After getting a number of complaints from other people about my previous headset (some Sony Ericsson one that came with my phone) having way too sensitive of a microphone (picked up too much background noise), I looked into getting one of these as an alternative. And just in time too, since I lost my the old one about two days after I ordered this one!Sound quality is definitely a bit better on my end than the previous one. From what I've asked other people, it does pick up less background noise, so the noise canceling does work to some degree - still fails to block out the noise of wind when going directly against it. Though, I suspect this may also have to do with the poor fit. I was expecting this headset to fit flush against the side of my head, but unfortunately, with the way it's shaped, it just kind of dangles straight down in the back. While not uncomfortable (I can wear this for several hours, unlike my old one), I'm just constantly worrying that it'll fall off, which, depending on which ear I'm hanging it off of, it does, quite often. Just something to be aware of when you order one of these!