Headphones... an essential tool for the office
If you’ve got a desk job, I’d wager you spend at least some of your time wearing headphones. Whether you work from home or commute into an office, a pair of headphones has become an essential tool for phone calls, video conferencing, enjoying music, or simply to turn the volume down on Debbie and James at the neighbouring desks. Choosing the right pair can make a huge difference to productivity and comfort, especially when long hours are spent wearing them. For most users, modern over-ear wireless designs remain the best option thanks to their mix of sound quality, noise cancellation and wearability.
For me, audio quality is the most important aspect, which is why I’ve focussed on audio headphones rather than office headsets here. That said, while all the models I recommend here sound great, they also offer practical features for the working environment. Open-backed wired headphones, for instance, are a joy to listen to, but the way they leak sound makes them hugely antisocial.
Office headphones... Active Noise Cancellation
Topping the wish list for most office workers is a pair of headphones with great Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), which uses microphones and sound processing to counteract outside noise, leaving you with a significantly quieter environment. For office work this is invaluable, reducing the distraction of conversations nearby, not to mention the cacophony of a public transport commute. At home, it can be the difference between staying focused and being distracted by partners, family or housemates.
It’s worth looking for models with adjustable ANC, and especially something called ‘transparency mode’ or ‘pass-through’, which lets outside noise flood in when you need to be aware. The Sony WH-1000XM6 (£399) boast the best noise cancelling, and cupping the right ear automatically turns down volume to allow you to listen and interact, while Bose’s QuietComfort range (bose.co.uk) and Apple’s AirPods Max (£499; apple.com) are also brilliant at eliminating distraction.
The same advanced beamforming (ie focusing sound in a specific direction) microphones used with ANC can also isolate and amplify your voice, helping make call quality brilliantly clear. If your job requires a lot of time on the phone, the professionalism of these mics can be impressive, but if you make calls with noise cancelling on, just be aware that you might not realise how loudly you’re talking. These mics also eliminate background noise during calls, invaluable if you’re in a noisy office or working from cafés or pubs.
Office headphones... the importance of comfort
It is not recommended to wear headphones all the time at work, especially in-ear designs, but comfort remains an important feature. Over-ear headphones surround your ears with padded cups that spread pressure evenly. Combine these with lightweight frames – anything under 300g is good – and cushioned, adjustable headbands, and you get a nice customisable fit. Buying headphones online is convenient, but if you plan on wearing them day-in, day-out, I’d recommend a trip to a shop as differences between brands can be enormous. Glasses wearers should definitely test for pressure from the headphones on their frames too.
Office headphones... wireless connectivity
Wireless connectivity is now the norm, but look out for multipoint Bluetooth pairing, which allows headphones to connect to a laptop and smartphone at the same time – you can join a video meeting on your computer while taking a call on your mobile without disconnecting and reconnecting.
Battery life is important, though a good pair of over-ear headphones will offer 20 to 30 hours on a single charge: enough for a full week. Some dedicated work headphones, such as the Jabra Evolve series, come with a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a USB-C port and creates an instant wireless connection.
Office headphones... over ear vs wireless buds
Finally, I have focussed on larger on- and over-ear headphones rather than true wireless buds. Many of the latest tiny earbuds offer similar office-friendly features, including good call quality, noise cancelling and transparency modes.
They are great for commuting and extremely pocketable, but wearing them for long periods can lead to irritation and pressure in the ear canal and, in some cases, can contribute to infections if hygiene is not maintained. This makes them better suited to short meetings, travel or occasional use rather than the whole nine-to-five. And if you want to leave your ears entirely uncluttered, Shokz OPENCOMM2 (£159; shokz.com) use bone conduction instead of standard drivers.
Office headphones... we recommend:
Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex £265
If my diary is clear of meetings or calls, I’ll reach for wired open-backed headphones and lose myself in music. When things get busier, though, these on-ear wireless headphones have really impressed me. On-ear designs with ANC are rare, and while not as powerful as the Sony headphones, they do a convincing job of cutting office hum and everyday background noise. A pass-through mode also lets voices and chatter back.
Six microphones keep call quality sharp, supported by a hidden flip-down boom mic that makes speech crystal clear. A tiny USB-C Bluetooth dongle creates an instant, reliable connection, and at just 136g they’re wonderfully comfortable. They fold down neatly, and the wireless charging stand means they can sit stylishly on your desk.
All these features go a long way to justifying the price, but importantly, they also sound good, with a lovely inviting tone and plenty of detail. They’re not headphones for blasting at full volume, though, so it’s just as well you’re supposed to be working. jabra.com
Sony WH-1000XM6 £400
Having spent a few months with these, it’s easy to see why people are happy to pay the high price. Audio quality from the 30mm drivers is exceptional, with crystal clear mids and the tightest bass, and they boast the best noise canceling
I’ve experienced.
There are 12 microphones working hard here and call quality is great, helped by AI-powered voice isolation that means my voice cuts through clearly even in the noisiest environments. It even adjusts automatically if you move from quiet to loud environments. Battery life is epic (30 hours), there’s multipoint Bluetooth and the ear pads and headband are comfortable enough for long-haul travel. sony.co.uk
EarFun Tune Pro £59.99
You could treat yourself and five coworkers to a pair of these – with change left for biscuits – for the price of the Sonys. And while I feared they would be terrible, they’re the best budget ANC headphones I’ve tried, with better-than-expected audio quality, good hybrid noise cancelling with pass-through for conversations, impressively comfortable ear pads and a whopping 120-hour battery life.
What’s more, like the premium designs, there’s multiple mics and AI-based software used to filter background noise and boost your voice. Though not up there with the top models, it really works, and call quality was impressive, with no booming but even, consistent voices. There’s also an app for tweaking settings, multipoint Bluetooth for greater connectivity options around the office, and a 3.5mm cable is included for better quality audio performance. myearfun.com
