With so many people working from home right now, a great pair of headphones is more important than ever. These 10 picks are the best around. (Photo: Reviewed.com/Jackson Ruckar)
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Coronavirus quarantine is in full effect across much of the country, and we’re all getting used to this (temporary) new normal. For those lucky enough to be able to do our jobs remotely, one major issue with working from home is trying to focus amidst a sea of distractions.
A great pair of headphones can help. The right pair can be your sonic sanctuary, as well as a crucial tool to aid your remote communication, especially if you’re dealing with emancipated kids bellowing in the hallway or a significant other on their own video call. To guide your search, we’ve put together a list of the best work-from-home headphones available, so you can thrive in these trying (and distracting) times.
Sony WH-1000XM3
For those who subscribe to the “do it right” philosophy, the Sony WH-1000XM3 are your best choice. These wireless ‘phones aren’t just the best noise-cancelers, they’re arguably the best headphones period, thanks to a mix of lush comfort, great sound, and impressive features–including 30 hours of battery life. Sony’s app is a key piece of the puzzle, offering adjustable noise reduction and transparency modes, letting you dial up how much sound you block out, or bring in for the ideal sonic environment.
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple knocked it out of the park with the AirPods Pro, raising the stakes and addressing just about every complaint about the original AirPods. Apple fans will feel right at home with their minimalist design and intuitive controls, but everyone will be impressed with their noise cancellation, which is among the best in the field. A comfy fit and sparkling call quality join excellent sound to complete the package for a stellar pair of work-from-home earbuds.
Puro PuroQuiet
Adults aren’t the only ones who need silence in these times. If your kids need their own slice of solitude, maybe to watch their favorite Netflix show or Disney+ movie, Puro’s PuroQuiet headphones are the ideal solution. Not only do they offer affordable noise cancellation, but they also provide decibel limiting, so your kids physically can’t turn up the volume above the recommended level. And, of course, quiet children equates to peace for all in quarantine.
Sony WF-1000XM3
Looking for something lighter and breezier than over-ear headphones? Sony’s WF-1000XM3 offer many of the same joys of their larger sibling in a brilliantly succinct, fully wireless form factor. With class-leading noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, crystal-clear sound, and solid battery life, these buds will be your best friend when you’re working from home for now or on a cross-country flight in the future.
Taotronics TT-BH046
These headphones offer a whole lot of noise-canceling goodness at a crazy-low price. Noise cancellation and sound are both solidly mid-tier, while comfort and build quality are surprisingly generous for the money, making the TT-BH046 a great go-to budget option.
Amazon Echo Buds
Amazon’s Echo Buds seemed like a longshot when first announced. Could the shopping behemoth really make decent true wireless earbuds its first time out? To much surprise, the Echo Buds outperformed expectations, offering a wealth of features, including easy access to Alexa and even active noise reduction, all at a friendly price point. While their noise cancellation isn’t top of the class, it definitely lulls the din, while other features like sound quality outpunch many similarly priced competitors.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
A classic for a reason, Bose’s QuietComfort headphone line wrote the book on noise cancellation (almost literally) and these are among the best the brand has ever made. While the Bose 700 are the newest iteration, the QC 35 II are much more approachable in price right now, and offer plenty to love, including top-tier noise cancellation, great sound, and a fit designed specifically for long-term listening. What more could you want?
Sennheiser HD 450BT
In the headphone realm, Sennheiser is perhaps best known for incredible sound at relatively high price points. The HD 450BT is the company’s bid for a bit of compromise on both points, resulting in a very solid pair of noise cancelers that don’t require a bank loan. Well built and smartly styled, the HD 450BT provide everything you need to comfortably work from home without getting pulled out of the proverbial zone.
Phiaton BT 150 NC
For those after a pair of noise-canceling earbuds at a low price, Phiaton’s BT 150 NC are a stalwart example. Offering impressive noise cancellation, clean sound, and a comfortable fit, these neckband-style wireless earbuds are a great option for those looking to save over the “true” wireless choices on this list.
Jabra Elite 85H
If Jabra isn’t at the tip of your tongue when naming top headphone brands, it should be. The company’s first try at a pair of travel-cans is a prime example of its penchant for smart design and good sound quality. These are a stylish pair of headphones, built to compete well with top models from Bose and Sony, while quietly undercutting their pricing. Noise cancellation is good for the price, if not top-notch, while their battery life, feature set, and comfort all place them among our favorites in the genre.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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