The current COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations around the world to move to remote working. According to research, from 2019 to 2023, remote work is expected to increase by almost 77%. As a result, the need for the best earbuds for phone calls has increased. Meetings now happen over phone calls or video calls. 89% of remote employees say they feel more connected and involved with projects and teams when using video conferencing.
However, with so many earbuds and headphones for remote work available on the market, finding the right earbuds or headphones has become a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll focus on top-rated earbuds for phone calls and video calls.
To help you find the best earbuds for phone calls, we tested over 50 pairs of earbuds across 3 months. We’ve shortlisted 10 earbuds that are perfect for phone calls.
Roundup of the Best Earbuds for Phone Calls
| Overall Best Earbuds for Phone Calls | Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds |
| Best Waterproof Earbuds for Phone Calls | Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds |
| Best Earbuds for Phone Calls in Noisy Environment | Sony WF-1000XM3 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Best Earbuds for Phone Calls on Android Phones | Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless Earbuds |
| Best Earbuds for Phone Calls on iPhone | Apple AirPods Pro |
| Most Comfortable Earbuds for Phone Calls | Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds |
| Best Budget Earbuds for Phone Calls | NANAMI Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds |
| Best True Wireless Earbuds for Phone Calls | Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro |
| Best Neckband Earbuds for Phone Calls | Sony WI-XB400 Wireless In-Ear Extra Bass Headset/Headphones With Mic |
| Best Earbuds for Outdoor Phone Calls | Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth 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
First things first, you need to check the microphone quality. However, to assess the mic quality, it’s important to understand how a microphone works and what makes a microphone “good-quality.”
Working of a Microphone
A microphone picks sound waves and converts them into clear audio signals. This conversion process can differ from one microphone to another. However, all microphones have one thing in common: the diaphragm.
In the absence of a diaphragm, a microphone cannot function as a transducer. This means that it cannot convert sound waves into audio signals without a diaphragm. The diaphragm vibrates to cause vibration in the components of the microphone. These vibrations are converted into electric currents that become audio signals. The speakers of the earbuds then convert the audio signals again into sound (acoustic energy).
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.
Other Features of a Good-Quality Microphone
- Clarity and volume: Some premium-end earbuds for phone calls comprise built-in voice assistants (Google, Siri, Amazon Alexa, etc.). Therefore, they’re microphone clarity is excellent. Also, their volume is neither too high nor too dull. Therefore, while buying earbuds for phone calls, it would be a good idea to buy earbuds that come with built-in voice assistants.
- Sensitivity: When you’re buying earbuds for phone calls, you should look for the ones that don’t have a sensitive microphone. A sensitive microphone can easily pick up surrounding noises and cause disturbance.
- Noise-canceling: First things first, please note that the noise-canceling technologies used to improve the microphone quality and the earbuds’/headphones’ sound quality are different. Microphones are powered with the cVc technology to make them noise-canceling. Whereas, the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology is used to improve the sound quality of earbuds and headphones.
- Position: Microphones that are positioned closer to your mouth pick up your voice clearly. They do not pick ambient sound from the background. Earbuds that comprise in-line microphones can lead to poor voice quality.
2. Comfort and Fit
You all will agree that both office and personal calls can go on and on. It’s hard to determine when a call will end. Therefore, it’s extremely critical to ensure the earbuds you are planning to buy are comfortable and fit perfectly in your ears. Ill-fitting earbuds can lead to ear discomfort and hearing problems.
Ensure the earbuds you are planning to buy come with soft ear tips. Most earbuds for phone calls come with multiple sets of ear tips to ensure an excellent fit. Consider the design and weight too. True wireless earbuds are most comfortable as they do not comprise any wires. Also, earbuds that fit properly provide better call quality since they do not allow outside noise to enter.
Top 10 Earbuds for Making and Receiving Phone Calls
Now let’s look at the detailed reviews on the 10 best-performing earbuds for phone calls.
1. Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Overall Best Earbuds for Phone Calls
- Sleek and stylish
- Comfortable and extremely lightweight
- Excellent sound quality
- Powerful bass
- User-friendly Jabra Sound+ app
- Easy to connect and use
- Excellent call quality
- Extremely effective noise-canceling
- Good battery life; durable charging case
- Adjustable ANC
- Can be connected to two devices at once
- One-touch voice assistant access
- No way to adjust noise-canceling level without app
If you’re looking for high-end earbuds for phone calls and budget is not a concern, you don’t need to think twice before buying the Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds. After all, these earbuds come with 6-mic technology and wind protection to provide you with crystal-clear audio quality during calls. We tested these earbuds with both Android and iOS devices, and they worked perfectly, without any hiccups.
Firstly, you can make and receive calls from anywhere with these Bluetooth earbuds. 6 microphones and powerful 12 mm speakers combine to provide you with excellent call quality.
Secondly, these earbuds support Jabra Advanced ANC. It is fully adjustable and you can set the noise-canceling level using the Jabra Sound+ app. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about any external disturbance when you’re listening to music or taking an important call. If you want to know what’s happening around you, simply switch to the HearThrough mode to let in what you want to hear.
Thirdly, the battery life of these earbuds is also good. They can work continuously for up to 5.5 hours when fully charged. With the charging case, the battery life is about 25 hours. However, we feel the battery life could have been better.
Lastly, these earbuds are comfortable for continuous use. They did not cause any discomfort even when worn for 3-4 hours continuously during long calls. You can find the perfect fit for yourself and personalize the controls on the earbuds using the Jabra Sound+ app.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are the best earbuds for phone calls. You can use them both indoors and outdoors. The sound quality is almost the same as 75t. However, the bass is more powerful in the case of 85t. These earbuds are easy to connect and use. The overall call quality is better than 75t.
View on Amazon: Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
2. Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds
Best Waterproof Earbuds for Phone Calls
- Small, compact and sleek design
- Perfect and secure fit
- Comfortable for long calls
- Durable and sturdy
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy to connect and use
- Good battery life
- Excellent call quality
- Intuitive mic and volume controls
- Dust-, sweat-, and water-resistant
- Powerful bass
- Smart sensors
- Available in five color combinations
- One-touch voice assistant access
- Bass can be overpowering at times
- No way to adjust noise-canceling level without app
If you’re looking for a pair of good-quality, waterproof earbuds for phone calls that are not as high-end as the 85t, we recommend checking the Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds. They’re IPX7-rated earbuds, which makes them both sweatproof and waterproof. Therefore, they’re also one of the best shower headphones on the market.
Firstly, these earbuds comprise 4 microphones. Therefore, they’re great for making and receiving calls. No matter where you are, these 4 microphones combine to provide crystal-clear audio, even in the noisiest environments.
Secondly, their ANC capability is as good as 85t. You can use the Jabra Sound+ app to toggle between the ANC and HearThrough mode. Thirdly, their fit is simply excellent. These earbuds comprise a grip coating which prevents them from falling out even when you’re jumping or running. They’re available in 5 color variants: Copper Black, Copper Blue, Copper Red, Titanium Black, and Gold Beige.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds sound almost the same and are as comfortable as 85t. The call quality is also similar. The battery life could have been better. Nevertheless, they are somewhat more easily affordable than 85t. Also, you can customize the sound experience per your requirements.
View on Amazon: Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds
3. Sony WF-1000XM3 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds
Best Earbuds for Phone Calls in Noisy Environment
- Amazing sound quality
- Excellent call quality
- Great noise cancelation
- Good battery life
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Touch-enabled voice assistant access
- Ambient sound mode
- Convenient hands-free calling
- Auto on/off to save battery
- Value for money
- No way to adjust noise-canceling level with the app
- Cannot be connected to multiple devices at the same time
Even though you’ll find quite a few noise-canceling earbuds for phone calls on our list, the Sony WF-1000XM3 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds are the best. The noise-canceling feature works so well that you can hear every word clearly when taking calls on the noisiest environments. Moreover, the built-in microphones are also noise-canceling to ensure excellent call quality.
These earbuds are powered by Sony’s proprietary HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1e. Therefore, they’re currently the best earbuds for phone calls in noisy environments.
Secondly, we simply loved the touch controls of these earbuds. You can attend calls even when your phone is not near you. All you need to do is tap the earbuds. Thirdly, the sound quality is great. However, we feel the highs can be toned down a little. They sound hard out of the box. However, since they are noise-canceling, you barely need to increase the volume above 50%.
Other compelling features of these earbuds include built-in Amazon Alexa, Quick Attention Mode to deactivate noise cancelation, Wearing Detection to play/pause music automatically when you are not using the earbuds, and Smart Listening to auto-enable the ambient sound mode.
In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM3 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds are also high-end earbuds for phone calls. However, they provide you with excellent call quality. They’re comfortable for continuous use and fit perfectly. Moreover, they’re compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The battery life is only 10% better than Jabra Elite 85t and Active 75t.
View on Amazon: Sony WF-1000XM3 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds
4. Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless Earbuds
Best Earbuds for Phone Calls on Android Phones
- Great sound quality; deep bass, natural mids, clear treble
- Customizable, intuitive touch controls
- Highly suitable for Android
- Minimalistic design
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Good battery life
- Easy to connect and use
- Wide soundstage and great detail
- Easily affordable
- No ANC
Even though most of the earbuds reviewed here are compatible with Android phones, the Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless Earbuds were the easiest and quickest to connect. Also, they’re one of the best-sounding earbuds for Android devices.
These earbuds are powered by a wide variety of audio codecs, such as Augmentative and Alternative Connection (AAC), low-complexity subband codec (SBC), and aptX. Therefore, they work perfectly with mobile phones.
Secondly, we tested the call quality on Samsung and Nokia smartphones, and did not experience any issues. The built-in microphone delivers excellent call quality. Moreover, these earbuds come with intuitive touch controls using which you can make/receive calls by merely tapping the earbuds. You can personalize your listening experience using the Smart Control App.
In conclusion, the Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless Earbuds are great for calls on Android phones. They come with multiple ear tips to provide a perfect fit. Their battery life is also good. You can use these earbuds for up to 7 hours in a single charge.
View on Amazon: Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless Earbuds
5. Apple AirPods Pro
Best Earbuds for Phone Calls on iPhone
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Convenient to use and connect
- Perfect for iPhone calls
- Good battery life
- Dual beamforming microphones
- Dual optical sensors
- Phenomenal sound quality
- Balanced soundstage and bass
- Good noise cancelation
- We did not experience any issues while using these wireless earbuds with iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone 7, and other iPhone variants
This one’s a no-brainer. The Apple AirPods Pro are indeed the best earbuds for phone calls on iPhone. We don’t really need to say much about these best wireless earbuds for the iPhone.
Firstly, the phenomenal call quality is a result of immersive, high-quality sound. We noticed that the calls sound clearer on AirPods than they sound on the iPhone’s speaker. Moreover, the AirPods Pro provide a convenient hands-free calling experience. Once you complete the set up, they’re always connected as long as you are wearing them.
Secondly, we did not experience any issues while connecting them. They comprise an H-1 chip that ensures low latency when you’re on a call. In some existing customer reviews, we read that the AirPods keep disconnecting during calls. However, we did not experience any connectivity issues.
Thirdly, these wireless earbuds are comfortable and fit perfectly; thanks to the multiple pair of ear tips. If your AirPods keep falling out, you need to reassess the size of the ear tips you’re choosing.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for premium-quality earbuds for iPhone call, the best choice is Apple AirPods Pro. However, if you don’t want another Apple product, you can try the Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless Earbuds reviewed above.
View on Amazon: Apple AirPods Pro
6. Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
Most Comfortable Earbuds for Phone Calls
- Extremely comfortable
- Excellent sound and noise cancelation
- Great sound quality
- Excellent battery life
- Intuitive controls
- Value for money
- Sweat- and weather-resistant
- Powerful Qi-certified charging case
- Available in two colors
- We did not experience any issues with these earbuds
Comfort is an important factor you need to consider when looking for the best earbuds for phone calls. The Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds comprise “comfort” in their name. Therefore, you can imagine how comfortable they are. These earbuds are made of soft silicone and comprise StayHear tips to ensure the utmost comfort. They also have wings that fit snugly around the edge of your ears to reduce pressure on your ears. They’re also one of the best earbuds for small ears.
Secondly, these earbuds deliver great call quality. After all, they comprise 11 levels of noise cancelation. After Sony WH-1000XM3, they’re the best noise-canceling earbuds for phone calls. By simply tapping the right earbud, you can control three levels of noise cancelation, make/take calls, skips tracks, and more. However, for completely personalizing the earbuds per your convenience, you need to download the Bose Connect app.
Thirdly, these wireless earbuds come with an excellent battery life. You can use the earbuds for up to 20 hours when they’re fully charged. Out of all the best earbuds for phone calls listed in this guide, these earbuds have the best battery life.
In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds are top earbuds for phone calls in terms of comfort, battery life, and sound quality.
View on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
7. NANAMI Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds
Best Budget Earbuds for Phone Calls
- Great audio quality
- Good call quality
- Intuitive in-line controls
- Excellent battery life
- IPX7 sweatproof and waterproof
- Can support two Bluetooth devices at once
- Magnetic neckband design for convenient storage
- Comfortable, durable, and lightweight
- Extremely affordable
- We did not experience any issues with these earbuds
If you’re on a shoestring budget, the NANAMI Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds can be a good buy. While their call quality is not as phenomenal as the other high-end earbuds for phone calls, it’s pretty good for their price.
Firstly, the sound quality delivered by these earbuds is great. Therefore, we did not experience any disturbances while making/taking calls. The call audio was clear and crisp. These Bluetooth earbuds also comprise an MEMS microphone that cancels out external noises and ensures disturbance-free calls. You can also make the most of the microphone to make/take calls using the in-line controls.
Secondly, these earbuds are not true wireless. They’re neckband earbuds. Both earbuds comprise magnets; therefore, you can join them together to form a necklace and wear them around your neck when not using them. These earbuds are comfortable for continuous use.
Thirdly, these earbuds are easy to connect and use. With the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology and advanced QCC3003 chip, these earbuds allow quick pairing and more stable connectivity with your Bluetooth-enabled phones.
In conclusion, the NANAMI Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds the best budget earbuds for phone calls. You cannot get a better deal than this. Their microphone quality is much better than other Bluetooth earbuds in this range. The battery life is also great. When fully charged, these earbuds work for up to 10 hours, without any hiccups.
View on Amazon: NANAMI Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds
8. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Best True Wireless Earbuds for Phone Calls
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Perfect fit
- Good battery life
- Look stylish
- Excellent audio quality
- Excellent call quality
- Durable and sturdy
- Value for money
- Intelligent ANC
- Smart switch from ANC to Ambient Sound
- We did not experience any issues with these earbuds
If you don’t want “any wires at all,” we suggest checking the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. These true wireless earbuds are great for phone calls. The call quality is so amazing that you’ll feel you’re in the same room. Most athletes and gym goers use these earbuds for calls.
Firstly, these earbuds use intelligent ANC that provides you with crystal-clear audio quality in the noisiest environments. Whether you’re ordering food or answering a call, ANC will automatically switch to the Ambient Sound Mode. Also, each earbud comprises an 11mm woofer and 6.5 mm tweeter to deliver amazing audio quality.
Secondly, with these true wireless earbuds, you’re always connected to your device. You can answer calls by simply tapping on the earbuds no matter where you’ve kept your device (within Bluetooth range).
Thirdly, you can even take your calls while running or walking as these earbuds are IPX7 sweat- and water-resistant. Also, we did not experience any comfort issues with these earbuds.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Earbuds are one of the most stylish and best true wireless earbuds for phone calls. Their metallic finish makes them extremely aesthetically appealing. These earbuds are available in three colors: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Violet. The build- and design-quality are top-notch. Therefore, they’re also one of the most durable earbuds on the market right now.
View on Amazon: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Earbuds
9. Sony WI-XB400 Wireless In-Ear Extra Bass Headset/Headphones With Mic
- Comfortable and stylish
- Durable and lightweight
- Great sound quality
- Great call quality
- Value for money
- Easily affordable
- Excellent battery life
- Voice-assist function
- Available in two colors
- Not noise-canceling
- No app to customize sound
- Not sweat- or water-resistant
If you prefer the neckband design, the Sony WI-XB400 Wireless In-Ear Extra Bass Headset/Headphones With Mic can be a good choice. The earbuds are indeed the best neckband earbuds for phone calls.
Firstly, they deliver excellent sound quality. Both earbuds comprise 12 mm drivers units for clear and crisp sound. These earbuds are the most bass-heavy earbuds on our list. Therefore, the overall call quality is crisp and precise. However, they’re not noise-canceling.
Secondly, these earbuds comprise in-line controls for hands-free calling. All you need to do is touch the multi-function button to make/receive calls. Thirdly, they come with excellent battery life. When fully charged, these earbuds can work for up to 15 hours straight.
In conclusion, the convenient neckband design of the Sony WI-XB400 Wireless In-Ear Extra Bass Headset/Headphones With Mic makes them great for hands-free calling. These earbuds are comfortable and lightweight. Both earbuds comprise magnets; therefore, you can join them together to form a necklace and wear them around your neck when not using them. They are compatible with both Android and iOS phones.
View on Amazon: Sony WI-XB400 Wireless In-Ear Extra Bass Headset/Headphones With Mic
10. Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Best Earbuds for Outdoor Phone Calls
- Excellent sound quality
- Great noise cancelation
- Comfortable, compact, and lightweight
- Durable and sturdy
- Crushproof, drop proof, and waterproof
- Good battery life
- Reliable JBS1 true wireless Bluetooth technology
- Compatible with both Android and iOS devices
- Value for money
- We noticed a minor hissing sound at very low volume (only a few times)
If you prefer making/taking calls when you’re out for a jog or long walk, the Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds can be the best choice.
Firstly, these earbuds are one of the most durable earbuds on the market. They’re IPX7-rated. Therefore, they are resistant to dust, sweat, and water. They’re also dropproof. Also, with these earbuds, you can take a long walk or go out for a job when it’s raining.
Secondly, the call quality is excellent. Since these earbuds are powered by a 6 mm driver, they sound excellent. You can further enhance the sound performance using the Jaybird app. You can even take phone calls with the app. The bass is neither too strong nor dull. It’s perfect for phone calls. Since they’re worn inside the ear canals, they’re passive noise-canceling earbuds. Therefore, they provide better noise-canceling than the AirPods Pro.
Thirdly, these earbuds are comfortable and fit well. They comprise multiple pairs of ear tips to ensure the utmost comfort and perfect fit. You can also track lost or stolen earbuds using the “Find My Buds” feature on the JayBird app.
In conclusion, the Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are perfect for outdoor calling. Right from the microphone quality to the sound quality of these earbuds, we loved everything. They’re comfortable and weatherproof. They’re one of the most compact earbuds for phone calls. At the moment, these earbuds are available in three colors: Black, Nimbus Grey, and Planetary Green.
View on Amazon: Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth 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
Now that you’ve read the detailed reviews of the best earbuds for phone calls, what do you think? Have you identified the right earbuds for yourself?
If you ask us to pick a personal favorite, we’ll go with the Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds. These earbuds comprise all features an ideal pair of earbuds for phone calls should have. They’re durable, sturdy, and comfortable. They comprise 6 microphones for excellent call quality on both Android and iOS devices. Also, their overall sound quality is phenomenal.
Always remember, choosing the best earbuds for making/receiving phone calls is not an easy job. Nevertheless, we hope this guide has helped you understand factors you should consider while buying earbuds for phone calls. If you have any questions or want us to review other earbuds for phone calls, do let us know in the comment section below.
