These headphones shield all ambient noise perfectly. However, if you plan on using it for online conferencing, like I did when I bought it, you might want to reconsider headphones and go for a separate mic and speaker. It depends on your discussion style, but when I'm talking to other participants, I can't stand it when my voice sounds like I'm in a tunnel. It seems to me that I am only talking to myself, and not to the interlocutors. This is just an opinion. However, if that doesn't bother you and you want headphones that cancel out all surrounding noise and feel comfortable, then buy these headphones with a built-in microphone. This is my second headset because the first one broke but the seller made the situation acceptable because it was replaced without question. As with all products, sometimes you will receive a bad product if it was made on a Monday or Friday.