10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones With A Microphone 2024

Spread the love

Music Industry How To is supported by readers. When you buy via a link on our site, we’ll possibly earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Maybe you’re a pilot in need of a new headset. Or maybe you’ve been on a lot of Zoom calls lately where you’ve seen others using noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone.

From gamers to students, the need can arise for headphones that help block out ambient noise while you’re taking calls.

In this guide, we look at the best noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone.

Bose A20 Aviation Headset – Best Overall

Bose A20 Aviation Headset – Best Overall

The Bose A20 Aviation Headset is the predecessor of the new and improved A30 Aviation Headset (more on this later). Upon its release, however, the A20 aviation headset was a revelation, owing a great deal to the innovative Bose products that came before it.

Comfort is what the A20 does best. Unlike other aviation headsets, it’s not unnecessarily bulky or heavy. The A20 headset features a lightweight, low-profile design to make it comfortable to wear for up to eight hours or more.

Compared to the A30 headset, the A20 headset does have a little more clamping force, but many pilots felt it was just right. This is a matter of personal preference, however, so the best idea is always to try the headsets yourself before deciding.

In terms of noise cancellation, the headphones take advantage of both active and passive technologies to keep noise fatigue to a minimum. Some pilots found the noise-cancelling to be too effective.

Given that you do need to pay attention to the state of the aircraft and be able to pick up nuances in engine noise, etc. this could prove problematic to some.

But this fact may only make these cans even more attractive to buyers with noise problems.

The headset features Bluetooth technology, so it can easily be connected to a Bluetooth-enabled device – laptop, tablet, smartphone, or otherwise.

The convenient control module comes with an auxiliary audio input (with priority switching), as well as volume controls.

All told the headset comes with AA batteries, an aux-in cable adapter, an in-line clothing clip, and a carrying case. It’s never a bad idea to keep a few extra batteries on hand, though, in case you plan to use the headset for longer stretches.

The headset was built for flying, though it is practical for other uses, especially if you’re working in noisy environments or have sensitive ears. The only thing that might be a little less practical to the average user is the price tag.

Bose A30 Aviation Headset – Premium Option

Bose A30 Aviation Headset – Premium Option

The Bose A30 Aviation Headset is an upgrade on the A20 headset. As with the A20 headset, the A30 headset is used in aviation / flying.

Compared to its predecessor, the A30 headset is lighter. It also features a pivot spring in the headband and improved padding. Overall, this leads to less clamping force on your head.

Not much has changed regarding the battery compartment, which is still easy to open and close without the need for additional tools.

On the outside of the battery compartment, you will find a switch that allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the headset. The A30 headset comes with three modes – high (for propeller-based aircraft), medium (for business jets), and low (for commercial jets and airliners).

There are additional controls inside the battery compartment – Auto On, Auto Off, Tap Control, Priority, and Intercom. You will need a screwdriver or pen to access these switches.

This headset is no joke in terms of construction and quality, which is why it comes with a robust carrying case as well (very useful for those attending flight school).

The A30 headset comes with other great features, like active equalization (incoming signals are automatically equalized), a noise-cancelling side-swappable microphone, and Bluetooth connectivity.

There’s no denying that the Bose A30 Aviation Headset is an excellent product. The question is – is it worth the money?

The headphones were designed for aviation. And while they can be used in other ways, they are going to give you the best bang for buck in heavy-duty use, versus casual gaming or work-from-home applications.

Still, there is no doubt some will enjoy the superb design and noise-cancelling abilities of the headset (considering they were built for noise reduction in aircraft), which is why we have them as our premium selection.

BENGOO G9000 Gaming Headset – Best Budget Option

BENGOO G9000 Gaming Headset – Best Budget Option

The BENGOO G9000 Gaming Headset has the words “gaming headset” emblazoned on its microphone, just in case the message doesn’t get across with exacting clarity.

The fun-oriented budget gaming headset is available in an array of colors – black, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red, and white. The differently colored headsets are all at different price points, but that should not affect your buying decision much.

The G9000 Gaming Headset’s sound quality isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s much better than you might assume. The stereo headset features 40mm neodymium drivers and pumps out more bass than you would expect.

The omnidirectional mic does an excellent job of picking up one’s voice, but it’s perhaps a little too hot and will pick up ambient noises (tapping game controllers, noisy roommates, fans in the background, etc.).

Comfort-wise, the headset features nicely cushioned earcups. If you happen to live in a warmer climate and air conditioning is not available, though, you should expect sweat to accumulate after hours of use. Give your headset a good wipe-down now and then.

The headband is also generously padded, and because the headset does not use batteries (it’s corded), it keeps the headphones nice and lightweight. The braided cable offers 49 inches of leeway, which means you have quite a bit of freedom to move around.

Overall, the BENGOO G9000 Gaming Headset is an excellent product for the price, which is why it’s our best budget selection. If you’re not a gamer, though, this might not be your jam.

JBL Quantum 910 Wireless

JBL Quantum 910 Wireless

The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless (compare price on Sweetwater and Amazon) is one of JBL’s latest gaming headsets.

In addition to a velvet carrying case, these cans come with several accessories – a 3.5mm audio cable, a Type-C charging cable, and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. The cables are made of woven nylon, which offers a touch of luxury and sophistication.

It’s clear they didn’t think they needed to invest the same resources into the build quality of the headphones, however, as it features an all-plastic body, and it’s the furthest thing from “luxury.” You may even want to be a little careful with the headband slider and boom mic to avoid breaking them.

The headset also isn’t exactly what you’d call lightweight. Fortunately, the headband slider features an array of settings. So, no matter the size of your head, you should be able to find a comfortable setting.

Speaking of comfort, thick memory foam was used on the earcups, and the headband was also padded. These features offer excellent noise isolation, and even without using the onboard ANC button, you should be pleased with the noise-cancelling results.

The left cup of the headset is home to a mute button, charging port, 3.5mm audio jack, a couple of dials, and an ANC button. One dial is for volume, while the other is for game audio-chat balance. Navigating these controls is relatively easy, and it helps that the two dials each have a different feel.

Meanwhile, the right earcup comes with a power toggle and spatial sound button. The power toggle is also your pairing button.

If you’re interested in these cans, then you should certainly consider taking advantage of the JBL QuantumENGINE, the software that was designed to be used alongside the Quantum 910 Wireless headset.

The app is easy to use and offers some convenient equalizer settings along with preset profiles and deeper customization options. You can also tweak the RGB zones of the earcups, including color, tempo, ring, and notch.

The app also allows you to tweak the mic volume, sidetone, and game audio / chat balance.

Spatial sound, however, is probably the coolest aspect of these headphones. You get to choose between JBL QuantumSPHERE 360 and DTS Headphone:X. There’s even an option for 7.1 surround sound.

The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless headset sounds great, in no small part, thanks to the spatial sound options. Across the frequency spectrum, this headset has got something to offer.

The microphone is also terrific, offering a crisp sound while cancelling out extraneous noise.

With this headset, you can get up to 45 hours of battery life on Bluetooth, and 39 hours with the dongle (with RGB off).

While the body of the headphones could have been better (this may have pushed the headset to a higher price tier), in every other way, the JBL Quantum 910 Wireless headphones shine.

Whether for gaming use or even taking calls and attending video conferences, these cans should satisfy most if not all your requirements – assuming you handle them with care.

Jabra Evolve 75 UC

Jabra Evolve 75 UC

The Jabra Evolve 75 UC Bluetooth headset was designed for call-service-oriented work.

The UC model has been optimized for Unified Communication, but you can find models that service Skype or Business use as well.

The lightweight headset with nicely cushioned and comfortable leather, and a rubberized padded headband.

The right earcup is home to most of the onboard controls – a button for answering and ending calls, volume up and down buttons, a dedicated mute button, and the power / pairing switch.

Unfortunately, there are no controls for listening to music, like playing, pausing, or track navigation. This is probably one of the headset’s weakest aspects, given that competing brands do tend to prioritize music more.

On the left earcup, you will find a central button, which will activate an ambient mic for monitoring your surroundings. You will also find the ANC button on this earcup.

Upon powering up, the headphones will let you know how much battery power is left. It will also pair automatically with your device if it is ready to be paired.

The boom mic is adjustable and is accommodating to a variety of angles. The headset also comes with an on-call LED indicator to let others know when you’re busy or on a call.

The headset comes with a few accessories, like a USB charging cable, a USB dongle, and a travel case. Charging stands are extra, but fortunately, they don’t cost too much.

The USB dongle is for using your headset with your phone and computer simultaneously.

The Jabra Evolve 75 UC headset should give you approximately 18 hours of talk time, 17 hours of music, and 15 days on standby. Results may vary, especially with the use of ANC.

In terms of sound quality, the boom mic is quite solid. If your device supports HD Voice, the mic will take advantage of this feature.

The noise cancellation is also on point. It will help remove fans, air conditioners, and even low-frequency rumble.

The frequency response is also quite nice, offering a good balance of lows and highs. Too bad Jabra didn’t think to include on-ear music playback controls.

While there are some competitive products on the market, if you need ANC, the Jabra Evolve 75 UC is well worth the price.

Dell Pro Wireless Headset WL5022

Dell Pro Wireless Headset WL5022

The Dell Pro Wireless Headset WL5022 comes with noise-cancelling features that were designed to block out noise from your surroundings.

The headphones come with controls for answering calls, redial, volume, and mute / unmute. The included boom mic can be used on the left or right, depending on what works best for your needs.

As with some of the other headphones mentioned in this guide, the WL5022 headset comes with a hearing protection feature that will detect sudden loud noises and reduce audio spikes.

The included status indicator will let others know if you’re on a call, and there are also real-time voice prompts that will alert you to talk time, mute status, and connection status.

If you happen to lose your lovely headset, you can use the Tile smartphone app to help you locate where you put them last (or God forbid, track down who ran away with them).

Overall, the Dell Pro Wireless Headset WL5022 is quite lightweight. It’s compatible with iPhones, Android phones, Macs, and Windows machines. It features Bluetooth connectivity, but it’s also USB-A-ready with a Bluetooth adapter.

Customers enjoyed the sound, battery life, comfort, and price point of these work and call-oriented headphones.

Jabra Evolve2 40

Jabra Evolve2 40

The Jabra Evolve2 40 features an effective active noise-cancelling microphone. With the help of three MEM microphone chips, you won’t need to worry about being heard on a call or video conference, even in noisy environments.

This headset also comes with a built-in “busy” light that lets others know when you’re in the middle of a call. The light will automatically turn on while you’re on a call, but it can also be turned on manually when you need some focus time.

The onboard SafeTone technology was designed to help protect your ears while on calls. The Evolve2 40 headset will automatically detect large spikes in volume and minimize the impact. Very nice.

Users who like to be able to do additional tweaking will be happy to know there is a Jabra Direct app, in which you can control the volume level, customize the controls, and update your device with the latest firmware.

The ear cushions were made using molded foam, offering optimal comfort. The headband also comes with a good amount of cushioning. This, combined with the fact that the headphones are lightweight, makes hours of use a joyride rather than an annoyance. The ear cushions also offer solid listening isolation.

Those who plan to use these headsets in their workplace (that’s what they were made for), will be glad to know the headset is Unified Communications (UC) certified, and are therefore compatible with Ring Central, Dialpad, Vonage, etc.

The headset can be connected quickly and easily using the included USB cable. The headphones are plug-and-play, and there are no complicated pairing processes or mandatory software installations to make them work.

These cans also come with a convenient mute function. All you need to do to mute the microphone is to lift your boom mic away from your mouth. There’s no need to scramble for the hidden mute button when in the middle of an important call anymore.

Overall, the Jabra Evolve2 40 headset is an excellent product, especially for the price point. It has been designed for use with your computer and specifically at work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it in other ways.

Jabra Evolove2 40 is an option well worth considering, no matter the application.

JBL Quantum 600

JBL Quantum 600

The JBL Quantum 600 is a gaming headset featuring an adjustable headband and microphone. The cups use pleather and adjustable RGB lighting is also used in several locations.

The headset has a bit of clamping force due to its weight, but it does not use high-quality materials (if anything, it feels a little cheap). Some found the weight a little uncomfortable for longer use.

There’s a volume dial on the left headphone, and while it is nice to have, it’s very easy to bump. Volume levels, therefore, can suddenly change while in use, which can be disruptive. The secondary volume wheel can be used to adjust the volume of the voice chat, which is a great feature.

If you want to be able to do more with the headset, you’ll want to download the JBL QuantumENGINE software, which comes with RGB lighting settings, EQ profiles, and spatial sound options.

As you might expect, the JBL Quantum 600 headphones are well suited to gaming, thanks to the onboard voice chat controls and comfortable microphones.

The headset boasts a battery life of about 14 hours, though you should probably expect a little over 13 hours. For an average day at work, that’s not a bad battery life, but for gaming, it is notably low.

In terms of sound isolation, the headset does a decent job. Unfortunately, it will not cancel out low-frequency noises (like running washers or dryers).

Sound-wise, the JBL Quantum 600 also leaves something to be desired. Its frequency response may well be one of its biggest weaknesses, though it does some music justice.

Likewise, the microphone might not be anything to write home about. It sounds okay, but it could be clearer, and it can even sound a little distorted.

Despite all the cons, many have found the JBL Quantum 600 to be a solid option, with most customers citing sound, construction quality, and controls as its strong suits.

Can you find a better set for the price, though? We think so.

Logitech Zone Vibe 100 Wireless

Logitech Zone Vibe 100 Wireless

The Logitech Zone Vibe 100 Wireless features a decidedly modern design. Looks sure aren’t everything, but the design of the cans (which come in graphite, off-white, and rose) sure seems to project a sense of comfort and professionalism. But do they live up to their outer coating?

Comfort-wise, the Zone Vibe 100 Wireless headphones do not offer much of a clamping force. The headband feels like a piece of fabric that rests on your head, and no surprise, it will slide out of position here and there. Still, the headset is relatively sturdy.

Fortunately, the earcups are made of better stuff. And it is probably this balance of material (headband versus earcups) that makes the headset a relatively lightweight package.

On the left earcup, you will find controls for volume, a Bluetooth toggle, a USB-C port, and a button for accepting calls. On the right earcup, you will find play and pause buttons.

Speaking of Bluetooth, it’s the only mode of connectivity included in the Zone Vibe 100 Wireless kit. The Bluetooth is effective, and pairing is simple, but some will likely decry the lack of USB connectivity, which for whatever reason has been reserved for slightly more expensive Logitech models.

This product still works perfectly with Bluetooth-enabled desktop computers, laptop machines, tablets, smartphones, or otherwise.

Logitech suggests the headset should give you up to 18 hours of use, which can get you through a couple of days at work.

Further customization is available with the use of Logi Tune, which offers EQ options, mic sidetone adjustments, firmware updates, and diagnostics.

The audio quality isn’t going to break any ground, but it works quite decently with games and music alike. The midrange is relatively strong, though there isn’t much at the bottom end.

The headphones are designed for calls and meetings, however, so they have not been optimized for games and music.

The microphone is also decently clear, though it can sound a little thin sometimes.

Overall, the headphones do what they have been designed to do well. There are options better suited to gaming or music, but for calls and meetings, the Logitech Zone Vibe 100 Wireless lives up to its hype.

Logitech H390 USB Headset With Noise-Cancelling Mic

Logitech H390 USB Headset With Noise-Canceling Mic

The Logitech H390 USB Headset With Noise-Cancelling Mic is a plug-and-play USB-A headset designed for office work, distance education, Zoom calls, and other productivity tasks.

Out of the box, the Logitech H390 headphones sound quite loud, which is perfect for calls and video conferences. They’re not designed for music, so you should not expect much bass pumping, but for cans this cheap, you can hardly complain.

The headset comes equipped with a non-detachable USB-A cable (measuring 1.9m), which means this product is meant to be used close to your computer.

The boom mic is also not detachable (careful not to break it off). But it does a good job of capturing one’s voice, helping to reduce sibilance (adjust the distance from your mouth if plosives sound exaggerated).

Comfort-wise, the headset takes some time to get used to, and it doesn’t offer very good isolation. The mic will pick up mouse clicks and keystrokes, and the mic level cannot be adjusted (mute / unmute only).

Also, the headphones don’t have much clamping force and the padding used is a little stiff too. This will certainly affect comfort.

In total, the Logitech H390 USB Wireless Headset is good for the price. It had reasonably good sound quality, whether we’re talking the cans or the mic.

But the headphones aren’t very comfortable, especially after an hour or two of use, and the noise-cancelling is limited to the mic, which honestly doesn’t cancel out all that much.

If you’re on a tight budget, though, these babies can come in handy.

What To Look For In Noise Cancelling Headphones With A Microphone

Whether you’re a pilot, trucker, warehouse worker, gamer, call center agent, student, or otherwise, the need for noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone (also known as headsets) can arise, especially if you’re working, playing, or studying in noisy environments.

In most cases, product descriptions are quick to let you know what the headset was designed for (gaming, aviation, office, etc.). Even then, it can sometimes be hard to home in on the right product for your needs.

You may have a big head, a small head, good or bad experiences with a particular brand, and more.

Plus, there are corded headphones, wireless headphones, headphones with padded earcups and headbands, headphones with and without clamping pressure, headphones with and without active or passive noise canceling technologies, battery-powered headphones, and much more.

If you’re lost, don’t worry. Because we’ve taken the time to identify the key criteria you should be considering when shopping for headsets, from sound quality to budget. In this section, we’ll be looking at:

  • Sound quality
  • Noise-cancelling
  • Application
  • Comfort
  • Build quality
  • Battery life
  • Connectivity
  • Budget

Let’s take a closer look at each criterion.

Sound Quality

If you want to mix and master music, get monitors. If you want to appreciate music for all its richness and depth, get premium listening speakers.

These sentiments are well understood, but even if you are a studio engineer or audiophile, there are still a variety of reasons why you might be drawn to headphones.

To be fair, we are talking about headsets and not headphones designed specifically for studio work or music appreciation but stay with me here.

For one, headphones offer privacy. A quality pair of headphones will allow you to listen to music and play video games without disturbing anyone else in your environment (and potentially without you being disturbed).

Of course, even when taking calls or Zoom meetings, headphones will help keep the other side (but not necessarily your side) of the conversation more private and localized to your ears.

Two, headphones let us shut out the environment and focus on what we’re doing. This is great when gaming, studying, and working, and some even like it while sleeping (I’ve rarely been able to sleep to loud music, but meditation music or speech is another matter).

Third, your work may require you to have a quality headset, especially if you’re a pilot, a call center agent, a seminar leader who frequently hosts Zoom meetings, or otherwise. You can use a separate microphone too, except then you end up having to purchase headphones separately.

When it comes right down to it, I can’t easily exhaust the array of reasons people like headphones. The point is – just because we’re using headphones doesn’t mean we want to settle for poor sound quality! Fortunately, we don’t have to.

Now, price is still going to be a factor when it comes to sound quality. The more you’re willing to pay, generally, the better the sound you’re going to get from your noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone (both for the cans and the mic).

Even then, you might be impressed with what you can get for relatively little money nowadays.

I recently purchased the Sennheiser HS 200 PRO Studio Headphones (they don’t come with a mic), and while I don’t know whether I’d use them for mixing (they have a very tame midrange, at least to my ears), for office use, they will do just fine.

And let me reiterate this in case you missed it – the Sennheiser pair was very inexpensive.

If you’re an audiophile or music appreciator, then I’m sorry to say I’m not sure you will be satisfied with anything but the most premium of headphone (not headset) options. But if you’re not too picky, you’ll find the modern run-of-the-mill options quite capable, especially for the price.

The sound quality of noise-cancelling headphones with a mic varies from very good to decent. As noted earlier, it’s mostly dependent on how much you’re willing to pay.

For the applications already covered (aviation, office work, gaming, etc.) the above options will more than do the trick. So, if noise-cancelling headphones are what you need, then be sure to select one of the products listed above.

Noise Cancelling

One of the reasons you’re seeking out noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone in the first place is that you’re looking for a solution that will keep the noise out of your conversations, gaming sessions, study sessions, flights, whatever you might be up to.

While I should point out that the sound quality of your cans and mic can differ, strangely, every headset with good drivers seems to have a good microphone also. So, rarely will you find a headset that has “mismatched” sound quality.

As far as the efficacy of the noise cancellation is concerned, you won’t know unless you try the headphones for yourself (more on this later).

Aviation headphones will tend to have the best noise cancellation technology because they must. Brands making aviation headphones wouldn’t be able to charge so much for them unless their products did what they were designed to do.

But there are plenty of capable options in the mid-tier range as well. They may not be able to live up to aviation headphones, but for noisy office and home environments, they will still do the trick.

Generally, the less you’re willing to spend, the worse the noise cancelling is. Cheaper headsets will do a decent enough job in quieter offices and home spaces, but they probably will not do their best work outside of ideal conditions.

Additionally, noise cancelling falls under two broader categories – passive and active.

Passive noise cancellation (also known as passive noise isolation) largely depends on the design and material used by the headphones. For instance, earcups that are heavily padded with noise-reducing materials will tend to block out unwanted noise passively.

Similarly, earbuds that sit in the ear canal will also tend to block out ambient noise passively. You are hearing less of the outside world because your ears are partially sealed.

Active noise cancellation (ANC – you may have seen this term in product descriptions) refers to any active technologies used to reduce noise in your surroundings. ANC generally utilizes microphones that phase invert sounds that can be heard in your environment, thereby cancelling them.

Effectively, ANC creates an equal but opposite noise to cancel noise in your environment.

Some headphones use one or the other, some use both. ANC is typically for heavy-duty use, though that doesn’t mean it can’t be used at work, at home, etc.

Aside from that, we can’t tell you what product to buy, but we do suggest exploring what noise-cancelling methods and technologies a specific pair of headphones offers before buying them.

Application

Broadly, there are three types of noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone. The type you need will depend on your needs. So, let’s look at the different types of headphones and explore what they are for.

  • Aviation headphones. Aviation headphones were designed for pilots and with flight in mind. Generally, they boast excellent quality, durable builds because they must. Their noise cancelling features are usually very advanced (with active and passive methods), and while they usually have significant clamping force (again because they must), they still tend to be comfortable to wear, even for longer durations. Not all aviation headsets come with Bluetooth connectivity, but the Bose headsets spotlighted above do. That means these types of headphones can be used in an array of environments – even in the office or at home. Their noise-cancelling abilities are stellar. But they are generally for heavy-duty industrial use, and their price tag reflects this fact too. So, if you’re thinking about buying aviation headphones, consider your budget before purchasing.
  • Office or work headphones. Office or work headphones are generally designed for calls and video conferences (Zoom calls, etc.) and can also be handy for study and distance education. This type of product, however, also services music and games relatively well (depending on the headset). Office headphones usually won’t have the battery life of a gaming headset, but most are designed to handle a couple of days at the office before requiring a charge. Office headphones are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to aviation headphones. Plus, they usually feature very good noise cancelling. While there are some good heavy-duty office or work headphone options, you will usually need to go looking for them (Jabra has some solid products in this category). Most products featured above are not for use at a warehouse, for example, so if you’re looking for something sturdier, either go with aviation headphones or explore other options.
  • Gaming headphones. The last type of product is designed for gaming. Gaming headphones are generally very inexpensive (although you can find more expensive options) but feature-rich with plenty of controls (including volume, voice chat volume, muting, etc.). They usually do a decent job of noise cancelling (often passive), but that isn’t their strong suit. Gaming headsets typically have decent to good sound quality, however, and often have a booming bass response. That makes them relatively good for music and other uses. It should be noted that some gaming headphones have been designed for use exclusively with specific gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, etc.), so if you plan to use the pair at your desk, you should investigate whether the set you’re thinking about purchasing has this capability first.

Comfort

Comfort is going to prove a key factor, especially for anyone wearing their headphones for long hours at work or even at home playing games.

The earcups and headband (adjustable or not), the materials used in their creation, padding (and padding materials), and overall clamping pressure are the key factors affecting your overall comfort level.

The best way to find out whether a pair of headphones is going to work for you is to head down to the local electronics or music store to try them on for yourself (you could even rent them for a couple of days if the store has this option).

Alternatively, you could ask a friend who has the pair you’re thinking about buying and borrow their headphones for a few days to try them out for yourself.

If you’re unable to try on, rent, or borrow headphones, then the best source of information you have is reviews. Explore both articles and videos to learn more about the product you’re considering. Nowadays, reviews tend to be very detailed and relatively reliable.

Of course, reviews are still just someone else’s opinion, which may not be indicative of the experience you will have with a specific product.

If you don’t think you will be wearing your headphones for longer periods, comfort is not as important of a factor, but it would be silly to say it’s negligible. All things being equal, it’s better to own a pair of comfortable headphones than not.

The better you know what your needs are, the better the chance you will find what you’re looking for, so try to identify what types of headphones have worked for you in the past. This can be a helpful barometer for what will work for you now.

Build Quality

Build quality refers to the overall durability and sturdiness of the headphones, which depends on the materials used to craft the headphones, as well as how well the components fit together.

A pair of quality headphones should last you for years, possibly even for a decade or longer. Meanwhile, budget to mid-tier headphones are not designed to last forever and may only have a lifespan of a year or two, or in some cases, a few months (depending on how you treat them).

For better or for worse, manufacturers have multiple criteria to balance. Crafting their headphones out of solid materials will help them last longer, but can make the headphones heavier, and therefore less comfortable.

Of course, good brands know how to balance these factors. Bose is one of them.

I, for example, have owned a couple of pairs of the Status Audio CB-1 closed-back studio monitors (again, not a headset), which are very cost-effective. I love the transparency and fullness of the sound and even find them effective for mixing.

The only problem is the plastic components. These headphones are not designed to be “pulled apart” while placing them on your head as some headphones are, as doing so will cause the adjuster(s) to break, at which point, the wiring will also be exposed.

One pair lasted me a couple of years, the other pair probably no more than a year. I would still be using them if not for this issue.

While there’s no way to test the durability of the headphones you’re considering (as fun as that sounds), one resource we can take advantage of is reviews, which should offer some indication of the build quality of the products we’re considering.

Also, note that isolated incidents of breakage can happen, so one person’s experience rarely if ever reflects all. But if you do find that multiple reviewers say a specific pair of headphones needs to be handled with care or doesn’t feature the best build, then you’ll have a good idea of what to expect.

Build quality is just one factor, though, and if you don’t mind replacing your headset every couple of years, you’re not in any trouble.

And as with most things, the more you’re willing to pay, the better the build quality you can expect.

Connectivity

The three main types of connections for headphones are as follows:

  • Audio jack. Usually 1/8”. Headphone inputs used to be available on every device. But the trendy thing for manufacturers to do now is to reduce the number of available ports on their devices. So, if you purchase a headset with nothing but an audio jack connection and plan to use it with a modern computer, tablet, or smartphone, you might be in trouble. This is still the connection method I prefer most – I’m just lucky I’m using computers that still have headphone jacks.
  • USB. Note that some headphones use USB for charging only. I used to use a USB headset way back in the day, and it was not bad, except that it made crackling noises any time muscles in my head would move (e.g., while I was laughing, talking, drinking water, etc.). Either way, USB headsets have come a long way, and the new ones tend to come with all the creature comforts of the best headphone products out there. USB headphones are generally great for use with a computer, and potentially with video game consoles that support USB devices.
  • Bluetooth. Many people are beginning to favor wireless connectivity, which explains the rapidly growing popularity of Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth headphones are effectively the norm in the current market. A good pair of Bluetooth headphones will have a streamlined pairing process, a steady connection, and good sound quality too. This can vary from one product to another.

It’s also important to note that most headphones do not come with all three types of connection. Most come with one, some come with two, and the rare one comes with all three.

So, if there’s a particular type of connection you’re looking for, ensure that the product you’re thinking about purchasing supports the method you plan to be using.

If you’re looking for a wireless solution, then a Bluetooth headset is probably what you’re looking for.

Battery Life

Not all headphones operate on batteries. But some do, and for those that do, battery life is an important factor.

Even those who use their headsets at the office sometimes find eight to 12 hours of charge is too little, though fortunately most products featured above will give you a little more if not a lot more.

Battery life will prove especially important for long calls, video conferences, study sessions, gaming sessions, and the like. If you know that you’ll be using your headphones frequently and are thinking about buying a battery-powered product, then ensure that it offers the kind of battery life you require.

This is an instance where paying more for a set of headphones won’t necessarily get you more battery life. So, explore your options carefully.

Budget

When it comes to headphones, you can spend quite a bit of money. You can purchase a competent pair of gaming headphones for $20 (sometimes even less), while a quality pair of aviation headphones can run you $1,300 or more. That’s quite a spread!

As you’ve already seen, more will generally get you more. Higher-priced headphones come with features you’re unlikely to find in more affordable ones.

The average pair of headphones, however, will run you about $100 to $250, and that’s the sweet spot for consumer-grade products unless you’re looking for something special. You might be surprised at what you can get for a little bit of money nowadays.

No matter what solution you might be considering, though, we must advise against going into debt for any purchases. We urge you to spend responsibly, so you can enjoy your new toys, not begrudging the fact that you have debt to pay down.

Headphone accessories are relatively inexpensive, but if you are considering cords, cables, dongles, and the like, then be sure to work these components into your budget too, to avoid overspending.

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones With A Microphone Brands

So, we’ve looked at an array of products. But who makes the best noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone?

We think the following brands are easily among the best.

Bose

Bose is a highly respected brand in audio, and even if they are not the best of the best, they are easily one of the best.

Based in Framingham, Massachusetts, the company was founded by Dr. Amar Bose in 1964 (almost 60 years ago). After purchasing a stereo system, he was convinced he could make a better product. Bose has been chasing that same vision ever since.

Bose is best known for its headphones, earbuds, speakers, home theater systems, portable PAs, aviation-grade solutions, and more recently, immersive audio products, whether for home, on the go, fitness, or even TV and movies.

Bose also has a reputation for creating some of the best car audio solutions available.

JBL

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, JBL was established in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (thus JBL). They produce audio equipment for home and professional uses. The company is owned by Harman International, which is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.

JBL manufactures a large array of speakers, headphones, gaming headsets, soundbars, professional solutions (PAs, studio monitors, installed systems, etc.), car and marine solutions, and specialty audio products.

And that is probably one of the best things about JBL – the fact that it offers so many different products for so many different situations. Whether for the outdoors, parties, or music venues, JBL probably has a worthwhile solution.

Jabra

Jabra is a Danish company with over 150 years of experience in audio equipment. They make headphones, speakerphones, video conferencing solutions, hearing enhancement products, and business solutions.

They primarily make headphones for everyday use and work – wireless, office, call center, trucking and fleet headsets, warehouse headsets, and the like.

Dell

Dell was established by Michael Dell in 1984. They are headquartered in Round Rock, Texas.

The company is best known for its laptop and desktop computers. But they also offer monitors, keyboards, mice, and other accessories.

Dell purchased Alienware in 2006, which is one of the most recognized brands in gaming computers. Alienware continues to operate under its management, however, and mostly agreed to the deal to take advantage of Dell’s efficient manufacturing processes.

Dell isn’t exactly known for its headphones or headsets, but they have been delivering a promising line of products in this domain, which could extend well into the future.

Logitech

Logitech was established in 1981 by Daniel Borel, Giacomo Marini, and Pierluigi Zappacosta. The company is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Logitech is well known for its computer accessories, whether for business, education, or gaming. Their product line includes mice, keyboards, webcams, headsets, earbuds, speakers, lighting, and mobile solutions.

Logitech also owns brands like ASTRO Gaming, Streamlabs, Ultimate Ears, Jaybird, Blue Microphones, and Mevo.

Top Noise Cancelling Headphones With A Microphone, Final Thoughts

And now you know everything there is to know about shopping for noise-canceling headphones with a microphone.

There are some fantastic products available, and you will find many of the best entries towards the beginning of this guide.

We hope you had fun exploring products and learning more about what makes for a great noise-canceling headset. Happy shopping!

P.S. Remember though, none of what you've learned will matter if you don't know how to get your music out there and earn from it. Want to learn how to do that? Then get our free ‘5 Steps To Profitable Youtube Music Career' ebook emailed directly to you!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *