Best Headphones for Zoom Calls: How to Choose the Perfect Pair

Explore key features and top picks of headphones designed for seamless Zoom calls and remote work comfort.

Finding the Perfect Headphones for Zoom Calls

Working from home or in a hybrid setup has made choosing the right headphones more crucial than ever. The best headphones for Zoom calls combine comfort, superb voice call quality, and multitasking capabilities like simultaneous connection to both your phone and PC via multipoint Bluetooth. After testing numerous headsets and headphones with boom microphones, considering noise cancellation, comfort, call clarity, and even music quality, I've compiled a guide to help you choose the best gear.

This list includes specialized Unified Communications (UC) headphones that come with compact USB-A or USB-C dongles for easy wireless connectivity to Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and more. Yet, some top choices are consumer headphones with excellent microphones and environmental noise suppression, also perfect for daily use.

Top Headphones for Remote Work: Detailed Overview

Sony WH-1000XM6: Best Sony Headphones for Work from Home

Pros:

• Refined design with a wider headband for better comfort
• Dual hinges allow folding into a smaller case
• Industry-leading noise cancellation and natural sound mode
• Exceptional sound quality with detailed clarity and deep bass
• Upgraded QN3 chip, seven times faster than predecessor
• Six directional microphones for crystal-clear voice calls
• 360 Reality Audio with head-tracking for spatial sound

Cons:

• Premium price, around $65 higher than previous model
• No USB-C audio port for wired digital listening
• Lacks clear toggle for spatial sound feature

Sony continues to impress with its noise-cancelling technology. The WH-1000XM6 improves on the already excellent XM5 with enhancements in design and voice call performance. These headphones might just edge ahead of the competition, setting a new standard in their class.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours (ANC on)
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Shokz OpenMeet UC: Light, Comfortable Bone-Conduction Headset

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
• Combines bone conduction with air conduction for richer sound
• Excellent voice call performance
• Open design allows ambient sounds awareness
• Comes with a handy carrying case

Cons:

• Mainly suited for stationary use; fit is loose for active movement
• Open design less ideal for noisy environments

Weighing just 83 grams and crafted with TitaniumFlex, the OpenMeet blends bone conduction tech with Qualcomm's air conduction speaker for a fuller bass response. It’s perfect for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while maintaining quality calls.

Though not the deepest bass player, it delivers solid sound quality and noise reduction with Qualcomm’s cVc tech, cutting background noise by 98.6%. Just keep in mind, vigorous head movements may cause it to shift.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Open bone and air conduction headset
• Waterproof: No

Shokz OpenComm 2 UC: Best Bone-Conduction Headset for Work

Pros:

• Superb voice call quality
• Boom microphone with mute button
• Includes USB dongle for PC wireless connection
• Splash-resistant (IP55 rating)
• Zoom certified

Cons:

• Magnetic charging cable, no USB-C
• Not suitable for music due to weak bass response

OpenComm 2 UC upgrades the original OpenComm with Bluetooth 5.1 for better performance and firmware updates required for Zoom certification. It sports a repositioned mic with a mute button, enhancing call control. Being open-ear, it lets you hear your surroundings but doesn’t block external noise.

Great for runners and outdoor use due to waterproofing, these headsets last 16 hours of talk time. While music isn’t their strong suit, they excel for calls and podcasts.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 16 hours
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Neckband bone conduction
• Waterproof: Yes (IP55)

Logitech Zone Vibe 100: Best Wireless Headset for Home Work

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable fit
• Auto-mute boom mic feature
• App allows sound profile customization

Cons:

• No active noise cancellation
• Music listening limited to PC

This wireless over-ear headset supports multipoint Bluetooth, allowing easy switching between your Mac or Windows PC and your phone. Despite lacking ANC, it offers decent passive noise isolation. Battery life extends to 20 hours.

Users report clear voice during calls and appreciate hearing their own voice, reducing the need to shout. The Logi Tune app enables sound tuning and sleep mode settings.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Wireless over-ear headset
• Waterproof: No

Sony WH-1000XM5: Previous Gen Flagship Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Pros:

• Lightweight design with USB-C charging
• Superb sound and noise cancellation
• Apple H2 processor powered
• Strong voice call performance

Cons:

• Very similar design to predecessor
• Unclear high-res audio support

Though the new WH-1000XM6 is on the way, the XM5 remains a stellar choice often discounted around $380. The noise cancellation, voice calls, and sound quality hold up well, making it a solid option if you find a good deal.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 32 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Logitech Zone Wireless 2: Premium Wireless Headset for Professionals

Pros:

• Thoughtful, comfortable design
• Boom mic with mute button
• Active noise cancellation
• Excellent noise reduction during calls
• Multipoint Bluetooth support

Cons:

• Sound could be better for music
• Higher price point

An upgrade to the original Zone Wireless, this model offers metal construction and plush memory foam ear pads for long-wear comfort. It has five microphones and Bluetooth 5.2 with an impressive 50-meter range.

During tests on noisy city streets, call quality was crystal clear. Supports SBC, AAC, and AptX codecs for decent audio while streaming.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Wireless over-ear headset
• Waterproof: No

Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex: Best Compact Wireless Headset

Pros:

• Very comfortable fit
• Great sound and call quality
• Auto-mute boom mic
• Bluetooth 5.2 and USB-A adapter included

Cons:

• Supports only SBC codec

This 2023 model sports a slimmer design with dual hinges for compact storage. It shines in call clarity and noise cancellation, making it great for busy environments. Music playback is good, though limited to SBC codec.

Battery life is up to 21 hours with ANC and 32 hours without.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 32 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Wireless over-ear headset
• Waterproof: No

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C): Top Wireless Earbuds with Noise Cancelling

Pros:

• Lightweight with USB-C charging and dust protection
• Excellent sound and noise cancelling
• Apple H2 chip powered
• U1 chip and speaker in case for Find My feature
• High voice call performance
• Supports 20-bit lossless audio via Apple Vision Pro

Cons:

• No high-res audio support outside Apple ecosystem
• No XL ear tips included
• No boom mic

Ideal for Apple users, these earbuds deliver superb noise cancellation and integrate perfectly with iPhones and Macs. They provide up to 6 hours of listening per charge, 30 hours total with the case.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (ANC off), 30 hours total
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Waterproof: Yes (IP54 splash/dust resistant)
• Weight per Earbud: 5.3 grams

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Pros:

• Lightweight and extremely comfortable
• New updated design
• Excellent sound and noise cancellation
• Immersive Audio with head tracking
• Top-notch voice call quality

Cons:

• High price point
• No USB-C audio
• Immersive mode reduces battery life

Bose’s flagship headphones boast premium design and immersive audio tech. Released late 2023, they compete closely with Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max. Although the new Sony WH-1000XM6 has slightly better features, QC Ultra remains a strong contender.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Cyber Acoustics Essential HS-2000BT: Budget UC Wireless Headset

Pros:

• Affordable price point (~$90)
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good call quality with auto-mute boom mic
• Active noise cancellation
• Comes with USB Bluetooth adapter for PC

Cons:

• Generic design
• Performance not as refined as premium models
• No carrying case included

This headset offers an economical alternative to pricier UC options from Jabra and Poly. It includes ANC and wireless charging (though no Qi pad in the box), with decent music playback and clear calls.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours (ANC on), 27 hours (off)
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: No
• Type: Wireless over-ear headset
• Waterproof: No

Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC: Premium UC Headset

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Excellent active noise cancellation with two modes
• Boom mic with mute button and auto-mute
• Includes wireless USB adapter for PC
• Extended wireless range with Bluetooth 5.1

Cons:

• USB-C dongle version costs more
• Music listening quality is average
• Pricier than some competitors

A successor to the beloved Plantronics Voyager Focus UC, this model offers improved noise canceling, longer battery life (up to 19 hours), and multi-device connectivity. It’s great for professionals who want reliable performance and comfort.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 19 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Wireless over-ear headset
• Waterproof: No

Poly Voyager Free 60 Plus UC: Best True Wireless Earbuds for Work

Pros:

• Touchscreen display on charging case
• Case doubles as Bluetooth transmitter via 3.5mm jack
• Excellent voice call performance with 3 mics per earbud
• Good sound and noise cancellation
• Handy companion app

Cons:

• Noise cancellation struggles in loud environments

These earbuds feature a unique charging case with a small display and can act as a Bluetooth transmitter for in-flight entertainment systems. They support AAC, AptX, and LC3 codecs and offer 5.5 hours battery life with ANC.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 5.5 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: True wireless earbuds
• Waterproof: Yes (IP54)

Sony CH-720N: Best Budget Sony Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Pros:

• Lightweight under 200g with leather padding
• V1 chip for adaptive ANC and better sound processing
• Improved call quality with beamforming mics
• Advanced EQ controls via companion app

Cons:

• No carrying case
• Limited extra features like ear detection
• No LDAC codec support

These offer a big step up from entry-level models, balancing sound, comfort, and noise cancellation for about $200. They’re a value pick for budget-conscious users wanting quality Sony noise cancellation.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 35 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Jabra Evolve2 85 UC: Top Corporate Wireless Headset

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable for long wear
• USB UC dongle included for PC connection
• Updated audio chipset
• 10 microphones, including 2 for noise cancellation and voice recognition
• Microsoft Teams certified version available
• Impressive 37-hour battery life

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires adapter for desktop app
• Noise cancellation is average

This is an evolution from Jabra Elite 85h, focusing on business communication with advanced mic array and USB connectivity. Comfortable for extended use and perfect for professional environments.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 37 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: No
• Type: Over-ear wireless headset
• Waterproof: No

Apple AirPods Max: Best Apple Over-Ear Headphones for Work

Pros:

• Surprisingly comfortable despite weight
• Impressive sound and build quality
• Top-tier adaptive ANC and transparency modes
• Great call headset performance
• Virtual surround sound for iPhone and iPad
• Automatic device switching via iCloud

Cons:

• Expensive, heavy, and complex smart case
• No wired cable included
• Android users lose some features
• Others may hear your audio at high volumes

Ideal for Apple ecosystem users, these headphones easily switch between devices and excel in call quality and noise control. The weight might be a drawback for some.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
• Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC)
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Over-ear wireless headphones
• Waterproof: No

Jabra Evolve2 30: Best Wired Headset for Remote Work

Pros:

• Available with USB-C and USB-A
• Dual microphones for voice clarity and noise suppression
• Affordable
• Microsoft Teams integration
• Excellent microphone sound clarity

Cons:

• Not suitable for music
• No wireless connectivity

A wired office headset built for communication apps, lightweight and comfortable. It features a noise-cancelling mic boom that auto-mutes when raised.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Not applicable
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Multipoint Bluetooth: No
• Type: Wired over-ear headset
• Waterproof: No

JLab Go Work (Gen 2): Best Budget Headset for Zoom

Pros:

• Up to 45 hours battery life
• Very affordable
• Multifunction control button with LED
• Includes cable for wired use

Cons:

• No noise cancellation
• Sound quality is average

Perfect for those on a budget, these wireless over-ear headphones feature a flip-up mic and multipoint pairing. They charge via USB-C and deliver decent sound for the price.

Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 45 hours
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Yes
• Type: Wireless over-ear headset
• Waterproof: No

Comparing Headphones and Headsets for Working from Home

Key Factors to Consider When Buying Headphones for Zoom Calls

Budget

Decide how much you want to spend. Entry-level headsets under $130 offer solid performance and comfort, while premium models with better build and features tend to start around $260 and can go much higher.

Boom Microphone or Not?

Headsets with boom mics place the mic closer to your mouth, improving voice clarity. Many boom mics now feature easy mute buttons, crucial for video meetings. However, boom mics make the headset look more like professional gear, which might not be ideal if you want more casual headphones for everyday use.

Fit and Comfort

A good fit is essential. Your headset should feel snug but not tight. Since you may wear it all day, comfort is king.

Durability

Look for sturdy construction to withstand regular use without wear.

Return Policies

Buy from stores with flexible return policies. Testing two models and returning one is a smart way to find what works best.

How We Test Headphones and Headsets for Remote Work

We evaluate based on six criteria:

• Design: Comfort, build quality, controls, and for earbuds, water and dust resistance.
• Sound Quality: Music and voice call performance compared to peers, focusing on bass depth, clarity, dynamic range, and natural sound.
• Noise Cancellation: Tested near loud ventilation indoors and on city streets for real-world noise suppression.
• Features: Multipoint Bluetooth, auto-mute microphones, transparency modes, and companion app usability.
• Voice Calls: Clarity and background noise reduction during calls in noisy environments and apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Price: Value for money compared to features and competitors.

Other Headsets We've Tested

The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC remains available but is best replaced by the improved Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headsets for Home Office

• Is a boom mic headset important?
  A boom mic places the microphone closer to your mouth for clearer voice capture. Some headsets have directional mics that work well, but boom mics generally provide better voice clarity. If the boom mic doesn’t tuck neatly away, it might look less casual.
• Can gaming headsets double as home office headphones?
  Absolutely! Many gaming headsets come with boom mics and are designed for online communication, making them suitable for video calls, though some find their gaming aesthetic less professional.
• Which is better for home work: earbuds or over-ear wireless headphones?
  It’s personal preference. Earbuds generally look less bulky but have shorter battery life. Over-ear headphones offer longer playtime and often better noise cancellation.
• How important is multipoint Bluetooth?
  Very. It lets you connect a headset to your computer and phone simultaneously, so calls and media switch seamlessly.
• Are active noise-cancelling headphones worth the extra cost?
  If you work in noisy environments, ANC headphones significantly improve focus and call quality by reducing background noise.

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