5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Work in 2025

It’s a fact of modern professional life: noise is the number one enemy of focus. Whether you’re trying to concentrate in a bustling open-plan office, manage distractions from a busy household while working from home, or simply find peace on a crowded daily commute, the constant barrage of sound can chip away at your concentration and, ultimately, your productivity.

The struggles are universal. In an open office, a colleague’s loud phone call or an impromptu meeting at a nearby desk can instantly derail your train of thought. At home, the sounds of children playing, a neighbor’s lawnmower, or a delivery at the door are all common culprits that break your flow. On the go, the drone of a bus or the clamor of a train station makes catching up on emails nearly impossible.

But what if you could create your own private workspace, a zone of quiet and concentration, with the flick of a switch?

That’s the promise of a great pair of noise-canceling headphones. We’ve tested the top models on the market to review the best headphones that are more than just a tool for listening to music. They are an essential piece of professional equipment, designed to combine superior comfort, unparalleled noise cancellation, and essential work features to help you reclaim your focus and boost your productivity.

Product Reviews – Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Work

 

Here are detailed reviews of the top noise-canceling headphones for professional use, evaluated based on their performance in various work environments.

 

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

 

• Intro: The Sony WH-1000XM5 is widely regarded as the industry leader in noise cancellation. Known for its best-in-class noise-cancellation technology and exceptional audio quality, it’s a top seller on platforms like Amazon and a favorite among serious audiophiles and professionals alike.
• Specifications:
  • Noise Cancellation: Utilizes two processors and eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is second to none. It adapts to your environment automatically, neutralizing a wider range of high and low-frequency sounds than its competitors.
  • Comfort: Features a lightweight design with a new, softer synthetic leather headband and earcups. The earcups are slightly larger, offering a spacious fit for long hours of wear.
  • Microphone: Four beamforming microphones with AI-based noise reduction ensure your voice is crystal clear on calls, even in noisy surroundings.
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on, and a quick-charge feature that gives you 3 hours of use from just 3 minutes of charging.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Multipoint allows seamless switching between two devices.
• My Work Experience: The moment you put these on, the world fades away. In an open office, I was able to block out conversations from neighboring desks and the hum of the air conditioning, allowing me to enter a state of deep work. During a video conference from a crowded coffee shop, my colleagues noted that my voice was exceptionally clear, with almost zero background noise coming through. The comfort is truly outstanding, making them easy to wear for an entire 8-hour workday.
• Pros:
  • Unparalleled noise cancellation and superior audio quality.
  • Excellent microphone for calls and meetings.
  • Very long battery life with an impressive quick-charge feature.
  • Highly comfortable for long-term use.
• Cons:
  • Premium price point.
  • The new design is not foldable like its predecessors, which can be less convenient for some commuters.
• Best For: Commuters, creative professionals, and anyone who requires the absolute best noise cancellation and audio quality for uninterrupted focus.

 

2. Bose 700

 

• Intro: The Bose 700 is celebrated for its elegant design and sophisticated, adjustable noise cancellation. It’s often praised for its sleek look and an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, making it a favorite for professionals who value both style and function.
• Specifications:
  • Noise Cancellation: Adjustable ANC with 11 different levels, allowing you to fine-tune the noise-cancellation from full isolation to a completely transparent mode.
  • Comfort: Features an ergonomic, stainless-steel headband and angled earcups that provide a comfortable and secure fit.
  • Microphone: An eight-microphone system provides unmatched voice pickup for calls, isolating your voice from background noise better than almost any other headphone on the market.
  • Battery Life: Up to 20 hours on a single charge.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to two devices at once.
• My Work Experience: The adjustable ANC is a unique and highly useful feature. I could set it to a low level to stay aware of my surroundings in the office, then crank it up to maximum on a noisy bus ride home. The microphone quality is simply phenomenal; my voice came through with remarkable clarity and professionalism during every call, even with a lot of ambient noise around me. The touch-sensitive controls on the earcup are very intuitive and easy to use.
• Pros:
  • Best-in-class microphone for voice calls.
  • Fully adjustable ANC for personalized noise control.
  • Sleek, modern, and professional design.
  • Excellent app integration and user experience.
• Cons:
  • Shorter battery life compared to some competitors.
  • The earcups are slightly smaller than the Sony WH-1000XM5.
• Best For: Professionals who make frequent calls, remote workers, and anyone who needs a headphone with a fantastic microphone and fine-tuned noise cancellation.

 

3. Apple AirPods Max

 

• Intro: A premium offering from Apple, the AirPods Max are lauded for their striking design, seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, and exceptional audio fidelity. They are a top choice for those who are already invested in Apple’s products.
• Specifications:
  • Noise Cancellation: Powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that rivals the best on the market, using six outward-facing and two inward-facing microphones to combat noise.
  • Comfort: Features a unique knit mesh canopy and a stainless steel frame that evenly distributes weight. The memory foam ear cushions are comfortable for all-day use.
  • Microphone: Nine microphones are used for calls, effectively isolating your voice.
  • Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio on.
  • Connectivity: Seamless and instant pairing with Apple devices (iCloud-synced).
• My Work Experience: The seamless integration with my MacBook and iPhone was a huge selling point. The moment I opened the case, they were ready to go. The ANC is highly effective and creates a truly silent environment for deep focus. The sound quality is studio-grade, which is a major plus for creative professionals like editors or musicians. However, they are quite heavy compared to other models, and while comfortable for a few hours, the weight can become noticeable during an entire workday.
• Pros:
  • Flawless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
  • Best-in-class audio quality for music and media.
  • Powerful ANC and excellent Transparency Mode.
  • Unique, high-end design.
• Cons:
  • Very heavy compared to competitors.
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack (requires a separate adapter).
  • Very high price point.
  • Limited functionality with Android and Windows devices.
• Best For: Apple users, creative professionals, and those who prioritize high-fidelity audio and seamless cross-device functionality.

 

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

 

• Intro: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is the dark horse of the category, offering incredible battery life and superb sound quality in a refined, minimalist design. It’s a fantastic alternative to the more mainstream Sony and Bose models.
• Specifications:
  • Noise Cancellation: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that adjusts to your surroundings.
  • Comfort: Features a new design with deep, plush earcups and a padded headband, making them exceptionally comfortable for long hours.
  • Microphone: Two microphones per earcup for voice pickup.
  • Battery Life: An outstanding 60 hours with ANC on, far exceeding the competition.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Multipoint.
• My Work Experience: The battery life is a game-changer. I used these for a full work week (8+ hours a day) and didn’t have to charge them once. The sound quality is what Sennheiser is known for—it’s rich, detailed, and balanced, perfect for both work and unwinding with music. The ANC is strong and reliable, and the overall fit is one of the most comfortable for all-day wear. The design is sleek and understated, making it perfect for a professional setting.
• Pros:
  • Unbeatable 60-hour battery life.
  • Exceptional sound quality for both calls and music.
  • Very comfortable design for long-term use.
  • More affordable than some of its main competitors.
• Cons:
  • The microphone quality is good but not as stellar as the Bose 700.
  • The controls can be a bit tricky to master at first.
• Best For: Professionals who need a headphone with a marathon battery life, people who hate constantly charging their devices, and audio purists who want exceptional sound quality.

 

5. Jabra Evolve2 85

 

• Intro: The Jabra Evolve2 85 is not just a headphone; it’s a dedicated professional headset designed from the ground up for the modern office. It’s certified for use with Microsoft Teams and other unified communication platforms.
• Specifications:
  • Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with a digital hybrid system.
  • Comfort: Ergonomic design with soft, oval earcups and a cushioned headband.
  • Microphone: A powerful 10-microphone system, with a retractable boom arm for superior voice clarity and a “busylight” feature.
  • Battery Life: Up to 37 hours.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Multipoint, and it comes with a USB-A or USB-C dongle for a dedicated, stable connection.
• My Work Experience: This is the best headset I have ever used for pure professional communication. The microphone with its boom arm delivered unmatched voice quality, making me sound like I was in a professional recording studio during every single call. The “busylight” is a fantastic feature in an open office, as it lights up red to signal to colleagues that you are on a call. The ANC is very strong, easily blocking out a full office environment.
• Pros:
  • Unbeatable microphone for professional calls.
  • “Busylight” feature to signal availability.
  • Certified for major communication platforms (Teams, Zoom).
  • Excellent battery life.
• Cons:
  • Less portable than other models due to the boom mic.
  • The design is more functional than stylish.
  • Higher price point.
• Best For: Hybrid workers, professionals who spend a lot of time on video conferences and calls, and anyone who needs a dedicated, certified business headset.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Work Headphones

Choosing the right pair of headphones for work is a strategic decision that can have a significant impact on your daily productivity and comfort. It’s about finding the perfect blend of technical performance and practical features. Here’s a detailed guide to what to look for when shopping for your next professional audio gear.

1. Noise-Cancelling Type: Active vs. Passive

 

This is the most critical feature to consider for a work environment.

• Passive Noise Isolation: This is the basic form of noise reduction, achieved through the physical design of the headphones. It relies on the earcups and padding to create a tight seal around your ears, acting as a physical barrier to block out sound. It’s effective at muffling higher-frequency sounds, such as conversations or typing, but does very little to block out low, persistent background noise like the hum of an air conditioner or airplane engine.
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This is the gold standard for a professional setting. ANC technology uses built-in microphones to detect ambient noise and then creates an inverse sound wave to “cancel it out.” This is incredibly effective for silencing low-frequency, monotonous sounds that are most distracting in an office or on a commute. For true focus and a quiet workspace, a headphone with powerful ANC is a must-have.

2. Comfort: A Must for All-Day Use

 

You’ll be wearing these headphones for hours on end, so comfort is non-negotiable.

• Lightweight Design: A heavy pair of headphones can cause neck strain and discomfort over time. Look for models that are designed with lightweight materials, especially in the headband and earcups.
• Cushioned Ear Pads: The material and padding of the earcups make a huge difference. Memory foam or soft leatherette pads provide a comfortable, breathable fit that won’t cause your ears to sweat or feel pinched.
• Adjustable Headband: The headband should be easily adjustable to fit different head sizes and shapes. A good design will distribute pressure evenly to avoid creating “hot spots” on the top of your head.

3. Microphone Quality: Your Professional Voice

 

A headphone for work needs to be more than just a listening device—it’s your primary tool for communication.

• Clear Voice Pickup: The microphone should be optimized to pick up your voice clearly while simultaneously reducing background noise. Top-tier models use multiple microphones and advanced algorithms to isolate your speech, ensuring you sound professional and clear on calls, whether you’re in a busy office or a noisy coffee shop.
• Ideal for Communication Apps: Ensure the headphone’s microphone is compatible and performs well with common communication platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Meet. Some models are even certified for these apps.

4. Battery Life: The Power to Last the Workday

 

The last thing you want is for your headphones to die in the middle of an important call.

• Long-Lasting Performance: Look for headphones that offer a minimum of 20 hours of battery life with ANC on. This should be enough to get you through a full workday and your commute.
• Quick Charge Capability: A useful feature for those who forget to charge their devices. Quick charging can provide several hours of listening time from just a 10-15 minute charge, which can be a lifesaver.

5. Connectivity: Seamless and Stable

 

In a professional setting, connectivity issues can be frustrating and costly.

• Bluetooth Multipoint: This is a crucial feature for anyone who works across multiple devices. Bluetooth multipoint allows the headphones to be simultaneously connected to two devices (e.g., your laptop and your smartphone) and switch between them seamlessly. This means you can be listening to music on your laptop and instantly take a call from your phone without manually reconnecting.
• Wired Options: While wireless is convenient, a wired option is a great backup for situations where Bluetooth isn’t available or when the battery dies.

6. Extra Features: The “Nice-to-Haves” That Add Value

 

These features can enhance your overall experience.

• Transparency Mode: Also known as “ambient sound mode,” this feature uses the built-in microphones to let in and amplify external sounds. This is perfect for when you need to quickly hear a colleague, an announcement at the airport, or stay aware of your surroundings without having to take your headphones off.
• Smart Assistants: Integration with smart assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can allow for hands-free control, which is great for managing your schedule or making quick calls without touching your phone.
• Foldable Design: A compact, foldable design makes the headphones easy to store and transport in a bag, protecting them from damage and saving space.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find a pair of work headphones that not only provides an escape from a noisy world but also becomes an essential part of your professional toolkit.

Why Noise-Cancelling Headphones Matter for Work

 

A great pair of noise-canceling headphones isn’t just an accessory; it’s a strategic investment in your professional performance and well-being. By actively and passively blocking out the world around you, they create an environment where you can work more effectively, regardless of your location.

1. Productivity Boost: Blocking Distractions for Better Work Output

Noise is a major drain on cognitive resources. When you’re constantly trying to filter out distracting sounds—like office chatter, the whir of a server, or a television in the background—your brain has less energy for the task at hand. This leads to reduced efficiency and lower quality work. Noise-canceling headphones act as a powerful barrier against these distractions.

• Open Office Environments: In an open-plan office, noise-canceling headphones send a clear signal to colleagues that you are focused and do not wish to be disturbed. They allow you to tune out conversations and other ambient noise, creating a personal workspace that supports deep work.
• Remote Work from Home: For those working from home, these headphones are a lifeline. They muffle the sounds of daily life, from a dishwasher running to the doorbell ringing, allowing you to maintain a professional focus during video calls and important tasks.

2. Focus and Concentration: Enabling “Deep Work”

The concept of “deep work,” as popularized by author Cal Newport, refers to focused, uninterrupted work that pushes your cognitive abilities to their limit. This type of work is essential for producing high-quality output and acquiring new skills. Noise-canceling headphones are the perfect tool for enabling deep work sessions.

• Creating a Mental Bubble: By silencing external noise, these headphones create a psychological and physical “bubble” that allows your mind to fully immerse itself in a task. This helps you get into a state of flow, where hours can pass without you noticing.
• Reducing Task-Switching: Every time you are interrupted by noise, you are forced to switch your attention, which significantly reduces efficiency. Headphones with strong noise cancellation minimize these interruptions, allowing you to stay focused on one task until it is complete.

3. Health Benefits: Reducing Stress and Enhancing Well-being

Constant exposure to noise isn’t just annoying; it can be bad for your health. Studies have shown that a noisy work environment can increase stress levels and even elevate blood pressure. Noise-canceling headphones offer a simple solution to this problem.

• Decreased Stress: By creating a quieter environment, they help reduce the stress associated with noise pollution. This leads to a calmer, more productive workday.
• Preventing Auditory Fatigue: Listening to audio at high volumes to overcome background noise can lead to auditory fatigue and, over time, hearing damage. Noise-canceling technology eliminates the need to blast your music or podcasts, protecting your hearing in the long run.

4. Work Flexibility: A Tool for Any Environment

In today’s fluid work landscape, professionals are constantly moving between different locations—from the office to a coffee shop, and from a home office to a flight. Noise-canceling headphones are a tool that provides consistent performance in any setting.

• Seamless Transition: The ability to block out noise makes the transition between environments seamless. You can go from a bustling airport lounge to a quiet hotel room without missing a beat, ensuring you can be productive wherever you are.
• Multi-Functional Use: Modern noise-canceling headphones are designed for more than just music. Features like high-quality microphones, intuitive controls for calls, and long battery life make them perfect for video conferences, client calls, and remote collaboration.

In conclusion, the modern workplace is often synonymous with noise. Noise-canceling headphones are no longer a luxury—they are a necessity for anyone looking to optimize their performance, protect their well-being, and maintain a state of focused productivity in an increasingly noisy world.

5. Comparison Table

Driving with headphones on is a complex issue that combines legal regulations with significant safety concerns. The simple answer is that the legality varies dramatically depending on where you are. There is no single federal law in the United States that prohibits it; instead, the rules are set at the state level.

Legality Varies by State

 

In the United States, states generally fall into a few categories:

• States with a Complete Ban: A handful of states have laws that completely prohibit drivers from wearing any headphones or earbuds in or on both ears. This includes states like California, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Virginia, and Washington.
• States with Exceptions: Many states have laws that ban headphones but allow for exceptions. The most common exception is the use of a single earbud for hands-free phone calls. This allows the driver to keep one ear open to hear important environmental sounds. Some states also make exceptions for using a single earbud for navigation or for those who are deaf and using the device to improve their hearing.
• States with No Specific Law: A large number of states do not have a specific law on the books regarding headphone use while driving. While it may not be explicitly illegal, it can still be considered a form of distracted driving, which is a violation in all states. In the event of an accident, a driver wearing headphones could be found negligent and held liable.

It is crucial to check the specific laws of the state you are in, as these regulations are subject to change.

 

The Safety Risks

 

Regardless of the law, driving with headphones is widely considered to be a dangerous practice due to the following reasons:

• Impaired Auditory Awareness: Headphones block out critical sounds that drivers need to stay safe on the road. This includes the siren of an emergency vehicle, a horn from another car, the warning sounds of a train crossing, or even a police siren. A driver’s ability to react to these auditory cues is essential for avoiding accidents.
• Cognitive Distraction: Even if you are listening at a low volume or using a hands-free device, talking on the phone or listening to a podcast can create a cognitive distraction. Your brain is a limited resource, and if it’s focused on a conversation, it has less capacity to process visual information and react to the road. This can lead to what is known as “inattentional blindness,” where you may be looking at something on the road but not truly seeing it.
• Legal Liability: Even in states where it is technically legal to drive with headphones, their use can be used as evidence of negligence in the event of a crash. If an accident occurs and it is determined that your headphone use contributed to your inability to hear a warning or react in time, you could be held liable for damages and injuries.

The Best Practice

 

The safest and most recommended practice is to not use headphones at all while driving. Instead, rely on your car’s built-in sound system or Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to listen to music or take hands-free calls through the car’s speakers, ensuring that both of your ears remain open to hear the sounds of your en

 

Are noise-cancelling headphones safe for all-day wear?

 

Yes, they are generally safe for all-day wear, especially when used correctly. The key benefit of noise-cancelling headphones is that they reduce the need to listen to audio at high volumes to overcome background noise. This protects your hearing from long-term damage caused by loud sounds. For all-day use, prioritize headphones with a lightweight design, cushioned ear pads, and an adjustable headband to prevent discomfort.

 

Can ANC headphones improve concentration?

 

Absolutely. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works by blocking out distracting ambient noise like office chatter, traffic, or the drone of an airplane engine. By creating a quiet environment, these headphones help you achieve a state of “deep work,” where you can focus on a single task without interruption. This minimizes the mental fatigue caused by constantly trying to filter out background noise, allowing you to be more productive and focused.

 

What’s better for work: over-ear or on-ear?

 

For professional use and extended wear, over-ear headphones are generally superior. They fully enclose your ears, providing better passive noise isolation and a more comfortable fit over long periods. This design prevents pressure points on your ears, which can be a common issue with on-ear models. Over-ear headphones also typically have more space for larger drivers, leading to better sound quality, and bigger batteries for longer use.

 

Do they work well for Zoom/Teams meetings?

 

Yes, modern noise-cancelling headphones are excellent for meetings. The best models are equipped with advanced microphone systems (some with multiple mics and AI processing) that are specifically designed to isolate your voice while simultaneously filtering out background noise. This ensures that your colleagues can hear you clearly and professionally, even if you are in a busy office, a noisy cafe, or a home with background distractions. Some professional headsets like the Jabra Evolve2 85 are even certified for use with major platforms like Microsoft Teams.

Do noise-cancelling headphones block voices?

This depends on the technology. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is most effective at blocking low-frequency, consistent sounds like the rumble of a bus or an air conditioner. It is less effective at blocking sudden, high-frequency sounds like sharp noises or human voices. However, the passive noise isolation from the headphone’s earcups does a good job of muffling speech. The combination of ANC and good passive isolation will significantly reduce the volume and clarity of voices, but it may not block them out entirely.

7. Conclusion

In the modern work landscape, the ability to focus is a competitive advantage. Noise-cancelling headphones have evolved from a travel gadget into an essential piece of professional gear that helps you reclaim your concentration and boost productivity. They are an investment in your well-being, providing a powerful shield against distractions that can derail your workflow and increase stress.

For the ultimate in peace and quiet, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands unmatched with its best-in-class ANC and premium features, making it the top choice for professionals and creative minds. If your work revolves around constant communication, the Bose 700 is the ideal partner, offering a sleek design and an industry-leading microphone. For those who prioritize a marathon battery life and superior comfort for long days, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is a standout option.

Ultimately, choosing the right pair of headphones is about finding a tool that supports your unique work style. Invest in a pair that keeps you safe, focused, and comfortable, so you can perform your best, wherever your work takes you.