In today’s hybrid and flexible work culture, the definition of a “workplace” is broader than ever. Whether you’re in an open office, working from your kitchen table, dialing in from a coffee shop, or seated in a coworking space, one thing remains constant: background noise.

That’s why I test headsets in real-world settings, not just in controlled environments. It’s the only way to demonstrate how professional-grade headsets perform where people work.

Of course, I run into a few limitations. My dog doesn’t bark on command (as convenient as that would be), and I don’t have young children or babies at home. So when I simulate those sounds, I do my best to replicate the appropriate decibel levels using external sound sources, like speakers or blenders. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to get a real sense of performance.

These tests are more than engaging content—they help people see firsthand why selecting the right headset for their work environment is essential.

Two Sides of Noise Management

Whether you’re taking calls in a noisy office or trying to focus at home with barking dogs and appliances running in the background, the right headset can dramatically improve your communication and productivity.

Common Background Noises & Typical Decibel Levels by Work Environment

Here’s a breakdown of what you might hear in different work environments and why your headset needs to be equipped to handle it.

🏢 Open Office & Cubicle Jungle

Common Noises:

Typical dB Levels:

🏠 Home Office

Common Noises:

Typical dB Levels:

🚗 Typical Traffic Noise Levels Near Busy Streets and Highways

If you work from home or take calls near a busy street or highway, traffic noise can be a major disruptor, especially during meetings or focused work. Depending on proximity, traffic volume, and the types of vehicles passing by, the decibel levels can easily exceed recommended thresholds for health and comfort.

Common Decibel Ranges:

Location/Condition	Typical Noise Level (dBA)
Busy city street (average)	70–75 dBA
Highway traffic at 50 feet	70–80 dBA
Car at 65 mph (close range)	65–73 dBA
Heavy traffic in urban areas	Up to 84 dBA
Emergency sirens nearby	Up to 120 dBA (brief peaks)

Note: The World Health Organization recommends keeping average outdoor noise below 53 dBA during the day for health reasons. That’s often exceeded near roads and highways.

Factors that influence traffic noise:

Time of day: Morning and evening rush hours tend to be the loudest.

⚠️ Long-term exposure above 70 dBA can increase the risk of hearing issues and contribute to fatigue and stress.

If you’re working near a busy road, selecting a headset with high-performance NC mics and ANC speakers is critical for clear calls and better focus.

☕ On-the-Go (Cafés, Airports, Public Spaces)

Common Noises:

Typical dB Levels:

Watch Now! Headset Mic vs Blender: Noise-Canceling Mic Tests

🧑‍💻 Third Workplace (Coworking Spaces, Libraries, Shared Offices)

Common Noises:

Typical dB Levels:

📊 Summary Table

Environment	Common Noises	Typical dB Level
Open Office	Conversations, phones, and printers	50–60+ dB
Office with Cubicles	Same, with some sound barriers	50–60 dB
Home Office	Appliances, pets, family, and outdoor noise	30–70 dB
Home – Dog Barking	Loud, sudden disruption	80–100+ dB
Home – Cat Meowing	Softer, frequent noise	45–65 dB
On-the-Go	Crowd, coffee machines, traffic	60–85 dB
Traffic Noise (Near Road/Highway)	Cars, trucks, sirens	65–84+ dB (peaks at 120 dB)
Coworking Space	Conversations, typing, and movement	50–65 dB
Library (Quiet Zone)	Whispering, turning pages	30–40 dB

⚠️ Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB can lead to hearing damage. Even persistent noise at lower levels can impact productivity and well-being.

🎧 Why This Matters

No one wants to keep asking, “Can you hear me now?” A high-quality headset with the right microphone and ANC speakers makes all the difference for you and everyone on the call.

Whether you’re managing clients from your home office, collaborating from a coworking hub, or working on the go, your headset should support your productivity, not hinder it.

🔍 Top Performing Headsets (as of July 11, 2025)

I test hundreds of headsets across brands. Here are some top performers that stand out in real-world work environments. (New models are released regularly; follow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates.)

🥇 EPOS Impact 1060T ANC

🥈 Logitech Zone Wireless 2

🥉 Yealink WH68

💸 Great Value Bluetooth Headsets

Jabra Evolve2 55

Yealink BH74

👂 Discreet Bone-Conduction Option

Shokz Opencomm2 UC

Let’s Talk Headsets

🎯 Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct have been helping businesses choose the right headsets since 1987. From open offices to remote teams, we’ll help you find a solution that supports your environment, workflow, and platform requirements.

📞 Contact us today to book a demo or get a personalized recommendation.