Mid-Tier Office Headphones: 2026 Buyer's Guide

Labs Sound Blaster Blaze V2

The Labs Sound Blaster Blaze V2, priced at $80.87, is a solid choice for general office use where a balanced audio experience is desired. It's suitable for users who need a versatile headset for both communication and casual listening.

• Strengths: Likely offers a comfortable fit for prolonged wear, given its design as an over-ear headset. Sound Blaster products typically provide clear audio for voice calls.
• Caveats: Specific audio fidelity for music playback is unknown without detailed specs. May lack advanced features like active noise cancellation.

Labs Sound Blaster Blaze

At $80.87, the original Labs Sound Blaster Blaze is likely very similar to its V2 counterpart, offering a dependable option for office communication. It's a good fit for those prioritizing clear voice transmission.

• Strengths: Expected to deliver reliable microphone performance for conference calls. Comfortable design for daily use.
• Caveats: As an older model, it might not have the latest refinements found in the V2. Specific differences in audio drivers or microphone technology are not detailed.

XBA-S65

The XBA-S65, priced at $81.90, is an interesting option, likely an in-ear monitor (IEM) given the 'XBA' designation. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a more discreet listening experience or require better passive noise isolation.

• Strengths: In-ear design can offer good passive noise isolation, useful in moderately noisy office environments. Potentially very portable.
• Caveats: Comfort can be highly subjective with IEMs; some users may find them less comfortable for all-day wear than over-ear models. Microphone quality for calls is not specified.

SC260

The SC260, costing $82.53, is likely a business-oriented headset, often designed for call centers or unified communications. This makes it a strong contender for users whose primary need is clear and consistent voice communication.