The Difference Between ANC and ENC Noise Cancellation in Bluetooth Earbuds

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) are two common noise cancellation technologies. They differ significantly in terms of working principles, application scenarios, and advantages/disadvantages.

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)

  1. Working Principle:
    ANC technology uses built-in microphones in the earbuds to capture external environmental noise. The system then generates a sound wave with an opposite phase and equal amplitude to the noise, which is added to the speaker output to cancel the noise. This technology actively identifies and eliminates noise, providing a clearer audio experience.
  2. Application Scenarios:
    1. Suitable for environments with continuous and stable noise, such as airplane cabins, subways, and other noisy surroundings.
    1. ANC earbuds effectively reduce background noise and create a relatively quiet listening space.
  3. Advantages and Disadvantages:
    1. Advantages: Significantly reduces low-frequency continuous noise, delivering a purer sound quality.
    1. Disadvantages: Limited effectiveness against high-frequency noise (e.g., human voices) and may require additional battery power, potentially affecting the earbuds’ battery life

ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation)

  1. Working Principle:
    ENC technology uses multiple microphone arrays to model and precisely calculate environmental noise to block it out. This technology primarily focuses on processing the voice signals picked up by the microphone, ensuring background noise is removed during calls.
  2. Application Scenarios:
    1. More suitable for making calls in noisy environments such as busy streets, coffee shops, or buses.
    1. ENC technology effectively reduces background noise and improves the clarity and quality of calls.
  3. Advantages and Disadvantages:
    1. Advantages: Focuses on enhancing call quality, making it ideal for users who need clear communication in noisy settings.
    1. Disadvantages: Compared to ANC, ENC may not significantly impact background noise during music playback.