A high-quality microphone lets you take calls and use voice assistants, whether on a smartphone or a personal device. Earbuds with mics generally have better call quality than earbuds without them, but not all do. The best earbuds with mic deliver solid sound quality and clear voice calling, with noise cancelling that effectively cuts out ambient sounds. They also maintain a stable Bluetooth connection while you move around, and they offer decent battery life so you can listen all day without worrying about running out of power.
To determine the best earbuds with mic, we tested many different models to find a pair that fits comfortably in your ears while providing an excellent listening experience. We focused on audio performance, including the frequency response and the sound signature, as well as how the earbuds handle wind noise. We also considered how easily the earbuds stay in your ears, and we looked for features such as Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, active noise cancellation (ANC), and battery life.
For an outstanding pair of earbuds with mic, look for the Sony WF-1000XM5. They have an excellent default sound profile that you can adjust with in-app parametric EQ settings and last about eight hours per charge. They’re also a great choice for commuting, with a comfortable fit and good noise isolation. The microphone on the Sony earbuds does an exceptional job of separating your voice from background noise, so people on the other end of a call will clearly understand you even in noisy environments.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is another earbud with an impressive set of features for its price. It has a waterproof rating, IPX4 certification, and long battery life. Its active noise canceling is effective in most environments, and its microphone does a very good job of removing wind noise. The only issue is that it tends to emphasize sibilant sounds, such as “s” and “h.”
If you’re looking for the best earbuds with mic for work, consider the Plantronics BackBeat Go 2200. These earbuds have a robust, ergonomic design and include multiple sizes of tips for a secure fit. They’re also compatible with most smartphones and mobile devices, and they have a built-in microphone for hands-free communication. The headset also supports audio codecs like aptX and AAC, so you can listen to higher-bitrate music without losing quality.
If you’re a remote worker, you want an earbud with mic that has solid voice-calling and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless have a good audio quality and effective ANC, and their USB-C dongle reduces latency so your audio and video remain in sync during online meetings or VoIP calls. In addition, the earbuds’ in-line control and USB-C connection make it easy to switch between two devices and manage your audio and video feeds. The earbuds also have a unique transparent stem design that places the mic closer to your mouth, which improves call clarity. They’re a great choice for gaming with friends and taking conference calls from the office.