At Incom Telecommunications, we are here to help you choose the best noise-cancelling headset for your remote work environment. The list we have put together will help you compare the various headphones and their unique features, so that you can purchase the ideal headset for your remote setup. If you’re unsure of what headset is right for you and your team, call us on 0161 935 1000 or contact us.
The best noise-cancelling headsets are ranked based on their noise-cancelling strength, echo cancellation, microphone quality, and audio quality. Based on these factors, the best noise-cancelling headsets for remote setups are:
- 1. EPOS Adapt 660
- 2. Jabra Evolve2 85
- 3. Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC
- 4. Jabra Evolve2 75
- 5. EPOS ADAPT E1
- 6. Yealink WH66
- 7. Jabra Evolve2 65
- 8. EPOS IMPACT 1060 ANC
- 9. EPOS Adapt 460
- 10. Yealink UH38 Mono
1. EPOS Adapt 660
The EPOS ADAPT 660 is a wireless Bluetooth headset that can be connected to your PC/Laptop via a USB-A dongle or smartphone. Up to 2 simultaneous devices can be connected. With EPOS AI, the EPOS ADAPT 660 provides crystal clear call quality and adaptive ANC. The 4-mic adaptive ANC is described as “a crater on the moon” quiet. The Adaptive ANC works by monitoring the environment and adjusting noise reduction, including wind noise outdoors.
Advantages
This over-ear, double-sided headset can be used for up to 30 hours at full charge (ANC off), making it perfect for long, high-stakes meetings. Wireless range is up to 25m, and 3x Digital Beamforming Microphones ensure clear audio for calls. This headset also allows you to start collaborative work with a single touch of a button that launches Microsoft Teams on your PC via the included BTD 800 USB DONGLE.
Disadvantages
The bulky design can feel heavy on the user. This could impact comfort levels for longer wearing periods. This headset is also on the more expensive side, and some ergonomic issues have been reported by users.
2. Jabra Evolve2 85
The Jabra Evolve2 85 is Jabra’s flagship wireless stereo headset that can be used with USB-A, USB-C, or Bluetooth connectivity. The Evolve2 range is engineered as the next generation of business-class headsets from Jabra. The Evolve2 85 hosts features such as a collapsible boom mic (can be hidden for on-call use), a BusyLight visible from all angles, and can be found in Microsoft Teams or UC optimised versions. The Jabra Sound+ app for mobile and Jabra Direct for desktop can be used for firmware updates, EQ adjustments, and sidetone control.
Advantages
The Jabra Evolve2 85 provides excellent comfort for long wear with high-quality audio for both calls and music. The battery life is up to 37 hours (ANC off) and 32 hours (ANC on with music). The ANC strength is considered strong as it is effective at dampening distracting background noise, improving concentration significantly. The wireless range is up to 30m, and the 10-mic technology for outstanding call performance.
Disadvantages
This headset is heavier than some competitors' equivalents. The ANC setting is either on or off, lacking the multiple levels of adjustment found in some other headsets. The microphone's noise cancellation is good, but may not eliminate extremely loud, close-proximity noises.
3. Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC
The Poly Voyager Focus 2 headset is an on-ear, dual-sided headset, connected through a wireless (Bluetooth) connection. This headset is ideal for home or office setups with its Acoustic Fence Technology, an advanced multiple noise-cancelling microphone. The Poly Voyager Focus 2 headset can be purchased with Microsoft Teams certification or UC-Certified, allowing you to integrate with your preferred communication platform seamlessly.
Advantages
This headset features 3 levels of hybrid Active Noise Cancellation technology, which can be chosen to cancel out background noise depending on your environment. The padded headband and plush ear cushions allow you to stay comfortable for long shifts in the office or at home. On a full charge, this headset can provide you with up to 25 hours of talk time and can be charged via USB or with the optional desktop charging stand.
Disadvantages
Compared to Jabra or EPOS software, EQ/tuning options are more limited. The ANC technology is not the strongest in comparison to other brands of business headsets. The optional charging stand is only included in premium bundles; otherwise, an added cost.
4. Jabra Evolve2 75
The Jabra Evolve2 75 offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity to PC/Mac and smartphones. This duo headset from Jabra features a Hybrid ANC system with 8 microphones and adjustable noise control. The ANC adapts to ambient noise, whether that's from home noise (dishwasher, pets) or open offices. The Jabra Evolve2 75 is Teams and Zoom certified and works with Webex and Google Meet.
Advantages
The user can adjust the ANC level via the Jabra Sound+ and Jabra Direct apps. Choose between full ANC, HearThrough (transparency), or custom settings. The discrete 4-mic boom arm is fitted with Intelligent mute & noise suppression, which distinguishes voice from background noise. The mic also mutes when the boom arm is up with just a physical gesture. The battery life ranges from 24-36 hours (depending on ANC usage). The smaller earcups also fit well in compact travel cases – excellent for hybrid commuters.
Disadvantages
The ANC in the Jabra Evolve2 75 doesn’t completely silence low-frequency rumble and other headsets still edge it out in ultra-loud spaces. The ANC levels must be altered with the app, as there is no passive noise isolation switch. Users rely on the app or buttons for toggling ANC/HearThrough. The charging stand must also be brought separately or in a bundle, which isn’t found in all retailers.
5. EPOS ADAPT E1
The EPOS ADAPT E1 earbuds by EPOS are a premium all-in-one Bluetooth earbud for work or leisure. Designed by EPOS engineers, they deliver deep bass, balanced mids, and crisp highs for outstanding sound. They deliver solid ANC with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation to reduce distractions while maintaining situational awareness. The six-beamforming mics with AI noise filtering provide high-quality mic performance.
Advantages
The EPOS ADAPT E1 earbuds provide users with up to 14 hours of ANC audio and with fast charge, 5 minutes of charging gives around 1 hour of use. They can be connected to multiple devices with multipoint pairing and are certified for Unified Communications (UC). They have been designed to ergonomically fit into ears after 500,000 ear scans, which is part of their IntelligentFit™, avoiding pressure points that lead to discomfort and allowing for a secure fit.
Disadvantages
They do not have a mic boom arm, which can mean the mic quality might fall short of boom headsets. While comfortable. Some ambient noise still bleeds in due to semi-open architecture.
6. Yealink UH38 Duo
The Yealink UH38 Duo is a premium Binaural headset that offers wired USB connectivity and wireless Bluetooth connectivity. It can be used by plugging into your PC/MAC via USB-A/C or connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Both Microsoft Teams and UC-certified versions can be purchased. They feature light, padded, and perforated ear cushions, making them perfect for home-based workers needing all-day comfort.
Advantages
The Yealink UH38 Duo headset delivers outstanding microphone quality with its dual-mic boom. The mic ANC works well for office noise and home noises, cancelling out the background noise. The price of this headset is cheaper compared to the alternatives we’ve talked about so far, making it a great value UC headset.
Disadvantages
Even though the mic noise cancellation works well for office noise, it struggles to fully suppress wind or sudden loud interruptions. Talk time is about 7 hours, which might require charging throughout the day if you must work a long shift. The audio driver and battery are housed in the inline controller, making it heavier and less compact compared to portable headsets.
7. EPOS IMPACT 1060 ANC
The EPOS IMPACT 1060 is an on-ear dual headset that possesses clear, professional-level call clarity. It connects via Bluetooth 5.3 + USB dongle, which has a range of up to 30m. The headset features padded support and an AI-enhanced boom mic with beamforming. It comes with a pouch to carry it in, and you can also purchase the optional charging stand.
Advantages
With a noise-cancelling microphone and Active-Noise Cancellation, this EPOS headset allows users to eliminate most background noise that could distract them. This headset also comes with an aesthetic design, perfect for any office setup and an optional charging stand (sold separately).
Disadvantages
The EPOS IMPACT 1060 is a premium headset, and the price reflects this. It can be on the more expensive side compared to its counterparts. ANC reduces ambient noise sufficiently for focus but doesn’t entirely block loud low-frequency sounds; more effective alternatives exist (e.g., full over-ear headsets).
8. Jabra Evolve2 65 flex
The Jabra Evolve2 65 flex is an on-ear dual headset with a 3-mic boom with automatic mute. It connects through Bluetooth 5.0 + USB dongle, where you can pair up to 8 devices and connect with 2 devices simultaneously. Roam your workspace and stay connected with up to 30m wireless range. The Jabra Evolve2 65 flex is certified for use with Microsoft Teams and Unified Communications (UC). Strong noise cancellation from a dedicated chipset and premium microphones helps you stay focused in your remote setup.
Advantages
The Jabra Evolve2 65 flex has excellent battery life of up to 37 hours of use on a single charge, and a quick 15 minutes of fast charging gives you 8 hours of use. You can flip up the boom to automatically mute your microphone, and a busylight lets colleagues know you’re on a call. The 40mm drivers provide robust sound and high-quality audio performance.
Disadvantages
While excellent for its size and category, it doesn’t rival full-size ANC headsets in ultra–loud environments. Mic noise suppression performs well indoors but loses effectiveness in noisy outdoor settings.
9. EPOS IMPACT 460
The EPOS IMPACT 460 is a Binaural Headset that offers both USB-C and USB-A Connectivity to your PC or Laptop. The headset uses mic noise filtering, which delivers crystal clear voice quality, even in home–office setups. Built-in features include lift-to-mute, Teams Button and busylights, which help streamline use.
Advantages
The IMPACT 460 offers great sound for call & media with its speaker tuning. This headset is positioned as a budget-friendly headset, making it perfect for those who want to save money on their hybrid setup. It is lightweight and the padded ear cushions and headband stays comfortable during all-day use.
Disadvantages
While it uses noise-filtering mics, it lacks full earcup-based ANC; it doesn’t eliminate ambient sounds as well as over-ear ANC headsets. The ADAPT 460 is not suited for heavy background noise or those needing over-ear ANC.
10. HP Poly Blackwire 8225 USB-C
The HP Poly Blackwire 8225 connects through a wired USB A/C cord (plug-and-play). This lightweight headset with a silicon band and pivoting cups provides the user with all-day comfort. With major certifications from Teams, UC and Zoom, integration with your preferred platform is seamless.
Advantages
This budget-friendly business headset is perfect for light travellers or hybrid workers, especially those with USB-C/A workstations. The professional-grade microphone on this headset uses Acoustic fence technology, ensuring callers hear your voice clearly without ambient distractions. Inline switch lets you turn on ANC to reduce around 30% of background noise—perfect for staying focused in shared environments
Disadvantages
As it is wired, the 7-foot cable limits movement—fine at a desk, but not ideal for walking or on-the-go use. While the ANC helps with general noise, it struggles against sudden loud sounds. The on-ear design doesn’t fully enclose ears, so some low-frequency ambient noise bleeds in.
What’s the difference between noise-canceling and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Noise cancelling generally refers to microphone noise cancelling, which means background noise is filtered and not heard by the person on the other side of the call. Active Noise Cancellation technology blocks outside noise through generating an inverse soundwave-known as anti-noise, to cancel it out; allowing the user to work with no distractions. There is also passive noise-canceling, which refers to the physical blocking of sound through the materials used in the headset. E.g. Thick padding and snug-fitting earcups.
Noise-cancelling headsets can help improve work efficiency, productivity and provide clearer communication for people who want to work in an office or remotely. ANC headsets allow you to work in a deeper level of focus by eliminating background noise and distractions.
Are Noise-Cancelling Headsets Good For Work?
Yes, Noise-Cancelling headsets allow for clearer communication between users by eliminating unnecessary background noise and distractions.
Productivity Gains
According to EPOS, high-quality ANC can reduce noise disruptions. Professionals working in noisy environments completed tasks 15% faster when using ANC-equipped headsets. When background noise is reduced, your brain requires less effort to process conversations and instructions, freeing up cognitive bandwidth for actual problem-solving.
Work efficiency
For remote workers juggling home life and deadlines, ANC headsets offer a practical way to carve out a mental ‘office’ wherever they are. This will allow for them to replicate a similar environment to their office, helping them increase their focus and work more efficiently.
What Are Some Disadvantages of Noise Cancelling Headsets?
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headsets can cause pressure on eardrums for some users and can isolate users from important environmental sounds – doorbells, alarms, co-workers-which could be risky or inconvenient.
While ANC blocks external distractions, some users report a sensation of ‘pressure’ inside the ear—especially during long sessions. This phenomenon, known as eardrum suck, is common in sealed over-ear ANC headphones.
High-quality ANC headsets are expensive-usually around £150-£400. This might not justify the investment for casual users. Wearing ANC in an open workspace can sometimes lead to missed cues from coworkers or surroundings. Transparency modes help, but ANC still reduces ambient awareness, which can impact collaboration.
