The Best Headphones and Earbuds for Studying

best headphones for studying

The right set of headphones or earphones can truly make a difference in your study or work session. Whether you’re listening to music, watching video lectures, or having video calls, having a device with excellent audio quality is essential. And with active noise cancellation features, you can create a quiet and focused environment wherever you are.

At Blog Hồng, we understand the importance of finding the perfect headphones or earbuds for your needs. That’s why we’ve tested out the best options on the market and narrowed them down just for you. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect pair for your study sessions!

Best Headphones for Studying and Working: Bose NC700

The Rolls Royce of active noise cancellation headphones: the Bose NC700s are sleek and comfortable. When it comes to branded devices, the NC700s prove that you get what you pay for. Their look, feel, and sound are simply amazing.

  • Bose’s active noise cancellation is best-in-class, turning any noisy environment into a distraction-free space. This feature is perfect for those long study sessions where you need undivided focus.
  • Clear audio: While I may not be an audio purist, the Bose NC700s offer exceptional sound clarity. This makes them great for switching between music, lecture videos, and video calls.
  • Smart features: With Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, you can enjoy seamless voice control. The Bose Music app may need some improvement, but overall, setting it up is a breeze.
  • Battery life: The advertised 20-hour battery life easily surpasses expectations. Plus, the comfort of knowing you won’t run out of battery during those long study sessions is priceless.

Bottom line: With best-in-class active noise cancellation and cloud-like comfort, the Bose NC700s are the top headphones for working, studying, and calls.

Best Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Studying and Working: Anker Soundcore Q20

While they may not be the sexiest-looking headphones, the Anker Soundcore Q20 offers great quality at an affordable price.

  • ANC included: The active noise cancellation feature in this price range is a great bonus. The Transparency mode also lets external sounds filter through when needed.
  • Quality sound: While not on par with higher-end options, the sound quality is still impressive. Unless you’re an audiophile, the Anker Soundcore Q20 will suffice.
  • Call quality: Call quality is good, especially with ANC, although background noise may be slightly more noticeable.
  • Comfortable: Even with extended use, these headphones remain nice and comfortable.
  • Superb battery life and charging: With 60 hours of battery life without ANC, and the fast-charging feature providing 4 hours of playback with just 5 minutes of charging, you won’t have to worry about running out of power.

Bottom line: The Anker Soundcore Q20 offers great value for over-ear headphones with ANC, folding flat for easy portability. If you’re looking for solid value and are not hyper-fussy about sound quality, these are the headphones for you.

Best Budget Compact Headphones for Studying and Working: Sony WHCH510

If you’re in search of compact headphones that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Sony WH-CH510.

  • Amazing sound: These headphones deliver sharp and clear sound for music, movies, lecture videos, and phone calls.
  • Clear call quality: Callers won’t notice any difference between a normal call and using a wired headset.
  • Comfortable: While not as comfortable as high-end options, the Sony WH-CH510 is still very good. They won’t cause discomfort even during long study sessions.
  • Superb battery life and charging: With 35 hours of battery life and fast-charging capability, you won’t have to worry about running out of power.

No noise cancellation nor noise isolation: It’s important to note that the Sony WHCH510 lacks active noise cancellation, relying on ear pads for noise isolation. However, this may not be an issue depending on your work or study environment.

Bottom line: For exceptional value and sound quality, the Sony WH-CH510 is the best compact headphone option, especially if active noise cancellation isn’t a priority.

Best Earbuds for Studying and Working: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

If you prefer the convenience and portability of earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the perfect choice.

  • Unbeatable ANC: Bose has successfully incorporated their top-notch active noise cancellation technology into these earbuds, perfect for long work or study sessions. You can also adjust the ANC levels through the Bose Music app.
  • Unbeatable sound quality: Among all the models reviewed, the Bose QuietComfort earbuds offer the best sound quality. Crystal-clear audio combined with a lightweight and immersive design make these earbuds a top pick.
  • Size, weight, and comfort: Despite their size, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds remain comfortable and secure in your ears, even during extended use.
  • Battery and charging: With 6 hours of playtime on a single charge and an additional 12 hours with the case, you won’t have to worry about running out of battery. Plus, the case can be charged via USB-C or wirelessly.

Bottom line: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds deliver unparalleled noise cancellation and sound quality, providing a light and comfortable fit. For long work and study sessions, these are the earbuds that matter.

What about Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II?

While we do recommend the Bose QC Earbuds II, if you already have the original or are looking for a more affordable option, the original Bose QuietComfort Earbuds will more than meet your needs.

Bottom line: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer better design, lighter weight, and improved battery life. However, the original version still provides excellent performance at a lower cost.

Worthy Mention: Apple AirPods Pro

If you prefer Apple-specific options, the Apple AirPods Pro is the way to go.

  • Multi-device support: Seamless switching between iPhone and iPad is a significant advantage of the AirPods Pro. However, it’s not as compatible with Macs. Android users are better off with the Bose QuietComforts.
  • Active noise cancellation: The AirPods Pro offers great ANC, although not on par with competing brands.
  • Sound quality: These earbuds provide better sound quality than regular AirPods but are comparable to the Earfun Air.
  • Size, weight, and comfort: This is where the AirPods Pro falls short. While they come with three sets of silicone earbuds for a customized fit, they may feel insecure and are not as comfortable as other options.
  • Battery and charging: With 4.5 hours of listening time on one charge and more than 24 hours with the charging case, the AirPods Pro has the shortest battery life among our recommendations.

Bottom line: The AirPods Pro offer auto-switching for multi-Apple-device users. While they are competent in many aspects, their fit and battery life may not meet everyone’s expectations.

Best Budget Earbuds for Studying and Working: Earfun Air

For those seeking true wireless earphones with fantastic sound quality, the Earfun Air is the clear choice.

  • Great sound: The Earfun Air delivers clear sound without static or dropouts, making voices and music sound amazing.
  • Light: These are the lightest earbuds tested, perfect for all activities, including running. They provide a snug fit and won’t feel like they’re about to fall out.
  • Comfortable: With interchangeable silicone earbuds in four sizes, the Earfun Air earphones provide a comfortable fit for all ear sizes. You can wear them for hours without any issues.
  • In-ear detection: Remove a single earbud, and your music or video will automatically pause. Put it back in, and it continues seamlessly.
  • Battery and charging: Enjoy 35 hours of total playtime, with just 10 minutes of charging providing 2 hours of playback. The case can also be charged wirelessly, making it even more convenient. Plus, the satisfying thwock! sound when closing the case is an added delight.
  • Waterproofing: With an IPX7 rating, the Earfun Air earbuds can handle sweaty-ear situations, as they can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.
  • Call quality: Equipped with four multi-directional mics, these earbuds provide clear call quality.

Bottom line: The Earfun Air offers the best value for true wireless earphones, providing all the premium features at an affordable price.

We hope you found the above recommendations useful! At Blog Hồng, we have personally tested all of these headphones and earbuds in our office. If you have any other recommendations or questions, let us know in the comments below!

Meanwhile, here are some related articles that may be of interest:

  • Does music help you study? How to use study music for exam success
  • 3 proven methods to study effectively
  • 18 actionable ways to improve memory for studying [CFA Exam Edition]​