| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is ANC in a business headset? | Active noise cancellation uses microphones to detect and cancel ambient noise so both the wearer and the caller experience clearer audio — regardless of the environment. |
| Which is the best value wired ANC headset for business? | The Yealink UH48 at £79 ex VAT delivers ANC on both speaker and microphone with USB-A/C connectivity — strong value for open-plan offices and contact centres. |
| What is the best wireless ANC headset for business? | The Jabra Evolve2 75 at £280 ex VAT is the most capable all-round wireless ANC headset for business — professional-grade ANC, 36-hour battery, and Teams/UC certification. |
| Do I need ANC on the microphone as well as the speaker? | For call-heavy roles yes — microphone noise cancellation ensures the caller hears you clearly. Speaker ANC alone only benefits the wearer. Most business-grade ANC headsets include both. |
| Can I try an ANC headset before buying? | Yes — Headsets4Business offers a free no-obligation trial on every headset in this guide. Try before you commit, with no obligation to purchase. |
Want to try an ANC headset before committing to a full order? Request a free no-obligation trial or call us on 0161 830 6818 — we'll recommend the right model for your environment.
Background noise is one of the most consistent complaints in UK business environments. Open-plan offices, busy contact centres, home offices with household noise, shared workspaces — the places people work are rarely quiet, and poor audio quality costs time, patience, and sometimes the call itself.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) headsets address this directly. They are no longer a premium luxury reserved for frequent flyers. They are standard equipment for anyone making or taking calls in a noisy environment — and the business headset market now offers ANC across a wide range of price points, connection types, and working styles.
This guide covers the best ANC headsets for UK businesses in 2026, from entry-level wired options to professional wireless models, with honest advice on which suits which environment. Every headset featured is available on a free no-obligation trial from Headsets4Business.
What is ANC and does your business actually need it?
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a technology that uses built-in microphones to detect ambient sound and generate an opposing signal to cancel it out before it reaches the wearer's ears. In a business headset, ANC works in two directions — on the speaker side to protect the wearer from background noise, and on the microphone side to prevent ambient noise from reaching the caller.
That second part — microphone noise cancellation — is the one that matters most in a business context. A headset that only cancels noise on the speaker side makes life more comfortable for the wearer but does nothing for the caller, who still hears the noise of your office in the background. Business-grade ANC headsets cancel noise on both sides.
Your business needs ANC if:
- Staff work in open-plan offices with significant ambient noise
- Agents work in contact centres with high call density
- People work from home and share space with household noise
- Teams use hot-desking or shared workspaces
- Video conferencing is a regular part of the working day
If staff work in a private office with a door and minimal background noise, standard noise-cancelling microphone headsets will likely serve just as well at a lower price point. ANC earns its cost in noisy, open environments — not in quiet ones.
Which wired ANC headsets are best for office and contact centre use?
Wired ANC headsets connect via USB-A or USB-C directly to a PC, laptop, or softphone system. They require no charging, no pairing, and no battery management — which makes them the practical choice for fixed-desk environments where agents are on calls throughout the day.
Yealink UH48 ANC Wired USB Headset — from £79 ex VAT
The Yealink UH48 is the entry point for genuine business ANC in a wired headset. It delivers active noise cancellation on both the speaker and the microphone, connects via USB-A or USB-C, and is certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and UC platforms. At £79 ex VAT it represents strong value for open-plan environments where budget per head matters.
The UH48 is plug-and-play — no drivers required — and integrates with Teams for call answering, mute, and volume directly from the headset. For contact centres and fixed-desk office environments running softphone, it is the straightforward, reliable choice at this price point.
EPOS Impact 860T ANC — from £130 ex VAT
The EPOS Impact 860T ANC steps up with hybrid ANC technology — combining feedforward and feedback ANC for more effective noise cancellation across a broader range of frequencies. The AI beamforming microphone focuses specifically on the wearer's voice rather than ambient sound, which produces noticeably cleaner call audio in high-noise environments.
The 360° busylight is a practical addition for open-plan offices — it signals to colleagues that a call is in progress without requiring a separate device. USB-A and USB-C connectivity, Teams certified, and built for all-day comfort. At £130 ex VAT it is the right choice when the office noise level is high enough to justify the upgrade from the UH48.
| Headset | Price (ex VAT) | Connection | ANC Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yealink UH48 | From £79 | USB-A or USB-C | ANC speaker + mic | Fixed-desk, high-volume, budget-conscious |
| EPOS Impact 860T ANC | From £130 | USB-A or USB-C | Hybrid ANC + AI beamforming mic | High-noise open-plan, busylight needed |
Not sure whether the UH48 or 860T is right for your office noise level? Request a free trial on either model — try it on your busiest agents for a week before you commit. Call 0161 830 6818 if you'd like a recommendation first.
Which wireless ANC headsets are worth considering for business use?
Wireless ANC headsets add freedom of movement to noise cancellation — the right choice when agents or staff need to move during calls, switch between devices, or work in blended desk phone and softphone environments. Battery life, wireless technology, and connection flexibility are the key variables to assess alongside ANC performance.
Yealink BH74 Microsoft Teams Bluetooth Headset — from £105 ex VAT
The Yealink BH74 is the entry point for wireless ANC at a business price point. Hybrid Bluetooth connectivity means it connects to a PC and a desk phone or mobile simultaneously — useful in environments where agents switch between devices. ANC, Teams certified, up to 35 hours of talk time, and compatible with Yealink IP desk phones via Bluetooth 5.7. At £105 ex VAT it covers the gap between wired and premium wireless.
Jabra Evolve2 55 — from £138 ex VAT
The Jabra Evolve2 55 brings three-microphone ANC to the mid-range wireless category. The USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth dongle provides a reliable connection for softphone use, simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity to two devices, and up to 36 hours of battery life. Teams or UC certified. At £138 ex VAT it is the wireless ANC option for softphone-first environments where reliability and call quality are the priority.
Yealink WH64 DECT and Bluetooth Hybrid Wireless Headset — from £141.59 ex VAT
The Yealink WH64 combines DECT and Bluetooth in one headset — DECT for desk phone connectivity without requiring Bluetooth pairing, and Bluetooth for PC and mobile connections. This makes it the most versatile option for environments where agents use both a desk phone and a laptop. Noise cancelling microphone, Teams certified, up to 35 hours DECT talk time, available in 1-ear or 2-ear configurations. From £141.59 ex VAT for the single-ear version.
Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC — from £184 ex VAT
The Poly Voyager Focus 2 uses both active noise cancellation and Acoustic Fence technology — a multiple-microphone system that isolates the wearer's voice from background noise at the source. The result is noticeably cleaner microphone audio in genuinely noisy environments. Bluetooth with USB dongle, Teams and UC certified, up to 16 hours talk time with ANC active (24 hours ANC off). From £184 ex VAT without stand. For environments where microphone clarity is the priority, this is one of the strongest performers in the range.
EPOS Impact 1061T Duo Bluetooth Headset — from £249 ex VAT
The EPOS Impact 1061T is a premium wireless ANC headset designed for the open office. Bluetooth with stand included, Teams certified, ANC, and built for all-day comfort in professional environments. At £249 ex VAT it is the right choice when ANC performance and build quality are the priority over price.
Jabra Evolve2 75 — from £280 ex VAT (replaced by Evolve3 75)
The Jabra Evolve2 75 is the benchmark wireless ANC headset for professional business use. Eight-microphone ANC system, busylight integrated into the headband, simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices, USB-A dongle included, Teams or UC certified, up to 36 hours battery life. At £280 ex VAT it is the headset that removes all compromise — ANC performance, battery life, microphone quality, and build are all at the top of the business headset category.
| Headset | Price (ex VAT) | Wireless Type | Talk Time (ANC on) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yealink BH74 | From £105 | Bluetooth hybrid | Up to 35hrs | Yealink desk phone + PC, budget wireless ANC |
| Jabra Evolve2 55 | From £138 | Bluetooth + USB dongle | Up to 36hrs | Softphone-first, Teams/UC, reliable connection |
| Yealink WH64 | From £141.59 | DECT + Bluetooth hybrid | Up to 35hrs DECT | Desk phone + PC, high-density offices |
| Poly Voyager Focus 2 | From £184 | Bluetooth + USB dongle | Up to 16hrs ANC on | Microphone clarity priority, noisy environments |
| EPOS Impact 1061T | From £249 | Bluetooth + stand | Up to 30hrs | Premium open office, all-day comfort |
| Jabra Evolve2 75 | From £280 | Bluetooth + USB-A dongle | Up to 36hrs | No-compromise ANC, busylight, premium build |
What is the difference between ANC on the speaker and ANC on the microphone?
Speaker-side ANC cancels the noise the wearer hears — traffic, air conditioning, office conversation — before it reaches their ears. It makes the working environment more comfortable and helps with concentration. Microphone-side ANC (sometimes called noise-cancelling microphone or beamforming) cancels the noise picked up by the microphone before it reaches the caller.
For most business roles, microphone ANC is the more important of the two. A caller who can hear the noise of your office in the background loses confidence in the conversation — it sounds unprofessional and makes calls harder to follow. Microphone noise cancellation solves this at source.
Every headset in this guide includes noise cancellation on the microphone as well as the speaker. This is a deliberate selection criterion — consumer ANC headsets often prioritise speaker ANC for music listening and provide minimal microphone noise cancellation. Business-grade headsets are built differently.
How do you choose the right ANC headset for your working environment?
The right headset depends on four factors: how noisy the environment is, how people connect (softphone, desk phone, or both), whether mobility matters, and budget per head.
| Your Situation | Recommended Headset | From (ex VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed desk, softphone, moderate noise | Yealink UH48 (wired) | £79 |
| Fixed desk, softphone, high noise, busylight needed | EPOS Impact 860T ANC (wired) | £130 |
| Wireless, Yealink desk phone + PC, budget conscious | Yealink BH74 (wireless) | £105 |
| Wireless, softphone only, Teams certified | Jabra Evolve2 55 (wireless) | £138 |
| Wireless, desk phone + PC, high-density office | Yealink WH64 (DECT + Bluetooth) | £141.59 |
| Wireless, microphone clarity is the priority | Poly Voyager Focus 2 (wireless) | £184 |
| Wireless, no compromise on ANC or build quality | Jabra Evolve2 75 (wireless) | £280 |
Still not sure which model suits your setup? Call us on 0161 830 6818 and we'll narrow it down in five minutes — or browse the full ANC headsets collection to see all current options.
What should you know before buying an ANC headset for a large team?
Comfort over a full working day is the variable most buyers underestimate when specifying ANC headsets at scale. A headset that performs well in a five-minute demo will be assessed very differently by an agent wearing it for seven hours. Ear cushion material, headband pressure, and weight all matter — and they vary significantly across brands and models.
The practical approach is to trial before committing to a large order. Order two or three units across different models, put them on your most demanding users for a full week, and collect honest feedback before placing a volume order. This avoids the cost and disruption of processing returns across a full floor.
Volume discounts apply automatically at checkout from four units upward. For larger orders — typically 20 units or more — call us on 0161 830 6818 or email sales@headsets4business.co.uk for a tailored quote. We can supply a mix of models across the same order where different roles have different requirements.
Do ANC headsets work with Microsoft Teams and other business platforms?
Every wireless and wired ANC headset in this guide carries Microsoft Teams certification or UC certification, or both. Teams-certified headsets integrate directly with the Teams application — call answering, mute, volume, and busylight status are all controlled from the headset without touching the keyboard or screen.
UC-certified headsets are platform-agnostic — they work with Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, 8x8, RingCentral, and most other business communication platforms. Where a headset is available in both Teams and UC variants, the UC version is usually the more flexible choice for businesses running multiple platforms.
For desk phone environments, compatibility depends on the phone model and connection type. Modern IP desk phones from Yealink with USB-A ports or Bluetooth connectivity can use most of the wireless headsets in this guide directly. Older desk phones with RJ9 or QD sockets require a wired QD headset or an EHS adapter cable. If you are unsure about compatibility with your specific desk phone model, call us on 0161 830 6818 before ordering.
What is the easiest way to trial an ANC headset before committing to an order?
Every headset on this page is available on a free no-obligation trial from Headsets4Business. There is no deposit, no lengthy application process, and no obligation to purchase. Request a trial, try the headset in your actual working environment for a week, and decide from there.
For teams with varied requirements — some fixed-desk, some moving between devices, some in quieter environments — it is worth trialling two or three different models simultaneously rather than a single unit. This gives you comparative data from real users in real conditions rather than a single anecdotal opinion.
For orders of four or more headsets, volume pricing applies automatically. For NHS procurement, government, and large corporate orders, contact us directly for a formal quote and any required documentation. Call 0161 830 6818 or email sales@headsets4business.co.uk.
Ready to find the right ANC headset for your team? Request a free no-obligation trial on any headset in this guide. Volume discounts from 4 units. Call 0161 830 6818 Monday to Friday 9am–5pm, or email sales@headsets4business.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ANC stand for in headsets?
ANC stands for active noise cancellation. It is a technology that uses built-in microphones to detect ambient sound and generate an opposing audio signal to cancel it before it reaches the wearer's ears. In business headsets, ANC typically works on both the speaker (protecting the wearer from background noise) and the microphone (preventing background noise from reaching the caller).
Is ANC worth it for office headsets?
In open-plan offices, contact centres, and shared workspaces — yes. ANC reduces the cognitive load of working in a noisy environment and improves call quality for both parties. In a private office with minimal background noise, standard noise-cancelling microphone headsets will perform similarly at a lower price point. The value of ANC is directly proportional to the noise level of the environment.
What is the difference between noise cancelling and ANC?
Noise cancelling on a microphone is a passive or active technology that reduces background noise picked up by the microphone. ANC (active noise cancellation) specifically refers to the use of microphones and signal processing to actively cancel ambient noise — typically on the speaker side. In practice, most business-grade headsets marketed as ANC include both speaker-side active noise cancellation and microphone noise cancellation, though the technologies may differ.
Can I use an ANC headset with my desk phone?
It depends on your desk phone model. Modern IP desk phones with USB-A ports or Bluetooth connectivity — such as current Yealink models — can connect directly to most USB or wireless ANC headsets in this guide. Older desk phones with RJ9, RJ10, or QD headset ports require a QD-connected wired headset rather than a USB or Bluetooth model. Call us on 0161 830 6818 to confirm compatibility before ordering.
How long do wireless ANC headset batteries last?
Battery life varies by model and whether ANC is active. The Jabra Evolve2 55 and Evolve2 75 offer up to 36 hours with ANC on. The Yealink BH74 and WH64 offer up to 35 hours. The Poly Voyager Focus 2 offers up to 16 hours with ANC active and up to 24 hours with ANC off. For an eight-hour working day, all of these models provide multiple days of use on a single charge.
What is Acoustic Fence technology on the Poly Voyager Focus 2?
Acoustic Fence is Poly's proprietary multiple-microphone noise cancellation system. It uses four microphones to create a defined listening zone around the wearer's mouth, rejecting sound from outside that zone. The result is that the caller hears the wearer's voice clearly even in high-noise environments, with nearby conversation and ambient office noise significantly reduced. It complements the active noise cancellation on the speaker side.
What is hybrid ANC on the EPOS Impact 860T?
Hybrid ANC combines two ANC approaches — feedforward (microphones outside the ear cup detecting external noise) and feedback (microphones inside the ear cup measuring residual noise after cancellation). By using both simultaneously, hybrid ANC achieves more effective noise cancellation across a broader frequency range than either method alone. This makes it more effective against low-frequency noise such as air conditioning and open-plan office ambient sound.
Do ANC headsets work with Microsoft Teams?
Yes — all headsets in this guide carry Microsoft Teams certification, UC certification, or both. Teams-certified headsets integrate directly with the Teams application for call control, mute, volume, and busylight status. UC-certified headsets work across Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and other platforms. Check individual product pages for specific platform certification details.
Can I trial an ANC headset before buying?
Yes. Headsets4Business offers a free no-obligation trial on all headsets in this guide. Order one or two units, try them in your actual working environment, and decide whether to proceed with a full order. There is no deposit required and no obligation to purchase. Volume discounts apply automatically from four units at checkout. For larger orders call 0161 830 6818.
What is the difference between DECT and Bluetooth wireless headsets?
DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) operates on a dedicated frequency band separate from wi-fi, making it more reliable in high-density office environments with many simultaneous wireless devices. Bluetooth is more versatile and connects to a wider range of devices including mobiles and laptops but can experience interference in very busy wireless environments. The Yealink WH64 combines both in a single headset, providing DECT reliability for desk phone connections and Bluetooth flexibility for PC and mobile.
