Choosing The Best Noise Cancelling Headset with Mic for Working from Home

Working from home has changed how we meet, talk, and stay productive. But let's be real: when your dog’s barking, your neighbor is mowing the lawn, and your mic picks up every background noise—things get frustrating fast.

That’s why I created this guide—to help you find the best headset for working from home that actually works. Whether you're in customer service, on Zoom calls all day, or managing teams remotely, a noise cancelling headset can make a huge difference.

Why Noise Cancelling Headsets Are a Work-From-Home Essential

Let’s break it down:

• Background noise kills productivity: Research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that noise is the second largest environmental cause of health problems after air pollution, linked with issues ranging from sleep disturbance to poor concentration.
• Your voice matters: Clear communication isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential when working remotely.
• Fatigue is real: Poor audio leads to Zoom fatigue. A good headset reduces cognitive load.

According to a 2022 survey by Pew Research Center, 66% of U.S. workers whose jobs can be done remotely report frequently using online conferencing platforms like Zoom or Webex. Among these frequent users, approximately 26% express feeling worn out by the amount of time spent on video calls, indicating that video meeting fatigue is a significant concern among remote workers. If you’ve ever said “Sorry, can you repeat that?” ten times in a meeting, you know the pain.

Meet the Best Headset for Working from Home: Top 6 Options

After testing dozens, here are the headsets that consistently outperform in real-life home office setups. Each headset includes key features, pros, cons, and what it’s best suited for.

1. Nuroum HP31D — Best Noise Cancelling Headset with Mic for Working from Home on a Budget

Key Features:

• Dual noise-cancelling microphones
• Wired USB-C and USB-A connection
• Plug-and-play with any device
• Ultra-lightweight, adjustable headband

Pros:

• Fantastic ENC mic for under $100
• Instant compatibility with PCs and laptops
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Lacks volume controls on the cable (must adjust via device)

Best For: Call centers, support teams, hybrid workers needing a reliable, affordable tool.

2. Jabra Evolve2 65 — Premium Wireless Headset with Solid Mic Performance

Key Features:

• 3-microphone technology
• 37-hour battery life
• Dual-foam ear cushions
• Busy light for signaling call status

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Great comfort for extended use
• Clear audio for both calls and music

Cons:

• Expensive compared to budget models

Best For: Corporate pros who want a sleek look and powerful performance.

3. Logitech Zone Wired — Reliable Wired Option from a Trusted Brand

Key Features:

• Certified for Microsoft Teams
• Noise-cancelling mic
• Wired USB connection
• Inline controls

Pros:

• High build quality
• Plug-and-play simplicity
• Affordable

Cons:

• Lacks advanced ENC features

Best For: Office workers, teachers, and anyone who needs reliability on a budget.

4. Nuroum OpenEar Pro — The Most Comfortable Work-From-Home Headset

Key Features:

• Open-ear air conduction design
• AI Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC)
• Bluetooth 5.3, wireless
• 12-hour talk time
• Ultra-light build

Pros:

• No ear fatigue—great for long calls
• Hear your environment without losing focus
• Crystal-clear mic for professional calls

Cons:

• Battery life is shorter

Best For: Remote managers, presenters, or anyone who spends hours on calls but hates bulky headphones.

5. Sony WH-1000XM5 — Best Hybrid ANC/ENC Headphones for Audiophiles

Key Features:

• Industry-leading ANC
• Wireless with 30-hour battery
• Touch controls
• Multipoint connectivity

Pros:

• Unmatched noise cancellation for focus
• Excellent sound quality for music lovers
• Comfortable for long wear

Cons:

• Mic is not as strong as pro-level headsets

Best For: Hybrid users who split time between meetings and deep-focus work.

6. Plantronics Voyager Focus 2 — Great Balance of Call and Music Quality

Key Features:

• On-ear ANC
• Smart mute/unmute sensors
• 19-hour talk time
• Noise-cancelling boom mic

Pros:

• Smart sensors improve user experience
• Comfortable fit
• Professional audio quality

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than others

Best For: Professionals needing a balance between work and personal audio use.

Comparative Table of the Top 6 Headsets for Working from Home

Key Features to Look for in the Best Work from Home Headset

When comparing headsets, don't just go by brand or hype. Here’s what really matters:

1. Mic Quality

Noise-cancelling mics come in two types:

• Passive: Blocks noise by physical design (meh performance)
• Active ENC: Uses AI to cancel background noise (the good stuff)

2. Comfort for Long Hours

• Open-ear: Best if you don’t like pressure on your ears
• Over-ear: Great for immersive calls
• On-ear: Lightweight, but can pinch after a while

3. Connection Type

• Wireless (Bluetooth): Great for moving around your home office
• Wired (USB): More stable and budget-friendly

4. Battery Life

Wireless users, aim for at least 8–10 hours of talk time.

5. Device Compatibility

Make sure it works with:

• Zoom, Google Meet, Teams
• Windows/macOS
• Laptops, tablets, and smartphones

Why Noise Cancelling Microphones Matter for Remote Work

Ever had to mute yourself because of noise in the background? That’s where ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) steps in.

Here’s how ENC works:

• Detects and isolates your voice.
• Suppresses ambient noise in real time.
• Creates clearer, crisper conversations.

Whether it’s your dishwasher or your neighbor’s dog, ENC helps you sound professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What’s the difference between ANC and ENC?

• ANC: Active Noise Cancellation (for you, the listener)
• ENC: Environmental Noise Cancellation (for them, the people hearing you)

Both are important, but if you're doing lots of talking, ENC matters more.

Q2: Are wireless headsets reliable for calls?

Yes! Today’s wireless headsets use advanced Bluetooth versions (like 5.2 or 5.3) that offer stable, low-latency connections with long battery life—sometimes over 30 hours. That said, wired headsets like the Nuroum HP31D still offer rock-solid connections with zero lag and no charging needed, which is ideal if you don’t need mobility.

Q3: Can I use these headsets with Zoom or Teams?

Absolutely! The best work from home headset works out-of-the-box with popular platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Webex. Whether wired or wireless, most headsets support plug-and-play setup or simple Bluetooth pairing, so you’re ready for meetings in seconds.

Q4: Which one should I choose?

• Nuroum OpenEar Pro: Ultimate comfort and open-ear design for all-day use. Great for multitasking and staying aware of your surroundings. Wireless with top-notch mic clarity.
• Nuroum HP31D: Best budget wireless headset with excellent noise-cancelling mic. Perfect for call centers and support roles.
• Jabra Evolve2 65: Premium wireless headset with long battery life. Ideal for heavy users who want professional performance.
• Logitech Zone Wired: Reliable, easy-to-use wired headset certified for Microsoft Teams. Great for office workers needing simple, quality audio.
• Sony WH-1000XM5: Best for mixing calls and music with excellent ANC. Mic quality is okay but not top-tier. Great for hybrid work styles.
• Plantronics Voyager Focus 2: Balanced wireless headset with smart mute features and solid ANC mic. Good for professionals needing versatility.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep It Simple

Working from home can be chaotic. But your audio setup shouldn’t be.

The best noise cancelling headset with mic for working from home should do three things:

• Block background noise
• Keep you comfortable all day
• Be easy to set up and use

Both the OpenEar Pro and HP31D deliver in their own unique ways. Explore them today:

👉 OpenEar Pro – For a premium, wireless WFH experience

👉 HP31D – For reliable, budget-friendly performance

Need more gear to upgrade your remote office? Check out our Nuroum productivity tools.