Question about ear muff headphones & mic for iPhone 16 USB-C, no NC feature.

What are over-ear headphones?

Over-ear headphones have large ear cups that fully enclose your ears.

Oh, I also need a good mic. Much of my work involves talking.

Headphones with built-on microphones are mostly not suitable for high quality recordings (much too close to the mouth). If you don’t want to sound as indecipherable as a pilot, then it’s best to get a separate microphone. If you can: desk standing, or with a boom arm. There are now even some decent clip-on mics, if you find the big mics too cumbersome.

Check product details for what you need (want) on connectivity, e.g. USB-C or Bluetooth. Some options may require an adapter.

Microphones for vloggers - YouTube may be of interest, specifically the lavalier (1) and wireless (3) options.

Probably anything under $300 [for the headphones].

The Bose QuietComfort SC (2024 model) has wired and wireless options. Noise canceling has on|off options.

I’m personally inclined to go with Sennheiser though, as music makers and audio mastering pros recommend them so much.

AirPods Pro may well be able to replace your hearing aids, and provide audio, with or without noise cancellation.

Use the Hearing Aid feature on your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3 - Apple Support

When considering audio device purchases, decide if you want an audio device that requires an app, too. I prefer to avoid audio devices that need an app, just as I prefer a printer that doesn’t require vendor drivers. The Sony over-the-ear headphones I currently use do offer an app, but don’t require it.

There are wireless over-ear headphones to choose from, if port connections are dreaded. What’s a rough budget that you have in mind? As that can vary quite a lot.