandable audio.

It is primarily beneficial for calls, ensuring clarity through ENC, which effectively suppresses 90% of reverse ambient noise, thus reducing ambient noise by up to 35dB or more. A great example of how ENC delivers impressive sound is the new Stage Cool5 earbuds that allow gamers to communicate more efficiently.

What is ANC?

ANC is often featured alongside ENC in blogs and videos about headphones and microphones these days, but ANC and ENC are not the same things. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works by using microphones to pick up external sounds and then create an opposite sound wave to cancel out the unwanted noise. Just like how a superhero has special powers to defeat their enemy. ANC is most effective in canceling out low-frequency sounds like the hum of an airplane engine or the rumble of a train. Use these wireless Stage Hreo6 ANC earbuds so that you can enjoy your music or audio without being disturbed by the noise villains.

Which is Superior, ANC or ENC?

It depends. Your personal preference and the situation. There is no winner or loser in this comparison because both technologies relate to different features of the headphones. For most people, we generally recommend active noise reduction, as the benefits – you'll hear the music better at low volumes – usually outweigh the drawbacks. If you are in a very noisy environment like an airplane or a train, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is generally more effective in blocking out the external noise. However, if you are in a quieter environment or prefer a more natural sound, then Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) may be a better option.

Additionally, ANC does require power to work, so it can use up the battery life of your headphones or earphones more quickly, whereas ENC is typically more power-efficient.

Ultimately, it's best to try both technologies and see which one works better for you in different situations.