With the rise of remote work, the demand for the best earbuds for phone calls has surged. From 2019 to 2023, remote work increased by nearly 77%, making high-quality audio equipment more essential than ever. Whether it’s a crucial business meeting or a casual team catch-up, 89% of remote employees report feeling more connected and engaged when using video conferencing.
Finding the right earbuds for phone calls in this crowded market can be challenging. To help you navigate through the options, we assessed and evaluated over 50 pairs of earbuds.
This guide lists and discusses the top 7 earbuds that excel in phone and video calls, ensuring you stay connected with clarity and comfort.
Explore our roundup of the best earbuds for phone calls to find your perfect pair.
| Overall Best | Sony WF-1000XM5 The Best Truly Wireless Bluetooth |
| Best for iOS Users | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) |
| Best for Value | OnePlus Buds 3 |
| Best for All-Day Use | Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds |
| Best for Sound Quality | Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Earbuds |
| Best for Casual Use | JBL Vibe Beam |
| Best for Noise Cancellation | Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds |
In this guide, we’ll review each of them in detail, and list their pros and cons. We’ll also discuss different factors you should consider when buying earbuds for phone calls, and answer some frequently asked questions about them.
How to Find the Best Earbuds for Phone Calls – Buying Guide
Here are two important factors you should consider while finding the right earbuds for phone calls:
1. Microphone Quality
The microphone is the heart of any earbud designed for phone calls. To assess its quality, it’s essential to understand how a microphone functions and what makes it “good-quality.”
Understanding Microphone Functionality
A microphone works by capturing sound waves and converting them into audio signals. Central to this process is the diaphragm, a key component that vibrates in response to sound waves.
These vibrations trigger movements in other microphone components, transforming them into electrical currents that become the audio signals you hear. The sensitivity, clarity, and ability of the microphone to filter out background noise largely determine how well your voice is transmitted during calls.
Types of Microphones in Earbuds for Phone Calls
Earbuds for phone calls comprise either of these two types of microphones:
- Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS)
- Electret Condenser Microphone (ECM)
Both function as discussed above. However, there are some basic differences between these two types of microphone.
| MEMS | ECM | |
| Size | Small | Large |
| Ideal for Earbuds | Yes | Yes |
| Output Impedance | Low | High |
| Summary | MEMS mics perform better in noisy environments | ECM mics are easy to design and upgrade since they are larger in size |
Both MEMS and ECM microphones come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it’s difficult to conclude which one of them is best for earbuds with phone calls. While some earbuds use MEMS microphones, the others comprise ECM microphones. Nevertheless, the majority of the devices such as headphones, earbuds, tablets, smartphones, etc., use MEMS.
Key Features of a Good Microphone for Phone Calls
- Clarity & Volume: Choose earbuds with built-in voice assistants for clear, balanced sound.
- Sensitivity: Opt for less sensitive mics to avoid picking up background noise.
- Noise-Canceling: Look for cVc tech for better call clarity.
- Positioning: Mics closer to your mouth ensure clearer voice capture.
2. Comfort and Fit
Long calls require comfort. Choose earbuds with soft, multiple-sized ear tips for a secure fit.
Prioritize lightweight, true wireless designs to avoid ear discomfort and improve call quality by blocking external noise.
Top 7 Earbuds for Making and Receiving Phone Calls
Now let’s look at the detailed reviews on the 7 best-performing earbuds for phone calls.
1. Sony WF-1000XM5 The Best Truly Wireless Bluetooth
Overall Best
What Impressed Us
- Improved noise-canceling performance
- Enhanced voice calling quality with bone conduction sensors
- Smaller and lighter design for better comfort
- Supports spatial audio with head-tracking for Android users
- Long battery life with quick charging capabilities
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
What Disappointed Us
- Glossy finish can make them slippery to handle
- No Find My feature integrated into the app
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are chosen as the overall best for their exceptional performance in delivering crystal-clear phone calls and superior audio quality. These earbuds are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancellation technology, which ensures that calls are heard without any background disturbances.
These earbuds excel in overall use, providing a truly wireless experience with advanced Bluetooth connectivity that maintains a stable connection without dropouts. The touch controls are intuitive, allowing for easy management of calls and music playback.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 also boasts impressive features such as LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio streaming, adaptive sound control that adjusts to your environment, and a comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options. The battery life is robust, offering up to 8 hours of continuous playback with noise cancellation active, and an additional 16 hours available through the compact charging case.
In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are the top choice for anyone looking for the best audio and call quality in a truly wireless design. Their cutting-edge noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and reliable performance make them a standout option in the market.
View on Amazon: Sony WF-1000XM5 The Best Truly Wireless Bluetooth
2. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best for iOS Users
What Impressed Us
- Significantly improved sound and noise canceling
- Powered by Apple’s new H2 chip
- Better battery life (6 hours)
- Upgraded microphones
- Charging case has U1 chip and built-in speaker for Find My
- New swipe volume controls
- Adaptive transparency mode
- Spatial audio
- Extra-small ear tips for a better fit
What Disappointed Us
- Similar design to previous model
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are particularly tailored for iOS users, integrating seamlessly with Apple devices. They feature improved active noise cancellation and transparency mode, making them perfect for phone calls in various environments.
These earbuds shine in ease of use with features like spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience and dynamic head tracking to keep you engaged in your calls or music. The setup is effortless for Apple users, with automatic device switching and audio sharing as standout features.
Additionally, the AirPods Pro offer personalized spatial audio that tailors sound to your ear shape, enhanced battery life up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, and more with the charging case. They are also sweat and water-resistant, making them versatile for all activities.
Overall, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are an excellent choice for Apple users looking for top-notch sound quality, advanced features, and seamless integration with their devices.ts.
View on Amazon: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
3. OnePlus Buds 3
Best for Value
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear vocals
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Advanced noise-canceling capabilities
- Long battery life
- Intuitive controls with gesture recognition
What Disappointed Us
- Noise-canceling can be inconsistent at times
The OnePlus Buds 3 are designed to provide exceptional value without compromising on quality, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers who do not want to sacrifice performance.
Selected for their excellent value, the OnePlus Buds 3 stand out in the market by offering features typically seen in more expensive models, such as dynamic drivers for enhanced sound clarity and deep bass. They are equipped with environmental noise cancellation technology, ensuring clear phone calls by effectively reducing background noise.
These earbuds are highly versatile with seamless Bluetooth connectivity and quick pairing, especially with OnePlus devices, though they work well with other smartphones too.
The comfort is guaranteed through ergonomic design and multiple ear tips that fit securely in your ear, making them suitable for long listening sessions. They provide up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge, with a total of 30 hours available through the charging case, which also supports fast charging.
In conclusion, OnePlus Buds 3 earbuds are a stellar choice for those looking for high-quality earbuds at an affordable price. Their robust build, excellent sound quality, and extended battery life ensure they offer the best value on the market, ideal for everyday use and frequent calls.
View on Amazon: OnePlus Buds 3
4. Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Best for All-Day Use
What Impressed Us
- Excellent call quality with advanced six-mic technology
- Comfortable fit with Jabra ComfortFit technology
- Advanced ANC for better noise cancellation
- Good sound quality with Dolby Spatial Audio
- Long battery life with wireless charging
What Disappointed Us
- Noise canceling isn’t as strong as some competitors
- Semi-open design allows sound leakage
The Jabra Elite 10 earbuds stand out for their all-day comfort and exceptional call quality, making them perfect for extended use. Their ergonomic design ensures a secure fit, allowing you to wear them comfortably for hours without discomfort.
Selected for all-day use due to their lightweight construction and long-lasting battery, these earbuds provide up to 10 hours of continuous playback, with the case offering an additional 20 hours. The Jabra Elite 10 features an intuitive touch interface for easy control over calls, music, and voice assistant, making them highly practical for long periods.
Additionally, the earbuds support active noise cancellation and HearThrough technology, giving you control over how much external sound you want to let in. The sound quality is crisp and clear, with powerful bass that enhances both calls and music. They are also IP57-rated for water resistance, further enhancing their suitability for all-day wear in any environment.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds are ideal for anyone who needs reliable, high-quality earbuds that can be worn comfortably all day. Their superior call clarity, extended battery life, and
View on Amazon: Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
5. Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Earbuds
Best for Sound Quality
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with detailed and nuanced audio
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Long battery life with up to 10 hours on a single charge
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options
- High-quality materials and durable design
What Disappointed Us
- Wind noise can affect the ANC performance
The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 earbuds are celebrated for delivering superior audio performance, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound quality, especially during phone calls. These earbuds are equipped with high-fidelity drivers that produce a detailed and expansive soundstage, ensuring crystal-clear audio for both music and calls.
Their exceptional sound clarity and depth make every conversation feel more natural and immersive, rivaling the audio quality typically found in over-ear headphones. This makes them ideal not just for enjoying music but also for maintaining clear and effective communication during phone calls.
With up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 36 hours from the charging case, the Melomania M100 ensures that you’re always connected. Custom EQ settings available through the accompanying app allow you to fine-tune the audio to your liking, enhancing your listening and call experience. Additionally, their IPX5 rating offers resistance to water and sweat, making them durable for everyday use.
In conclusion, the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 earbuds are the perfect blend of sound quality and convenience. Whether you’re using them for phone calls or listening to your favorite tracks, these earbuds offer a premium, high-quality audio experience in a sleek and portable design.
View on Amazon: Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Earbuds
6. JBL Vibe Beam
Best for Casual Use
What Impressed Us
- Affordable price
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
- Long battery life (around eight hours)
- Customizable touch gestures and ambient noise control
- VoiceAware feature for better phone call clarity
What Disappointed Us
- No noise-canceling feature
- Some users may find the sound quality not up to par with higher-end models
The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are ideal for casual users who need reliable earbuds for everyday activities, including phone calls and listening to music.
Selected for casual use, these earbuds are designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, suitable for wearing during various daily tasks. They provide a balanced sound profile with JBL’s signature bass, ensuring enjoyable audio whether you’re on a call or listening to your favorite tracks.
The Vibe Beam earbuds are straightforward to use, with intuitive controls and seamless connectivity. They offer up to 8 hours of battery life, with an additional 24 hours from the charging case. The earbuds are also lightweight and come with different tip sizes to ensure a comfortable fit for all ear shapes.
In conclusion, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a fantastic choice for casual users looking for an easy-to-use, comfortable, and dependable set of earbuds for everyday phone calls and music playback.
View on Amazon: JBL Vibe Beam
7. Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
Best for Noise Cancellation
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Intuitive controls and smart technologies
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
- Long battery life
What Disappointed Us
- Somewhat bulky
- Can be slight uncomfortable for those with smaller ears
The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are the top choice for anyone seeking exceptional noise-canceling capabilities, particularly for phone calls in noisy environments.
These earbuds stand out for their advanced noise cancellation technology, which ensures that background noise is effectively eliminated, allowing your voice to come through clearly during calls, even in busy or loud settings. This makes them an ideal choice for professionals or anyone who frequently takes calls in noisy environments.
The QuietComfort earbuds also offer a high-quality audio experience with lifelike sound and an Aware Mode, which lets you hear your surroundings when necessary, perfect for situations where you need to stay aware of your environment while still enjoying the benefits of noise cancellation.
Comfortable for extended wear, these earbuds are equipped with intuitive touch controls and provide up to 6 hours of listening time, with an additional 12 hours available through the charging case.
In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds are unparalleled for those who prioritize clear, undisturbed phone calls. Their superior technology and sound quality make them a must-have for anyone needing reliable and effective noise-canceling earbuds for communication.
View on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
Frequently Asked Questions About Earbuds for Phone Calls
Yes, you can make phone calls on both Android and iOS devices with earbuds. All you need to do is connect or pair your earbuds to your device using Bluetooth.
Some earbuds come with intuitive touch controls that allow you to accept/make calls by merely tapping one of the earbuds, whereas some earbuds comprise in-line controls to accept/make calls. You’ll also find earbuds that only allow you to answer calls using the phone.
Yes, all wireless earbuds have mic. Some wireless earbuds such as the Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Earbuds and Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Earbuds even comprise six and four mics.
Final Thoughts
After careful consideration and thorough testing, we’ve found that the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds are the top choices for anyone looking for the best wireless earbuds for phone calls.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds stand out as the overall best, offering unbeatable noise cancellation capabilities combined with exceptional sound quality. They are perfect for handling calls in any environment, ensuring that your conversations are crystal clear every time. Additionally, their robust battery life and seamless wireless connectivity make them incredibly reliable for everyday use.
On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds excel in providing a tranquil audio experience. They are ideal for those who work in noisy environments or who frequently travel, as their advanced noise cancellation technology effectively blocks unwanted background noise, allowing you to focus solely on your calls or music.
Both of these options will greatly enhance your audio experience, providing top-tier performance, comfort, and sound quality, making them the best choices for your needs.
Whether you’re working from home, commuting, or just enjoying your favorite tunes, these earbuds will ensure you get the best possible listening experience.If you have any questions or want us to review other earbuds for phone calls, do let us know in the comment section below.
