Active noise canceling (ANC) can be extremely useful if you need to cut down on distracting noise, but it does have its downsides. ANC works by listening to incoming noise and then outputting a sound pattern that cancels out that noise. Industry Email List It’s important to remember that the sound is still there; you just don’t hear it, so loud noises can still damage your hearing even with ANC. Additionally, you may find that when using ANC, you experience the Industry Email List illusory feeling of pressure in your ears. Should I buy wired or wireless? While ditching annoying wires may seem like a no-brainer, There are good reasons to choose a wired connection for your headset. A wired headset doesn’t need to be charged and works with devices that lack the necessary connectivity. However, a wireless option gives you the flexibility to Industry Email List use anywhere, anytime, if that's a priority. Ideally, you should look for a headset that offers both wired and wireless connection options. Industry Email List What kind of headset is best? If you don’t already know what type of headset you need, consider what you’ll be using it for. If you’re working in an office where you need to Industry Email List communicate with people both on the phone and in person at the same time or if you need to be aware of your surroundings while commuting, then a single earpiece is probably your best option. If you tend to do most or all of your communication via phone or video call, and if you want or need stereo sound, Industry Email List then a headset with a full pair of headphones will be a better choice. Meet the Expert Andy Zahn is a writer specializing in consumer technology. He has accumulated considerable experience testing and reviewing headsets and other technology for Lifewire, including several devices featured in this roundup. Is Active Noise Canceling Industry Email List