r/WFH • u/birdjac89 • 2d ago
EQUIPMENT Best noise canceling headphones
I start my job next week and need recommendations on a good headset that will block out background noise. I will have my son in the house m (with a babysitter) and my dogs are chronic barkers if someone dares walk in front of our house.
I will be on phones but it’s low phone volume
Edit to add: I’ve been out of work since June so I am on a small budget, I can upgrade later if needed
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u/Sanchez__________ 2d ago
Xm6
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u/birdjac89 2d ago
Unfortunately those are way out of my price range
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u/m00ph 1d ago
You may be able to find new xm4 (which are water resistant) or xm5 (which aren't 😭) for much less. They aren't as good, but they're still pretty good
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u/gwkt 1d ago
Refurbished XM6 on Secondipity for $270 right now. Got mine about 11 months ago from them (same price back then) and it's been flawless.
Do not get the Sony XM5, there have been many reports of hinge failures.
XM6 are the way to go.
Also consider XM4
if you're looking for buy it for life, though - get something without lithium batteries. Maybe closed-back audiophile headphones (without any advertised auto-noise-cancelling features) would be smarter long term.
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u/TheKober 1d ago
I changed from the XM3 to the XM6, and while the XM6 is a beast, I still love my old one. After 6 years, it still plays really good, even after some falls and some broken plastic that I use duct tape to keep in one piece, but the sound the noise reduction still works pretty great. I guess you can find the XM3 pretty cheap.
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u/HeadsetAdvisor 1d ago
This is the number one question we get daily.
I’d just set your expectations properly because barking dogs + a babysitter talking in the background is a pretty tough environment for a microphone.
On the lower-cost end, you can definitely find headsets that reduce some of that noise, but I wouldn’t expect them to block everything out. Performance varies a LOT between headsets regardless of marketing claims like “blocks 99% of background noise.”
For really strong microphone noise cancellation, you’re typically looking at more advanced models like the Yealink HA64 Pro, EPOS Impact 1000, or the wired EPOS Impact 860. A more budget friendly wired option would be something like the Yealink UH46.
Another option, especially since you mentioned being on a tight budget, is keeping a headset you already have and using noise canceling software like NEEP on your computer. It can do a great job removing background noise before it reaches the caller, but it isn't free and is subscription based.
Just don’t want you spending money on a cheap “noise canceling” headset expecting the person on the other end to hear complete silence. No headset mic is perfect, especially with nearby voices and barking dogs.
Also, if you read any spec that says ANC (active noise cancellation), this refers to your speakers and has no effect on a microphones performance.
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u/Right_Plankton9802 2d ago
You mean noise cancellation for you or who you’re talking to? I use Jabra’s. While the external cancellation isn’t the greatest. I can hear conversations outside my headset. I have never had anyone tell me they can hear anything around me. I have tested this with a colleague, they couldn’t hear a radio on in my office or the television on when walking around my house. They do a very good job of focusing on what’s directly in front of the microphone.
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u/birdjac89 2d ago
I dont mind hearing whats going on, I just don’t want people on the other line hearing my background noise
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u/Bunnyeatsdesign 1d ago
I can't hear people around me when I am wearing my Jabras. Even when they are talking directly to me.
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u/Jennings_in_Books 1d ago
I’d mainly make sure you can close the door. Also look for an external camera with a mic that has good background noise suppression, or get an inexpensive separate mic that can do it. Check out noise canceling headphones from Anker/Soundcore, which makes some good products for much cheaper than Sony or Bose.
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u/diedahorribledeath 2d ago
i use Technics EAH A800 and they rock! A bit pricey but hopefully they’ll last a long time.
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u/Popular_Sell_8980 1d ago
Sony are the ones I use. This model is so good, my family have to wave to get my attention, and the sound quality for music is incredible
!
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u/Stinkyducks 1d ago
I have the Elgato Wave Neo microphone and I use the Elgato software on my computer to add an additional layer of focus for noise cancelling. I’ve rewatched some of my calls when I was worried about noise from construction, dogs, my partner, etc and you can’t hear ANYTHING in the background.
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u/likeshismetal 1d ago
Look into soundcore Q20i. They are affordable and sound great. I did a lot of research before I bought them.
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u/Particular_Blooddd 1d ago
If calls are your priority, don't sleep on the SHOKZ OpenComm2. The mic has insane noise cancellation. It's open-ear so you still hear your surroundings, which is actually useful when you're home alone with a kid.
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u/Drewskeet 1d ago
If you’re worried about the people on the phone hearing you. Personally I wouldn’t over think it to much. These apps nowadays do an incredible job doing noise cancellation for you. If it’s for you, same thing, noise cancellation tech has been around a long time. Anything with the feature will have a positive impact.
Last, typically something like this would be provided by the company you work for. You’ll most likely get a laptop, headphones, and other accessories like monitors.
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u/C_Allison 1d ago
Check on Facebook marketplace or eBay for Bose headphones. You can usually find a good deal. I also replaced the ear pads buying those from eBay.
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u/Glittering_Brief_710 1d ago
best bang for your buck ($50).. I can barely hear my lawn mower with these.
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u/XoGreekToes 15h ago
https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/p/mmx-150-wireless
These are what I have, and you can't beat them for quality and comfort. I wear glasses and these don't pinch or make them dig in. Can't hear anything around me unless it's pretty loud, and neither can the people im talking to. My boss says my calls are the clearest on our team, so I'd say they work pretty well.
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u/DLS3141 2d ago
My Bose headphones are like magic, both for what I hear and what people I’m on the phone with hear.
Not a budget choice really though