The Best Wireless Headphones For Work

Working in an office has its share of challenges, but distractions top the list. Unless your job is to constantly interact with the people around you, chances are you need to be able to focus on the task at hand. Unless you work in a soundproof office with no windows, though, that probably isn’t a possibility.

If you need to shut out noise while you’re working, a good pair of wireless headphones can do the trick. Headphones can also come in handy for listening to your favorite tunes or a great book when you’re doing tasks that don’t require silence. Before you start shopping, determine exactly how you’ll be using your headphones to help decide whether a pair with noise cancellation will work better for you than one that makes your playlist pop.

Many headphones advertise noise cancellation, but very few actually deliver. Granted, you’ll find plenty of over-ear headphones that physically shut out ambient noise by simply cupping your ears in a way that keeps the sound from getting to your ears. However, true active noise-cancellation technology has your headphones emitting a noise-canceling sound wave that counteracts surrounding noise. The active noise cancellation in many over-ear headphones is often disappointing, so if this technology is important to you, it will be well worth spending the extra money on a brand like Bose that leads the industry.

Active noise cancellation also requires a battery, and you’ll be limited on how long you’ll be able to use your headphones between charges. You’ll also find using your headphones via Bluetooth will mean relying on a battery that has a limited life. If you’re sitting at your desk all day, consider a pair of headphones that will let you plug directly into your source so that you can save your battery for your lunchtime walk or your commute home.

• If you plan to be wearing your headphones for hours at a time, comfort should be at the top of your list. Over-ear headphones affect more than just your ears, as earbuds do, which means you need a pair that is tight enough to stay in place without being so tight they give you a headache.
• Those who wear glasses may find some headphones are too snug for them. You’ll need a little extra leeway for the stems of your glasses to squeeze under the headband.
• Chances are, you won’t just be using your headphones for audio, particularly if you’re connecting it to your phone. Make sure your headphones will easily pair with your mobile device and check that the microphone on them will transmit clear audio to the person on the other end of the call.
• Phone calls aren’t the only way a good mic comes in handy. If you use voice-command technology like Siri or Alexa, you’ll want a pair of headphones that will keep your voice easy to understand.
• When connected to Bluetooth or relying on noise-canceling technology, you’ll need a battery that can hold a charge for a while. You can find headphones that promise a battery life of up to 50 hours, although some activities will run the battery down quicker than others.
• The material and build of the ear cups play a direct role in how comfortable they are. Faux leather is especially popular, but also look for padding on the headband, which will take comfort beyond how your ears feel.
• Your headset will have controls for features like volume. Check to see where those controls are located. Although it’s nice to be able to reach them easily, you may find that if they’re too prominent, you’ll accidentally press them, especially if you wear them after work to relax in a reclined position.
• For those who want to look stylish while working, some headphones come in multiple colors. You’ll also find headphones that have a metallic finish or chrome accents that serve as a great alternative to the standard black over-ear headphone look.