We review products independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page. Terms of use.

If you're working from home, you need the proper equipment to be productive. Depending on what you do, the right headphones, headset, or speaker can make a huge difference. Here are some that work for us.

If you want to get work done, tuning out distractions is a wise first step. And the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II currently offer the absolute best noise cancellation performance on the market. They also have clear mics and produce pleasing audio with a strong bass response.

If you don't mind using earphones and really need to concentrate, this is the best option. They effectively block out nearly all frequency ranges and can even intelligently lower loud noises in your environment while letting you hear everything else. People who prefer an over-ear style should consider the Bose QuietComfort 45 or Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones instead.

Gaming headsets are essentially just headphones with boom mics and some gaming features. Some might look a bit outlandish for professional calls, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset is downright classy with its black-and-gunmetal design. More importantly, it offers tons of connectivity features, including 2.4GHz for a transmitter with volume controls and a helpful display, Bluetooth for phone connections, and even two interchangeable batteries for unplugged use. The headset also sounds excellent, includes a clear (and retractable) boom mic, and effectively cancels noise.

This is a good all-around headset for your desk, whether you play video games or not. Sure, its abilities to concurrently connect with a console and a PC over USB, as well as simulate surround sound on Windows are more useful for gamers. But its comfortable design, high-quality audio output, and useful noise cancellation all add up to a comprehensive (if pricey) package for everyone else.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get something functional. The Jabra Elite 45h headset, for example, offers reasonable audio quality with appealing features such as an adjustable EQ for just $99. It doesn't have a boom mic, but the in-cup array still captures your voice cleanly. This model won't block out much noise because of its on-ear design and lack of active noise cancellation circuitry, but, on the other hand, it allows you to stay aware of what's going on around you at all times.

This budget-friendly choice is comfortable and sounds good for the price. The mic conveys your voice competently, too. It's a safe pick from a reliable brand that won't break the bank.

On the other end of Jabra's lineup are the far more powerful Evolve2 75 headphones. They cost almost four times as much as the Elite 45h set, but have better audio quality, a superior boom mic, effective active noise cancellation, and a more premium design. For serious work, they boast the Unified Communications (UC) certification and are available with either a UC- or Microsoft Teams-optimized USB transmitter for a rock-solid connection. And, whenever you aren't at your desk, you can still fall back on Bluetooth.

These headphones are for serious hybrid workers who want the best performance available, along with UC certification or Microsoft Teams optimization. They cost a lot, but also deliver a superlative experience.

The Apple AirPods Max are the most expensive entry on the list at $549. Although you pay a bit of an Apple tax, you get a very powerful set of headphones for your money. Aside from their excellent noise cancellation, they also feature an Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio features. And, if you're an iPhone user, they have hands-free Siri access, too.

The AirPods Max work best for people with an iPhone. Their striking design should also catch the eye of style-conscious users. If you prefer earphones, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) perform even better in the noise cancellation department with an innovative Adaptive transparency mode.

Mono earpieces are small, unobtrusive, and built specifically for calls. You could listen to music on them, but we wouldn't recommend it. The Poly (formerly Plantronics) Voyager 5200 is one of the templates for this kind of headset: It's been around for ages but is still extremely capable and reasonably inexpensive.

If you need to take calls, but don't want the bulk (or music abilities) of a stereo model, get this headset. You can pop it in your pocket when you're on the go or just as easily leave it on your desk when you're working.

The BlueParrott B550-XT headset can handle extreme conditions. It has an IP54 rating, which means it resists moderate amounts of dust and water, while its microphone can block out loud noises such as from construction work. It's also comfortable enough to wear for long periods, plus supports voice controls via its companion app.

Choose this headset if you often take calls at a work site instead of an office. It makes your voice sound clear no matter what sort of noise or heavy machinery is in the background, though it might be overkill if you typically work from a desk.

If you already have a favorite pair of headphones and don't want to buy a separate headset, you could always just turn to Antlion Audio's ModMic Wireless boom microphone. It is easy to mount on your headphones and connects wirelessly to your PC via a USB receiver. The mic sounds excellent and is simple to detach when you don't need it.

This is for people who prefer to use a single set of headphones for everything, but also need to conduct clear phone calls for work. Just be aware that it doesn't support Bluetooth, so you can't use it with your phone; it's purely a desk mic.

PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

PCMag is obsessed with culture and tech, offering smart, spirited coverage of the products and innovations that shape our connected lives and the digital trends that keep us talking.