Ever tried to focus on an important call while a loud construction crew works right outside your window? Or maybe you are trying to enjoy your favorite podcast, but the chatter on the bus makes it impossible to hear. Modern life is full of distracting noises that steal your focus and ruin your peace. Finding headphones that can truly silence the world and let you communicate clearly is a real challenge.
The market is flooded with noise-cancelling headphones, and many also claim to have great microphones. But which ones actually deliver quiet surroundings and crystal-clear voice quality for calls or online meetings? Choosing the right pair means balancing powerful noise cancellation with a microphone that picks up your voice, not the background chaos. It’s confusing to sort through all the features and price points.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what to look for in the best noise-cancelling headphones that also feature excellent microphones. You will learn the key features that matter most for both silence and sound quality. Keep reading to discover your perfect audio companion for work, travel, and relaxation.
Top Noise Cancelling Headphones With Microphone Recommendations
- The soft headset with mic is light as a banana and comfortably worn all day.
- One-step pairing for iOS/Android Bluetooth headphones.
- Wireless headset single activate your voice assistant for hands-free phone commands, like “Hey Siri, play music” or “Call Alisa”.
- 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
- SONY’S LIGHTEST WIRELESS NOISE CANCELING HEADBAND EVER: Weighing just 192g, our lightest overhead wireless headphones with Noise Canceling yet, for incredible comfort without compromising on technology.
- DUAL NOISE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY: Take noise canceling to the next level with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, so you can fully immerse yourself in the music.
- ALL DAY COMFORT: Super comfortable and lightweight design.
- SMART FEATURES: Adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound control features tailors sound to suit the environment around you.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 35-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for up to 1 hour of playback).(USB Type-C Cable included
- 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.
- DESIGN: Open-ear headset design provides ambient awareness while delivering clear audio through lightweight, comfortable earpieces
- CONNECTIVITY: USB connection ensures plug-and-play compatibility with PC and laptop devices for instant setup
- CONTROLS: Convenient inline control panel features volume adjustment, mute function, and playback controls for effortless operation
- MICROPHONE: Integrated noise-cancelling microphone captures clear voice audio while reducing background noise interference
- VERSATILITY: Ideal for both professional office communication and PC gaming applications with dual-purpose functionality
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Noise Cancelling Headphones With Microphone
Noise-cancelling headphones with a built-in microphone are fantastic tools. They help you focus on work or enjoy music without annoying background sounds. They also let you take clear phone calls. Choosing the right pair can be tricky. This guide helps you find the best match for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind. These elements define how well the headphones work.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Quality
ANC is the magic that blocks noise. Good ANC uses tiny microphones to listen to outside sounds. It then creates an opposite sound wave to cancel them out. Look for headphones that offer strong noise reduction, especially for steady noises like airplane engines or office fans. Some premium models let you adjust the ANC level.
Microphone Clarity
Since you need a microphone, clarity is key. Check reviews for comments on call quality. Look for features like **noise reduction for the microphone**. This helps your voice sound clear even if you are in a noisy coffee shop. A good mic picks up your voice, not the chatter around you.
Comfort and Fit
You might wear these for hours. Over-ear headphones usually offer the best comfort. Make sure the earcups swivel and the headband is padded well. If they clamp too tightly, your listening time will be short and painful.
Battery Life
ANC uses extra power. Check the battery life when ANC is turned on. Most good pairs last 20 to 30 hours. If you travel a lot, longer battery life is a big plus.
Connectivity
Bluetooth version matters. Newer versions (like Bluetooth 5.0 or higher) provide a more stable connection and better sound quality. Also, check if they support multi-point connection, which lets you connect to your phone and laptop at the same time.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect comfort, durability, and sound quality.
- Earpads: Soft, breathable materials are best. Protein leather or high-quality memory foam offers excellent comfort and a good seal around your ear, which helps block some noise naturally.
- Headband: Metal reinforcement inside the headband makes the headphones last longer. Plastic should feel sturdy, not flimsy.
- Build Quality: Durable hinges and a quality carrying case mean your investment is protected when you toss them in a bag.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make one pair better than another.
Sound Quality vs. ANC Priority
Some headphones focus heavily on amazing music quality. Others prioritize silencing the world. Decide what you need most. If you mainly take work calls in loud places, prioritize microphone clarity and strong ANC. If you are an audiophile, balance those features with high-quality audio drivers.
Latency (Delay)
Latency is the delay between the sound source and what you hear. For watching videos or gaming, low latency is important. High latency causes your lips to move before you hear the words. Good Bluetooth codecs reduce this delay.
Microphone Placement
Boom mics (the kind that sticks out) usually offer the best voice isolation. However, most modern headphones use internal microphones embedded in the earcup. Ensure these internal mics are positioned correctly near your mouth for the best performance.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use these headphones most often.
- Commuting/Travel: You need excellent ANC to fight engine noise and long battery life.
- Open Office Work: Focus on clear microphone performance for frequent video conferences and good comfort for 8+ hours of wear.
- Home Use: Comfort and sound quality might be your main focus, with ANC being a nice bonus for noisy neighbors.
Good noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone should blend silence, clarity, and comfort seamlessly into your daily routine.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do noise-cancelling headphones hurt my ears?
A: Generally, no. Modern Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is safe. Some people feel slight pressure, often called the “cabin pressure” effect, especially with very strong ANC. If you feel discomfort, try a lower ANC setting or switch to passive noise isolation (just wearing them without ANC turned on).
Q: Can I use ANC and the microphone at the same time?
A: Yes, almost all modern headphones allow this. The ANC works to keep you focused, and the microphone picks up your voice for calls or voice commands.
Q: What is the difference between ANC and Passive Noise Isolation?
A: Passive Isolation is just the physical seal of the earcup blocking sound. ANC is the electronic cancellation of low-frequency sounds. A good pair uses both methods for the best result.
Q: Are wireless headphones with mics as good as wired ones for calls?
A: Wireless technology has improved greatly. For casual calls, they are excellent. For professional broadcasting or recording where absolute zero latency matters, a wired connection is still king, but the difference is often unnoticeable for everyday use.
Q: How do I clean the microphone area?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Usually, you can gently wipe the exterior microphone ports with a dry, soft cloth. Never push anything into the tiny holes, as this can damage the sensitive components.
Q: What does “ambient mode” or “transparency mode” do?
A: This feature uses the external microphones to pipe outside sounds *into* your ears, even while music plays softly. This lets you hear announcements or talk to someone without taking the headphones off.
Q: Does the microphone work if the battery dies?
A: If the headphones are purely Bluetooth, no. If the headphones include a 3.5mm auxiliary cable for wired use, the microphone usually stops working when the battery is dead, though some very high-end models might offer a wired mic function.
Q: Which Bluetooth codec should I look for?
A: Look for support for high-quality codecs like aptX HD or LDAC if you have an Android phone. Apple users will benefit from AAC support. These codecs help send better audio quality over the wireless connection.
Q: How important is water resistance (IP rating)?
A: If you plan to wear them while exercising or get caught in light rain, an IP rating (like IPX4) is important. For office use, it is less critical.
Q: Do I need a dedicated app for these headphones?
A: Many brands offer companion apps. These apps often unlock essential features like firmware updates, custom EQ settings, and fine-tuning the strength of the ANC. It is highly recommended to download the app if one is available.