Imagine trying to focus in a loud coffee shop or take an important call with construction noise outside. Does that sound familiar? Life is full of distracting sounds that make it hard to hear or concentrate. That’s why noise-cancelling headphones with a built-in microphone are becoming essential gear for students, remote workers, and travelers alike.
But here’s the catch: choosing the best pair feels overwhelming. You need great noise cancellation, crystal-clear microphone quality for calls, and comfort for long wear. Sorting through all the features, brands, and price points can feel like a headache before you even put them on your head!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a noise-cancelling headset great for both listening and talking. Keep reading to discover the top features to look for, the common pitfalls to avoid, and which models truly deliver peace and performance.
Top Noise Cancelling Headphones With Microphone Recommendations
- 【Clear Voice Calls | Wireless AI Noise Cancelling Headset】
- 【Clear Calls with Noise-Cancelling Mic】The 90° adjustable boom mic captures your voice with precision while filtering out noise, making conversations clearer in busy offices and online meetings. This reliable headset with microphone for pc delivers crisp voice quality for Teams, Zoom, and customer support calls, making it a great computer headset with microphone for daily communication.
- 【Premium 40mm Drivers for Rich, Balanced Audio】Professionally tuned 40mm drivers deliver vibrant highs, clear vocals, and deep bass for calls, music, and training videos. This high-fidelity usb headset with microphone for pc boosts both work and entertainment while doubling as great computer headphones with microphone for video meetings and online learning.
- 【All-Day Comfort for Long Wear】Soft protein-memory ear cushions and a lightweight 6.17-oz frame reduce pressure during long shifts. Designed for offices, call centers, and remote work, this comfortable pair of wired headphones with mic also works great as headphones with microphone for computer for extended study sessions and everyday use.
- 【Stable USB-A/USB-C Wired Connection】Avoid dropouts and battery issues—this dependable usb headset delivers stable, lag-free audio for virtual meetings and classes. With USB-A and USB-C compatibility, it’s a great computer headset for professionals who need a reliable wired connection throughout the day.
- 【Easy Controls & Wide Compatibility】This plug-and-play headset works with PCs, laptops, tablets, MacOS, and USB-C mobile devices. Rotate the right earcup for volume control and lift the mic boom 90° to mute instantly. With its 6-ft cable, it serves as flexible headphones wired with mic for call centers, online classes, and remote work—while functioning as great usb headphones with microphone across multiple devices.
- Advanced 6-Mic ENC for Crystal-Clear Calls: Featuring a six-microphone array with smart Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the A18 noise cancelling headphones accurately capture your voice while reducing background noise like traffic, wind, and crowd sounds. Enjoy clear, stable conversations for work calls, virtual meetings, online classes, or everyday chats—even in busy environments
- 120H Ultra-Long Playtime & Wired Mode: Powered by a high-capacity 650mAh battery, the A18 wireless Bluetooth headphones deliver up to 120 hours of continuous playback on a single charge—ideal for work, travel, and daily listening. When the battery runs low, simply connect the included 3.5mm AUX cable to switch to wired mode for uninterrupted audio anytime
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling & Immersive Sound: The A18 over-ear headphones use dual internal and external microphones for hybrid active noise cancelling, helping reduce up to 90% of ambient noise. Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, they deliver clear highs, balanced mids, and deep, powerful bass for an immersive listening experience at home, at work, or on the go
- Three Listening Modes for Every Scenario: The A18 headphones offer Game, Music, and Transparency modes to match different activities. Game Mode reduces audio latency for smoother gaming and video streaming. Music Mode enhances clarity and balance for rich, immersive sound. Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound, keeping you aware of your surroundings while enjoying your audio anywhere
- Bluetooth 6.0 & All-Day Comfort: With advanced Bluetooth 6.0, A18 over-ear headphones offer fast pairing, ultra-low latency, and a stable connection with phones, tablets, and computers. Weighing just 0.54 lb, they feature an adjustable headband and soft memory foam ear cushions for a secure, pressure-free fit throughout the day
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Adaptive Noise Cancelling means zero distractions whether you’re studying or getting lost in the music. If you want to hear the world around you, activate Ambient Aware and TalkThru in the JBL Headphones app.
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio: Wirelessly stream high-quality JBL Pure Bass Sound. In the JBL Headphones app select Audio mode for the best sound quality or Video Mode to ensure the sound and visuals of your movie/game are in sync. Available via OTA update
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: JBL Tune 770NC headphones feature renowned JBL Pure Bass sound—the same that powers the most famous music venues all around the world.
- Customize your listening experience: Download the free JBL Headphones App to tailor the sound to your taste by choosing one of the pre-set EQ modes or adjusting the EQ curve according to your content, your style, your taste.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: Easily control your sound and manage your calls from your headphones with the convenient buttons on the ear-cup. Hear your voice while you're talking, with the help of VoiceAware.
- Plug-and-Play USB Computer Headset: Simply plug the USB-A connector of this PC headset with mic into your computer and you’re ready to talk or listen without the need to install software
- Rotating Noise Cancelling Mic: The computer headphones minimize unwanted background noise for clear conversations. The rotating boom arm can be tucked out of the way when you’re not using the computer headset with microphone
- Comfortable Headphones: These headphones for gaming feature an adjustable headband, swivel-mount, and leatherette ear cushions for comfort; they are easy to clean and are great as a noise-cancelling call center headset with a microphone
- Digital Stereo Sound: Fine-tuned drivers in these headphones with microphone provide enhanced digital audio for music, calls, meetings and more
- Handy In-line Controls: Simple in-line controls on the cable of these over ear headphones let you adjust the volume or mute calls without disruption; they're great as gaming headsets for PC and microphone noise cancelling headphones for work
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in airplanes, trains or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
- Work. Play. Vibe: Made for the way you work and play, Zone Vibe 100 over ear wireless headphones are professional enough for the office, casual enough for home, and available in three modern colors
- Easy Video Meetings from Home: This over ear headset’s compatibility with popular video platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom makes it simple and easy to join any meeting
- Noise Canceling Technology: With beamforming technology and digital signal processing (DSP), the noise canceling headphones with microphone capture your voice clearly and eliminate background sound
- Immersive Audio: Zone Vibe 100 wireless audiophile headphones have 40 mm speakers that drive full, rich audio and bring music and meetings to life with deep bass, crisp highs, and low distortion.
- Wireless Freedom: Seamlessly switch between your devices with multipoint Bluetooth headphones, and enjoy up to 18 hours of wireless use with each charge
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Noise Cancelling Headphones with Microphone
Choosing the right noise-cancelling headphones with a built-in microphone can be tricky. You want peace and quiet for calls or focus, plus clear communication. This guide helps you pick the best pair for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
The best headphones offer a mix of features. Think about what you do most often.
1. Noise Cancellation Quality (ANC)
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This is the main event. Good ANC blocks out low, constant noises like airplane engines or office hum. Look for headphones that let you adjust the ANC level or turn it off completely.
- Transparency/Ambient Mode: This feature lets outside sounds in without removing your headphones. It’s great for hearing announcements or quick conversations.
2. Microphone Clarity
- Beamforming Microphones: High-quality mics use this technology. They focus on your voice and reduce background noise for the person on the other end of the call.
- Number of Mics: More microphones often mean better noise isolation during calls.
3. Battery Life and Charging
- Check the playtime with ANC on. Most good models offer 20 to 30 hours.
- Quick Charge: A feature that gives you several hours of playback from just a 10-15 minute charge saves you when you are in a rush.
4. Connectivity and Controls
- Bluetooth Version: Aim for Bluetooth 5.0 or newer for a stable, long-range connection.
- Multipoint Connection: This lets you connect to your phone and laptop at the same time. You can switch easily between music and a meeting.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials affect comfort and how long the headphones last.
Comfort Materials
- Earcups: Soft, breathable materials like protein leather or memory foam offer comfort for long listening sessions. Avoid stiff plastic that presses too hard.
- Headband: The headband should use durable metal reinforcement inside a padded cushion. This keeps the fit secure but light.
Durability
- Look for hinges and folding mechanisms made of metal instead of cheap plastic. These parts often break first.
- Some models offer an IP rating (like IPX4), which means they resist sweat and light rain. This is important if you use them for workouts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a set fantastic or frustrating?
Quality Boosters
- Sound Codecs: Advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC transmit higher-quality audio wirelessly.
- Comfort Fit: Headphones must clamp gently but firmly. If they slide around, the sound quality suffers, and the ANC won’t work as well.
Quality Reducers
- Poor Fit: If the seal around your ears is leaky, outside noise easily sneaks in. ANC cannot fix a bad physical seal.
- Latency: High audio delay (latency) makes watching videos or gaming annoying because the sound doesn’t match the picture.
- Microphone Pick-up: If the mic picks up every little sound around you (like keyboard clicks), it reduces call quality significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider where you plan to use these headphones most often.
The Commuter/Traveler
You need top-tier ANC to silence planes and trains. Long battery life is essential. Lightweight, foldable designs pack easily.
The Remote Worker
Clear microphone performance is the absolute top priority. You need excellent voice isolation so your colleagues hear you, not your dog barking. Multipoint connectivity keeps you connected to work devices.
The Student/Focus Seeker
Comfort for hours of study time matters most. Good ANC helps block out dorm noise or library chatter. Simple controls for quick volume adjustments are helpful.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do noise-cancelling headphones hurt my ears?
A: Modern ANC headphones generally do not hurt your ears. Some people feel a slight “pressure,” especially with very strong ANC. If you feel discomfort, choose a model with adjustable ANC levels.
Q: Can I use noise cancelling when I am on a phone call?
A: Yes, absolutely. Good headphones use ANC to create a quiet environment for you to hear the caller. They often use separate microphones to isolate your voice so the caller hears you clearly.
Q: Is Bluetooth range important for these headphones?
A: Yes. A good Bluetooth range (usually 30 feet or more) means you can walk around your office or home without dropping the connection during a call.
Q: How do I know if the microphone is good for calls?
A: Look for reviews that specifically mention call quality in noisy environments. Manufacturers often mention “AI noise reduction” for the microphone.
Q: Should I buy Over-Ear or In-Ear noise-cancelling headphones?
A: Over-ear models usually offer better passive noise isolation and superior ANC performance due to their size. In-ear models are better for portability and workouts.
Q: What is the difference between ANC and Passive Noise Isolation?
A: Passive isolation is the physical barrier—the padding sealing off your ear. ANC uses electronics to create opposing sound waves to cancel outside noise.
Q: How long does a full charge usually last?
A: Most quality models last between 20 and 30 hours with ANC turned on. Battery life drops significantly if you use maximum volume constantly.
Q: Can I listen to music while charging?
A: Many modern headphones allow you to plug in the USB-C cable and continue listening, although some cheaper models may stop playback while charging.
Q: What should I do if my ANC suddenly stops working well?
A: First, check the fit—a loose earcup ruins the seal. Second, sometimes the microphone ports used for ANC get dusty or blocked. Gently wipe the small holes on the outside of the earcups.
Q: Are expensive headphones always better for calls?
A: Not always. While high-end brands usually excel, sometimes mid-range models focus heavily on microphone technology, making them excellent for calls even if their music soundstage is slightly less detailed.