Sprint planning helps Agile teams set priorities, break work into tasks, and align everyone toward a shared goal. It’s like mapping a journey before starting—you choose the destination, plan the route, and set milestones. This article covers sprint planning fundamentals, its importance, and how to do it effectively.

What is Sprint planning?

Sprint planning is a collaborative event within the Scrum framework where the entire Scrum team—comprising the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers—comes together to determine the work to be accomplished in the upcoming sprint. This meeting sets the stage for the sprint by establishing a clear plan and defining a shared goal.

During sprint planning, the team addresses three primary topics:

1. Why is this Sprint valuable? The Product Owner proposes how the product could increase its value and utility in the current sprint. The whole Scrum Team then collaborates to define a Sprint Goal that communicates why the Sprint is valuable to stakeholders. The Sprint Goal must be finalized prior to the end of Sprint Planning. 
2. What can be done this Sprint? Through discussion with the Product Owner, the Developers select items from the Product Backlog to include in the current Sprint. The Scrum Team may refine these items during this process, which increases understanding and confidence. Selecting how much can be completed within a Sprint is hard. However, the more the Developers know about their past performance, their upcoming capacity, and their Definition of Done, the more confident they will be in their Sprint forecasts. 
3. How will the chosen work get done? For each selected Product Backlog item, the Developers plan the work necessary to create an Increment that meets the Definition of Done. This is often done by decomposing Product Backlog items into smaller work items of one day or less. How this is done is at the sole discretion of the Developers. No one else tells them how to turn Product Backlog items into Increments of value.

By thoroughly engaging in sprint planning, the Scrum team ensures alignment on objectives, fosters a clear understanding of tasks, and sets a focused direction for the sprint ahead.

Who Needs Sprint Planning?

Sprint planning serves as a fundamental component of the Scrum framework, which is widely adopted by agile teams to manage complex projects. During sprint planning, the Scrum team—including the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team—decides on the work for the next sprint. This collaboration ensures alignment on objectives, priorities, and commitments to backlog items. Sprint planning improves communication, clarifies goals, and helps teams deliver valuable product increments efficiently.

Where Is Sprint Planning Used?

Sprint planning, a cornerstone of the Scrum framework, has transcended its origins in software development and found applications across various industries. In education, universities have adopted Scrum techniques to enhance collaboration among departments, thereby increasing organization and effectiveness. In the construction sector, companies have implemented Agile methodologies to manage high capital risks and stringent schedules, enabling real-time decision-making and effective communication.

The automotive industry has also embraced Scrum to accelerate innovation, moving away from traditional, slower development cycles. Marketing and advertising firms utilize Agile methods to improve decision-making and productivity, as exemplified by Teradata Applications, which credits Scrum for enhanced communication and process improvements. Event planning companies benefit from Scrum’s iterative framework, allowing for real-time changes based on feedback, leading to better execution of events. In product development, Agile principles have facilitated rapid prototyping and innovation, with companies like Wikispeed developing functional prototypes in significantly reduced timeframes.

Financial services firms face emerging challenges in technology and risk management, prompting many to adopt Scrum to meet customer expectations. Even military organizations, such as various U.S. military groups, rely on Scrum to coordinate complex operations, where efficient communication is critical. 

How to Run Sprint Planning?  

Effective sprint planning lays the groundwork for a productive and well-structured sprint, ensuring that teams align their efforts with project goals. This critical meeting brings together key stakeholders, including developers, the Scrum Master, and the Product Owner, to define priorities and establish a clear direction for the upcoming sprint. When conducted properly, sprint planning helps teams maximize efficiency, minimize uncertainties, and create a shared understanding of the tasks ahead. To achieve this, teams must follow a well-defined approach that balances strategy, collaboration, and execution.

Step 1: Review the Product Backlog and Define the Sprint Goal

The process begins with the Product Owner presenting the highest-priority items from the product backlog to the team. These items should meet the team’s criteria for readiness, ensuring they are actionable. The team discusses these items to gain a shared understanding of the requirements and objectives. Based on this discussion, the team collaboratively defines a clear and concise sprint goal that articulates the value, delivering to stakeholders in the upcoming sprint. This goal provides focus and direction, guiding the team’s efforts throughout the sprint.

Step 2: Assess Team Capacity and Select Backlog Items

With the sprint goal set, the team assesses capacity based on availability, past velocity, and other commitments. They choose backlog items that fit the goal and sprint duration. Each item is discussed for clarity, and larger tasks may be broken down. This process ensures a realistic workload, maintaining a sustainable pace and increasing success.

Step 3: Develop a Plan to Achieve the Sprint Goal

After selecting backlog items, the team creates a plan to complete the work efficiently. They identify tasks, estimate effort, and determine dependencies. Tasks may be assigned or self-assigned based on expertise and workload. The plan stays flexible to handle changes and challenges. The sprint backlog, listing tasks and backlog items, guides the team in achieving the sprint goal.

To enhance efficiency during sprint planning and execution, teams can use Krisp AI meeting assistant to capture key discussions, track action points, and ensure alignment among all members. Krisp’s AI-powered note-taking capabilities help teams stay organized by summarizing essential conversations, recording task assignments, and automatically generating insights from meetings. This ensures that no critical information lost, allowing the team to focus on delivering high-value work while minimizing the need for manual documentation.

Best Practices for Sprint Planning

Effective sprint planning serves as a cornerstone for successful agile project management, ensuring that development teams align their efforts with product goals and deliver value consistently. To conduct a productive sprint planning session, teams should adhere to several best practices.

1. Assess Team Capacity

Before finalizing the sprint backlog, the team must assess its capacity to ensure realistic workload distribution. This involves considering factors such as planned absences, team members’ individual commitments, and any external dependencies that could impact availability. Additionally, reviewing historical sprint velocity provides valuable insights into how much work the team can realistically complete within the sprint duration. Sprint velocity helps avoid overcommitment by setting expectations based on actual past performance rather than assumptions. To ensure sustainable productivity, teams should avoid overloading themselves with excessive tasks, as this can lead to burnout, missed deadlines, and decreased quality of work. Instead, they should allocate work in a way that balances efficiency and feasibility while allowing room for unexpected challenges.

2. Collaborate as a Team

Sprint planning should involve all team members actively contributing to discussions to ensure alignment on goals and tasks. Open communication among developers, testers, and product owners fosters a shared understanding of sprint objectives. When everyone knows their roles, the team works more cohesively, improving efficiency and reducing misunderstandings.

Using Krisp AI Meeting Assistant can significantly enhance collaboration in sprint planning, especially for remote or distributed teams. Krisp’s AI-powered features, such as real-time noise cancellation, meeting transcription, and smart note-taking, enable seamless and distraction-free discussions. With automated meeting summaries and action item tracking, teams can ensure that Krisp documented key decisions and commitments, reducing the risk of miscommunication. Additionally, Krisp allows asynchronous collaboration by providing searchable transcripts, enabling team members who couldn’t attend the meeting to stay updated and contribute effectively.

Integrating Krisp into sprint planning improves engagement, ensures clear communication, and captures valuable insights accurately. This creates a more inclusive and productive process where every team member feels valued, informed, and aligned with sprint goals.

3. Time-Box the Planning Meeting

To stay efficient and prevent delays, sprint planning has time-box based on the sprint length. A common practice is allocating two hours of planning per sprint week, so a two-week sprint gets four hours. Sticking to a set time frame keeps discussions focused and avoids unnecessary delays. A structured agenda with clear goals and prepared backlog items boosts productivity. Keeping planning concise yet thorough helps teams stay on track while making essential decisions within the set time.

4. Consider Feedback from Previous Sprints

A successful sprint planning process incorporates lessons learned from previous sprints to continuously improve efficiency and team performance. Reviewing retrospective insights helps teams identify recurring issues, areas for improvement, and best practices. By addressing challenges from past sprints, teams can proactively implement strategies to mitigate potential risks in future iterations. Whether it’s adjusting workload distribution, refining estimation techniques, or improving collaboration dynamics, applying these learnings enhances overall workflow. Regularly integrating retrospective feedback into sprint planning ensures that the team evolves, refines its processes, and consistently delivers high-quality results.

FAQ

The post Sprint Planning: What It Is and How to Do It Effectively? appeared first on Krisp.

While many guides touch on the basics, this article delves deeper into how to merge Google Calendars effectively. It also covers hidden tricks, advanced methods, and tips to make the process seamless and stress-free.

Why Should You Merge Google Calendars? (More Than Just Simplicity)

Merging calendars isn’t just about simplifying your life—it has several practical benefits that often go unnoticed.

Centralized Scheduling

If you manage multiple platforms, such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Calendar, merging everything into Google Calendar creates a single hub for all your scheduling needs. This eliminates the hassle of switching between apps and reduces the risk of missing important meetings.

Time Zone Optimization

For those working with global teams or clients, merging calendars makes it easier to track time zone differences and avoid scheduling conflicts. Google Calendar even has a world clock widget that you can enable to see time zones at a glance.

Backup and Security

When you merge calendars into a single account, you’re essentially consolidating all your scheduling data. This makes it easier to back up your events using tools like Google Takeout. You can download your calendar data for safe storage or even transfer it to another account.

Improved Collaboration

Merging your calendars can improve teamwork by reducing miscommunication. It simplifies event sharing, guest management, and recurring meeting setups. If you frequently collaborate with others, merging ensures everyone is on the same page.

Understanding the Basics of Google Calendar

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand how Google Calendar works. This foundational knowledge will help you make informed decisions when merging.

Primary vs. Secondary Calendars

Every Google account comes with a default “primary” calendar. This calendar is tied to your account and cannot be deleted. Secondary calendars, on the other hand, are additional calendars that users create for specific purposes, such as work projects or fitness schedules. Merging simplifies things by consolidating these secondary calendars into your primary calendar.

Syncing vs. Merging

It’s important to differentiate between syncing and merging. Syncing allows you to view multiple calendars simultaneously, but the data remains separate. Merging, however, permanently combines the events into one calendar, creating a unified experience. Syncing works for short-term needs, while merging is better for long-term organization.

Event Quotas and Limits

Google Calendar has a few limitations, such as a daily maximum of 100,000 events. While this may not be a concern for most users, it’s something to keep in mind if you handle high volumes of recurring events.

Viewing Multiple Calendars Without Merging

If you’re hesitant to merge permanently, you can still view multiple calendars in one place. To do this:

1. Open Google Calendar in your browser.
2. Check the boxes next to the calendars you want to display simultaneously.
3. Use different colors to distinguish between events from various calendars.

This approach keeps the data separate but offers a consolidated view of your schedules. It’s a great option if you’re unsure about committing to a full merge.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Merge Google Calendars

If you want to combine multiple Google Calendars into one, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Google Calendar Settings

Start by opening Google Calendar. Click the settings gear icon in the top right corner and select Settings from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Export Your Calendar Data

In the left sidebar, under the General tab, click Import & Export. Then, click Export to download a ZIP file containing your calendar data. This file includes one or more ICS (iCalendar) files with your scheduled events.

Step 3: Extract the ZIP File

Locate the downloaded ZIP file on your computer. Extract its contents by right-clicking and selecting Extract All(Windows) or double-clicking the file (Mac). This will reveal the ICS files needed for importing your events. Repeat this process for each Google Calendar you want to merge.

Step 4: Add Another Google Account

To consolidate calendars into a different account, go back to Google Calendar’s main page. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Add another account and sign in to the new Google account where you want to merge your calendars.

Step 5: Import Calendar Data

Once signed in, return to Settings and navigate to Import & Export under the General tab. Click Import to begin adding your calendar files.

Step 6: Upload the ICS Files

Click Select File from Your Computer and choose the ICS files you extracted earlier. You can upload them one at a time or in bulk. Once selected, click Import to transfer the events.

Step 7: Review and Organize Your Merged Calendar

Go back to your main calendar view to verify that all events have been imported correctly. Adjust settings, labels, or event details as needed to streamline your new combined calendar.

By following these steps, you now have a unified calendar displaying all your meetings, deadlines, and appointments in one place. Initially, managing everything in a single calendar may take some getting used to, but over time, it will simplify scheduling and organization.

Optimizing Your Calendar After Merging

Once you’ve successfully merged your calendars, the next step is optimization. A well-organized calendar can significantly improve your productivity.

Color Coding

Assign colors to different event categories, such as work tasks, personal appointments, and deadlines. This visual distinction makes it easier to prioritize at a glance.

Time Blocking

Use time blocking to dedicate specific hours to tasks. Google Calendar’s “Goals” feature can automatically schedule recurring activities, such as workouts or study sessions, during your free time.

Duplicate Events

Merging may create duplicate events. Tools like Calendar Cleaner can quickly identify and remove duplicates, saving you time.

Hidden Google Calendar Features You Should Know

Google Calendar isn’t just a basic scheduling tool—it’s packed with features that can save you time, streamline your schedule, and improve your productivity. Some of these features are lesser-known, but they can have a huge impact once you start using them. Let’s dive into these hidden gems:

1. Advanced Search Operators

Ever struggled to find an old event or a specific meeting among dozens of entries in your calendar? Google Calendar allows you to use advanced search operators to pinpoint events quickly.

• Find Old Events: Use the operator before:YYYY-MM-DD to locate events before a specific date. For instance, typing before:2023-01-01 will bring up all events that occurred before January 1, 2023.
• Search for Attachments: Use has:attachment to filter events that include important files or documents. This is particularly useful for locating meeting agendas or project files shared in past events.
• Combine Filters: For even more precision, combine operators like before:YYYY-MM-DD has:attachment to find events within specific criteria.

This feature ensures you don’t waste time scrolling endlessly through your calendar.

2. Offline Mode

There’s nothing more frustrating than losing access to your schedule because of a weak internet connection. Fortunately, Google Calendar offers an offline mode, which allows you to view your schedule and plan your day without being connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Here’s how to enable it:

1. Open Google Calendar on your desktop using Chrome.
2. Go to Settings > Offline and toggle the feature on.
3. The app will download a cache of your events, making them available offline.

While in offline mode, you can’t create or modify events, but you’ll still be able to view existing ones. This feature is perfect for travelers or remote workers who might encounter unpredictable connectivity.

3. Smart Integrations

Google Calendar is highly versatile, and its integrations can transform how you manage your time.

• Voice-Controlled Scheduling: By connecting your calendar to Google Assistant, you can schedule events with simple voice commands. For instance, saying, “Hey Google, schedule a meeting with Sarah for Friday at 3 PM,” will automatically create the event.
• CRM Systems Integration: For business professionals, integrating Google Calendar with CRM tools like Salesforce or HubSpot can sync client meetings, reminders, and task deadlines in one place. This integration ensures no opportunities are missed.
• Project Management Tools: Apps like Trello and Asana can sync with Google Calendar, letting you visualize project deadlines alongside personal events.

These integrations make Google Calendar more than a scheduling app—it becomes a central hub for managing both work and personal commitments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Merging Google Calendars is usually straightforward, but occasional hiccups can arise during the process. Here’s how to address the most common problems:

1. Duplicate Events

One of the most frequent issues when merging calendars is the appearance of duplicate events, which can clutter your schedule and cause confusion.

Solutions:

• Use a Deduplication Tool: Tools like Calendar Cleaner or Event Merge (available as browser extensions or add-ons) can identify and remove duplicate entries automatically.
• Manual Cleanup: If you prefer to do it yourself, sort your events by date and look for repeated entries. You can delete duplicates manually with just a few clicks.

2. Missing Event Details

Sometimes, not all event details transfer during the merging process. This issue is especially common with imported .icsfiles, where notes, attachments, or guest lists might not carry over.

Solutions:

• Check Critical Events: After merging, go through your most important events to ensure all information is intact.
• Export Carefully: When exporting calendar data, ensure that you’ve selected the option to include all event details. For example, in Google Calendar’s export settings, tick the box for attachments if applicable.
• Manually Add Missing Info: If data was lost, you can edit the event and reattach files or notes.

3. Privacy Concerns

Sharing a merged calendar is convenient, but it’s essential to maintain control over sensitive information. Certain events, such as personal appointments or confidential meetings, may need extra protection.

Solutions:

• Mark Events as Private: When creating or editing an event, toggle the visibility setting to “Private.” This ensures that others can see the event’s time slot but won’t have access to the details.
• Separate Personal and Work Calendars: If privacy is a major concern, consider keeping separate calendars for personal and professional use while only sharing the one relevant to your team or collaborators.

How to Manage Multiple Gmail Accounts Efficiently

While Gmail doesn’t offer a direct way to merge accounts, you can manage multiple inboxes more efficiently with a few simple steps:

1. Enable Email Forwarding – In your secondary Gmail account, go to Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAPand enable forwarding to your primary account. This ensures all emails land in one inbox.
2. Send Emails from One Account – Under Settings > Accounts and Import, add your secondary email to the Send mail as section. This allows you to send emails from different addresses while staying in one account.
3. Use Google’s Multiple Sign-in Feature – Instead of constantly logging in and out, enable multiple sign-in to switch between accounts easily.

By setting up these features, you can keep all your emails organized and accessible from a single Gmail interface.

Sending Emails from Your Previous Gmail Account

If you want to send emails from your old Gmail account while managing everything from a new one, follow these steps:

1. Open Gmail Settings in your new account and go to the Accounts and Import tab.
2. Under Send mail as, click Add another email address and enter your old Gmail address.
3. Verify ownership by following the confirmation email sent to your old account.
4. Once verified, select your old email as the sender when composing a new message by clicking the “From” field.

This setup allows you to send emails from your old address without switching accounts.

Backing Up and Transferring Your Old Gmail Emails

To preserve and move your old Gmail emails to a new account, follow these steps:

1. Download Your Emails – Go to Google Takeout, select Mail, and export your data as an MBOX file.
2. Use an Email Client – Import the MBOX file into an email client like Thunderbird to access old emails offline.
3. Transfer Emails to a New Gmail Account – In your new Gmail, go to Settings > Accounts and Import, then select Import mail and contacts to migrate emails from your old account.

This process ensures your old emails are securely backed up and accessible in your new inbox.

Supercharging Your Calendar Workflow with Krisp’s Versatile Features

Once you’ve learned how to merge Google Calendars, your schedule is streamlined and more manageable. But managing your time effectively often goes beyond organizing meetings; it’s about ensuring those meetings are productive and hassle-free. This is where Krisp comes, offering a suite of powerful tools that enhance your virtual communication experience.

Krisp isn’t just about noise cancellation—it’s a comprehensive solution designed to make meetings smoother and more productive. Here’s how Krisp’s products can integrate into your workflow and complement your use of Google Calendar:

1. AI Noise Cancellation

At its core, Krisp’s AI Noise Cancellation technology removes background noises, voices, and echoes from your online meetings. This ensures crystal-clear communication, whether you’re hosting a brainstorming session, participating in a client call, or collaborating with teammates.

• How It Helps with Calendar Management: After merging Google Calendars, your day might be packed with back-to-back meetings. Krisp guarantees that every meeting, regardless of the environment, is free of distractions, letting you focus on the agenda rather than dealing with technical disruptions.

2. Real-Time Meeting Transcription

Krisp offers real-time transcription for meetings and calls, ensuring that nothing important gets missed.

• Key Benefit: This is especially useful if you have overlapping events or back-to-back meetings scheduled on your calendar. You can revisit the transcriptions to ensure you didn’t miss any details from earlier meetings.
• Perfect for Teams: Share meeting transcripts with your team so everyone stays on the same page, even if they couldn’t attend.

3. AI Meeting Notes and Summaries

One of Krisp’s standout features is its ability to automatically generate meeting notes, summaries, and action items from your calls.

• How It Works: While you focus on the conversation, Krisp’s AI analyzes the discussion and creates concise, actionable notes.
• Enhancing Productivity: This feature is perfect for saving time. Instead of manually jotting down notes after every meeting, you can use Krisp’s summaries to stay organized and prioritize follow-up tasks. For meetings scheduled on your merged Google Calendar, this feature ensures you always leave prepared for the next event.

4. Meeting Recording

Krisp also offers automatic meeting recording across all communication platforms, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.

• Why It’s Useful: Whether you’re managing a remote team or preparing presentations for clients, recording meetings ensures you have a record of every discussion. This is particularly helpful for multi-day projects scheduled across your Google Calendar.
• Flexible Access: Recordings are accessible on-demand, making it easier to revisit important conversations whenever needed.

Final thoughts

Merging Google Calendars can be a transformative step in managing your daily life, whether you’re juggling personal commitments, work meetings, or a combination of both. Beyond the basic steps, exploring advanced options, hidden features, and troubleshooting tips ensures your merged calendar becomes a powerful productivity tool.

Hidden Google Calendar features, like search operators and offline mode, can help you optimize your workflow further, while tools like Krisp elevate your meetings with noise cancellation, transcription, and AI-powered summaries. By integrating these advanced tools and techniques, you go beyond simply merging calendars—you create a system that supports focus, clarity, and efficiency.

FAQs

The post How to Merge Google Calendars: Hidden Tips appeared first on Krisp.

Among all the calendar apps available, Google Calendar and Apple Calendar stand out as two of the most popular and widely used options. Both calendars offer a suite of tools to help users stay organized, but they cater to different audiences and needs.

The central question many users face is: Which one is the best for you? Whether you are an Apple enthusiast deeply embedded in the iOS/macOS ecosystem, or a user looking for a more flexible, cross-platform calendar solution, the choice between these two options can make a significant impact on your daily workflow.

This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of Google Calendar and Apple Calendar to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

A Quick Comparison: Google Calendar vs. Apple Calendar

To help you quickly grasp the differences between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar, here is an overview of the most significant distinctions:

At a glance, you can see that Google Calendar excels in flexibility, collaboration, and third-party integrations, while Apple Calendar focuses on simplicity, ease of use, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.

Google Calendar: Broad Availability Across Devices

1. Cross-Platform Support

Google Calendar is one of the most widely accessible calendar apps, supporting nearly all major platforms. Whether you’re using an Android phone, an iPhone, a Windows PC, or a Mac, Google Calendar works effortlessly across all these devices. This cross-platform compatibility is one of its strongest selling points, as it allows users to access their calendar from any device, regardless of their operating system. The app is available as a mobile app on both Android and iOS, and it also features a web interface that can be accessed from any modern browser. This makes Google Calendar a perfect solution for users who switch between different devices or work across multiple platforms.

2. Integration with Google Services

The true power of Google Calendar lies in its deep integration with other Google services. For example, Gmail and Google Meet automatically interact with Google Calendar. If you receive an email with an event invitation, Google Calendar can detect the information in your Gmail inbox and automatically suggest adding the event to your calendar. Similarly, if a meeting is scheduled via Google Meet, it will be directly linked to the event on your Google Calendar, making it easier for you to join virtual meetings with just a click. This integration simplifies the process of organizing events, as you don’t need to manually add meeting details or links — Google Calendar handles everything.

Additionally, Google Drive integrates with Google Calendar to allow users to link relevant files to events. Whether you’re scheduling a work meeting or a personal event, the ability to attach files, spreadsheets, presentations, and more directly within your calendar event makes Google Calendar a central hub for both personal and professional schedules.

3. Google Assistant Integration

As part of the Google ecosystem, Google Calendar integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant, Google’s virtual assistant. You can use voice commands to create events, set reminders, or ask Google Assistant about your upcoming appointments. For instance, you could say, “Hey Google, add a meeting with Jane at 3 PM tomorrow,” and Google Assistant will automatically create the event in your Google Calendar. This voice integration is particularly useful for users who prefer hands-free operation while multitasking or for those with accessibility needs.

Apple Calendar: Best for Apple Users

1. Deep Integration with Apple Ecosystem

Apple Calendar is designed to work best within the Apple ecosystem, which includes devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. For users who already use Apple’s products and services, Apple Calendar offers a seamless experience across all these devices. This integration allows you to manage your calendar without worrying about syncing issues or losing track of events. Once you add an event to your Apple Calendar, it automatically syncs across all devices connected to your Apple ID through iCloud, ensuring your schedule is always up to date, no matter which device you’re using.

For example, if you schedule an appointment on your MacBook, it will instantly appear on your iPhone, iPad, and even your Apple Watch. Likewise, events created on your iPhone will sync with your MacBook, providing a unified calendar experience. The iCloud syncing is especially beneficial for Apple users who want everything synchronized across all their devices without any manual input or troubleshooting.

2. Siri Integration

A hallmark of the Apple ecosystem is its Siri integration, and Apple Calendar makes great use of this feature. With Siri, users can create and manage calendar events through simple voice commands. For example, you can say, “Hey Siri, schedule a lunch with John at 1 PM tomorrow,” and Siri will automatically create the event in Apple Calendar. This hands-free functionality is especially useful for those on the go or for users who prefer voice commands to manual entry. Additionally, Siri can provide event reminders and notify users of upcoming appointments, ensuring that you never miss an important event.

To integrate the calendar with Siri:

Go to Settings > Apps > Calendar.

Tap Siri, then turn on Show in App to allow Siri to suggest events found in other apps.

3. Seamless Integration with Apple’s Native Apps

Apple Calendar also integrates seamlessly with other native Apple apps like Maps and Contacts, enhancing the overall user experience. For instance, when adding an event, you can easily select contacts from your Contacts app, and their details will be attached to the calendar event. Similarly, if you add a location to your event, Apple Calendar works directly with Apple Maps to estimate travel time, providing users with accurate information on how long it will take to get to their destination based on current traffic conditions. This can help ensure that users plan accordingly and avoid being late to events.

Furthermore, Apple Calendar allows for automatic time zone adjustments, which is particularly helpful for those who travel often or attend virtual meetings across different time zones. When scheduling an event in a different time zone, Apple Calendar will automatically adjust for this, preventing any confusion or mistakes when setting the correct time for participants.

4. Privacy and Security

For those who prioritize privacy, Apple Calendar offers one of the best security models. As part of Apple’s commitment to user privacy, Apple Calendar is fully integrated with iCloud, which uses end-to-end encryption for all data stored. This means that your calendar events and details are kept private, with Apple not having access to your personal data. Additionally, since Apple operates under a strict privacy policy, users can feel confident knowing that their data is being handled securely.

Advantages and Disadvantages

When comparing Google Calendar and Apple Calendar, each has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Both apps serve the core purpose of scheduling and managing time, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to user preferences, device ecosystem, and feature needs. Below is an expanded exploration of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Google Calendar

4.3 out of 5 stars

Key features

• Cross-platform accessibility on any device
• Powerful integrations with Google Workspace
• Collaboration-friendly with shared calendars and scheduling tools

Pros

• Highly versatile for business and personal use
• Advanced collaboration features and integration with third-party tools
• Robust search functionality for quickly locating events

Cons

• Limited offline functionality compared to Apple Calendar
• Ads and potential privacy concerns with free accounts
• Cluttered interface for users with multiple calendars

Apple Calendar

3.6 out of 5 stars

Key features

• Native integration with iOS and macOS devices
• Seamless syncing with iCloud
• User-friendly interface with customizable notifications

Pros

• Perfect for Apple ecosystem users with easy syncing across devices
• Clean, intuitive interface ideal for individual users
• Offline access and support for natural language event creation

Cons

• Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices
• Lacks advanced collaboration tools compared to competitors
• No built-in scheduling assistant for finding meeting times

Google Calendar

Pros:

1. Highly Compatible Across Different Platforms (Android, iOS, Web)

Google Calendar’s compatibility across multiple platforms is one of its strongest advantages. It can be accessed and used on Android, iOS, and any modern web browser, which ensures that no matter what device or operating system you use, you can stay connected to your calendar. Whether you’re working from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device, you’ll always have access to your events, making it perfect for individuals who juggle multiple devices across different operating systems. This cross-platform availability is especially valuable for users who may use both Apple and Android devices, or who rely on their browser as a primary interface.

2. Robust Features for Advanced Scheduling, Smart Reminders, and Integrations

Google Calendar is packed with advanced features designed to enhance scheduling efficiency and provide a more powerful tool for managing time. The AI-powered scheduling feature allows the app to suggest optimal meeting times, taking into account everyone’s availability and time zone differences. It can also create events directly from emails in Gmail, automatically adding details such as event times and locations.

Additionally, smart reminders and notifications can be customized to alert you well in advance of an event, ensuring you don’t forget important tasks. Google Calendar’s ability to integrate with a wide variety of third-party applicationslike Zoom, Slack, Trello, and others makes it highly useful for businesses and teams that need to collaborate across multiple platforms. This integration extends the functionality of Google Calendar, allowing users to manage video conferencing, project management, and team communication without needing to leave the calendar interface.

3. Ideal for Teams, Businesses, and Anyone Managing Complex Schedules

Given its advanced features and integrations, Google Calendar is ideal for those who need to manage complex schedules, such as businesses, teams, or individuals working with multiple collaborators. The collaborative scheduling feature makes it easy to find mutually available meeting times, and the shared calendars ensure team members are aligned and on the same page. For businesses that rely on remote teams, clients across different time zones, or frequent video meetings, Google Calendar’s ability to manage these complexities makes it the ideal tool.

Cons:

1. Can Be Overwhelming for Casual Users

While Google Calendar offers an array of features, this can sometimes result in a cluttered interface that might be overwhelming for users who don’t need all the advanced tools. Casual users who simply need to schedule basic appointments might find the variety of options and settings more complicated than necessary. The abundance of features may create a steep learning curve, especially for those who are not familiar with scheduling apps or don’t require complex functions like AI-powered suggestions or integrations with external apps.

2. Lacks the Streamlined Simplicity That Some Users May Prefer

While Google Calendar offers a rich set of tools, it lacks the streamlined simplicity that some users might find more appealing. Its interface, while customizable, can feel busy due to the wide array of features. For users who value a minimalist approach to managing their schedules, the overload of customization options and features might detract from the user experience. Google Calendar is a best fit for power users who are comfortable navigating through its features, but may not be the right choice for someone who seeks a no-frills, straightforward calendar.

Apple Calendar

Pros:

1. Simple, User-Friendly Design with Smooth Integration into the Apple Ecosystem

Apple Calendar stands out for its simplicity and user-friendly design, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including those who are not tech-savvy. The app’s minimalist design provides only the essential features needed for scheduling, which makes it incredibly easy to use without feeling overwhelmed by extraneous options. The intuitive interface allows users to quickly add and edit events without navigating through complex menus.

The seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem is a key advantage. Since Apple Calendar works natively with iCloud, any changes made to your calendar on one Apple device automatically sync across all devices. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, you can easily access and update your events from any device. The integration with Siri further enhances the user experience by allowing you to create and manage events using voice commands, making it perfect for users who prefer hands-free interaction.

2. Great for Users Who Value Minimalism and Efficiency

Apple Calendar is tailored to users who appreciate simplicity and efficiency in their calendar apps. It offers just enough features to handle basic scheduling tasks but doesn’t overwhelm users with too many advanced options. The app’s design and functionality make it ideal for those who want a no-frills solution for organizing their time, whether for personal or professional use. Users who prioritize quick and efficient scheduling over customization will find Apple Calendar to be a reliable and fast option.

3. Tight Integration with Siri, iCloud, and Apple Apps

The tight integration with Siri, iCloud, and other Apple apps elevates Apple Calendar’s user experience. For instance, you can ask Siri to add an event or remind you of an upcoming meeting, and it will automatically sync across your devices. iCloud ensures that your events are always up to date, regardless of which device you’re using. Integration with other Apple apps like Maps and Contacts makes it easier to include location details and event participants directly from your device’s contacts list.

For users already immersed in the Apple ecosystem, these integrations ensure that Apple Calendar functions smoothly across all their devices and apps. This makes it a key tool for staying organized without the need for additional apps or configurations.

Cons:

1. Limited to Apple Devices

The primary downside of Apple Calendar is that it is limited to Apple devices. It is only available on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, meaning that users who also use Windows, Android, or other non-Apple platforms will not be able to access their calendar on those devices unless they use third-party apps or solutions. For users who are part of a mixed-device household or team, this can be a significant limitation, as they would need to rely on Apple-exclusive apps and services.

Additionally, while Apple Calendar is integrated with iCloud, syncing with non-Apple devices or software can be cumbersome, and it doesn’t offer the same level of platform flexibility that Google Calendar provides. This exclusivity could be a barrier for those who require cross-platform compatibility or want to collaborate with users outside the Apple ecosystem.

2. Fewer Advanced Features or Third-Party Integrations

While Apple Calendar offers basic calendar features, it falls short when it comes to advanced scheduling capabilitiesand third-party integrations. It lacks the AI-powered scheduling or event automation found in Google Calendar, which can be a drawback for users who need sophisticated tools for managing complex schedules. For instance, Apple Calendar doesn’t automatically generate events from emails, nor does it provide scheduling suggestions based on participants’ availability.

Furthermore, third-party integrations are limited compared to Google Calendar. While Apple Calendar integrates well with Apple apps, it doesn’t have the same breadth of compatibility with third-party tools used for business and team collaboration. This makes Apple Calendar less suitable for businesses or teams who rely on external productivity apps like Slack, Zoom, or Trello.

Elevate Your Meetings with Krisp: The Smart AI Assistant

Krisp is an advanced AI-powered assistant that simplifies virtual meetings and takes care of tasks like transcriptions, note-taking, and summarizing. With Krisp, you can fully immerse yourself in discussions while it handles the tedious details. This ensures you stay organized and focused.

Here’s how Krisp can enhance your meetings scheduled through Google Calendar or Apple Calendar:

• Real-Time Transcriptions and Summaries: Krisp automatically transcribes everything spoken during the session, so you don’t need to worry about writing notes. Once the meeting concludes, Krisp delivers a streamlined summary, capturing all the important information discussed.
• Actionable Insights: Krisp goes a step further by generating clear action items based on the conversation. This allows you to know precisely what you need to tackle next without having to recall every detail.
• Stay Engaged and Present: With Krisp managing the administrative tasks, you can be fully present in the discussion. 

How to Set Up Krisp in Four Easy Steps

1. Visit the Krisp Website

Head over to krisp.ai and sign up for a free account.

1. Download the Application

After creating an account, download the Krisp app for your computer. The app is available for both Mac and Windows.

1. Complete the Setup

Open the app and follow the user-friendly setup instructions. You’ll be able to sync it with your preferred video conferencing platform, whether it’s Google Meet for Google Calendar users or FaceTime and Zoom for Apple Calendar users.

1. Start Enjoying Krisp

When your next meeting begins, activate Krisp’s AI assistant. It will automatically take care of noise elimination, transcriptions, summaries, and action items, allowing you to concentrate on the conversation.

By integrating Krisp with your Google Calendar or Apple Calendar, you’ll ensure a seamless and organized meeting experience, with enhanced audio quality and automatic documentation. Krisp is the perfect tool for professionals who want to optimize their meetings while staying focused and in control.

Conclusion

Choosing between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar depends on your needs and the ecosystem you use. Google Calendar offers robust features, cross-platform accessibility, and great integration with third-party apps, making it perfect for advanced scheduling and team collaboration. On the other hand, Apple Calendar is ideal for Apple users, offering simplicity, intuitive design, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.

If you’re looking for flexibility and advanced tools, Google Calendar is the way to go. For a streamlined, user-friendly experience within the Apple ecosystem, Apple Calendar is your best choice. Both are excellent, so experiment with both to find which one fits your needs best.

FAQs

The post Google Calendar vs Apple Calendar: Which one to choose? appeared first on Krisp.

In 2025, the market is flooded with options, but not all apps deliver the same level of performance. From AI-powered noise suppression to seamless integration with your favorite tools, the right app can transform your audio experience.

This guide highlights the 6 best noise cancelling apps in 2025, comparing their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. If you’re ready to eliminate distractions and communicate with crystal-clear sound, keep reading to discover the top contenders in noise-canceling technology.

1. Krisp

Krisp is a cutting-edge noise-canceling app that uses AI to eliminate background noise in real time. It’s compatible with virtually any conferencing, streaming, or recording software, making it a versatile choice for professionals and creators alike. The newly added transcription feature lets users upload audio files and generate highly accurate transcripts, taking productivity to the next level. Whether you’re in a bustling café or a noisy home office, Krisp ensures your voice comes through loud and clear.

Best for: Remote professionals, podcasters, and teams seeking superior noise cancellation with added transcription capabilities. 

Krisp

4.7 out of 5 stars

Key features

• AI-powered noise cancellation for crystal-clear audio.
• New transcription feature allows users to upload audio files and generate accurate transcripts.
• Works with any recording or conferencing software, making it a versatile podcasting tool.
• Enhances transcription accuracy by eliminating background noise before recording.

Pros

• Combines noise cancellation and transcription in one tool.
• Improves transcription accuracy by providing cleaner audio input.
• Supports various audio formats for transcription.

Cons

• Transcription feature is still evolving compared to dedicated transcription tools.
• Requires an internet connection for cloud-based processing.

2. Zoom Noise Suppression 

Zoom’s built-in noise suppression is designed to improve audio quality during virtual meetings by automatically minimizing background noises such as typing, fans, or barking dogs. The feature comes with four suppression levels—Auto, Low, Medium, and High—allowing users to customize noise control based on their environment. With its seamless integration into the Zoom platform, it enhances communication clarity without requiring additional installations.

Best for: Business professionals and educators using Zoom as their primary communication tool.

Zoom Noise Suppression

4.6 out of 5 stars

Key features

• Integrated noise suppression for seamless virtual meetings.
• Four levels of suppression to match user needs: low, medium, high, and auto.
• Available on both free and paid plans.

Pros

• No need for third-party apps; built directly into the Zoom platform.
• Customizable levels of noise cancellation for flexibility.

Cons

• Only available within the Zoom ecosystem.
• Limited to real-time noise suppression without additional features.

3. NVIDIA RTX Voice

NVIDIA RTX Voice is a powerful noise-canceling solution that leverages NVIDIA GPUs to deliver real-time noise suppression. Originally designed for gamers and streamers, this app has gained popularity among professionals who require crystal-clear audio during video calls and recordings. Its seamless integration with platforms like OBS, Discord, and Zoom makes it a favorite among content creators. However, it’s limited to systems equipped with NVIDIA GPUs, which may restrict accessibility for some users.

Best for: Gamers, streamers, and professionals using NVIDIA hardware.

NVIDIA RTX Voice

4.5 out of 5 stars

Key features

• Leverages NVIDIA GPUs for real-time noise suppression.
• Optimized for streaming platforms like OBS and Discord.
• Easy integration with Windows-based systems.

Pros

• Exceptional performance for users with compatible NVIDIA hardware.
• Free to use with supported GPUs.

Cons

• Requires specific NVIDIA GPUs to function.
• Limited support for macOS or non-NVIDIA systems.

4. Discord Noise Suppression (Powered by Krisp)

Discord’s integrated noise suppression, powered by Krisp, is a great option for gamers and community managers. This feature automatically removes unwanted background sounds, ensuring clear communication during chats and streams. The best part? It’s free for all Discord users and can be activated with a single click. While it’s tailored for Discord users, the lack of standalone functionality limits its versatility.

Best for: Gamers and community managers using Discord.

Discord Noise Suppression

4.3 out of 5 stars

Key features

• Built-in noise cancellation powered by Krisp.
• Optimized for gaming and online communities.
• Free to use for all Discord users.

Pros

• Simple to enable with no additional downloads required.
• Enhanced voice quality for gamers and streamers.

Cons

• Limited to Discord usage; not a standalone app.
• Doesn’t offer advanced customization options like Krisp’s standalone app.

5. Microsoft Teams Noise Suppression

Microsoft Teams includes a built-in noise suppression feature to improve audio quality during virtual meetings and calls. This tool minimizes background disturbances like keyboard typing, air conditioning, or nearby conversations, allowing for distraction-free communication. The ability to customize noise suppression levels ensures it’s adaptable to various environments. As part of the Microsoft Teams ecosystem, it’s a convenient and accessible solution for enterprise teams and professionals.

Best for: Enterprise teams and professionals using Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams Noise Suppression

4.4 out of 5 stars

Key features

• Automatic noise reduction for virtual meetings.
• Customizable noise suppression levels for personalized experiences.
• Integrated into the Microsoft Teams ecosystem.

Pros

• No extra installation required; built into Microsoft Teams.
• Seamlessly works with other Microsoft 365 tools.

Cons

• Only available within the Microsoft Teams environment.
• Lacks advanced noise suppression features compared to standalone apps.

6. Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software with robust noise reduction features. It’s a favorite among podcasters and audio professionals who need detailed editing and post-production capabilities. Audacity excels at removing unwanted background noise from pre-recorded audio, but it doesn’t offer real-time noise cancellation, making it better suited for offline editing.

Best for: Audio editors, podcasters, and anyone needing post-production noise removal.

Audacity

4.4 out of 5 stars

Key features

• Powerful noise reduction tool for post-production editing.
• Completely free and open-source software.
• Offers advanced audio editing features like equalization and effects.
• Supports a wide range of audio file formats for import and export.

Pros

• Highly customizable and feature-rich for advanced users.
• Free to use with no hidden costs.
• Ideal for detailed audio editing and production tasks.

Cons

• Not suitable for real-time noise cancellation.
• Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to simpler apps.

What to Look For in a Noise Cancelling App

Choosing the right noise-canceling app can significantly improve your audio experience, whether you’re working, gaming, or recording content. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify the perfect app for your needs:

1. Noise-Canceling Quality

• The primary function of a noise-canceling app is to filter out unwanted sounds effectively.
• Look for apps that use AI-powered noise suppression to eliminate distractions like keyboard clicks, background chatter, or traffic noise.
• Ensure the app maintains the natural tone and clarity of your voice while suppressing noise. This is particularly important for meetings, recordings, or streaming, where voice quality matters.

2. Ease of Use

• The best apps are easy to install and require minimal effort to set up.
• Features like one-click activation or automatic noise suppression can save time and reduce frustration.
• A user-friendly interface is key, especially for people who aren’t tech-savvy. Look for apps with intuitive controls and clear instructions.

3. Compatibility

• Make sure the app is compatible with your operating system, whether you use Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
• Verify if it integrates smoothly with platforms you frequently use, like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, OBS, or Slack. Some apps are even optimized for gaming platforms.
• If you use specific hardware like NVIDIA GPUs, check for apps that leverage those capabilities for better performance.

4. Extra Features

Many noise-canceling apps go beyond just suppressing noise. Look for additional features such as:

• Real-time transcription for meeting notes or podcast scripts.
• Voice modulation for content creators or gaming.
• Sound enhancement for richer, clearer audio.
• These extra tools can provide added value, especially if you use audio for professional purposes.

5. Cost

• While there are free noise-canceling apps, premium versions often come with advanced features and better performance.
• Evaluate the pricing structure—monthly, yearly, or lifetime plans—and decide what fits your budget.
• Many apps offer free trials, allowing you to test premium features before committing.

6. User Reviews and Ratings

• Before choosing an app, check out reviews on trusted platforms like G2, Trustpilot, or app stores.
• Look for consistent praise for the app’s performance, reliability, and customer support.
• Pay attention to any recurring complaints, which might indicate potential issues.

7. Customizability

• Different environments have different audio needs, so choose an app that lets you fine-tune settings.
• Adjustable noise suppression levels can help in situations ranging from loud environments to quieter spaces.
• Some apps allow you to choose specific noise types to block, providing more control over your audio.

8. Performance and Resource Usage

• A high-quality app should run smoothly without causing noticeable lag or consuming excessive system resources.
• Lightweight apps are particularly important for users running older systems or multitasking during video calls or streams.

9. Customer Support and Updates

• Reliable customer support ensures you can quickly resolve any issues you encounter.
• Regular updates indicate that the app is continuously improving and adapting to new technology trends.

FAQs

The post 6 Best Noise Cancelling Apps in 2025 appeared first on Krisp.

• Learning how to make a room soundproof for maximum efficiency can create a haven of tranquility.

• An AI Noise Cancellation App that serves as an addition to soundproofing cost-effectively and hassle-free. Specifically, it prevents disruptive sounds from reaching online meeting participants.

Sound vibrations affect us physiologically, neurologically, and biochemically. Precisely, sounds influence our health and well-being. We react to them positively or negatively. How to soundproof a room from the noise that constantly disrupts your peace and productivity?

This article explains how to create a quiet sanctuary to block traffic noise or household sounds through practical and effective techniques. Importantly, it unveils an AI Noise Cancellation Assistant, a leader in real-time Voice AI, that serves as a soundproofing addition to increasing productivity during online interactions.

Sound, Music, and Noise

Did you know normal human ears are sensitive to frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz? But our hearing isn’t limited to this: all detectable sounds can be interpreted into musical “frequency zones” with their “feels.” That’s why knowing how to soundproof a room is more vital than you might think.

What makes sound, music, and noise different?

Sound

Sound is an energy type that vibrations make. “We live surrounded by vibrations that are extremely important in how we perceive the world,” says neuroscientist Daniel Huber. Haven’t you ever listened to the rain and automatically felt a sense of calm?

So, it’s no surprise that sounds are contributing to the future of telecoms. Thanks to sounds, humans and other animals can communicate and understand one another using the pitch of their voice or accent.

Moreover, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), as a bridge between your brain and an external device, enable interaction with machines. Increasingly, they improve object control by translating the user’s brain activity into commands. Thus, BCIs promise to revolutionize the future of work.

Music

Music psychologically affects our emotions. Researchers have revealed that listening to enjoyable music releases dopamine in our brains. Dopamine is a chemical that gives us feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.

For example, according to Oliver Sacks, one of the best-known neurologists, music elicits “emotions and associations that had been long forgotten, giving the patient access once again to mood and memories, thoughts and worlds that had seemingly been completely lost.” That’s why patients become unchained by melody.

Conversely, disruptive background noises negatively affect our feelings and emotions. And this once again highlights the importance of knowing how to soundproof a room by canceling noise.

Noise

The term “noise” has different usages, such as sounds at deafening levels and unwanted sounds. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, noise means sound, especially one “that lacks an agreeable quality or is noticeably unpleasant or loud.”

According to Hans Ising and Bernd Kruppa, scientists specializing in environmental health, noise can be a non-specific biological stressor. The latter can elicit reactions that prepare the body for fight or flight.

For example, high levels of noise and sounds immensely affect our physical and mental health. Specifically, they can cause hearing loss and reduced well-being, as the National Library of Medicine states.

Before Learning How to Soundproof a Room: Identifying the Source of Noise

Interested in “How do you soundproof a room so others can’t hear?” First, identify the type of noise you’re dealing with.

• Noise Can Be Airborne: It travels through the air and refers to sounds like voices, music, and traffic. For instance, noise from your neighbors chatting or cars honking outside is airborne.

• Impact Noise: This type of noise happens when objects collide, causing vibrations to travel through floors and walls, unlike airborne noise. For example, impact noise comes from someone walking heavily or dropping something upstairs. It can be disruptive, especially in multi-story buildings.

Knowing the difference between noise types helps you pick the proper soundproofing techniques for your space. These techniques can include blocking footsteps from the apartment above or a chair scraping the floor.

Most Common Soundproofing Materials or Methods

Soundproofing doesn’t let sound enter or leave a space. For instance, adding mass-loaded vinyl to walls prevents noise from seeping into a room.

You may ask, “What’s the difference between soundproofing and sound-absorbing?” The latter reduces echo to improve sound quality in a room. Acoustic panels or foam, for example, help absorb sound waves, making a recording studio or home theater clearer and less reverberant.

So, soundproofing keeps noise in or out, while sound-absorbing enhances the sound environment inside a room.

Now, let’s discuss the best materials to block sound.

What Is the Best Material to Block Sound?

Creating a quiet space involves using various soundproofing methods. For instance, you can choose an AI Meeting Assistant for Noise Cancellation or equipment, such as acoustic panels and noise-canceling headphones.

Let’s discuss how to soundproof a room using different materials and techniques to block noise.

Gaps and Cracks

Noise loves to sneak in through tiny gaps around doors and windows. So, use weatherstripping tape to seal these gaps. Moreover, you can apply acoustic caulk to larger cracks because it’s flexible and easy to fix.

Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels are foam or fabric-covered boards that absorb sound waves and reduce echoes. Consider mounting them on walls to reduce echoes and airborne noise, especially in a recording studio, home theater, or living room.

Dense Walls

Heavier walls more successfully prevent sound transmission. So, consider adding mass by installing mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) sheets or extra drywall layers. Applying MLV behind drywall can be one of the best answers to the question, “How to soundproof a room?”

Carpets and Rugs

Hard floors can make the noise worse. Thankfully, you can absorb unwanted sounds by adding thick carpets or area rugs. Additionally, you can lay down carpets or area rugs to absorb impact noise. Add dense underlays beneath them for better results.

Soundproof Doors

Standard doors often lack soundproofing qualities. So, replacing them with solid-core doors will enhance the soundproofing effect because they’re denser. Moreover, adding a door sweep can help seal the gap at the bottom of the door.

Decoupled Walls and Ceilings

Decoupling creates a gap between surfaces to stop sound vibrations from passing through. So, using resilient channels or sound isolation clips can help separate drywall from wall studs, serving as another great answer to the question, “How to soundproof a room?” This method is more involved but effectively reduces airborne and impact noise.

Soundproof Curtains

Heavy, dense curtains can help block a surprising amount of noise. So, use them over windows and doorways to dampen external sounds. These curtains are especially useful in bedrooms and living rooms.

How to Make a Room Soundproof from Traffic Noise

Even traffic noise with moderate sound pressure levels (SPLs) affects us negatively. According to researchers Asakura and Tsujimura, household sounds, such as those with much lower SPLs than road traffic noise, can affect cognitive performance. The sound pressure level parameter represents how loud a speaker is.

Learning how to soundproof a room can start by:

• Using weatherstripping or acoustic caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors
• Installing double-glazed windows, window films, or window inserts for better sound insulation
• Using heavy soundproof curtains to absorb sound waves before they enter a room
• Adding acoustic panels to walls to absorb unwanted sounds
• Placing thick rugs or carpets on floors can help effectively absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels.

How to Soundproof a Room from Noisy Neighbors

Now, let’s see how to soundproof a room in an apartment from noisy neighbors. Did you know background noises, including chewing sounds, decrease learning efficiency, and quiet environments increase it?

To soundproof your room:

• Use weatherstripping to seal gaps surrounding doors and windows.
• Add heavy curtains to windows to block noise.
• Use rugs or carpets to absorb sound.
• Place bookshelves against shared walls for extra insulation.
• Add a stud wall against a party wall to create a small void to reduce sound.
• Install acoustic panels on the walls to further reduce noise.
• Consider a double-skin of brick with an internal cavity void injected with polystyrene insulation to reduce the noise through the party wall.

How to Soundproof Your Bedroom

What about soundproofing your bedroom?

• Add thick, heavy curtains for your windows to block outside noise
• Use weatherstripping to seal the gaps around windows and doors so sound can’t sneak in
• Place a plush rug or carpet on the floor to absorb sound
• Add some throw pillows or wall tapestries to soften echoes.
• Use acoustic panels for walls to dampen sound
• Consider placing a large bookshelf against a shared wall to reduce noise from the neighboring apartment.

How to Soundproof Ceilings and Floors

To soundproof ceilings:

• Install acoustic panels or a drop ceiling with sound-absorbing tiles to reduce noise from upstairs neighbors.

To soundproof floors:

• Use thick carpets or rugs to absorb sound.
• Add a dense underlay beneath the carpet to minimize noise from the floor below.
• Install mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) under floorboards or use rubber floor mats to improve the quietness of your space.

Can You Soundproof Existing Walls?

Learning how to soundproof a room also means knowing how to soundproof the existing walls.

• Seal any gaps or cracks with acoustic caulk to block sound leaks.
• Add a layer of mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) behind the drywall to reduce noise transmission.
• Hang heavy tapestries or blankets on the walls.
• Use furniture against adjoining walls, such as built-in bookshelves filled with books, to dampen noise from the neighboring apartment.
• Consider installing acoustic panels, which are both practical and decorative.

How to Soundproof a Room for Music

Soundproofing a room for music requires taking several practical steps:

• First, consider installing acoustic panels on the walls. For instance, guitarists often use panels for sound clarity. This option can cost around $30 each.

• Second, add mass to the walls with mass-loaded vinyl (MLV). For example, drummers often opt for this option, which can cost about $2-$5 per square foot.

• Finally, use thick rugs or carpets on the floor. For instance, singers often prefer this studio option to absorb sound and reduce echo.

How Much Does It Cost to Soundproof a Room?

Learning how to soundproof a room also means knowing how much you’ll spend. The cost of soundproofing varies depending on the methods and materials used.

• Sealing gaps with weatherstripping and acoustic caulk, which might cost around $20-$50, is a budget-friendly option.
• Besides, you can add heavy curtains to windows, ranging from $30 to $100.
• Moreover, you may opt for acoustic panels, which cost about $20-$50 per panel. A typical room might need at least eight to ten panels.
• Mass-loaded vinyl might cost about $2-$5 per square foot.
• Acoustic panels and weatherstripping cost around $300 in total.
• High-end professional soundproofing can exceed $1,000. It can include flat or curved acoustic panels, ceiling tiles, diffusers, doors, and soundproof windows designed to provide privacy and harmonic accuracy.

When discussing how to soundproof a room, you may also wonder, “What is the cheapest way to soundproof a wall?” The most cost-effective way is to use effective, budget-friendly materials.

• Consider weatherstripping tape or acoustic caulk to seal gaps and cracks: this can cost around $10-$20
• Hang thick blankets or quilts on the walls: these options are under $30.
• Use egg crate foam, which can cost around $15-$25 per pack.
• Acoustic panels made from foam or fabric offer a more decorative approach. If you need them, be ready to spend around $20-$40 per panel.

Use Krisp to Soundproof a Room from Noise, Voice, & Echo

We’ve discussed materials and physical objects that you can use to block sounds. What about using AI to block sounds? After all, the increasingly virtual world has revolutionized how we live and work, and we need new methods to remove disruptive noises and voices.

Traditional office spaces are in the past. So, you should achieve unmatched production efficiency in unconventional workplaces, such as coworking spaces or when working from home.

Specifically, numerous studies have examined how environmental factors, including sound and visuals, affect our intellectual productivity. Interestingly, we can quantitatively maintain tasks when we perceive sounds with low SPLs as noise. However, qualitative performance deteriorates.

Moreover, our vision influences our hearing and vice versa. For example, when it comes to sight and sound, most of us can successfully identify visual stimuli if no other senses are involved. However, according to psychologist Ladan Shams, what we hear typically affects what we see.

Use Krisp to Make a Room Soundproof

Imagine you’re in a virtual meeting, and your neighbor’s footsteps upstairs or family chatting disrupt your meeting. Frustrating right? And what about barking dogs, crying babies, keyboard clicks, room echoes, street noises, or unpleasant acoustics?

No worries. The AI-powered Noise-Cancelling App Krisp best shows you how to enjoy a sanctuary of silence amidst the chaos.

Krisp is a leader in Voice AI. What users like most about Krisp is its exceptional audio quality and clarity for online communication.

So, if you want to know how to soundproof a room from outside noise or how to soundproof a room from inside noise to enjoy noise-free virtual meetings or recordings, ask Krisp.

• Krisp’s Noice Cancellation or Filtering system removes background noises, voices, and echoes in real time to help you enhance productivity and efficiency. Krisp offers microphone and speaker noise removal, and acoustic echo cancellation. And this feature is also great for singers who can use Krisp to record clean vocals.

• Krisp’s Automatic Recording works across all communication apps to help you save your discussions to improve collaboration.

• Krisp’s Meeting Multilingual Transcription transcribes meetings in real time, allowing you to focus on the essence of meetings instead of note-taking.

• Krisp’s Meeting Note-Taking and Summarizing feature generates meeting notes, summaries, and action items, so you can never lose valuable information.

As a result, Krisp empowers you to complete intellectual tasks. How? As you read above, low-level sounds negatively affect intellectual tasks, disturbing us and making us stressed and less concentrated.

Krisp works with any virtual conferencing app or platform, including Zoom and Google Meet. Finally, Krisp is the best answer to “How can I soundproof my room cheap?”

And as we move forward, the development of BCI technology and AI Meeting Assistants might combine these technologies to take meeting transcriptions and note-taking to new heights. Who knows?

Final Words

Knowing how to soundproof a room can transform your space into a peaceful haven. Whether you need quiet relaxation or an ideal environment for work or music, you can take specific steps to block sound.

For example, consider sealing gaps, adding acoustic panels, and using mass-loaded vinyl, heavy curtains, or thick rugs to reduce unwanted noise. Additionally, use the AI Noise-Canceling technology Krisp as an addition to enhancing your soundproofing efforts and delivering a high-quality and crisp voice during online interactions.

Combining physical soundproofing methods with AI Meeting Assistant Krisp effectively creates a quiet and productive space.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post How to Soundproof a Room appeared first on Krisp.

What is Noise Cancellation?

Noise cancellation is a technology designed to reduce unwanted sound. Whether it’s for enjoying music, enhancing concentration, or ensuring clearer conversations, noise cancellation makes it possible to tune out distractions and focus on what matters.

How Does Noise Cancelling Work?

Noise cancellation operates through different methods, each tailored to combat noise in unique ways. Let’s look at the main types:

Passive Noise Cancellation

Passive noise cancellation is about creating a physical barrier that blocks external sounds. This can be as simple as the design of over-ear headphones that naturally muffle noises. It’s straightforward and effective for blocking out general ambient sounds.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Active noise cancellation takes a more sophisticated approach. It involves using microphones to pick up external noise and then producing a counter sound wave that neutralizes the noise. This “anti-noise” process is particularly effective against low-frequency sounds, such as the drone of an airplane engine. AirPods, for instance, have an Active Noise Cancellation mode. This relies on an outward-facing mic that analyzes and detects noise coming from the outside and an inward-facing mic that listens for and cancels noises that escape from the external mic.

Tip: We’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to provide you with comprehensive headset information and help you decide which headphones are the right ones for your various use cases.

Adaptive Noise Cancellation

Adaptive noise cancellation builds on ANC by adjusting to changing noise environments in real-time. This ensures the level of noise reduction is always optimized, whether you’re in a quiet library or a noisy café.

Adjustable Noise Cancellation

With adjustable noise cancellation, you have the power to control how much of the outside world you let in. This feature is great for maintaining awareness of your surroundings while still enjoying the benefits of noise cancellation.

Transparency Mode

Transparency mode, sometimes called ambient mode, allows you to hear important sounds around you without removing your headphones. It’s a smart feature for those who want to stay connected to their environment.

Key Differences Between Noise Cancelling Methods

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick comparison:

Taking It a Step Further: Noise Cancelling Software

But noise-cancelling headphones don’t fix all of your problems. While you won’t hear your dog barking or electronic devices making buzzing sounds, others will.

That’s where new systems come in to end the noise problem.

While hardware-based solutions have significantly advanced noise cancellation, software solutions like Krisp represent a paradigm shift. Krisp utilizes artificial intelligence to identify and filter out background noise in real-time, offering a software-based approach to noise cancellation. This method is particularly useful in communication applications, ensuring clear audio transmission in calls and recordings, irrespective of environmental noise.

What Sets Krisp Apart

Krisp’s noise cancellation technology leverages deep neural networks to process audio in real-time, distinguishing between the human voice and background noise. Krisp’s technology stands out by not only removing incoming noise but also ensuring that the sound you transmit is crystal clear, free from any background disturbances. It’s a versatile solution that works across various platforms and devices, enhancing communication in professional and personal settings alike.

Here’s Krisp in action:

Features That Make Krisp’s Voice Clarity a Game-Changer

• Advanced Noise Cancellation: Krisp’s AI-driven technology filters out background noise in real-time, offering a superior noise cancellation experience.
• Echo Cancellation: It eliminates echo, making your calls sound more natural and clear.
• High Compatibility: Krisp works with a wide range of communication apps, making it versatile and easy to integrate into your workflow.
• User-Friendly: With a simple setup and intuitive interface, Krisp is accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.
• Comprehensive AI Meeting Assistant: Alongside superior noise cancellation, Krisp provides automatic transcription, AI-generated meeting notes, and a recording feature, transforming it into an all-in-one platform for capturing and managing meeting details effortlessly.

Conclusion: Embracing the Quiet Revolution

Noise cancelling technology offers a respite from the noisy world around us. From passive methods to advanced solutions like Krisp, the ability to control what we hear is more accessible than ever. As we continue to navigate life’s soundscapes, technologies like Krisp ensure that we can do so with clarity and focus.

Whether you’re looking to improve your concentration or simply enjoy your music without interruptions, understanding how noise cancellation works, and exploring solutions like Krisp, can enhance your audio experience in profound ways.

For more insights into specific platforms, here are our best resources to help you get started with using noise cancellation:

• Why Noise Cancelling Headphones Aren’t Enough?
• Zoom Noise Cancellation Guide
• What is Acoustic Echo Cancellation?
• How to Suppress Background Noise in Microsoft Teams?
• How to Remove Background Noise in Google Meet
• How to Reduce Background Noise on Microphone

Frequently Asked Questions

The post How Does Noise Cancelling Work? appeared first on Krisp.

Yet, you might not know Zoom is also one of the pioneers in noise cancellation technology. If you make conference calls, you know how distracting and annoying background noises can get. 

Keyboard typing, barking dogs, and crying kids – all these noises can affect the productivity of your call.

Thankfully, Zoom provides the capability to eliminate these unwanted sounds, facilitating professional-quality conference calls. However, it’s important to note that Zoom noise suppression features may not always perform optimally. By delving into the specifics of Zoom noise cancellation, users can markedly improve the audio quality of their meetings. On a separate note, fine-tuning the settings for Zoom noise suppression can further aid in reducing background distractions.

In this guide, we’re going over how you can get started with background noise removal on Zoom and try advanced methods for cancelling unwanted sounds and echoes.

• What is Zoom noise cancellation?
• How to turn off Zoom noise cancellation?
• How do I reduce background noise in Zoom?
• How to cancel out background noise completely?
• More tips for better Zoom meetings and high-performance sound 

What is Zoom noise cancellation?

August 2018. Zoom just announced and added the long-awaited persistent background noise cancellation feature. According to Zoom, this function automatically detects and blocks background noise, such as keyboard typing.

This function is switched on by default, so you don’t have to do anything in the settings. When you make calls using Zoom, noise cancellation automatically works in the background, and you don’t need to worry about turning it on.

However, sometimes you don’t need to remove background noises completely. For example, if you’re teaching online guitar classes, the enabled noise cancelling feature will do more harm to you than good. That’s because your students simply won’t hear you playing. In such cases, it’s better to turn off the default Zoom noise cancellation feature.

How to turn off Zoom noise cancellation?

To disable the Zoom noise cancellation feature, you need to enable the preservation of original sound. It’s not as difficult as it sounds. 

Preserving the original sound means that other call participants will hear the original audio from your microphone, without the audio-enhancing effect and noise cancelling feature of the app.

This option is great when you have a high-quality microphone. Or, maybe you just want the other call participants to hear clear audio like in the case with music classes. 

So if you’d like to turn off Zoom noise cancellation, you’ll need to enable preserving original sound:

1. Log in via your Zoom desktop client and click on your profile picture.
2. Select Settings > Audio.
3. Under Music and Professional Audio, you’ll find the Show in-meeting option to enable “Original Sound” feature.

To suit your exact event type, you can select the High fidelity music mode, Echo cancellation, or Stereo audio.

And, that’s it. 

Now, the Original Sound setting will show up in the top left corner of your next meetings. No extra updates needed.

You can also do this on a mobile app:

1. Sign in to the Zoom mobile app and tap the Settings button.
2. Choose Meetings.
3. Under Audio, turn on the Use Original Audio toggle.

How do I reduce background noise in Zoom?

To do this, you only need to take a few steps:

1. Open Zoom’s desktop app on your Mac or Windows device.
2. Click on the Settings icon.
3. Select the Audio section.
4. Under the Suppress background noise section, select the level of suppression you need for your most common use cases. Auto is the default setting but this will commonly apply moderate background noise reduction. It can also adapt to new sounds it detects in the background, but won’t treat background music as an unwanted sound. We’d recommend opting for the High level if you want to reduce sounds like wrappers flying around, paper crunching, or keyboard typing.

How to cancel out background noise completely?

But Zoom’s noise-reducing capabilities don’t completely remove background noises. Sometimes there’s so much persistent background noise that the built-in noise cancellation may not be enough. 

Or maybe you often switch between communication apps, making work calls with Zoom, personal calls via Google Meet, and sending quick video messages through Loom.

In such cases, Krisp can help you cancel out background noise and have a productive noiseless experience.
When considering Zoom vs Google Meet, it’s essential to compare their noise cancellation features, as each platform offers different strengths in minimizing distractions during calls.

What is Krisp?

Krisp is an AI-powered noise cancelling app that removes background noise from your calls with one click. With a single click, it helps you have a productive and professional conferencing experience without background noise.

Plus, Krisp can block background noise on both ends of the call. You can cancel noise on your side with Krisp Microphone so that other call participants can only hear your voice. Conversely, if there is a lot of background noise coming from other participants, Krisp Speaker can help you don’t hear their noises.

[demo-new]

It seamlessly works with any conferencing app, including Zoom. Here’s how you can easily set up Krisp with Zoom.

1. Download the Krisp app.

2. Follow the Krisp Setup Wizard instructions to install Krisp.

3. After this, open Zoom and select Settings > Audio tab.

4. From there, select Krisp Speaker and Krisp Microphone.

5. Now start a Zoom call and switch on the Remove Noise toggle in Krisp.

That’s all! Try Krisp app during your next Zoom call and feel the difference for yourself.

Wondering how Krisp compares with classic Zoom noise cancellation? Take a look at this video review:

If you’re a Mac user, here’s a helpful video on how to set up Krisp with Zoom on Mac to start removing common noise distractions.

If you don’t have the Zoom app installed yet, download Zoom for Mac.

And if you’re a PC user, here’s the tutorial on how to set up Krisp with Zoom on Windows.

How can I remove echo in Zoom?

Zoom has a built-in echo cancellation feature which, in most cases, is turned on by default:

You can further edit its effectiveness by heading over to your profile picture icon > Audio > Advanced:

There you currently [Zoom keeps changing the way they manage echo] have the option to choose between Auto and Aggressive. Auto echo cancellation works best for online events with multiple participants and an audience or for live music events. The Aggressive option, on the other hand, is best suited for regular meetings where no echoes are welcomed as they can disturb the session.

Krisp takes echo cancellation one step further by removing the echoes bouncing off of the walls or other hard surfaces in the room you’re taking your call from. So you can literally take calls from anywhere. On top of this, Krisp even takes care of pesky acoustic echoes your overly-sensitive microphone could cause. Zoom currently has no solution for the latter recurrent problem.

More tips for better Zoom meetings and high-performance sound 

Background noise cancellation and echo removal are just two of the many aspects to consider for a high-quality Zoom session. I’ll also take you through some extra tricks for guaranteeing the quality of your audio, whether it’s for live meetings or recordings:

Using the right equipment

Whether you’re using Zoom’s noise cancellation independent or alongside Krisp, both tools work with any headset or earset including a wireless or corded headset and mic. 

A condenser mic though is best suited for voice recordings like webinars or podcasts. Condenser mics are more sensitive and responsive, while dynamic ones are suited for extreme conditions and work for musical performances where you’ve got both singers and a complete band on the same stage.

You’ll also want to add in a pop filter or windscreen if you want to record outside on a windy day or you’ve had enough of the “p” and “b” sounds that distort your final recording.

Bonus tip: An appropriate environment plays a huge part in the quality of a recording. While Krisp helps you get that HD voice recording, if you plan on using Zoom’s noise cancellation only, you’ll appreciate shock absorbers across your recording room.

[demo-new]

Maintaining peak device performance

Zoom noise cancellation can increase CPU utilization. So you’ll want to use it sparingly for important events like webinars or other types of live streams. However, Zoom noise cancellation feature is specifically designed to enhance audio quality by filtering out background noise, making it indispensable for professional and clear communication.

For these, however, it’s super important to maintain a high-quality sound. So instead of ditching noise cancellation, use a tool like Krisp which requires less work from your system. Just switch to the optional low power mode when you’re running many taxing programs to minimize CPU usage. Talk about the best of both worlds!

Improving Zoom meeting quality in time using past insights

In addition to noise and echo cancellation, Krisp pairs with HD-supported devices to maintain crystal clear audio quality at all times. This is perfect for podcasts or events you need to record as you won’t need to take the entire recording through a complex post-editing process.

Besides audio quality, you’ll also want to consider improving your communication skills and providing a top-notch meeting experience to your team, clients, students, or event attendees. 

Krisp’s Talk Time gives you real-time insight into your meeting participation by showing you how much time you spent speaking during a call. This allows you to keep your own engagement in check and know when it’s time to let others speak. 

If you want to prevent wasting too much time in Zoom sessions, just track call performance using Krisp’s Call Summary. This answers common questions you might have had before like:

• How long do our meetings usually last?
• How much time is every person speaking? Are there any meetings where we’re losing precious time in silence?
• How much noise has Krisp canceled? 

Bonus tip 2: If you’d like transcripts for your Zoom meetings, check out how to transcribe zoom meetings free using Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant feature.

For seamless and cost-effective transcription of your Zoom meetings, consider leveraging the innovative Krisp’s AI Zoom Transcription feature, which utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to accurately and effortlessly convert your meeting conversations into text.

Wrapping up

Hopefully, this tutorial will help you to block background noise from your Zoom meetings and enjoy productive conference calls. If you have any questions, ask us on Twitter. 

The post Zoom Noise Cancellation: How to Eliminate Background Noise & Echo appeared first on Krisp.

The goal of the test is to have objective comparative evaluations of Krisp standalone SDK and top competitors in the market – Zoom, Teams, Meet, Webex.

• For the sake of fairness and neutrality, we have collaborated with a 3rd party company, SigmaConnectivity Lab to develop the testing environment.
• The test conforms with MicrosoftTeams specification v4 chapter 4.4.1 Send Path – Send Quality In The Presence of Ambient Noise.

2) About SigmaConnectivity lab

SigmaConnectivity is a Swedish global tech-house that offers a wide range of design, testing, and measuring services for Audio products.

They provide access to their Anechoic and ETSI Rooms equipped with Head and Torso Simulator, Acoustic Simulations, and Field Measurements system that allows performing tests according to global standards.

Their Audio and Acoustics labs are capable to measure sound and vibrations and do various acoustic simulations. They also have the capability to design complex acoustic and audio systems in all kinds of products like mobile phones, loudspeakers, and headsets.

3) Test Setup

3-1) Devices under test

The following devices have been used for the testing.

• Headset: Jabra Evolve 40
• Headset: Plantronics Voyager Focus
• Personal Speakerphone: HP Firefly 15 G8 built-in Mic

3-2) Noises

Per MicrosoftTeams specification the noise types depend on the device type.

3-2-1) Noises for Headsets

• Mensa Binaural
• Work Noise Office Callcenter Binaural
• Male Single voice Distractor Binaural

3-2-2) Noises for Personal Speakerphone

• Mensa Binaural
• Work Noise Office Callcenter Binaural
• Male Single voice Distractor Binaural
• Cafeteria noise Binaural
• Train Station Binaural

3-3) App setup

For all the apps (except Krisp), we’ve made a call with the app and captured sending signal recorded from DUT on the Reference PC and used that as the processed file for 3QUEST evaluations. AGC was turned ON for each of the clients.

In order to get audio files with Krisp processing independent of the audio pipeline, we’ve used Krisp Test Noise Cancellation.

4) Test results

As per the specification, there are two quality levels – Standard and Premium which are defined based on minimal and average 3QUEST values of each use case.

For reference note that:

• N-MOS (Noise Mean Opinion Score) shows the quality of noise removal
• S-MOS (Speech Mean Opinion Score) shows the quality of preserved voice
• G-MOS (Global Mean Opinion Score) shows the overall quality including speech and background noise

Note that the difference of 0.2 points in any of the scores is perceived by humans and makes a real difference.

Below we’ll bring some conclusions based on the results. The processed audio quality depends on the captured signal, i.e. DUT. So we’ll analyze the results for each device separately.

4-1) Test results with Jabra Evolve 40

This chart illustrates the difference in the default settings of all the apps under test. It clearly indicates that with this device Krisp leads the list and has an impressive difference in all 3 scores.

• ahead by 0.15 points for G-MOS
• ahead by 0.2 points for S-MOS
• ahead by 0.13 points for N-MOS

It’s clear that there is always a tradeoff between the Noise removal and Voice keeping qualities of the models. Chat clients provide different options that allow controlling the NC level. When increasing the noise removal aggressiveness, there is always a decrease in speech quality. In the below chart, we bring comparative results for all available modes of the chat clients where we see this phenomenon – wherever N-MOS is increased we see a decrease in S-MOS value.

Nevertheless, Krisp leads the list and has the highest G-MOS score among the others.

Below is a detailed report per average and per minimum values for all the apps under test with the following color coding

• Green → Premium Quality
• White → Standard Quality
• Red → Below Microsoft spec standards

4-2) Test results with Plantronics Voyager Focus

The chart illustrating the difference in the default settings of all the apps indicates that Krisp has a huge in G-MOS, it’s:

• ahead by 0.4 points for G-MOS
• ahead by 0.13 points for S-MOS
• ahead by 0.13 points for N-MOS

Again Krisp leads the list of all possible modes of all apps.

Moreover, with the Plantronics headset, not all chat clients meet the minimum voice quality requirements, and Krisp is ahead here as well. You can see the overall distribution of scores in the table below.

4-3) Personal speakerphone: HP Firefly 15 G8 built-in Mic

The chart illustrating the difference in the default settings of all the apps in this case too indicates that Krisp has a huge in G-MOS, it’s:

• ahead by 0.42 points for G-MOS
• ahead by 0.14 points for S-MOS
• ahead by 1.08 points for N-MOS

Actually, the chart below shows that in the cases where the S-MOS value of other apps is close to Krisp’s result, N-MOS is extremely low (2.7-2.8) indicating a bad noise canceling quality of the model.

In fact, the built-in mic is the hardest case for all the NC algorithms, but again Krisp is the winner here. Interestingly Teams Auto outperforms Webex here which was in second place for both headsets.

5) Conclusion

What is clearly visible in all charts is that Krisp HQ is the absolute winner in all cases. Even Krisp LP outperforms the competitors – among all 3 devices and all test cases there’s only one case (min value with Built-in mic) where Krisp LP yields its honorable second place to Teams Auto with a difference of just 0.1 points in G-MOS and still outperforming the majority of others in both N-MOS and S-MOS.

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.

In general, the performance of all the apps highly depends on the captured signal by the headset. And that’s the reason for the difference in results for Jabra and Plantronics. With Jabra, the results are flatter, which indicates a good quality of captured audio. Krisp’s advantage is in providing a similar NC experience with different devices.

ALL THE REFERENCE FILES AND RECORDINGS ARE AVAILABLE AND CAN BE SHARED UPON REQUEST – Krisp team

The post Krisp Noise Cancellation Comparison vs Zoom, MS Teams, Meet & Webex appeared first on Krisp.

And you’re definitely not alone in struggling to find quiet in your workday. In the 2019 Noise and Wellbeing at Work Survey, 65% of respondents said “noise in the workplace impacted on their ability to complete work in an accurate and timely manner,” and 44% said it hurt their overall wellbeing.

So what can you do to block out noise during your meetings? Below, we’ll go over noise cancellation solutions that will ensure your next call goes off without a hitch.

But first, do you actually need noise cancellation?

What Is Noise Cancellation? And Do You Even Need It?

Technically speaking, active noise cancelling occurs when a device picks up on background noise and then puts out certain frequencies that “cancel” the offending noise. These emitted frequencies are sometimes called “anti-sound.” That’s how Bose noise-cancelling headphones work; they actually create sound to block out sound.

But, in everyday conversation, people use “noise cancelling” to mean anything that eliminates or reduces sound, which could also be called soundproofing, such as when you put up double-pane windows to block outside sound. There’s also sound masking, such as when you play white noise to drown out disruptive sounds.

For the this article, we’ll consider any solution that minimizes or eliminates unwanted noise to be a “noise cancellation solution”—whether it’s technically noise cancellation or not. The goal here is to help you find ways to have productive online meetings without distractions!

How Do I Cancel Out Noise?

Before we dive into noise cancelling solutions for meetings (which can get pricey and complicated), let’s get the best part out of the way: There is an easy and free way to make sure your online meetings are noise-free: the Krisp app. With Krisp, you can get started with free noise cancellation minutes, and go unlimited by upgrading to a premium plan. Learn more about the available Krisp plans.

[demo-new]

Instead of shelling out money for fancy equipment or wasting time changing your office setup, you can have noise-free meetings in just a few minutes. And the best part is that Krisp works with more than 800 apps, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.

Noise Cancelling for Meetings: 10 Solutions You’ll Wish You’d Tried Sooner

Noise Cancelling Headphones With Microphone

Did you know you can get headphones that have built-in active noise cancellation and microphones? An example of this is the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which use a total of eight microphones inside and outside of the earcups that listen to your environment and then emit the exact frequencies that cancel unwanted noise, so you can hear your meeting attendees clearly. or more detailed headset information, it’s worth noting that these headphones also pick up on your voice and suppress background noise so the attendees can hear you clearly too.
When considering different options, conducting a thorough headset comparison which includes detailed headset information can help you choose the best model for your needs.

Check out our list of the top 7 noise cancelling headphones.
If you’re trying to decide which one is right for you, our detailed headset comparison will help you find the perfect match for your needs.

Noise Cancelling USB Microphones

Now, maybe two-way noise cancelling isn’t important to you. Maybe you just want to get rid of the sound coming from your environment so callers can hear you. In that case, you might want to invest in noise cancelling microphones that you can use during your meetings.

Yes, some microphones do come with built-in noise cancellation or voice-isolating technology, with varying levels of effectiveness. Just know that some of these microphones are quite expensive, up to the $400 range.

One fantastic candidate is the Shure MV7 USB mic. The MV7’s groundbreaking Voice Isolation Technology is unique in that it doesn’t use software algorithms. It’s surprisingly low-tech. As the Shure website explains: “It’s a fully passive system of carefully engineered airflow, which means it doesn’t need power to function.” 

It goes on to say, “At the core of the MV7 sits a cartridge built specifically for use at home, designed to keep as much room sound out as possible.” The MV7 particularly shines when it comes to low-frequency sounds such as air conditioners or traffic and is pretty good at reducing reverb too.

To use it for a meeting, plug the MV7 into your laptop’s USB port. Be sure to then adjust your web conferencing audio settings to the MV7 microphone as the input. You can then use the onboard speakers or plug in your headphones to listen to audio of the meeting.

Noise Cancelling Ceiling Microphone for Conference Rooms

Need a noise cancelling solution for your conference room? Here’s another cool innovation from Shure: the Stem Ceiling. It’s a sleek device that hangs from the ceiling and disguises 100 microphones. Incredibly, it has something called Audio Fencing that essentially creates an invisible bubble around you and other meeting participants sitting beneath it, blocking outside noise and keeping the focus on attendees’ voices. All that advanced technology costs a pretty penny. The Stem Ceiling has a price tag of $2,899. 

Noise Cancelling Software

Mentioned earlier, Krisp is noise cancelling software that eliminates background noise for you and for other meeting participants—even if they don’t have the software installed! How? The Krisp app eliminates noise as it enters your microphone and as it comes out of your speakers. That way, your meeting participants can hear you perfectly fine, and you can hear them as well. 

So how does Krisp work? Our technology uses Artificial Intelligence known as deep neural networks that have listened to thousands of sounds and learned how to identify background noise.

When you install Krisp on your laptop, during an online meeting, sound that enters your physical microphone is received by the Krisp app, which identifies and removes background noise before sending the audio to your communication app (such as Zoom). On the other end, the audio from your communication app is received by the Krisp app, which identifies and removes your attendees’ background noise before sending the audio to your physical speaker. All processing happens on your own device; audio data is never stored by Krisp or sent to any servers. 

The result? Crystal clear audio during your online meetings, even if you happen to work in a noisy environment.

Noise Cancelling Machines

If you want a broader solution that can cover an entire area, such as a home office, then you might consider noise cancelling machines. Just note that most of the time, when people talk about “noise cancelling” machines, they really mean sound-masking. But again, let’s not get bogged down in technical details. Below are some examples of noise cancelling solutions for your home or office.

Office Privacy Sound-Masking Machines

Office Privacy offers machines and DIY kits that provide sound-masking for offices of all sizes. By emitting what’s known as “white noise,” these machines effectively muffle the human voice, making conversations incoherent. Therefore, these sound-masking machines are particularly useful if you don’t want to be distracted by your office mates’ conversations while you’re on a call or if you want to ensure no one overhears your meeting. Office Privacy has noise cancellation solutions that range from a small $60 device made for your desk to a DIY kit made for coverage up to 1,800 square feet (price tag of more than $1,000) to complete sound-masking systems built for 72,000 square feet of office space.

Silentium Active Noise-Cancelling Systems

Silentium is true Active Noise Control (ANC) that uses algorithms that identify and eliminate up to 90% of sound in your environment, whether at home or in the office. Silentium solutions work best for low- to medium-frequency noise. 

Silentium offers two solutions:

• Quiet Bubble: The Quiet Bubble creates a zone of quiet around a particular area, such as around your headrest. Silentium offers a do-it-yourself kit that includes a sound generator, equalization, amplification, and adaptive sound processor that all work together to reduce sound by up to 10 decibels. There are two higher tiers than DIY, where Silentium designs solutions specific to your situation and environment.
• Quiet At-the-Source: As its name implies, At-the-Source cuts noise from within the offending object, such as a noisy HVAC system or home appliance. Like the Quiet Bubble, Silentium offers three tiers of solutions for At-the-Source, including one that is a DIY solution.

Silentium might be a good option for spaces where multiple people work, such as office buildings or coworking spaces, where everyone can enjoy the active noise cancellation.

Sound-Proofing, Acoustic Treatments, and Noise Reduction Solutions

So far, we’ve gone over noise cancelling solutions that create sound (either anti-sounds or white noise) to either eliminate or mask unwanted noises. Below, we’ll go over some solutions that technically fall under soundproofing, acoustic treatment, or noise reduction. Whatever their technical term may be, they’ll all help you have meetings with less noise.

Double- or triple-pane windows

If traffic on the street is the main culprit of background noise, then retrofitting your home or office with double- or even triple-pane windows is a long-term solution to consider. These windows have an extra sheet of glass that further blocks out sound from coming inside.

Soundproof window treatments

Another option for blocking out street sounds that doesn’t require replacing your windows is a soundproof window treatment. These range from thick, heavy blackout curtains to blinds.

Acoustic treatments on walls

Do you work in a big, empty space with high ceilings? Hanging soft material on your walls can help reduce room echo that can ruin your audio in an online meeting. There are specific devices made to do this, often called acoustic treatment or acoustic panels. You can hang these panels on your wall and enjoy better audio when you have a meeting. 

Soundproof flooring

To reduce room echo, consider laying more rugs around your home or office. The soft fabric will help to absorb sound so it doesn’t bounce around and disturb your meetings. 

If you live in an apartment and noise is coming from neighbors beneath you, you can take it a step further with special soundproof flooring that adds an extra layer between you and the noise-makers.

Noise Cancellation Solutions Do Not Have to Be Expensive

In this work-from-home era, background noise is inevitable—but thankfully, there’s plenty you can do about it.

From this article, you’ve seen that noise cancellation solutions can cost up to thousands of dollars and require intensive labor just to install them in your house or office. But, you’ve also seen that they don’t have to be expensive or complicated at all.

With Krisp, just $5 a month gets you unlimited noise cancellation and echo removal—without any of the labor or equipment. Installation takes just a couple of minutes, and after that, you don’t even have to think about it. Krisp works seamlessly with 800+ communication apps to bring you noise-free meetings—no matter where you work.

Get free noise cancellation for 240 minutes a week with Krisp.

The post Remove Meeting Distractions With These 10 Noise Cancellation Solutions appeared first on Krisp.

Conference call background noise negatively affects our productivity even when we don’t notice it’s happening. After all, noise pollution is a direct source of stress, impacting our physical and mental health.

That’s why we’re going into the details of what causes background noise during conference calls and what you can do to fight it.

How to remove background noise in a conference call?

Besides general advice like holding your call from a quiet environment and removing all potential sources of white noise and noisy devices, there’s two extra steps to go through:

Use a noise cancelling tool like Krisp

Whether we’re talking about loud noises such as construction work next to your house or subtle sounds like a laptop’s fans, you’ll need a tool that can spot all distracting sound levels. Krisp is a noise cancelling app that cancels background noises in video calls on both ends of a conversation. This ensures no misunderstandings will affect your conference call and its outcomes.

[demo-new]

Krisp also blocks all acoustic and room echoes so you won’t need a professional setup during your calls. Along with the HD voice feature, this mix makes for perfect audio recordings as well. Just connect the app to any conferencing tool that accepts Krisp as the audio input and you’re set for a noise-free call.

Here’s Krisp in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEmBD3HkA-s&ab_channel=Krisp 

Other tools like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams also have built-in noise suppression features. However, these tools don’t focus primarily on their noise removal technology so the final results can lead to choppy audio. If you want your whole conversation to sound perfect or you need a studio-like recording, you’ll need Krisp instead to ensure your final audio file doesn’t have missing words or sentences.

Moderate the meeting

One way of fighting conference call background noise is to prevent it. That’s why every call needs a moderator in charge of ensuring a quiet environment for all participants. You can start the meeting with a pre-call section where you help attendees get rid of potential noise sources.

This though often requires moderators to go to great lengths and it’s impossible to remove all sounds without being physically present in every participant’s conference room. Instead, you can learn more about when it’s appropriate to mute conference call members for a distraction-free call. 

How background noise affects your productivity and call quality

Next, we’re taking a deep dive into the effects of background noise on both our productivity and the quality of a call.

1. Distraction

Background noise is something we don’t control although the impact it has on our conference calls is drastic. With millions of things that could be going on in the background, it becomes more difficult to pay attention to the discussion, answer questions, or express opinions. While there are some steps that can help to reduce noise, in most cases it’s impossible to get rid of it.

To prevent surrounding sounds from distracting your focus, you can invest in high-quality noise cancelling headphones. However, the other call participants will still hear your noise.

That’s when you need to turn to the Krisp app and mute all the background noise during real-time conference calls. 

2. Miscommunication

Poor audio quality can lead to overlapping voices. This is especially noticeable during conferences with multiple call participants. In this case, miscommunication is inevitable because it’s hard to distinguish between who’s speaking and who asked a question.

In both cases, muting/unmuting yourself or switching off the video to get a better connection can work. Other solutions to avoid high latency you can switch to using an ethernet cable or landline for your conference calls. If you experience further audio quality issues with your conference calls, consider changing your conference call provider.

If you’re participating in a conference call from outside, get a windscreen for your microphone. Wind can be both noisy and largely detrimental to how intelligible you sound. Take shelter or protect your mic to prevent gusts of wind from covering up everything you’re saying.

3. Health

When you’re exposed to background or ambient noise your brain can’t fully concentrate. According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, background noise can increase stress levels.

You can end up with health issues such as high blood pressure, headaches, achiness, and more concerns that can stay with you throughout your whole life. Once your well-being is deteriorating, it becomes more difficult to keep up with conference discussions, stay motivated, and give your best.

To avoid this, turn your working atmosphere into a noise-free one. Get more plants and furniture that will prevent echoing, get insulated window glazing, and replace your conditioner with a noiseless one.

4. Fatigue

Some people get tired after conference calls and there’s a clear reason behind this. Our brain isn’t good at multitasking. When we have a call with background noise overtaking the discussion, we have a hard time processing different pieces of information that often come from separate directions.

Specific frequency noises can help block out the rest of the background noise. But with conference calls, all our brain gets is infinite single-sourced frequencies all at once.

A study done by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln proves that the perception of noise impacts the performance of people in mental work. Because of the hard work the brain does to process it, we easily get tired and lose energy. The same effect works with music, street noise, or people chatting in the library. Whenever there’s an extra noise, it’s harder to keep in focus.

5. Memory and learning capabilities

Ever worked on a task only to have someone ask you a question or two and find yourself not knowing what you were thinking of to begin with? This is the effect of destruction. And noises just like any other physical or mental disruptor limits our memory’s capacity.

Several studies prove how our cognitive abilities are limited in the presence of noise. People tend to perform worse on memory-based tasks regardless of the noise source. Anything from an airplane flying over your house to your dog whining on the couch can pose a distraction even if just temporarily. 

This disrupts our learning process, making it difficult for people to focus during conference calls whose goal is to educate. Our listening efforts are also diminished, leaving a lot of room for misunderstandings and error fixing.

On sounding professional during conference calls

When removing all noise sources from your room you could still be tempted to make distracting sounds yourself. Stay wary of potential sounds you’re creating during the call, such as keyboard typing, desk tapping, finger popping, or playing with random things on your desk.

Using Krisp helps you block these noises and sound professional on your next conference call. This comes in handy if you’re trying to make a good impression, want to score a new partnership or client, or just want to give your best. 

[demo-new]

Good audio on your end is the first sign that you care about your business or trade and have invested in perfecting every aspect of it. If you’re just holding a meeting, you’ll create the ideal setting for all team members to understand one another and stay focused. Not to mention that optimizing the audio of your call through better bandwidth and recording equipment will also improve the video quality — a perfect recipe for a polished call. 

Don’t forget to align your energy and tone with each conference call too. Be patient and prepare backup plans for potential tech malfunctions. For perfect audio during conference calls with the best equipment, refer to our guide to improving audio quality during calls.

The post How to Remove All Background Noises During a Conference Call appeared first on Krisp.