In today's noisy world, staying focused is increasingly challenging. Whether you're in virtual meetings, editing content, or working from bustling cafes, background noise quickly kills productivity. Quality noise-cancelling headphones solve this problem—they block distractions, improve concentration, and elevate every call and audio experience.
HP's Poly and HyperX families offer advanced active noise-cancelling (ANC) solutions for every use case. From business professionals needing the Poly Voyager Focus 2 to gamers demanding the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, this guide helps you find the perfect headset for work, gaming, and everything in between.
What is Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)?
Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses built-in microphones to detect ambient sounds and generate inverse sound waves that neutralize them—creating a quieter listening experience without raising volume levels.
ANC vs. Passive Noise Isolation
Passive Noise Isolation: Relies on physical earcup design and material density to block sound mechanically.
Active Noise Cancelling: Removes background noise electronically through intelligent sound wave technology.
ANC headphones are ideal for travel, office work, and remote meetings because they actively work against noise rather than simply blocking it physically. This distinction matters for real-world effectiveness.
Why Noise-Cancelling Headphones Matter for Productivity
Blocking background noise improves more than just audibility—it transforms your entire work experience:
Enhanced Focus and Concentration
ANC headphones create a personal quiet space, reducing distractions in busy offices, open-plan workspaces, and home environments. This focused environment helps you concentrate deeper and accomplish more in less time.
Better Call Quality
When background noise is removed, your voice becomes crisp and clear on video conferences across Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and other platforms. Your colleagues hear you clearly without constant "Can you repeat that?"
Reduced Cognitive Fatigue
Constant background noise exhausts your brain throughout the day. Active noise-cancelling headphones reduce this strain, helping you feel less mentally drained after long work hours.
Total Versatility
Quality ANC headphones excel for focused work, peaceful travel, gaming, and entertainment. They seamlessly fit into your daily routine across multiple contexts.
Top HP Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Our Recommendations
HP offers a comprehensive range of audio products including noise-cancelling headphones for diverse needs and lifestyles.
For Business Professionals: HP Poly Voyager Focus 2
The
HP Poly Voyager Focus 2 is our top choice for professionals needing reliable business headphones with ANC—built specifically for today's hybrid work environment.
Key Features:
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Adjusts dynamically based on your surroundings
- Advanced Microphone: Isolates your voice from distracting background noise
- Extended Battery: Up to 19 hours powers through full workdays
- Dual Connectivity: Connect simultaneously to PC and smartphone for seamless multitasking
- UC Optimization: Certified for Microsoft Teams and major collaboration platforms
- Premium Build: Professional aesthetics suitable for client-facing environments
Best For: Remote workers, corporate professionals, and anyone spending significant time on video calls.
Why It Stands Out: The Voyager Focus 2 combines business-grade audio with professional design—you look polished while staying focused.
For Gamers: HP HyperX Cloud Series
When diving into games or creative projects, HyperX noise-cancelling features provide the immersive audio and legendary comfort required for extended sessions.
Key Features:
- Exceptional Battery Life: Up to 300+ hours between charges—weeks of gaming on a single charge
- DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio: Precise positional sound provides competitive advantage
- Premium Audio Drivers: High-fidelity sound for immersive gameplay
- Wireless Reliability: 2.4GHz USB dongle ensures stable connection
- Comfortable Design: Lightweight construction suitable for marathon gaming sessions
Best For: Serious gamers, esports enthusiasts, and those prioritizing extended battery life.
Key Features:
- Hybrid ANC: Active noise cancelling with Bluetooth 5.3 flexibility
- Dual Purpose: Seamlessly transitions between gaming and music listening
- Lightweight Hybrid Design: Comfortable for gaming and mobility
- Multi-Device Pairing: Easy switching between devices
Best For: Gamers who also travel or want flexibility between gaming and mobile listening.
Key Features:
- Hybrid ANC: Active noise cancelling with Bluetooth 5.3 flexibility
- Dual Purpose: Seamlessly transitions between gaming and music listening
- Lightweight Hybrid Design: Comfortable for gaming and mobility
- Multi-Device Pairing: Easy switching between devices
Best For: Gamers who also travel or want flexibility between gaming and mobile listening.
For Mobile Professionals: HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC
For professionals always on the move, the
HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 offers the perfect blend of portability and powerful performance—wireless noise-cancelling headphones built for life in transit.
Key Features:
- Tap-Controlled ANC: Toggle noise cancellation on or off instantly
- Transparency Mode: Hear your surroundings while traveling or commuting
- Quick USB-C Charging: Rapid power restoration on the go
- Premium Comfort: Extended wear capability for all-day mobility
- Modern Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 and multiple device compatibility
Best For: Frequent travelers, commuters, and professionals working across multiple locations.
Why It Stands Out: The combination of transparency mode and tap controls makes it the most travel-friendly ANC headphone—you maintain awareness of your surroundings without removing headphones.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Every user has different needs. Evaluate these critical factors to find your ideal match:
Battery Life
How long can you go between charges? Wireless ANC headphones range from 20 hours to over 300 hours. Match battery life to your use case—all-day office workers need 12+ hours, while gamers can benefit from 300-hour endurance.
Comfort and Fit
Extended wear demands comfort. Look for over-ear designs with soft ear cushions, lightweight construction, and adjustable headbands that accommodate different head sizes.
Audio Quality
Balanced sound maintaining clarity across lows, mids, and highs matters for both work and entertainment. Models supporting codecs like aptX or AAC deliver superior wireless audio fidelity.
Microphone Quality
For work calls and streaming, a noise-cancelling microphone ensures you sound clear to colleagues and audiences. Test microphone quality before purchasing if possible.
Connectivity Options
Modern connections like Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, and 3.5mm aux provide flexibility across devices. Multi-device pairing capability helps hybrid work setups.
ANC Technology Type
Hybrid ANC: Combines active noise cancelling with passive isolation for superior performance.
Passive + ENC: Uses passive isolation with environmental noise cancellation microphone technology.
Full Active ANC: Comprehensive active noise cancelling across full frequency range.
HP Noise-Cancelling Headphones Comparison
| Model |
Battery Life |
ANC Type |
Primary Use Case |
Connectivity |
Standout Feature |
| Poly Voyager Focus 2 |
Up to 19 hrs |
Hybrid ANC |
Business/Remote work |
USB-C, Bluetooth |
Teams certified, dual connectivity |
| Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC |
Up to 21 hrs |
Hybrid ANC |
Travel/Mobile |
USB-C, Bluetooth |
Transparency mode, premium comfort |
| HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless |
Up to 300 hrs |
Passive + ENC mic |
Gaming |
Wireless USB |
DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio |
| HyperX Cloud MIX 2 |
Up to 60 hrs |
Hybrid ANC |
Gaming & Music |
Bluetooth 5.3 |
Lightweight hybrid design |
Getting the Most from Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Maximize Performance
Find the Right Fit: A proper seal is essential—noise cancelling works best when the earcups fully contact your ears. Try different ear pad sizes if available.
Keep Firmware Updated: HP and Poly regularly release updates that improve performance, battery life, and connectivity stability.
Use Transparency Mode: When walking or commuting, transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without removing headphones.
Combine with Focus Techniques: Pair noise cancellation with productivity methods like the Pomodoro Technique for maximum concentration.
Regular Maintenance: Clean ear pads regularly, store in protective cases, and avoid extreme temperatures to maintain performance.
Common Questions About Noise-Cancelling Headphones
What's the difference between noise-cancelling and noise-isolating headphones?
Noise-isolating headphones use passive physical design to block sound. Noise-cancelling headphones actively use ANC technology to remove background noise electronically. ANC headphones provide superior noise reduction, particularly for low-frequency sounds like airplane engine noise.
Can I use noise-cancelling headphones for work calls?
Yes. Models like the Poly Voyager Focus 2 and Voyager Surround 80 UC include high-quality microphones optimized for professional communication across all major platforms.
Do noise-cancelling headphones work better with music playing?
Yes. Soft music playing helps fill remaining audio gaps, creating a more complete sound environment. Music masks lower-level background noise that ANC alone might not eliminate.
How long do noise-cancelling headphone batteries typically last?
Battery life varies significantly by model. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless lasts up to 300 hours, while Poly Voyager Focus 2 and Surround 80 UC last 19–21 hours. Consider your use case to select appropriate battery endurance.
Are noise-cancelling headphones suitable for gaming?
Absolutely. HyperX Cloud series headphones combine excellent ANC with spatial audio technology, providing competitive advantages in gaming while blocking distractions.
Can I use these headphones for travel?
Yes. All models work well for travel, though the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC specifically excels with transparency mode for awareness and portability for extended trips.
Conclusion: Focus Better, Sound Smarter
Whether you're on long business calls, gaming into the night, traveling across time zones, or working from distracting environments, HP has created noise-cancelling headsets for every scenario.
For professionals: Choose the Poly Voyager Focus 2 for business-grade ANC with Teams certification.
For gamers: Select from the HyperX Cloud series—Alpha Wireless for marathon sessions, MIX 2 for versatility, or Cloud II for immersive spatial audio.
For mobile professionals: The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC combines portability with premium noise cancellation.
All offer exceptional comfort, clear sound quality, and intelligent ANC technology to transform your audio experience.
Ready to upgrade? Explore HP's complete collection of noise-cancelling headphones at the HP store. Find your perfect match and transform how you work, play, focus, and connect.
About the Author
Bilal Naseem is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. He has a strong background in tech and is always excited to try out new things in this industry.