Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Office UK

£80 – £380|Updated 2026-06-17|6 products reviewed

Open-plan UK offices and noisy flatmates make noise-cancelling headphones essential for deep work and clear calls. The best office ANC headphones balance strong noise cancellation with all-day comfort and a reliable microphone for Teams and Zoom. Here are the top picks available on Amazon UK right now.

What to Look For

  1. 1Prioritise microphone quality alongside ANC — most office headphone use involves calls on Teams or Zoom, and cheap mics pick up keyboard clatter and background noise.
  2. 2Look for multipoint Bluetooth so you can stay connected to your laptop and phone simultaneously — essential for switching between a desk call and a mobile ring.
  3. 3All-day comfort matters more than sound quality in an office setting — check headband padding and ear cup weight, especially if you wear glasses.
  4. 4USB-C dongle connectivity is more reliable than Bluetooth alone for work laptops — Jabra and Sony models include dedicated dongles that cut audio lag.
  5. 5If your office has a hot-desking policy, foldable designs like the Sony WH-1000XM5 pack flat into a bag more easily than rigid-frame competitors.

Our Top Picks

1
SonyTop Pick

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

driver30mm
battery30 hours
weight250g
bluetooth5.2 multipoint
ancDual processor, 8 mics
usbCYes (charging + audio)

Pros

  • Industry-leading ANC with 8 microphones and dual processors
  • 30-hour battery life — easily a full work week on one charge
  • Multipoint Bluetooth connects to laptop and phone simultaneously
  • Lightweight 250g design comfortable for all-day wear

Cons

  • No boom microphone — beam-forming mics are good but not Jabra-level for calls
  • Doesn't fold flat — only folds inward for the carry case

The best all-round ANC headphone for UK offices — outstanding noise cancellation, superb sound and 30-hour battery.

2
JabraBest for Calls

Jabra Evolve2 85 UC Wireless Headset

driver40mm
battery37 hours
weight286g
bluetooth5.1 multipoint
ancActive + passive
dongleUSB-A/C Link 380

Pros

  • Retractable boom mic with advanced noise isolation for calls
  • Microsoft Teams and Zoom certified out of the box
  • USB-A and USB-C dongle included for reliable laptop connection
  • Physical ANC slider and busylight indicator for open offices

Cons

  • Heavier at 286g — noticeable after 6+ hours
  • Sound quality for music is good but not Sony/Bose level

The corporate call champion — retractable boom mic and Teams/Zoom certification make it unbeatable for meetings.

3
BoseMost Comfortable

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

driver35mm Bose custom
battery24 hours
weight250g
bluetooth5.3 multipoint
ancCustomTune adaptive
spatialAudioYes

Pros

  • Exceptionally soft protein leather ear cushions
  • Immersive spatial audio mode for focus music
  • CustomTune adapts ANC and EQ to your ear shape
  • 24-hour battery with quick charge (15 min = 2.5 hours)

Cons

  • No included USB dongle — Bluetooth only unless you buy separately
  • Premium price at around £380

The most comfortable ANC headphones for glasses wearers and long sessions — plush cushions with zero pressure.

4
SennheiserBest Sound

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

driver42mm
battery60 hours
weight293g
bluetooth5.2 multipoint
ancAdaptive
foldableYes

Pros

  • 60-hour battery life — charge once every two weeks
  • Audiophile-grade 42mm transducers with customisable EQ
  • Adaptive ANC adjusts to environment automatically
  • Slim foldable design fits easily in a laptop bag

Cons

  • Touch controls on the ear cup can trigger accidentally
  • Microphone quality is adequate but below Jabra for calls

Best sound quality of any office ANC headphone — audiophile-grade tuning with a massive 60-hour battery.

5
SonyBest Value

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

driver40mm
battery30 hours
weight254g
bluetooth5.0
ancDual noise sensor
foldableYes (flat fold)

Pros

  • Frequently discounted below £180 — outstanding value
  • ANC performance still rivals newer competitors
  • LDAC hi-res audio codec support
  • Folds flat for compact storage in the included case

Cons

  • No multipoint Bluetooth — only connects to one device at a time
  • Older design with more head-clamp pressure than XM5

The previous-gen Sony flagship at a steep discount — still excellent ANC and now under £200 on Amazon UK.

6
JBLBudget Pick

JBL Tune 770NC Wireless ANC Headphones

driver40mm JBL
battery44 hours (ANC on)
weight226g
bluetooth5.3 multipoint
ancAdaptive
foldableYes

Pros

  • Under £80 — cheapest capable ANC headphones on Amazon UK
  • JBL Pure Bass sound signature is lively for music
  • 44-hour battery life in ANC mode
  • Lightweight at 226g with padded headband

Cons

  • ANC is noticeably weaker than Sony or Bose flagships
  • Microphone picks up more background noise on calls

Solid ANC and punchy JBL sound for under £80 — the best budget option for occasional office use.

Editor's Note

UK office workers increasingly use ANC headphones as a signal they're in focus mode — it's become workplace etiquette in many London and Manchester offices. Jabra dominates the corporate market because IT departments can manage firmware centrally, but Sony and Bose sound better for personal use. Black Friday (late November) and Amazon Prime Day (July) are the best times to buy — expect 20-30% off flagship models on Amazon UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are noise cancelling headphones worth it for office work?
Yes — ANC headphones reduce ambient noise by up to 30dB, which makes a measurable difference in open-plan offices. Studies show they help maintain focus for 20-30% longer in noisy environments. They also dramatically improve call quality for remote meetings.
What is the best noise cancelling headphone for Teams and Zoom calls?
The Jabra Evolve2 85 is the top choice for call quality — it's Microsoft Teams certified with a retractable boom mic that isolates your voice. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a close second with excellent beam-forming mics, though it lacks a boom mic.
Can I wear noise cancelling headphones all day comfortably?
The best models weigh under 260g with memory foam ear cushions that don't build heat. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both rated for 8+ hours of comfortable wear. If you wear glasses, look for softer cushions that don't press frames into your temples.
Is Bluetooth or USB dongle better for office headphones?
A USB dongle gives lower latency and more stable connection for calls — important on corporate networks that may restrict Bluetooth. Most premium office headphones include both options. Use the dongle at your desk and Bluetooth when moving around.
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