Best earbuds for phone calls

Nowadays, everyone’s constantly on the move and expected to stay connected. Whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or multitasking at home, having earbuds with a high-quality microphone is essential. They allow you to take calls clearly in various environments, from noisy streets to bustling offices. A good microphone ensures your voice comes through crisp and clear while effectively rejecting background noise.

At SoundGuys, we understand the importance of this feature. Part of our testing process for every pair of wireless earbuds we review involves recording microphone samples in a variety of conditions, so you can listen for yourself how you’ll sound on the other line before you buy. Here are our top picks.

Editor’s note: this list was published on July 23, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

Best earbuds for phone calls overall: Sony WF-1000XM5

The Sony WF-1000XM5 sets a high bar for call quality with its six-microphone array, including new dual feedback mics for improved low-frequency noise monitoring. These earbuds deliver clear voice transmission across various loud environments. The mesh-covered microphones effectively reduce wind noise, ensuring your voice comes through clearly, even in breezy conditions.

Take a listen to our standardized mic samples and vote in our mic poll below.

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Reverberant Space):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

For call-related features, the WF-1000XM5 excels with its top-tier active noise cancelation, so you can hear your conversations in noisy settings. Or, you can use the Ambient Sound mode and Speak-to-Chat feature to stay aware of your surroundings or automatically enable ambient sound when speaking.

Best noise-rejection earbuds for phone calls: Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 stands out as the top pick for noise rejection during phone calls, thanks to its impressive six-microphone array and advanced noise reduction algorithm. These earbuds excel in providing clear voice transmission while effectively suppressing background noise in various environments, whether it’s from wind or your surroundings.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 microphone demo (Street conditions):

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 microphone demo (Reverberant space):

The earbuds’ noise canceling capability extends beyond just call quality. With an industry-leading 85.1% noise reduction, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers the best active noise cancelation (ANC) we’ve ever reviewed in earbuds. This exceptional ANC not only enhances call quality but also improves the overall listening experience in noisy environments.

Additional features like Dolby Atmos with head tracking, multipoint connectivity, and the unique ability to connect to wired sources via the charging case further enhance its versatility.

Best wireless earbuds for Android phone calls: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is a high-value choice for Android users, especially those with Samsung devices, who prioritize call quality. These earbuds feature a capable microphone system that performs well in various environments, from quiet offices to noisy streets. While they may not deliver studio-quality audio, the Galaxy Buds FE offers clear and intelligible voice transmission, making them suitable for everyday calls and video conferences.

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE microphone demo (Office conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE microphone demo (Street conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE microphone demo (Reverberant space):

Active noise cancelation (ANC) can reduce up to 30dB of outside noise, proving particularly effective for commuters or those in noisy environments. The Samsung Scalable Codec provides optimized audio quality, and the Galaxy Wearable app allows for the customization of controls and sound profiles. With a battery life of about 4.5 hours with ANC on, these earbuds should last through most workdays, especially considering the additional charges provided by the compact case.

Best earbuds for iPhone phone calls: Apple EarPods (USB-C)

For iPhone owners seeking a reliable and affordable option for phone calls, the Apple EarPods (USB-C) stand out as a top choice. These wired earbuds, now updated with a USB-C connector to match the latest iPhones, offer a simple yet effective solution for clear voice communications.

The EarPods’ key advantage for calls lies in their microphone placement. Positioned along the wire near the user’s mouth, this design allows for clearer voice pickup compared to many wireless options, including Apple’s own AirPods and AirPods Pro. This strategic placement helps to capture your voice more directly, resulting in improved call quality for the listener on the other end. You can listen to the microphone sample in our video above, starting at the 5:30 mark.

The EarPods’ familiar design, unchanged since 2012, offers a comfortable fit for many users. However, it doesn’t have in-ear tips., which can allow for some ambient noise in, though that may not be a bad thing if you need to stay attuned to your surroundings.

Best stem earbuds for phone calls: Nothing Ear

The new Nothing Ear packs high-quality call performance in stylish earbuds. These earbuds feature a three-microphone system coupled with an AI noise reduction algorithm, delivering impressive clarity during calls. While voices may sound slightly muffled, the background noise suppression is among the best in its class, especially in windy conditions.

Nothing Ear microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Nothing Ear microphone demo (Office conditions):

Nothing Ear microphone demo (Street conditions):

Nothing Ear microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Nothing Ear microphone demo (Reverberant space):

Beyond call quality, the Nothing Ear offers a comfortable fit with a lightweight design. The IP54 rating for the earbuds and IP55 for the case ensures durability in various conditions. With up to 8 hours of battery life and additional charges from the case, these earbuds can easily last through a full day of use. The Nothing X app provides extensive customization options, including a parametric equalizer for audiophiles who want to fine-tune their sound experience. While active noise cancelation may not be the strongest on the market, it still provides adequate noise reduction for most environments.

Taking calls while hitting the treadmill? The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are for you

The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stands out as the top choice for those who need to take calls during intense workouts. These earbuds combine excellent call quality with robust durability, making them perfect for active lifestyles.

Equipped with six onboard microphones, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 excels in voice transmission during calls. Our tests show that these earbuds perform exceptionally well in various environments, including noisy gyms or outdoor settings. The microphones effectively focus on your voice while suppressing background noise, ensuring clear communication even during exercise.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 microphone demo (Street conditions):

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 microphone demo (Reverberant space):

What you should know about taking phone calls with earbuds

When it comes to using earbuds for phone calls, several factors come into play. Microphone quality is paramount, but it’s not just about the hardware. Modern earbuds use advanced digital signal processing and noise reduction algorithms to enhance voice clarity and suppress background noise. The placement of microphones on the earbuds can also significantly impact call quality. Some models use beam-forming technology to focus on your voice, while others may have external microphones to better capture ambient sound for noise rejection.

Comfort and fit are crucial for extended calls, especially if you’re multitasking or on the move. A secure fit not only ensures the earbuds stay in place but can also improve call quality by maintaining a consistent microphone position. Battery life is another important consideration, particularly for those who take frequent or long calls throughout the day.

Connectivity features like Bluetooth multipoint can be beneficial, allowing you to seamlessly switch between devices. Lastly, water and sweat resistance are important for those who take calls during workouts or in unpredictable weather conditions.

How we test microphones on earbuds

How we choose the best earbuds for phone calls

Our selection process for the best earbuds for phone calls is rigorous and data-driven. We put each contender through our standardized testing process. This includes our microphone test suite, where we evaluate speech quality and noise rejection in various simulated environments. We assess how well each earbud handles background noise, wind, and reverberant spaces during calls.

Comfort, fit, and battery life are also key factors in our evaluation. We consider the design of the earbuds, the quality of materials used, and how well they stay in place during use. We verify manufacturer claims about battery life through our own testing.

We also consider additional features that can enhance the calling experience, such as customizable controls, companion app functionality, and unique technologies that improve voice clarity or noise suppression. We encourage reader participation through our microphone sample rating system, incorporating real-world user perspectives into our evaluations.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

At SoundGuys, we pride ourselves on our objective, data-driven approach to audio equipment testing. Our team consists of audio engineers and tech experts with years of experience in the field. We continuously refine our testing methodologies to stay ahead of industry developments and provide the most accurate and relevant information to our readers.

We maintain strict editorial independence, ensuring that our recommendations are unbiased and based solely on product performance and value. We purchase many of the products we test ourselves, and when we do receive review units from manufacturers, it does not influence our verdict. We explain our methodologies in detail and present raw data alongside our analyses, allowing readers to understand the basis of our conclusions.

Frequently asked questions