We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-09-29 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
If you want a wired USB headset for clear calls and online meetings, choose Wantek USB Computer Headset; if you need certified hearing protection that cuts loud noise for kids, choose Dr.meter EM200.
• Wantek USB Computer Headset — biggest strength: 40 mm dynamic drivers with real-time audio calibration plus a noise-blocking microphone, so your voice comes through clearly on calls, webinars and softphone apps.
• Wantek USB Computer Headset — biggest trade-off: It's a wired, on-ear headset with sound isolation rather than active noise cancelling, so it softens background noise but doesn't silence a room.
• Dr.meter EM200 — biggest strength: SNR 32 dB / NRR 26 dB noise reduction in a foldable, kid-sized earmuff with memory foam cushions and a cat-ear design.
• Dr.meter EM200 — biggest trade-off: It's an ear defender, not a communication device — there's no microphone and no audio playback, so it can't replace headset headphones for calls.
• Who each is for: Wantek for adults working from home, in a call center or on long conference calls; Dr.meter EM200 for parents who want to protect a child's hearing at fireworks, concerts, rallies or sensory-heavy environments.
The Wantek USB Computer Headset is built around one job: making your voice sound clear on the other end of a call. The 40 mm dynamic drivers cover a 20 Hz–20,000 Hz frequency range at 32 ohm impedance, and the microphone is designed to reject a lot of the background clutter that ruins a meeting — think dogs barking or a child crying in the next room. If you spend your day on MS Teams, Skype, webinars or a call queue, that's the feature that matters most, and it's the reason this headset exists.
Comfort is the second pillar here. The memory foam ear cups rest on your ears rather than clamping around them, the headband adjusts to fit different head sizes, and the whole unit is lightweight at 220 g. The frame is ABS plastic, which keeps it light but also means it's a headset you treat reasonably rather than toss in a bag. An in-line remote gives you volume control plus mic mute and speaker mute with indicators, so you can kill your mic instantly without hunting through software.
Connectivity is the practical selling point. The 3-in-1 plug works over USB or a 3.5 mm jack, which covers Windows machines, Mac, iOS, Android phones, tablets and laptops — and the cable runs roughly 5 feet plus 4 feet, long enough to stand up and stretch mid-call. Note the one catch from the specs: on a PC you need the USB port for the microphone to work. Who should skip it? Anyone who wants true active noise cancelling, wireless freedom, or a headset for music-first listening. This is a work tool, and it's honest about that.
The Dr.meter EM200 is a completely different animal — literally. It's a kids' noise-cancelling earmuff shaped with cute cat ears, and its entire purpose is hearing protection, not communication. The triple-layer sound-dampening foam and ABS shells deliver SNR 32 dB and NRR 26 dB of reduction, and it carries ANSI S3.19-1974 and CE EN 352-1 certification. In plain terms: it knocks loud environments down to a manageable level while still letting a child hear a parent's voice nearby. That balance is deliberate, and it's what makes it useful for fireworks, monster truck rallies, concerts, air shows and theme parks.
Comfort and fit are handled thoughtfully for a kids' product. The memory foam cushions are wrapped in soft PU leather, the ABS outer shells hold their shape, and pressure is spread across the head to avoid pinching or red marks. The adjustable headband spans toddlers through teenagers — and adults can wear it too, which is handy when a parent wants a spare pair. Surfaces wipe clean easily, and the whole thing folds down to palm size for a school bag, handbag or suitcase. Two stickers come in the box so a child can personalize it.
Who should skip it? Anyone expecting headphones. There's no microphone, no music playback and no Bluetooth — it's an ear defender. It also isn't a silent switch: it reduces noise by 32 dB, it doesn't erase it. And if you're buying for an adult who wants to take calls all day, this is the wrong category entirely. It's for parents, caregivers and anyone supporting a noise-sensitive or autistic child.
• Best for clear calls and meetings → Wantek USB Computer Headset. The microphone and 40 mm drivers are designed for voice, and mic mute sits right on the cable.
• Best for hearing protection → Dr.meter EM200. SNR 32 dB / NRR 26 dB with safety certification is the whole point of this product.
• Best for all-day adult wear → Wantek USB Computer Headset. Memory foam on-ear cups, adjustable headband, 220 g.
• Best for kids and travel → Dr.meter EM200. Folds to palm size and fits toddlers through teens on an adjustable headband.
• Best for device compatibility → Wantek USB Computer Headset. USB or 3.5 mm covers PC, Mac, iOS, Android, tablets and laptops.
• Best for noisy public events → Dr.meter EM200. Fireworks, concerts, rallies and sensory overload are exactly its use cases.
• Best for working while standing → Wantek USB Computer Headset. The long cable and in-line volume remote let you move around mid-call.
• Skip Wantek if you need true active noise cancelling or wireless audio; skip Dr.meter if you need a microphone or music playback.
In my opinion, these two don't really compete — they solve opposite problems, so the right pick depends entirely on who's wearing them. For an adult who lives on calls, I'd buy the Wantek USB Computer Headset: the microphone, the 40 mm drivers, the dual USB/3.5 mm plug and the on-cable mute make it a genuinely practical work headset, and the lightweight on-ear design suits long days. For a child headed to fireworks, a concert or a loud sensory environment, I'd buy the Dr.meter EM200 without hesitation — the certified 32 dB reduction, the foldable frame and the kid-friendly fit are built for exactly that job. If you need noise cancelling for yourself, honestly, neither is the answer: Wantek isolates, and Dr.meter protects a child's ears. Match the product to the person and you'll be happy either way.
what is the best noise cancelling over ear headphones
That depends on your goal, and neither of these two is a classic active-noise-cancelling over-ear model. The Wantek USB Computer Headset uses sound isolation with on-ear memory foam cups to soften background noise during calls, while the Dr.meter EM200 uses passive triple-layer foam to cut noise by SNR 32 dB / NRR 26 dB for hearing protection. If you want full active cancelling for music, look in a different category.
what are the best noise cancelling over ear headphones
Again, judge by use case rather than a single winner. For voice work, I'd point to the Wantek USB Computer Headset — its microphone and 40 mm drivers are tuned for speech, not for silencing a room. For blocking loud environments, the Dr.meter EM200 is the stronger choice thanks to its certified 32 dB SNR reduction. One is a communication tool, the other is ear protection.
what are the best noise cancelling in ear headphones
Neither product here is an in-ear model, so this isn't a fair fight for that category. The Wantek USB Computer Headset is on-ear and wired, with 32 ohm impedance and a 20 Hz–20,000 Hz range, while the Dr.meter EM200 is a foldable over-ear earmuff for kids. If in-ear noise cancelling is what you actually need, keep looking — these two serve different jobs.
how to replace ear pads on bose noise cancelling headphones
That's a different brand and a different product line, so I can't give you steps from the data here. What I can tell you is that the Dr.meter EM200 uses memory foam cushions with easy-to-clean PU leather surfaces, and the Wantek USB Computer Headset uses memory foam on-ear cups — both are designed to be wiped down rather than serviced. For pad replacement instructions on another brand, check that manufacturer's own guidance.
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