Audiophiles & The Office: The Best Headphones for Work
Read Time: Approx. 15 min.
Office-Friendly Headphones for the Busy Working Professional
Whether you’re working from home or commuting to an office every day, we can all agree the workday is more tolerable when you’re listening to music. In fact, research shows there are numerous work-related benefits to listening to music — Better concentration, stronger memory, increased motivation, and reduced stress. Music can make the workday more enjoyable, that’s for sure. But when you’re working in an open office setup or shared office environment, you can’t just play music through desktop speakers — Unless you want to elicit glares from your boss and co-workers. Those of you with a home office might not have this problem. Regardless, listening to music with headphones or IEMs (referred to as in-ear monitors or earphones) is going to be a necessity for workplace harmony.
If listening to music is a part of your day-to-day, there’s no reason to settle for cheap earbuds or disappointing headphones. You deserve great sound, not muddled versions of your favorite tunes. And if you're looking for a way to signal "do not disturb" to your colleagues, just having your headphones on (music or not) is a great way to let them know that you are occupied.
There’s a wide range of headphones you can choose from, all with something unique to offer you in your work environment. Want a headphone with active noise cancellation? Opt for a wireless noise-canceling headphone. Want something small and portable? Try an IEM or earbud. The list is long and we’ve narrowed down the top headphones AND audio gear companions so you can not only have the best headphones at work but the best audio setup for your desk!
Closed-Back Headphones In a Shared Workspace
Minimal Sound Leakage
Great Level of Noise Isolation
Immersive Listening Experience
There's nothing worse than being stuck at a desk next to someone whose music is steadily leaking out of their headphones. It may sound great on the listener's end, but it's going to be annoying or disruptive to people in the vicinity. So if you don’t want to be “that guy” we recommend you try out a pair of closed-back headphones.
The term "closed back" refers to the fact that the ear cups — the round part of the headphone that sits on your ears — are fully sealed. This is in contrast to open-back headphones, whose ear cups have openings to ventilate the drivers (the devices in your headphones that produce sound). Open and Closed-back headphones are great for certain scenarios and we’ll briefly touch an open-back headphone option that might work for you.
The sealed ear cup design of closed-back headphones reduces the amount of sound leakage, and in turn, also provides you with some level of noise isolation so ambient sounds won’t disrupt you. Mind you, some closed-back headphones may still leak sound at very high volumes — They’re not foolproof — But your coworkers shouldn’t hear a thing under normal listening circumstances. Closed-back headphones generally don't have as wide of a soundstage as open-back headphones, but they do tend to offer a better bass response.
So, all that is to say, we recommend closed-back headphones for shared offices where you may be in close proximity to a coworker, and for times when you don’t want to disturb others around you.
Meze 99 Classics V2 Headphones
The Meze Audio 99 Classics V2 are the ultimate closed-back headphones for anyone who wants audiophile-grade performance without the audiophile price tag. Here at Moon Audio, every employee has had a pair of 99 Classics at their desk for years — and the second generation gives us every reason to keep it that way. The 99 Classics V2 delivers a balanced, neutral, and accurate sound with engaging bass, smooth treble, and vocals that step forward with remarkable clarity. There's really no genre these headphones don't complement. Rock? Check. Alternative? Check. Heavy metal and Hip-Hop? Check. Podcasts, gaming, and film? Check, check, check. If you're looking for an incredibly versatile pair of headphones, these are it. And for anyone who loved the warm, V-shaped sound of the original — the included acoustic absorbers let you snap behind the ear pads and shift the tonal balance back toward that classic, bass-forward signature. Two headphones in one, essentially.
How do they stack up in the comfort department? Soft vegan leather memory foam ear pads with a new six-clip system, a self-adjusting spring steel headband, and those iconic walnut wood ear cups. The 99 Classics V2 are wildly comfortable and lightweight at just 290 grams, too! Closed-back headphones can cause ear fatigue after prolonged listening sessions, so having a lightweight and comfortable fit is a serious plus — and with a fully serviceable design where every component is replaceable, these are headphones built to last a lifetime. OH! And not to mention, they still pack away into a hard EVA carrying case that can fit in your workbag and easily be stored on a shelf or in a drawer at your desk. They also now include a USB-C DAC/AMP dongle so you can plug straight into modern phones and laptops without needing an adapter.
The sound of the 99 Classics V2 is precise, spacious, and beautifully detailed, with improved stereo imaging and a wider soundstage than any closed-back at this price has a right to deliver — making them a phenomenal choice for anyone who wants high-fidelity sound without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly
Lightweight & Comfortable
Denon AH-D5200 Headphones
The Denon AH-D5200 headphones are another amazingly affordable pair of closed-back headphones. Denon headphones are crafted with materials that are durable and comfortable. Just imagine how stylish you’ll be with zebrawood ear cups that are aesthetic and reduce any unwanted resonances for detailed reproduction and concert hall sound quality. The AH-D5200 headphones are designed for extended listening periods with memory foam earpads that provide a comfortable fit and have minimal side pressure.
The Denon AH-D5200 headphones deliver a premium sound that’s detailed and accurate for the best acoustic performance.
We like to pair the AH-D5200 with a Black Dragon Premium Cable for some added bottom-end weight and warmth.
Detailed, Accurate Sound
Great for Extended Listening Periods
Focal Stellia Headphones
The Focal Stellia is a closed-back sibling to the renowned Focal Utopia headphone, which is known for being highly detailed, transparent, and resolute. The Stellia shares sonic attributes of the Utopia, making it great for critical listening. If you're the type of listener who loves to hear all of the microdetails in their music, the Stellia is going to appeal to you. It's one of the best closed-back headphones we have heard, and one of our favorite headphones for classical, jazz, and any other music that demands a smooth, detailed, natural-sounding headphone.
We like to pair the Stellia with a Black Dragon Premium Cable for some added warmth and body.
Details Galore
Sophisticated Bronze Design
Meze Liric II Headphones
From the makers of the notorious open-back Empyrean headphones comes the closed-back Meze Liric. With its all-black coloring, it's a sleek and sophisticated-looking headphone. The ovoid-shaped ear cups and pads follow the natural shape of the human ear, which makes for a comfortable fit. The Liric has a fast and tight bass response, with clear and detailed mids and highs. Imaging and transients are phenomenal. The Liric sounds amazing with lots of music, given its superb imaging, clarity, and neutral-warm sound signature.
We like to pair the Liric with a Black Dragon Premium Cable for added body and dimension.
Monochromatic Sophistication
Smooth & Detailed Planar Magnetic Sound
Meze 109 Pro Headphones: Our Open-Back Headphone Recommendation
The Meze 109 Pro headphones are the perfect open-back headphones for the individual who may work from home or have a private office. The earcup design of open-back headphones provides more ventilation than closed-back headphones, presenting a wider soundstage to listeners. Noise bleed is a result of the open-back earcup design so they're best used in a private setting.
The Meze 109 Pro delivers an impressive sound quality with premium craftsmanship and a design that's similar to the closed-back 99 Classics. Meze is renowned for making some of the best headphones on the market and the 109 Pro is another meticulously crafted high-quality headphone by them. It's got a double headband frame with a self-adjusting headband and wooden ear cups.
The 109 Pro inherits Meze's amazingly wide soundstage and retains a lot of energy that creates a very organic sound. It has an immediate bass response — Tight, punchy, and not bloated whatsoever. Dynamic drivers deliver great bass and that combined with an open-back design gives you a very impactful and dynamic sound.
We like to pair the 109 Pro with the Black Dragon Premium Cable to smooth over any sibilance in the upper frequencies.
Lots of Energy & Warmth
Premium Meze Styling
Wireless Headphones Provide Freedom
Convenient
Portable
Great Sound Quality
Wired headphones are great for at-desk use but if you’re someone who does a lot of moving around or works with their hands then wireless headphones are essential. With wired headphones, you will be tethered to your audio device while you are listening to them, whether it's your phone, a portable DAP (digital audio player), or your computer. You’ve got to remove them when you take phone calls or get up from your desk, or take your device with you. Wireless headphones offer a freedom of movement that’s just not possible with conventional wired headphones.
Wireless Headphones also boast some pretty neat features like active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, Bluetooth multipoint, and more. So if you are someone who gets easily distracted or needs to be in full concentration mode, a pair of wireless headphones with ANC technology will reduce ambient sounds to a level that allows you to fully hone in on your task at hand. We have always found Sony to provide the best balance of noise cancellation without compromising sound.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is an amazingly good value considering the quality of sound and the number of features provided at this price point. The XM6 is likely the best you can buy right now for active noise cancellation technology. Powered by the new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 — 7x faster than its predecessor — and 12 adaptive microphones, the WH-1000XM6 sets a new standard for what wireless headphones can do. Sony headphones have a signature V-shaped sound that we like to classify as fun and dynamic, and the XM6 takes that further with a refined, more accurate bass response, co-created with world-renowned mastering engineers from Sterling Sound, Coast Mastering, and Battery Studios. Every song you listen to will be full of energy, making the XM6 headphones especially great for genres like pop, R&B, and hip-hop — while also holding its own with jazz, classical, and everything in between.
Combine the amazing 30-hour battery with ANC and LDAC compatibility, and you have a headphone that can do it all. The Multipoint Bluetooth Pairing feature remains, enabling you to pair the headphones with two devices — phone and computer, tablet and phone — at the same time and switch back and forth seamlessly. The Speak-to-Chat feature is back and better than ever: when you start talking, the headphones shift into ambient mode and resume audio once you stop, with the same customizable timing options and earcup tap controls. This is a great feature to have if colleagues will be approaching you throughout the day. New to the XM6 is the Adaptive NC Optimizer, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation to account for external noise, air pressure, and even your wearing style — so your ANC stays optimized whether you're wearing a hat, glasses, or nothing at all.
Top-Of-Class ANC
Fun, Dynamic, Exciting Sony Sound
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds
The Sony WF-1000XM5 truly wireless earbuds take noise cancellation and audio quality to the next level in a tiny portable setup. Just like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, the XM5 earbuds deliver Sony’s signature V-shaped fun sound. Improved noise-canceling performance and Bluetooth™ ‘System on Chip’ technology deliver the industry’s highest level of noise cancellation yet using less power. Two noise-sensing microphones per ear – one feed-forward and one feed-back – on the surface of the earbuds catch more of the ambient sounds of your surroundings. You also get crystal-clear call quality, thanks to a beamforming microphone and a bone-conduction sensor that provide clear voice detection even in noisy environments.
The WF-1000XM5 earbuds boast features like automatic wind noise reduction, Adaptive Sound Control, Precise Voice Pickup Technology, Ambient Sound mode, and Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses your music and lets in ambient sound so you can have a conversation. You also get intuitive touch control settings, and you can use the Sony | Connect Headphones app to assign your own functions to each earbud. You can enjoy a full working day of charge – eight hours – from your earbuds and store another 16 hours in the case. That means a full 24 hours of listening time every time you leave the house. In a hurry? A five-minute quick charge gives you up to 60 minutes of playtime, and the Sony | Headphones Connect app will even notify you when your charging case drops below 30%.
Amazing Performance, Fun Sound Quality
Battery Life, Charging Case, Portability
Sennheiser HDB 630 Closed-back Wireless Headphones
At $499.95, Sennheiser's newest wireless headphone, the HDB 630, is the most balanced, best-sounding wireless ANC headphone at this price point. At the heart of the HDB 630 lies Sennheiser's in-house 42mm transducer engineered to deliver a neutral, reference-grade sound signature. Natural yet detailed mids make it feel like singers are performing right in front of you, and a wide soundstage further enhances that feeling.
What truly sets the HDB 630 apart is its flexibility. Whether you're connecting via Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C for lossless digital audio, or the included 3.5mm analog cable, you'll experience consistent, high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/96kHz. The included BTD 700 Bluetooth USB-C Dongle grants you wireless sound from a wide range of devices, including most phones, tablets, or laptops.
You get an outstanding 60 hours of playback from the HDB 630, even with ANC on, so you can enjoy week-long trips without reaching for the charger. At $500, the HDB 630 represents Sennheiser's bold statement that true audiophile sound no longer requires a rack of equipment–just the freedom to take your music anywhere.
IEMs: Smaller, Discrete Listening Option
Small & Discrete
Portable
Snug, Secure Fit
One additional, more discrete option for the workplace is IEMs. These tiny in-ear monitors have gained notoriety among the audiophile community as a small but mighty option for listeners who crave high-fidelity sound. How are IEMs and earbuds different? Unlike earbuds that rest on the outer structure of the ear, IEMs sit inside your ear canal creating a seal in your ear that gives you a more secure fit and better noise isolation. Not to mention IEMs are also wired, whereas many modern-day earbuds are wireless.
IEMs are packed full of technology like multiple and different drivers working harmoniously together to deliver you the very best sound. They’re also incredibly small and discrete. When all coiled up, your IEMs will fit inside a travel case that’s smaller than a wallet and they’ll even fit in your pocket.
So why choose IEMs? IEMs are the perfect alternative to full-size over-ear headphones. Although tiny, there is no sacrifice in sound quality. You’ll still enjoy audiophile-grade sound all wrapped up in a small device that’s portable, comfortable, and great for the workplace.
Sennheiser IE600 IEMs
The Sennheiser IE600 IEMs are a great pair of affordable earphones that excel at reproducing every detail and emotion of a recording. They have an exceptionally neutral sound with clear vocals for a sound reproduction that is pure and natural. The IE600’s bass response is fast and accurate and the treble is detailed and sparkly. They’ve got a small, form-fitting housing that secures tightly in the ear for long-lasting comfort, plus adjustable ear hooks and multiple ear tips so you can ensure the right fit. We love the IE600s for podcasts and spoken word, and of course they sound great with just about every genre.
If you’re new to the IEM game or you want a pair that’s neutral and balanced-sounding, check out the Sennheiser IE600 IEMs.
We like to pair the IE600 IEMs with the Bronze Dragon MMCX IEM Cable to enhance warmth and musicality.
Exceptionally Neutral & Detailed
Ergonomic Ear Hooks for Long-Lasting Comfort
Audio Sources for The Office
We’d be remiss if we gave you a long list of headphone and IEM recommendations but didn’t share any audio sources to drive your new pair of cans. While some products on here like the Sony earbuds can be paired and driven with your smartphone, that’s not the case for every audiophile headphone. Most deserve a high-quality DAC and headphone amplifier to drive them to peak performance. Without them, you won’t get the level of high-fidelity audio output that your headphones and IEMs are designed to deliver.
We carry a plethora of audio sources from DACs (Digital to Analog Converter) to DAPs and Music Streamers, and depending on your setup one might be preferable to another. DAPs are essentially iPods on steroids. A DAP has a mobile OS like Android, a built-in high-end DAC and headphone amplifier, and is compatible with all your favorite hi-res music streaming services.
If you want something without all the bells and whistles of a DAP, a DAC is a great option. DACs come in many different shapes and sizes — USB DACs, Dongle DACs, DAC/Amps, etc. Music streamers have similar functionality to DAPs with an internal DAC and headphone amp, the ability to stream music, and plenty of functionality.
So which audio device is right for you? A DAP is going to be the ultimate portable companion for your wired headphones with an internal battery so you’re not tethered to an outlet. Some DAPs like the Astell&Kern SR35 also have Bluetooth functionality for a wireless listening experience as well. A DAC/Amp is also portable but requires a wired connection to your headphones and IEMs so they work best at a desk. Music streamers are generally larger than DAPs and DAC/Amps and some must be powered by an outlet so they’re best for a desktop setup.
Astell&Kern SP4000 DAP Music Player
The A&ultima SP4000 DAP is Astell&Kern's new flagship digital audio player, delivering a sound experience that's refined, powerful, and remarkably close to perfection. As part of the A&ultima series–Astell&Kern’s flagship lineup combining cutting-edge technology and top-tier specifications—the SP4000 surpasses the boundaries set by the A&ultima SP3000 DAP, once regarded as the ultimate audiophile reference music player.
The SP4000 DAP is the result of three years of relentless research and innovation following the development of the SP3000. Built upon an advanced Octa audio circuit architecture with true Quad DAC implementation, the SP4000 surpasses the boundaries set by the SP3000, delivering an exceptional 131dB SNR.
Accurate, Detailed Sound
Great for Acoustic, Indie, Country, Pop Genres
Chord Mojo 2 DAC Headphone Amp
The Chord Mojo 2 DAC Headphone Amp is the reigning portable king of DACs. It’s one of the most popular DACs in the entire audiophile market with plenty of power, filter, EQ options, and dual headphone jacks. Digital inputs include fast-transfer USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, and coaxial, with charging via a separate dedicated Micro-USB input. If you love to hear the tiny details in music, then you’ll love the Mojo 2. It pairs perfectly with phones, laptops, and desktop computers if you’re looking for a small setup. Easily improve the sound fidelity from streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz with the Mojo 2’s tone control that can make lossy and lossless audio sound much better than your consumer-grade devices.
The Silver Dragon USB Cable is our best-selling cable and the perfect companion for digital transmission to the Mojo 2.
Analytical, Hyper-Detailed Sound
Great for Desktop Use with Laptops, Computers
Chord Hugo 2 DAC Headphone Amp
The Chord Hugo 2 DAC Headphone Amp is one of our best-selling desktop DACs. It’s praised for its versatility as a small enough DAC to be used portably thanks to an integrated battery that is also powerful enough to be used in a desktop or tabletop system. Chord uses their own proprietary FPGA which provides a pristine and detailed sound. With an average of seven hours of continuous playback via the battery, listeners can enjoy Chord’s signature analytical sound — Extensive detail and tight bass response. With an excellent selection of I/O, crossfeed functionality, filters, and more, the Hugo 2 is flagship-level portable fidelity.
Awesome Detail and Clarity
7-Hour Portable Battery Life
iFi Neo iDSD 2 Lossless Bluetooth DAC/Amp
The Neo iDSD 2 is the latest desktop DAC Amp from iFi equipped with a built-in DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier. It's got the newest Bluetooth codecs allowing for Lossless audio playback. This means you can enjoy your favorite digital music without sacrificing sound quality. The iFi Neo iDSD 2 is great for desktop headphone listening with a 2-inch color display screen that showcases your current input channel, sample rate, format, and power mode.
What we love the most about the iFi Neo iDSD 2 is its versatility. The display screen adjusts depending on the orientation of the iDSD 2 so you can position it vertically or horizontally, depending on your setup. The flexibility of placement makes it a great choice for your setup if you're limited on space. If you're using the NEO iDSD 2 as a desktop unit, set it to a variable output and its powerful 19.5V maximum balanced output allows you to pair it with your favorite pair of active speakers and use the analogue volume controls.
Incredibly Versatile Unit, Can Adjust Placement
Equipped with Latest Bluetooth 5.4 Codec
Dragon Audio Cables
You've got your headphones or IEMs and your audio source for the office but you still need some audio cables to connect all your new devices. Your gear will only sound as good as the cables you use, and if you're using the headphone manufacturer's stock cables, they may not have been produced with the quality and attention that your gear demands. We recommend upgrading to Dragon Audio Cables, which are made from the very best materials to ensure your music has the cleanest path from your gear to your ears. We handcraft all of our cables to order, and we can create custom solutions for any setup.
We've recommended our favorite Dragon Audio Cables to pair with each headphone and IEM, but we carry three cables with unique sound signatures that will complement your tastes. For the listener who loves details and clarity, our Silver Dragon Cables will be the perfect fit. If bottom-end weight, bassy sounds, and warmth is more your speed, opt for a Black Dragon Cable. And if you love musicality then try our Bronze Dragon Cable with your IEMs.
Enjoy High-Fidelity Sound from your Home to the Office
We carry a WIDE selection of closed-back and open-back headphones, wireless headphones, and IEMs and these are just some of our recommendations. If you're working from home and ready to build your dream desktop audio setup, try one of the music streamers like the Astell&Kern ACROCA1000T and pair them with a closed-back headphone, say the Meze LIRIC II, or even a bookshelf loudspeaker. For those who work in a shared office, closed-back headphones or a pair of wireless earbuds will help you zip through the workday. High-fidelity sound can be enjoyed anywhere at any time of the day and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to enjoy your favorite songs on the go.
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