Use Ethernet to connect to your computer if possible. It will be more reliable constant stream of data where WiFi can go up and down . Less odd random sounds .
Use usb headsets . Bluetooth can lag and get inference.
I know THIS is a “gamer” headset but I do recommend it . It has buttons for quick access and sounds pretty damn good for the price .
Use a good internet program not phone. So use Microsoft Skpe or Teams. VoIP can sound way better than phones . Phones can range dramatically on cell reception, careers and or hardware.
Trust me I do lots of teams calls for working from home and I podcast. Using the headset will help you a good deal . Using corded stuff helps to have a consistent connection.
I use this pair from Sades. They're comfy as fuck, (over-ear) and the color scheme is dope. The mic is pretty good quality, and flips up back into the left ear cup when you're not using it. Any kind of bass has a possibility to literally shakes the headset. It's a USB out because my audio jacks are broken and I don't feel like replacing them.
I know a lot of people seem to advise against headset mics, but if you want one anyway. My friend bought this a while back and the quality is pretty darn good for $25. While talking on Discord, his voice is clear with little distortion.
I started out with a Blue Yeti and had decent results. But as others have said, it will pick up a lot of room noise.
You could also consider using a gaming headset with a mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLUZXAY/ here
I’m in a podcast group and these come highly recommend for if you want to go with XLR mics: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NJ2TIE/ here
I am a musician, and appreciate great sound, but I also have a habit of headphones not lasting very long. So because of that, I try not to spend much money on them. Also, I just got a refund from a product I returned, so I have $50 from that to spend. Thanks for any help!
Budget - I have about $50 to spend.
Source - Macbook/iPhone.
Requirements for Isolation - Mainly being used in the office, and I like to pump my music sometimes to help me focus, and would rather not distract/disturb fellow employees.
Preferred Type of Headphone - Over-ear or IEM.
Preferred tonal balance - Overall balance.
Past headphones
Koss UR22 - I bought these on a whim at Walmart once because my headphones had just died and I just needed something/anything. The sound wasn't amazing, but they were fairly isolating and for <$20, weren't terrible, but they left much to be desired.
Sades Stereo 7.1 Surround Pro USB Gaming Headset - My previous employer bought these for me so that I could use GoToMeeting. Ugly as hell, but the sound was actually surprisingly good. Also, they were USB, so it annoyingly took up a USB port, and I couldn't use it with my iPhone.
Preferred Music - Punk/Metal/Indie/Classical/Hip Hop/Electronic/Podcasts/Audiobooks. Pretty much anything. So overall balance would be nice.
What would you like to improve on from your set-up - I would love something portable and possibly wireless.
EDIT: Added a little intro.