Gaming headsets are generally okay for basic communication and in-game chat but fall short of dedicated microphones in terms of audio quality. For professional voice recording, opt for an external microphone specifically designed for high-quality audio capture.

If you don't need to take many calls but still want to minimize environmental noise, look for noise-cancelling headphones. They use outward-facing microphones to listen for distracting noises and generate waves that cancel them out before they hit your ear. Active noise cancellation (ANC) circuitry adds to the cost but helps muffle the sounds of noisy pets, kids, roommates, traffic, and construction. These headphones typically don't have boom microphones, so they aren't as suitable for phone calls.

If your job requires you to take a lot of calls, consider a dedicated Bluetooth headset. These devices can be monoaural (for one ear) or stereo (for both ears) and typically feature powerful boom microphones with noise-cancelling circuitry that blocks out all but your voice. The primary appeal of these headsets lies in their microphones, although some also deliver high-quality sound.

Consider purchasing a gaming headset if you're looking for a boom mic and excellent sound at a reasonable price. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Wired models tend to be less expensive and work well for making calls on your computer, although Bluetooth offers more convenience.

Stereo headphones aren't just for listening to music; they also make calls, often quite well. So, if you're thinking about some wireless headphones to rock out to, you might not need a separate Bluetooth headset. Remember that stereo headphones can sometimes be bulky and might not block distracting environmental noises competently.

By contrast, the stereo headsets in this roundup are lighter and often have boom mics that easily isolate your voice. We compare the two options more decisively in our roundup of the best headsets and headphones for your home office.