Passive surface wave surveys have become extensively utilized in shallow subsurface engineering exploration, where effective extraction of dispersion curves from ambient noise constitutes the fundamental basis for exploration applications. Current dispersion curve extraction methods primarily target active-source surface wave investigations, while their performance in ambient noise analysis remains insufficiently examined. To evaluate the effectiveness and imaging accuracy of phase-shift and frequency-wavenumber (f-k) domain methods for extracting dispersion curves from ambient noise, this study conducted dispersion energy imaging using synthetic seismic records. Two geological models were employed: a three-layer velocity-increasing model and a three-layer model containing a low-velocity interlayer. The imaging results were verified through comparison with theoretical dispersion curves, with additional validation from ambient noise data collected at the Chuangshi section of Qingdao Metro Line 6. Results indicate that both phase-shift and f-k methods can effectively extract ambient noise dispersion curves, with the phase-shift method demonstrating superior suitability. The phase-shift method produces dispersion energy maps with clearer peak energy, narrower energy ridges, and effective dispersion curve extraction across broader frequency ranges. These characteristics facilitate higher-precision extraction of ambient noise dispersion curves and acquisition of enhanced-quality geological information.