Best Noise Canceling Headphones For Virtual Meetings

by Luther B. Health Writer

The technology, known as active noise-cancellation (ANC), works by using microphones to pick up low-frequency noise and neutralize it before it reaches the ear. The headset generates a sound that’s phase-inverted by 180 degrees to the unwanted noise, resulting in the two sounds canceling each other out. I have picked some of the best ANC headphones from the market to choose from.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

It offers good noise cancellation capabilities, quality audio output, amazing battery life, a sleek design, along with some rather functional add-ons.

The headphones feature large 40mm drivers that sound phenomenal, they’re rated for up to 30 hours of continuous playback, and they’ve got some really comfortable ear cups that ensure that you won’t feel any fatigue if you wear the headphones for long stretches of time.

Best ANC experience
Noise cancellation is excellent
30-hour battery life
Touch Sensor controls
Speak to chat
Wearing detection

Buy Sony WH-1000XM4: $348

2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphone 700

The Bose 700 takes the second spot on this list as it falls slightly behind the Sony WH-1000XM4 in the audio quality department which, I believe, should be the primary criterion in judging any headphones, even noise cancellation headphones.

The headphones feature a compact and lightweight design with excellent earcups, making them one of the most comfortable noise-canceling headphones out there, and they’re rated for up to 20 hours of continuous playback.

Second only to Sony in ANC
Rich sound
Access Voice Assistant
20-hour battery life
Comfortable earcups

Buy Bose 700: $339

3. Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

Microsoft’s new Surface Headphones 2 are also a great option for buyers looking for a solid pair of noise-canceling headphones, as they offer a premium design, great wireless performance, and excellent noise-canceling capabilities.

On the downside, however, the headphones are rated for just up to 20 hours of continuous playback and they aren’t as comfortable as some of the headphones on the list.

Very comfortable
Hands-free assistance
Skip tracks, answer calls
13 levels of ANC
20-hour battery life
Supports AptX codec

Buy Microsoft Surface Headphones 2: $249.99

4. Sennheiser Momentum 3

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless — a great pair from the German manufacturer that is by far the most comfortable noise-canceling headphones out there.

Not only do the headphones sound great, but they’re also rated for up to 15 hours of continuous playback and have some solid features that befit a headphone in this price range.

Comfortable earpads
ANC is pretty good
Smart controls
Alexa integration
Bluetooth 5.0

Buy Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless: $295.45

5. Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 also features touch controls on the earcups, but they’re way too sensitive and might not appeal to some users. However, if you’re looking for a decent noise-canceling headphone on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Anker Soundcore Life Q20. The headphones are rated for up to 40 hours of wireless playback at a stretch, which is amazing for the price.

Best ANC experience at an affordable price
Exceptional battery life
Touch controls
Sturdy design
Supports wired connection

Buy Anker Soundcore Life Q20: $59.99

6. AKG N700NC

When it comes to noise-canceling capabilities, the headphones perform quite well and the noise canceling is quite effective. On top of that, the headphones also feature an ambient aware mode, that lets you safely listen to music while being aware of whatever is going on in the surroundings.

Ambient aware mode
20-hour battery life
Comfort fit ergonomics
Foldable design
Sturdy build quality
Full control with AKG app

Buy AKG N700NC: $229

7. Bose Quiet Comfort 25

The Bose QC 25 is powered by a single AAA battery which is capable of powering the active noise cancellation (ANC) for up to 35 hours of use, which is great in itself, but you can easily carry a spare battery and extend the battery life considerably, making the headphones even better.

Still the king for wired ANC experience
Great noise cancellation
Deep, powerful sound
Music and Call support
Lightweight and comfortable

Buy Bose QuietComfort 25: $209

8. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT QuietPoint

If great design is what you prefer over everything else, then you should probably go with Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT QuietPoint. The headphones look stylish, have the very premium build quality, and offer excellent sound. On top of that, the easily replaceable magnetic memory foam ear cups are a nice added touch.