Best Over-ear Headphones for Conferencing 2026
Professional headsets optimized for video calls and remote work.
Our Top Picks
Full Rankings
Jabra Evolve2 85
Best OverallPurpose-built with 10-microphone system isolating your voice while suppressing background noise. Colleagues couldn't hear lawn mowers, traffic, or household noise during testing.
Pros
- ✓10-microphone system for voice isolation
- ✓Retractable boom mic
- ✓Built-in busylight
Cons
- ✗Very expensive ($500+)
- ✗Heavy for all-day wear
- ✗Overkill for home use
Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC
Best ValueAcoustic Fence technology creates a 'focus zone' so callers hear only your voice—even in open offices. Best value for professional-grade call quality at $235.
Pros
- ✓Acoustic Fence technology
- ✓Ultra-lightweight at 175g
- ✓Dynamic Mute Alert (notifies if speaking while muted)
Cons
- ✗Sound quality trails music-focused options
- ✗ANC not as strong as Sony/Bose
- ✗Plasticky build
EPOS Impact 1000
Best PremiumTriple-device connectivity unmatched. EPOS AI scans environment 32,000 times/second eliminating dogs, babies, and blenders from call audio.
Pros
- ✓Triple-device multipoint (PC + 2 phones)
- ✓AI scans 32,000x/second for noise suppression
- ✓BrainAdapt technology reduces cognitive fatigue by 67%
Cons
- ✗Very expensive ($500-735)
- ✗Complex feature set
- ✗Overkill for basic use
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony fixed the XM5's main criticism: call quality. 12 microphones (up from 8) means calls from the London Underground were 'completely noise-free.' RTINGS ranked it best for work in 2026.
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading noise cancellation
- ✓Foldable design (brought back from XM4)
- ✓30mm carbon fiber dome drivers
Cons
- ✗Not audiophile-grade for critical listening
- ✗Premium price at $449
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
Legendary comfort for all-day wear with class-leading ANC. No boom mic, but creates an acoustic bubble like no other for noisy environments.
Pros
- ✓Legendary all-day comfort
- ✓Class-leading ANC
- ✓Extensive microphone array
Cons
- ✗No boom microphone
- ✗Call quality trails dedicated business headsets
- ✗Expensive
Comparison Table
| Product | Microphone Quality | ANC Performance | Comfort | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1Jabra Evolve2 85 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | $460 |
#2Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC | 9.5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | $159 |
#3EPOS Impact 1000 | 10 | 9 | 8.5 | 10 | $270 |
#4Sony WH-1000XM6 | 9 | 10 | 9.5 | 8 | $398 |
#5Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) | 7.5 | 10 | 10 | 8 | $449 |
Buying Guide
Video conferencing headphones need excellent microphones that isolate your voice from background noise. Look for business certifications (Teams/Zoom), multipoint connectivity for switching devices, and all-day comfort for marathon meeting days.
What We Evaluate
Microphone Quality
Voice clarity and noise isolation
ANC Performance
Background noise blocking
Comfort
All-day wear comfort
Connectivity
Multipoint, range, reliability
Battery Life
Hours of talk time
Our Testing Methodology
We test call quality in various environments (office, home, outdoor) and verify Teams/Zoom certifications. Microphone quality is evaluated by recipients on different platforms.
Learn more about how we test →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boom microphone?▼
Are business certifications important?▼
How much range do I need?▼
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