Finding the perfect headphones for both teaching and learning online can be challenging with so many options available. Whether you’re a teacher delivering lessons or a student attending classes, having the right headphones is crucial for maintaining focus, ensuring clarity, and providing comfort during long sessions.
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve assessed and evaluated over 50 headphones specifically for online education, considering factors such as sound quality, comfort, durability, noise isolation, and microphone quality. After thorough evaluations over two months, we’ve selected the 6 best headphones for online teaching and learning that cater to the unique needs of both educators and students.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the top picks that stand out for their superior audio performance, comfort for extended wear, and built-in features that enhance the online educational experience. Read on to explore the top 6 headphones that can elevate your online teaching and learning experience.
Roundup of the Best Headphones for Online Learning and Teaching
| Overall Best | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
| Best for True Wireless Experience | LYPERTEK PurePlay Z3 2.0 |
| Best Budget Option | Sony WH-CH520 |
| Best for Gaming and Online Learning | ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 |
| Best for Clear Communication | Logitech H390 |
| Best for Noise Cancellation on a Budget | Silensys E7 |
7 Key Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Headphones for Online Learning and Teaching?=
Choosing the right headphones for online education is crucial to ensure clear communication and a distraction-free environment. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting the best headphones for online learning and teaching:
1. Audio Quality
Clear and precise audio is essential for both teachers and students to communicate effectively. Headphones generally offer two audio options: mono and stereo.
Stereo headphones provide sound through both earcups, creating a more immersive and focused experience, making them ideal for online classes.
In contrast, mono headphones have a single speaker and may cause distractions as they allow background noise to enter from the uncovered ear. Therefore, stereo headphones are generally more suitable for both learning and teaching.
2. Microphone Quality
A high-quality microphone with noise-canceling capabilities is crucial for clear communication in online classes.
Noise-canceling microphones filter out background noise, ensuring that only the speaker’s voice is heard clearly. This feature is especially important for teachers who need to maintain a professional and clear audio output.
For students, a noise-canceling mic is beneficial in environments where background noise is inevitable, helping to keep the focus on the lesson.
3. Mute Functionality and Volume Controls
Ease of access to controls is essential for managing online classes effectively. Headphones with in-line controls for muting the microphone and adjusting volume — such as the Logitech H390 USB Headphones — are convenient for both teachers and students.
A mute button allows for quick muting during emergencies or interruptions, while volume controls ensure the audio level is always comfortable. These controls also enable users to react promptly to different situations without disrupting the class.
4. Wired vs. Wireless
Wired headphones are often preferred for online teaching due to their reliability and ease of use. USB headsets can be plugged directly into a computer without additional setup or software installation, providing a stable and consistent audio connection with minimal latency.
Wireless/Bluetooth headphones might offer more freedom of movement but often come with higher latency issues, potential connectivity drops, and the need for regular charging. For teachers, particularly, the stability of wired connections makes them a more practical choice.
5. Comfort and Weight
Comfort is paramount for both students and teachers who spend extended hours in online sessions. Lightweight headphones with cushioned ear pads and adjustable headbands prevent discomfort and strain.
Over-ear designs with soft padding help in reducing pressure on the ears, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort. Earbuds, like the LYPERTEK PurePlay Z3 2.0, offer a more portable and lightweight option, but their comfort depends on the ear tip material and fit.
6. Noise Isolation vs. Noise Cancellation
While noise-canceling headphones are great for blocking external noise, sometimes noise-isolating headphones can suffice, especially for quieter environments.
Noise isolation works by creating a physical barrier that blocks outside sound, while active noise cancellation (ANC) technology uses microphones to detect and neutralize background noise. Depending on the user’s environment, either could be suitable.
For those on a budget, options like the Silensys E7 offer decent noise cancellation without breaking the bank.
7. Durability and Build Quality
Investing in a durable headset is crucial, especially for daily use in educational settings. Look for headphones made of robust materials with reinforced cables and sturdy connectors.
For younger students, headphones that can withstand accidental drops or rough handling will be more cost-effective in the long run.
4 Best Headphones for Online Learning – Student’s Corner
Most students use noise-canceling headphones for online learning sessions as they allow them to concentrate better. Therefore, without further ado, let’s first look at the best headphones for online learning for students.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
Overall Best
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Intuitive controls and smart technologies
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
- Long battery life
What Disappointed Us
- Plastic-and-leatherette build may not be as durable as metal-enhanced alternatives
- Noise-canceling can compromise sound quality
The Sony WH-1000XM4 was chosen as the best headphones for online learning and teaching in 2024 due to its outstanding noise-canceling capabilities, superior sound quality, and comfortable design.
We selected this product because it provides an exceptional audio experience that helps minimize distractions, making it ideal for both students and teachers who need to focus in a virtual learning environment.
Best for overall use, the WH-1000XM4 excels in delivering clear and precise audio, whether you’re attending an online lecture, participating in virtual meetings, or listening to instructional videos. The headphones are also equipped with an excellent microphone, ensuring your voice comes through clearly during discussions or presentations.
These are wireless, over-the-ear headphones featuring Sony’s industry-leading active noise-canceling technology, which effectively blocks out background noise.
The battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of use on a single charge, with a quick-charging feature that provides up to 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. The headphones are also lightweight and comfortable, making them suitable for extended use throughout the day.
In conclusion, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as the overall best choice for online learning and teaching. Its combination of superior noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and long-lasting comfort makes it an essential tool for anyone engaged in virtual education.
View on Amazon: Sony WH-1000XM4
2. LYPERTEK PurePlay Z3 2.0
Best for True Wireless Experience
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with balanced signature
- Long battery life with up to 70 hours of playback
- Comfortable and compact design
- Supports all major Bluetooth codecs
- Affordable price
What Disappointed Us
- Plastic-and-leatherette build may not be as durable as metal-enhanced alternatives
The LYPERTEK PurePlay Z3 2.0 was chosen as one of the best headphones for online learning and teaching in 2024 because of its exceptional true wireless experience. We selected this product because it offers the freedom and convenience of wireless earbuds, making it ideal for those who need to move around or prefer a minimalist setup during online classes or meetings.
Best for true wireless experience, the PurePlay Z3 2.0 delivers high-quality sound with a stable Bluetooth connection, ensuring clear audio for both learning and teaching. The earbuds are comfortable and lightweight, making them suitable for long periods of use without discomfort.
These are wireless, in-ear earbuds equipped with advanced noise isolation technology that helps block out ambient noise, allowing you to stay focused. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 70 hours. This makes them perfect for all-day use, whether you’re attending multiple classes or working on assignments.
In conclusion, the LYPERTEK PurePlay Z3 2.0 is the best choice for those seeking a true wireless experience for online learning and teaching. Its combination of great sound quality, long battery life, and comfortable fit makes it a top pick for users who value convenience and mobility.
View on Amazon: LYPERTEK PurePlay Z3 2.0
3. Sony WH-CH520
Best Budget Option
What Impressed Us
- Lightweight and portable design
- Excellent battery life
- Good sound quality with clear bass
- Affordable price
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
What Disappointed Us
- Plastic construction may not be durable
- No analog input or wired connection option
The Sony WH-CH520 was chosen as one of the best headphones for online learning and teaching in 2024 due to its excellent performance at an affordable price. We selected this product because it offers solid audio quality and comfort without breaking the bank, making it an ideal choice for students and teachers on a budget.
Best for budget-conscious users, the WH-CH520 provides reliable sound and clear communication, making it perfect for attending online classes or teaching without spending too much. Its lightweight design ensures comfort during extended periods of use, which is essential for long study sessions or back-to-back online meetings.
These are wireless, on-ear headphones with a straightforward design that’s easy to use. While they don’t feature advanced noise-canceling technology, the sound quality is clear and well-balanced, sufficient for most online learning needs. The battery life is impressive for its price, offering up to 35 hours of playback on a single charge, ensuring you stay connected throughout your day.
In conclusion, the Sony WH-CH520 is the best budget option for online learning and teaching, providing great value with its dependable performance and long battery life, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for affordability without compromising quality.
View on Amazon: Sony WH-CH520
4. ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4
Best for Gaming and Online Learning
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional AI noise-canceling microphone for clear voice communication
- Lightweight and comfortable design for extended wear
- Multiple connectivity options for versatility
- Immersive audio experience with optimized deep bass
- Industry-leading noise-canceling technology
What Disappointed Us
- Occasional dropouts may occur
- USB-C dongle can block nearby ports
The ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 was chosen as one of the best headphones for online learning and teaching in 2024 due to its dual functionality for both gaming and educational purposes. We selected this product because it offers high-quality audio and a reliable microphone, making it ideal for students and teachers who also enjoy gaming in their free time.
Best for gaming and online learning, the ROG Strix Go 2.4 delivers immersive sound and clear voice communication, making it perfect for virtual classrooms and gaming sessions alike. Its wireless design offers freedom of movement, while the low-latency connection ensures that you stay in sync during both gaming and online discussions.
These are wireless, over-the-ear headphones with a detachable microphone that provides clear communication. They also feature AI-powered noise cancellation, which helps eliminate background noise during calls or in-game chats. The battery life is substantial, offering up to 25 hours of use, ensuring you’re covered for both long gaming sessions and multiple online classes.
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 is the best choice for those who need headphones that can handle both gaming and online learning. Its versatility, strong performance, and comfortable design make it a great pick for users who want the best of both worlds.
View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4
2 Top Headphones for Online Teaching – Educator/Teacher’s Corner
Headphones for online teaching are one of the most essential equipment for teachers. Out of all the headphones we evaluated, we found only these 2 to be the most useful and easy to use.
1. Logitech H390
Best for Clear Communication
What Impressed Us
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Good sound quality with a balanced frequency response
- Effective noise-cancellation for clear calls
- In-line controls for easy volume and mute adjustments
- Plug-and-play functionality with no software installation required
- Affordable price
What Disappointed Us
- On-ear design may cause ear fatigue after extended use
- No noise-cancellation for surrounding sounds
The Logitech H390 was chosen as one of the best headphones for online learning and teaching in 2024 due to its superior microphone quality and comfortable design. We selected this product because clear communication is crucial in virtual classrooms, and the H390 excels in delivering crisp, clear voice transmission.
Best for clear communication, the Logitech H390 is perfect for teachers and students who need to be heard clearly during online lessons, presentations, or discussions. The adjustable, noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear, making it ideal for any online learning environment.
These are wired, over-the-ear headphones that offer plug-and-play simplicity with a USB connection. The sound quality is balanced, making it suitable for listening to lectures or participating in discussions. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, with soft ear pads that allow for extended use without discomfort.
In conclusion, the Logitech H390 is the best option for those who prioritize clear communication in online learning and teaching. Its excellent microphone and user-friendly design make it an essential tool for anyone involved in virtual education.
View on Amazon: Logitech H390
2. Silensys E7
Best for Noise Cancellation on a Budget
What Impressed Us
- Long battery life
- Decent noise-canceling capabilities
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Intuitive controls
- Affordable price
What Disappointed Us
- May not be the best choice for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound
The Silensys E7 was chosen as one of the best headphones for online learning and teaching in 2024 due to its effective noise cancellation at an affordable price. We selected this product because it provides a quiet learning environment, which is essential for focusing on studies or delivering clear lessons, all while being budget-friendly.
Best for noise cancellation on a budget, the Silensys E7 is ideal for students and teachers who need to block out background noise during online sessions without spending a fortune. The active noise-canceling technology effectively reduces ambient sounds, helping you stay focused and attentive.
These are wireless, over-the-ear headphones designed with comfort in mind. The E7 features a long battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, making it suitable for all-day use. While the sound quality is good, the real standout feature is the noise cancellation, which is impressive given its price range.
In conclusion, the Silensys E7 is the best budget-friendly option for those who need effective noise cancellation for online learning and teaching. Its combination of affordability, comfort, and solid performance makes it a great choice for creating a distraction-free environment.
View on Amazon: Silensys E7
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as the overall best choice for online learning and teaching, offering top-notch noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort.
For those on a budget, the Sony WH-CH520 provides excellent value with reliable performance and long battery life, making it a great option without spending too much. Both headphones are excellent choices for different needs in the online learning environment.
We hope you found our guide on the best headphones for online learning and teaching useful. If there are any other headphones you are using currently for both online learning or teaching, and feel that they should make it to our list, please feel free to share your suggestions in the comment section below. Also, if you have any queries, feel free to let us know.
