By Chloe Brittain
The rapid transition to remote work, combined with social distancing, has made teleconferencing a routine part of our professional and personal lives. As with all technology, conferencing apps come with their share of technical issues, including background noise, microphone hiss, and quiet audio.
The following noise cancelling and noise reducing apps for Windows can help suppress unwanted sounds so you can get back to productive and enjoyable virtual meetings with friends, family, and colleagues.
Krisp
Anyone who's moderated a virtual meeting knows the frustration of constantly asking participants to mute their microphones (and no one seems to listen!). Krisp is an AI-powered desktop app designed to solve this problem by muting background noise and removing echo on both sides of a conference call. It also includes HD Voice mode for making your voice sound louder and clearer.
The app works with over 800 conferencing tools, including Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, WebEx, and Microsoft Teams. You can use it with any headset, microphone, or speaker.
Krisp is easier to use than many other noise reduction apps. There's no need to worry about creating a sound profile or adjusting settings – you simply toggle a switch and you're on your way to clearer conference calls. View a cool demo of the tool below:
Krisp Noise Cancelling App Review - Does It Work?
As a bonus, Krisp also allows you to record meeting audio and share it with your colleagues.
Pricing: Krisp comes with a free plan that allows for 240 minutes per week of microphone and speaker noise removal. For users who need unlimited minutes of noise-free conferencing, the cost is $5 per month. There are also plans available for small teams and enterprises.
Get Krisp
NoiseGator
NoiseGator is a lightweight noise gate application for filtering out background noise and microphone hiss on VoIPs like Skype. It routes audio through an input to an output and analyzes the decibel level in real time. If the average level is below the threshold that you've specified, the "gate" closes and cuts the audio. This lets you isolate just the sounds that you want to hear, i.e., voice.
NoiseGator sound settings
To use NoiseGator with an input such as your mic or an output such as speakers, you'll need a virtual audio cable. The VB-CABLE driver is recommended for Windows users.
Additionally, you'll need to adjust some settings within the app, including audio threshold, attack time, and release time. This makes NoiseGator ideal for users who prefer more options for configuration, but perhaps less ideal for users who just want a quick fix.
Windows users will need Java 7 or higher to run NoiseGator.
Pricing: There is no cost to use NoiseGator. The app is open source.
Get NoiseGator
SoliCall Pro
SoliCall Pro is software for organizations that need to implement noise reduction and echo cancellation on both sides of a call. It integrates with commercial softphones and VoIP applications like Skype and can be used with any microphone and speakers.
Aside from its noise reduction functionality, an additional benefit of SoliCall is that it records your conference calls.
The software can be used with Windows 7 and up.
Pricing: SoliCall Pro offers a three-day free trial. There is a minimum purchase quantity of 20 licenses.
Get SoliCall Pro
PinPoint by Bose Labs
PinPoint is a noise filter designed by Bose Labs for removing background noise from both sides of a conference call. You can use the app with or without headphones along with any conferencing app.
PinPoint by Bose Labs demo
The app is AI based, trained using thousands of hours of audio, and the company is continually improving the software with more training.
Bose is widely known for their premium-quality noise cancelling headphones, and this tool looks to be a promising new application of their superior noise cancellation technology. You can try out a demo version of the app here.
PinPoint is currently in closed beta; however, you can sign up for the waitlist.
Pricing: Information on pricing has not yet been released, as the app is still in beta.
Get Bose PinPoint (in beta – sign up for early access)
Noise Blocker by Closed Loop Labs
Noise Blocker is a customizable noise gate app for Windows 10. It blocks unwanted noise, such as static, microphone hum, computer fans, keyboard typing, and mouse clicks from passing the microphone.
To use the app, you record a sample of each sound you want to eliminate, and Noise Blocker will analyze and mute the sound. You can view a demo of this process here:
How to reduce microphone noise with Noise Blocker
The app is ideal for when you're on a conference call and you want to filter out background noise without toggling between mute and unmute. It's also a popular app with gamers who want to mute the sounds of typing and clicking. However, unlike some of the other apps listed here, it only removes noise on the user side, and it doesn't remove background sounds while you're talking.
Noise Blocker is compatible with any conferencing app, including Skype, Slack, and Google Hangouts.
Pricing: Noise Blocker is a one-time cost of $19.99. There's also a free version of the software available that lets you use the tool for up to an hour a day.
Get Noise Blocker by Closed Loop Labs
Depending on what software you use for conferencing, it may not be necessary to install and configure a third-party app for noise reduction. Your favorite conferencing application may already have built-in features for eliminating unwanted noise during virtual meetings. For instance, here's how to access the noise suppression features in Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Microsoft Teams
The Teams desktop app comes with a noise suppression feature for reducing background noises on the user side, such as air conditioning or a computer fan. To access this feature from the main window in Teams, click on your profile picture and go to Settings > Devices > Noise suppression. You can then choose from three different levels of noise suppression.i
Setting up noise suppression on Microsoft Teams
Zoom
This popular conferencing app reduces noise automatically by default. However, using the Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, you can adjust the level of noise reduction further, which is useful if you're in a particularly noisy environment.
Zoom noise reduction settings
To access this feature in the Zoom Desktop Client, click on your profile picture and then go to Settings > Audio > Suppress background noise. As with Microsoft Teams, you can choose from three different levels of noise suppression.
Other ways to improve hearing on Windows
Aside from software-based noise reduction, there are other ways to improve your hearing while teleconferencing in Windows.
Ear-level noise cancellation
If there’s a lot of background noise in your immediate environment, the simplest thing you can do is to purchase a set of earbuds or headphones that provide some degree of passive and/or active noise cancellation. AirPods Pro are a great option (they provide great noise cancellation and a fit test), but seeing that you’re a Windows user, you’re probably looking for non-Apple solution! Check out the Jabra Elite Active 75t for a relatively affordable ($179) pair of wireless earbuds with active and passive noise cancellation.
Personalized hearing amplification for your computer audio output
Another great option for Windows users is the SonicCloud app, which enhances the audio output of your entire computer to be in line with your personal hearing needs. SonicCloud offers a robust hearing test that’s actually fun to take, and the results of the test are used to optimize your hearing through your computer.
The SonicCloud App offers adjustable personalize audio for your Windows computer.
Are you having difficulty hearing others?
About 15 percent of adult Americans over the age of 18report some difficulty hearing. If you're having trouble understanding others at work and home, the first step is to consult a hearing healthcare professional to see whether you're a candidate for hearing aids.
Today's digital hearing aids not only amplify the sounds you want to hear, but they also suppress unwanted noises, making communication easier even in noisy settings like restaurants.Learn more about hearing aidsand how they can help you work and communicate more effectively.
You might be interested in these related stories from around our site.
FAQs
What are the best apps for removing background noise? ›
Answer: LALAL.AI, VEED.IO, Kapwing, Notta, Noise Reduction, and Descript are the top best platforms that offer you easy-to-use tools, as well as free versions that allow you to remove background noise from an audio recording on an Android device.
Does noise cancelling work on Windows? ›Soundproof windows can't completely block all noises, but they will significantly reduce sound from the road, sky, or your neighborhood's weekend activities. Choose a soundproof window with an STC rating of at least 45 to block bass tones or loud conversations. Laminated glass windows can reduce noise by 75%.
How do I reduce background noise in Windows? ›Using Windows's built-in tools.
Once there, click on the Recording tab, select your recording device, and then click the device's Levels tab. You can then reduce the “boost" that Windows gives to your mic. Depending on your machine, you may also see an Enhancements tab, where you can tick a box for “noise suppression.”
Noise cancellation software improves the audio in video and audio conference calls by real-time removal of unwanted background noise. This software pairs with virtual communication solutions, such as video conferencing or VoIP software, to suppress background noise.
How do I get rid of background noise and clean up audio? ›- Upload Audio. Upload your audio files to VEED - it's all online & works right in your browser.
- Remove Background Noise. Click on the audio track, open Settings, then click 'Clean Audio'. Background noise will disappear in seconds, automatically.
- Download. That's it, you're done.
By using noise-canceling headsets, you will greatly reduce background noise, which improves the communication between you and your caller. Better communication means less information repeated and more accurate information from your calls for a more productive day.
What are the best noise blocking windows? ›Dual-pane windows, also called double-pane windows, help to reduce some noise. Triple-pane glass is the best option for reducing the most noise.
What are the best noise reduction windows? ›Laminated Windows Cost
Laminated windows are the best choice when it comes to soundproofing. These windows get a layer of plastic-like material known as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between the glass panes. As such, they can efficiently avoid up to 95% of external noise.
Most experts agree that if you want superior soundproofing in your windows, you should choose laminated glass. Laminated windows have a transparent layer of plastic sandwiched between two outer layers of glass panes.
Is Krisp actually free? ›Krisp has free and paid plans for individuals. The Free plan is free of charge. It periodically gives you free minutes of noise cancellation on Krisp desktop app. The Paid plan gives unlimited noise cancellation minutes.
Is Krisp Noise Suppression good? ›
The built-in mic is the hardest case for all the apps as there is lots of reverberation and noise in this case compared to headsets. And Krisp has a huge advantage in noise removal quality here, at the same time keeping good Speech quality.
How do I reduce the noise on my computer? ›- Close background apps and processes.
- Close open tabs in your browser.
- Run a malware scan.
- Increase airflow around your computer's vents.
- Clean out dust in ports and vents.
- Turn off your computer, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back on again.
Scientists proved that forests or woodlands with their many trunks, twigs and leaves are among the best of all sound mitigating land uses on a residential or commercial scale. Exceptionally tall walls and gate deflect street noise, but the addition of the vines also help to refract and absorb it for a double benefit.
How do I stop my microphone from picking up background noise? ›If are using a noise-canceling microphone, make sure it is positioned close to the mouth, approximately 2 centimeters or less than 1 inch away from the mouth. This filters out unwanted background noise, so it is important that you position it correctly to avoid audio issues.
What is the most effective noise control method? ›Therefore, full acoustical enclosures are generally the most common and effective noise control measure in the manufacturing environment. An acoustical enclosure functions by effectively containing the sound and then dissipating it by absorption.
Does Audacity remove background noise? ›Noise Reduction can reduce constant background sounds such as hum, whistle, whine, buzz, and "hiss", such as tape hiss, fan noise or FM/webcast carrier noise. It is not suitable for individual clicks and pops, or irregular background noise such as from traffic or an audience.
What is the difference between noise cancelling and noise reduction? ›Noise cancellation headphones are different than noise reduction headphones. The former aim to remove as much external noise as possible using various techniques, while the latter simply use passive noise cancellation to physically block out external noise.
What is the difference between active noise cancelling and noise cancelling? ›Passive Noise Cancellation uses well designed ear cups to seal out unwanted noise. This is used for both over-ear headphones and in-ear earphones where the earbud itself will keep surrounding noise out. Active Noise Cancellation uses microphones and speakers to reduce background and surrounding noises.
Why can I still hear with noise-cancelling headphones? ›Noise-cancelling technology cannot completely isolate sound due to the air trapped between your audio device and eardrum.
How can I soundproof my room cheaply? ›Adding carpets or a couple of thick rugs to your room can help to absorb sound. This is especially important if you have hard flooring or tiles. If you don't have a rug, a quick and cheap way to soundproof your room is by laying and hanging blankets and quilts you may have lying around the house, in the room.
Why can I hear so much noise through my windows? ›
With windows, sound is typically “leaking” through gaps in the frame or the glass itself. Caulking – The easiest and cheapest solution. If your windows are a few years old, it's likely some of the caulking may have dried up. Replace the caulking seals around your windows and see if the sound problem gets better.
Do soundproof window inserts work? ›One Solution, Multiple Benefits
Every grade of Indow window inserts reduces outside noise by at least 50% when placed over an operable single-pane window. Our Acoustic Grade does an even better job, reducing noise by 70%. * (If you have double-pane windows, you must use Acoustic Grade for reducing noise.)
Quick Guide: The 3 Best Krisp Alternatives in 2023
RingCentral: Lowers volume on background noises, and you can transfer calls between devices, but the noise filter doesn't work on mobile devices. Skype: Reliable noise reduction filter, but it doesn't have detailed analytics like Krisp.
How many minutes will I get on Free Plan? On the free plan, you will get 60 minutes of noise-free audio streams per day.
Does Krisp record your conversations? ›All you need to do is click the new “Start Recording” button inside Krisp, and the meeting will be recorded. The recording is available instantly after the meeting ends. Needless to say that recordings, by default, have great sound quality based on Krisp's noise cancellation technology.
Is audacity noise reduction good? ›Audacity has a Noise Reduction effect which has its default settings. These default settings work well with most audio files but are not ideal for some recordings. This is because the level and type of noise will always vary from one file to another.
How does Krisp work so well? ›Krisp uses the power of AI to filter out background noise and make your calls and audio recordings sound perfectly clear. The AI is powered by a highly sophisticated Deep Neural Network, which has learned to differentiate between background sounds and the human voice by listening.
What causes the most noise in a PC? ›The two biggest culprits for excess noise in computers are fans and the hard disk. Fans are used to move the heat produced by the processor, motherboard, and graphics card out of the computer. If the fans are loose, too small, or not powerful enough, they can create noise.
Why is my PC so noisy? ›The two biggest culprits for excess noise in computers are fans and the hard disk. Fans are used to move the heat produced by the processor, motherboard, and graphics card out of the computer. If the fans are loose, too small, or not powerful enough, they can create noise.
Is there an app to remove background noise from a video? ›Adobe Premiere is famous professional video editor available to both Windows and Mac. Its features related to background noise removal include: 1. Analyze and separate audio track from the video for editing further.
How do I remove unwanted background noise from a video? ›
- Upload your video. Upload your video (or audio) files to VEED - you can just drag & drop. It's super-easy.
- Mute the audio. Click 'Settings', then simply press 'Clean Audio'. The background noise from your video will be removed automatically.
- Export. You're all set!
If turned on, the Noise Cancellation setting reduces background noise while on a call. This setting isn't available on the Apple® iPhone® 13 and later models.
Is there a way to cancel out background noise on iPhone? ›Adjust the mono audio, balance, and phone noise cancellation settings on iPhone. You can adjust mono audio, left-right stereo balance, and phone noise cancellation to suit your needs. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual.
Is Krisp noise Cancelling free? ›Krisp has free and paid plans for individuals. The Free plan is free of charge. It periodically gives you free minutes of noise cancellation on Krisp desktop app. The Paid plan gives unlimited noise cancellation minutes.
How do I mute background noise? ›To reduce ambient sounds while you're using a standard microphone, do a quick sweep of your area. Turn off any fans, televisions, radios, or audio output systems that may be picked up by your microphone. Make sure that any nearby devices aren't causing interference as well.
Can Audacity remove background noise from videos? ›By recording a few seconds for a noise sample with each host, Audacity can analyze each individually and remove the identified noise. That way you will get the best results from the noise removal.
How do I reduce background noise in Audacity? ›Select the entire region of waveform from which you want to reduce the noise, then set the Noise Reduction parameters. This is often best done by trial and error, adjusting the sliders and using the Preview button to listen to a few seconds of audio after noise reduction.
What is audio reduction noise? ›The Sound Remover effect (Effects > Noise Reduction/Restoration) removes unwanted audio sources from a recording. This effect analyzes a selected portion of the recording, and builds a sound model, which is used to find and remove the sound.
How do I remove background noise from a video in Windows 10? ›...
- On the video editor, click Custom Audio at the top.
- Select the audio that you exported from Audacity.
- Click Done.
- Click Finish Video.
- Select the quality you want to export the video in.
- Play the newly created video, and all noise from it will be gone.
- Tap the screen tap More.
- Tap Settings .
- Tap Noise cancellation.
Does iPhone have white noise? ›
Instead of hunting around for a white noise app—many of which aren't free—just leverage the iPhone's built-in white noise machine instead. It's found under Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Background Sounds and features six options: three noise variations, plus Ocean, Rain, or Stream.
What is audio ducking on iPhone? ›Audio Ducking: Temporarily reduce media playback volume when VoiceOver speaks. Auto-select Speaker in Call: Automatically switch to the speaker during a call when you're not holding iPhone to your ear.
Should mono audio be on or off? ›Switching to mono audio ensures the entire track is heard on both earbuds or speakers. That said, if you use monaural or single-earbud headphones, have a hearing impairment in one ear, or perhaps have a tendency to share your earphones a lot, it's best to stick to mono audio.
What is voice isolation? ›Voice isolation technology utilises AI to remove all ambient/background noise by recognising the 'noise' in an environment and prioritising the primary voices in a conversation. Voice isolation software can even differentiate between the core person talking and babble in the background.