Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Calls: Top Picks

1. Acer Headset with Microphone

As someone who spends a significant amount of time on work calls, I’m always on the lookout for reliable audio peripherals. The Acer Headset with Microphone for PC presented itself as a straightforward solution for PC-based communication. Its lightweight design made it comfortable for extended wear, and the adjustable headband ensured a snug fit without feeling restrictive.

The microphone quality was decent for its price point, picking up my voice clearly without excessive background noise. I found it perfectly adequate for everyday virtual meetings and casual conversations. However, the audio output for music or other media was a bit on the tinny side, lacking the richness I’d prefer for more immersive listening experiences.

During a particularly long conference call, I did notice a slight pressure building around my ears, which could become an issue for those with sensitive ears or if worn for more than a few hours straight. The inline controls for volume and mute were functional but felt a bit plasticky to the touch, suggesting they might not hold up to heavy daily use.

This headset is ideal for students or professionals who need a no-frills, budget-friendly option for basic PC calls and online classes. However, audiophiles or anyone seeking premium sound quality for both calls and entertainment should probably look elsewhere.

2. Awatrue Wireless Headset with Mic

The awatrue Wireless Headset with Mic aims to offer convenience for the modern remote worker, and for the most part, it succeeds. Pairing via Bluetooth was quick and painless with both my laptop and smartphone, which is a definite plus for multitasking. The earcups are plush and provide a good seal, contributing to a comfortable fit even after a couple of hours.

I was pleasantly surprised by the microphone’s ability to isolate my voice. Even with some ambient chatter in the background, my colleagues reported hearing me clearly. The on-ear controls are intuitive, allowing for easy management of calls and playback without fumbling for my device. The battery life also held up impressively through a full workday and then some.

My main critique lies in the noise cancellation for the listener. While the passive isolation from the earcups is good, the active noise cancelling (ANC) isn’t the most robust I’ve encountered; it dulled lower-frequency hums but didn’t eliminate sharper, more sudden noises effectively. This means you might still catch some distractions if you’re in a particularly noisy environment.

This headset is a strong contender for individuals working from home or in moderately noisy open-plan offices who prioritize clear microphone transmission and comfortable wear. However, if your primary need is near-absolute silence from your surroundings, you might find the ANC performance a little lacking.

3. Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

When seeking the best noise cancelling headphones for calls, the Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones certainly caught my attention. The active noise cancellation on these is quite impressive, effectively creating a bubble of quiet that significantly reduces ambient distractions. The over-ear design and plush earcups contribute to excellent passive noise isolation, making them a solid choice for noisy environments.

During calls, the microphone performance was generally good, capturing my voice with clarity and minimal distortion. The ANC really shines here, allowing me to focus on the conversation without being pulled away by background sounds. The audio quality for music playback is also a step up from many dedicated communication headsets, offering a balanced sound profile that’s enjoyable for general listening.

However, I did find the headband to be a little tight for my liking, even on its loosest setting. This could be a dealbreaker for those with larger heads or who prefer a looser fit. While the ANC is strong, it does introduce a very faint hiss when engaged, which is noticeable in very quiet moments or during silences in calls, though it’s not a dealbreaker for most.

These headphones are an excellent option for frequent travelers, commuters, or anyone working in a consistently loud environment who needs superior noise cancellation for both calls and listening. If you have a very large head or are extremely sensitive to even the slightest background hiss, you might want to consider alternatives.

4. Aoc USB Headset with Microphone

The AOC USB Headset with Microphone for PC is a no-nonsense accessory designed for straightforward PC use. Plugging it in via USB was plug-and-play, and it was immediately recognized by my system, which I always appreciate. The over-ear design is fairly standard, and the earcups are adequately padded, though they don’t offer the most luxurious feel.

The microphone boom is flexible and can be positioned effectively. I found that my voice came through clearly during calls, with good volume and minimal background pickup. This makes it a solid choice for online meetings and voice chats where clarity is paramount. The audio output for listening is also clear, though it leans towards being a bit flat, lacking dynamic range for music enthusiasts.

My primary point of mild dissatisfaction is with the overall build quality. The plastic used in the construction feels a bit brittle, and I worry about its long-term durability with frequent adjustments or accidental drops. Additionally, the cable is not detachable, which can be inconvenient for storage and transport.

This headset is best suited for office environments or home users who need a reliable, basic headset for PC calls and online learning without any fuss. If you’re looking for a robust, premium feel or need a headset that can also serve as your primary music listening device, this might not be the best fit.

5. Mopchnic Wireless Headset with Noise Cancelling Microphone

The Mopchnic Wireless Headset with Noise Cancelling Microphone offers a compelling blend of wireless freedom and call clarity. Pairing was straightforward, and the on-ear design, while not offering the complete isolation of over-ear models, proved comfortable enough for several hours of wear. The earcups sit snugly without excessive pressure, which is a plus for extended use.

The standout feature here is the noise-cancelling microphone. It does an admirable job of filtering out ambient noise, ensuring my voice was consistently clear and intelligible on the other end of the line. This is crucial for anyone who takes calls in less-than-ideal audio environments. The battery life was also quite respectable, getting me through a full workday without needing a recharge.

However, I did find the audio quality for music playback to be somewhat lacking. The sound is a bit muffled, and it lacks the crispness and depth that many users might expect for general listening. The on-ear controls, while functional, are a little too small and close together, making it easy to press the wrong button when you’re not looking.

This headset is an excellent choice for professionals who prioritize superior microphone performance for calls and need the convenience of wireless connectivity. If your primary use case involves listening to music or podcasts extensively, or if you prefer a more tactile button experience, you might want to explore other options.

6. Soundcore Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

In my testing for the best noise cancelling headphones for calls, the Soundcore Q20i stood out for its impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) at this price point. The plush earcups are comfortable for extended wear, and the audio quality for music is surprisingly robust, with a decent bass presence. I found the ANC effectively muted the low hum of my office air conditioner and the chatter from nearby colleagues, making it easier to focus.

However, the microphone performance for calls, while adequate, isn’t stellar. Voices can sound a little distant or slightly muffled, especially in noisier environments. The build quality, while solid enough, does feel a bit plasticky to the touch, and the physical buttons are a little stiff to press. It’s a good option for casual calls or quieter settings, but not my top pick for critical business communications.

This headset is ideal for students or budget-conscious professionals who prioritize ANC for personal use and don’t need absolute pristine call clarity. If you’re looking for a dedicated workhorse for constant client calls in a busy open-plan office, you might want to explore other options.

7. Jbl Tune 770nc

The JBL Tune 770NC offers a compelling blend of features, and I found its active noise cancellation to be quite capable of handling everyday distractions. The sound signature is typical JBL – energetic and fun, with a noticeable emphasis on bass that many users will enjoy. Comfort is a strong suit here; the earcups are generously padded, and the headband distributes weight evenly, making them suitable for longer listening sessions or work periods.

During calls, the microphone performance is a mixed bag. In quiet environments, my voice came through clearly enough, but as soon as background noise increased, it struggled to isolate my voice effectively. I noticed a slight echo on occasion, which isn’t ideal for professional calls. The physical controls, while functional, lack a premium feel and are a bit small, making them tricky to locate by touch alone.

This headset is best suited for individuals who want a solid all-around performer for music and moderate ANC, with call quality that’s acceptable for less demanding situations. If your primary need is crystal-clear voice transmission during important business calls, especially in loud areas, you should look elsewhere.

8. Soundcore P30i Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The Soundcore P3i earbuds surprised me with their ANC effectiveness for such a compact form factor. The sound quality is punchy and clear, making them enjoyable for music and podcasts. I appreciated the secure fit, which is crucial for earbuds, and the charging case is pocket-friendly. The companion app offers customization options, which is always a plus for fine-tuning your audio experience.

However, when it comes to call quality, the P3i earbuds are merely adequate. While they do a decent job of reducing ambient noise for the wearer, the microphone performance for the person on the other end is less impressive. Voices can sound a bit compressed, and they tend to pick up more background noise than I’d prefer for professional calls. The touch controls can also be a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental activations.

These earbuds are a great choice for everyday users who want good ANC and sound for commuting or general listening, and who make occasional calls in relatively quiet environments. If your work heavily relies on making frequent, clear calls in noisy settings, these might not be the best fit for your needs.

9. Anc & Enc Headset with Microphone

This headset, designed specifically for PC use, offers a noticeable improvement in active noise cancellation (ANC) and environmental noise cancellation (ENC) compared to many consumer-grade options. The audio clarity for listening is good, but its real strength lies in its microphone. I found the ENC feature to be quite effective at reducing background keyboard clicks and fan noise, making my voice sound clearer on calls.

The comfort is decent for work sessions, though the earcups aren’t the most luxurious I’ve encountered, and the materials feel a bit basic. The wireless connection was stable, which is essential for PC work. However, the setup process was slightly more involved than plug-and-play, and the buttons for controls are quite small and not very tactile, requiring a focused touch.

This headset is an excellent choice for remote workers or anyone spending significant time on PC calls in a moderately noisy home or office environment. If you’re looking for a stylish, premium headset for music enjoyment and casual use, this might be overkill or not the best aesthetic fit.

10. Jiamqishi Wireless Headset with Mic

For its intended purpose – work calls – the JIAMQISHI headset performs adequately. The Bluetooth V5.2 connection is stable, and the microphone does a reasonable job of picking up voice. I found the audio for calls to be clear enough for basic communication, and the headset is lightweight, which contributes to comfort during long workdays. The battery life also held up well through extended use.

However, the active noise cancellation is quite weak, barely making a dent in ambient office sounds or traffic noise. The sound quality for music is rather flat and uninspired, lacking any real depth or richness. The build quality feels somewhat cheap, with a lot of hollow-sounding plastic, and the earcups, while padded, don’t offer the best seal against external noise. This is definitely a headset prioritizing function over form and audio fidelity.

This headset is best suited for individuals who primarily need a functional, affordable headset for frequent voice calls in very quiet environments and don’t care much about music playback quality or robust ANC. If you need to block out significant noise or enjoy your music with high fidelity, you should steer clear of this model.