Finding the right noise-canceling headphones for remote work can make the difference between a productive day and a frustrating one. Whether you’re drowning out construction noise downstairs or your partner’s video calls in the next room, good ANC headphones are a lifesaver. But with so many options out there, it’s easy to overpay for features you don’t need or underspend on a pair that won’t last.
I’ve tested these seven pairs during real remote workdays — long Zoom calls, deep-focus writing sessions, and everything in between. These are picks that cover different budgets, form factors, and use cases so you can find the pair that actually fits how you work.
Quick Picks: Best Noise-Canceling Headphones at a Glance
- Best Wireless Earbuds for Calls: Anker Soundcore Space A40
- Best Budget Over-Ear: Sony WH-CH720N
- Best Mid-Range ANC: JBL Tune 770NC
- Best Premium Mid-Range: Sennheiser Accentum Plus
- Best for Apple Users: Beats Studio Pro
- Best for Audio Professionals: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- Best ANC Earbuds: Nothing Ear
1. Anker Soundcore Space A40 — Best Wireless Earbuds for Calls
Not everyone wants over-ear headphones. If you prefer a lighter feel or need to take calls throughout the day, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds deliver excellent active noise cancellation in a compact, comfortable package. With 8 hours of playback per charge (plus 40+ with the case), they’re more than capable of getting through a full workday on a single charge.
- ANC: Adaptive noise cancellation (surprisingly strong for earbuds)
- Battery: 8h buds / 40h with case
- Best for: Video calls, all-day wear, portability
- Price: ~$80
Pros: Small and lightweight, excellent ANC for the price, wireless charging case, multipoint connection for laptop + phone
Cons: Touch controls can be finicky, not as isolating as over-ear ANC
2. Sony WH-CH720N — Best Budget Over-Ear ANC
If you want over-ear noise cancellation without the premium price tag, the Sony WH-CH720N is the best value pick in Sony’s lineup. It borrows noise-canceling technology from Sony’s flagship XM series but at a fraction of the cost. At just 192 grams, they’re also one of the lightest ANC headphones you can buy — perfect for long workdays.
- ANC: Sony Integrated Processor V1 (same chip as XM4/XM5 family)
- Battery: 35 hours with ANC on
- Best for: Budget-conscious remote workers, lightweight comfort
- Price: ~$148
Pros: Excellent ANC for the price, very lightweight, Sony sound signature, long battery life
Cons: Plastic build feels less premium, ear cups are snug for larger ears
3. JBL Tune 770NC — Best Mid-Range ANC All-Rounder
The JBL Tune 770NC hits the sweet spot between price and performance. JBL’s signature sound is energetic and clear, making it great for both calls and focus sessions. With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on, these will last you through even the longest work weeks without reaching for a charger.
- ANC: Adaptive noise canceling
- Battery: 40 hours with ANC
- Best for: All-day wear, energetic sound, calls and music
- Price: ~$130
Pros: Excellent battery life, comfortable for long sessions, good call quality, multipoint Bluetooth
Cons: ANC not as strong as Sony/Bose premium models, plastic build
4. Sennheiser Accentum Plus — Best Premium Mid-Range
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus brings Sennheiser’s renowned audio quality to a more accessible price point. If you care about sound quality first and ANC second, these deliver a noticeably richer, more detailed listening experience than similarly priced competitors. The touch controls and wireless charging add convenience for daily use.
- ANC: Adaptive noise cancellation
- Battery: 30 hours with ANC
- Best for: Audiophiles on a budget, focus work with music
- Price: ~$230
Pros: Superior sound quality compared to Sony/JBL at this price, wireless charging, premium feel
Cons: ANC is good but not class-leading, touch controls take getting used to
5. Beats Studio Pro — Best for Apple Ecosystem
The Beats Studio Pro is the best noise-canceling option if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem. One-touch pairing, iCloud sync across devices, and hands-free “Hey Siri” make these seamless for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users. The upgraded sound quality over previous Beats models makes them a serious contender for remote work.
- ANC: Adaptive noise cancellation (significantly improved over Beats Studio 3)
- Battery: 24 hours with ANC
- Best for: Apple users, frequent calls, on-the-go professionals
- Price: ~$350
Pros: Seamless Apple integration, much improved sound quality, USB-C audio for lossless, comfortable fit
Cons: Premium price, battery life is average, not foldable for travel
6. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 — Best for Audio Professionals
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are the wireless version of the legendary M50x studio headphones. If you do any audio work — recording podcasts, editing video, or creating content — these give you the accuracy you need while still being great for everyday remote work calls. The detachable cable also lets you use them wired for zero-latency monitoring.
- ANC: Passive isolation only (no active noise cancellation)
- Battery: 50 hours wireless, unlimited wired
- Best for: Content creators, podcasters, critical listening
- Price: ~$200
Pros: Studio-grade sound accuracy, incredibly durable, 50-hour battery, wired + wireless flexibility
Cons: No active noise cancellation, ear pads may need replacement after a year
7. Nothing Ear — Best ANC Earbuds for Calls & Style
The Nothing Ear are the second-generation ANC earbuds from Nothing, and they’ve improved dramatically. With excellent ANC for earbuds, clear microphone quality for calls, and a uniquely transparent design that stands out, they’re a compelling option for remote workers who want something different.
- ANC: Adaptive ANC (up to 45dB reduction)
- Battery: 6.5h buds / 36h with case
- Best for: Style-conscious professionals, calls, light focus work
- Price: ~$149
Pros: Unique design, strong ANC for earbuds, good call clarity, wireless charging, LDAC support
Cons: Battery life is below average for earbuds, fit may vary with ear shape
Comparison: Which Headphones Should You Choose?
| Model | Type | ANC | Battery | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundcore Space A40 | Earbuds | Adaptive | 8h+40h | Calls, portability | ~$80 |
| Sony WH-CH720N | Over-ear | Sony V1 | 35h | Budget ANC | ~$148 |
| JBL Tune 770NC | Over-ear | Adaptive | 40h | All-day wear | ~$130 |
| Sennheiser Accentum Plus | Over-ear | Adaptive | 30h | Sound quality | ~$230 |
| Beats Studio Pro | Over-ear | Adaptive | 24h | Apple ecosystem | ~$350 |
| Audio-Technica M50xBT2 | Over-ear | Passive only | 50h | Audio work | ~$200 |
| Nothing Ear | Earbuds | Adaptive 45dB | 6.5h+36h | Style, calls | ~$149 |
How to Choose Noise-Canceling Headphones for Remote Work
Over-Ear vs Earbuds
Over-ear headphones generally provide better noise isolation and longer battery life. Earbuds are more portable and comfortable for all-day wear, especially during video calls where you need to hear your own voice naturally.
ANC Quality Matters
For remote work, you want ANC that handles human voices, not just engine hum. The Sony and Sennheiser models here excel at reducing conversational noise, which makes a bigger difference in home office environments.
Microphone Quality for Calls
If you spend hours on Zoom or Teams, microphone clarity is just as important as ANC. The Beats Studio Pro and Nothing Ear both have excellent microphone arrays that suppress background noise while keeping your voice clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are noise-canceling earbuds good enough for remote work?
Yes — modern ANC earbuds like the Soundcore Space A40 and Nothing Ear deliver excellent noise cancellation for most home office environments. They’re especially good if you move around during your workday.
Can I use these headphones for Zoom and Teams calls?
All seven picks work with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and other platforms. The Beats Studio Pro and Nothing Ear have particularly good microphone performance for calls.
What’s the difference between active and passive noise cancellation?
Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to cancel out external sounds electronically. Passive isolation relies on the physical seal of the ear cups. Most over-ear headphones use both. The Audio-Technica M50xBT2 uses passive isolation only — it still blocks significant noise but won’t cancel consistent background hums.
Bottom Line
Noise-canceling headphones are one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make to your remote work setup. The right pair cuts distractions, improves call quality, and reduces mental fatigue at the end of the day. Whether you go with the budget-friendly Sony WH-CH720N or the premium Beats Studio Pro, any of these seven picks will serve you well in a remote work environment.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve tested and believe in.
