Having capable microphones on your earbuds is essential for quality video and voice calls. The better the mic quality, the better the communication. But wireless earbuds also offer a convenient and portable way to listen to music without the hassle of restrictive wires.
Best Earbuds for Phone Calls Overall: Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony has made remarkable voice-call enhancements to the WF-1000XM5. With three mics in each bud, an advanced AI algorithm, and a bone conduction sensor, the buds can easily distinguish your voice from background noise like never before.
The ANC performance is excellent, even on windy days. So, if you have to take that outdoor call when winds are high, you can be sure to hear whoever is on the other side loud and clear.
In addition, overall sound quality is superior, while comfort levels achieve a higher standard than the XM4s. They are more compact and lighter, while the addition of an extra-small pair of foam tips ensures even the tiniest ear canals can enjoy all-day comfort. This is complemented by various design tweaks that ensure the buds also fit more securely than before.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Earbuds
Best Overall
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds are a top choice for voice calls. Clear communication is possible even in noisy environments, as the buds feature first-rate active noise cancelation.
- Top-tier ANC and isolation
- 24-hour battery life with charging case
- IPX4 rating expels light rain and sweat
- Flagship sound quality
- Qi wireless charging
Best Budget Earbuds for Phone Calls: Jabra Elite 3
If you’d prefer not to splash out too much on a pair of wireless earbuds, consider the Jabra Elite 3. With its budget-friendly price, you’d be forgiven for thinking Jabra had compromised on sound quality. However, the Elite 3 excels in delivering top-notch audio and ensures crystal-clear conversations every time.
These clear calls are largely due to the four microphones featuring advanced digital signal processing and innovative beamforming technology, which helps the earbuds pick up voices more clearly during calls.
Additionally, their impressive battery life of seven hours on a single charge ensures uninterrupted calling throughout your day. When it comes to meeting the essential criteria for a sound wireless earbuds experience, the Jabra Elite 3 does an excellent job of balancing quality and budget.
Jabra Elite 3
Best Budget
$50 $80 Save $30
The Jabra Elite 3 earbuds deliver great value with top-quality sound and clear calls thanks to their four microphones and advanced technology. With a budget-friendly price and long battery life, they’re a solid choice for anyone seeking quality and affordability.
- 28-hour battery life with charging case
- Punchy sound
- Good passive noise isolation
- IP55 dust and rain/sweat protection
- Alexa built-in
When it comes to wireless earbuds for iPhone users, Apple AirPods tend to be the most popular choice, and for good reason. These 3rd-generation AirPods are the company’s latest open-ear offering, and they bring spatial audio, improved bass, and better microphone quality.
They feature Dual beamforming and inward-facing microphones that work in tandem with Apple’s H1 chip. They isolate sound and deliver the best-quality audio during phone calls. When paired within the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods 3 also offer multi-device support, enabling seamless switching across your Apple devices.
When considering all the significant factors that go into determining which pair of earbuds delivers the best overall Apple phone call experience, the AirPods are difficult to beat.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Best for iPhone
Featuring dual beamforming and inward-facing microphones powered by Apple’s H1 chip, the AirPods 3rd-gen stand out for their top-notch voice call quality. With excellent sound isolation and superior audio performance during calls, they are the best pick for iPhone users who prioritize clear communication.
- Up to 30 hours of battery life with charging case
- Great sound quality
- IPX4 sweat/water resistant
- Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Lightning to USB-C cable included
If you’re an Android user and seek affordable earbuds that work seamlessly with all Samsung devices, the Galaxy Buds FE could be for you. Thanks to the quality mic array, which delivers warm mid-tones with clarity, they are also a good choice for voice calls and provide excellent sound quality when listening to music.
The fit is customizable and comfortable, and battery life is up to 30 hours, depending on how much you utilize the surprisingly effective ANC. You can also switch easily to ambient mode with a long press on the touchpad. However, using the buds with Apple products can be a pain, and they aren’t exactly water-resistant at IPX2.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Best Sound Quality
$80 $100 Save $20
The Galaxy Buds FE are a well-priced set of quality earbuds perfect for Android users. They offer clear voice calls and punchy audio with strong bass. The battery life is long, and the effective ANC blocks out most unwanted background noise.
- Superb bassy audio
- Good ANC
- Decent mic quality for calls
- Outstanding value
- No customizable EQ, only presets
- Wired charging only
- Inadequate water resistance
- Not ideal for Apple users
If active noise cancelation is your priority, choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. They feature the best-in-class ANC you’ll find on any earbuds. At the press of a button, you can shut out the outside world whenever necessary, and Transparency Mode is also excellent whenever you need to hold a conversation.
While these features are of the same quality as the QuietComfort Earbuds II, you do get a couple of updated features. Among them is enhanced voice calls. These buds use advanced technology to make your voice clear in noisy environments by selecting the best microphone and noise filter in real-time.
Another enhancement is the addition of Immersive Audio. This feature offers head-tracking that lets the music flow with your movements. It’s a fun gimmick and one that complements the already excellent audio quality.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best ANC
The Bose QuietComfort Ultras excel in the field of active noise cancelation. But you also get clear conversations even with noisy backgrounds and Immersive Audio for a spatial listening experience.
- Top-tier ANC
- Punchy, lively audio
- Comfortable fit
- Light rain and sweat resistant (IPX4)
- Snapdragon Sound Certification
- Wireless charging costs extra
- Immersive Audio drains the battery
- No multipoint support
- Expensive
FAQ
Q: Can any pair of earbuds handle a phone call?
No, the earbuds must have a built-in microphone. However, even with the mic, quality can vary wildly. If call quality is essential, it’s important not to ‘cheap out’ and buy an inferior product.
However, if you just want to make the occasional call and you’re not too fussed about the quality, as long as the buds have a mic, you can make a call.
Q: What are the differences between earbuds and earphones?
There is some confusion regarding earbuds and earphones. Most people and companies use the two terms interchangeably. However, earphones (also called in-ear monitors or IEMs) are in-ear devices that come in various sizes and cushion designs that enable the user to find the most comfortable fit. When companies refer to their products as earbuds, they are, more often than not, actually earphones.
Earbuds don’t have cushions, and they come in one size only. They simply rest outside the ear canal and tend to be the cheaper option. They also don’t usually plug the ear canal effectively. This contributes to the bass usually being weaker, and they are what often come bundled as a cheap accessory with smartphones.
Q: What is ANC? Do I need it for phone calls?
ANC stands for active noise cancelation and is a technology used in headphones and earbuds that helps reduce unwanted background noise. Some headphone and earbud manufacturers, such as Bose, offer highly effective ANC that enables you to be more productive or have a better listening experience.
ANC, specifically for phone calls, is a luxurious feature. If you make a lot of calls, and it’s essential they are of high quality and clear, then it can be a valuable addition to your headphones or buds. It’s not absolutely necessary, and a high-quality mic is your primary concern, but it can reduce things like background office or traffic noise while transmitting your voice with more clarity.
However, you need to bear in mind that quality ANC buds or headphones can cost significantly more, and headphones or earbuds with ANC at a cheap price may not be as effective as you might have hoped.
