Fact Check: Are IEMs noise cancelling?

Are IEMs Noise Cancelling?

The claim in question is whether In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) can be considered noise-cancelling devices. This inquiry arises from the growing popularity of IEMs, particularly those equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. The distinction between passive noise isolation and active noise cancellation is essential to understanding this claim.

What We Know

1. Definition of IEMs: In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) are specialized earphones designed to provide high-quality audio reproduction. They are commonly used by musicians and audio professionals for monitoring sound during performances and recordings 6.

2. Noise Isolation vs. Noise Cancellation: IEMs typically provide passive noise isolation through their design, which physically blocks external sounds. However, some IEMs incorporate Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, which actively reduces unwanted ambient noise by using microphones and sound wave inversion 910.

3. Active Noise Cancellation Technology: ANC works by capturing external sounds and generating sound waves that are phase-inverted to cancel out the noise. This technology is commonly found in headphones and is increasingly being integrated into IEMs 18.

4. Market Trends: There has been a notable increase in the production of IEMs with ANC capabilities, reflecting a trend towards combining high-fidelity audio with noise-cancelling features. This trend is particularly evident in models released in 2025, which emphasize the benefits of hybrid ANC systems 25.

5. Performance Variability: The effectiveness of noise cancellation in IEMs can vary significantly based on the design, technology used, and the quality of the components. Some models may offer superior ANC performance compared to others 49.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

• The New York Times: The article from the New York Times discusses the principles behind noise-cancelling technology but does not specifically address IEMs. While generally reliable, it may not provide the most relevant information for this claim 1.

• HiFiSoundGear: Several articles from HiFiSoundGear provide detailed insights into how ANC works in IEMs, including explanations of hybrid systems that combine different noise-cancelling techniques. However, as a commercial site, there may be a potential bias towards promoting products 235.

• What Hi-Fi?: This source offers a comprehensive overview of IEMs and their comparison with regular earbuds. It provides useful context but does not delve deeply into the specifics of ANC technology in IEMs 6.

• Bang & Olufsen: The article on ANC from Bang & Olufsen explains the technology in a general sense, which is informative but lacks specific details about IEMs 8.

• The Audio Store: This source discusses the differences between noise isolation and noise cancellation, providing a clear distinction that is crucial for understanding the claim. However, it is less well-known than other sources, which may affect its perceived reliability 9.

Methodological Considerations

While the sources provide a range of information about IEMs and ANC technology, there is a lack of empirical studies or direct comparisons of ANC performance across different IEM models. Most of the available information is anecdotal or promotional in nature, which raises questions about the robustness of the claims being made.

Additionally, the terminology used in the articles can sometimes blur the lines between passive noise isolation and active noise cancellation, which may lead to confusion among consumers regarding the capabilities of different IEMs.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that IEMs can be considered noise-cancelling devices is partially true. While many IEMs provide passive noise isolation, a growing number also incorporate Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, which actively reduces ambient noise. This dual capability allows some IEMs to function effectively as noise-cancelling devices, but the performance can vary significantly among different models.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of ANC in IEMs is influenced by various factors, including design and technology. Additionally, the distinction between passive noise isolation and active noise cancellation can sometimes be blurred in discussions, leading to potential misunderstandings about the capabilities of specific IEMs.

However, the available evidence primarily consists of anecdotal reports and promotional content, with a lack of rigorous empirical studies directly comparing ANC performance across various IEMs. This limitation means that while the claim holds some validity, it should be approached with caution.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding IEMs and their noise-cancelling capabilities, considering both the specifications of individual products and the context in which they are used.

Sources

1. What Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can and Can't Do. The New York Times. Link
2. IEMs With ANC: The Complete Guide to Active Noise Cancelling In-Ear Monitors. HiFiSoundGear. Link
3. IEMs With ANC: How Do They Work? - HiFiSoundGear. Link
4. IEMs vs Earbuds: What's the Difference, and Are They Better? Stuff. Link
5. Best IEMs with Active Noise Cancellation (2025): Your Ultimate Guide to. HiFiSoundGear. Link
6. What are IEM headphones? How do they compare to regular earbuds? What Hi-Fi?. Link
7. How Do In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) Work? A Complete Guide for 2024. HiFiSoundGear. Link
8. What is ANC - How does Noise Cancellation work? Bang & Olufsen. Link
9. In-Ear Monitors: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. The Audio Store. Link
10. Noise cancellation: ANC and ENC explained. Belkin. Link