The 13 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Work in 2024

Active noise canceling headphones are essential for blocking out distractions and enhancing focus while working from home.

The right pair of noise-canceling wireless headphones offer immersive capacity for your work, regardless of the level of background noise in your home office environment.

We tested and rated the most recent wireless headphones, including the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, to discover the 13 best headphones for work that will boost your productivity when working from home in 2023.

Our Rating Methodology for headset

We rated each pair of headphones, comparing how well headphones work across six key criteria to determine the best headset overall and in specific categories:

• Active Noise Cancelation for the Best Wireless Headphones: How effectively the headphones block ambient sound across the frequency spectrum
• Comfort: The ergonomics, weight balance, and materials that affect long-term wear
• Sound Quality: Frequency response, clarity, imaging, and detail across lows, mids, and highs
• Features: Included extras like adjustable ANC, transparency mode, device pairing, etc.
• Battery Life: Hours of use from a single charge
• Value: The quality relative to the asking price

We assigned the most weight to active noise cancellation in noise canceling wireless headphones, comfort, and sound quality in our overall rating of the best headphones. Read on for headphones sound reviews of the top 13 noise cancellation wireless headphones and our analysis of how each is especially suited for work from home.

List of Best noise-cancelling Headphones for work

The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a perfect balance of elite noise cancellation, long-lasting comfort, customizable sound, and useful features.

The noise cancellation utilizes a QN1 HD noise-canceling processor and dual noise sensor technology to block even loud chatter and keyboard clicks with ease while working.

The sound quality emphasizes clarity across lows, mids, and highs thanks to 40mm drivers and LDAC codec support. You get beautifully balanced audio with the ability to tweak the sound profile to your preferences via the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Other handy features include quick attention mode to instantly hear ambient sounds, speak-to-chat, which pauses playback when the headphones detect speech, wearing detection, and multi-device connectivity.

At 30 hours per charge, you can trust them to last long work days before needing to recharge.

If you want one pair of over-ear headphones that excels at all of the most important aspects of productivity, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the top choice for 2023 and beyond.

The combination of virtuoso noise cancellation, customizable sound, unmatched comfort, and smart features creates the ideal work headphones.

Optimized for vocal clarity, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is the top choice if you frequently take calls while working. The noise-canceling system uses a total of six microphones to hone in on human speech over ambient noise for both input and output audio.

The sound quality is crisp, balanced, and articulate. While it lacks some bass impact compared to others on this list, the clear mids and smooth highs allow podcasts, audiobooks, and video calls to shine. Support for AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs provides reliable device connectivity as well.

The bose headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear. Simple on-ear controls handle the basics like volume, playback, noise-canceling level, and transparency mode. At 24 hours, the battery life is sufficient for busy work weeks between charges.

If your top priorities are noise-free calls and voice clarity above all else, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is the best choice for 2023. It offers premium comfort and elite noise cancellation optimized for vocal intelligibility.

As the best noise-canceling headphones under $150, the Anker Soundcore Q35 punches well above its weight. The hybrid dual-noise cancellation system using feedforward and feedback mics quiets ambient sounds very effectively for the price.

The 40mm drivers produce pleasingly balanced and energetic sound across the frequency spectrum—articulate mids, controlled bass, and smooth treble. Support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs provides high-quality streaming from any device.

In terms of design and functionality, they check all of the boxes for productivity-focused headphones at an affordable cost. You get multi-mode noise canceling, transparency mode for situational awareness,

customizable EQ, wearing detection, fast charging, and an astounding 40 hours of battery life per charge. The comfortable memory foam earpads and headband make long listening sessions fatigue-free.

For shoppers on a budget, it simply doesn’t get better than the feature-packed Anker Soundcore Q35 in 2023 for enhancing focus while working in noisy environments. The combination of great noise-canceling performance, long battery life, and balanced sound quality is unmatched at this price point.

Apple’s premium over-ear headphones feature stellar noise-canceling capabilities and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem. The H1 chip enables hands-free “Hey Siri” access to Apple’s voice assistant for controlling music, getting information, or sending messages without touching your iPhone or iPad.

The spatial audio support and dynamic head tracking create an incredibly immersive listening experience as well. The sound quality is punchy, relatively balanced between lows, mids, and highs, and it sounds great with Apple Music lossless streaming.

The design screams comfort; the memory foam ear cushions and knit mesh canopy distribute weight perfectly for all-day wear. The smart case provides battery preservation when not in use, while the Digital Crown offers convenient audio playback control.

If you solely use Apple devices, the seamless connectivity, spatial audio support, and Siri access of the AirPods Max make them a productivity powerhouse. The excellent noise cancellation and supreme long-term comfort cement them as a top choice for Apple loyalists in 2023.

With an incredible 41 hours of playback on a single charge, the Jabra Elite 85h has the longest battery life on the market in 2023. The noise cancellation uses SmartSound analysis to automatically adapt the level of ANC needed for your environment across 8 microphones.

The audio output delivers punchy bass, clear vocals in the mid-range, and detailed treble thanks to 40mm custom-engineered speakers. You get full audio customization within the Jabra Sound+ app, as well as the ability to dial in your preferred sound signature. Audiophiles will appreciate support for SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs too.

While the plastic construction doesn’t feel quite as premium or comfortable for long sessions as others on this list, it helps the Elite 85h stay lightweight for its size. Rain resistance makes them suitable for wearing in any environment as well.

If you want ANC headphones that can work as hard as you do while minimizing charging time, the Jabra Elite 85h is easily the top choice for all-day battery life in 2023. With nearly two days of use from a single charge, you might even forget when you last topped up.

With luxurious materials, construction, and 43mm drivers, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 delivers a sublime listening experience ideal for critical music enjoyment while working. The large drivers produce highly detailed treble with a gorgeous mid-range body and impactful yet nuanced bass.

Bluetooth support includes AAC, SBC, and aptX Adaptive for lag- and interruption-free streaming up to 24-bit depth. The noise cancellation relies on hybrid feedback/feed-forward mics for the adaptive lagmode knob on the headset for easy switching, while the auto-pause functionality prevents music from bleeding out.

Beyond pristine fidelity, the carbon fiber and leather build looks and feels ultra-premium while remaining comfortable for long work blocks. At $400 MSRP, the PX7 is certainly an investment, but one that pays off with an unrivaled listening experience if sound performance is king.

For sound quality purists without a budget, the sublime sonic ability, premium design, and great noise cancellation of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 make them a no-compromise option in 2023. No other headphone matches their reference-class audio reproduction and luxurious wearing experience.

As studio monitoring headphones, the Shure AONIC 50 sacrifices some noise-canceling effectiveness and battery life for pure reference sound. The 50mm drivers aim for the most accurate replication of audio mixes with incredible detail across the frequency curve.

Lows dig very deep with tight control, mids capture subtle textures beautifully, and highs shimmer with pristine clarity, never crossing into harsh or tinny territory. You get true-to-source replication of all instrumentation out of the box with a fully transparent signal path.

Besides sound, they offer excellent wearing comfort courtesy of lightweight steel and aluminum construction with plush earpads and headbands. The package includes all accessories needed for studio use, like a 1/4” adapter, an external inline mic for calls, and a rugged carrying case.

If sound accuracy overrides noise cancellation potency or battery longevity for your work, the Shure AONIC 50 provides unmatched audio fidelity at a reasonable cost. Their clear, honest, and fatigue-free sound makes them the top studio reference cans for 2023.

While they lack premium materials of the original model, the Surface Headphones 2 from Microsoft still excel for switching between music and calls while working. 13 levels of adjustable noise cancellation allow you to filter just the right amount of ambient noise.

The sound output proves extremely well-balanced for clear voice calls with articulate mid-range and smooth highs. Surface Headphones 2 work beautifully for Teams meetings, Zoom calls or taking mobile calls while blocking out background chatter. Unique dials on each earcup make volume and noise cancellation changes seamless.

You also get intuitive on-ear gesture controls, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, wear detection and up to 18.5 hours of use before needing to recharge. At $250 MSRP, they deliver better productivity-focused functionality than most devices costing much more.

For managing distractions and communicating clearly throughout busy workdays, the Surface Headphones 2 offers tremendous flexibility and value. The combination of stellar noise cancellation control and vocal-focused sound makes them our favorite for calls in 2023.

Beyond performance, aesthetics matter too. That’s where the gorgeous retro rocker style of the Marshall Monitor II ANC headphones deliver inspiration. The brass accents, vinyl leather, chunky frame with foldable swiveling earcups oozes iconic style perfect for creatives.

Of course, Marshall also nails the sound – proprietary custom tuned 40mm drivers provide impactful bass, natural mids and articulate treble reproduction optimized for rock/pop genres. Simple on-ear controls handle playback and volume adjustment with multi-directional knob for incremental changes.

The active noise cancellation relies on feed-forward/feedback dual mics does a decent job blocking ambient noise and 30 hours of battery life gives you over a full work week of use between charges. At $320 MSRP, they lack some premium features but supply an unmatched design aesthetic.

For workers who want bold throwback style along with great sound, no headphones capture attention like the Marshall Monitor II ANC in 2023. They inspire creativity and allow you to express your personal flair while enjoying quality audio performance.

With luxurious materials like genuine leather and metal throughout their construction, the Momentum 4 feel like they’ll last forever.

From the stainless steel headband to the memory  foam ear cushions, every component of these headphones is built to stand the test of time.

The genuine leather used for the headband and ear cushions not only adds a touch of elegance, but also ensures long-lasting durability. The leather is soft to the touch and molds to the shape of your head for a comfortable and secure fit.

In addition, the stainless steel headband is not only sleek and stylish, but also incredibly robust. It can withstand daily wear and tear without showing any signs of damage, ensuring that these headphones will continue to look and perform like new for years to come.

The metal construction also extends to the precision-machined ear cups, adding an extra layer of durability and strength. These headphones are built to withstand the rigors of everyday use, making them a reliable and long-lasting investment for any audio enthusiast.

Overall, the luxurious materials used in the construction of the Momentum 4 headphones not only elevate their aesthetic appeal, but also guarantee a lifetime of high-quality performance. These headphones are not just an accessory, but a timeless piece of audio technology that you can enjoy for years to come. 

As the best noise cancelling earbuds on the market, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds allow you to immerse in work anywhere. The breakthrough earbud design provides the world-class noise cancellation Bose is known for in a lightweight, portable form factor.

The sound quality emphasizes clarity with tight bass, articulate midrange, and detailed treble perfect for podcasts, audiobooks and video calls. Volume optimized Active EQ keeps music balanced at any listening level too. IPX4 water resistance rating lets you wear them worry-free.

Handy features include transparency mode to let ambient sound pass through clearly and “Find My Buds” location tracking via the Bose Music app. At around 6 hours battery per charge and 18 extra via the charging case, you get ample portable playtime as well between top-ups.

For unrivaled noise cancelling ability in a tiny yet powerful package, look no further than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for enhancing focus anywhere outside your home or office.

At less than $150, no over-ear headphones match the comfort, sound quality and noise cancellation performance of the AKG N700NC. Large 50mm transducers produce satisfying bass depth, articulate midrange and smooth extended highs.

The active noise cancellation relies on 4 microphones to block ambient distractions effectively at louder volumes. You also get an ambient aware feature to let surrounding sound in when desired along with support for AAC/SBC codecs.

Where they really shine for the money lies in sublime wearing comfort courtesy of memory foam earpads and a lightweight self-adjusting headband suitable for everyone. At 20 hours per charge, the N700NC provides versatility for long days of portable use too.

If your budget sits around $150 and you want over-ear noise cancelling headphones that can stand toe-to-toe with models double the cost for comfort, sound and ANC ability, the AKG N700NC remains unbeaten in 2023.

The sub-$100 Cleer Goal True Wireless earbuds prove you no longer need to pay premium prices for excellent comfort, sound and functionality. This tiny pair offers surprising bass depth and smooth mids/highs courtesy of Graphene drivers.

While they lack active noise cancellation features, the ergonomic bud shape blocks noise passively very well and stays secure during activity and exercise. Onboard controls handle playback and volume easily without touch sensitivity issues.

You get over 7 hours per charge and 28 extra via the USB-C charging case between top ups. For affordable dependability throughout lengthy workdays, the complete package of great comfort, audio quality and ultra-low cost makes the Cleer Goals hard to beat.

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bose QuietComfort 45:

While both deliver excellent noise cancellation, Sony edges out Bose for battery life, more modern features and richer sound quality. But Bose has a slight edge for vocal clarity on calls and comfort over many hours.

Apple AirPods Max vs Surface Headphones 2:

Apple wins on premium materials and integration with Apple devices. But Surface supplies superior value with more ANC levels, better battery life and voice-focused sound, making them better for extended calls.

Jabra Elite 85h vs Anker Soundcore Q35:

Jabra dominates battery life while Anker supplies better comfort and noise cancelling at a much lower cost. But both prove you can get strong productivity-focused performance without spending premium prices.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 vs Shure AONIC 50:

The PX7 brings luxurious materials, gorgeous sound and stronger ANC while the Shure AONIC 50 sacrifices some features to provide pure reference sound quality for studio work. Pick based on your exact needs.

Final Thoughts

The best noise cancelling headphones for improving focus and productivity ultimately come down to your most important factors – sound quality priorities, budget, preferred form factor, device ecosystem and communication requirements.

For the best all-around package of battery life, wearing comfort, standout features and great noise cancellation across a variety of use cases, the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ears remain tough to beat.

Apple loyalists who desire seamless device connectivity should gravitate towards the AirPods Max. Call-centric users wanting unmatched vocal clarity and intelligibility will love the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 or Bose QuietComfort 45.

Travelers needing supreme noise isolation in a portable form factor can’t do better than the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds while audio purists wanting reference-level sound accuracy out of the box will prefer the Shure AONIC 50 for critical listening applications like studio work.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones releasing later this year as well, which promise to raise the bar for noise cancellation and audio fidelity in an over-ear form factor.

Choosing the best set of noise-cancelling headphones for enhancing productivity ultimately comes down to your intended usage scenarios, must-have features and budget flexibility. But no matter your exact needs, this guide narrows down the top-performing models available in 2023 to match your work style.

FAQs

Q: How is the noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones?

A: The Sony WH-1000XM4 have industry-leading noise cancellation abilities powered by a dedicated HD noise cancelling processor QN1. They block even loud ambient sounds like aircraft engines extremely well across the whole frequency range.

Q: Do the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones work for calls?

A: Yes, the QuietComfort 45 has a total of 6 microphones strategically placed to pick up your voice clearly on calls while blocking background noise for superior vocal clarity during calls and video meetings.

Q: What makes the Anker Soundcore Q35 good budget noise cancelling headphones?

A: The Anker Soundcore Q35 punch well above their $100 price tag, with very capable hybrid noise cancellation, 40+ hour battery life, LDAC support for hi-res streaming, customizable sound via app and comfortable memory foam earpads.

Q: Do the Apple AirPods Max work with non-Apple devices?

A: Yes, the AirPods Max are compatible with non-Apple devices via Bluetooth connectivity. However, you lose out on deeper functionality like hands-free Siri access, spatial audio, and integration with iCloud/iDevice ecosystems when used with Android or Windows devices.

Q: What is the battery life on the Jabra Elite 85h?

A: The Jabra Elite 85h have a class-leading battery life, lasting an incredible 41 hours of playback per charge. This is significantly longer than comparable ANC headphones on the market.

Q: What makes the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones stand out for sound quality?

A: The PX7 uses specially-tuned 43mm drivers and optimized components like capacitors and cables to deliver superb resolution and audio precision across the frequency curve. They are tuned for a more natural, lifelike representation of audio.

Q: How comfortable are the Shure AONIC 50 headphones?

A: The AONIC 50 features a lightweight stainless steel and aluminum design with plush leatherette memory foam earpads that are designed for long wearing sessions. Many reviewers praise their comfort for all-day use without fatigue.

Q: Do the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 pair with iOS/Mac devices?

A: Yes, the Surface Headphones 2 work very well with iOS/Mac devices in addition to Windows machines. Their Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless pairing and streaming from any Bluetooth audio source.

Q: What gives the Marshall Monitor II headphones their iconic look?

A: The Marshall Monitor II feature design callbacks to classic Marshall guitar amplifiers like vinyl leather, a textured gold Marshall logo, and brass accents on the earcups. This gives them a very rock-inspired aesthetic.

Q: How long does the Sennheiser Momentum 4 battery last?

A: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 boast a 20 hour battery life per charge. This allows you to listen all day with ANC enabled. You can also use them passively if the battery dies, just without noise cancellation active.