Do noise canceling ear buds work?
 

Wife wants noise canceling earbuds, not headphones. She says that headphones are too bulky.

Do the buds work? Can you recommend a model?

I don't bother with the noise-cancelling 'phones, I just use in-ear earphones that act as earplugs. I always seem to get a headache from the active noise-cancelling.

I've been happy with my Etymotic ER6 but it looks like they've been discontinued.

Head-Fi.org - Headphone forums and reviews for audiophiles

I used Shure before. It was about $120. It broke twice after a year or two of use.

Now, I buy the Samsung one, which looks good and lasts for 2-3 years. It sounds pretty damn good and isolates the surrounding noise fairly well. Plus, it's only $8! You can make phone calls with it too. I bought 3 and gave them to friends for their ipads.

Original Samsung Galaxy Note 2 II EHS44 Wht Headphones Headset Earphone Mic | eBay

Yes but any good quality earbud that fits well will virtually eliminate outside noise. Here is a good run down:
Best earbuds (in-ear headphones) - CNET Reviews

They won't work as ear plugs.

i had etymotics before, and now have westones with custom molds made by an audiologist friend. the custom molds are so much more comfortable than stock.

Exactly my experience. I have serveral pairs from etymotic and they are excellent products. FAR superior to any noise cancelling sets i have owned.