Introduction
In today's fast-paced world, working remotely from home has
become increasingly common. However, the challenge of maintaining focus andconcentration in a home environment can be daunting.
Distractions can easily derail your productivity and impact
the quality of your work. One effective solution to combatting distractions and
creating a focused work environment is investing in noise cancelling headphones…
They have certainly been a game changer for me, and I couldn’t imagine living life without them now – but do you really need to go top end?
I'd say not.
Whilst some of the top end units probably do have slightly better noise cancellation, they still aren't perfect - as in, total silence. So, for marginal gains in performance I'm not convinced they are worth the extra money.
I have used some really good budget noise cancelling headphones - and some of the best of them were piced under £100.
In this article, we will explore the best budget noise cancelling headphones specifically designed to help you achieve distraction-free work and enhance your productivity - or, if you have a noisy house, just to help keep your sanity!
The Impact of Distraction on Remote Work
Distractions can significantly impede your ability to
concentrate on tasks and deliver your best work. Numerous studies have shown that
distractions not only decrease productivity but also reduce the quality of
output.
In fact, studies have shown that once you have been
distracted from focused work, it takes on average 24 minutes to get back into
the same state of concentration.
So, when working remotely, it’s easy to see how constant
interruptions and background noise can disrupt your flow, making it challenging
to stay on track and meet deadlines.
The Power of Noise Cancelling Headphones
To combat the issue of distractions, noise cancelling
headphones have emerged as a valuable tool for remote workers.
These headphones utilize advanced technology to actively
reduce or eliminate external noises, creating a serene auditory environment
that enhances focus and concentration.
By blocking out ambient sounds, noise cancelling headphones help you create your own personal workspace, no matter where you are!
Top Budget Noise Cancelling Headphones Recommendations
Now let's delve into our recommendations for the top budget
noise cancelling headphones that offer a compelling combination of
affordability, performance, and features.
Best Budget On Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
JBL Live 460NC
JBL are a quality, known brand when it comes to sound related products, so no wonder then that these headphones produce a balanced, crisp sound - and even have an app that lets you adjust the EQ!
The battery on these headphones lasts forever, and the ANC is excellent. Although personally I prefer an over ear headphone, I'd certainly recommend these to anyone who prefers an on ear unit.
Pros:
- Upto 50hrs of battery life so you never run out of charge
- Dedicated app which allows you to adjust the sound settings to your taste
- Compatible with the voice assistant on your phone for total hands free
- Variable ANC settings, including talk-through
- Probably the best sound performance of the 3 options
Cons:
- Quite a tight fit, which is good for keeping them secure, but can be a little uncomfortable after prolonged use
- Max volume seems a little low compared to others
Best Budget Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
I bought a pair of these for my girlfriend to help her concentrate whilst working at home, and can report that they do a great job of dulling out distractions with super effective active noise cancelling.
They are light weight, foldable and come in a few different colour choices.
The sound quality seems pretty good on them, certainly if using them for meetings etc., although I'd say they fall short on sound definition that you would get from a premium set if you want them for full on blow your ear drums out music.
Overall, well worth the price though, and don't just take my word for it - they have over 14000 4.5-star ratings on Amazon at the time of writing!
Pros:
- Great Noise Cancellation with 95% noise reduction
- Multiple noise cancellation modes to suit your preference
- Great sound quality
- 40hr Battery life using ANC (60hrs non ANC)
- Available in 3 colours
Cons:
- Use of 3.5mm jack turns off ANC
Best Budget Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Full disclosure - I haven't actually tried these myself. I'm not really one for earbuds, however, I have seen these for sale on Amazonand they look great!
There are multiple sellers on Amazon selling these, with multiple thousands of customer reviews between them and all almost 5-star ratings which for me, says everything. If I was looking for some buds without the price tag, I would be giving these a shot.
Pros:
- Very low priced - you can pick these up for around £20!
- Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable connection stops that annoying wireless stuttering
- Comes with a charging case which can store 4 charges so you don't have to keep them plugged in
- IP7 rating which means they are fully waterproof
Cons:
- They are buds.... buds are prone to falling out - I don't like buds, but that's just me :)
- The touchscreen controls can be fidgetty (especially if you have bigger hands)
If you ever come across a pair, snap them up... (funnily enough that's what I did to mine at the gym 😢)
Essential Features to Consider
When selecting the best budget noise cancelling headphones, the main features that you want to consider are:
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This technology uses microphones to analyse external sounds and generate counteracting sound waves, effectively cancelling out background noise.
Comfort and Fit: Optimal comfort is crucial for long work sessions. Look for headphones with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and lightweight designs to ensure a comfortable fit.
Battery Life: Consider the battery life of the headphones, as you don't want them to die in the middle of an important task. Look for models with extended battery life to accommodate your work schedule.
Sound Quality: While noise cancellation is a primary feature, don't overlook sound quality. Look for headphones that provide a balanced audio experience with clear vocals and rich bass.
Getting the right combination of these makes the difference between a mediocre and an awesome set of ear mufflers!
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits
To fully leverage the benefits of noise cancelling
headphones for distraction-free work, consider implementing the following tips:
Find the right volume balance: Adjust the volume of your
headphones to a level that cancels out external noise without being too loud,
as excessive volume can lead to ear fatigue.
Create a dedicated workspace: Establish a designated area
for work where you can minimize external distractions. Set up your workspace
with all the necessary tools and ensure it is conducive to productivity. Use
your noise cancelling headphones in this space to create a focused environment.
Customize your sound preferences: Many noise cancelling
headphones offer customizable sound profiles. Experiment with different
settings to find the right balance that enhances your concentration and suits
your personal preferences.
Combine noise cancellation with soothing music or white
noise: While noise cancelling headphones excel at blocking out external sounds,
you can further enhance your focus by listening to soothing music or ambient
sounds, such as white noise or nature sounds. Experiment with different genres
and tracks to find what works best for you.
Take regular breaks: Although noise cancelling headphones
can create a serene environment, it's essential to take regular breaks to rest
your ears and prevent listening fatigue. Use these breaks to stretch, move
around, and give your mind a chance to recharge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you find yourself struggling with
distractions while working remotely from home – or anywhere that you choose to
call your office for the day, investing in one of these budget noise cancelling
headphones can significantly enhance your productivity and concentration,
without busting the bank!
By actively reducing or eliminating background noise, these
headphones create a focused auditory environment that enables you to work without
interruptions.
So, take control of your work environment and unlock your
full potential with the power of noise cancelling headphones. Improve your
focus, enhance your productivity, and achieve success in your remote work endeavours.
As the saying goes, "The ability to concentrate and to
use your time well is everything if you want to succeed in business—or almost
anywhere else for that matter." - Lee Lacocca.
Remember, each moment of distraction prevented is a step
closer to achieving your goals. Choose the right noise cancelling headphones
today and enjoy a more productive and fulfilling work-from-home experience
tomorrow!
Disclaimer: The recommendations in this article are the
personal opinion of the author based on experience. The effectiveness and
suitability of the products may vary depending on individual preferences and
requirements. Please carefully consider your needs before making a purchase. This article contains affiliate links - if you buys a product after clicking on a link in this article, then we may recieve a commission, at no extra cost to you.
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