Headphones for Working from Home:
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the right headphones can make a significant difference, especially when working from home. With numerous options available, choosing the perfect pair can be awesome. This guide will walk you through some of the best headphones on the market, focusing on their features, pros, cons, and ideal use cases.
Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex
Overview
The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex is a slim, on-ear headset with a dual-hinge design that allows it to fold flat, making it easy to carry. Weighing just 136 grams (4.8 ounces), it is lightweight and comfortable, with a padded headband and earpieces.
Features
- Retractable Boom Microphone: Offers good active noise canceling and excellent noise reduction for calls.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Connects to multiple devices simultaneously, including PCs through a Bluetooth USB-A dongle.
- Battery Life: Up to 21 hours with noise-canceling on, and 32 hours with it off.
- Sound Quality: Equipped with 28mm drivers, it is suitable for music and audio, though it only supports the SBC audio codec.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight design.
- Effective noise reduction for calls.
- Multipoint Bluetooth pairing.
Cons
- Lacks bass.
- No USB-C charging.
Decision:
The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex is ideal for those needing a comfortable, lightweight headset for long calls and basic music listening. Its portability and noise-canceling capabilities make it a great choice for professionals on the go.
Logitech Zone Wireless 2
Overview
Logitech’s Zone Wireless 2 is an upgraded version of the original, featuring a sturdy design with some metal parts, making it heavier at 230 grams. It is comfortable for extended wear, with memory foam ear pads.
Features
- Retractable Boom Microphone: Includes a mute button and provides good noise cancellation.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Offers a range of 50 meters, significantly higher than typical Bluetooth headsets.
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours with noise canceling on, and 18 hours with it off.
- Sound Quality: Supports SBC, AAC, and AptX audio codecs, providing a respectable sound quality for music.
Pros
- Enhanced noise canceling and sound quality.
- Comfortable for long wear.
- Multipoint Bluetooth pairing.
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors.
- Higher price point.
Decision:
The Logitech Zone Wireless 2 is perfect for those who prioritize call quality and noise cancellation, and do not mind a slightly heavier headset. Its long-range Bluetooth makes it suitable for moving around while on calls.
Shokz OpenComm 2 UC
Overview
The Shokz OpenComm 2 UC is a bone-conduction headset, meaning it leaves your ears open and conducts sound through your cheekbones. This design is great for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings.
Features
- Boom Microphone: Includes a mute button and is known for excellent noise reduction during calls.
- Bluetooth 5.1: Offers multipoint pairing and is suitable for connecting to both a phone and PC.
- Battery Life: Up to 16 hours of talk time and 8 hours of listening.
- Water-Resistant: Suitable for sports and outdoor use.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Allows awareness of surroundings.
- Excellent for calls and podcasts.
Cons
- Lacks bass, not ideal for music.
- Requires proprietary charging cable.
Decision:
The Shokz OpenComm 2 UC is best for those who need to stay aware of their environment while on calls, such as runners or people who work in noisy areas. It excels in voice clarity and comfort.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Overview
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 is the fifth generation of its popular noise-canceling headphones, featuring significant improvements in design and performance.
Features
- Adaptive Noise Canceling: Among the best in the market.
- Bluetooth Multipoint: Allows switching between devices easily.
- Battery Life: Up to 32 hours, making it suitable for long use.
- Sound Quality: Known for refined sound and strong performance.
Pros
- Sturdy and comfortable.
- Excellent noise canceling.
- High-quality sound for music and calls.
Cons
- Higher price point.
- Heavy for some users.
Decision:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is ideal for users seeking premium sound quality and top-notch noise canceling. Its price is justified by its performance, making it a worthy investment for serious listeners.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Overview
The second generation of Apple’s AirPods Pro with USB-C offers seamless integration with Apple devices, making it a popular choice among Apple users.
Features
- Noise Canceling and Transparency Mode: Offers excellent noise reduction and allows ambient sound when needed.
- Bluetooth Multipoint: Automatically switches between Apple devices.
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with the case.
- Lossless Audio: New acoustic architecture supports lossless audio with Apple’s Vision Pro.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Strong noise canceling and sound quality.
- Easy device switching for Apple users.
Cons
- High price.
- Limited features for Android users.
Decision:
The AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) is best for Apple users who want a seamless experience across their devices. Its superior noise canceling and sound quality make it a top choice for professional and casual use.