Anc-vs-Enc-Whats-the-Difference-and-Which-One-Should-You-Choose

In today’s world, noise is everywhere — in busy streets, public transport, cafes, and even offices. That's why headphones with noise-canceling features have become a must-have for many people. If you've been shopping for such headphones, you've likely come across two common terms: ANC and ENC. But what do they mean? And more importantly, which one is better for your needs? Let's break it down in a simple way.

What is ANC?

ANC stands for Active Noise Cancellation. This technology uses microphones and speakers built into your headphones to cancel out external sounds. Here’s how it works:

• Tiny microphones in the headphones pick up external noise.

• The system then produces a sound wave that is the exact opposite (or "anti-noise").

• These two sound waves cancel each other out before reaching your ears.

The result? You hear much less of the surrounding noise, which is perfect for travelers, office workers, or anyone who wants to block out the world and focus.

ANC works best with constant, low-frequency noises like the hum of an airplane engine, the buzz of a fan, or traffic sounds.

What is ENC?

ENC stands for Environmental Noise Cancellation. Unlike ANC, which helps you hear less noise, ENC helps others hear you better when you’re talking, especially on calls.

ENC works like this:

• Microphones pick up your voice along with background noise.

• The system separates your voice from the noise and filters out the unwanted sounds.

• This results in a much clearer voice signal during calls or video chats.

ENC is most commonly found in headphones, earbuds, and microphones used for communication. It’s great for people who make a lot of calls, stream, or attend online meetings in noisy environments.

ANC vs ENC: Which is Better?

Now that you know what ANC and ENC mean, let’s talk about anc vs enc and which one might be more useful to you.

The answer depends on how you plan to use your device:

• If your main goal is to block out noise while listening to music, watching videos, or simply relaxing, then ANC is the better option.

• If you mostly use your headphones or earbuds for calls or meetings, especially in noisy places, ENC will help make your voice clearer to the other person.

Some modern headphones now offer both ANC and ENC, giving you the best of both worlds.

When to Use Each One

Here are a few everyday scenarios to help you decide:

• On an airplane: ANC will reduce engine noise and let you enjoy your flight in peace.

• In a café while taking a work call: ENC will help your voice sound clear despite the background chatter.

• Studying at home with street noise outside: ANC can help you stay focused.

• Gaming or live streaming: ENC ensures your voice is heard clearly by teammates or viewers.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between ANC and ENC helps you make a smarter choice when buying headphones or earbuds. You don’t always need the most expensive gear — just the one that fits your lifestyle.

Some brands even offer both technologies in a single product. For example, SG Movil has recently introduced earbuds that combine ANC for immersive listening and ENC for crystal-clear calls — a perfect combo for daily use.