Sales is fielding client calls. Marketing is brainstorming aloud. And meanwhile, in editorial, we’re heads down, researching, writing and zoning out the noise. Open floor concepts are great in theory, but not so much when you happen to be most productive in peace and quiet. Luckily, it’s 2019, and we have a little something called noise-canceling headphones. Everyone on our team owns a pair—here are eight that keep us sane.
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1. COWIN E7 Active Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones
Best for: The price
“I recently bought these noise-canceling headphones from Cowin, and I’m obsessed. They’re a lot more affordable than other models I’ve seen, but without sacrificing any quality. They’re ultra-comfortable and they block out the perfect amount of noise: enough that I can focus on what I’m doing but not so much that it’s completely silent. I’ve recommended them to approximately 12 people so far—they’re that good.” —Sarah S., editor
2. TREBLAB Z2 Ultra Premium Over Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Best for: Sensitive ears
“I’ve tried so many over-ear headphones in the past that just squished my ears and gave me a headache. But not these. The ear pads are insanely pillowy and the noise-canceling feature blocks out just enough sound, which is great, because our open floor plan doesn’t exactly create a quiet workspace. I just throw them on and activate the noise-canceling toggle, and I can literally hear the background noise disappear. Plus, I love that they look very apparent, so my coworkers don’t think I’m ignoring them if they try to chat.”—Brianna L., commerce editor
3. UA True Wireless Flash Project Rock
Best for: Gym buffs
“These in-ear headphones from The Rock, Under Armour and JBL serve double duty for all your grinding needs in the gym (they’re sweat- and waterproof and they actually stay in place while you run or lift) and at work (stylish and functional with different noise-canceling levels). Best of all? These bad boys have an impressive five-hour battery life with a gold 20-hour charging case.” —Brian Anthony H., ONE37pm senior editor
4. Apple Airpods Pro
Best for: Zero bulk
“I have been a longtime user of the regular Airpods, but the noise cancellation element of these blow my everyday pair out of the water. I could actually hear my coworkers’ voices dissipate as I worked at my desk—a quality that put me totally in the zone. There’s also a cool transparency mode, which allows you to oscillate between noise cancellation and the ability to hear your surrounding environment—handy for safety when you’re crossing the street or out for a run. Finally, the fit. A common worry about Airpods in general is that they don’t stay in your ear. The Pro version comes with a customizable silicone seal on the tip so you can be sure it will fit your own ears. Bottom line: I’m a fan.” —Rachel B., director of special projects
5. Bose Quiet Comfort 35 wireless headphones II
Best for: Phone talkers
“When after-school children pointed and laughed at me on the subway platform for wearing a flimsy pair of Virgin Atlantic in-flight headphones, I knew I needed an upgrade. I actually received these Bose headphones as a gift, and I’m so happy I did, because I don’t think I would’ve spent the money myself. They’ve gone with me everywhere for the past two years, and they’ve stayed in pretty good shape considering I toss them into my bag without a case. I also use them all the time to make phone calls. I can hear perfectly, and people hear me perfectly, even when I’m wearing a hood as sirens zoom by.” —Dara K., senior editor
6. Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones
Best for: The color options
“These have been a game changer for me when it comes to focusing and getting stuff done. They connect easily, the battery lasts all week on a single charge and someone could literally blast ‘Baby Shark’ at full volume next to me and I’d be gloriously oblivious. (And, on the flip side, everyone around me is gloriously oblivious when I’m blasting ‘Baby Shark’ at full volume next to them.)” —Candace D., executive editor
7. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd Gen Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones
Best for: Sartorial tastemakers
“If you’re looking for the crème de la crème, get Bang & Olufsen’s headphones. They have both an advanced active noise cancellation and a transparency mode for blocking out sounds, the battery life is insanely long-lasting and they’re hella chic.” —Madison R., ONE37pm style editor
8. Dolby Dimension Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Best for: Bragging rights
These may be pricey, but they’re by far the best on the market. They drown out noise like nothing else and they’re insanely stylish. Plus, they were rated 2019’s best of the best noise-canceling headphones by multiple sites. They definitely get my vote.” —Michael S., ONE37pm art director
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