Shopping for office equipment can be challenging, whatever you’re looking for. The same goes for work-quality headphones. So good-quality headphones are usually on a top-priority list of WFH accessories. That’s why we have checked out the best noise-canceling headphones for working from home.
It would help if you had GOOD quality headphones for working from home in 2023.
We’re talking about high-quality, noise-canceling, travel-friendly (when that’s a thing again!) headphones. Imagine listening to your favorite music on regular headphones while on those extra-long conference calls, neighbors mow their lawns, or children get testy.
There’s nothing more frustrating than having an ambient noise interfering with your favorite classical tune. What you need at that moment is a pair of noise-canceling headphones instead of your regular ones.
Table of Contents
What Are Noise Canceling Headphones?
Noise-canceling headphones use a unique technology to block out the noise around you, allowing you to enjoy your music or concentrate without ambient interference. They are usually divided into two categories:
- ACTIVE Noise Cancelation uses a miniature built-in microphone that picks up sound waves from background noises. An integrated noise-canceling system then processes the received sound and emits waves of the same amplitude and the opposite phase. This process effectively cancels out annoying ambient noise. This way, you listen to music and only music.
- PASSIVE Noise Cancelation – This feature is usually a matter of design since these headphones use physical insulation to block out outside noise. Materials used are generally high-quality and soundproof to a point.
In general, active noise-cancelation (ANC) offers better noise-canceling capabilities for an entirely immersive listening experience.
Features to consider In Noise-Canceling Headphones.
- Design – Most of these products feature an over-the-ear design for better noise cancelation. If you’re not a fan of that design, some manufacturers offer models that are an earbud type.
- Battery life – On average, you can expect no less than 15 and no more than an hour of playback time. The higher quality products usually offer better battery life, though there are exceptions to this rule.
- Materials – Noise-canceling headphones are usually of a premium build. Expect premium materials like metal, leather, and high-quality plastic. Some high-end products offer environment-friendly products that feature synthetic leather.
- Price – Noise-canceling headphones do cost a bit more than regular headphones. In turn, they offer a better music listening experience, making them a sound investment.
Best noise-canceling headphones for flying and travel
For flight, you need EXTRA noise-canceling abilities.
The engines of an airplane are loud and robust. It’s a deep bassy rumbling noise that won’t stop until you land.
Therefore, you’ll need ACTIVE noise canceling and, ideally, over-the-ear-padded headphones. This is the best solution for concentrating and blocking out that noise. Here’s the list of the top 10 noise-canceling headphones:
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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones
- Excellent noise canceling
- Extremely comfortable
- Great sound quality
- Quick-charge doesn't offer much playing time
-
Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Canceling Headphones
- Impressive noise-canceling
- Great audio
- 30 hours of battery life
- Touch controls take time to get used to
-
Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 Headphones
- Good sound
- Multi-point Bluetooth
- Great battery life
- Bass can be a little overwhelming
-
Bowers & Wilkins PX Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
- Rich sound with and without noise cancelation
- Great noise cancelation
- Premium design
- The headband needs more padding.
-
Sony Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Behind-Neck in Ear Headphones
- Good noise cancelation
- Audiophile wireless audio
- Good controls
- Average battery life
-
Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
- Great wireless performance
- Solid sound
- Battery life
- Not-so-good mid-range
-
SENNHEISER Momentum 2.0 Wireless with Active Noise Cancelation
- Premium design
- Excellent, clear sound full of details
- Removable cable
- These headphones are pricey.
-
AKG Noise Canceling Headphones
- Excellent sound
- Comfy
- Good noise cancelation
- Could benefit from extra padding on the headband
-
Sennheiser HD 4.50 Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Great noise-cancelation
- 20-hours battery
- Travel-friendly
- Ear cups lack ventilation.
Experience the ultimate sound quality and noise cancellation with Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones. These headphones are a game-changer, featuring the best active noise-cancellation technology on the market. And let's not forget about the dedicated button to activate Alexa - you can now talk to your headphones like they're your best friend.
The sound quality of QuietComfort 35 II is unparalleled, revealing musical details you might not have heard before. The bass is punchy, the midrange is good, and the treble is zesty. And when you switch on the noise-cancellation, it's like stepping into a peaceful oasis away from the world's chaos.
But what sets these headphones apart is their comfort. They're perfect for long flights or extended listening sessions. The build quality is top-notch, crafted with high-quality materials built to last. And with a battery life of 20 hours via Bluetooth and 40 hours with a wired connection, you can enjoy your music all day.
Sony WH-1000XM3s are the epitome of technological prowess, building upon the already-solid foundation of their predecessor, the Sony MDR-1000X. With their superior noise-canceling capabilities, they quickly ascended to the top echelon of headphones thanks to their impressive features.
While noise-canceling headphones are notorious for their lackluster sound quality, the WH1000MX3 defies this stereotype with its exceptional audio performance. Even when played through a flat EQ, the sound is immersive and fatigue-free, making them perfect for extended listening sessions.
With their selective noise-canceling modes, the WH-1000XM3s offer unparalleled control over the soundscape. The quick Attention mode is particularly impressive, allowing you to tune in to external audio without removing the headphones. This is achieved through the dual microphone setup, which reduces the music volume and amplifies external sounds for a seamless listening experience.
The BackBeat Pros was already a hit, but the BackBeat Pro 2 takes it to a new level. This masterpiece keeps its predecessor's excellent sound quality and active noise cancelation while improving battery life and design details. The sound quality is simply incredible.
The bass-heavy signature is a game-changer, blocking out external noise and immersing you in your music like never before. And with active noise cancellation that works even in wired mode, you can save battery life without sacrificing sound quality.
But that's not all. The BackBeat Pro 2 is also smaller and lighter than the original model, making it the perfect travel companion for anyone with limited space. And with up to 30 hours of playtime, you can enjoy your music all day and night. Plus, if the battery does run out, you can still use the headphones in wired mode.
Bowers and Wilkins have done it again with their latest creation, the PX headphones. These noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones are the perfect travel companion for those who demand the best in audio performance. The proprietary noise-canceling technology, combined with the PX codec's implementations, delivers unparalleled sound quality that will leave you in awe.
The design of these headphones is a work of art, combining the finest leather and metal to create a lightweight yet solid build that exudes luxury. While they don't fold up, the flexible headband and rotating ear cups make them easy to store. Plus, they come with a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired use, just in case you need it.
The noise-canceling technology in these headphones is nothing short of remarkable. You can customize your listening experience to suit your environment with various noise-canceling modes and use B&W's accompanying app to switch between modes. Whether in the office or on a flight, these headphones will provide the perfect level of noise-blocking for your needs.
For all users who dislike over-ear headphones, Sony offers an alternative. The WI-1000X is around-the-neck noise-canceling headphones that are more than suitable for everyday use. The active noise canceling feature blocks ambient use, making the WI-1000X an excellent choice for commuting or in-office. In addition, it does an excellent job of blocking out jet engine noise and voices during flights.
The WI-1000X offers a superb sound that makes audiophiles squeak with joy. Unfortunately, the audiophile rejected wireless audio for a good reason: the compression destroyed the details, dynamic ranges, and overall sound quality. However, WI-1000x features aptX HD support, providing excellent wireless audio and balanced sound.
Battery life is typical for earbuds, lasting an average of about 10 hours. Unfortunately, once the battery's out of juice, this music experience stops since there's no wired mode. However, remember to bring a power bank for charging during travel.
Experience music like never before with the latest headphones that deliver optimized sound quality and top-notch noise-canceling technology. Say goodbye to the chaos of the city and immerse yourself in the pure sound of your favorite songs with the new Pure Adaptive Noise-canceling technology.
It's like having your concert wherever you go. But don't be fooled by other ANC headphones that can't handle the wind. The sound quality is bound to impress. Say goodbye to the overly accentuated bass and hello to a new level of audio experience. The upper bass has a certain thickness, leaving you feeling like you're in the middle of the music.
And let's not forget about the design. It's not just about the sound; it's about the look too. The Studio 3 Wireless headphones have a tasteful and abstract design that will make you stand out from the crowd. And with a battery life averaging about 22 hours with ANC activated and 40 hours with ANC disabled, you can keep the music going all day and all night.
The Momentum 2.0's are the perfect blend of style and substance, a true audiophile's dream come true. Sennheiser has outdone itself with the closed-back earcup design, featuring luxurious leather earpads that keep your ears cool and comfortable even during long listening sessions. The foldable design is a masterstroke of engineering, with small metal hinges and a heavy-duty metal headband that ensure durability and longevity.
Momentum 2.0 delivers a frequency response that is second to none, with 18-ohm transducers that connect seamlessly to any audio device. The bass is tight and controlled, the mids are smooth and pleasing, and the treble is articulate and well-defined. It's like having a personal concert in your ears, with every note and nuance perfectly reproduced.
And let's not forget about the passive noise isolation, which fully immerses you in the audio experience without any distractions. It's like being transported to another world where the only thing that matters is the music. So if you're looking for the ultimate in portable audio, look no further than Momentum 2.0's.
The AKG N60NC headphones are the answer to every audiophile's prayers. Designed to provide an immersive music experience in even the noisiest of environments, these headphones are the perfect companion for your daily commute or long-haul flights. But don't let their compact size and affordable price fool you.
These headphones pack a punch with aptX Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, ensuring you never compromise on sound quality. And with up to 15 hours of wireless playback and automatic noise cancellation, you can enjoy your music without any interruptions.
The N60NC also comes equipped with a 3.5mm cable for a wired connection, ensuring that you're never left without your tunes. AKG has balanced the sound on this model to perfection, ensuring that every note and beat is crystal clear. And while the noise-canceling may not be top of the class, it does a good job of blocking out those pesky transport noises.
Looking for a pair of noise-canceling headphones that won't break the bank? Look no further than the HD 4.50 BTNCs. These are perfect for long-haul travelers who want to block out the world and get lost in their tunes. But don't let the budget-friendly price fool you.
These headphones pack a serious punch when it comes to sound quality. Thanks to NoiseGuard technology, you can enjoy your music without any outside distractions. And the stereo sound is so detailed and well-rounded you'll feel like you're in the recording studio.
But it's not just about the sound. The design of these headphones is lightweight and flexible, making them incredibly comfortable to wear for hours on end. And with a battery life of up to 20 hours, you won't have to worry about running out of juice mid-flight.
Further Reviews
If you are traveling a lot, these other reviews may be of interest to you:
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