Best Headsets for Remote Work 2025
A bad headset costs you credibility on every call. After testing for call quality, microphone pickup, noise cancellation, and all-day comfort, these are the headsets worth buying for remote work.
In this review
Jabra Evolve2 85
The Evolve2 85 is engineered specifically for professional communication. The 10-microphone array with advanced noise cancellation delivers exceptional call clarity even in open-plan offices. Battery life is exceptional, and the UC-certified variant integrates natively with Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Pros
- Outstanding microphone clarity
- 37-hour battery
- Teams/Zoom integration
- Dual ANC + hear-through mode
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky for travel
- Music quality average
Sony WH-1000XM5
The XM5 offers the best consumer ANC available, making it ideal for remote workers who also want excellent audio for music and focus time. Call quality is good — not professional-grade — but the noise cancellation during calls is outstanding. Best for those who don't want a separate work headset and personal headphones.
Pros
- Best-in-class ANC
- Excellent music quality
- Multipoint (2 devices)
- Lightweight, foldable
- Good call quality
Cons
- Mic picks up some ambient noise
- No dedicated UC mode
- Plastic build feels less premium
Poly Voyager Focus 2
Purpose-built for professionals on calls all day. The three-microphone system with active noise cancellation on the microphone side ensures your voice comes through clearly regardless of environment. The boom mic design eliminates the ambiguity about whether you're on mute. UC-certified for all major platforms.
Pros
- Boom mic = crystal clear voice
- UC certified all major platforms
- Intuitive call controls
- Comfortable for long calls
Cons
- Boom mic looks corporate
- Average music quality
- Ear cushions wear with heavy use
Anker Soundcore Q45
For remote workers who need a functional headset without a premium price, the Q45 delivers solid call quality and adaptive ANC at a fraction of the cost of professional options. It won't match the Jabra or Sony on microphone performance, but for standard video calls in a reasonably quiet home office, it's more than adequate.
Pros
- Very affordable
- 50-hour battery
- Foldable, travel-friendly
- Multipoint pairing
Cons
- Mic picks up background noise
- No boom mic option
- Plastic build
- ANC less effective than premium
Quick Comparison
| Headset | Best for | Battery | Mic quality | ANC | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jabra Evolve2 85 | Pro calls, open office | 37 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Hybrid work + personal | 30 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
| Poly Voyager Focus 2 | Heavy call volume | 19 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
| Anker Q45 | Budget / light use | 50 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | $ |