Extra monitor? Check. Standing desk? Also, check. Ergonomic chair? Got it. Now that your home office is all set, is there something else that can support your remote work?
Yep, there is. Enter, work from home headsets. Why should you consider a new headset? First, these devices can deliver better audio quality (think, better video meetings), superior mic clarity (aka, folks can hear you better), and eliminate background noise (say bye-bye to city sounds, noisy pets, or construction interference).
While headsets largely help the person wearing them, the audio quality also matters to people on the other end of the conversation (like your clients or coworkers). Lead audiologist at Soundly, Dr. Amy Sarow explains:
Poor audio quality can contribute to misunderstandings and frustration. Improving audio quality helps those with normal hearing and is especially important for individuals with hearing loss.
One in ten Americans has some degree of hearing loss, and poor audio quality makes conversation muffled and unclear.
Now, if you wear headsets all day—and perhaps even beyond 9-to-5 if you enjoy gaming—you might be wondering if prolonged wear can impact your health.
In fact, it can help protect your hearing. “Using a quality headset will help with audibility and allow you to listen at a softer volume without needing to maximize your volume,” says Dr. Amy.
How We Chose The Products Below
There are quite a few types of headsets out there. We narrowed our list by looking at a few different factors.
- We considered on-ear versus in-ear options.
- Mic quality was an important factor.
- Battery life is key for meeting marathons.
- Comfort and fit were essential considerations.
- We looked closely at special features
Ready to transform your work from home life?
Check out our top five work from home headphones and headsets. 👇
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
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Featured in this article
Apple AirPods Max
Customer Review |“There are certainly cheaper headphones with equivalent sound quality, but these are well-constructed, comfortable for extended wear, have streamlined physical controls which are satisfying to use, and work hand in glove with an iPhone — it doesn't even shut off completely, it just senses when it's off your ears, and pauses playback.” - JoMo
Are you a big Apple fan? Look no further. While these over-the-ear headphones might be one of the cheaper options on this list, they still pack in a fair amount of luxury. Nearly every aspect of this wireless pair is design-led with a heavy focus on audio quality. From cushioned ear pads to a sleek signature Apple design, active noise cancellation (plus transparency mode for accurate sound filtration), spatial audio (for a surround sound quality), and five colors options, what’s not to like?
The reviews for the Apple AirPods Max headphones are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their exceptional comfort, stylish design, and seamless integration with Apple devices. Users appreciate the immersive sound quality and impressive noise cancellation, making them ideal for long listening sessions, travel, and even workouts—though some noted that their ears can get warm after extended use. Despite the high price tag, many feel the investment is justified given the build quality and performance. A few reviewers mentioned minor drawbacks, like battery life and initial discomfort for smaller heads, but these concerns were often outweighed by the overall experience. The AirPods Max quickly become a favorite for anyone seeking premium audio quality and comfort!
Sound quality and isolation, appearance
Mixed reviews on comfort and heaviness
Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex
- Comfortable Fit: Super-soft foam padding and rotating earcups offer all-day comfort without pressure.
- Clear Calls: Noise-cancelling microphones ensure your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy settings.
- Portable Design: Foldable earcups make it easy to pack and carry, perfect for professionals on the move.
- Seamless Connectivity: Quick pairing via Bluetooth or USB dongle makes connecting to meetings fast and simple.
The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex offers a balanced mix of comfort, sound quality, and portability, making it an attractive choice for professionals.
- The lightweight design with super-soft foam and flexible rotating earcups ensures comfortable, all-day wear, reducing fatigue during long meetings or extended listening sessions.
- Equipped with noise-cancelling microphones and active noise cancellation technology, it effectively blocks out background noise, allowing for clear communication and focused work, whether at home or in the office.
Overall, the Evolve2 65 Flex provides reliable sound quality and convenience, making it a suitable option for users seeking comfort and productivity in their audio devices.
- Clear Sound Quality: Users consistently highlight the headset’s impressive sound clarity, making it a strong choice for calls and virtual meetings.
- Comfortable for Extended Wear: The lightweight, cushioned headband and flexible earcups provide comfort during prolonged use, though a few users found the fit slightly tight.
- Effective Noise Cancellation: Both the active noise cancellation and noise-canceling microphones effectively reduce background sounds, helping users focus in busy or noisy settings.
- Seamless Connectivity: Many appreciate the quick, reliable Bluetooth pairing and easy setup across platforms, streamlining their transition between calls and tasks.
- Portable & Travel-Friendly: The foldable design makes it convenient to carry in a bag, ideal for professionals on the go.
- Minor Microphone Glitches: A few users reported intermittent microphone issues, though these were generally minor and didn’t detract from overall satisfaction.
Overall, users find the Evolve2 65 Flex an excellent value for productivity and comfort.
- Comfortable for long use with padded headband and rotating earcups
- Effective noise cancellation for focused work
- Easy to fold and carry, ideal for travel
- Simple setup with multiple platform compatibility
- Some users may find the fit slightly tight over time
- Occasional microphone issues reported
- Higher price point compared to other options
Yealink UH34 Dual USB Wired Headset
- Clear Call Quality: Delivers crisp, high-quality audio with effective noise cancellation for professional-sounding calls.
- Lightweight Comfort: Weighing only 5 oz, it’s designed for comfortable, all-day wear.
- Easy Setup: Plug-and-play compatibility with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and more allows quick setup.
- Reliable Build: Durable design ensures longevity even with regular use.
The Yealink UH34 Dual USB Wired Headset is a reliable choice for those seeking high-quality audio and comfort for daily calls.
- The lightweight design (just 5 oz) ensures comfort for extended wear, featuring breathable cushions for all-day use—ideal for long calls or meetings.
- Certified compatibility with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other popular platforms provides seamless setup and clear communication, with passive noise cancellation to reduce background distractions.
Overall, the Yealink UH34 offers essential features for an efficient and comfortable work-from-home setup.
- Clear Sound Quality: Users appreciate the crisp audio, noting that the headset’s noise cancellation feature effectively reduces background distractions during calls.
- Comfortable for Long Wear: Lightweight design and soft ear cushions make it easy to wear all day, even during extended meetings or work sessions.
- Seamless Compatibility: The plug-and-play setup with platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom is frequently praised, allowing users to get started quickly without fuss.
- Effective Noise Isolation: Many highlight that the microphone filters out ambient noise, making conversations clear on both ends.
- Durable Build: Several users comment on the sturdy yet flexible construction, making it a reliable option for daily use.
- Minor Fit Issues: A few mention slight discomfort after prolonged use, particularly if worn continuously for hours, but overall satisfaction remains high for the price point.
- Comfortable for long wear with soft, breathable ear cushions
- Excellent noise reduction, making conversations clearer
- Lightweight build reduces strain during extended use
- Compatible with multiple platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom
- Simple plug-and-play setup saves time
- Slight discomfort reported after prolonged continuous wear
- USB-only connectivity may limit compatibility with non-USB devices
- Lack of wireless option could be restrictive for some users
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Shokz OpenComm 2 UC (WFH)
- Comfortable All-Day Wear: Open-ear design with bone conduction technology keeps ears free, reducing discomfort from prolonged use.
- Clear Communication: DSP noise-canceling boom mic minimizes background noise, making calls clearer in high-activity settings.
- Seamless Device Management: Multipoint pairing enables easy switching between two devices, improving work efficiency.
- Extended Battery Life: 16 hours of talk time per charge ensures consistent performance throughout the workday.
The SHOKZ OpenComm2 UC offers a bone conduction listening experience that prioritizes comfort and clarity, making it ideal for all-day use.
- The open-ear design allows users to remain aware of their surroundings, offering an unobstructed fit that’s both comfortable and stable for long workdays.
- Equipped with a DSP noise-canceling boom microphone, it ensures clear conversations by reducing background noise—beneficial for busy or shared spaces.
With multipoint pairing for seamless transitions between devices and 16 hours of talk time, the OpenComm2 UC provides a flexible, reliable choice for professionals looking for a comfortable, high-quality audio solution.
- Clear Call Quality in Noisy Environments: Users appreciate the noise-canceling microphone, which reliably delivers clear audio even in high-activity settings.
- Comfortable for All-Day Use: Many note the open-ear, lightweight design as ideal for extended wear, saying it remains comfortable and unobtrusive throughout the day.
- Seamless Multi-Device Connection: The ability to pair with two devices simultaneously is a popular feature, allowing users to easily switch between their phone and computer.
- Enhanced Situational Awareness: The open-ear design lets users stay aware of their surroundings, making it ideal for those who need to balance focus with environmental awareness.
- Battery Life Meets Workday Needs: With up to 16 hours of talk time, the battery life is widely appreciated, reliably lasting through long workdays without interruption.
In summary, the SHOKZ OpenComm2 UC offers dependable call clarity, comfort, and adaptability, making it a strong choice for professionals.
- Open-ear fit enhances comfort and awareness.
- Noise-canceling microphone effectively reduces background noise.
- Compatible with both PC and Mac for easy setup.
- Zoom-certified, allowing control over key Zoom functions.
- 16 hours of talk time supports uninterrupted workdays.
- Quick-charge feature provides 2 hours of talk time in just 5 minutes.
- Slight learning curve for using the mute function.
- Sound quality may be impacted in especially noisy environments.
- Open-ear design may not suit users seeking full sound immersion.
- Bulkier boom mic may feel cumbersome to some users.
Orosound Tilde Pro Hybrid Bluetooth Office Headset
- Modular Design: Interchangeable ear cushions and a detachable mic make it easy to switch between work and casual use.
- Natural Noise Reduction: Adjustable noise control lets you manage background sounds for a balanced listening experience.
- Flexible Connectivity: Bluetooth and wired options allow compatibility with multiple devices, ensuring seamless use.
- Awareness Mode: Easily hear people around you without removing the headset, perfect for quick interactions.
The Orosound Tilde Pro is a versatile, modular headset designed for adaptable, professional use in any environment.
- Modular, Customizable Design: The Tilde Pro’s modular setup lets you swap out ear cushions for a fit tailored to your comfort and use the detachable HD microphone for optimal voice quality on calls. When calls are done, simply detach the mic for streamlined personal listening.
- Balanced Noise Reduction: Unlike traditional ANC headsets that completely block out noise, the Tilde Pro offers adjustable noise cancellation. This feature allows you to tune out distractions while maintaining a natural listening experience, especially useful in busy work settings.
With its easy Bluetooth and wired connectivity options, the Tilde Pro is well-suited for professionals seeking adaptable audio solutions.
- Clear Sound Quality: Users appreciate the Tilde Pro’s sound clarity, which enhances calls and makes listening comfortable even in noisy environments.
- Customizable Noise Control: The adjustable noise cancellation is highly praised, allowing users to balance background noise, ideal for switching between focused work and ambient awareness.
- Comfortable for Long Use: Many find the cushioned ear cups and lightweight feel suitable for extended wear, though a few mention it may feel slightly heavy after long sessions.
- Versatile Mic Design: The detachable HD microphone is a favorite feature, giving users flexibility to switch between professional calls and casual listening.
- Reliable Connectivity Options: Bluetooth and wired connectivity make the Tilde Pro compatible across devices, meeting diverse user needs.
- Responsive Customer Service: Many reviews highlight excellent support from the seller, providing a positive overall experience.
Overall, users find the Tilde Pro a balanced choice for work and personal audio needs.
- Interchangeable ear cushions and detachable mic for versatile use
- Adjustable noise cancellation provides a natural listening experience
- Awareness mode allows users to engage in conversations without removing the headset
- Compatible with both Bluetooth and wired connections for flexibility
- Some users find it slightly heavy during extended use
- The price point may be higher than average for casual listeners
- Battery life may vary with frequent use of advanced features
Are there pros and cons to wearing headsets?
According to Dr. Amy, one of the biggest advantages of headsets is the audio quality. “The sound quality is usually better than speakers since you can tune them to your preference, and the closed-back design can prevent external noise from entering,” she says.
Another pro? The sound quality—and Dr. Amy notes that the sound quality is typically better than speakers. “Since you can tune them to your preference, and the closed-back design can prevent external noise from entering,” says Dr. Amy. She also recommends microphones on headsets because of the device’s high-quality audio to the person on the other side of the conversation.
But there are a few cons, too. “The most significant negative aspect of using headsets is that they can cause hearing damage if used incorrectly for long durations,” says Dr. Amy. Which means that headsets do have the potential to cause noise-induced hearing loss when used at high volumes.
That is also to say that headsets could also be uncomfortable. “Over-ear headsets can create heat around your ears, making it uncomfortable and sweaty,” says Dr. Amy. “However, the right fitting headset can be more comfortable than earbuds, which can cause itching in your ear canal with prolonged use.”
Check out our list below for some food for thought.
Pros:
- Mic quality
- Comfort and ease
- Optimizes audio for both ends of the conversation
- Hands-free controls and accessibility
- Noise canceling
Cons:
- Price
- Discomfort
- Risk of hearing damage or loss if used incorrectly*
⭐ FYI: Hearing damage can occur with a headset if you are listening to a call or music at a volume above 80 db. “Keeping the volume at 60-70% of maximum volume is best,” says Dr. Amy.
