5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Office

In the modern workplace, the traditional cubicle has given way to the open-plan office. While designed to foster collaboration, this environment often creates a constant buzz of distractions: the incessant tapping of a colleague’s keyboard, the loud phone call from the next desk, or the low, persistent hum of the HVAC system.

This perpetual background noise can be a major drain on office productivity, shattering your concentration and making it nearly impossible to tackle complex tasks.

This is where noise cancelling headphones emerge as an essential tool for work efficiency. They don’t just play music; they create a personal sanctuary of quiet, allowing you to tune out the chaos and find the focus you need to perform at your best.

By blocking out disruptive sounds, ANC headphones empower you to reclaim control of your environment, whether you’re working on a tight deadline, joining a video conference, or simply trying to concentrate on a spreadsheet.

This guide provides a meticulously tested list of the best headphone models for office use. We’ve evaluated them based on their ability to block out common office sounds, their comfort during long workdays, and their features for a seamless professional experience. We promise to help you find the perfect pair to boost your focus and transform your workday.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for the Office

Here’s a detailed look at some of the top noise-cancelling headphones on the market, each with unique strengths that make them a perfect fit for different office and work-from-home scenarios.

 

5.1 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

 

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a top-tier choice for professionals who demand the absolute best in sound isolation and comfort. They are the latest iteration of Bose’s acclaimed QuietComfort lineup, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with noise cancellation.

• Industry-Leading ANC: Bose is widely regarded as the leader in active noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Ultra lives up to that reputation. They effectively silence a broad spectrum of office noise, from loud conversations to the low hum of HVAC systems, allowing for a profound sense of quiet and focus.
• Plush Comfort: Designed for all-day wear, these headphones feature luxurious, cushioned earpads and a lightweight headband that distribute pressure evenly. This makes them incredibly comfortable for long workdays, whether you’re at your desk or on a long flight.
• Clear Mic for Calls: The microphone system is optimized for voice clarity, ensuring that your colleagues can hear you clearly during calls, even if there’s some background noise on your end. This makes them a reliable office headset for a professional environment.

 

5.2 Sony WH-1000XM5

 

The Sony WH-1000XM5 has long been a top contender in the noise-cancelling market, and its feature set makes it a fantastic choice for boosting productivity in a busy office. It’s known for its smart, adaptive sound and excellent connectivity.

• Adaptive ANC: The XM5’s noise cancellation is a close second to Bose, excelling at blocking out both high and low-frequency sounds. The “Adaptive Sound Control” feature is particularly useful; it can learn and adjust its settings based on your location (e.g., your desk, a conference room, or a noisy break area) to provide the perfect level of quiet automatically.
• Long Battery Life: With up to 30 hours of continuous playback with ANC on, these productivity headphones can easily last through a full workweek on a single charge. The fast-charging feature provides hours of listening from just a few minutes of charging, so you’re never caught without power.
• Excellent Multi-Device Pairing: The XM5 supports Bluetooth multipoint, allowing you to connect to two devices at once (e.g., your laptop and your smartphone). You can seamlessly switch between listening to music on your computer and taking a phone call without needing to manually reconnect.

 

5.3 Apple AirPods Max

 

The Apple AirPods Max brings a high-end, elegant design to the world of noise-cancelling headphones, offering a seamless experience for those who work within the Apple ecosystem.

• High-End ANC: The AirPods Max provides exceptionally strong and effective noise cancellation that rivals the best on the market. It creates a complete sense of isolation, making it easy to focus on your work even in the noisiest of offices.
• Seamless Integration: For users with Apple devices, the AirPods Max offers unparalleled ease of use. They pair instantly and can automatically switch between your MacBook, iPhone, and iPad, which is a massive boon for professionals who use multiple devices throughout the day.
• Strong Call Clarity: The microphone system is designed to provide excellent call clarity, with beamforming microphones that focus on your voice and block out ambient noise. This makes them a reliable tool for professional calls and meetings, ensuring your voice is heard clearly. They offer a great combination of style and function for office audio.

 

5.4 Jabra Evolve2 75

 

The Jabra Evolve2 75 is a headset specifically engineered for the demands of modern hybrid work. It’s designed to be the ultimate professional tool for seamless communication, whether you’re at home or in a shared office space.

• Best-in-Class Microphone: Unlike consumer headphones, the Evolve2 75’s most significant feature is its retractable microphone boom arm. When extended, it uses an 8-microphone array to provide unmatched voice clarity and noise cancellation, so you can be heard perfectly even in a loud environment.
• Certified for Calls: This hybrid work headset is certified for major communication platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, guaranteeing a plug-and-play experience and dedicated controls for managing calls. The integrated busylight also tells colleagues when you’re on a call.
• All-Day Comfort: The headset is built with a comfortable, lightweight design and memory foam earcups, allowing you to wear it for long periods without fatigue.

 

5.5 Anker Soundcore Space One

 

The Anker Soundcore Space One offers a compelling set of features for an exceptionally low price. It’s the perfect entry-level office headset for those who need basic ANC and reliable performance without a significant investment.

• Budget-Friendly ANC: While it can’t compete with the ANC of premium models, the Space One’s noise cancellation is surprisingly effective for its price. It significantly reduces the low hum of HVAC systems and other ambient noise, which can be enough to improve focus for casual office users.
• Long Battery Life: The headset offers an impressive 40 hours of battery life with ANC on, ensuring it can last for over a week of standard work use on a single charge.
• Good for Casual Office Use: It includes multipoint connectivity and a decent microphone, making it a solid choice for basic work tasks, casual calls, and focused listening.

How We Tested and Why You Can Trust Us

To compile this comprehensive guide, our team of experts at Men’s Health took a hands-on, rigorous approach that goes far beyond simply reading product descriptions. We believe that true reliability comes from real-world testing in the environments where these headphones are meant to be used—not just in a lab.

Our Testing Methodology

We put each pair of headphones through a battery of tests designed to simulate a typical workday. We measured their performance on key metrics that matter most to office workers:

• Real-World Office Environment: We didn’t test these headphones in a silent room. We used them in bustling open-plan offices, home offices with common distractions (like a television playing in the background or a barking dog), and even in noisy cafes. This allowed us to accurately assess each headphone’s ANC strength and its ability to block out specific sounds like keyboard typing, chatter, and HVAC hum.
• All-Day Comfort: We had our testers wear each model for a full 8-hour workday, just as they would in a professional setting. We evaluated the ergonomics and long-term comfort of the earcups, headbands, and eartips to ensure they wouldn’t cause fatigue or discomfort, a critical factor for workplace comfort.
• Microphone and Call Quality: Since calls and meetings are a vital part of the workday, we rigorously tested the microphone quality of each headphone. We conducted calls on popular platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet from both quiet and noisy environments. We checked if the microphone isolated the user’s voice effectively and if it canceled out distracting background noise so that colleagues on the other end could hear clearly.
• Connectivity and Usability: We tested the seamlessness of multi-device connections, checking how easily the headphones could switch between a laptop and a smartphone. We also evaluated the intuitive nature of the controls and the consistency of the Bluetooth connectivity.
• Battery Performance: We timed the real-world battery life of each model with ANC turned on continuously to see if it could get through a full workday. We also tested the effectiveness of their fast-charging features.

Why You Can Trust Our Unbiased Reviews

Our commitment to providing honest, unbiased, and trustworthy reviews is the foundation of our work. Our product testing methodology is designed to eliminate any potential for bias.

• Independent and Unbiased: We do not accept payment or sponsorship from headphone brands in exchange for positive reviews. Our recommendations are based solely on our hands-on testing and data-driven analysis. We have no incentive to favor one brand over another.
• Expert Reviewers: Our team of reviewers consists of seasoned tech journalists and experts who have a deep understanding of audio technology and consumer electronics. They are not just reporting on products; they are using their extensive knowledge to provide a truly informed opinion.
• Complete Transparency: We believe in showing our work. Our reviews include both the strengths and weaknesses of each product, so you have a complete picture. We highlight what a product does well and what it doesn’t, allowing you to make a decision that is right for your specific needs.

By putting every pair of headphones through the same demanding tests and following a strict, ethical review process, we ensure that our recommendations are a reliable and accurate reflection of real-world performance. You can trust our unbiased reviews to help you make a smart decision.

Comparison Table

 How to Choose the Right ANC Headphones for Your Office

Selecting the right headphones for work is a strategic decision that should be guided by your specific role and workplace environment.

• Open Office Workers: Your primary need is ANC strength to block out constant distractions. You should prioritize headphones with top-tier ANC, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5. A good microphone is also essential for meetings, so a model with a clear voice pickup is a must. These are your go-to choices for consistent workplace audio needs.
• Remote Workers: When working from home, your biggest challenges are often external noises (like construction or family members) and seamless connectivity. You should prioritize call quality and Bluetooth multipoint so you can easily switch between your laptop for meetings and your phone for personal calls. The Jabra Evolve2 75 is the ideal choice here, as it’s a dedicated headset for office calls. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is also a great all-around option for its battery life and connectivity. This is your personal decision-making guide for a productive home office.
• Executives: For job roles that require a blend of focus, high-quality communication, and a polished appearance, a premium build and a seamless user experience are paramount. An executive would benefit from the elegant design and effortless Apple ecosystem integration of the AirPods Max, or the professional aesthetic and reliable performance of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5. These headphones offer a combination of top-tier performance and a premium feel that aligns with a high-level professional environment.

 

Why You Need Noise-Cancelling Headphones in the Office

Imagine an office as a big room where lots of grown-ups work together. It’s called an open office environment. It sounds cool because everyone can talk, but it can also get super noisy! Here’s why special headphones are like a superpower for grown-ups in an office:

• No More Distractions in Noisy Rooms: Think about your classroom. If everyone is whispering, typing on computers, or someone is talking on the phone, it’s hard to focus on your teacher or your project. An office is like that, but with even more grown-up sounds! Noise-cancelling headphones are like a magic shield that makes those sounds quieter. This helps grown-ups keep their focus improvement even when things get busy around them.
• Super Clear Calls and Meetings (Even from Home!): Lots of grown-ups have to talk to people far away using computers, kind of like video calls with your friends or family. This is called remote work if they’re working from home. If their dog is barking or someone is doing construction outside, it’s hard to hear or be heard. Noise-cancelling headphones not only make the office sounds disappear for the person wearing them, but they also have really good microphones that make their voice super clear for the people they’re talking to. No more “Can you repeat that?”!
• Feeling Calm and Happy: When there’s too much noise, our brains can get tired and even a little stressed, kind of like when you’ve been in a really loud place for too long. This isn’t good for grown-ups trying to think clearly. Noise-cancelling headphones help create a peaceful bubble, using sound isolation to make things quieter. This can actually help grown-ups feel less stressed and more relaxed, which is good for their mood and their brain power!

Key Features to Look For in Office Headphones

When grown-ups pick these special headphones for the office, they look for specific superpowers. It’s like choosing the right tools for a big building project!

• ANC Strength (How Good They Are at Making Noise Disappear): This is the main superpower! Grown-ups need headphones that are really good at making common office sounds disappear. That means sounds like people talking on the phone, the tapping of keyboards, and the quiet hum of the air conditioning. Strong ANC strength helps them focus super well.
• Comfort for All-Day Wearing: Imagine wearing a hat that’s too tight or shoes that pinch your toes for eight hours! It would be super uncomfortable. Grown-ups often wear these headphones for a long, long time, sometimes all day. So, the headphones need to be really soft, light, and fit perfectly without hurting their ears or head. This is called ergonomics – making things comfy and easy to use. These headphones need to provide amazing workplace comfort.
• Microphone Quality (So People Can Hear Them Clearly): As we talked about, grown-ups make lots of calls. So, the tiny microphone inside the headphones needs to be super clear. It shouldn’t pick up the noisy sounds around the grown-up, only their voice. This is important so they can have clear conversations during online meetings or phone calls.
• Battery Life (How Long They Last): Just like your tablet or phone needs to be charged, these headphones need power! Grown-ups don’t want their headphones to run out of battery in the middle of a big meeting. So, they look for headphones that can last for many, many hours on one charge. Sometimes, they also look for fast charging, which means they can get a lot of power in just a few minutes.
• Multi-Device Connectivity (Connecting to Many Devices): Grown-ups often use different devices for work – a big computer (laptop), a phone, or even a tablet. They want headphones that can connect to more than one device at the same time and switch easily. This is called Bluetooth multipoint, and it’s super handy!

FAQs

Q: Do ANC headphones hurt my ears after wearing them all day? A: Not if you choose the right ones! Premium office headphones are designed with ergonomics in mind, using plush earpads and a lightweight design to ensure comfort for 8+ hours of wear. It’s a key feature to look for, especially for those in hybrid or remote work environments.

Q: Is it okay to eat lunch while wearing my headphones? A: While you can, it’s a good practice to take your headphones off during meals. This helps prevent food debris and oils from getting on the earcups and can give your ears a chance to rest.

Q: Will constant use wear down the ANC feature? A: No, the ANC technology itself does not “wear out” with use. However, a headphone’s overall performance can decline due to a buildup of dirt on the microphones or physical damage to the earcups, which is why regular maintenance is so important.

Q: How often should I charge my headphones? A: For optimal battery health, it’s best to avoid letting the battery completely drain to 0% or leaving it plugged in at 100% for extended periods. A good practice is to charge them when the battery gets low (around 20-30%) and unplug them once they reach around 80-90% charge.

Maintenance and Care Tips

• Clean Earcups and Headband Regularly: Your headphones come into direct contact with your skin, hair, and even makeup or skin products. This can lead to a buildup of oils and debris that can degrade the material of the earpads over time. For best results, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the earcups, headband, and any other surfaces after each use. For a deeper clean, you can lightly dampen the cloth with a bit of water and a mild, diluted soap, but always make sure the headphones are powered off and the cloth is not dripping wet. This simple headphone cleaning routine is crucial for long-term durability.
• Store in Case When Not in Use: Leaving your headphones on your desk or tossing them into a bag can expose them to dust, debris, and accidental damage. Most high-end noise cancelling gear comes with a protective case for a reason. Always store your headphones in their case to protect them from physical damage and keep the charging contacts clean.
• Update Firmware for Improved ANC and Call Features: Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to improve their headphones’ performance. These updates often include important bug fixes, enhancements to the ANC algorithms, better microphone performance, and improvements to Bluetooth multipoint connectivity. Make a habit of connecting your headphones to their companion app and checking for firmware updates. Keeping your headphones up-to-date ensures you get the best possible performance for your work.

Conclusion

In an age where distractions are a constant threat to our focus, ANC headphones have become one of the most essential workplace productivity tools. They provide a much-needed sanctuary of quiet, allowing you to concentrate on complex tasks, participate in crystal-clear meetings, and maintain a sense of calm throughout your workday.

For professionals seeking the ultimate performance, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH 1000XM5 stand out as the premium picks, offering industry-leading noise cancellation and a suite of smart features.

If your job relies on frequent calls, the Jabra Evolve2 75 is the best mid-range option, specifically designed to handle the rigors of a hybrid work environment.

Finally, for those on a budget who need reliable functionality without a hefty price tag, the Anker Soundcore Space One is a solid entry-level choice.

No matter your profession or workplace, a quality pair of office headphones can transform your work life for the better.

They don’t just block out noise; they empower you to take control of your environment and maximize your potential.