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If you work from home, there's a long list of equipment you need to be productive. A quality pair of headphones or a headset belongs on that list thanks to their ability to help you tune out background distractions and focus on the task at hand. PCMag's audio experts have tested a diverse range of headphones and headsets over the decades—everything from noise-cancelling models for audiophiles to gaming headsets that work just as well for video calls. We also adhere to strict independent and ethical review standards, meaning you can trust that manufacturers do not influence our coverage.
Among our top-tested models below, you can find Editors' Choice winners such as the noise-cancelling Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, the corporate-ready Jabra Evolve2 75, and the gamer-friendly SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. It's worth checking out the full reviews for all our picks here, along with our buying advice for the category. And if you're looking for a more traditional solution for taking calls, check out our list of the best Bluetooth headsets.
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Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Why We Picked It
If you want to get work done, tuning out distractions is a wise first step. And the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds currently offer the absolute best in-ear noise cancellation on the market. They also have clear mics and produce pleasing audio with a strong bass response.
Who It's For
If you prefer using earphones and really need to concentrate, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are your best option. They effectively block out nearly all frequency ranges and can even intelligently lower loud noises in your environment while letting you hear everything else.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Why We Picked It
Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones outpace both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Apple AirPods Max (below) on the noise cancellation front, making them our go-to recommendation for people who need a quiet work environment. We also enjoy their bass-forward sound signature and like the inclusion of the AptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec for high-quality streaming from Android devices. They remain supremely comfortable over long listening sessions, too.
Who It's For
Although there are reasons to consider models from Apple and Sony, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the clear leaders in active noise cancellation. That's arguably the most important aspect for home office workers.
Best Headphones for iPhones
Apple AirPods Max
Why We Picked It
The Apple AirPods Max are the most expensive entry on the list at $549. Although you pay a bit of an Apple tax, you get a very powerful set of headphones for your money. Aside from their excellent noise cancellation, they also feature an adaptive EQ and spatial audio features. And, if you're an iPhone user, they have hands-free Siri access, too.
Who It's For
The AirPods Max work best for people with an iPhone. Their striking design should also catch the eye of style-conscious users. If you prefer earphones, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) perform even better in the noise cancellation department with an innovative Adaptive Audio mode.
Best for Enterprise Voice Features
Jabra Evolve2 75
Why We Picked It
Jabra's Evolve2 75 headphones are pricey, but offer excellent audio quality, a clear boom mic, effective active noise cancellation, and a premium design. For serious work, they boast the Unified Communications (UC) certification and are available with either a UC- or Microsoft Teams-optimized USB transmitter for a rock-solid connection. And, whenever you aren't at your desk, you can still fall back on Bluetooth.
Who It's For
These headphones are for serious hybrid workers who want the best performance available, along with UC certification or Microsoft Teams optimization. They cost a lot, but deliver a superlative experience.
Best Wireless Gaming Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Why We Picked It
Gaming headsets are essentially just headphones with boom mics and some gaming features. Some might look a bit outlandish for professional calls, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset is downright classy with its black-and-gunmetal design. More importantly, it offers tons of connectivity features, including a 2.4GHz transmitter with volume controls and a helpful display, Bluetooth, and even two swappable batteries (you only need to use one at a time). The headset also sounds excellent, includes a clear (and retractable) boom mic, and effectively cancels noise.
Who It's For
This is a good all-around headset for your desk, whether you play video games or not. Sure, its abilities to concurrently connect with a console and a PC over USB, as well as simulate surround sound on Windows are more useful for gamers, but its comfortable design, high-quality audio output, and useful noise cancellation all add up to a comprehensive (if pricey) package for everyone else.
Best Midrange Wireless Gaming Headset
Razer Barracuda X
Why We Picked It
Once again, a gaming headset can work well for your home office needs. The Razer Barracuda X doesn't have nearly as many features as the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, but for less than $100, it offers both USB and Bluetooth wireless connectivity as well as excellent sound. It also features a fantastic mic and an understated, work-friendly design.
Who It's For
If you want a headset with wireless audio and reliable voice quality at an affordable price, the Razer Barracuda X is a good choice. It doesn't have any enterprise features, but it performs well and is just as usable on the go as at your desk.
Best Affordable Gaming Headset
Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2)
Why We Picked It
You don't need to spend a lot on a quality wired stereo headset. The Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2) offers a comfortable over-ear fit, dynamic sound quality, and a clear mic signal. And it's downright cheap.
Who It's For
The Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2) headset is a commendable budget option that can handle just about all of your gaming and corporate communication needs. That said, you should consider spending a bit more for the Razer Barracuda X if you want an especially clear microphone and wireless connectivity.
Best Wireless Boom Mic Add-On
Antlion Audio ModMic Wireless
Why We Picked It
If you already have a favorite pair of headphones and don't want to buy a separate headset, you could always just turn to Antlion Audio's ModMic Wireless boom microphone. It is easy to mount on your headphones and connects wirelessly to your PC via a USB receiver. The mic sounds excellent and is simple to detach when you don't need it.
Who It's For
This is for people who prefer to use a single set of headphones for everything, but also need to conduct clear phone calls for work. Just be aware that it doesn't support Bluetooth, so you can't use it with your phone; it's purely a desk mic.
Do You Need Headphones or a Gaming Headset?
If you don't need to take many calls but still want to minimize environmental noise, look for noise-cancelling headphones. They use outward-facing microphones to listen for distracting noises and generate waves that cancel them out before they hit your ear. Active noise cancellation (ANC) circuitry can be expensive, but it helps muffle noisy pets, kids, roommates, traffic, and construction. These headphones generally don't have boom microphones, so they aren't quite as good for phone calls.
For a job that requires you to take a lot of calls, consider a dedicated Bluetooth headset. These devices can be monoaural (for one ear) or stereo (for both ears), and typically feature powerful boom microphones with noise-cancelling circuitry that blocks out everything aside from your voice. The big appeal of these headsets is their microphones, though some also deliver high-quality sound.
If you want a boom mic and excellent sound for a reasonable price, buy a gaming headset. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Wired models tend to cost less and work well for taking calls on your computer, though Bluetooth entries offer more convenience.
Other Must-Have Devices for Your Home Office Setup
You need more than just a pair of headphones to work from home successfully. Check out our coverage of all the essential tech for your home office setup.
