The best headphones for teachers in remote teaching make all the difference. The right pair can add privacy in a shared space, clarity despite background noise, and comfort. All that should mean you can focus on teaching and less on the technical requirements that go along with that when working remote.
As a teacher, you'll most likely be working using video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Team, Skype, and so on. As a result you'll need to have a pair of headphones with a microphone (or multiple) for the best quality audio. You can still use an external mic or your computer's, but generally headphones offer the best quality vocals.
Features to look out for, aside from comfort so you can wear these for long periods, are noise cancelling for sound as well as microphone pick-up, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a decent battery life.
Wired headphones can also work as a good option. These won't give you battery charging worries and can save you a few bucks. But with very long battery life on most cans these days, and easy recharging, you may find that wireless is more comfortable and allows you to connect to more devices, not just those with a 3.5mm audio port.
So, all that considered, here are the best headphones for teachers who are teaching remotely.
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1. Sony WH-1000XM4: The best headphones for teachers overall
The Sony WH-1000XM4 active noise cancelling over-ear wireless headphones are not only the best for teaching but are one of the best pairs of headphones you can buy. These are lightweight and feature a comfortable design with soft memory foam cushioning that's breathable, making them perfect for long periods of use. The 30-hour rechargeable battery life also supports this well.
The active noise cancelling is superb, so any outside sounds, from the washing machine or passing cars, will be drowned out, allowing you to focus on the voices of students. Five microphones in these headphones work to pick up your voice and block background noise, so your students will get a crystal clear audio feed from you.
The DSEE Extreme upscaling means these offer superb quality sound, no matter the feed. These also have a sensor that automatically pauses music when you remove them and plays again when you put them back on. The 360 Reality Audio feature lets you listen to music as if you are in a concert hall – maybe not a school feature but a nice addition that lets you use these headphones all the time to help justify that price.
2. 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone: Best value in-ear for teaching
The 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone name might not be appealing but everything else is. These are the best in-ear headphones you can buy for quality and features at a price this low. Being in-ear, these are suitable for teaching class over video.
Thanks to the triple drivers, and being tuned with Grammy award-winning sound engineer Luca Bernard, these offer sound quality way above the price tag. The same goes for design and build quality. While the remote, which features a microphone, is plastic, the rest feels high-end and as if it will last. These are also super comfortable with ergonomic tips to suit any ears comfortably.
3. Plantronics BackBeat Go 810: Best affordable wireless headphones for teaching
This Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 headphones are a great option to get the active noise cancellation and over-ear comfort of high-end headphones, but without the big costs that go with it. Despite the affordable price, these offer warm and well-balanced sound, a reliable wireless connection, and impressive 24-hour battery life.
The built-in microphone allows for clear voice pick-up when teaching a class, while the cushioned ear pads accommodate extended use over long periods. The fact these also look good enough to wear out and about is just a bonus.
4. Lypertek Tevi: Best truly wireless earbuds for teaching
The Lypertek Tevi earbuds are an affordable way to get wireless earbuds that still offer decent quality audio. These offer a very non-intrusive look that will make your students think you don't even have anything in your ears. Yet you will have clear audio with a balanced and natural delivery that makes hearing all voices very easy.
Battery life at 10 hours is good for earbuds of this kind and should be more than enough to get you through a couple of days of teaching before needing a quick charge via USB-C or the charging case, which is good for 70 hours.
These are also waterproof, allowing you to worry less about inadvertent damage and also making these a great option for exercising too.
5. Sony WH-CH510: Best value on-ear headphones for teaching
The Sony WH-CH510 on-ear headphones are some of the most affordable wireless options out there, yet these still offer great quality. While the build is plastic, the sound quality is far superior to what the price would suggest.
These lightweight and comfortable headphones even manage to cram in a stunning 35-hour battery life before needing a quick charge via the USB-C port. The microphone is built-in and works well for the price.
The lack of 3.5mm audio jack is pretty standard these days, but that does mean you'll need to be powered up for these to work. It's also worth noting these are on-ear rather than over-ear, meaning they have smaller cups, which may be less comfortable after long periods.
6. Apple AirPods Pro: Best for Apple fans teaching
The Apple AirPods Pro are really great earbuds that offer a superb design, as you'd expect from Apple, but also great quality. The reason these are lower down this list is that these are so expensive. But for that money you get a set of comfortable and well-fitted earbuds that are totally wireless yet offer active noise cancellation.
All that should mean you appear with very little in your ears yet can be heard clearly by students as you hear them well, too. These are especially suited for those using Apple devices such as a Mac or iPhone, in which pairing happens seamlessly. The buds last up to five hours on a charge but the included case tops these up with a 24-hour limit before that needs a charge.
7. EarFun Air Pro 2: Best affordable wireless ANC earbuds
The EarFun Air Pro 2 are one of the best examples of active noise cancelling earbuds at this price. In fact, these offer an audio and build quality far surpassing the low price point. So these might be low down this list, as these are a more budget option, but don't be fooled, these compete with every pair on this list.
The totally wireless buds offer six microphones to record and remove background noise, both in your ears as you listen and in the vocal audio you speak. Consequently, it will sound silent wherever you are both to you and your students, even with lots of background noise.
These are light, water-resistant, and last for seven hours on a charge, but the case these live in will keep topping that up for a total of 34 hours before you need a charge. Easily paired using Bluetooth and with an impressive range, these offer all most teachers could want – and also are great for music quality for when you're having some down time.
- What is Adobe Spark for Education and How Does It Work? (opens in new tab)
- How to setup Google Classroom 2020 (opens in new tab)
- Class for Zoom (opens in new tab)
