Whether mowing the lawn or working on construction sites, the best headphones for outdoor work need several things. They should be able to reduce external noise, be worn comfortably, and have adequate battery life. We’ve taken all this into account along with additional variables based on preference. Based on all this research, we’ll give our top picks for those in search of headphones for outdoor work.
Table of Contents
Best Headphones For Outdoor Work
Best Outdoor Work Headphones Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony’s XM line is often regarded as the standard for the best noise-cancelling headphones. They also have top-notch sound quality and top-of-the-line features and specs. Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is the latest release of the XM line and it delivers on that reputation. The price is steep, but it’s reflective of all they provide. Luckily, they do go on sale often.
Noise-Cancelling & Isolation
If hearing protection is your main priority, you can’t go wrong with the active noise cancelling on the XM4s. Noise reduction duties are handled by the QN1 HD Noise Cancelling Processor and 5 microphones. They detect outside noise and block it out so you can enjoy your listening experience. This is very useful if you want headphones for mowing the lawn or handling other outside work. Most noise-cancelling headphones do best to reduce low frequencies like an air conditioner or AC. The Sony WH-1000XM4 handles blocking low frequencies well and also have improved noise-cancelling for high frequencies.
The Sony Headphones app also allows for additional control over noise-cancelling capabilities. Using the app, you can select multiple levels of noise cancellation. This is helpful in situations that don’t require blocking out the maximum amount of noise. If you are working at a job site, you may not want to block out all noise for safety reasons. Or you may want to communicate with co-workers. The Sony WH-1000XM4 also has an ambient mode that allows you to amplify outside noise. This is also useful if you want to listen to music and stay alert. The volume of that outside noise can also be adjusted. Lastly, there is also “quick attention mode”. By holding your hand on the right earcup, you can temporarily let in ambient sound. This is great for a quick conversation. The XM4’s noise-cancellation capabilities are great in quality and customizability. They also come out on top when compared with top competitors like the Bose QC45.
Sound Quality
Sony’s reputation for great sound quality is known worldwide. The WH-1000XM4 Bluetooth headphones have outstanding sound quality, a great soundstage, and Bluetooth 5.0 capability. 40mm drivers onboard the wireless headphones take sound on the XM4s to the next level. The consumer-friendly sound signature is slightly bass-heavy while producing all frequencies well.
The Sony Headphones app also has an equalizer along with convenient presets. The result is headphones with great sound quality that are versatile enough to shine no matter your preferences. Customize the XM4’s clear bass and EQ settings for listening to your favorite music of any genre or just enjoy the superb default audio quality. Codecs supported for audio playback are SBC, AAC, and the Hi-Res LDAC. Great sound quality won’t always be the top consideration for everyone. The best headphones for outside work also require other features also. It just so happens that the Sony WH-1000XM4 nails the sound quality along with everything else.
Other Key Features and Specs
Battery life on the WH-1000XM4 is rated at 30 hours. Its quick charge features will provide 5 hours of playback on a 10-minute charge. That’s more than enough to get through a day of yard work or multiple days at a job site. There’s also an optional speak-to-chat feature that reduces volume if it senses you starting a conversation. Touch controls on the XM4 allow for playback control with a short learning curve. There’s also a button on the headphones that can activate a smart assistant or ANC (active noise-cancelling).
The design is sleek and lightweight (254g). They’re light and comfortable enough to wear a pair for extended periods of time with no issues. Thicker earpads than the WH-1000XM3 headphones also result in improve passive noise cancellation. Whether you are looking for lawn mowing headphones or headphones for a job site, the WH-1000XM4 checks all the boxes.
Best Budget Headphones For Outdoor Work: Soundcore Life Q30
The best noise-cancelling headphones for outdoor work don’t always break the bank. Anker has great audio products that won’t your budget. For noise cancellation, they have the Soudcore Life Q30. Look no further if you want active noise cancellation that won’t break the bank.
Noise-Cancelling & Isolation
The Q30 wireless Bluetooth headphones have dual noise-detecting headphones that Anker says can block 95% of low-frequency ambient noise. 3 noise-cancelling modes are available. Transport mode focuses on blocking airplane engine noises. Outdoor modes dampen the noise of traffic and wind. Lastly, Indoor mode prioritizes the reduction of voices you might hear in an office or cafe. Headphones for lawn mowing or yard work would best be served in Transport mode.
While the noise reduction on the Q30 is serviceable, it can’t match the performance of the XM4. It retails for under $100 though and often goes on sale. That savings will be worth it for many. The noise cancellation is still a value-added and the Q30 has other unique features. There is also a helpful transparency mode. Touching the right ear cup for 1-2 seconds will allow you to hear any ambient noise at a normal level.
Sound Quality
At this price point, the Soundcore Q30 is a quality pair of headphones with impressive sound quality. Audio produced by its 40mm drivers will be good enough for many even if it can’t rival alternatives that cost around $300. They carry a consumer-friendly sound profile that is bass-heavy.
They work well out of the box and are aided by the Soundcore companion app. There are various EQ presets within the app in addition to a full graphic equalizer. Bluetooth 5.0 technology is here in addition to SBC and AAC codec support.
Other Key Features and Specs
This is where the Soundcore Q30 really delivers on its value proposition. Battery life is the main headliner here. The Q30s are rated for 60 hours of battery life in standard mode. They’ll get you 40 hours in noise cancellation mode. That is amazing battery life that beats any other options on this list. More impressively, a 5-minute quick charge will gain you 4 hours of listening.
The Q30 Bluetooth headphones are also lightweight at 263g. These headphones are nothing that will hinder you from maneuvering around your yard or job site with ease. Multi-point connection is also available here. That’s a useful feature that allows a connection to 2 devices at once. Much more expensive alternatives lack this option. Lastly, the Soundcore app allows for ANC control, EQ customization, firmware updates, soundscape options, and more. It’s truly one of the best headphone companion apps across major brands. While the Soundcore Life Q35 has replaced the Q30, the Q30 might still be the better budget pick for some shoppers. You can check out our Q35 review if you’re interested in the updated model.
Best For Outdoor Work Headphones For Clean Sound Profile: Bose 700
Bose is another mainstay in the conversation for the best noise-cancelling headphones. The Bose 700 provides great active noise cancelling and the clean sound signature Bose is known for along with some cool features.
Noise-Cancelling & Isolation
The Bose 700 also belongs in the conversation for the best noise-cancelling headphones. They will significantly dampen the noise of any machinery at a job site or in your backyard. The headphones have a total of 8 microphones. 6 microphones are for ANC (active noise cancelling) and 2 are dedicated to voice pickup.
The Bose Music app allows for 11 levels of noise cancellation from max reduction to complete transparency. That means a much quieter environment if you want headphones for lawn mowing. Or increased awareness if you want to hear some ambient noise while working outside. This added convenience gives the Bose 700 the versatility to deliver in multiple scenarios.
Sound Quality
Whether listening to podcasts or listening to music, everyone wants a pair of headphones with good audio quality. The Bose 700 provides that quality sound quality and a balanced EQ. That means crisp highs and good midrange. When called for in the source material, the low end shines also. Those in search of a clean sound profile and wide soundstage will be happy with Bose 700.
AAC and SBC codecs are supported along with Bluetooth 5.0 capability. Many might prefer a more dynamic sound signature by default. Luckily, Bose does provide some EQ modifications in the app. A recent update added a graphic EQ. It’s a great addition that allows users to tweak the sound based on preference or mood.
Other Key Features and Specs
Comfort is another big advantage of the Bose 700 Bluetooth headphones. The earpads are soft and more than suitable for extended sessions. They are not just lightweight at 252 grams. Their slim and minimal design is also less bulky than lightweight alternatives. This may be a preferred design if you want a pair of headphones that don’t stick protrude very much. Many prefer this type of understated design.
The Bose 700 also has touch controls for music playback and voice assistant support (Alexa and Google Assistant). Battery life is rated at 20 hours with ANC which was close to what we have achieved in our experience. The rechargeable battery can go from empty to full in an impressive 2.5 hours. Quick charge provides a slightly disappointing 2 hours after a 15-minute charge. By comparison, competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Jabra Elite 85H provide 5 hours with 10 and 15 minutes of charging, respectively. The Bose 700 also has an IPX4 rating, which is not typically found on overhead headphones. They are some of the best noise-cancelling headphones and a great option for outdoor work.
Best Noise Isolating Headphones For Outdoor Work: 3M Worktunes Connect
The Worktunes Connect from 3M is a practical product looking to solve a problem. It’s great for people in search of the best headphones for outdoor work like a construction site or mowing the lawn. Unfortunately, they won’t provide much value outside of that use case.
The 3M Worktunes Connect has a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 24 dB to protect your ears. This is great sound isolation for a busy job site or yard work. It’s also passive noise isolation meaning it doesn’t drain your battery. This is different from active noise cancelling which relies on microphones from a powered device to cancel out noise. Passive noise isolation also removes the need to worry about ANC killing battery life.
A rechargeable battery is included on the Worktunes Connect. It is needed to use them as Bluetooth headphones. When powered on, they are rated for 30 hours of battery life. The sound quality is not the star of the show here. Considering the main use case, sound quality is acceptable at this price point. The Worktunes Connect Bluetooth headphones do have an integrated microphone for phone calls. One button controls playback and phone calls. Wired playback is also supported with a 3.5mm AUX connection.
At 343g, the Worktune Connect is not very light. That is part of the trade-off for earmuff-style headphones. The passive noise isolation is aided by the additional material. Luckily, the headphones are still designed to be worn for long periods. The earpads are thick and soft for added comfort. Its headband is adjustable and allows users to achieve a perfect fit. The Worktune Connect is an affordable option if you want headphones to protect your hearing during outdoor work. Just remember that their form and features may not be practical for other uses.
Best Earbuds For Yard Work & Outdoors: Jabra Elite Active 75t
Jabra’s Elite Active 75t are an excellent pair of headphones on their own. They are well regarded for providing great value all around. They also happen to have several features that make them some of the best headphones for outdoor work. At 5.5 grams each, these earbuds are extremely lightweight. Their lightweight and comfortable fit make them the easiest headphones on this list to wear for long periods.
The ear tips for the Jabra Elite Active 75t do more than provide a good fit. They also result in good passive noise cancelling. A recent update also added ANC (active noise cancelling) extending the noise reduction capabilities even more. Their IP57 rating means extensive protection against dust and rain. These Jabra’s will work even after being submerged in water.
An included compact charging case only adds to the great portability of the Elite Active 75t headphones. The headphones alone 5.5 hours of battery life. Along with the battery case, you’ll get a total of 24 hours of battery (with ANC on). Sound quality is also among the best on this list. They have a bass-heavy profile by default. This is a thumping and boomy bass that many will enjoy. If it’s not your forte, the Jabra app does have extensive EQ customization options. That includes a graphic equalizer and presets. The app also has custom soundscapes.
Best Outdoor Work Earbuds For Noise Isolation: ISOtunes Free TruEarbuds
The ISOTunes Free earbuds utilize passive noise cancelling like the Worktunes Connect. Many might prefer passive noise isolation and also value portability. If that sounds like you, the Iso Tunes Free might be a good option.
The ISOtunes manage an impressive 22 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). There’s always the fit caveat with earbuds. Achieving a good seal is key to a good seal which aids comfort and sound quality. ISOtunes provides 6 pairs of ear tips for this reason. 3 pairs of memory foam ear tips and 3 pairs of silicone double-flange ear tips. Both are generally superior to regular silicone tips for a stable fit. There is also an 85 dB SafeMax Volume Limiter. This limits the earbuds from outputting more than 85 dB in sound.
Each earbud weighs only 4.5 grams. It also comes with a compact charging case. All this makes it a great option for portability. The earbuds have a battery life of 7 hours plus 14 hours with the charging case. Sound quality is solid, but won’t blow you away. Hearing protection is the priority here. They do support Bluetooth 5.0 along with SBC and AptX. An onboard microphone also allows for phone calls.
An IP45 rating for the ISOtunes Free earbuds means solid protection from dust and water. This is great peace of mind for those that may have to work through rain. They are also ANSI-certified and OSHA compliant for their noise reduction capabilities. The ISOtunes Free TrueEarbuds are truly built to be hearing protection headphones. They are also a solid pair of everyday pair of headphones if the sound quality isn’t a dealbreaker.
What Type Of Noise Cancelling Is Best For Outdoor Work Headphones?
Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
One way to accomplish reduction of noise is active noise cancelling or ANC. It’s a feature on many commercial headphones. Utilizing a processor and microphones, ANC technology identifies external noise and works to cancel them out. The result is a reduction of all ambient noise. It works well and is very popular for good reason. One drawback is that it uses additional battery life, but luckily many headphones still provide 20+ hours of battery with ANC on.
Not all ANC is equal and it definitely falls in the category of you get what you pay for. We’ve highlighted some of the best, but all have their limitations. The technology boost of ANC headphones is mostly noticed in the reduction of low-frequency sound. That’s the low rumble of something like an air conditioner or engine. The best noise-cancelling headphones can do this extremely well and cancel other frequencies better than cheaper competitors.
Headphones With Passive Noise Cancellation
Unlike Active noise cancelling, passive noise cancelling does not use additional battery life. Passive noise-cancelling or noise isolation uses the actual material in the headphones to reduce noise. There will always be some form of passive noise cancelling whenever you put headphones on. At the same time, some headphones are much better than others. Headphones like the Worktunes Connect are earmuff-style headphones with hearing protection first in mind. With heavier, thick material they achieve a Noise Reduction rating of 24 dB. Unfortunately, their bulky design makes them a hearing protection tool first and headphones second.
A more versatile option is noise isolating earbuds. They use ear tips made of foam or silicone that creates a seal in your ears. For this reason, they tend to perform better than most over-the-head headphones at passive noise cancelling. They are also more lightweight which makes them preferable to many who prioritize portability. Some earbuds also have ANC. Unfortunately, ANC earbuds rarely perform nearly as well as active noise cancellation from over-the-head headphones.
Headphones For Yard Work and Outdoors: Key Considerations
Noise Isolation and Reduction
The main consideration for many looking for the best headphones for outdoor work is noise reduction. If you are doing yard work, it could be to reduce the noise while lawn mowing or using a leaf blower. Or if you have a job in construction or landscaping, you might want to cancel similar machinery or coworkers. Either way, there are two benefits here. The first is that many people want hearing protection from extremely loud noises. Close proximity to loud noises can cause pain and headaches in the short team. In the long term, it can also cause hearing loss if done too often. The 2nd benefit is just the ability to more easily hear the audio you are listening to.
Ambient Mode
Hearing protection won’t be important at all times. Sometimes it’s important to be more aware of your surroundings. Some headphones with ANC also have ambient or transparency modes. These either amplify external noise or allow it to be heard at normal levels. The mode can typically be set for an extended period of time at varying levels. This is convenient if you want to be able to hear more of your surroundings or be able to interact with co-workers. Options also exist for the temporary activation of this feature. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM4 has a feature that allows you to briefly hear external noise by holding your hand over its right earcup. In addition, they have an optional mode that detects speaking and automatically allows in external noise.
Battery Life
Battery life requirements will vary based on your use case. Mowing the lawn might only take a few hours. A complete work shift will require more extensive battery life. Added hearing protection from ANC will of course require even more battery life. Either way, it’s rare that people charge their headphones after every use. With subpar battery life, forgetting to charge your headphones can result in dead halfway through your next shit. It’s worth the added peace of mind to aim high when estimating your needed battery life.
There are multiple options on this list that have battery life topping 20+ hours of battery life with ANC. While passive noise-cancellation earbuds use less battery life, they also have smaller batteries. This is mostly due to their smaller size. They are paired with charging cases which can extend the battery life. Unfortunately, that may not help those who wear them straight through a work shift. It does reduce the need to find a charger after each use. Most cases can fully charge earbuds at least twice before they need to be recharged.
Portability
Having a portable pair of headphones won’t be important for everybody during outside work. Activities like mowing the lawn just don’t require as much movement as a real workout. If you really do plan on moving around a lot, something lightweight might be important. The added bulk of over-the-head headphones might be a disqualifier in this case.
A bigger concern might be for those who want a pair of headphones that they can use at all times. Headphones for exercise, commuting, and work will constantly be on the move. In this case, something lightweight is important. All the earbuds on this list are much lighter than their over-the-head counterparts. Each set of earbuds listed also come with a compact case. This means an easy place for storage on the move plus an easy way to recharge when away from home. Hard cases are readily available for over-the-head headphones. They are just another thing to remember and often people forget them. Throwing them in a bag is fine, but does add wear and tear in the long run.
Design & Durability
All the options on this list are well-built. At the same time, commercial headphones aren’t really built to take a beating. The earmuff-style headphones (like 3M’s Worktunes Connect) are the best pick if that is a concern. The same tough material that allows them to reduce noise also would protect them in a fall. Protection from dust and water is expected on some commercial headphones. Several of the headphones on this list have water resistance. While mowing the lawn or working at an outdoor job, sweat or rain are to be expected. With waterproof headphones, you can have peace of mind your headphones won’t stop working. Options on this list range from being able to withstand light rain to being completely submerged in water.
While not typically as much of a concern, dust can also wreak havoc on headphones. Outside activities might present conditions that cause issues with dust. Specifically during scenarios working with excess dirt or dust flying in the air. If this is something that concerns you, focus on products that have some dust resistance also. Unfortunately, earbuds are much more likely to have water and dust resistance than over-the-head headphones.
FAQs: Choosing The Best Headphones For Yard Work & Outdoors
Should I pick earbuds or over-the-head headphones?
This is really a preference thing. Many people already have a type they prefer. If you prefer minimal bulk and the ability to discreetly wear headphones, go with earbuds. Earbuds will also be your best bet if you want dust or water resistance. When should you pick over-the-head headphones? If you really want the best active noise or sound quality for your money. Also, if you WANT people to know you’re wearing headphones for safety or social reasons.
Is active or passive noise cancelling better?
Neither is better from a pure noise cancelling standpoint. With regard to battery life, passive noise cancelling is better because it doesn’t use your battery. They both can reduce noise but ANC (active noise cancelling) uses technology to reduce noise. It is much more effective for low-frequency noises than mid to high frequencies. ANC headphones typically also have options to modify noise cancelling levels on the fly. Some even have transparency modes that amplify ambient noise.
Passive sound isolation in headphones is more comparable to earplugs. The benefit here is natural noise reduction that can be very effective across all frequencies. On the negative side, there are fewer on-the-fly modifications available. Similar to earplugs, if you want to hear temporarily, you’ll need to remove your headphones. This can be good in cases of extreme noise but might be overkill if you want the best headphones for lawn mowing. ANC headphones do provide versatility, but passive noise isolation may be preferable for some scenarios.
What are earmuff-style headphones?
Earmuff-style headphones are similar to the 3M Worktunes Connect that are on this list. They aren’t really a traditional pair of headphones. They are essentially earmuffs that are popular for hearing protection above all else. You will see people wearing them at everything from fireworks shows to gun ranges. Earmuff-style headphones basically add Bluetooth headphone functionality. Hearing protection headphones like this don’t have much else to offer. You shouldn’t expect them to have great sound quality, features, or app support. They are also bulky and do not typically work well in other settings. Luckily, some are inexpensive enough to warrant a purchase just for this specific purpose.
Does ANC help in headphones for mowing?
ANC headphones won’t completely cancel the sound of a lawnmower. A good pair of ANC headphones can significantly dampen the sound while lawn mowing. The result will be the ability to listen to music at a moderate volume. You will likely still hear the lawnmower while changing tracks or during moments of silence. The alternative would be having to listen to music at an extreme volume just to override the sound of the lawnmower. This a counterproductive if protecting your hearing is a priority. This is why an ANC feature is so convenient if you want the best lawn-mowing headphones.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.