Best ANC Headphones for Calls and Work

TL;DR: Apple AirPods Max Midnight deliver pro‑level ANC, 20 hours of battery life and immersive spatial audio, but they weigh 0.85 pounds and cost $449.99, placing them at the premium end of the market.

What really sets these headphones apart is the “pro‑level” active noise cancellation that Apple claims cuts sound up to twice as much as the AirPods Pro, paired with adaptive EQ and dynamic head‑tracking spatial audio. The battery holds for 20 hours even with ANC or Spatial Audio enabled, and a five‑minute quick‑charge boost gives you 1.5 hours of playback. Nine built‑in microphones and a dedicated listening‑mode button round out a feature set aimed at professional calls and immersive listening.

In this nine‑product roundup the AirPods Max are notably pricier than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Soundcore Space One and other budget‑focused options. At 0.85 pounds they are heavier than the Bose (≈0.55 pounds), Soundcore (≈0.57 pounds), Sony WH‑CH720N (≈0.22 pounds) and JLab JBuds Lux (≈0.52 pounds). Their 20‑hour battery life sits below the Bose’s 24‑hour ANC runtime and Sony’s 35‑hour ANC runtime, yet it exceeds many entry‑level models that list around 18‑hour or less.

Reviewers consistently praise the immersive spatial audio and the endurance that covers long commutes or work‑from‑home days. However, the 0.85‑pound (384.9 g) build frequently gets mentioned as a source of ear fatigue during extended sessions, and the lack of multi‑device Bluetooth pairing recurs as a complaint for users who switch between laptop and phone throughout the day. The headphones also feature a 50‑foot wireless range and support Bluetooth 5.0/5.3, ensuring a stable connection in typical office environments.

Technical highlights include a 16‑ohm impedance and 100 dB sensitivity, which help deliver clear, detailed sound across Apple’s lossless USB‑C streaming. Sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, optical and case‑detect sensors enable the smart case’s ultra‑low‑power standby mode, extending idle time to 18 days.

Best for: Audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality and advanced features

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $449.99

TL;DR: The Soundcore Q20i offers hybrid ANC, 40‑mm drivers, and up to 40 hours of playback with ANC on, all for $44.99, making it a solid budget pick for work calls.

Soundcore’s Q20i packs hybrid active noise cancellation with two internal and two external mics, claiming up to 90% reduction of external noise. The 40 mm drivers deliver a 20 Hz‑20 kHz frequency response, and the headphones support Hi‑Res audio when connected via the detachable 3.5 mm AUX cable. Battery life stands out: 60 hours without ANC and 40 hours with ANC enabled, while a 90‑minute full charge restores full power.

Compared with the other eight models, the Q20i is lighter than the Million Sold Classic E7 (0.77 lb) and comparable in weight to the Kvidio Hybrid ANC Headphones (0.6 lb). Its 40 hours of ANC‑on playback matches the Kvidio Hybrid’s ANC battery life, while offering a longer total runtime than the Sony WH‑CH720N, which lists 35 hours with ANC. The driver size exceeds the 30 mm unit from Sony and matches the 40 mm drivers that the Soundcore Space One uses, giving it a solid mid‑range sound platform without the premium price tag.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the marathon battery life and the comfortable memory‑foam ear cups wrapped in protein leather, noting the “punchy” bass from the BassUp technology. Users also like the 22‑preset EQ in the Soundcore app, which lets you fine‑tune the sound. On the downside, some comment that the single call microphone can feel limiting for clear voice pickup, and the 10 m Bluetooth range is shorter than what you’d find on higher‑end competitors. The headphones are also a bit heavier than ultra‑light options, which can be noticeable during long work sessions.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The JLab JBuds Lux ANC delivers hybrid noise cancellation with up to 35 dB reduction, 40 hours of ANC‑on playback, and a marathon 70‑hour total battery life for $79.98.

What really sets the JBuds Lux apart is its hybrid active‑noise‑cancellation that cuts ambient sound by up to 35 dB, paired with 40 mm dynamic drivers and a notable 40‑hour battery life when ANC is enabled. Even with ANC off, the total playtime stretches to 70 hours, and a 10‑minute quick‑charge adds another 7.5 hours of listening.

Compared with the eight other headphones in this roundup, the JBuds Lux is lighter than most – at roughly 0.52 lb (235 g) it’s only heavier than the Sony WH‑CH720N, which tips the scales at about 0.22 lb. Its 40‑hour ANC runtime ties the best‑performing peers (Sony, Soundcore Space One, Soundcore Q20i, Kvidio Hybrid, Kvidio ANC) and outlasts the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (24 h) and Apple AirPods Max (20 h). The total 70‑hour playtime also tops the field, as none of the competitors list a longer overall battery span. Impedance sits at 16 Ω, matching the Soundcore Space One and Q20i, while the Kvidio ANC sits at 32 Ω. On the downside, the JBuds Lux only supports SBC and AAC codecs, whereas higher‑resolution options like aptX aren't offered.

Users consistently highlight the marathon battery life and the Cloud Foam ear cushions that stay comfortable during long calls or work sessions. The JLab app’s EQ3 sound profiles let you fine‑tune the audio without leaving the headphones, and the built‑in voice assistant adds hands‑free convenience. However, reviewers note the music‑mode latency exceeds 200 ms, which can be a nuisance for gaming, and the lack of a 3.5 mm audio jack limits wired flexibility.

Additional technical touches include Bluetooth 5.4, a wireless range of over 30 ft, and a button‑based control scheme with a “Be Aware” mode that lets ambient sound in when needed. The headset folds flat for easy packing, and the two‑year JLab warranty adds peace of mind.

Best for: Long‑distance travelers, commuters, and remote workers who value ultra‑long battery life and reliable ANC.

Avoid if: You need a low‑budget option, high‑resolution codecs, or a headset for fast‑paced gaming due to latency.

TL;DR: The Kvidio Hybrid ANC Headphones deliver 65 hours of Bluetooth playback, hybrid noise cancellation and a lightweight 0.6 lb design for a budget‑friendly work‑from‑home audio solution.

What really stands out is the 65‑hour Bluetooth playback time, backed by a total of 70 hours in standard mode and 40 hours with ANC active. The headphones also pack a 40 mm driver and hybrid active‑noise cancelling rated at up to 95 % reduction, all while weighing just 0.6 pounds.

Compared with the other eight models in this roundup, the Kvidio Hybrid is lighter than the Kvidio ANC (≈0.77 lb) and the Million Sold Classic (≈0.77 lb), but a touch heavier than the Soundcore Q20i (≈0.57 lb) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (≈0.55 lb). Its driver size matches the Soundcore Q20i, Kvidio ANC and Soundcore Space One, and is larger than Sony’s 30 mm unit. Battery life‑wise, the 65‑hour playback exceeds the Soundcore Q20i’s 60 hours (ANC off) and Sony’s 50 hours (ANC off), and dwarfs Bose’s 24 hours and Apple’s 20 hours. Only JLab’s total of 70 hours comes close.

Users consistently praise the ultra‑long battery life and the memory‑protein foam ear cushions that stay comfortable during marathon calls. Professional reviewers highlight the stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection and the convenience of multipoint pairing with two devices. Some owners note the plastic construction feels cheap and that the built‑in microphone works only in wireless mode, which’s a drawback for those who need a wired mic.

Additional perks include a quick‑charge feature—just five minutes of charging adds roughly four hours of playback—and a transparency mode for staying aware of your surroundings. The foldable frame and adjustable headband make it easy to pack for a home office or a short trip.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: Sony WH‑CH720N offers ultra‑light 100 g comfort, 30 mm drivers, up to 50 hours of battery life and quick‑charge capability, making it a solid mid‑range ANC choice for work calls.

The headphones tip the scales at just 100 g (0.220462262 pounds), so you’ll barely notice them during long conference calls. Their 30 mm dynamic drivers pair with a sensitivity of 99 dB/mW (off) and 108 dB/mW (on), while the V1 processor delivers active noise cancellation that you can adjust via the ambient mode.

Compared with the other eight models in this roundup, the WH‑CH720N is the lightest option—significantly lighter than the Soundcore Space One, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max. Its driver is also smaller than the 40 mm or 45 mm units found in most competitors. Battery endurance sits at 50 hours with ANC off and 35 hours with ANC on, which is a notch below the longest‑lasting peers but still far ahead of many budget choices.

Professional reviewers praise the lightweight build and the fast‑charge feature that adds 1 hour of playback after just 3 minutes of charging. Users frequently mention the comfort of the spacious 66 × 40 mm ear space and the clear call quality thanks to beamforming microphones. The most common criticism points to moderate ANC depth—about 20 dB reduction—which may feel modest in very noisy environments, and some note that the ear pads can become warm after extended wear.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $98.00

TL;DR: The Movssou Million Sold Classic E7 offers 45 mm drivers, active noise cancellation and a 30‑hour battery for $46.99, making it a solid budget pick for calls and office work.

The standout spec is the 45 mm driver, larger than the 40 mm units found in most rivals such as the Soundcore Q20i and Kvidio models. Coupled with active noise cancellation that reviewers say tames low‑mid sounds like airplane hum, the E7 delivers a punchy bass response. Its 30‑hour battery life and 4‑hour USB‑C charge time mean you can power through a full workday and still have juice for the commute.

At 0.77 pounds, the E7 is heavier than the ultra‑light Soundcore Q20i (0.57 pounds) and Sony WH‑CH720N (0.22 pounds), but matches the weight of the Kvidio ANC headphones (≈0.77 pounds). While its battery life of 30 hours falls short of the 40‑hour ANC runtime of the Kvidio Hybrid, it still outlasts many entry‑level options that list shorter playtimes. The over‑ear form factor with super‑soft foam ear pads and metal‑slider headband adjustment gives it a more premium feel than the basic plastic builds of some competitors.

Professional reviewers note the clear hands‑free call quality thanks to the built‑in microphone and signal‑processing tech, and everyday users repeatedly praise the comfort of the ventilated ear pads for long video calls. However, reviewers describe the sound profile as bass‑heavy with muddy mids and mildly harsh highs, and some users find the button layout unintuitive, requiring long‑press gestures that can be awkward. The construction mixes plastic and metal with no water‑resistance rating, so it’s best suited for indoor use.

Best for: Budget‑conscious travelers, commuters and office workers who need reliable ANC and long battery life for calls and focused work.

Avoid if: You require audiophile‑grade sound balance, water‑resistant construction, or ultra‑light portability.

TL;DR: The Soundcore Space One delivers adaptive ANC that cuts up to 98% of ambient noise, offers 40 hours of playback with ANC on and supports LDAC Hi‑Res streaming for $99.99.

What really sets the Space One apart is its Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, which the manufacturer claims can reduce surrounding sound by up to 98% and automatically calibrates to your environment. The headphones house 40 mm drivers and a 16 Ω impedance, while the 115 dB @1kHz 1mW sensitivity promises clear audio detail. Battery life's a highlight too: 55 hours when ANC is off and a solid 40 hours with ANC engaged.

Compared with the eight other models in this roundup, the Space One is heavier than the Sony WH‑CH720N (0.22 lb) but only a shade heavier than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (0.55 lb). Its 40 mm drivers match the Soundcore Q20i and Kvidio offerings, out‑sizing Sony’s 30 mm drivers. Battery endurance lines up with JLab JBuds Lux, Kvidio Hybrid ANC, and the Soundcore Q20i, all of which also reach about 40 hours with ANC on. Impedance at 16 Ω mirrors JLab and the Q20i, indicating similar load requirements.

Professional reviewers point out the combination of up to 55 hours of playback without ANC and 40 hours with ANC, plus Hi‑Res support, as a rare value proposition under $100. Users appreciate the “wallet‑friendly” price tag and the convenience of AI‑powered three‑mic array that offers voice reduction twice as strong as comparable models. The five‑level transparency mode and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity further tailor the experience for calls and work‑from‑home sessions.

Best for: Budget‑conscious commuters and remote workers who need long ANC battery life and high‑resolution streaming.

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need ultra‑portable, lightweight headphones.

TL;DR: The Kvidio ANC headphones deliver up to 70 hours of playback, 95% noise reduction and quick‑charge convenience at a budget‑friendly $22.99 price point.

What really stands out is the marathon‑level battery life: up to 70 hours when ANC is off and 40 hours with it on, plus a 5‑minute quick‑charge that adds roughly 4 hours of listening. The 40 mm drivers pair with a 32 Ohm impedance to provide balanced Hi‑Fi stereo sound and punchy bass, while the active noise cancellation claims up to 95% reduction across three adjustable levels.

Compared with the other eight contenders, the Kvidio model is among the most affordable and offers a longer standard‑mode runtime than the Soundcore Q20i (which lists 60 hours) and matches the 40‑hour ANC figure of the Kvidio Hybrid ANC. It’s a bit heavier than the Soundcore Q20i (about 0.57 lb) and the Kvidio Hybrid ANC (around 0.6 lb), but still lighter than several higher‑end options that tip the scales above 0.8 lb. Its Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and 10‑meter wireless range are on par with most peers, while the inclusion of a 3.5 mm cable adds wired flexibility that many competitors lack.

Professional reviewers highlight the long battery endurance as a benefit for remote workers and students who can leave the headphones charging for days. Users appreciate the three‑stage ANC for everyday cafés and office chatter, but note that the cancellation feels “basic” in louder environments and that sound leakage becomes audible at maximum volume. The soft earpads and transparent mode also get praise for comfortable calls and quick awareness of surroundings.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You need premium hybrid ANC for very noisy environments or prioritize ultra‑light weight for travel

TL;DR: Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers 24 hours of ANC‑on battery life, CustomTune sound adaptation and spatial audio in a 0.55‑lb over‑ear design, but its premium price and bulkier build may not suit active use.

The headline feature is the 24 hour battery life when active‑noise‑cancellation is enabled, plus 18 hours with Immersive Audio turned on. A 15‑minute quick‑charge session adds another 2 hours of playback, meaning you can grab a coffee and still have enough juice for a long commute. The headphones also sport three ANC modes—Quiet, Aware and Immersion—plus CustomTune, which automatically adjusts both sound profile and noise cancellation to your personal hearing.

At 0.55 lb (250 g) the Ultra is lighter than the Apple AirPods Max (0.85 lb) but noticeably heavier than the Sony WH‑CH720N (0.22 lb). Its weight sits close to the Soundcore Space One (0.55 lb) and the JLab JBuds Lux (0.52 lb). Bose lists the Bluetooth range as 9 m, a meter shorter than the 10 m range documented for the Soundcore Q20i. All nine headphones in this roundup offer wireless connectivity, but Bose adds multipoint pairing for two devices and a USB‑C charging port.

Reviewers consistently praise the comfort of the protein‑leather ear cushions and the effectiveness of the ANC, especially in low‑frequency environments like airplanes or busy offices. Professional reviewers note that CustomTune keeps the sound balanced even if you wear glasses or have longer hair, while the built‑in noise‑cancelling microphone makes calls clear. The main criticisms focus on the bulkier over‑ear shape, which can slip during moderate movement, and the lack of an IP water‑resistance rating that limits use in sweaty or rainy conditions.

Beyond the battery and ANC, the Ultra includes Spatial Audio with head tracking for an immersive 3‑D listening experience, SimpleSync for automatic pairing with Bose soundbars, and an adjustable aluminum/plastic headband. The dimensions—195 mm high, 139 mm wide and 51 mm deep—make it a sizable but manageable companion for desk work or travel.

Best for: Audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality and advanced features

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns