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Best 10 Headphones for Work in 2026: Clear Calls, Comfort, and Focus: 9 Picks

Compare work headphones by call controls, device switching, comfort, battery life, and how much awareness of your surroundings you want.

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The best headphones for work depend on whether you spend more time on calls, focused listening, or moving between a laptop and phone. These picks range from call-focused headsets to open-ear designs, so match the fit and controls to your workday and check connection needs before buying.

Quick Top Products

Call Controls for Desk Work

JLab Go Work

JLab Go Work
  • Rotating boom microphone and red mute indicator support calls.
  • Connect two devices simultaneously over Bluetooth multipoint.
  • Plug in with the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable for wired listening.

Best For: People who take frequent computer and phone calls and want a dedicated boom mic with clear mute status.

Open-Ear Headset for Meetings on the Move

SHOKZ OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade

SHOKZ OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade
  • Noise-canceling microphone and physical mute button for calls.
  • Pairs with two devices for switching between them.
  • Up to 16 hours talk time and 8 hours listening per charge.

Best For: Mobile workers who need a boom-free open-ear fit, a noise-canceling mic, and frequent laptop-to-phone switching.

Long Battery Life and Hybrid ANC

TREBLAB Z2

TREBLAB Z2
  • Hybrid ANC works with four microphones.
  • Multipoint connects a phone and laptop simultaneously.
  • Offers 58 hours playtime and USB-C charging.

Best For: Workers seeking over-ear noise cancellation, long stated playtime, and simultaneous laptop-and-phone connections.

ANC for Long Focus Sessions

JLab JBuds Lux ANC

JLab JBuds Lux ANC
  • Hybrid ANC is rated to block up to 35 dB of noise.
  • Multipoint connects two devices simultaneously.
  • Playtime is 70+ hours total, 40+ hours with ANC.

Best For: Desk workers who want cushioned over-ear comfort, ANC, and multipoint laptop-and-phone pairing.

Open-Ear Fit for Staying Aware

SHOKZ OpenRun Mini

SHOKZ OpenRun Mini
  • Open-ear bone conduction leaves the eardrums open to surroundings.
  • Rated IP67 and includes a moisture detection alert.
  • Eight hours of playback with quick charge support.

Best For: Workers who want ear-free listening and calls while staying aware of colleagues and surroundings.

Open-Ear Earbuds With Charging Case

SHOKZ OpenFit

SHOKZ OpenFit
  • Open-ear design and flexible earhooks keep the ear canal open.
  • Seven hours per charge and up to 28 hours with the case.
  • IP55-rated water resistance.

Best For: Workers who prefer compact earhook earbuds and want open-ear awareness across calls and listening.

Open-Ear Earhooks With Multipoint

SHOKZ OpenFit Air

SHOKZ OpenFit Air
  • The adaptable earhook weighs 0.3 oz.
  • Four microphones and multipoint pairing for two devices.
  • Up to 28 hours with the charging case.

Best For: People who want lightweight open-ear earbuds with two-device pairing and app-adjustable controls.

Longest Open-Ear Case Battery

SHOKZ OpenFit 2

SHOKZ OpenFit 2
  • Up to 11 hours per charge and 48 hours with the case.
  • Physical buttons handle calls, volume, and switching between two paired devices.
  • Dual noise-canceling microphones and IP55 rating.

Best For: Workers seeking open-ear awareness, longer case-supported playback, physical controls, and multipoint pairing.

Clip-On Earbuds With Three-Mic Calls

SHOKZ OpenDots 2

SHOKZ OpenDots 2
  • Three microphones support voice isolation and call clarity.
  • Multipoint pairing supports two devices.
  • Up to 40 hours total with the charging case.

Best For: Workers who prefer clip-on open-ear earbuds and want detailed microphone and device-switching features.

Call Controls for Desk Work

JLab Go Work Wireless Headsets with Microphone, 45+ Playtime PC Bluetooth Headset and Multipoint Connect to Laptop Computer and Mobile, Wired or Wireless Headphones (1 Pack)

JLab Go Work
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The JLab Go Work is built around workplace calls. Its dual microphones support call clarity, while the rotatable boom moves out of the way for listening and drops back down for meetings.

Bluetooth multipoint connects two devices at once, and an included USB-C to 3.5mm cable provides a wired option. On-headset buttons handle calls, playback, volume, and mute; a red LED shows when mute is on.

The 45+ hour playtime is useful for long stretches between charges. Its on-ear fit may not suit everyone for extended sessions, so consider whether you prefer that style over an over-ear design.

Best For: People who take frequent computer and phone calls and want a dedicated boom mic with clear mute status.

Pros Cons
  • The boom mic can move aside for listening-only use.
  • Multipoint supports two simultaneous device connections.
  • The package includes a wired cable and USB-C charging cable.
  • The on-ear fit may be less suitable for workers who prefer earcups around the ears.

Choose the Go Work if calls and quick mute control are central to your routine. Its boom mic, mute light, and two-device multipoint are more call-oriented than the general-purpose listening features on several other picks.

Check that your laptop and phone support the connection method you plan to use, especially if you expect to switch between wireless and the included cable. The on-ear fit is another personal comfort consideration for long shifts.

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Open-Ear Headset for Meetings on the Move

OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade - Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Headset with Noise Canceling Mic & Mute Button for Work Calls and Meetings, 16 Hour Talk Time for Mobile & PC - C120

SHOKZ OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade
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The SHOKZ OpenComm2 combines an open-ear fit with a noise-canceling microphone and physical mute control, making it a work-focused choice for calls while staying aware of nearby conversation. It weighs 35g and has an IP55 water-resistant finish, useful details for mobile workdays.

Bluetooth multipoint pairs it with two devices so you can toggle between a computer and phone. Battery life is up to 16 hours of talk time or 8 hours of listening per charge, and a five-minute quick charge provides two hours of talk time.

The open design leaves ears uncovered, so it will not provide the isolation of closed over-ear headphones.

Best For: Mobile workers who need a boom-free open-ear fit, a noise-canceling mic, and frequent laptop-to-phone switching.

Pros Cons
  • At 35g, the headset is lightweight for mobile work.
  • Physical controls include volume and mute.
  • IP55 water-resistant finish.
  • The open-ear design leaves the ears uncovered, providing less physical isolation than closed-back headphones.

Pick the OpenComm2 if you move between locations and want call controls without covering your ears. Its talk-time figure is especially relevant if calls dominate your day, while multipoint supports a phone-and-computer setup.

If you need to block office chatter for focused listening, compare it with the TREBLAB Z2 or JLab JBuds Lux ANC, both of which include noise cancellation. Check that your devices support Bluetooth before relying on wireless switching.

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Long Battery Life and Hybrid ANC

TREBLAB Z2 Wireless Over Ear Headphones Bluetooth, Hybrid ANC, 58H | IPX4 Sweatproof, Foldable with Case, Multipoint BT 5.3, Gaming Mode 65ms, 40mm Driver, 2-3H Charge Time

TREBLAB Z2
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The TREBLAB Z2 pairs over-ear cushions with hybrid active noise cancellation, making it a practical fit for workers who want a more enclosed listening style. Four microphones work with its ANC system, and Bluetooth multipoint keeps a phone and laptop connected at the same time.

The stated 58-hour playtime and USB-C charging are useful for reducing charging interruptions; a 3.5mm AUX connection offers a wired backup. The foldable design and included case help with commuting.

It also has IPX4 sweat resistance, though that feature does not make it a work-specific call headset. The record does not detail a boom mic or dedicated mute indicator, so check your meeting-control needs.

Best For: Workers seeking over-ear noise cancellation, long stated playtime, and simultaneous laptop-and-phone connections.

Pros Cons
  • The foldable design includes a case for transport.
  • AUX support provides a wired backup.
  • Physical buttons control volume, ANC, voice assistant, and playback.
  • Not specified: whether it has a dedicated mute control for calls.

Choose the Z2 if your work setup benefits from over-ear coverage, ANC, and two-device connection, with commuting portability as a bonus. It offers more explicit noise-canceling and wired-backup details than the call-focused JLab Go Work, but its notes do not identify a boom mic or mute indicator.

Before buying for frequent meetings, verify that its microphone and call controls suit your conferencing routine. Consider the fit and folded storage dimensions if you plan to carry it daily.

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ANC for Long Focus Sessions

JLab JBuds Lux ANC, Over Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth, Limited Edition Navy

JLab JBuds Lux ANC
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The JLab JBuds Lux ANC is aimed at long listening sessions, with Cloud Foam earcups and headband cushioning alongside hybrid ANC. Its ANC is rated to block up to 35 dB of noise, while Be Aware mode lets in surrounding sound when needed.

Bluetooth multipoint connects two devices at once, and the app provides EQ, ANC, and control adjustments. The stated playtime is 70+ hours total, with 40+ hours in ANC mode.

This is an over-ear listening headset with an integrated microphone, rather than a clearly described boom-mic meeting headset. Check the microphone and mute workflow against your meeting platform before choosing it primarily for calls.

Best For: Desk workers who want cushioned over-ear comfort, ANC, and multipoint laptop-and-phone pairing.

Pros Cons
  • Cloud Foam cushions are intended for long sessions.
  • Be Aware mode lets in surrounding sounds.
  • App controls include EQ and ANC adjustments.
  • Not specified: a dedicated boom microphone or physical mute indicator.
  • No IP rating is provided for water exposure.

Select the JBuds Lux ANC for focused desk listening when over-ear cushioning and ANC matter more than a boom mic. Its multipoint connection is useful for keeping a laptop and phone paired, and Be Aware mode offers a way to hear more of the room.

If meetings dominate your day, compare its integrated-mic setup with the JLab Go Work, which has an explicitly described boom and mute light. Check whether touch controls and app settings fit your preferred call workflow.

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Open-Ear Fit for Staying Aware

SHOKZ OpenRun Mini - Bone Conduction Headphones,Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Headphones for Running & Workout,Sweat Resistant, Long 8H Playtime,Mic,with Hair Band-Blue (Pack of 2)

SHOKZ OpenRun Mini
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The SHOKZ OpenRun Mini uses bone conduction and an open-ear fit, leaving the ear canals unobstructed during calls, podcasts, and music. Its wraparound frame is featherweight, and the record notes a Mini size, which may help buyers seeking a smaller fit.

It is rated IP67 for sweat and water exposure but is not suitable for swimming. Battery life is eight hours, with a ten-minute quick charge for up to 1.5 hours.

A Shokz headband is included. This is a sport-oriented headset rather than a dedicated office model, and its open design will not isolate office noise, so consider how much environmental awareness you want.

Best For: Workers who want ear-free listening and calls while staying aware of colleagues and surroundings.

Pros Cons
  • The wraparound frame offers an earbud-free fit.
  • The record identifies the Mini version and includes a headband.
  • Not suitable for swimming.
  • Open-ear listening does not provide the enclosed fit of over-ear headphones.

Pick the OpenRun Mini if you want to take calls or listen while remaining aware of people nearby. Its eight-hour battery and quick-charge detail may be enough for a workday with breaks, while its sweat and water rating also suits after-work activity.

The product is sold as a pack of two, so confirm that bundle quantity is right for you. For noisy offices or private listening, an ANC over-ear model will fit better.

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Open-Ear Earbuds With Charging Case

SHOKZ OpenFit-Open-Ear True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone,Earbuds with Earhooks,Sweat Resistant,Fast Charging,28HRS Playtime,Compatible with iPhone&Android,Beige,Bluetooth5.2

SHOKZ OpenFit
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The SHOKZ OpenFit uses true wireless open-ear earbuds with flexible earhooks, leaving the ear canal unobstructed while keeping the buds secured around the ears. Each earhook weighs 9.4 g, and IP55-rated water resistance suits everyday wear that may include a commute or workout.

The stated listening time is seven hours per charge and up to 28 hours with the case, with a five-minute quick charge adding an hour. The record says it provides call quality, but it does not detail a mute button or multipoint pairing.

For work, check whether its touch controls and device switching meet your meeting routine.

Best For: Workers who prefer compact earhook earbuds and want open-ear awareness across calls and listening.

Pros Cons
  • A five-minute quick charge provides an hour of battery life.
  • Includes a protective case and USB-C charging cable.
  • Not specified: multipoint pairing or a dedicated mute control.

Choose OpenFit if you want earhook earbuds that leave your ears open and include a charging case for more total listening time. The call-quality detail makes them relevant to work, though the product notes do not spell out meeting controls or multipoint pairing.

If you routinely move calls between a laptop and phone, compare with OpenFit Air or OpenFit 2, which explicitly mention two-device pairing. Confirm the control method and fit before relying on them for all-day meetings.

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Open-Ear Earhooks With Multipoint

SHOKZ OpenFit Air - Open-Ear Headphones, True Wireless Earbuds, Water Resistant, Secure Earhooks for Daily Use, Black

SHOKZ OpenFit Air
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The SHOKZ OpenFit Air is a true wireless open-ear option with an adaptable earhook and 0.3 oz stated earhook weight. Its four microphones, multipoint pairing for two devices, and IP54 water resistance give it practical features for a workday that includes calls and movement.

Battery life is up to six hours per charge or 28 hours with the charging case, and a ten-minute quick charge adds two hours. The app supports EQ modes and customizable button functions.

OpenFit Air leaves ears exposed instead of isolating office noise, so it suits workers who value awareness more than sound blocking.

Best For: People who want lightweight open-ear earbuds with two-device pairing and app-adjustable controls.

Pros Cons
  • The app supports EQ modes and customizable button functions.
  • A ten-minute charge provides two hours of listening.
  • Open-ear fit does not block office noise like ANC over-ear designs.

Choose OpenFit Air for a workday that moves between laptop calls and phone audio, especially if you prefer an earhook over a headband. Its two-device multipoint and app-adjustable controls are useful differentiators within the open-ear group.

It offers less stated total case playtime than OpenFit 2, but may suit buyers who do not need the latter's longer battery figure. Consider whether an open design provides enough privacy for calls in shared spaces.

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Longest Open-Ear Case Battery

SHOKZ OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones,True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Microphone,Earhook Earbuds with 48 Hours of Playtime,Fast Charging,IP55 Water-Resistant,with Carrying Bag,Black,Bluetooth5.4

SHOKZ OpenFit 2
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The SHOKZ OpenFit 2 combines open-ear earhooks with physical buttons, dual noise-canceling microphones, and multipoint pairing between two devices. Its stated battery life reaches up to 11 hours on one charge and 48 hours with the charging case, with a ten-minute quick charge adding two hours.

IP55-rated water resistance supports use through active parts of the day. The product notes also describe DirectPitch 2.0 technology for sound privacy, though the design still leaves ears open.

For work, this model gives more explicit device-switching and button-control details than OpenFit, but does not specify a dedicated mute indicator.

Best For: Workers seeking open-ear awareness, longer case-supported playback, physical controls, and multipoint pairing.

Pros Cons
  • A ten-minute charge adds two hours of listening.
  • The app can customize controls and EQ modes.
  • Not specified: a dedicated mute indicator or explicit mute button.

Select OpenFit 2 if you want open-ear listening but prioritize a longer stated battery life and physical controls. Its 48-hour case total and two-device switching make it the most fully specified of these earhook picks for a mixed-device routine.

If call muting is essential, verify how it works before relying on it; the notes mention calls and buttons but do not identify a dedicated mute function. For stronger environmental sound blocking, consider an ANC over-ear model.

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Clip-On Earbuds With Three-Mic Calls

SHOKZ OpenDots 2 Open-Ear Clip-On Earbuds with Upgraded Dolby Audio, 3-Mic Clear Calls, Rich Bass, Up to 40 Hrs of Audio, Wireless Charging, Interchangeable Left/Right Earbuds, IP57, Bluetooth 6.1

SHOKZ OpenDots 2
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The SHOKZ OpenDots 2 takes a clip-on approach to open-ear listening, with flexible nickel-titanium joints and contoured silicone. Three microphones, including a bone conduction mic, work with adaptive beamforming and AI noise reduction for calls.

Multipoint pairing supports two devices, and tap or pinch controls handle everyday commands. Battery life is up to ten hours per charge and up to 40 hours with the case, with Qi-certified wireless charging and a five-minute quick charge for up to two hours.

The open-ear form keeps surroundings audible, which can help in shared workspaces but offers little sound isolation. Check the clip fit and touch-control preference before buying.

Best For: Workers who prefer clip-on open-ear earbuds and want detailed microphone and device-switching features.

Pros Cons
  • Left and right earbuds are interchangeable.
  • Supports Qi-certified wireless charging.
  • Open-ear design offers less sound isolation than closed headphones.

Choose OpenDots 2 if you want a clip-on style and prioritize call microphone detail in an open-ear design. Its three-mic system, two-device multipoint, and wireless charging make it a capable workday option for people who move around and want nearby sounds audible.

The clip form differs from OpenFit's earhooks, so comfort depends on which attachment style suits your ears. If privacy or background-noise reduction is more important than awareness, look at the ANC headsets instead.

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How to Choose Headphones For Work

How We Picked Headphones for Work

We prioritized candidates with specific features that map to a workday: microphone and mute controls for meetings, multipoint for switching between a laptop and phone, ANC for focus, and enough battery detail to plan charging. The selection also includes open-ear options for people who need to hear colleagues or their surroundings, plus over-ear designs for those who prefer more coverage.

Call control claims vary. The JLab Go Work has a rotating boom and red mute indicator, while the OpenComm2 describes a noise-canceling microphone and physical mute control.

Other models identify microphones or call support without spelling out a dedicated mute function, so check that detail if your conferencing routine depends on it.

Comparing Headphones for Work

The biggest choice is between focused listening and awareness. TREBLAB Z2 and JLab JBuds Lux ANC offer active noise cancellation in over-ear formats.

The OpenRun Mini, OpenComm2, OpenFit models, and OpenDots 2 leave ears open, which helps keep nearby conversation audible but does not create the same enclosed listening environment.

For device switching, the Go Work, OpenComm2, Z2, JBuds Lux ANC, OpenFit Air, OpenFit 2, and OpenDots 2 explicitly describe multipoint or simultaneous connections. Battery figures also vary in what they measure: some give per-charge playback, others include the charging case, and call time is not the same as listening time.

Compare like with like and consider how often you can recharge.

Fit and controls matter in meetings. A boom microphone and visible mute indicator make the Go Work a clear call-oriented choice.

The OpenComm2 has a physical mute control in an open-ear form. Earbuds offer a lighter, more compact alternative, but their notes do not always identify a dedicated mute function.

If you work in a shared space, consider sound leakage and privacy alongside comfort.

ProductStandout featuresBest for
JLab Go WorkCheck Price
  • Rotating boom microphone and red mute indicator support calls.
  • Connect two devices simultaneously over Bluetooth multipoint.
People who take frequent computer and phone calls and want a dedicated boom mic with clear mute status.
SHOKZ OpenComm2 2025 UpgradeCheck Price
  • Noise-canceling microphone and physical mute button for calls.
  • Pairs with two devices for switching between them.
Mobile workers who need a boom-free open-ear fit, a noise-canceling mic, and frequent laptop-to-phone switching.
TREBLAB Z2Check Price
  • Hybrid ANC works with four microphones.
  • Multipoint connects a phone and laptop simultaneously.
Workers seeking over-ear noise cancellation, long stated playtime, and simultaneous laptop-and-phone connections.
JLab JBuds Lux ANCCheck Price
  • Hybrid ANC is rated to block up to 35 dB of noise.
  • Multipoint connects two devices simultaneously.
Desk workers who want cushioned over-ear comfort, ANC, and multipoint laptop-and-phone pairing.
SHOKZ OpenRun MiniCheck Price
  • Open-ear bone conduction leaves the eardrums open to surroundings.
  • Rated IP67 and includes a moisture detection alert.
Workers who want ear-free listening and calls while staying aware of colleagues and surroundings.
SHOKZ OpenFitCheck Price
  • Open-ear design and flexible earhooks keep the ear canal open.
  • Seven hours per charge and up to 28 hours with the case.
Workers who prefer compact earhook earbuds and want open-ear awareness across calls and listening.
SHOKZ OpenFit AirCheck Price
  • The adaptable earhook weighs 0.3 oz.
  • Four microphones and multipoint pairing for two devices.
People who want lightweight open-ear earbuds with two-device pairing and app-adjustable controls.
SHOKZ OpenFit 2Check Price
  • Up to 11 hours per charge and 48 hours with the case.
  • Physical buttons handle calls, volume, and switching between two paired devices.
Workers seeking open-ear awareness, longer case-supported playback, physical controls, and multipoint pairing.
SHOKZ OpenDots 2Check Price
  • Three microphones support voice isolation and call clarity.
  • Multipoint pairing supports two devices.
Workers who prefer clip-on open-ear earbuds and want detailed microphone and device-switching features.

Choosing a Work Headset for Calls or Focus

Start with the part of your day that causes the most friction. Frequent calls favor a boom mic or an explicit mute control.

Laptop-and-phone routines benefit from multipoint, but confirm that your devices are supported. If background chatter disrupts concentration, the over-ear ANC picks are the direct fit; if you need to hear colleagues or room alerts, choose an open-ear model and accept less isolation.

For commuting, note whether the headphones fold, include a case, or use a charging case. The Z2 folds and includes a case, while the Go Work includes a wired cable for situations where wireless is inconvenient.

Open-ear earbuds keep the main headset compact, but their case adds another item to carry.

Who Should Buy Which Work Headphones?

Choose JLab Go Work for a boom mic, visible mute status, and dual-device connectivity. Choose SHOKZ OpenComm2 for open-ear work calls with a physical mute button and long stated talk time.

For focused desk listening, compare TREBLAB Z2 and JLab JBuds Lux ANC by their fit, ANC, and battery details.

Consider OpenFit Air, OpenFit 2, or OpenDots 2 if you want open-ear earbuds with documented multipoint features; compare earhook and clip-on fit, controls, and charging preferences. The OpenRun Mini is a better match for workers who value awareness and a sport-ready frame than for people seeking office noise isolation.

The SteelSeries headset fits a desk shared between work and gaming systems, while its feature set is less specifically centered on office calls.

Written by

marfacontemporary.org Editorial Team

Editorial team

marfacontemporary.org publishes practical how-to guides and educational articles with clear steps and useful context.

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SHOKZ OpenRun Mini

SHOKZ OpenRun Mini

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Best for: Workers who want ear-free listening and calls while staying aware of colleagues and surroundings.

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