What are the best overall earbuds for making calls?
While most wireless headphones and earbuds are reliable when it comes to listening to music, many aren’t equipped to offer clear audio when making calls. Even if a pair of earbuds has great sound quality, it doesn’t mean its built-in microphone can pick up audio to the same standard.
The best wireless earbuds for voice calling pick up your voice clearly, but also significantly reduce background noise. This utilizes onboard microphones as well as sophisticated noise-reduction software algorithms and sometimes even voice accelerometers that can detect when you’re speaking.
It’s generally better to go for noise-isolating earbuds, as they effectively block sound. This can be achieved through either physical sound isolation or active noise cancellation algorithms that help you focus on the sound in your ear. Other features, like sidetone, allow you to hear your own voice while speaking, helping you control your volume and better understand what the other person hears.
In our tests at CNET (on the noisy streets of New York, no less) we found the best earbuds for phone calls were the AirPods Pro 2. Updated almost two years ago with USB-C charging, Apple’s flagship noise-canceling earbuds are good at picking up your voice while minimizing background noise.
Whether at your desk or on the run, these are the best wireless earbuds and Bluetooth headphones for making calls. A pair of these earbuds or headphones would also make a good gift for that friend who’s always on the phone this holiday shopping season. You can even save big with specific Cyber Monday headphones deals. If you’re set on shopping on a budget, be sure to check out our full roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals for savings on headphones and beyond.
If you’re mainly interested in headphones for static use, like in your home office, check out our guide to the best headphones for working from home. These models as more likely to include an extendable boom mic, rather than in-built hardware designed for portable use.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are advanced wireless earbuds designed to deliver a premium listening experience with cutting-edge features like Active Noise Cancellation and a hearing aid function. These in-ear headphones offer high-fidelity sound powered by the H2 chip, providing a personalized spatial audio experience. They adapt to your surroundings with Transparency mode and are built to withstand dust, sweat, and water, making them suitable for everyday use in various conditions.
Features
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency: The earbuds offer effective noise cancellation, removing up to twice the background noise compared to previous models. Transparency mode allows you to hear ambient sounds clearly.
Improved Sound Quality: With the H2 chip, the earbuds deliver immersive sound with crisp high notes and rich bass. Voice Isolation enhances call quality in noisy environments.
Customizable Fit: The earbuds come with four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ear shapes, ensuring all-day comfort and a secure fit.
Resistance to External Elements: Both the earbuds and the charging case are IP54 rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them ideal for use in various conditions.
Personalized Spatial Audio: Offers an immersive listening experience with sound tailored to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking.
Long Battery Life: Provides up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
Advanced Charging Case: Features a built-in speaker for precise location tracking and can be charged using an Apple Watch or MagSafe Charger, USB-C cable, or Qi-certified charger.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 (2022) are premium in-ear wireless earbuds designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience. Available in a sleek gray color, these earbuds feature intelligent Active Noise Cancellation, allowing users to focus on their audio without distractions. With a form factor that fits comfortably in the ear, they are perfect for both casual listening and intense workouts. The earbuds are IPX7 water-resistant, making them durable enough to withstand immersion in water up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.
Features
Active Noise Cancellation: The intelligent Active Noise Cancellation feature effectively reduces unwanted ambient noise, helping you concentrate on your music or calls.
Hi-Fi Sound Quality: These earbuds provide studio-quality sound, offering an immersive listening experience that brings your favorite music to life.
Customizable Fit: The earbuds come with four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ear shapes, ensuring all-day comfort and a secure fit.
Enhanced 360-Degree Audio: Enjoy a personalized surround sound experience with enhanced 360-degree audio, which amplifies tones from every angle for a richer soundscape.
Water Resistance: With an IPX7 rating, the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 can handle being submerged in water up to 3 feet deep for up to 30 minutes, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities.
International Model: Note that this is an international model and does not come with a domestic warranty. The package includes the Buds 2 Pro, a charging case, a USB-C cable, three eartip sizes, and a quick start guide (QSG).
Advanced Charging Case: Features a built-in speaker for precise location tracking and can be charged using an Apple Watch or MagSafe Charger, USB-C cable, or Qi-certified charger.
The Status Audio Between 3ANC Onyx Wireless Earbuds are designed for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality and advanced features. These in-ear earbuds come in a sleek Onyx (Black) color and are equipped with a sophisticated triple driver system, including one dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers. This configuration ensures a rich audio experience with crisp highs, detailed mids, and deep bass. With cutting-edge Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology and multiple listening modes, these earbuds are perfect for various environments, from busy city streets to quiet rooms.
Features
Advanced Triple Driver Technology: The earbuds feature a unique triple driver system that delivers powerful and immersive sound, making them ideal for audiophiles who appreciate high-quality audio.
Cutting-Edge Active Noise Cancellation: Equipped with advanced ANC technology, the earbuds offer three adjustable modes: Transparency, Noise Cancellation, and Ambient. This allows users to tailor their listening experience to their surroundings, effectively blocking out unwanted noise.
Exceptional Battery Life and Quick Charging: The earbuds provide up to 8 hours of playtime with ANC on and up to 12 hours with ANC off. The USB-C fast-charging case adds an extra 24 hours of power. A quick 15-minute charge offers up to 2 hours of playback.
Comfortable and Secure Fit: Designed for comfort, the earbuds come with multiple ear tip sizes and wingtips, ensuring a secure fit for long listening sessions. The lightweight design and IPX5 water resistance make them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Seamless Wireless Connectivity: Featuring Bluetooth 5.2 technology, the earbuds ensure a stable connection with a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters). They offer easy pairing, automatic reconnection, and intuitive touch controls for hands-free calls and voice assistant access.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are advanced wireless earbuds designed to provide a seamless and immersive audio experience. With a sleek white design, these in-ear headphones feature personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, offering a surround sound experience tailored to your unique ear shape. They are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. The AirPods come with a Lightning Charging Case, providing extended battery life for all-day use.
Features
Personalized Spatial Audio: The AirPods deliver an immersive listening experience with sound that adapts to your ear shape, enhanced by dynamic head tracking. They support Dolby Atmos for select songs, shows, and movies.
Sweat and Water Protection: Rated IPX4, both the AirPods and the Lightning Charging Case are resistant to sweat and water, ensuring durability during intense workouts or in rainy conditions.
Powerful Charging Case: The portable Lightning Charging Case allows you to recharge your AirPods on the go, ensuring they are ready whenever you need them.
Pinch-Perfect Control: The force sensor on the AirPods lets you easily control your music, answer calls, and manage call settings with simple pinch gestures.
Long Battery Life: Enjoy up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with a total of up to 30 hours of listening time when using the Lightning Charging Case.
Always-On “Hey Siri”: Activate Siri hands-free by simply saying “Hey Siri,” allowing you to manage tasks like playing music, making calls, and checking your schedule effortlessly.
Magical Experience: Easily pair the AirPods with your iPhone or iPad by placing them nearby and tapping Connect. Audio automatically switches between devices and pauses when you remove the AirPods.
Audio Sharing: Connect two sets of AirPods to a single device, such as an iPhone or iPad, and control the volume individually for each set, making it easy to share audio with a friend.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are premium truly wireless earbuds designed to offer an exceptional audio experience with advanced noise-canceling technology. Available in a sleek silver color, these in-ear headphones are crafted from recycled plastic materials, making them an eco-friendly choice. They provide a clear Bluetooth signal and adaptive sound control powered by AI, ensuring a personalized listening experience that adapts to your environment. With a focus on superior sound quality and smart features, these earbuds are ideal for users who demand high performance and sustainability.
Features
Superior Sound: The WF-1000XM5 earbuds deliver top-notch sound quality with advanced technology, offering the best truly wireless noise-canceling performance available. They immerse you in a world of superior sound, perfect for audiophiles.
Crystal Clear Calls: Equipped with an AI-based noise reduction algorithm and a bone conduction sensor, these earbuds ensure crystal clear call quality. Your voice is heard clearly, even in noisy environments, making them ideal for professional use.
Smart Features: The earbuds use AI to adjust to your surroundings, providing an ideal listening experience that adapts to your lifestyle. This smart feature ensures optimal sound quality in various environments.
Long Battery Life: Enjoy up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge, with a total of 24 hours when using the charging case. The quick charging capability ensures you can get back to your music quickly.
Eco-Friendly Design: Made from recycled plastic materials and packaged in 100% paper, these earbuds are designed with the environment in mind. They are a great choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are advanced in-ear wireless earbuds designed to deliver premium sound quality and effective noise cancellation. Available in a stylish Charcoal color, these earbuds offer a seamless listening experience with features that adapt to your needs. They are compatible with Android devices and provide up to 31 hours of battery life with the charging case. The Pixel Buds Pro are designed for comfort and come with an iconic design that ensures a secure fit, making them ideal for everyday use.
Features
Long Battery Life: The Pixel Buds Pro offer up to 11 hours of listening time on a single charge, and up to 31 hours with the charging case. They can be charged wirelessly using the Pixel Stand or other Qi-certified chargers, providing convenience and flexibility.
Premium, Immersive Sound: These earbuds deliver high-quality sound that adapts to your listening preferences. With double the bandwidth for clearer calls, they are perfect for use with Pixel devices. The hearing wellness feature provides insights on maintaining healthy listening habits over time.
Active Noise Cancellation: The Silent Seal technology adapts to your ear to maximize noise cancellation, effectively blocking out external sounds. The Volume EQ feature adjusts the sound tuning as you change the volume, ensuring balanced audio at any level.
Iconic Design and Comfort: Designed for a comfortable and secure fit, the Pixel Buds Pro include sensors to reduce the plugged-ear feeling, enhancing comfort during extended use.
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 are true wireless Bluetooth earbuds designed to offer a comfortable fit and advanced audio features. Available in a sleek Graphite color, these in-ear earbuds provide active noise cancellation and a long battery life, making them ideal for music lovers and professionals alike. With features like auto switch audio and touch control, the Galaxy Buds 2 ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience. They come with a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty, providing peace of mind for users.
Features
Active Noise Cancellation: The Galaxy Buds 2 effectively block out unwanted sounds, allowing you to focus on your music or calls. The low latency Ambient Sound mode lets you hear important sounds, ensuring the perfect audio balance.
Real-Time Translation: With the Interpreter feature on your Galaxy phone, you can hear real-time translations through your Galaxy Buds during face-to-face conversations. This feature is perfect for breaking down language barriers while traveling or communicating with someone in another language.
Superior Sound Quality: Experience booming sound that makes you feel like you’re on stage with your favorite band. For optimal sound quality and call performance, ensure the earbud tips fit snugly in your ears.
Comfortable Design: The Galaxy Buds 2 have a low-profile design that is 10% smaller and lighter than the Galaxy Buds Plus, providing a comfortable fit that you might forget you’re wearing.
Clear Communication: Equipped with three microphones and noise reduction technology, these earbuds ensure clear voice transmission, whether you’re on a call with a friend or leading a conference call.
Long Battery Life: Enjoy a long-lasting battery that can keep up with your longest playlists, ensuring your music doesn’t stop until you do.
Touch Control: Easily control your playlist or answer calls with a simple tap, eliminating the need to reach for your phone.
Auto Switch: The earbuds automatically detect the connection you need and shift audio to the appropriate Galaxy device, allowing you to switch effortlessly between your Galaxy phone, tablet, watch, or PC.
The JBL Live Pro 2 are true wireless earbuds designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and advanced noise-canceling features. Available in a sleek black color, these in-ear earbuds are equipped with JBL Signature Sound, providing clear music and call quality through 11mm dynamic drivers. With up to 40 hours of playback time and wireless charging capabilities, they are perfect for users who need long-lasting performance. The earbuds also feature six microphones for perfect calls and are IPX5 water-resistant, making them suitable for various environments.
Features
JBL Signature Sound: The earbuds deliver incredibly clear music and calls, powered by 11mm dynamic drivers. For optimal sound quality and call performance, ensure the earbud tips fit snugly in your ears.
Extended Playback with Wireless Charging: Enjoy up to 40 hours of battery life, including 10 hours in the earbuds and an additional 30 hours with the charging case. The Qi-compatible wireless charging feature ensures you never miss a moment. A quick 15-minute Speed Charge provides an extra four hours of playtime.
Six Microphones for Perfect Calls: The earbuds are equipped with six beamforming microphones that reduce wind and noise interference, ensuring your voice is heard clearly. The VoiceAware feature allows you to control how much of your own voice you hear by adjusting the mic input routed back into your earbuds.
Oval TubesTM for Comfort and Sound Isolation: Designed with Oval TubesTM and oval silicon tips, these earbuds offer a snug fit for better comfort, isolation, and bass. The stick closed design enhances noise cancellation and audio quality, providing a cleaner aesthetic.
The PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds are designed to provide an exceptional audio experience, particularly for gaming enthusiasts. These earbuds offer next-generation gaming audio, delivering lifelike sound that enhances your gaming experience. With multi-device connectivity, they allow you to connect wirelessly to a variety of devices, making them versatile for different uses. The earbuds come with a portable design and a charging case, ensuring you can enjoy high-quality sound wherever you go.
Features
Box Contents: The package includes PULSE Explore wireless earbuds, a PlayStation Link USB adapter, a charging case, six earbud tips, a USB cable, and printed materials. This comprehensive set ensures you have everything needed for an optimal audio experience.
Next Generation Gaming Audio: These earbuds are designed to deliver extraordinary lifelike sound, enhancing your experience in your favorite games. The high-quality audio makes them ideal for immersive gaming sessions.
Multi-Device Connectivity: The earbuds offer the ability to wirelessly connect to a range of devices, providing flexibility and convenience for users who switch between different platforms or devices.
Command and Control: With crystal-clear voice capture and easy-access controls, these earbuds are perfect for leading your squad to victory in gaming scenarios. The intuitive controls make it easy to manage audio settings and communication.
Built for Adventure: The portable design and charging case allow you to enjoy lifelike sound wherever you go. This makes the earbuds suitable for both gaming and everyday use, providing versatility and convenience.
The Beats Studio Buds + are true wireless noise-canceling earbuds designed to deliver an immersive audio experience with enhanced compatibility for both Apple and Android devices. Available in a stylish Black/Gold color, these in-ear earbuds feature a custom acoustic platform that provides rich sound quality for music and calls. With up to 36 hours of listening time and a sweat-resistant design, they are perfect for users who need reliable performance throughout the day.
Features
Custom Acoustic Platform: The earbuds deliver rich, immersive sound, whether you’re listening to music or taking calls, thanks to Beats’ custom acoustic platform.
Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode: The earbuds offer two distinct listening modes—personalized Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block out unwanted noise and Transparency mode to let in ambient sounds when needed.
Long Battery Life: Enjoy up to 36 hours of listening time, ensuring more music and less charging. This makes them ideal for long commutes or extended use throughout the day.
Enhanced Compatibility: With one-touch pairing and a robust set of native features, the earbuds offer enhanced compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, providing a seamless user experience.
Comfortable Fit: The earbuds come with four pairs of silicone tip sizes, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. The tips create a comfortable seal for optimal acoustic performance and noise isolation.
Clear Call Performance: Equipped with three times larger voice-targeting microphones, the earbuds precisely filter background noise for crisp and clear call performance.
Wireless Connectivity: Featuring industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth, the earbuds provide extended range and fewer dropouts, ensuring a stable connection.
Sweat and Water Resistant: With an IPX4 rating, the earbuds are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Spatial Audio Support: The Beats Studio Buds + support spatial audio, offering an immersive listening experience that enhances the depth and dimension of sound.
What’s in the Box: The package includes Beats Studio Buds +, a pocket-sized charging case, eartips with four size options, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, a Quick Start Guide, and a Warranty card.
The Apple AirPods 2 with Charging Case (Renewed) are designed to provide a seamless and high-quality audio experience. These in-ear wireless earbuds come in a classic white color and are equipped with the Apple H1 headphone chip, which ensures a faster and more stable wireless connection to your devices. The AirPods 2 offer automatic connectivity and easy setup for all Apple devices, making them a convenient choice for Apple users.
Features
Automatic Connectivity: The AirPods 2 are designed to be automatically on and connected, providing a hassle-free user experience.
Easy Setup: These earbuds offer easy setup for all your Apple devices, ensuring a seamless integration into your Apple ecosystem.
Quick Access to Siri: Users can access Siri quickly by simply saying “Hey Siri,” allowing for hands-free control and assistance.
Intuitive Controls: The double-tap feature allows users to play or skip forward, providing easy control over music playback.
Apple H1 Chip: The new Apple H1 headphone chip delivers a faster wireless connection to your devices, enhancing performance and reliability.
Charging Case: The AirPods charge quickly in the included case, which can be charged using the Lightning connector. This ensures that your AirPods are always ready for use.
High-Quality Audio and Voice: The AirPods 2 deliver rich, high-quality audio and voice, making them suitable for both music and calls.
Seamless Device Switching: The earbuds offer seamless switching between devices, allowing users to easily transition from one Apple device to another.
All-Day Listening: With multiple charges from the Charging Case, users can listen and talk all day without worrying about battery life.
