In a world of video calls, hybrid meetings, and remote work, clear communication matters more than ever. This guide dives deep into ENC headphones—how they differ from ANC, why they’re essential for professionals, and how they compare to passive noise reduction headphones. You’ll also get a breakdown of the top 20 passive noise cancelling headphones for 2025 and tips on choosing the best sound isolation headset for your needs. Featuring real-world examples from Nuroum’s OpenEar Pro and HP31D, this blog is your complete resource for picking the right gear to block distractions and boost productivity.
Ever tried joining an important meeting only to realize your colleagues can hear more of your barking dog or the clinking dishes in your kitchen than your actual voice? Or maybe you've taken work calls from noisy cafes or open-plan offices and found yourself constantly repeating, "Can you hear me now?" That’s where ENC headphones come in. Let's dive into what they are, why they matter, and how to choose the right one for you.
Introduction to ENC Technology in Headphones
What Does ENC Stand For?
ENC stands for Environmental Noise Cancellation. It's a microphone technology used in headsets to filter out background noise during calls. Unlike ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), which blocks noise from reaching your ears, ENC works on the microphone input, ensuring the other person hears only your voice—not your surroundings.
ENC is particularly useful for professionals working in shared spaces or remotely. It helps deliver crystal-clear communication, even when your environment is far from silent.
ENC vs ANC – What’s the Difference?
Let’s keep this simple:
- ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation): Filters noise from your mic so the person on the other end hears just your voice.
- ANC (Active Noise Cancellation): Cancels noise around your ears so you can hear better.
In short, ANC helps you focus on what you’re hearing. ENC helps others focus on what you're saying.
For example, the OpenEar Pro by Nuroum uses ENC to clean up your voice input during calls, even in loud settings.
Why ENC Is Ideal for Professional Use
In a world of Zoom meetings, hybrid work, and customer support roles, clear communication is a must. That’s where an ENC headset shines. Whether you're in a busy home office, a noisy coworking space, or even outdoors, ENC helps eliminate distractions for the people you're talking to.
The HP31D is another Nuroum option with ENC tech, ideal for budget-conscious teams who still want clean audio quality.
Some headsets physically block your ears, making you unaware of what’s happening around you. But open-ear ENC headphones, like the OpenEar Pro, give you the best of both worlds: you stay aware of your surroundings and block out background noise on the mic side.
That’s a huge bonus for multitaskers, remote parents, or on-the-go professionals.
Best Use Cases for ENC Headphones
Remote Work and Video Conferencing
For hybrid or remote workers, poor audio equals poor communication. Whether it's Zoom, Teams, or Meet, you want to sound sharp and clear. ENC ensures your coworkers hear your ideas, not your keyboard clacks.
Nuroum's OpenEar Pro is designed with remote meetings in mind. Its open-ear ENC design makes it a smart choice for all-day video calls.
Call Centers and Customer Support
In customer service, every second matters. The last thing you want is a frustrated customer asking, "Can you repeat that?"
ENC headsets like the HP31D reduce the background noise your callers hear, allowing you to focus on solving problems instead of managing distractions.
Hybrid Workspaces and Outdoor Communication
Need to take a call while walking your dog or commuting? A headset with background noise cancelling ensures your voice stays consistent even when your environment doesn’t. ENC headsets keep you flexible and mobile without compromising on professionalism.
Passive Noise Reduction Headphones vs ENC: Which Is Better?
What Is Passive Noise Reduction?
Passive noise reduction means using materials (like thick ear cushions or tight seals) to block out unwanted sound. Unlike ENC or ANC, it's a non-powered way to reduce ambient noise.
It’s what makes the best passive noise cancelling headphones effective during travel, focus time, or even sleep. While they don’t "cancel" noise electronically, they can be surprisingly good at reducing external sound.
Why Combine ENC and Passive Isolation?
ENC is all about voice clarity during calls. Passive noise reduction headphones rely on physical design—like cushioned ear cups or in-ear seals—to block ambient noise.
Both are great. But together? Even better.
Many high-quality headsets combine both. For example, if you pair a sound-isolating earcup design with ENC mic technology, you get a sound isolation headset that’s next level. The magic happens when you combine both: ENC + passive isolation = ultimate clarity.
Take the OpenEar Pro again: It uses ENC to clean up mic input and features an open-ear structure for comfort. On the other hand, the 360° Pro Camera Bundle includes a mic array with built-in ENC—great for team settings or conference rooms.
By integrating ENC with passive blocking, Nuroum creates tools that work in nearly every environment.
Best Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones in 2025
Let’s break down the top 10 passive noise reduction headphones you should check out this year. Whether you're working, flying, or just trying to block out noise, these are the headphones that block out sound effectively.
Top 10 Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones List
Nuroum OpenEar Pro2 – Best ENC open-ear business headset
Nuroum HP31D – Noise free Conference Call
Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Shure AONIC 50
Jabra Evolve2 85
Anker Soundcore Life Q35
- Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
How to Choose the Right ENC Headset for Your Needs
Key Features to Look For
- ENC mic quality
- Battery life (if wireless)
- Connectivity (USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5mm)
- Wear style: open-ear vs over-ear
Open-Ear Design vs Over-Ear ENC Headphones
Open-ear designs (like the OpenEar Pro) give you comfort + awareness. Great for those who move around, wear glasses, or get ear fatigue.
Over-ear designs offer better passive isolation and are often better for high-volume environments.
Voice Clarity, Comfort, and Connectivity
If you're looking for:
- Great mic = Go ENC
- Long wear = Go lightweight/open-ear
- Great sound blocking = Look for passive or ANC combo
You really can have it all—if you pick smart.
FAQ: ENC Headsets and Noise Cancelling Headphones
What are passive noise reduction headphones best for?
Passive noise reduction headphones are great for reducing constant, low-level noise like engine hum, office chatter, or traffic. They’re perfect for people who want better focus without relying on electronics or batteries.
Can passive noise reduction headphones block all sound?
No, but they significantly reduce unwanted noise. Combine them with ENC (like in Nuroum’s OpenEar Pro) and you'll have an ultra-effective setup for communication and focus.
Are ENC headphones good for working from home?
Absolutely. If you take regular Zoom or Teams calls, an ENC headset ensures your voice sounds clear, even if your surroundings are chaotic.
