What open-ear headphones can handle a cold, noisy workplace?

You may want to look at open-ear or ear-clip headphones rather than traditional earbuds. They sit outside the ear canal, so they’re usually more comfortable for people who dislike the plugged-up feeling. Anker’s Soundcore clip-on models are one affordable option and can be found near your budget. They should let you hear nearby people while still providing reasonable music volume, though they won’t truly cancel the cooler noise.

Regular over-ear headphones aren’t permitted where I work because they need to be able to tell that we can hear what’s going on. I was specifically asking about alternatives that don’t sit inside the ear canal.

I had similar problems with in-ear headphones causing itching and ear infections. Clip-on and outside-the-ear designs have been much more comfortable for long listening sessions, and some are surprisingly loud while still allowing you to hear what’s around you. Just keep the volume moderate, especially in a noisy workplace, because turning open-ear headphones up too far can still damage your hearing.

Open-ear headphones are the category to search for. Some attach around the outer ear, while others rest just outside the canal or use bone conduction. They’re less likely to cause the irritation associated with in-ear tips and are generally better for maintaining awareness at work. Look for a secure clip and check the manufacturer’s operating-temperature range, since 30°F can reduce battery life even if the headphones still function normally.