Noise canceling is great for blocking out consistent sounds, so the microphones have time to detect the sound and cancel it out. Loud, sudden noises are too quick to be properly canceled out, so you’ll still hear these unless you have really good passive isolation.

Make sure you put your headphones into pairing mode, which is different for each pair of headphones. Open up settings on your computer, and find the Bluetooth settings menu. There should be a list of devices, and the headphones should show up as a device to connect to. Click on the name of the headphones in the menu, and you should connect almost instantly.

Based on our testing and analysis, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as the best overall choice for office use. It offers exceptional noise canceling to block out office distractions, an outstanding microphone for clear calls, and a long battery life to last through your workday. However, your specific needs may vary. If you’re an Apple user, the AirPods Max might be a better fit, while budget-conscious buyers should consider the Anker Soundcore Life Q30.