If you regularly use wireless arbuds when making or taking phone calls, few things are more frustrating than when you're on an important call for work or with a friend they can't hear you clearly (or vise versa), or the sound quality is generally awful. Sure, maybe your smartphone is to blame, but it's more likely your earbuds suck.
Poor-quality buds can deliver everything from poor sound to inadequate noise isolation, and many offer confusing or poorly-designed controls. Luckily, we've reviewed and tested hundreds of pairs of earbuds (and headphones) over the years, and while we've done so, we've made sure to always check how well they handle making phone calls, focusing on key factors like sound quality, comfort, battery life, microphone clarity, and ease of use.
As a result, we've curated this list of earbuds that excel in these areas, catering to different users and budgets. The list includes earbuds you are probably familiar with, such as the Apple AirPods 4, Sony WF-1000XM5s, and many others. Check out our recommendations below to enhance your audio experience and enjoy smoother conversations!
Are you looking for the best headphones for making calls? We have that list too.
The best earbuds for phone calls overall
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Small and comfortable
- Top-notch sound
- Superb call quality
- Fit isn't super secure
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.9 grams each |
| Type | In-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC and adjustable ambient sound options |
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
The Sony WF-1000XM4s and the WF-1000XM3s before them have featured prominently in our best earbuds lists for ages because of their rich sound quality and excellent features. Like their predecessors, the XM5s feature support for the high-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec, and as we found in our review, sound quality has even improved over the XM4s. This all means that you'll enjoy smooth calling, as well as being able to hear the finer details when listening to music.
The noise cancellation and transparency mode has also gotten a significant upgrade with the inclusion of a new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e, which our reviewer says has improved things from 10% to 15%. ANC and transparency modes still let you seamlessly switch between paying attention to the call and being aware of your surroundings. In fact, the earbuds automatically detect when you begin speaking and pause the music so you don't need to remove the earbuds if a friend stops by. All of these settings are also easy to customize through the app, making these one of the most easy to use pairs of earbuds for calls that you can find.
For the XM5s, Sony has thrown a ton of tech at call quality. Along with its new processor, there are also six mics and a bone conduction sensor in each earbud that uses an AI algorithm that has been trained by 500 million voice samples. Your voice is fed to the AI that Sony says intelligently separates it from background sounds. And it works like a charm. Traffic, construction, wind, and more are hushed on both ends of the call.
The battery life hasn't changed, and still doesn't disappoint. They run for eight hours with ANC on and 12 hours with ANC off, putting them far ahead of competitors like the AirPods Pro 2. Fast charging, however, has improved, giving you an hour of playback after just three minutes plugged in (for the XM4s, it took five minutes, so take that with some skepticism).
The downside is the price. They're the most expensive earbuds on this list, setting you back $50 to $100 more than other popular models.
Best budget earbuds for phone calls
Earfun Air Pro 4
- Great sound
- Choice of hi-res codecs
- Excellent noise canceling
- Wear sensors
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- Auracast-ready
- Tons of customization
- Awkward LE Audio/Auracast setup
- Average call quality without Snapdragon Sound
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5 grams each |
| Type | In-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | Transparency mode |
| Battery life | Up to 52 hours with the charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
The Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds are specifically designed to perform exceptionally well for both phone calls and music listening. For calls, they feature six microphones and AI-powered noise reduction technologies (QuietSmart 3.0 and CVC 8.0) that effectively minimize background noise and enhance voice clarity. This ensures that your voice comes through loud and clear, even in noisy environments.
When it comes to music, these earbuds support high-quality audio codecs such as Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, and LDAC, delivering an immersive and detailed listening experience. They also include Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, which blocks out distractions so you can fully enjoy your music.
With a comfortable fit and long battery life, the Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds are an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile pair of earbuds for both calling and music enjoyment. Better still, they are relatively inexpensive.
Another great budget choice
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
- Thoughtful design
- Great sound
- Impressive noise-canceling
- Very good call quality
- Superb battery life
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- Mediocre transparency mode
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5 grams each |
| Type | In-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | Transparency mode |
| Battery life | Up to 50 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
For a more than reasonable $100, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are earbuds that offer handsome looks and great features, including impressive sound, really good ANC, and stellar battery life at a budget price.
We'll expand on those features in a second, but you came here looking for earbuds that are great at making calls, and the Liberty 4 NCs are just that. They boast ANC that Digital Trends' Simon Cohen says rivals the Apple AirPods Pro 2. The Liberty 4 NCs feature adaptive noise canceling that you can either set to environmental detection mode that adjusts perfectly on its own, or you could opt for a handful of "transportation" modes, or tweak it manually to your liking with a slider in the app. All this translates to call quality that excellently blocks loud outside sounds and compresses your voice so it sounds clear in any situation.
When listening to music, the Liberty 4 NC perform well too, with excellent bass response, clear mids and highs (although a bit sibilant, Cohen reports) and low distortion. They are fully packed with eight-band EQing in the Soundcore app. Additionally, the Liberty 4 NCs have support for the hi-res LDAC Bluetooth codec that Android users can enjoy, although you probably can't notice the difference. There's also Bluetooth multipoint support so you can pair to two devices at the same time -- think watching videos on your laptop while still being able to answer calls from your phone.
Battery life on the Liberty 4 NCs is pretty great for that $100 too, netting you eight hours with ANC on and 40 hours in the case. Turn ANC off and it's still not bad at 10/50, and a quick 10-minute top-up will deliver four hours of non-ANC listening time.
Best for iPhone users
Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Excellent noise canceling
- Best conversation mode we've tested
- Solid audio quality
- Capable of wireless lossless audio
- Yes, USB-C
- Best features only for Apple products
- Still no biofeedback
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.3 grams each |
| Type | In-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC and transparency modes |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes with Apple's AAC codec |
Regardless of whether you get the original 2nd generation of the Apple AirPods Pro or the latest and greatest USB-C version, the AirPods Pro 2, offer some of the best noise cancellation and calling features of any pair of earbuds on the market. The AirPods Pro line has always featured excellent active noise cancellation and transparency mode, but the second-generation model takes it one step further with improved ANC and a new Adaptive Transparency mode that adapts to the sounds around you.
This means your calls will be crystal clear, and you don't have to worry about traffic noises or background sounds disturbing your important discussions. Our in-depth review found the call sound quality has improved too, as hardly any background noise was heard, especially in indoor settings. Loud, outdoor settings may muffle your voice slightly, but it's still clear enough to understand.
Apple has also improved the battery life on the second-gen AirPods Pro, which now offer up to six hours per charge. This figure will be lower if you use ANC continuously. Our reviewer got a solid five hours during a noisy motorcycle trip, so you know it'll be sufficient for most calls on the go. Plus, a quick five-minute charge will give you back an hour of listening time.
The biggest issue, however, is that Android users miss out on many of the cool features, limiting the AirPods Pro 2 largely to iOS users. They're also a bit on the pricier side compared to other earbuds with decent calling functions, but if you love Apple, this is the best pick for you.
Best for windy conditions
Jabra Elite 5
- Small and comfy
- Very good sound quality
- Very good ANC/transparency
- Custom controls and EQ
- Hands-free voice assistants
- Excellent call quality
- Very good battery life
- Not the best sound for this price
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5 grams each |
| Type | In-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and a HearThrough (transparency) mode. |
| Battery life | Up to 28 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
What really makes the difference when it comes to taking phone calls is a set of precision-tuned earbuds. After all, we want our in-ear companions to deliver as much clarity as possible, right? This is why we’re shining a light on the Jabra Elite 5. There are plenty of reasons to stand behind these buds, but their major calling card are the six far-field mics that go above and beyond when it comes to conversational clarity.
Thanks to a hybrid ANC system, the Elite 5 is intelligent enough to dial down common environmental sounds like traffic, HVAC systems, and office chitchat, while also working to enhance your voice during phone calls so everyone can hear you clearly. With this powerful combination of tech, you’ll be able to hear your caller more articulately, while doing away with all types of distracting noise.
These are also exceptional earbuds when it comes to overall sound quality. From one genre to the next, your music is going to sound rich and detailed, too. And if you’d like a little bass boost or a kick in the midrange, you can always download the Jabra Sound+ app to fine-tune your Elite 5’s performance.
The best open-ear earbuds for making calls
Shokz OpenFit
- Incredibly comfortable and secure
- Stay fully aware of your surroundings
- Very good call quality
- Good battery life
- Mediocre sound quality
- Not great for noisy locations
- No wireless charging
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 8.3 grams each |
| Type | Open-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | Up to 28 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
Open-ear earbuds may not be as popular as other earbud designs, but we’re starting to see more and more of these models hitting shelves. If you want to invest in this tech, but need a solid pair of buds for calling family, friends, and colleagues, look no further than the Shokz OpenFit.
Right off the bat, we’re dealing with an air-conducive design, which means the OpenFit aren’t going to form the same type of seal as a more traditional product like the AirPods Pro 2. But this also means that our ear canals get a break from stubby silicone eartips, and Shokz was sure to build in plenty of AI noise processing to the OpenFit. When taking a phone call, your own voice is pronounced, but not overwhelming, and the person on the other end sounds crisp and clear.
We’re also big fans of the fact that these earbuds support Bluetooth Multipoint, which allows for some rather seamless switching between devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers.
That being said, if you're into the whole open-ear earbuds thing, but want to have other options to choose from, definitely consider the Sony LinkBuds and Oladance OWS Pro. Both offer exceptional sound quality, as well as terrific phone call quality.
The best for Google fans
Google Pixel Buds Pro
- Compact and comfy
- Very good sound quality
- Very effective ANC/transparency
- Wireless charging
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- No real EQ adjustments
- No high-quality/low-latency codecs
- Still no iOS Pixel Buds app
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 6.2 grams each |
| Type | In-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC and transparency modes |
| Battery life | Up to 31 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
If you're an Android user, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are a good option for calling and overall use. Along with a gorgeous look in vivid colors, the Pixel Buds Pro impress with great ANC and clear sound quality, especially when you're indoors. They aren't excellent in super noisy conditions but still maintain decent sound clarity.
The Pixel Buds Pro are always compared to the AirPods Pro and do fall short in terms of noise cancellation and overall sound quality, but this doesn't mean the Pixel Buds Pro are bad. The transparency features are top-notch, and switching the ANC on and off is fairly easy. Android users also get Bluetooth multipoint connection and Google's renowned voice assistant features that make both calls and music easier and more enjoyable to listen to.
The biggest plus point here may be the battery life that beats the better-sounding AirPods Pro 2. You typically get seven hours of use with ANC and an impressive 11 hours with ANC off, making the Pixel Buds Pro an ideal pick for people making calls on the go.
The best for Samsung Galaxy users
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
- Excellent fit and feel
- Plenty of features
- They look great
- Acceptable battery life
- "360 Audio" is not good
- Head tracking isn't great
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.5 grams each |
| Type | In-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC and ambient sounds |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
If you're a Samsung Galaxy user, this one's a no-brainer. Going with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro will give you good call quality and easy pairing with Galaxy phones. The Galaxy app also makes everything easy to adjust, giving you full control over the noise cancellation and transparency mode, which is ideal for making sure your call sounds right.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro aren't the best in the market, but you get some cool features like 24-bit audio, 360 Audio (its version of spatial audio), and head tracking for an improved listening experience. The automatic voice detection is also quite useful, turning the transparency mode on and lowering the volume if you start talking to someone in front of you. The five-hour runtime with ANC on won't last you through long journeys, but it's more than enough for everyday calls during your commute or at the office.
The extra features like 360 Audio aren't top-notch, but they don't really affect the call quality that much, so you're fine. They are a bit expensive, though, considering some of the features are subpar compared to other similarly-priced earbuds.
The best cost-conscious earbuds for Apple users
AirPods 4 with ANC
- Surprisingly effective ANC
- Improved fit/comfort
- Solid sound quality
- Excellent voice/call quality
- Best for Apple device users
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 4.3 grams each |
| Type | Semi-open |
| Ambient sound modes | ANC and adaptive audio |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
The AirPods Pro 2 are considered the best earbuds for making calls for iPhone users. However, due to their higher price point, you may want to consider the newer AirPods 4, which come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and are more affordable.
The AirPods 4 offer improved sound quality compared to the previous generation. With ANC, they enhance the listening experience by effectively blocking out external noise.
Their sound quality is impressive at this price point, and the AirPods 4 feature strong bass that delivers a significant punch, along with clear mids and highs. When it comes to making calls, Apple provides a nice experience at a lower price.
Premium Bose sound and ANC with great call quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Very comfortable
- Excellent sound quality
- Top-notch noise canceling
- Hi-res and lossless audio
- Excellent spatial audio
- No wireless charging
- Outdoor call quality could be better
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 7.7 grams each |
| Type | In-ear |
| Ambient sound modes | Adjustable ANC |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are known for their rich sound quality and best-in-class ANC, so if you were on the fence about getting these stellar earbuds wondering whether they could hold their own when making phone calls, then consider this your go-ahead to throw your other leg over and hop down.
Not only will callers hear you loud and clear, but when listening to music you're going to love the QC Ultra's pristine sound quality that shines particularly for bass enthusiasts. The powerful bass enhances the listening experience but may overshadow other elements in genres like classical or acoustic music, so be forewarned.
A standout feature is the CustomTune technology, which analyzes the unique shape of your ears to personalize sound output, improving audio clarity and engagement. Additionally, the earbuds support spatial audio with head tracking, creating an authentic 3D soundscape that enhances movies and gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microphone quality is the most crucial factor when selecting earbuds. Look for models that feature multiple microphones, often equipped with beamforming technology and noise reduction capabilities. These features help isolate your voice and minimize background noise, ensuring you are heard clearly.
To find the best earbuds for calls, read reviews, compare specifications, and check expert recommendations that focus on call quality tests. Some manufacturers even highlight their earbuds' call capabilities, making your search easier.
Effective noise suppression is essential, especially if you frequently take calls in busy environments. This technology filters out distractions like traffic, wind, and chatter, allowing the person on the other end to hear you without difficulty.
Earbuds should accurately capture the nuances of your voice to prevent it from sounding muffled or distorted. Be sure to check reviews and comparisons that specifically mention voice clarity during calls.
A comfortable fit is vital for extended conversations. Earbuds that stay securely in place ensure that the microphones remain optimally positioned to pick up your voice. Consider designs that offer different ear tip sizes or wingtips for a secure fit.
Reliable Bluetooth connectivity is crucial to avoid dropped calls or audio glitches. Opt for earbuds with the latest Bluetooth version (5.0 or higher) to ensure a stable connection.
If you often take calls outdoors, prioritize earbuds with wind noise reduction features. This technology minimizes the whooshing sound caused by the wind, making your voice clearer during calls.
Consider how much time you typically spend on calls. Choose earbuds with sufficient battery life to last through your longest conversations, especially if you rely on them for work or frequent communication. Most modern earbuds offer around 10 to 12 hours of battery life per charge.
