Do you find it hard to concentrate in a noisy office? You’re not alone. Office noise is one of the top ten complaints of most white collar workers.
Maybe you’ve got an office mansplainer or a chatty Cathy who doesn’t understand that you’ve got deadlines. Are your in-cubicle lunches interrupted by your neighbor who has too one too many dad jokes? If so, you need to invest in a pair of work headphones.
Noise-canceling headphones are perfect for concentration, conference call clarity, and your personal time. Picking up a pair might be your path to office bliss.
Read on for the top headphones to help you get some peace and quiet in the workplace.
Bose QuietComfort 35
The experts over at headphonesaddict.com or headphonesaholic.com rank this noise-canceling headset by Bose as their number one pick. Complete with a microphone and Bluetooth technology, you’ll never have to take them off to walk around the office or answer a call.
Comfortable plush ear cups with a sleek black design means these are suitable for wear for their entire 16-hour battery life. Upgrade to the 35 II model and you’ll get the benefit of a direct link to your Google Assistant, too!
One benefit of headset headphones is that no one needs to know if you’re on a call or not. Have a particularly persistent coworker who doesn’t get the clue that his drinking stories are not suitable office banter? Say a few words into your built-in microphone every so often and he’ll keep his tales to himself.
Phillips Fidelio X2
If you love listening to music while you work, you can’t beat the sound clarity of the Fidelio X2. These reasonably priced headphones outclass those twice the price.
These are the pair you can take home after a long workday to enjoy theater-quality sound for recording or gaming. The comfort level gets top marks as well, boasting cushioning earpads and a soft hammock to keep your head cradled in comfort.
Sony WH-1000XM3
These sleek, comfy, active noise-canceling headphones are a lower-profile option than some of the bulkier models on the list. Sony upped the game with the option for a USB-C charger, which powers your headphones up lightning fast.
Forget to charge them overnight? No worries. A quick ten-minute charge can give you five hours of power. Couple that with an impressive 30-hour lifespan on a full charge, and you’ll be wearing these on your commute and all day around the office.
These headphones have a built-in mic with upgraded multi-microphone array technology that makes conference calls clear as a bell. Sony developed strong filtering systems that clears background noise better than any of their other models.
Bose QuietComfort 20
If you’re looking for less noise and a lightweight profile, you’ll love the power of Bose noise-canceling in this compact earbud package which is also recommended by headphonesaholic.com
The design of these earbuds nestles against the outside of the ear, so you don’t get the dreaded cochlear ache from hours of earbud wear. You’d think such a design choice would be less effective at filtering out noise, yet the QuietComfort 20s consistently ranks as the best noise-proof headphones of their class.
Bose QuietControl 30
It shouldn’t be a surprise to see another Bose product on the list. As the big name in noise-canceling tech, they have endless options depending on your listening needs.
If you want a neckband-style headset that’s Bluetooth-capable, Bose has you covered. The QuietControl 30 comes standard with moderate noise control. Their lightweight design makes them perfect for the office or the gym.
While not as powerful as some of their full-headset styles, these headphones are a prize for those who crave barely-there earwear.
Microsoft Surface Headphones
If you’re bffs with Cortana, you’ll be able to talk to her anytime via these Microsoft headphones. Comfortable and compact, these come equipped with quality noise control and speedy USB-C charging.
Each ear cup has an integrated dial that allows you to adjust phone call volume and noise-canceling power. Touch controls offer one-finger pause, phone-pickup, track skipping, and other intuitive features.
An extra-cool feature is that removing these headphones will pause the audio on whatever you are listening to. If your dreaded chatty Cathy does manage to drag you away from that Welcome to Night Vale podcast, at least you won’t miss a beat.
Beats Studio3
Beats has a reputation in sound, and the Studio3 upgrade has them earning it in spades. This generation of Beats serves up a huge boost in power and performance.
Don’t let their unchanged appearance fool you. New Apple integration makes pairing with your iPhone a breeze, and the ear pads are more comfortable than ever.
Studio3 offers improved noise-cancellation, sound quality, and battery life. If you’re a Beats fan, you’ll love the fine-tuned sound balance and Fast Fuel charging that gives you 3 hours of play in only 10 minutes of charge time.
Save Your Sanity With Work Headphones
Don’t let the quality of your work suffer. Find your zen in your favorite album or podcast with a quality set of work headphones.
No matter which model you choose, go for features that suit your office style. Focus on noise-canceling, headset capabilities, and long battery life. If you’re on the go in the office, a wireless Bluetooth model will keep you untethered and hands-free.
Many models play best with certain phone providers. Beats offers Apple integration, while the Microsoft Surfaces respond immediately to “Hey, Cortana!” Choosing a set that compliments your current tech can streamline your work process and integrate well with your existing technology.
Want more ideas for the perfect workplace tech? Check out our guide on choosing the perfect computer for your office.
