Level up your calls with the best earbuds with microphones on the market today.
As remote work and virtual meetings become the norm, the demand for earbuds with top-notch microphones has skyrocketed.
But with so many options out there, it’s tough to know which ones can truly deliver the level of sound and mic quality you need for your daily calls.
That’s why we’ve rigorously tested a wide range of earbuds and handpicked the six best options for 2024, tailored to enhance your call quality whether you’re in a bustling environment or a quiet workspace. Check out our picks below!
Best Earbuds with Mic
- Type: True Wireless Earbuds
- Battery Life: up to 20 hours
- Number of mics: 6 (3 on each earbud)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Additional call features: AI-driven noise reduction algorithm using Deep Neural Networks (DNN) and bone conduction sensors for noise reduction and voice isolation, and gesture controls for answering calls.
- Markedly improved comfort and ergonomics over the predecessors.
- Excellent microphone performance
- Good battery life
- Sony Headphones app offer many customization options
- Class-leading ANC performance
- Smooth, analogue-ish tuning that’s never fatiguing
- Above average technicalities given the TWS landscape
- Bland design, carrying case could have better build
- Lacking in dynamic punch
- Stage depth is lacking
- Not the most resolving pair of TWS IEMs in the price range
- Random dropouts during playback
- Expensive
With high ratings on various categories such as ANC, comfort, mic quality, and user experience throughout our four-week test, the Sony WF-1000XM5 prove to be a great all-rounder.
These earbuds boast class-leading ANC, which filters out even the high-pitched and wind noises that others on this list failed to. I noticed that turning on the ANC also doesn’t change the sound quality of these earbuds, which is a welcome advancement.
Their ergonomic design also makes them very comfortable for long periods, which I found particularly useful during extended calls or listening sessions. And, the customization options through the Sony Headphones app also add a layer of personalization to my experience.
As for the call quality, the Sony WF-1000XM5 don’t fall short with the effective noise cancellation algorithm. They are able to pick up my voice clearly in a noisy environment without introducing any distortions.
Yet, during our testing, the Sony WF-1000XM5 seem to drop out every now and then. However, that connection dropout is difficult to replicate and seems random at the moment. The sound quality, while enjoyable, is also not as balanced and dynamic as the Final ZE8000.
Best for Everyday Use
- Type: True Wireless Earbuds
- Battery Life: 27 hours (no ANC), 18 hours (ANC)
- Number of mics: 6 (3 on each earbud)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Additional call features: Upgraded voice-targeting microphones, Option to set active microphone on Beats app
- Transparent variant design stands out
- Ergonomic case design with good case battery life
- Comfortable to wear for longer periods
- Excellent microphone performance
- Above-average ANC performance
- BT multipoint
- Pleasing, fun tuning with no harshness
- Good staging and imaging
- Outdated AAC codec
- The push button is awkward to use
- ANC and Transparency mode fall behind class leaders
- Limited customization features
- Colored tuning might not appeal to neutrality-seekers
- Not the most resolving TWS IEMs in the bass and treble regions
If you’re looking for earbuds to use whether you are commuting, working, or exercising, the Beats Studio Buds Plus are for you. These earbuds got the highest scores in our general usage metrics due to their comfortability, battery and connection reliability, decent sound quality, and good mic performance.
Their unique design allowed them to comfortably stay in my ears no matter what activity I’m doing, while also preventing any pressure build-up.
With their battery life and quick charge feature, I only had to charge them for 10 minutes to get 2 hours of playtime and plugged them in only once during the whole week of testing. I also didn’t experience any connection dropouts and even enjoyed effortlessly switching between devices thanks to their Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support.
Their microphone also picked up my voice clearly, even in crowded environments. And, while they struggle a bit in windy settings, I can easily select which microphone to use from the Beats app to improve its quality.
However, while I found their warm, V-shaped sound signature to be quite pleasing, it might not appeal to those seeking a neutral sound profile as seen on the Final ZE8000.
The companion app also doesn’t offer as many customization features as the Sony Headphones app, and their ANC falls slightly behind the Sony WF-1000XM5 since they don’t cancel high-frequency noises as effectively.
Best Budget
- Type: True Wireless Earbuds
- Battery Life: 15 hours
- Number of mics: 6 (3 on each earbud)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Additional call features: Voice Processing Unit
- Excellent battery case that is pocket-friendly
- Very comfortable to wear for longer periods
- Exceptional microphone performance
- Galaxy Wearable app has many smart features
- ANC works well to filter out low-frequency noises
- Punchy sub-bass with good rumble
- Easy pairing with Samsung devices
- Slippery, smudge and scratch-prone shells
- Thin midrange
- Sibilant and sharp treble
- Poor staging, imaging
- Poor resolution, everything sounds compressed
- ANC can’t filter out high-frequency noises as well
- Needs a Samsung phone or tablet to get the most out of them
At only around $100, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are equipped with features typically reserved for higher-priced models. For one, the ANC can effectively block out low-frequency noises, allowing me to listen to the headphones at lower volumes without getting distracted by the background noise.
I also found them exceptionally comfortable to wear for extended periods. Their low profile and outstanding fit make them stay secure and unobtrusive during use. Features like wireless charging in the case and easy pairing with Samsung devices also add a layer of convenience – which is something you won’t usually find in budget options.
During our tests, the Galaxy Buds2’s mic and Voice Processing Unit proved effective in ensuring clear voice pickup even in noisy environments. As a frequent earbuds user for both personal and professional calls, I found this feature to be a standout, offering reliability and clarity no matter where I am.
However, their ANC is not as powerful as higher-end models like the Sony WF-1000XM5, especially when it comes to the higher frequencies.
They also work better with Samsung devices, so those outside of this ecosystem may miss out on some features.
Best Open-ear Earbuds
- Type: Open-ear true wireless earbuds
- Battery Life: 58 hours
- Number of mics: 6 (3 on each earbud)
- Active Noise Cancellation: None
- So comfortable you’ll forget you have them on
- Excellent environmental awareness
- Good sound
- Well constructed app
- Colors other than chrome are available
- Controls take getting used to
- Limited Bluetooth codec support (SBC)
- One size may not fit all
- No isolation
- Bulky case
The Oladance OWS Pro’s open-ear design offers both excellent situational awareness and sound quality. These are so comfortable that I often forget I’m wearing them, even with my glasses on. Plus, they deliver a balanced sound signature, which feels like it comes from around you rather than something piped directly into the ears, ensuring a natural, non-fatiguing listening experience.
Their battery life also tops our charts compared to others on this list, with 16 hours of continuous use and an additional 58 hours with the charging case.
When it comes to the mic quality, they do an excellent job at reducing external sounds picked up by the microphones, capturing my voice accurately.
However, the sibilance of the mic pick-up is a bit too reduced when in noisy environments. This makes it less clear than the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Beats Studio Buds Plus during our tests.
Their open-ear design also lack the sound isolation and compactness offered by the others on the list, making it less ideal for users needing these features.Best Sound Quality
- Type: True Wireless Earbuds
- Battery Life: 12 hours
- Number of mics: 4 (2 on each earbud)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Additional call features: Beamforming algorithm for noise reduction
- Great build, unique design
- Final Connect app offers useful features
- Good microphone performance
- Laid-back, analog-ish tuning that’s never fatiguing (firmware 1.8.1)
- Smooth treble with excellent timbre.
- Excellent soundstage and imaging
- The carrying case is oversized
- Large shells can be uncomfortable for some
- No wear detection
- ANC is prone to picking up wind noise
- Recessed upper mids
- Macrodynamic punch sounds dampened
- Abrupt tuning change via firmware update
- Battery life could be better
- Expensive for a pair of TWS IEMs
The Final ZE8000’s unique two-stage design and advanced DSP technology, which revealed hidden details in our tracks during our tests, put them a step above others on this list in terms of sound quality.
I found the sound profile to be exceptional, with a laid-back, analog-ish tuning that’s consistently pleasant and never fatiguing, even during long listening sessions, which is rare for TWS IEMs.
The earbuds also support customizable EQ settings through the Final Connect app, with special features like the “8K sound mode”, which makes the sound quality a bit cleaner.
Their microphone also provides clear voice pickup in quiet places and reasonable performance in noisy areas. However, it’s not the best in blocking out wind noises, especially when compared with the Sony WF-1000XM5. This might not be a major issue for indoor use, but a factor to consider if you plan to use these earbuds for calls while outdoors.
Best User Experience
- Type: True Wireless Earbuds
- Battery Life: 30 hours (no ANC), 24 hours (ANC)
- Number of mics: 6 (3 on each earbud)
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Additional call features: VoiceAware Mode
- Carrying case allows a lot of customization without opening up the app
- Very good battery life
- Comfortable to wear for longer periods
- Good microphone performance
- Very good ANC performance
- BT multipoint
- Academically “well” tuned with no harshness
- No LDAC/AptX support; L3 support is still scarce
- Display on the case ends up being a party-trick
- Heavy, bulky carrying case
- Compression in the microphone
- Sound lacks dynamics
- Severely falls behind in terms of resolution, imaging, and staging
With a unique front-facing capacitive touch display on the charging case, the JBL Tour Pro 2 provide an intuitive user interface, allowing users to access various settings without needing to open the app, adding a level of convenience I haven’t seen in other earbuds. The battery life is also one of the best among the earbuds that we have tested.
Additionally, the earbuds have a reliable touch-sensitive control that minimizes accidental activations. The effective noise cancellation and seamless multipoint connections, also add to the overall functionality.
I noticed that the microphone’s ability to pick up my voice was exceptionally clear and consistent in quieter environments. It works great in making my voice sound natural and not robotic, unlike others we’ve tested, although it struggles a bit in very noisy environments.
How to Choose the Best Earbuds With Mic for the Best Call Quality
When choosing earbuds with a microphone for exceptional call quality, several key factors must be considered. These elements ensure not only clarity during calls but also enhance the overall user experience.
- Mic Quality: Look for earbuds that isolate your voice from the background noise so you can use them in any environment. These are usually done by integrating AI software for noise reduction or strategic mic placements.
- Sound Quality: High sound quality is vital not just for enjoying music, but also for clear call conversations. Good sound quality helps in understanding speech better, making it easier to follow conversations without straining.
- Comfort: Comfort is essential, especially during long periods of use. Earbuds that fit well and feel comfortable can prevent ear fatigue and discomfort, making them ideal for extended use in calls or listening to music.
- Budget: Earbuds come in various price ranges. Setting a budget helps narrow down choices without compromising on essential features. Affordable options can still offer good mic and sound quality, while higher-end models may provide additional features.
- Additional Features: Look for features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and companion apps. ANC minimizes distracting background noises, while companion apps offer customization options for a personalized experience.
How We Tested and Picked the Best Earbuds with Mic
In our quest to find the best earbuds with a mic, we rigorously tested various models based on a set of criteria outlined in Headphonesty’s Testing Guide for True Wireless Earbuds.
These help us assess each earbud’s audio quality, comfort, design, battery life, and additional features, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how each product performs under different conditions.
For the best earbuds with mic, we emphasized the microphone performance of the earbuds, focusing on two factors: their mic noise reduction and voice pick-up quality. These make sure that our picks can be used in various settings and will help you sound as natural as possible on your calls.
Our practical tests closely examine these aspects, so that the earbuds we recommend offer the best experience in calls and recordings.
Alongside mic performance, we also consider the overall functionality scores of the earbuds to cover all aspects of their performance.
So, while the microphone quality is prioritized, other important features like sound quality, comfort, and battery life are not overlooked.
The earbuds that stand out are then highlighted in our buyer’s guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do earbuds with stems have better mic quality?
- How can I make my earbuds’ mic clearer?
- Can all earbuds be used for phone calls?
Do earbuds with stems have better mic quality?
Earbuds with stems should theoretically offer better mic quality as the stem design often allows the microphone to be closer to the mouth. Yet, the overall mic quality also depends on the specific technology and design used by the manufacturer, so it’s not always a guarantee.
How can I make my earbuds’ mic clearer?
To make your earbuds’ mic clearer, ensure a snug fit in your ear for optimal positioning and regularly clean the mic to remove any debris that may be blocking it. Additionally, keep the mic away from fabric or hair that could muffle the sound.
Can all earbuds be used for phone calls?
Yes, most modern earbuds are equipped with built-in microphones, allowing them to be used for phone calls. However, the call quality can vary significantly depending on the earbuds’ mic quality and noise reduction capabilities.
I’m looking for ear buds with good quality mic for singing on my karaoke music app. I am currently having great sound but when I join in to sing my voice sounds extremely rough .which it ain’t. I bought them of net .cheap .as i said sound is good but mic is awful .please can you help .
Bill, check out the earbuds mentioned in this article. Look for earbuds with mics that can be brought close to the mouth.
I’m a piano teacher that, like many others, had to switch suddenly to online lessons. I’ve been using my iPad for audio and mic, and it’s ok. But I’m looking for earbuds with mic to help improve the sound of the piano to the student and also to help save my voice. Any suggestions?
Karen, I will advise you to invest a good external mic to better receive sound from your piano and voice call.
I bought the Anker Soundcore P2s based on this article and the mic quality was SO disappointing. I had my husband try them, and he thought they were fine, until he realized that the wired earbuds I already had were amazing and had an outstanding mic. I say this not because I think you guys are wrong, but to add that Skullcandy’s Ink’d wired earbuds with inline mic are phenomenal, especially for those of us doing remote teaching. I would love for you all to do mic tests on all these!
Thanks corrine. I will try out the skullcandy ink when I get the chance.
I could care less about listening to music on earbuds I’m looking for wireless earbuds that have a great mic So people can hear me clearly with no problems I don’t listen to music or anything else but calls
The jabra 65t will serve you well in that aspect.
the jabra 65t background is too noisy due. it picks up 100% of your background noises(from 4 mic) when you are in a call. nobody can my voice clearly
I can confirm this. I just bought the Jabra 85T off a bunch of reviews like this, only to have ANC turned off whenever I went on a call. Now I find that Jabra does this on purpose, making them great for listening to music in a noisy place but absolutely useless for making a phone call.
I think you need to update your review or remove Jabra from it, as they do not actively cancel noise for voice calls.
“Don’t confuse the ANC for mic and the ANC technology in headphones such as Bose QC35 and Sony WH-1000XM3. Those are used to reduce noise so that they can enjoy their music in piece”
You guys should change this. “Piece” is the spelling for a piece of something e.g. piece of pie or piece of cheese.
You want ‘peace’ and in tranquility. Just a small mistake (and I really like grammar) so I thought I’d let you know so that you can change it.
Thanks for the information. It was helpful.
Thank you. Updated.
Thank You For publishing such a informative article.
I am Game Lover, in that case i needed crystal clear sound system and good battery backup with wireless. i got some ideas from your article.
This is really awesome review. Thanks for the awesome review.
Thanks for the article! Very insightful. I personally prefer a wired earphones. What’s the best wired earbuds with great mic for callas and recording online lessons?
Can you guys please reply .
Same for me as well .
Looking for recording online class and calls .
Need to have a great mic So people can hear me clearly with no problems.
Wired and Wireless please . Mostly laptop doesnt have proper wireless reception , latency is high in laptop . what do you guys think about connecting wireless to laptop
I have currently have Senheiser BT 4.50
Oneplus wireless Z .
Both cant connect to laptop for webex/zoom . Receving end is having problem . Please suggest me / good wired and wireless earphones.
Yes, Please give some guidance for those who want/need wired earbuds wirh the best mic for calls first and then some music second…..
I LOVE my Skullcandy Ink’d wired earbuds for calls and audio recording. I’m a librarian for a community college and we’ve been online since March and will be until 2021. Here’s a recording of me with the earbuds (sorry it’s cheesy)
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYirXHEFGl
Thank you! It sounds clear indeed!
Hello LH, did you find any good earphones with great mic ? I’m still searching them, because of my job I need to call a lot of people all day.
Hi, I’m looking for ear buds with exceptional quality for on-line singing. I have a powerful “broadway belting” voice, and all my recordings end up with much distortion as the mic can’t absorb the power of my voice.
Would you have specific recommendations?
Thank you!
If you’re only a hobbyist for online singing then check out mics https://www.bluedesigns.com/products/yeti/#
And I’d get a closed headset from Beyerdynamics or Sony around the $150-190 range.
Otherwise if you’re a pro use only pro gear, and that would be higher in price.
I have a dynamic voice too, as a singer and as a sound engineer I have specialized in dynamic voice recordings. If you need more help message me.
Hello there very informative thanks, I currently have Apple AirPods 2019 and want to upgrade. I teach dance online with Zoom so I share my playlist through the computer to myself and clients. I hear the music through the headphones and speak at the same time through the mic. This is working ok but the mic volume is low and all settings on Zoom and computer are set to the best possible outcome. Im hoping an upgrade will boost my voice, even a little. After reading your article Im trying to decide the best possible option. Maybe the Jabra Elite Active 65t or the AirPods Pro. I use a Mac and iPhone but does not need to be Apple if the better result is the Jabra, apple does not pay my bills. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hey, I’d like to suggest you remove or change the image of Philips earphone labelled “Best Earbuds with Mic” from the top of the post because it gives the idea the best earphone is PHILIPS earphone on the picture.
Hi, thanks vm for this very useful article. I appreciate your efforts to have a thorough review.
No doubt Jabra Elite 65t earbuds are amazing earphones. The main thing which I liked about these earphones is its marvellous sound quality.
After reading your review I purchased these earphones and I am in love with these earphones and I am totally satisfied with the product.
Thank you for sharing this valuable information.
Regards
Ashish Bajaj
Powerbeats Pro are ONLY for iOS and Android, not for Windows.
I’ve been very particular about microphone quality of my earphones and if there is one pair where I think they have absolutely nailed microphone quality, its the Mi HD Pro earphones. Give them a try. Be sure to get the HD pros and not the Pros.
I have had the Plantronics 5200 for phone only for 3 years and they are BY FAR the best for calls. I needed something for zoom calls though, stereo, and tried the Soundcore Liberty Air 2. OUCH! Horrible call quality for people hearing me. So what about the PLT Backbeat Pro 5100 vs the Jabra 65T?
Hi. I wonder which should be a better choice for phone calls, the Jabra Elte 65t or JBL 300TWS?
I’m working in a very noisy environment, into a production line. I’m looking for the best mic noise cancelation I can get. It’s important the others to hear very well my voice and not the machinery. What do you recommend?
I also have the Skullcandy ink’d and they sound amazing when I was doing practice recordings however I was researching to see if there were any budget pairs that exceeding the quality and so I might try the jabra, Mee Audio M6, or the iMore Triple driver.
I’m wondering of “mechanics” of how “headphone” is fed to the device when input to device is one jack – wouldn’t it be lovely to have a single plug into the headphone jack and then a split with one jack for the headphones and a jack for “line in” or mic. Many headsets have a built-in mic, but usually it is low quality for (good enough)voice and hopelessly bad music. The whole industry just doesn’t get “the microphone idea” – if you want to sing, they haven’t got a clue!
I have the Taotronics SoundLiberty 79 earbuds. My experience with them has been hit and miss. The silicone band that hooks into your ear rotates and covers the mic whilst talking, which leads to my clients telling me that I sound very muffled.
Its a constant battle trying to keep it aligned with the small opening that it is meant to have.
I have never used a diagram to sing. Perhaps diaphragm? Typos discredit the author — but that is just my opinion.
Thanks for the article! Very insightful. I personally prefer a wired earphones.
I am a laryngectome and speak through my neck stoma, so I need one that picks up from that, I’m also hard of hearing. Looking forward for to your advice
Hi. I wear hearing aids and would like to use earbuds to replace my hearing aids. Is that possible? Thanks.
Can the earbuds replace hearing aids?
I am looking for wired earphones that are great for making calls. I find the speaker is often crackly on many wired cheap earphones, and I specifically don’t want them to be wireless earbuds.
Would you have any recommendations?
I appreciate how thorough this blog is, and would love your feedback.
Thank you!!
I bought the Ulix Riders based on your review.
They seem to have absolutely no noise reduction at all.
I tested them in our office with a Teams call and could hear other staff in the background extremely clearly. As if they had noise AMPLIFICATION.
So I am back on the hunt for corded earphones with noise reduction mic.