Within the past several years, we have noticed the increased frequency of questions about headsets with active noise cancelling. Many customers are familiar with the consumer brands out there that offer Active Noise Cancelling in headphones used for music and other media and are now asking us, “But what about for office headsets?” The pervasive noisy open office environment, as well as the continuing needs of mobile workers handling important calls on the go, provokes the question. Active noise cancelling technology (ANC) will reduce unwanted noise and eliminate distractions.

From the headset brands that we carry, there are several choices that, depending upon the connection type, may provide the ANC you need.

Bluetooth Connection

The Jabra Evolve 75 UC is our top pick for a wireless Bluetooth ANC headset. The large leatherette ear cushions are comfortable and perfect for all-day wear. The speakers rotate to lay flat in the hard-sided case (click here to see the case) that the headset comes in. The noise-cancelling microphone boom arm can be clipped to the headband when you’re not on calls – a magnet secures the boom arm until you’re ready to use it again. Integrated Busylights in the ear cups alert co-workers to your availability – at a glance. ANC is easy to turn on and off with the touch of a button on the left ear cup. The Listen-In feature allows you to keep ANC turned on – yet tuning into the conversation surrounding you – with a simple tap on the left ear cup. There are two certified versions of the Evolve 75: UC and Certified for Skype for Business. The included Link 370 dongle allows you to walk up to 100 feet away from the PC it’s connected to. Talk time is approximately 15 hours. There is an Evolve 75 UC version with the charging stand, which we recommend for those who primarily work at a desk. The stand is a great place to store and charge the headset when not in use. MSRP is $279.00 ($329.00 for the headset and stand).

The Poly Voyager 8200 UC is the newest ANC wireless headset, and has a contemporary boomless mic design: dual-paired omnidirectional mics with enhanced Digital Signal Processing. These technologies ensure your voice is picked up and background noise is not the focus of the conversation. Dual mode ANC lets you choose preferred noise-reduction level. Smart sensors allow you to answer calls by simply putting on the headset and automatically mute your calls or pause music by taking the headset off. It offers an almost-unbelievable 20 hours of talk time. A carrying pouch is included. The Voyager 8200 UC is available in two colors: Black and White and MSRP is $379.95.

Poly Voyager Focus UC is the first wireless headset offering ANC. The Focus UC is compatible with smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and PCs via Bluetooth. It offers up to 12 hours of talk time (10 with ANC on). This is another intelligent headset: Smart sensors answer calls by simply putting on the headset, mute by taking the headset off and pause/resume music. First-to-market Dynamic Mute Alert feature senses and alerts users when they are trying to talk when muted. The sleek noise-cancelling mic can be worn on either side of the head by rotating the boom arm. A carrying pouch is also included with this headset; MSRP is $279.95 or 299.95 for the version with the charging stand.


Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC builds upon the success of the Focus UC, and creates a focus zone all around you — along with up to 19 hours of talk time! All you hear is your call with three levels of hybrid active noise canceling (ANC). All they hear is you: pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology keeps conversations clear. Dynamic Mute Alert and smart sensors are built into this headset, too. Voyager Focus 2 UC connects to both cell phones and computers, with the included BT700 USB dongle (you choose between USB-A and USB-C variants). You can buy this headset with a charge stand (as pictured), or without. MSRP is $329.95; with charge stand, $349.95.


EPOS Adapt 660 has innovative hybrid adaptive ANC that constantly monitors your background environment for noise, thus adjusting the level of noise reduction in the headset seamlessly. EPOS AI, along with 3 digital microphones, optimizes voice pickup while reducing background noise. The listening experience can be personalized with the various sound effect modes: Club, Movie, Speech, or Director (user defined). The Adapt 660 comes in a hard-sided case for travel convenience. This headset has a dedicated button that launches Microsoft Teams. It is certified for Teams, and optimized for UC platforms. MSRP is $439.00.

Powerful digital hybrid Active Noise Canceling and 37 hours of talk time give the Jabra Evolve2 85 headsets one of the longest talk times on the market. The hideaway boom arm activates 6-microphone technology to deliver outstanding call performance on the go. The ergonomic headband design has soft memory foam for all-day wearing comfort. The headset folds into a hard-sided zippered carry case for ease of travel. There are several choices within the Evolve2 85 series: black or beige; with charging stand or without; Microsoft Teams certified or UC variants; and USB-A or USB-C Link 380 dongles. MSRP is $449.00, or $499.00 for models with the charging stand.

Bose Professional is new to the office workspace, and brings us the 700 UC, a Unified Communications-certified headset with an included Bose USB-A Link dongle. Choose between silver or black. If you're familiar with Bose headphones, this may be a good option for you. Eleven levels of noise cancellation let you personalize what you hear from your surrounding environment — from virtual silence to open and ambient. An adaptive four microphone system isolates your voice from surrounding noise. MSRP is $449.95.

EPOS Adapt 560 has a discrete foldable boom arm that can be folded into the headband when not in use. MSRP is $329.00. The Adapt 563 is the same headset, without the BTD 800 USB dongle and carry case. MSRP is $269.00.

EPOS Adapt 360 offers a comfortable design and two color choices: black and white. Optimized for UC and Certified for Microsoft Teams, Adapt 360 has a dedicated Teams button (when used with the included BTD 800 USB dongle). The foldable design is convenient for travel in the included storage pouch. MSRP is $269.00.

Wireless around-the-neck earbud wearing styles are the newest addition to the professional office headset market. The Jabra Evolve 75e has an integrated Busylight and magnetic earbuds that connect to pause your music, or end your call. The neckband is silicon rubber and is sweat and water resistant, however, make no mistake: this business headset is made for work. The three-microphone technology provides crystal-clear calls and creates a unique "talk-zone," making sure you’re heard, while nearby voices are filtered out. ANC is activated by pressing a button on the neckband; to "listen in" to your environment, simply press and hold the same button. The headset comes with a USB dongle, zippered hard-sided travel case, three ear tips and three pairs of both EarGels and EarWings, and includes a desktop charging stand. MSRP is $259.00.

The Poly Voyager 6200 UC headset features Plantronics clear talk technology, four omnidirectional mics and enhanced noise cancelling, optimizing your voice and minimizing background noise. ANC can be turned on and off with the flip of a switch. Connect to PC with the included BT600 dongle. Also included: a hard-sided, zippered travel case, desktop charging stand, and 3 sizes of eartips for maximum comfort and customization.

The Voyager 6200 UC is offered in both USB-A and USB-C models. MSRP is $299.95.



Talk all day with the EPOS Adapt 460, which offers 14 hours of battery life on a single charge. Hybrid ANC reduces background noise and boosts concentration. From noisy office to airport lounge, ensure you are heard, with noise-cancelling microphones that optimize speech and reduce background noise.

If you're using a Microsoft platform, choose the Adapt 460T variant, which is Certified for Microsoft. MSRP is $329.00.

For all of these neckband earbud headsets, the neckband will vibrate when there is an incoming call, so you won't need to keep the earbuds in your ears at all times.




USB Connection

The new Poly Blackwire 8225 is packed with technology that will be a difference-maker as you move seamlessly between calls, webinars, multimedia and more. Technologies in the Blackwire 8225 include Hybrid ANC, Acoustic Fence, and Hearing Protection. Advanced hybrid Active Noise Canceling (ANC) with three settings optimizes the users experience. The ANC switch allows the user to select between ANC Off, Mid, or High, depending upon environment.

For clear calls, Acoustic Fence technology uses two physically separated microphones and digital signal processing (DSP) to identify the users voice from the unwanted background noise and then removes it. Its lightweight design and fully adjustable headset with 180º pivoting speakers is comfortable. Choose between USB-A or USB-C variants, and UC or Microsoft-certified. MSRP is $209.95.

Blackwire 7225 features Active Noise Canceling and a boomless mic design, in a corded headset. A new twist: the headset controls are all located on the ear speakers, similar to a wireless headset. Video calls are common in work places today, and a resounding demand was for a headset without a mic boom. The technology found in the microphone design is impressive: its 4 mic design detects noise from all directions and separates noise from the speaker's voice. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) delivers a natural voice sound. USB-A and USB-C models are available in both color choices: Black and White. MSRP is $199.95 for all variants.

Also from Poly, the Savi 8220 UC is a wireless DECT headset that lets you tune out nearby noise thanks to ANC that you control with the on/off switch on the ear speaker. Conversations are secure, private, and clear because of the close conversation limiting noise cancellation in the microphone. This is a single connection headset to computers only, with the option of USB-A and USB-C models, as well as UC or Certified for Microsoft Teams variants. It comes with a carry case and USB charging cable, so that you can easily travel with the headset and leave the charge base at home. If you need freedom to roam during calls (up to 590 feet range, line of sight), this is a great choice. MSRP is $339.95.

For all of these headsets, download Plantronics Hub software to gain call control across multiple softphones. A headset control panel allows for customizing settings, including call notification.


EPOS offers the Impact SC 660 ANC USB, which adds Active Noise Canceling into the Impact SC 660 series of premium USB headsets. ANC is easily activated with the sliding switch located on the side of the in-line call controller. An ultra noise-canceling microphone ensures that your caller will hear only you — and not your background environment. Proximity Sensor Technology allows for answering, pausing, and resuming calls by simply taking the headset on and off.

The Impact SC 660 series has a solid feel, and a luxury fit, for comfortable all-day wear, and is both Microsoft-certified and optimized for UC applications. If you need to travel with your headset (or work in another location) the ear cushions rotate to lay flat for travel in the included carry pouch. The magnetic holder is a great feature, too: attach the magnet to your desk, where the call control unit will rest; the magnet on the unit will hold the call controller in place. EPOS offers its standard three-year warranty for this headset. MSRP is $249.00.


USB and 3.5mm Connection

Jabra Evolve 80 This corded headset is compatible with devices that have a 3.5mm port and PCs via USB. Oversized ear cup style cushions completely surround the ear and hug the user’s head. It is the heaviest of the choices, weighing in at 11.43 ounces – almost ¾ of a pound. The bulkiness of the headset could prove to be a deal breaker for some users; however, customers who own this headset don’t mind the heft and comment on its incredible ability to block ambient noise. There is a comfort feature to the headset: the headband has a soft rubber cushion that allows it to lightly rest on the head.

Activate ANC at the bottom of the right ear cup. A nice feature of the Evolve 80 is the “Listen In” button: when you have ANC activated, but need to “listen in” to your environment, press the button in the middle of the right ear speaker, to temporarily disable the ANC. Press the button again to resume ANC. The rechargeable battery is charged when the Evolve 80 is connected via USB port.

Other features: a neoprene zippered pouch for travel (the ear cushions rotate to lay flat) and a noise-cancelling microphone that mutes automatically when the mic boom is docked in the headband. MSRP: $329.00.

Hi-fi stereo sound and wideband audio for listening to music and multimedia applications contribute to the luxury feel of all of these headsets.

ANC Headsets for Desk Phones

The very first (and so far, only) DECT wireless headset with Active Noise Canceling is the Poly Savi 8220. This headset connects to desk phones, PCs and mobile phones. Conference two of your three devices to collaborate with colleagues or connect up to four Savi 8200 Series headsets for training or call resolution. There are 2 versions available: Microsoft Skype for Business certified, and UC. MSRP is $459.95.

Poly Voyager Focus 2 Office is recommended for professionals on calls all day in noisy office environments who are looking for connection to desk phones. The Voyager Focus 2 Office connects to PC via USB-A cable; desk phone via included cable; and smartphone via Bluetooth. The headset can also connect to PCs via the included USB cable. It offers up to 19 hours of talk time on a single charge.

Digital hybrid Active Noise Cancellation has three settings: high, mid, and off so you can set the right level for your surroundings, and Acoustic Fence Technology in the noise-canceling microphone ensures clear conversations. The online ear cup indicator flashes when you’re on a call to alert colleagues that you are unavailable. And, you can take this headset with you to work anywhere, in the included carry case. MSRP is $459.95 in both UC and Certified for Microsoft Teams variants.

At this time, ANC technology is not available in QD (quick disconnect) headset versions. We have tested a solution here at Avcomm Solutions that has proven to be successful for our customers, and lets you use an ANC headset (Bluetooth or USB) with a desk phone!

We recommend the Poly MDA220 USB, an audio switcher for PCs and desk phones, along with a USB headset of your choice, to connect your ANC headset to a desk phone. Yes, that’s right: an ANC headset CAN be used with your desk phone! And it's important to note that any brand of headset can be used with the MDA220 USB.

To learn how the MDA220 USB works alongside a desk phone and PC, along with an ANC headset, read our blog post, here: ANC Headset Compatibility with Desk Phones.

Avcomm’s 30-day money back return policy assures that you can try an ANC headset and see if it’s right for you! Call us at 1-866-998-9991 or email us to learn more about ANC headsets.

Jabra Evolve2 30 headsets at $99 ($89 for single-ear models) provide the right amount of comfort and user-friendly features that keep you working, whether it's at home or in the office. Collaboration and concentration are the two key pillars of effective work, according to Jabra, and these headsets help you with both.

The headband is cushioned in ultra soft foam covered in color-matched leatherette. The ear cushion is soft audio foam covered in leatherette with a stainless steel slider arm. While wearing the headset, adjust the headband so that it fits your head comfortably.

When using the microphone, it should be positioned close to your mouth. You can gently bend the mic boom above the tip of the boom, where there's a little bit of flexibility. Do not bend the boom arm where it meets the ear speaker; the boom arm could break off. Mute the mic by pushing the mute button at the front of the speaker. If you have voice alerts activated, you will hear that you are "Muted." To turn the voice notifications off or on, you can change the setting in Jabra Direct, or by pressing and holding the Mute and Volume Up buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. You'll find the Volume buttons on the back side of the ear speaker. We recommend that you download Jabra Direct once you get this headset; it will keep your headset updated with all of the latest firmware, and allow you to change a variety of settings.

There is an integrated busylight at the back of the ear cushion, and an LED light on the USB plug, to alert you of your mute status.

The cord length is approximately 5'. This is a great length for a laptop configuration; if you are connecting to a desktop computer tower, you may need a longer length cable; we have plenty of other headsets that fit the bill.

Taking collaboration one step further, the Jabra Evolve2 30 meets the Microsoft Open Office requirements (Teams Certified variants, naturally) – which is a strict test of how effective a headset microphone is at suppressing surrounding noise and office talk. The Teams button on the middle of the ear speaker will invoke Teams with a quick tap.




It's easy to take the headset with you and keep it protected, in the included felt carry pouch. Rotate the ear cushions flat and slide it into the pouch; the flap tucks under the elastic for security.

It may be possible to use the USB-C variant of this headset to mobile phones; however, we don't recommend it for primary use, as not all USB-C devices or apps support an audio connection to the Jabra Evolve2 30.

Our Headset Experts can recommend the best variant for your unique work needs at 866-998-9991 or you can Chat us now.

Working from home can be a challenge: maybe you have a spouse or roommates who also work from home; children at home doing on-line schooling; perhaps your pets are noisy. Whatever environment you have been working in, we know it can be a challenge to concentrate and focus on work tasks. That's why we suggest a high quality, professional headset designed specifically for workers who need to be on calls or in meetings using their computer, and require a distraction-free environment.

The Poly Blackwire 8225 meets these needs, and brings some hard-hitting technology to the table:

• Advanced Hybrid ANC using four digital microphones with three user selectable options (Off - Mid - High)
• Noise canceling microphone with Acoustic Fence technology (using 2 microphones) that meets Microsoft Teams Open Office-certification levels
• Hearing protection: SoundGuard DIGITAL: Acoustic limiting for protection against sounds above 118 dBA. G616 anti-startle protection limits the noise level to 102 dBSPL; Time-Weighted Average prevents average daily noise exposure from exceeding 80 or 85 dBA (enabled by Plantronics Hub software)

Other features we really like:

• 32mm speakers with large memory foam leatherette ear cushions

• Padded headband

• Two LED indicators on speaker housing show online/in a call status

• Call controller for volume maximum/minimum, mute on/mute off, answer/end call, noise canceling off/mid/high

• 7.2 ft cable

The included carry case protects your headset while you're transitioning from home to office, and everywhere in between.

There are four options to choose from, either USB-A or USB-C, and UC or Certified for Microsoft Teams variants. To decide which variant you need, read this blog post.

Blackwire 8225 USB-A
Blackwire 8225-M USB-A certified for Microsoft Teams
Blackwire 8225 USB-C
Blackwire 8225-M USB-C certified for Microsoft Teams

Call our Headset Experts at 1-866-998-9991, or Chat us now, to purchase a Blackwire 8225 headset, and watch our overview of the Blackwire 8225, including a side-by-side Acoustic Fence Technology audio test at 1:31.

99% of workers in open offices are distracted.*

Who wouldn’t be, with daily mayhem coming from every direction? Luckily there are plenty of high quality headsets from Poly that are designed to avert open office perils and combat the chaos.

Give your teams the perfect balance of Active Noise Canceling (ANC): not too much to be uncomfortable, not too little to let noise sneak in. Noise blocking microphone technology, too. So people on both ends of a call can hear what matters. Count on all-day comfort, thanks to premium, lightweight materials. And a range of styles that work for everyone in the office.

ANC Headsets from Plantronics, now Poly

Voyager 8200 UC (pictured above) has a boomless mic design, adjustable ANC levels, connects to mobile via Bluetooth, and offers a choice of USB adapter to connect to PC: either USB-A or USB-C. The ear speakers completely surround the ear. Choose between two colors: Black or White. MSRP: $379.95.

Voyager Focus UC is comfort+: the adjustable sling cushioned metal headband and leatherette ear cushions wrapped around pillow-soft memory foam maintains a secure fit. Available with a desktop charge stand, or without, and USB-A or USB-C. MSRP varies: $279.95 No Stand; $299.95 With Stand.

Voyager 6200 UC features earbuds on a neckband; wear both earbuds for complete concentration, thanks to ANC, or just one, to keep an ear on the surrounding office. The neckband vibrates as an incoming call alert. Two color choices: Black and Sand; and USB-A and USB-C adapters are available. MSRP is $299.95.

Finally, if your team is primarily desk-bound, and prefer a corded ANC headset, Blackwire 7225 headsets have a boomless mic design with the call controls on the ear speakers. Blackwire 7225 headsets are available in Black and White, and USB-A and USB-C. MSRP: $199.95.

If your teams are struggling to tune out the chaos of an open office — whether it’s scooter rallies or loud talkers or ice chewers — distractions make it almost impossible for people to stay focused. Time to bring productivity back.

Ready to reduce interruptions and boost productivity? Download the ebook from Poly, here: Perils of the Open Office Ebook and then contact us today for personalized headset solutions: 1-866-998-9991.

*“All Your Employees Are Distracted: The Realities of Today’s Open Office and What You Can Do About It,” by Future Workplace, April 2019, sponsored by Poly

Do you work in an office where noise levels are similar to those in a crowded football stadium? From colleagues' reality TV discussions to personal phone calls and work-related chatter, noise is all too common in the pervasive open office plan. The open office was designed for collaboration, breaking down walls that could be barriers to information sharing. The unforseen consequences of this office design: a lack of privacy in a noisy, distracting environment.

Did you know that each distraction takes 23 minutes to recover from? This translates into thousands of lost hours each year at organizations, at a significant and costly impact.

In a new study commissioned by Plantronics, Oxford Economics found that 63 percent of employees say they lack quiet space for focused work, which has a negative effect on their productivity, satisfaction and well-being.

Other findings:
•Only 1 percent of employees say they can block out distractions in the office, without taking extra steps. This is a dramatic decline since this study was last done, in 2015; at that time, 20 percent of employees reported that they could block out distractions.
•96 percent of executives see employee productivity as critical to their financial performance, yet just 40 percent understand the link between noise, distraction and productivity.
•A mere 6 percent of executives report having equipped their office with noise mitigating features.
•Employees in the noisiest office environments are more likely to say they may leave their job in the next six months.

The open office plan is so pervasive that epidemic noise levels have now been reached worldwide, but is anyone paying attention? Executives, this is your wake-up call! It's time to fix the problem.

Contact us to learn how to navigate in noisy office environments (Here's a hint: headsets!).