6 Best Earbuds With Microphones That Are Great for Calls [2024] (2024)

With high ratings on various categories such as ANC, comfort, mic quality, and user experience throughout our four-week test, the Sony WF-1000XM5 prove to be a great all-rounder.

These earbuds boast class-leading ANC, which filters out even the high-pitched and wind noises that others on this list failed to. I noticed that turning on the ANC also doesn’t change the sound quality of these earbuds, which is a welcome advancement.

Their ergonomic design also makes them very comfortable for long periods, which I found particularly useful during extended calls or listening sessions. And, the customization options through the Sony Headphones app also add a layer of personalization to my experience.

As for the call quality, the Sony WF-1000XM5 don’t fall short with the effective noise cancellation algorithm. They are able to pick up my voice clearly in a noisy environment without introducing any distortions.

Yet, during our testing, the Sony WF-1000XM5 seem to drop out every now and then. However, that connection dropout is difficult to replicate and seems random at the moment. The sound quality, while enjoyable, is also not as balanced and dynamic as the Final ZE8000.

If you’re looking for earbuds to use whether you are commuting, working, or exercising, the Beats Studio Buds Plus are for you. These earbuds got the highest scores in our general usage metrics due to their comfortability, battery and connection reliability, decent sound quality, and good mic performance.

Their unique design allowed them to comfortably stay in my ears no matter what activity I’m doing, while also preventing any pressure build-up.

With their battery life and quick charge feature, I only had to charge them for 10 minutes to get 2 hours of playtime and plugged them in only once during the whole week of testing. I also didn’t experience any connection dropouts and even enjoyed effortlessly switching between devices thanks to their Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support.

Their microphone also picked up my voice clearly, even in crowded environments. And, while they struggle a bit in windy settings, I can easily select which microphone to use from the Beats app to improve its quality.

However, while I found their warm, V-shaped sound signature to be quite pleasing, it might not appeal to those seeking a neutral sound profile as seen on the Final ZE8000.

The companion app also doesn’t offer as many customization features as the Sony Headphones app, and their ANC falls slightly behind the Sony WF-1000XM5 since they don’t cancel high-frequency noises as effectively.

At only around $100, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are equipped with features typically reserved for higher-priced models. For one, the ANC can effectively block out low-frequency noises, allowing me to listen to the headphones at lower volumes without getting distracted by the background noise.

I also found them exceptionally comfortable to wear for extended periods. Their low profile and outstanding fit make them stay secure and unobtrusive during use. Features like wireless charging in the case and easy pairing with Samsung devices also add a layer of convenience – which is something you won’t usually find in budget options.

During our tests, the Galaxy Buds2’s mic and Voice Processing Unit proved effective in ensuring clear voice pickup even in noisy environments. As a frequent earbuds user for both personal and professional calls, I found this feature to be a standout, offering reliability and clarity no matter where I am.

However, their ANC is not as powerful as higher-end models like the Sony WF-1000XM5, especially when it comes to the higher frequencies.

They also work better with Samsung devices, so those outside of this ecosystem may miss out on some features.

The Oladance OWS Pro’s open-ear design offers both excellent situational awareness and sound quality. These are so comfortable that I often forget I’m wearing them, even with my glasses on. Plus, they deliver a balanced sound signature, which feels like it comes from around you rather than something piped directly into the ears, ensuring a natural, non-fatiguing listening experience.

Their battery life also tops our charts compared to others on this list, with 16 hours of continuous use and an additional 58 hours with the charging case.

When it comes to the mic quality, they do an excellent job at reducing external sounds picked up by the microphones, capturing my voice accurately.

However, the sibilance of the mic pick-up is a bit too reduced when in noisy environments. This makes it less clear than the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Beats Studio Buds Plus during our tests.

Their open-ear design also lack the sound isolation and compactness offered by the others on the list, making it less ideal for users needing these features.

The Final ZE8000’s unique two-stage design and advanced DSP technology, which revealed hidden details in our tracks during our tests, put them a step above others on this list in terms of sound quality.

I found the sound profile to be exceptional, with a laid-back, analog-ish tuning that’s consistently pleasant and never fatiguing, even during long listening sessions, which is rare for TWS IEMs.

The earbuds also support customizable EQ settings through the Final Connect app, with special features like the “8K sound mode”, which makes the sound quality a bit cleaner.

Their microphone also provides clear voice pickup in quiet places and reasonable performance in noisy areas. However, it’s not the best in blocking out wind noises, especially when compared with the Sony WF-1000XM5. This might not be a major issue for indoor use, but a factor to consider if you plan to use these earbuds for calls while outdoors.

Also, unlike the Beats Studio Buds Plus, which are comfortable for extended periods, the larger shell of the ZE8000 can be uncomfortable for some users, especially those with smaller ears.

With a unique front-facing capacitive touch display on the charging case, the JBL Tour Pro 2 provide an intuitive user interface, allowing users to access various settings without needing to open the app, adding a level of convenience I haven’t seen in other earbuds. The battery life is also one of the best among the earbuds that we have tested.

Additionally, the earbuds have a reliable touch-sensitive control that minimizes accidental activations. The effective noise cancellation and seamless multipoint connections, also add to the overall functionality.

I noticed that the microphone’s ability to pick up my voice was exceptionally clear and consistent in quieter environments. It works great in making my voice sound natural and not robotic, unlike others we’ve tested, although it struggles a bit in very noisy environments.

The earbuds demonstrate a well-tuned, neutral sound signature but fall short of delivering a rich and engaging audio experience. This aspect might be a deal-breaker for audiophiles or users who prioritise sound quality over other features​​. It doesn’t match the sound richness of the Final ZE8000 or the balanced tuning of the Beats Studio Buds Plus.