Earbuds are an excellent choice for phone calls for a variety of reasons. They are usually lightweight and comfortable to wear. They won’t get in the way or be a nuisance like a larger headset might be. The mic quality is the most essential feature of earbuds for phone calls. However, it varies widely depending on the target audience that the manufacturers are going for. For example, a mic will be of lower priority in earbuds for working out. However, it is still possible to find earbuds with decent mics that are not intended for voice calls. We have compiled a list of earbuds for various niche groups such as the budget-conscious, gamers, drivers, and so on. All have one thing in common – a great mic for phone calls.
How to Pick the Best Earbuds With Mic For The Best Call Quality
A good pair of earbuds for phone calls should have a noise-cancelling mic to eliminate background noise to ensure the person you are talking to can hear you clearly. They should also have active noise cancellation or good noise isolation to eliminate distractions from a noisy background, allowing you to focus on the dialouge. Furthermore, the sound quality should be clear for conversation. They should also be comfortable to wear so that you can talk for long periods of time without discomfort. Finally, the mic should be adjustable so that you can position it close to your mouth for clear conversation.
Discover D714U
Key features
Form Factor: In-ear with wingtips Connectivity: Wired Mic Type: MEMS Mic Quantity: 1 Mic Position: Inline Mic Noise Reduction: DSP
The Discover D714U Wired Earbuds have a detachable boom mic with excellent noise cancellation that isolates your voice from background noise. They also reduce the loss in sound transfer during calls, ensuring your voice is always clear. As such, they’re our best overall pick for earbuds with mic. Mic quality and noise cancellation stand out the most with these earbuds. We tested them in reasonably quiet surroundings and got clear audio without muffling or distortion. Impressively, this stays true even with the boom mic detached, though your voice may sound slightly more distant. With DSP noise reduction, your voice will always come across clearly, no matter how loud it is around you. We put this to the test by using them in busier settings with ambient noise measuring up to 85 dB. You can hear the difference in these recordings: As you’ll notice, the D714Us essentially wiped out all the noise and addressed any clarity issues. Moreover, the flexibility of the boom mic is also great. You can adjust its distance from your mouth to ensure optimum voice pickup. In addition to their mic specs, the D714Us have other features that make them the top choice for calls. For instance, the earbuds also have an inline remote with tactile push buttons that let you quickly mute/unmute calls or adjust the volume as needed. The remote works seamlessly with conferencing apps like Zoom, MS Teams, RingCentral, or Avaya. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Jabra Evolve 75e
Key features
Form Factor: In-Ear with Neckband & wingtips Connectivity: Wireless Battery Life: 14 hours Mic Type: ECM Mic Quantity: 3 Mic Position: Inline Mic Noise Reduction: DSP
The Jabra Evolve 75e Earbuds have a wireless, around-the-neck configuration that features three mics and smart inline controls. But aside from the mic quality, they also have an ANC function, making this pair a strong runner-up for best earbuds with mic. These earbuds use a three-microphone technology with DSP noise reduction. Together, they create a noise-free “talk zone” that boosts your voice while suppressing ambient sound. These earbuds are UC-certified, so they work on various communication platforms. But conveniently, you can also opt for the MS Teams-certified model to use all features with Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business without additional configuration. Nonetheless, both options will work on popular communication platforms. But if you use different communication apps for work, choosing UC-certified earbuds is best. Design-wise, the earbuds’ around-the-neck cable is easy to wear and convenient. It’s also less likely to snag on desk corners or armrests. Plus, the mic is much closer to the mouth and doesn’t rest on your torso, so it won’t pick up unwanted noises. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
ULIX Rider
Key features
Form Factor: IEMs Connectivity: Wired Mic Type: MEMS Mic Quantity: 1 Mic Position: Inline Mic Noise Reduction: CVC 8.0
The ULIX Rider wired earphones are great for anyone looking to make clear hands-free calls without breaking the bank. Despite being budget-priced, they still have features typical of high-end earbuds. For example, they have a tangle-free cable, good bass response, and broad compatibility with communication apps. The inline MEMS microphone has CVC 8.0 noise reduction for crystal-clear conversations. Plus, the mic is also fitted several inches higher than typical in-line mics. This keeps it a good distance away from your torso and mouth area so it won’t pick up unnecessary sounds. Sound-wise, the mic is decently clear and reduces noise effectively enough. But it struggles with sibilant sounds like “S” and “T” and can produce distortion, so don’t expect pristine audio quality. Here’s a sample recording to hear what they sound like: Aside from making calls, these earbuds are great for playing music, thanks to dynamic sound drivers optimized for deep bass. And with the 3.5mm headphone jack, you can quickly connect them to any PC, smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Moreover, the cables come reinforced with TPE thermoplastic rubber, so they don’t tangle when placed in your backpack or pockets. Plus, the manufacturer also includes a carrying pouch and extra rubber ear tips for a custom fit. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Also good: TOZO T9
If you aren’t keen on dealing with wires, the TOZO T9 Earbuds are a good wireless option to consider. They’re slightly more expensive than the ULIX Rider Earbuds but come with four mics and Environment Noise Canceling Technology that improves call quality. This is particularly helpful since the position of the mics makes them more susceptible to picking up surrounding noise. We tested these earbuds with phone and video calls and were pleasantly surprised at how well the ENC reduces noise. They’re excellent at blocking continuous droning sounds, like vacuums or air conditioners. However, you’ll have less luck with sudden loud noises like barking or honking cars. Like the ULIX Rider Earbuds, they boast high-quality sound and good bass response. They’re also IPX7 water-resistant, so you can use them outdoors or while working out.
Mee Audio M6 Pro 2nd Generation
Key features
Form Factor: IEMs Connectivity: Wired Mic Type: ECM Mic Quantity: 1 Mic Position: Inline Mic Noise Reduction: N/A
The Mee audio M6 Pro 2nd Gen are another wired option worth considering. Aside from their in-ear monitor (IEM) configuration, they feature a sweat-resistant design, detachable cables, and around-the-ear memory wires, making them the best wired earphones with a mic. These earbuds have Comply T-Series memory foam tips for sound isolation. They block noise effectively, reducing the need to increase call volume. Additionally, the ECM mic is also built into the headset cable, putting it at a reasonable distance from your mouth for clearer calls. As for the mic quality, you can expect fairly good mic audio in quiet settings. You may notice that voices sound a touch muffled, but it’s nothing too distracting or difficult to deal with. In noisier settings, voices still come across clearly, but you’ll have to put up with an audible hiss in the background. To get a better idea of this, here are our mic recordings for the Mee audio M6 Pro 2: Moreover, the detachable cables are easily replaceable (thanks to Mee Audio’s Lifetime Replacements Program) should any trouble arise. This feature also makes switching to a single-ear monitoring mode easier by swapping the stock stereo cable for a stereo-to-mono cable. Overall, the newer M6 Pro 2nd Generation earbuds showcase a significant improvement in sound quality compared to their 2015 predecessor, the Mee audio M6 Pro. This includes a smoother, more natural treble and more accurate mids. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Edifier NeoBuds Pro
Key features
Form Factor: True Wireless Earbuds Connectivity: Wireless Battery Life: 6 hours Mic Type: MEMS Mic Quantity: 6 Mic Position: On Earbuds Mic Noise Reduction: DSP
If you’re looking for a truly wireless experience, check out the Edifier NeoBuds Pro. They have six noise-canceling mics, hybrid ANC that reduces noise by 42dB, and Hi-Res audio support, making them the best true wireless earbuds for calls. Each earbud has three mics for calls and noise cancellation. You have the phone mic on the earbud stem, while the feedforward and feedback mics are closer to the earbud speaker. Additionally, you can adjust your ANC to Low or High through the Edifier app. This covers ambient noise in quiet settings and louder noises like jet engines and trains. Overall, the noise cancellation works exceptionally well, delivering impressive mic quality during our testing sessions. We found that they could effectively block out the noise of speeding cars, allowing us to converse even while walking alongside a busy street. Here’s a sample of recordings taken with the Edifier NeoBuds Pro: Besides that, these earbuds also provide excellent sound quality, thanks to a pair of Knowles balanced armature drivers. Coupled with Edifier’s DSP-based Active Crossover Technology, you can expect richer sound reproduction to enhance music listening. That’s not all. The earbuds also support LHDC and LDAC codecs, and 80ms low-latency mode, making it possible to enjoy high-resolution music tracks. You can even take them outdoors as they’re IP54-rated dust and water-resistant. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Also good: Soundcore by Anker Life P3i
The Soundcore Life P3i Earbuds are a good alternative to the NeoBuds Pro. They have excellent features for hands-free calls, like easy-to-use button controls, hybrid ANC, and four noise-canceling mics. Like the NeoBuds Pro, the P3i earbuds use noise-canceling mics combined with a noise-isolating AI algorithm for enhanced call quality and precise voice pickup. The hybrid ANC also ensures you can hear incoming audio clearly, lessening the need to raise your voice. In addition, these earbuds deliver pretty good sound quality. You can even customize your audio with 22 different EQ settings on the Soundcore app. However, despite having a lower Bluetooth version and shorter battery life, the NeoBuds Pro still outperform the P3i earbuds with high-resolution audio codec support. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Jabra Talk 45
Key features
Form Factor: Monaural True Wireless Earbud Connectivity: Wireless Battery Life: 6 hours Mic Type: MEMS Mic Quantity: 2 Mic Position: On Earbuds Mic Noise Reduction: HD Voice
The Jabra Talk 45 features one-tap access to Siri or Google Assistant that lets you take calls or listen to messages when your phone is out of reach. They also have mono design that makes them safer while on the road, allowing you to stay more aware of your surroundings. As such, they’re the best for calls while driving. That’s not all. The Jabra Talk 45 headset has two omnidirectional mics and Jabra’s HD Voice feature to give you excellent voice pickup. This complements Jabra’s advanced noise cancellation, which ensures you won’t need to yell over loud background noise. We tested the headset out on the road and were surprised at how well they did. There was a tiny bit of distortion on sibilant sounds. But the mic quality was mostly clear, even with rolled-down windows and passing traffic in the background. Check out these recordings to hear how well they performed: With Bluetooth and USB connectivity, you can use the headset with various mobile devices and softphones for business or personal purposes. You can even stream GPS directions from your phone, eliminating the need to keep looking at your phone while on the road. Unfortunately, this headset only comes with a car charger and a USB charging cable, not a typical charging case. And this means you won’t be able to charge them on the go unless you’re in your car. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Also good: Plantronics Voyager Legend
The similarly priced Plantronics Voyager Legend Headset is an honorable mention in this category. It delivers decent mic audio with the Triple-Mic Active Digital Signal Processing that minimizes unwanted noise and echoes. Plus, its built-in wind-canceling system also uses windscreens and acoustic fabric mesh to block wind noise. Despite this, the noise handling could be better. Unlike the Jabra 45 headset, the Voyager Legend’s mic works well in moderately quiet environments but struggles in noisy ones. For instance, we tested the headset in a bustling conference room and encountered difficulties as the noise drowned us out. Aside from this, the headset also comes with hearing protection. It automatically limits sounds beyond 118 dB, protecting your ears from sudden mic feedback. Ultimately, the Jabra Talk 45 still beats this headset with better noise isolation, a lighter build, and a more stable Bluetooth connection.
1More Quad Driver
Key features
Form Factor: IEMs Connectivity: Wired Mic Type: MEMS Mic Quantity: 1 Mic Position: Inline Mic Noise Reduction: N/A
The 1More Quad Driver Earbuds come with excellent features designed to bring out the best in your audio. They have a multi-driver setup, wide frequency range, meticulous aluminum design, and excellent sound quality. For these reasons, they’re an exceptional choice for calls and music. The Quad Driver features four speakers in each earbud – one dynamic driver and three balanced armatures. According to 1More, the earbuds are “tuned to perfection” and have a frequency range that goes up to 40kHz, allowing you to hear subtle audio elements. For calls, this means greater definition and clarity, that’s ideal for voices. Furthermore, these earbuds have a MEMS mic near the mouth for accurate voice pickup and clarity. There’s also a built-in chip that identifies your device’s operating system. This ensures you always have hands-free functionality so you can easily make calls, adjust the volume, and skip between tracks. The Quad Driver earbuds’ mic delivers clear and crisp voice quality. However, they thrive in moderately quiet environments. During our testing, we noticed that some ambient sounds, if loud enough, tended to overpower our voices. As such, they’re best in quieter settings like a home office setup. Here’s what their microphones sound like: CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
EarFun Air Pro 2
Key features
Form Factor: True Wireless Earbuds Connectivity: Wireless Battery Life: 7 hours Mic Type: MEMS Mic Quantity: 6 Mic Position: On Earbuds Mic Noise Reduction: DSP
If effective noise cancellation is what you want, the EarFun Air Pro 2 Earbuds spare no expense. The earbuds have six built-in noise-canceling mics and a robust ANC system for clear calls, making them the best earbuds with a mic for noise cancellation. With the QuietSmart™ 2.0 Hybrid ANC system, you have three noise-canceling mics in each earbud that detects and removes ambient and in-ear noise. Two of the mics face inwards and outwards for maximum noise isolation. This helps reduce background noise by up to 40 dB, which is a big plus for calls. The earbuds also use an Anti-Wind Noise Algorithm, which helped greatly in blocking rumbling wind noise during our outdoor testing. To further assess this feature, we also tested them indoors with crowd noise playing in the background and an electric fan on full blast. Naturally, you’ll still hear some subtle noises, but the earbuds performed pretty well and ensured our voices remained clear during conversations. Here are some sample recordings you can check out: They have a pair of 10mm titanium dynamic drivers that provide realistic and balanced sound quality for music listening. Plus, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity also lets you use the earbuds with different mobile devices and PCs. Design-wise, the earbuds feature an IPX7 build that keeps them safe from water splashes. And an additional six pairs of ear tips to help you find a comfortable fit. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Jabra Elite Active 75t
Key features
Form Factor: True Wireless Earbuds Connectivity: Wireless Battery Life: 7.5 hours Mic Type: Dual MEMS Mic Quantity: 4 Mic Position: On Earbuds Mic Noise Reduction: Jabra Noise Blackout™
The Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds have a multi-mic setup designed to enhance audio and call quality. With ANC, better battery life, and a waterproof design, they’re a big improvement from the older 65t earbuds and ideal for taking calls during workouts. With their four-mic setup, the 75t earbuds let you converse anywhere. Two of the four mics remove ambient noise, while the rest focus on amplifying your voice. So, even when you’re outdoors, there’ll be little to no wind distortion. Despite the extensive mic setup, voice quality itself leaves more to be desired. During outdoor testing, we noticed that voices tend to sound like they’re underwater. So, even though the voice volume is good, it lacks that sharpness and clarity. Check out these sample recordings for a better idea of how they sound: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, the 75t earbuds promise a stable connection with no dropped calls mid-conversation. Design-wise, the IP55 rating will also keep them safe from sweat and rain, so you can keep them on while working out. One drawback is that the 75t earbuds only support AAC and SBC codecs. So you won’t enjoy higher-quality codecs like aptX, aptX-LL, and aptX-HD. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Turtle Beach Battle Buds
Key features
Form Factor: In-ear with wingtips Connectivity: Wired Mic Type: MEMS Mic Quantity: 1 Mic Position: Inline Mic Noise Reduction: N/A
Turtle Beach is an industry leader when it comes to gaming headsets. And the Turtle Beach Battle Buds wired earbuds are one of their best portable offerings. They feature a detachable mic and multi-platform compatibility, making them the best wired earbuds with a mic for gaming. These earbuds are the only one of their kind on the Turtle Beach roster with a removable, high-sensitivity boom mic. In addition, they have amazing mic quality. The mic isolates your voice from ambient sounds and offers incredibly pristine and detailed voice pick-up. Their level of clarity was quite surprising for a pair of earbuds and undoubtedly ideal for in-game comms. But as mentioned, the mic is quite sensitive, so it can pick up unwanted sounds if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, since the boom mic doesn’t cross in front of the mouth, you won’t get those annoying pops when speaking. Here’s a sample recording to show what the mic quality sounds like on the Turtle Beach Battle Buds: Aside from this, the earbuds include an inline mic for making calls on the go. It activates once you detach the boom mic, which is convenient for quick switch-ups. An inline controller also lets you adjust the volume and mute the mic. Moreover, the earbuds are compatible with the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS4 Pro, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and most PCs with a 3.5mm audio jack. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Also good: Razer Hammerhead (2nd Gen)
The Razer Hammerhead (2nd Gen) Earbuds are an excellent wireless gaming option. Unlike the Turtle Beach Battle Buds, these come with ANC and Dual Environmental Noise Canceling (ENC) Microphones that minimize ambient noise and enhance voice quality. Using the Razer Audio app, you can customize your EQ and controls. There’s even an option to change the earbud lights for extra pizzazz. Since the Hammerhead 2nd Gen Earbuds don’t come with extra USB cables, you will be limited to Bluetooth-enabled devices. But thanks to the earbuds’ 60ms Low Latency Gaming Mode, you can expect smooth audio performance on any Bluetooth device.
Notable Mentions
These options didn’t make it to the top 12, but we think they’re worth checking out, especially if you’re still unsure of the listed models above.
What earbuds have good microphones? Do all earbuds have built-in mic? Which is the best earbuds for voice calling? Which wireless earbuds has the best microphone? Does AirPods have mic? Is AirPods mic any good? How can I test my earphone mic? What are the different types of mic used in earbuds?
What earbuds have good microphones?
The earbuds featured in this list all have good microphones. For example, if you want the best true wireless earbuds with a microphone, you can check out the Soundcore by Anker Life P3i. Or if you need earbuds that are great for calls while driving, the Jabra Talk 45 is definitely the one for you. Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds have 4 MEMS mics for better voice pickup and active noise canceling during calls or voice commands. They also feature an acoustic open chamber design for wind noise protection. The Jabra EarGels aim to increase comfort and provide the secure fitting and dependable in-ear stability needed when you’re on the move. With three sets of EarGels available in different sizes, you can choose the best fit for your listening comfort. Additionally, the Jabra Sound+ app also customizes how your earbuds transmit and receive sound to suit your surroundings. Want to enhance your music experience? Use the app’s advanced equalizer to listen to your music as you want to hear it. You can also modify your call settings from the app for a superior calling experience. Connect instantly to Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa and get things done on the go. Whether you need to search for a new location on the map, get a traffic update, or have messages read back to you, you’ll enjoy a seamless connection with your Jabra Elite Active 65t. However, there is a learning curve to mastering the earbud controls since each earbud has a unique function. The right earbud controls the music, activates the voice assistant, and acts as the power button. While the left earbud controls the volume. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON The earbuds’ three noise-canceling microphones isolate your voice from other background noises, thus ensuring that your voice sounds crystal clear on the other end of the line. To further improve your call quality, you can manually adjust the Ambient Mode by up to four settings. The low setting filters in background noise, giving you better spatial awareness. While the highest setting reduces ambient noise and lets you concentrate on your call. If you don’t want to fiddle around with any settings, you can activate Voice Detect, which automatically turns off the ANC when the buds detect your voice. Best of all, these earbuds also offer an immersive audio experience, thanks to 11mm woofers for deep bass and 6.5mm tweeters for enhanced highs. Additionally, the earbuds’ touch sensors let you perform different functions. You can reduce background noise with a single tap or control playback by tapping the earbuds. As for the design, these earbuds are IPX7 water-resistant. As such, they can survive being submerged in three feet of water for 30 minutes. So no more worrying about rain or sweat ruining your earbuds! CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON In addition to protecting against sweat and water exposure, the Powerbeats Pro come with adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks to stay on even during vigorous workouts. Activate Siri on the go using your Powerbeats Pro with a simple “Hey Siri” voice command. When using non-Apple devices, you’ll need to tap the button on the earbud to activate your voice assistant. Additionally, the mic sensitivity also ensures a clear voice pickup and hassle-free activation. The downward-facing microphones in the Powerbeats Pro are surprisingly good for true wireless earbuds. A Reddit user even rated the mic quality higher than that of the Sony WF-1000XM3. Of course, while that’s just one opinion, it’s still a testament to Powerbeats Pro’s quality. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Do all earbuds have built-in mic?
No, not all earbuds have a built-in microphone. Some earbuds are designed for music listening and do not include a microphone. Adding a microphone increases the cost of the earbuds and if the manufacturers want to keep the cost low, they will exclude it.
Which is the best earbuds for voice calling?
If you’re looking for the best earbuds for voice calling, we recommend the Discover D714U. With a dedicated noise-canceling mic, it’s able to effectively isolate your voice from the background noise. The adjustable boom mic allows you to customize the distance between your mouth and the microphone. It also has DSP noise reduction, so your voice will always come across clearly.
Which wireless earbuds has the best microphone?
The Jabra Evolve 75e has the best microphone quality among wireless earbuds. These earbuds use three-microphone technology with DSP noise reduction to deliver clearer calls. Together they boost the sound of your voice while suppressing ambient sound, creating a noise-free “talk-zone” around the user.
Does AirPods have mic?
Yes, all AirPods (Gen 1 and 2) and AirPods Pro (Gen 1 and 2) have built-in mics. They have dual beamforming microphones, and it is inward-facing.
Is AirPods mic any good?
The AirPods’ mic is decent. It is clean and focused on your voice, and does not seem to pick up a lot of indoor sounds like electric fans or keyboard sounds. However, when used outside, it absorbs quite a lot of the ambient noise. My voice also sounded a bit hollow in the mic quality test with background noise.
How can I test my earphone mic?
The simplest way to test your earphone mic is by connecting it to your phone and making a call. If the other person on the end of the line can hear you clearly, then you’re all set. You can also test the mic on your computer or use this online mic test to confirm whether your mic is working correctly. If you’re a gamer or need to use your earbuds’ mic for conference calls, you could try using a mic monitoring feature. This lets you hear your own voice in real-time through your earbuds as you’re speaking into the mic. You can enable this from your PC, Mac, or gaming consoles such as Xbox or PS4.
What are the different types of mic used in earbuds?
There are two main types of microphones used in earbuds: Electret Condenser Microphones (ECMs) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) microphones. MEMS microphones are newer to the market and are smaller in size, making them ideal for smaller devices like true wireless earbuds. MEMS microphones have relatively lower output impedance and are thus ideal for electrically noisy environments. ECMs are larger, which makes it easier to facilitate design upgrades for dust and moisture resistance.
