Understanding ANC Technology in Professional-Grade Headsets: Jabra, Poly, Yealink, EPOS, and Logitech

In today’s work environments, whether in a bustling office, shared workspace, or even at home, noise can be a significant barrier to productivity. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology has become essential in professional-grade headsets, helping remote and hybrid workers focus by reducing ambient noise. However, a common misconception is that ANC completely blocks all background noise, including people talking. This blog explores the unique ANC technologies used by Jabra, HP Poly, Yealink, EPOS, and Logitech to clarify what each offers and what users can realistically expect.

1. What Is ANC, and How Does It Work?

ANC technology uses microphones to detect external sounds and generate “anti-noise” soundwaves that cancel out certain frequencies. ANC is particularly effective at blocking low-frequency noises, such as the hum of an air conditioner or distant traffic. However, high-frequency sounds, like voices, are more challenging to cancel out fully, and users may still hear background conversations even with ANC activated.

2. EPOS: Hybrid Adaptive ANC in the Impact 1000 Series

EPOS’s Impact 1000 series headsets employ a hybrid adaptive ANC system designed to adjust to the noise levels of the surrounding environment intelligently:

  • Intelligent Adjustment: The ANC system automatically fine-tunes itself, applying just the right amount of noise cancellation based on the current ambient noise. This provides a balanced listening experience without unnecessary over-cancellation.
  • Reduced Occlusion: Hybrid adaptive ANC minimizes the “plugged-ear” sensation in quieter settings, enhancing comfort for extended use.
  • Customizable via EPOS Connect: Users can personalize ANC settings through the EPOS Connect app on desktop or mobile, creating a tailored noise-canceling experience.
  • The Impact 1000 series incorporates EPOS AI technology, scanning the environment 32,000 times per second to selectively suppress disruptive sounds while preserving voice clarity. This technology significantly improves communication in noisy environments, ensuring the other party hears only the user’s voice without background distractions.

3. HP Poly: Adaptive ANC in Voyager Surround 80 and Voyager Focus 2

HP Poly’s Voyager Surround 80 and Voyager Focus 2 headsets feature adaptive ANC technology, which dynamically adjusts to provide optimal noise cancellation:

  • Dynamic Adjustment: The system automatically changes the ANC level based on surrounding noise, which is especially useful in shared spaces where sound levels fluctuate.
  • Reduced Occlusion: By adjusting the ANC level in real-time, the headset reduces ear pressure in quieter environments, making it comfortable for prolonged use.
  • Multiple Microphones and Boomless Design: The Voyager Surround 80, with six built-in microphones, captures clear audio without needing a boom arm while effectively isolating voice from background noise.

Though Poly’s adaptive ANC works well in indoor settings, it may be less effective outdoors, where unpredictable noises like passing vehicles or footsteps can still be heard. These headsets are optimized for professional communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, making them suitable for virtual meetings in various workspaces.

4. Jabra: Customizable ANC Across the Evolve2 Series

Jabra’s Evolve2 series (including the Evolve2 Buds, 55, 65 Flex, 75, and 85) integrates advanced ANC technology, with each model offering adjustable ANC levels:

  • Adjustable ANC Levels: Users can modify the ANC intensity to match their environment, ensuring an optimal balance between noise reduction and situational awareness.
  • Hear-Through Mode: Many models provide an “ambient” or “hear-through” mode, which allows users to hear their surroundings when necessary.
  • Acoustic Chamber Design: The unique acoustic chamber enhances noise cancellation, allowing for improved sound quality and voice clarity.

With up to 15 hours of listening time (ANC on) and an option to conserve battery by switching off ANC, Jabra’s headsets are known for flexibility. The high-end models, such as the Evolve2 75 and 85, come with additional microphones and sophisticated algorithms that enhance the ANC experience in diverse work settings, making them adaptable for office and home environments.

Understanding ANC Technology in Professional-Grade Headsets

5. Logitech: AI-Powered Hybrid ANC in Zone Wireless 2

The Logitech Zone Wireless 2 incorporates a hybrid ANC system powered by artificial intelligence for seamless noise cancellation:

Understanding ANC Technology in Professional-Grade Headsets
  • AI-Powered Adaptation: This system intelligently adjusts to noise levels in real time, providing high, low, transparency, and off ANC modes for a customizable experience.
  • Two-Way Noise Suppression: While incoming noise is reduced, outgoing audio benefits from a four-microphone array that isolates the user’s voice, ensuring clear communication for the other party.
  • Far-End Noise Suppression: Uniquely, the Zone Wireless 2 can suppress background noise on the caller’s end, enhancing call clarity even if the other party lacks noise-canceling capabilities.

The multiple ANC modes give users the versatility to adapt to different environments. However, users should note that while Zone Wireless 2 offers impressive battery life, extended ANC usage may reduce the available talk and listening time.

Understanding ANC Technology in Professional-Grade Headsets

Yealink’s BH76 and BH76 Plus headsets employ intelligent dynamic ANC with multiple modes:

  • Adjustable ANC Modes: Users can select from medium and high ANC levels or switch to ambient mode for more situational awareness.
  • Enhanced Noise Reduction: The combination of active ANC and high-quality ear cushions delivers an impressive noise reduction of up to 35dB.
  • Acoustic Shield Technology: Outgoing audio is managed by Acoustic Shield technology, which uses five microphones to ensure the user’s voice is crystal clear.

Designed for comfort and adaptability, the BH76 series also allows users to choose between on-ear and over-ear cushions. Quick-charging functionality provides added convenience, with 3 hours of talk time from just a 5-minute charge, making these headsets ideal for extended use.

Understanding ANC Technology in Professional-Grade Headsets

Key Takeaways

While ANC technology in these professional-grade headsets greatly enhances focus and call clarity, it’s essential to understand the limitations.

  • Noise Profiles: ANC is most effective against low-frequency, consistent noises. Higher-frequency sounds like people talking may still be audible, especially when ANC is adjusted for comfort.
  • Adaptive Capabilities: Many headsets now feature adaptive ANC that adjusts based on environmental noise levels, offering a balance between noise cancellation and comfort.
  • Battery Impact: Keep in mind that enabling ANC reduces battery life, so it’s wise to adjust ANC settings based on your work environment.

By choosing a headset with the right type of ANC, users can maximize productivity in diverse work settings. Each brand, whether EPOS, HP Poly, Jabra, Logitech, or Yealink, offers unique innovations that make it easier for professionals to stay focused, connected, and comfortable.

The Importance of Partnering with Headset Experts

Selecting the right ANC headset for your business can be challenging, given the variety of options and specific performance differences across brands. This is where working with experienced subject matter experts like Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct is essential. Having been in the business and contact center headset industry since 1987, these experts have an in-depth understanding of the latest in professional-grade audio technology.

Understanding ANC Technology in Professional-Grade Headsets

With Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct, you benefit from:

  • Product Knowledge: Their extensive experience and industry insight allow them to recommend the best headsets for various work environments, from open offices to remote workspaces.
  • Real-World Testing: They conduct real-world tests on devices, giving customers an accurate picture of how each headset performs in different settings, ensuring that you make an informed purchasing decision.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Their team considers your unique requirements—whether you prioritize ANC strength, comfort, battery life, or compatibility with collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet.

Leveraging their expertise helps businesses navigate the complexities of selecting the right headset, ensuring that the solution aligns with both the company’s needs and users’ comfort. By consulting with trusted advisors like Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct, companies can feel confident in their investments, knowing they’re equipped with the right technology to enhance productivity and communication.