As workplace dynamics change, many of us are spending a lot more time working from home. While some employers may provide their employees with a basic set-up, many folks will still be in the market for higher-quality peripherals, to make life easier. Headsets have become a must-have and owning the right one can not only make those long meetings slightly more bearable but significantly enhance your comfort and enjoyment throughout the day. Choosing the right one can be tricky though, with various factors to consider. So, to make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best headsets for working from home.
Firstly, here are some key things to consider when shopping for your next headset:
Comfort & Fit
Let’s face it, you probably spend your WFH day in pyjamas. So, don’t leave your headset behind as you embark on the pursuit of ultimate relaxation, and look for something that isn’t a chore to have on. Do your dome a favour and look for lightweight headsets made from quality materials, that can adjust to your comfort needs.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is quite simple. For the most part, the more you pay, the better audio quality you get. The list below includes high-end options that are among the best in the industry for audio quality, aside from pure audiophile options that are 4x the price. For those on a budget though, the cheaper options here will still do a great job, if you have reasonable expectations. Noise cancellation is a feature you should keep in mind at any price though, as this will definitely help you focus on work.
Connectivity
Headsets connect in various ways. Don’t make the mistake of buying something that doesn’t work with your device. Check whether the headset you’re buying has a USB or a 3.5mm jack at the end of its cord. Wireless headsets are also a popular option and connect to pretty much most modern devices using Bluetooth. If you do go wireless, one thing to check is whether you can use the headset while it’s plugged in as well, as this isn’t always possible. Multi-point pairing is another great feature, and those who have more than one device in their work setup should look out for this.
Compatibility
Microsoft Teams and Zoom have joined Skype as workplace staples, and headset manufacturers are optimising their products with this in mind. Look out for headsets that are compatible with your app/s of choice, for an even more seamless experience.
Controls
Any good headset will have a selection of controls. Basic functions like volume, mute, and answering/ending calls should be standard with any decent headset but look for extras like buttons that work directly with Zoom or other apps.
Battery
If you’re looking to go wireless, consider how much battery life you need to suit your work needs and general schedule. Although a lot of wireless headsets can also be plugged in, the last thing you need is to be looking for the cable mid-meeting, because your battery ran out.
Range
Another consideration for wireless headsets is range. Keep your work environment in mind, and make sure your wireless headset is capable of following you around when you’re not with your device.
Durability
All the features outlined above won’t mean much if your headset gives up on you. Anything you buy for the purpose of regular work should have a sturdy build quality given how much use it will get.
Purpose
Where possible, we would recommend choosing a headset that you can re-purpose when you aren’t working. This may be for general recreation, exercise, gaming, or more.
Let’s check out some great options that are currently available:
Top Value Headset - JBL Free WFH Wired
This JBL headset literally has WFH in the name! JBL Signature Sound, courtesy of the Free WFH’s 40mm drivers, will ensure your audio is incredibly clear. The JBL Free WFH comes in a wireless and wired version, with the wired being considerably cheaper and providing great value. Its over-ear design, coupled with memory foam ear cushions, make it a very comfortable headset. Add on voice control for mute, and advanced noise cancelling technology, which is compatible with universal chat apps like Zoom and Skype, and you have a headset that really gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Don’t let the name fool you either, the Free WFH’s detachable mic means that when you’ve signed out for the day, your headset will change into relaxation mode too, and accompany you as you unwind.
Top Entry-Level In-Ear - Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Freedom is calling with the Jabra Elite 7 Pro In-Ear and its next-generation technology. Noise cancellation (ANC) with the tap of a button and HearThrough technology for when you need to stay in the loop, makes the Jabra an exceptionally flexible option. Both features are adjustable and enable you to be in control of just how much of the outside world, or the kids shouting in the other room as you work, you want to let in. Determine a range of levels in the Jabra Sound+ app, and then use the controls on your headset to toggle between them with ease. Sound quality has also been taken care of with Jabra’s algorithms adjusting sound frequencies on the go, to provide you with the ultimate listening experience. Their MultiSensor Voice technology enhances calls courtesy of ‘Voice Pick Up’ sensors in each earbud, which remove wind and other disruptions for crystal-clear conversations. Jabra didn’t compromise on comfort either, having utilised data from 62,000 ear scans to create a sweat and water-resistant earbud that fits your ear perfectly and offers maximum comfort. The Jabra Elite 7 Pros get up to 8 hours of battery life, but this is ramped up when used with the case, all the way to 30 hours. If you find yourself in a pinch and all out of hours, you can get right back into it with a 5-minute charge that will power up to 1 hour of playback. Overall, these are a great entry-level option for those who don’t want a big headset on their head throughout the day. The more than ample battery life can get you through an entire day of work all while remaining comfortable and offering a seamless experience on both ends of your calls and meetings.
Top Entry-Level Wireless Headphones - JBL Tune 770NC
JBL’s Tune 770NC Headphones are a great way to get your hands on a set of wireless over-ear headphones without a hefty price tag. They offer up to a whopping 70 hours of battery life which, depending on usage, could last you an entire workweek and some more. When using the JBL’s Adaptive Noise Cancelling, battery life does decrease with a rating of up to 44 hours, though this isn’t too shabby considering you get the luxury of tuning in and out of the outside world. Best of all, just 5 minutes of charging will get you up to 3 hours of listening, ensuring you’re never left stranded. JBL’s renowned Pure Bass sound is featured in the Tune 770NC as well, so if you’re listening to tunes as you work, or after you work, you know it’ll sound good. Another awesome feature for an entry-level price is multipoint pairing, ensuring you can work how you want, and stay connected to two devices at a time. Oh, and when you do receive that work call you forgot about midway through a Netflix episode on said secondary device, the JBL’s range of call-focused capabilities will ensure seamless communication. It even has a feature called VoiceAware, which allows you to hear yourself while you’re speaking. If you happen to love the sound of your own voice, these might be the headphones of your dreams!
Top Mid-Range Headset – Shokz OpenComm2 (2nd Gen)
This wireless open-ear bone conduction headset from Shokz is a great choice for those who live active lifestyles outside of work. Or even folks who are on the go as they work. They don’t take up a lot of real estate on your head and are a refreshing alternative to over-ear and on-ear options, which tend to be most common in the ‘work headsets’ category. Weighing only 35g, they’ll fit right into the relaxing WFH atmosphere you’re trying to create, without compromising audio quality. The OpenComm2 has industry-standard features like noise cancellation and its Clear Voice Capture feature, but everything it does is at a higher standard than entry-level alternatives. You won’t get ‘meeting FOMO’ either. Being Zoom certified, the OpenComm2’s headset buttons work directly with Zoom. One area where you will have to make some sacrifices though is battery life, although any wireless headset that comes in a small package like this will struggle to compare with chunkier units. Expect up to 16 hours of talk time or 8 hours of listening. Keep in mind though, that with a smaller battery, you’ll also get right back up to full charge super quick. Lastly, the OpenComm2 offers the convenience of using up to two devices at a time, with multipoint pairing.
Top High-End In-Ear - Technics AZ80
If you’re looking for in-ear headphones that are cut from a more premium cloth, the Technics AZ80 is a notable choice. With large 10mm drivers, packaged within a special acoustic structure, the sound quality is exceptional. Technics Hi-Fi sound quality offers natural yet powerful bass alongside an acoustic control chamber for expansive sound with reduced distortion. Although, that mainly covers the procrastination side of things. As a WFH tool, standard call-enhancement features such as dual-hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling and even multipoint connectivity for up to 3 devices, cement this as a balance of Hi-Fi sound and WFH features. The Technics AZ80 has up to 7 hours of battery life, and you can employ 24 hours of backup power via the case. Overall, the Technics AZ80 could be best described as a worthy companion. Use it for work calls and meetings but then keep it on as you sign out and tackle the rest of your day. It looks premium, has elevated comfort, and given its in-ear design, it’s as portable as headphones get. Basically, it’s suitable for anything.
Top High-End Headphones – Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4
Sennheiser is a well-known name in the world of headphones. In fact, the company makes some of the best audiophile headphones in the industry, including the Sennheiser HD 800 S, which is arguably the best set of audiophile headphones in the world right now. So, it’s safe to say these folks know what they’re doing. Their Momentum 4 boasts up to 60 hours of battery life, and with next-gen Adaptive Noise Cancellation, built-in EQ, and a multitude of other awesome features like Transparency Mode, these headphones will enhance your work-from-home experience so much so that you’ll struggle to go back to entry-level units. The Momentum 4’s 42mm transducer system delivers high-quality audio, be it music or work calls. With a premium set like this, you also get the flexibility to use the built-in EQ, sound modes, presets, and more to ensure audio output is tuned to the best of your needs. They’re lightweight and designed with comfort in mind so you can keep them on throughout the day for calls, audio playback, and everything in between.
Best Overall Headphones - Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s flagship headphone line, the WH 1000XM range has been many people's top overall pick in the over-ear headphones conversation for some time now. If you’re looking for a set of headphones that you can use for work, and then continue using after work, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a great premium option. They’re premium in every way, from the understated yet classy look to the comfort of generously proportioned earcups that envelop your ears. Although they’re rated at 30 hours, many have reported getting even more usage from them as they power through work, calls, music, and more. The WH-1000XM5 does have a built-in microphone, but as always, folks who spend a large portion of their day on the phone may be better off opting for a dedicated microphone. For the rest, for whom calls are just once in a while, the in-built microphone will do a perfectly fine job. Another area in which the WH-1000XM5 has long been atop the industry is Active Noise Cancellation. Pair this with Adaptive Sound Control, which will dynamically switch between noise cancellation and ambient sound, and you have a set of headphones that will accompany you wherever you go.
Neither of these hit the spot? Not to worry, check out the wide range of headphones available at PB Tech now and find your perfect audio companion.
