Best Noise Cancelling Headphones with Microphone: Work From Anywhere

The modern remote worker needs headphones that do double duty: block out distractions AND deliver crystal-clear voice quality for calls. It's a surprisingly difficult combination to get right. Many headphones excel at noise cancellation but have mediocre microphones, while headsets designed for calls often skimp on ANC.

Extensive evaluation across coffee shops, home offices, and open-plan workspaces reveals the headphones that truly deliver on both fronts.

Why Microphone Quality Matters

You might think any headphone microphone is "good enough." But on the receiving end of your calls, the difference is dramatic.

The Problem with Bad Microphones

• Background noise bleeds through: Your colleagues hear your coffee shop, not just you
• Tinny or muffled voice: You sound like you're in a tunnel
• Wind noise: Outdoor calls become impossible
• Echo and feedback: Distracting for everyone

What Good Microphones Offer

• Voice isolation: AI-powered noise reduction on YOUR end
• Natural voice reproduction: You sound like yourself
• Wind reduction: Usable outdoors
• Consistent quality: Works in various environments

Great ANC helps YOU focus. Great microphone quality helps EVERYONE ELSE on the call. Both matter for professional remote work.

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones with Microphones

Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5

The XM5 finally addresses Sony's historical weakness: microphone quality. Combined with class-leading ANC, it's the complete package.

Key Features:

• 8 Microphones: 4 for ANC, 4 for voice calls
• AI Noise Reduction: Isolates your voice from background noise
• 30-Hour Battery: All-day use with ANC on
• Multipoint Connection: Connect to two devices simultaneously
• Speak-to-Chat: Pauses music when you talk

ANC Performance: Excellent. Among the best at blocking low-frequency noise (airplane engines, HVAC). Good with mid-range (office chatter). Decent with high frequencies.

Microphone Performance: Significantly improved over XM4. Voice sounds natural, background noise is well-suppressed. Usable in moderately noisy environments.

Price: Around $350

Best for Calls: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose has always prioritized call quality, and the QC Ultra continues that tradition with the best microphone performance in the category.

Key Features:

• CustomTune: Personalizes ANC and sound to your ears
• 6 Microphones: Optimized for voice pickup
• Aware Mode: Excellent transparency for conversations
• 24-Hour Battery: Solid all-day performance
• Immersive Audio: Spatial audio for entertainment

ANC Performance: Excellent, slightly behind Sony in raw noise reduction but more natural-sounding. Great at adapting to changing environments.

Microphone Performance: Best in class. Your voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments. Wind noise handling is superior.

Price: Around $430

Best Value: Sony WH-1000XM4

The previous generation XM4 remains excellent and is now available at a significant discount.

Key Features:

• Industry-Leading ANC: Still among the best
• 30-Hour Battery: Exceptional longevity
• Multipoint: Connect two devices
• Speak-to-Chat: Auto-pause feature
• LDAC Support: High-resolution Bluetooth audio

ANC Performance: Virtually identical to XM5. Still excellent in 2026.

Microphone Performance: Adequate but not exceptional. Fine for quiet environments, struggles in noisy spaces. The main weakness compared to XM5.

Price: Around $250 (down from $350)

Best for Open Offices: Jabra Evolve2 85

Designed specifically for professional use, the Evolve2 85 includes features you won't find on consumer headphones.

Key Features:

• Busylight: LED indicates you're on a call
• 10 Microphones: Maximum voice clarity
• Certified for Teams/Zoom: Guaranteed compatibility
• ANC + Sidetone: Hear your own voice naturally
• 37-Hour Battery: Multi-day use

ANC Performance: Very good. Not quite Sony/Bose level, but effective for office environments.

Microphone Performance: Exceptional. Designed for calls first, with professional-grade voice isolation. The busylight is surprisingly useful in shared spaces.

Price: Around $450

Best Compact: Bose QuietComfort Headphones

If you want excellent ANC and good call quality in a more affordable, foldable package.

Key Features:

• Foldable Design: More portable than competitors
• Adjustable ANC: Customize noise cancellation level
• 24-Hour Battery: All-day use
• Aware Mode: Quick transparency toggle
• Comfortable Fit: Lighter than Ultra model

ANC Performance: Very good. Not quite Ultra level but still excellent for the price.

Microphone Performance: Good. Clear voice in most environments, though not as refined as the Ultra.

Price: Around $350

For more audio recommendations, check out our guide on best wireless earbuds for running.

Key Features for Work Use

Multipoint Connection

Connect to your laptop AND phone simultaneously. When a call comes in on your phone, it automatically switches. Essential for modern work.

Best multipoint: Sony XM5, Jabra Evolve2 85

Sidetone

Hear your own voice while talking. Without sidetone, you tend to speak too loudly because the ANC blocks your own voice. Professional headsets include this; consumer headphones often don't.

Best sidetone: Jabra Evolve2 85, Bose QC Ultra

Quick Attention/Transparency Mode

Instantly hear your surroundings without removing headphones. Useful for quick conversations or announcements.

Best transparency: Apple AirPods Max, Bose QC Ultra

Wear Detection

Automatically pauses when you remove headphones, resumes when you put them back on. Convenient for frequent interruptions.

Best wear detection: Sony XM5, Apple AirPods Max

Microphone Technology Explained

Beamforming

Multiple microphones work together to focus on your voice and reject sounds from other directions. More microphones generally means better beamforming.

AI Noise Reduction

Machine learning algorithms identify and remove background noise in real-time. This happens on the headphone itself, so it works with any calling app.

Wind Noise Reduction

Special mesh covers and algorithms reduce wind noise for outdoor calls. Critical if you take calls while walking.

Bone Conduction Sensors

Some headphones use sensors that detect vibrations from your voice through your skull, helping isolate your voice from ambient noise.

Comparison Table

Tips for Better Call Quality

Environment Matters

Even the best microphone can't fully compensate for a terrible environment:

• Find a quiet corner when possible
• Face away from noise sources
• Avoid echoey rooms (add soft furnishings)
• Close windows to reduce traffic noise

Positioning

• Wear headphones properly (microphone boom toward mouth if applicable)
• Don't cover microphones with hair or clothing
• Keep microphone at consistent distance from mouth

Software Settings

• Enable noise suppression in your video call app
• Test audio before important calls
• Use wired connection for critical calls (more reliable than Bluetooth)

Backup Plan

• Keep a wired headset as backup
• Know how to quickly switch audio devices
• Test your setup before important meetings

Wired vs. Wireless for Calls

Wireless Advantages

• Freedom of movement
• No cable management
• Works with phone and laptop
• Modern, clean look

Wireless Disadvantages

• Potential latency (usually minimal)
• Battery dependency
• Bluetooth codec limitations
• Occasional connection issues

When to Go Wired

• Critical calls where reliability is paramount
• All-day call center work
• When battery is dead
• Maximum audio quality needed

Most modern wireless headphones are reliable enough for daily calls. Keep a wired backup for emergencies.

Got Questions About Noise Cancelling Headphones for Calls? Let's Clear Things Up.

Do noise cancelling headphones help the person I'm calling hear me better?

ANC only helps YOU by blocking noise from reaching your ears. For the other person to hear you better, you need good MICROPHONE quality with voice isolation. These are separate features. The best headphones for calls excel at both.

Can I use AirPods Pro for work calls?

Yes, but with limitations. AirPods Pro have decent microphones and good ANC, but over-ear headphones generally offer better call quality and comfort for extended use. AirPods Pro are fine for occasional calls; dedicated headphones are better for call-heavy work.

Why do I sound bad on calls even with expensive headphones?

Several factors: your environment (echoey room, background noise), microphone positioning, software settings (noise suppression disabled), or Bluetooth codec issues. Try a test call to diagnose. Sometimes the issue is on the other person's end.

How important is "certified for Teams/Zoom"?

Certification guarantees compatibility and optimized performance with specific platforms. For most users, any quality headphone works fine. Certification matters more in enterprise environments with strict IT requirements or if you've had compatibility issues before.

Should I get a headset with a boom microphone?

Boom microphones (the arm that extends toward your mouth) generally offer better voice quality than built-in microphones. If call quality is your top priority and you don't mind the look, a headset like the Jabra Evolve2 85 with a boom mic is ideal. For a cleaner look with good-enough quality, the Sony XM5 or Bose QC Ultra work well.

Ready to upgrade your work-from-anywhere setup? Explore more audio and productivity guides at Celmin to find your perfect gear. https://celmin.ca