Best Noise-Canceling Headsets and Headphones for Remote Work

Ever found the perfect quiet spot for a Zoom call, only for noise to erupt the moment you hit 'Join'? I’ve been there—more times than I can count.

Everything changed when I gave noise-canceling headphones a try, and now they’re a staple in my travel backpack.

So today, let’s dive into the best noise-canceling headsets for remote work and anything you need to keep in mind before ordering yours. Ready? Let's dive in!

The Best Noise-Canceling Headsets and Headphones for Remote Work: Our Top Picks

1. Sony WH-1000XM5 - Best for Serious Noise Cancellation
2. Apple AirPods Pro 2 - Best for On-the-Go Professionals
3. Bose Wireless Headphones 700 - Best for Clear Calls in Noisy Places
4. Plantronics Voyager Focus UC - Best for Marathon Meeting Days
5. Bose QuietComfort 45 - Best for Comfortable Long Wear
6. Apple AirPods Max - Top Choice for Sound Quality
7. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 - Best Budget-Friendly Choice
8. Jabra Elite 85H - Best for All-Day Comfort
9. Razer Kraken X - Best for Gamers

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Best for Serious Noise Cancellation

Features

• Industry-leading noise cancellation
• High-resolution audio support
• Quick Attention Mode for easy conversation without removing the headphones
• Personalized listening experience with the Sony Headphones Connect app

If you're someone who's constantly bouncing between caffès or shared spaces, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is your new best friend. These headphones boast industry-leading noise cancellation, so you can shut out the world and focus on your tasks, no matter how noisy your environment gets. They also deliver exceptional audio quality, perfect for when you need to dive deep into a project or just relax with some tunes. Need to talk to someone while wearing them? Just cover the ear cup to lower the volume without removing the headphones—handy for quick coffee orders! The downside is that they're a bit bulky, but for this level of noise cancellation, we say, make space!

2. Apple AirPods Pro 2

Best for On-the-Go Professionals

Features

• Active noise cancellation
• Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you
• Adaptive EQ that tunes music to the shape of your ear
• Sweat and water resistance
• Super portable and lightweight

If you're a digital nomad who's always on the go, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are the ultimate earbuds. They pack strong noise cancellation into a tiny, barely-there design, allowing you to bring studio-quality sound wherever you roam—without the bulk. The Transparency mode lets you blend your tunes with the world around you, so you’re aware but undisturbed. And with Adaptive EQ, the sound adjusts to the shape of your ear, providing a personalized audio experience. They're the go-to choice for remote workers who want the power of noise cancellation in a truly compact package.

3. Bose Wireless Headphones 700

Best for Clear Calls in Noisy Places

Features

• World-class adjustable noise cancellation
• Intuitive touch controls
• Bose AR, an innovative audio-only version of augmented reality
• Conversation mode to pause music and let surrounding noise in
• Ideal for voice and video calls

When your office could be a busy street café one day and a noisy airport bar the next, the Bose Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones 700 come to the rescue. With their exceptional noise cancellation capabilities, these headphones ensure that your calls are crystal clear, no matter the background noise. The intuitive touch controls make adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or answering calls easy peasy. And when you need a break from silence, the Conversation Mode lets you tune into your surroundings without taking off the headphones. They're also great for voice and video calls, guaranteeing clear communication no matter where you are.

4. Plantronics Voyager Focus UC

Best for Marathon Meeting Days

Features

• Active noise-canceling technology
• Smart sensor technology for intuitive call management
• Up to 12 hours of talk time
• Seamless connectivity with multiple devices

For those days packed with back-to-back calls, the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC is your best bet. These headphones provide high-definition sound quality but also feature a noise-canceling microphone that ensures your voice comes through loud and clear, even in noisy environments. This is a real lifesaver, especially when you're the one doing the talking in a Zoom call. The smart sensor technology adds convenience by automatically managing call functions as you put on or take off the headset. Plus, they’re so comfortable, you might forget you’re wearing them.

5. Bose QuietComfort 45

Best for Comfortable Long Wear

Features

• World-class noise cancellation
• Volume-optimized Active EQ for balanced audio performance
• Up to 24 hours of battery life
• Comfortable over-ear design

For those long days when you're bouncing between flights or settling in for a marathon work session, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones provide the ultimate comfort. They offer outstanding comfort with plush ear cushions designed for all-day (or all-night) wear, so your ears won't feel squeezed after hours. With their excellent noise cancellation, you can find your personal oasis of calm in even the busiest airport or café. And if you're prone to dozing off with your playlist on, the long battery life ensures you wake up to still-playing music, not a dead battery.

6. Apple AirPods Max

Top Choice for Sound Quality

Features

• High-fidelity audio
• Adaptive EQ
• Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode
• Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a theater-like experience

If pristine sound quality is what you crave while working or relaxing, the Apple AirPods Max can’t be beaten. These headphones offer an immersive listening experience, thanks to their high-fidelity audio and Adaptive EQ that adjusts the music to the shape of your ear. The spatial audio with dynamic head tracking feels like you’re in a movie theater, making them wishlist material for video editors or anyone who appreciates cinematic sound. Plus, with their seamless integration with Apple devices, switching from your MacBook to an iPhone call is as smooth as silk, keeping you connected effortlessly.

7. Anker Soundcore Life Q20

Best Budget-Friendly Choice

Features

• Hybrid active noise cancellation
• Up to 60 hours of playtime
• BassUp technology for deep bass
• Foldable design for easy portability

If you're on a tight budget but don't want to give up on great sound and battery life, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 has you covered. Perfect for digital nomads who hop from city to city, these headphones deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. If you're the type who streams music during long train rides or needs to focus in busy hostels, the hybrid active noise cancellation of these headphones will help you maintain your sanity. And with up to 60 hours of playtime, you can go days without charging—even if you forget your charger during a spontaneous weekend getaway. They're lightweight and comfortable, so you can wear them through back-to-back meetings or while binge-watching your favorite series.

8. Jabra Elite 85H

Best for All-Day Comfort

Features

• SmartSound Audio that automatically adapts to your surroundings
• On-ear detection for auto-play and pause
• Rain-resistant design and 2-year warranty against water and dust
• Up to 36 hours of battery life

If you're a remote worker who spends hours on calls or listens to music while you work, you know that comfort is non-negotiable. That's where the Jabra Elite 85H comes in—they're designed to keep you comfortable from your morning coffee through your late-night deadline dashes. These headphones feature plush ear cushions and an auto-adjusting headband that fits perfectly without you having to adjust the settings. Say you're starting your day with a Zoom call from a beachside café, then moving to a coworking space in the afternoon—the smart noise cancellation feature adapts to each environment, so you’re always in your zone. With a battery life that lasts up to 36 hours, you won’t be left hunting down a charger midway through your day.

9. Razer Kraken X

Best for Gamers

Features

• Immersive, 7.1 surround sound for positional audio
• Ultra-light design for all-day comfort
• Bendable noise-canceling microphone
• Custom-tuned 40 mm drivers

The Razer Kraken X is the perfect pick for digital nomads who love to game in their downtime. These headphones deliver immersive 7.1 surround sound, so you catch every detail, whether you’re in a heated game or enjoying some downtime. Imagine finishing up a work project in your hotel room and jumping straight into a gaming session—these headphones make the switch easy peasy. They’re ultra-light and comfortable, meaning you can wear them through hours of gaming or those long video calls without feeling any strain. Plus, the noise-canceling microphone ensures your team hears you loud and clear.

Which Headsets Are Suitable for Remote Work?

Now that we've revealed our top picks for noise-canceling headphones, the question is...which one is best for remote work? We've put together a few things to keep in mind before you impulsively buy the first headphone that seems to fit your needs:

Wireless is the Way to Go

No one wants to deal with cords while juggling coffee and a laptop for remote work in a busy café. Wireless headphones let you move freely, especially when paired with a portable laptop monitor to create a more flexible workspace in any setting.

Battery Life is Key

Make sure your headphones can last at least 8 hours on a single charge. This way, you can work through the night, hop on a long-haul flight, or spend a day in back-to-back meetings without worrying about them dying on you.

Closed-Back Headphones are Your Best Bet

Closed-back headphones are your best bet for blocking out background noise. They create a seal around your ears that helps you stay focused. Even if you opt out of noise-canceling models, this design helps keep distractions at bay.

Don't Compromise on Sound Quality

Don’t settle for tinny or muffled audio. You deserve headphones that deliver clear, crisp sound for both music and calls. Good sound quality can make the difference between catching every word in a meeting and missing key points because of poor audio.

Comfort is Crucial

If you’re going to wear headphones for hours on end, they need to be comfortable. Look for cushioned ear cups and adjustable headbands that can fit your head perfectly. This way, you won’t end up with sore ears or a headache after a long day of work.

Remote Work Headset and Headphones FAQs

About how long should my headset last?

That depends on how often you use them and how well you take care of them. A decent pair can last a few years, maybe even 5 if you're lucky. But if you game for hours daily or they take a few tumbles, you might need a replacement sooner. Keep them safe in a case and out of the rain, and they'll have a longer life.

Can my headphones get wet?

Not all headphones are the same. Some, like those fancy AirPods Pros, can take a sweat session or a light drizzle. But, most headphones would rather stay dry, so don't dunk them in the pool! If you work out a lot outdoors or tend to spill your drinks, look for something with a good IP rating – that tells you how waterproof they are.

Should I get headphones or earbuds?

It's honestly up to you! Headphones usually have better sound and block out more noise, making them awesome for focusing. Earbuds win for being tiny and portable – perfect if you're on the move a lot. The best fit depends on what you'll use them for most.

Where's the headphone jack on my computer?

Most PCs have a little headphone jack (looks like a tiny hole) somewhere. It's usually on the front or back of your computer case, or along the side if you've got a laptop. Using wireless headphones? Then you'll connect using Bluetooth in your computer's settings.

Can I use headphones with my TV?

Yep! Lots of new TVs let you connect wireless headphones right away. Perfect for when you want to watch a movie late and not wake the whole house. If your TV is older, you might need a headphone jack (if it has one) or something called a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into your TV.

Where's the mic on my Bluetooth headphones?

It depends on the ones you have. Sometimes it's on the ear part, sometimes it's a little button along the wire. Fancy models might even have a few mics for better calls. Not sure? Check the instructions that came with them!

What kind of headsets are good for streamers?

Streamers want their viewers to hear them loud and clear, so they usually go for comfy over-ear headphones with a separate mic they can adjust. Some popular picks are the Razer Kraken X, the HyperX Cloud II, and the Sennheiser PC 37X. But it depends on how much you want to spend and the features that matter most to you.

Ready To Add Your New Headphones To Your Digital Nomad Gear?

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