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There are a lot of headphones on the market these days. But how do you know which ones have good mic quality for perfect call sound? Here is a list of the best headphones with good mic quality to help make your decision easier.
What to Look For in Headphones With Good Mic Quality
When it comes to headphones with good mic, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Sound quality
Sound quality in regards to both hearing your audio and the person you’re speaking to is of utmost importance. If you’re looking for headphones to use during work calls, you’ll want to make sure that you can hear the person you’re speaking to clearly.
Microphone quality
Of course, the microphone quality is also important. You’ll want to make sure that the person you’re speaking to can hear you clearly, without any background noise.
Comfort
You’ll also want to make sure that the headphones are comfortable to wear, especially if you’re going to be wearing them for long periods of time. Look for headphones with soft, cushioned ear cups and a comfortable headband.
Design
You’ll want to consider the design of the headphones. If you’re looking for something sleek and professional, you’ll want to go with a more understated design. If you’re looking for something fun and funky, there are plenty of options out there as well.
In addition to the style, the design should be functional. Controls should be easy to access and the headphones should be easy to adjust.
Wired vs Wireless Headphones
You’ll also want to decide if you want wired or wireless headphones with a mic. Wireless headphones with a mic are more convenient, but they may not have the same sound quality as wired headphones. In addition, wireless headphones can p[potentially add latency, which can be a problem if you’re using them for video conferencing.
Wired headphones offer the best sound quality and less issues with connections, but they can be a bit of a hassle to deal with. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, there are plenty of options out there for wireless headphones with a mic that have good sound quality.
Additional features
You may want to consider additional features such as active noise cancellation, true wireless connectivity, and onboard controls.
Active Noise Cancellation technology uses microphones to listen to the noise around you and creates an opposing sound wave to cancel out ambient sound. Removing ambient sound can be helpful if you’re in a noisy environment and want to use headphones with a mic.
True wireless connectivity is a feature that allows you to connect your headphones to your device without any wires at all. This can be helpful if you’re looking for a completely wire-free experience.
Onboard controls allow you to control the sound of your headphones and make adjustments without having to reach for your device. This can be helpful if you want to be able to adjust the sound without taking your headphones off.
Price
The price of the headphones is also something to keep in mind. You’ll want to find a pair that fits your budget and needs.
Dual Use
In addition to using your headset for calls, consider other uses. Maybe using gaming headsets for both gaming and voice and video calls is the perfect way to get good sound quality on both applications.
Durability
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the headphones are durable and will last long. Look for headphones with a strong construction and a warranty.
With these things in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best headphones with good mic that you can buy.
How We Tested
Each pair of headphones, earbuds and headsets were put through a series of tests to ensure they would be suitable for use during work calls. The sound quality was tested by making and receiving phone calls, as well as listening to music and other audio recordings.
The microphone quality was tested by making and receiving phone calls, as well as recording voice memos. The comfort was judged based on how comfortable the headphones were to wear for long periods of time.
The design was evaluated based on the overall aesthetics, as well as the functionality of the controls. The price to performance was also considered.
Finally, the durability was assessed by inspecting the construction of the headphones and checking for a warranty.
Here are our picks for the best headphones with good mic that you
Headphones With the Best Mic Quality
Below are the top headphones with good microphone quality that you can buy.
Sony WH-1000XM4 – Best Overall
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Headphones With the Best Mic Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are the best overall headphones with good mic that you can buy. They have excellent sound quality, great microphone quality, and are very comfortable to wear. They also have a sleek and stylish design, and come with a few handy features like one of the best active noise cancellation systems and wireless connectivity.
The battery life is long clocking in at over 30 hours during our review of the Sony WH-1000XM4. They will easily make it through the workday without needing to be recharged. Comfort wise they are very good. The ear cups are soft and well padded. They don’t put too much pressure on your head and they stay in place well even when you are moving around a lot.
The controls are easy to use and the headphones are easy to adjust. You can also fold them up for easy storage and transportation.
The only downside is that they’re a bit on the expensive side, but they’re worth the investment if you’re looking for a great pair of headphones for work calls. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are one of the best headphones with good mic that you can buy.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Bluetooth Headphones
Headphones With the Best Mic Quality
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are the best headphones with good mic that you can buy. They have excellent sound quality, so you’ll be able to hear the person you’re speaking to clearly, as well as any audio you’re playing. The microphone is also very good, so the person on the other end will be able to hear you loud and clear.
The headphones are also very comfortable. They have plush ear cups that don’t put too much pressure on your head and they stay in place well. The controls are easy to use and the headphones are easy to adjust. You can also fold them up for easy storage and transportation.
The Bose offer a great soundstage and is featured in our headphones with the best soundstage. They can easily switch from work to play offering quality audio listening and solid gaming performance.
The battery life is decent at around 20 hours, but could be better. They will last you through a full workday, but you may need to recharge them before the end of the day if you’re using them heavily.
The only downside is the cost, but the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are worth it if you need a good pair of headphones with a great mic for making calls.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Wireless Gaming Headset
Headphones With the Best Mic Quality
If you are looking for the perfect pair of headphones with a good microphone that can double as a gaming headset and easily adapt to a great microphone for making zoom calls, look no further than the SteelSeries Arctis 7. The sound quality is excellent, so you’ll be able to hear everything clearly whether you’re gaming or on a call. The microphone is also very good, so your voice will come through loud and clear.
The headphones are also comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They have breathable ear cups that don’t put too much pressure on your head and they stay in place well. The controls are easy to use and the headphones are easy to adjust. You can also fold them up for easy storage and transportation.
The battery life is impressive at around 24 hours, so you’ll be able to use them all day without needing to recharge them. We featured them in our best gaming headset earlier in the year and they are also one of the best wireless headsets you can buy. The only downside is that the design is not very professional looking so that may be a turnoff in some work situations.
Wireless Earbuds with Good Mic
If you are looking for the best earbuds with a microphone. below we have summarized our top picks.
Sony WF-1000XM4
Wireless Earbuds with Good Mic
When it comes to audio quality and craftsmanship it is hard to beat the Sony WF-1000XM4. These true wireless earbuds have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and are able to block out a lot of the ambient noise around you. This is perfect for when you’re trying to focus on work or want to enjoy your music without any distractions. The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs and rich lows.
When testing, we were able to get a bit over 24 hours on a full charge. This is with ANC turned on and at a moderate volume. If you turn off ANC, you’ll be able to get even more battery life out of them. They also come with a quick charge feature that gives you 1 hour of use after just 5 minutes of charging.
The earbuds are very comfortable to wear and come with 4 different ear tip sizes so you can find the perfect fit. I also find these one of my favorite earbuds for glasses wearers. The controls are easy to use and the earbuds are easy to connect to your device. The only downside is that they’re not cheap, but they are worth the price if you’re looking for the best earbuds with a good microphone.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
Wireless Earbuds with Good Mic
When it comes to wireless headphones, Sennheiser has come out with a product that is a direct competitor to the Apple AirPods Pro. Non-Apple users will appreciate their remarkable features, long battery life, and well-balanced sound quality.
With noise-cancellation built in on these truly wireless earbuds, they’re more comfortable to wear than their predecessors, and they’re able to pick up voices even in noisy places.
A touchpad controller is incorporated into each earbud, and they’re both comfortable enough to wear for a long movie or video call. When using Siri or Google Assistant, you’ll be able to hear their AI-powered responses much better thanks to the noise-cancelling feature.
Controlled and precise, the sound is crisp and focused. With video content and voice calls, it’s a tonal balance that works well. The battery life of these earbuds is advertised as seven hours of listening time, with an extra 21 hours of playback time provided by the charging case.
Shure Aonic Free
Wireless Earbuds with Good Mic
Comfort is the name of the game for the Shure Aonic Free. These earbuds feature a soft, silicone sleeve that’s designed to contour to your ear and provide a snug and comfortable fit. The earbuds themselves are lighter than expected, so you’ll barely notice them after a while.
The earbuds have high sound quality for voice and video calls, with clear highs and rich lows. The bass is punchy but not overwhelming. The earbuds are able to block out a lot of the ambient noise around you, but do not feature noise cancellation. This may be a deal breaker for some.
The battery life is advertised, we were able to get close to 24 hours. If you can get past the lack of ANC and bulky design these may be the perfect earbuds with a great mic for you.
Apple AirPods Pro
Wireless Earbuds with Good Mic
If you have an IOS device, the AirPods Pro are a great consideration for earbuds with a good microphone. They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and are able to block out a lot of the ambient noise around you. This is perfect for when you’re trying to focus on work or want to enjoy your music without any distractions.
The high quality sound features clear highs and rich lows. I personally prefer the sound of the Sony’s but everyone’s ears are different. The earbuds are very comfortable to wear and come with 3 different ear tip sizes so you can find the perfect fit.
Looking to use Roku, see How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Roku
The controls are easy to use and the earbuds are easy to connect to your device. We were able to get a bit over 20 hours on a full charge with ANC turned on. If you turn off ANC, you’ll be able to get even more battery life out of them.
Overall a great option for those of you with an IOS device and are looking for a good pair of earbuds with a great mic.
Wired Earbuds With Good Mic
If you are looking to not mess with wireless settings and looking for impressive headphones wit a wired connection, these wired headsets top our list for
Jabra Evolve 75e – Best Wired Headband with Neckband
Jabra Evolve 75e MS Bluetooth Wireless in-Ear Earphones
Wired Earbuds With Good Mic
Wireless, around-the-neck Jabra Evolve 75e Earbuds offer three microphones and clever integrated controls. It has ANC, making it a strong contender for the finest earbuds with a microphone.
These earbuds provide DSP noise reduction and three microphones for crisper calls to block out surrounding sounds in noisy environments. Your voice is amplified via the quality mic while ambient sounds are reduced, creating a noise-free “conversation zone” around you.
Both the earbud and microphone are UC-approved, but only the microphone is Microsoft Teams certified.
About UC-Certified Headphones
When using UC-certified earphones, you’ll have access to a wide range of communication options, such as instant messaging, phone calls, video conferencing, and much more. In contrast, if a microphone is MS Teams-certified, it signifies that it is pre-configured to function with Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business without any further setup.
As far as communication platforms go, both alternatives are compatible. UC-certified earbuds, on the other hand, are the perfect choice if you frequently switch between multiple communication programs at work.
The multifunction button has a number of motions assigned to it, including short, medium, and long pushes, as well as single and double presses. This is a small drawback. As a result, new users may find it extremely perplexing and require additional time to become familiar with.
The earbuds’ around-the-neck cord is comfortable to wear and less prone to catch on desk corners or armrests. In addition, the microphone is situated closer to the user’s mouth than on other wired earbuds with inline microphones. In addition, the mic is less likely to pick up undesired noises because it does not sit on your torso.
Shure Aonic 3
Wired Earbuds With Good Mic
The Aonic 3 offer a noise-isolating design but no noise cancelling system to block outside noise. This may or may not be a deal breaker for you depending on your needs and if the outside noise extremely noisy. The ear tips provide a snug and comfortable fit that won’t fall out even during intense physical activity.
They offer superb sound and the rhythm of music is accurately represented. These earbuds provide a good balance of lows, mids, and highs. The bass is thumpy but not overwhelming and the highs are crisp without being piercing.
The earphones are made with high-quality materials and have an IPX4 rating. This means they can withstand sweat and light rain. They will also hold up to being dropped a few times.
The earbuds come with 3 different sized ear tips and 2 different sized wingtips. This ensures you will be able to find a comfortable and snug fit. The charging case is also very slim and can easily fit into a pocket or small bag.
The microphone is an in-line mic and is located on the right earbud. The mic is clear and picks up your voice well. There is also a voice control that allows you to control certain features hands-free.
Budget Earbuds With A Great Microphone – Under $100
Up to this point, most of the headphones and headsets reviewed have been on the pricier side. If you have a limited budget but looking to get the best microphone performance, take a look at these budget friendly headhones with great microphone quality.
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus
Budget Earbuds With A Great Microphone
When it comes to wireless earbuds with microphones, there are few better than the Melomania 1 Plus. But we’re pleased to report that they’re doing a great job at it.
Battery life is once again the deciding factor in this product’s success. The 1 Plus earbuds have a nine-hour battery life, which can be extended by four additional charges from the travel case. That adds up to a whopping 45 hours of play time in all. That being said, they aren’t noise-cancelling headphones, which is why they have such a long battery life. Noise cancellation, when activated, is an actual battery drain.
They’re great for phone calls, and the music they play has a lot of impact. If you want to listen to music or make phone calls, these headphones will not disappoint.
Panasonic RZ-S500W
Budget Earbuds With A Great Microphone
These surprised me a bit when trying them out. I was not expecting to really like them but considering the features and performance you get for the price they are asking, I would say they are definitely worth taking a look at.
The RZ-S500W are very lightweight and have a comfortable fit. They feature noise-cancelling tech and twin mics for clear calling quality.
The sound quality is good for the price with well-balanced lows, mids, and highs. The bass is punchy but not overwhelming. The highs are crisp and clear without being too harsh.
These noise-canceling headphones have easy-to-use touch controls on each earbud for easy music control and noise-canceling mode swapping.
To ensure a comfortable fit, you’ll also receive a variety of ear tips in five different sizes. There was some room for experimentation here to find the perfect fit for my ears.
Overall a great value and a set of wireless earbuds to add to your short list.
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
Budget Earbuds With A Great Microphone
If you are on Android and looking for a great earbud that pairs perfectly with the OS, then the Google Pixel Buds A-Series is a great option to consider.
The earbuds feature an integrated Google Assistant that allows you to control music, make phone calls, and get directions without ever touching your phone.
The sound quality is very good and balanced. The high frequencies can be a bit fatiguing during listening sessions that are longer than an hour, but overall the experience is great.
The earbuds are very light and fit snugly in the ear. The design is such that it does not cause any discomfort even after hours of use.
The integrated mic system offers great call quality and is perfect for those who are looking for a hands-free experience while on the go.
Sennheiser CX 400BT
Budget Earbuds With A Great Microphone
The Sennheiser CX 400BT is a great option for those who are looking for earbuds with good mic quality. The earbuds offer great sound quality and are very comfortable to wear.
The integrated mic system offers clear call quality and is perfect for those who are looking for a hands-free experience while on the go.
The earbuds are very light and fit snugly in the ear. The design is such that it does not cause any discomfort even after hours of use.
The battery life is very good and can use USB-C for charging. The main drawbacks are they are not waterproof and do not offer noise-cancelling capabilities.
Overall, the Sennheiser CX 400BT is a great option for those who are looking for earbuds with good mic quality and great sound.
Best Cheap Headphone With Good Mic
ULIX Rider
Best Cheap Headphone With Good Mic
You can make clear hands-free calls without spending a fortune with the ULIX Rider wired earphones. In spite of their low price, these earbuds come equipped with a few high-end-like characteristics, like a tangle-free cord, strong bass response, and wide app compatibility.
This set of earphones features a built-in MEMS microphone with CVC 8.0 noise reduction for crystal-clear conversations. The microphone is placed a few inches away from the earphones in order to avoid picking up breathing noises when worn close to the lips.
Fixes for common headphone problems, Why Are My Headphones So Quiet
The dynamic sound drivers, which are geared for deep bass, also make these earbuds excellent for listening to music when not on the phone. You may also use them with any PC, iOS, or Samsung device that has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
TPE thermoplastic rubber reinforces the cables so they don’t get tangled in your bag or pockets. Rubber ear tips in a variety of sizes are also included by the manufacturer, making it easy to find the right size for your ears.
These are not the most durable headphones so expect to replace them. Luckily they are super affordable, so you won’t feel too bad about it.
Pros:
-Tangle-free cord
-Strong bass response
-Wide app compatibility
Cons:
-Ear tips may not stay in place for some people
-May not be durable for heavy use
How does a headphone microphone work?
The phone will be receiving regular and noisy filters. In order to reduce this, a filter is placed on the microphone which will only allow specific frequencies to go through. When sound waves hit the membrane, it vibrates according to how intense the pressure is. This then causes an electrical current which will be amplified and sent to your phone. The sound quality of the phone call will be improved as a result.
When considering headphone microphones, there are three types to consider.
Inline Microphone
It is common that these phones have a microphone and a telephone control that allows for telephony. The position at the mouth makes it easier for them to hear your speech in an easier and clearer manner. This is the most popular type among consumers.
Boom Microphone
This type of microphone is mostly used in offices or call centers. They are positioned close to the mouth in order to reduce background noise. The sound quality is very good, however, they can be uncomfortable for long periods of time.
Built-in Microphone
The last type is the microphone that is built into the headphones. These are very convenient as you do not have to worry about losing them. The sound quality is not as good as the other two types, but it is still good enough for phone calls.
Wrapping Up
We’ve gone over some great options for headphones with good mic quality. Whether you are looking for a budget option or something with more features, there is surely an option on this list that will suit your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and pick up a pair of headphones with good mic quality today!
FAQ
Looking to learn more about headphones with good mic quality? Check out our FAQ section below!
What Are the Different advanced mic noise reduction technology
Many earphone mages have special noise reduction technology that enhance the filtering ability. The more popular are DSP and CV noise reducing technologies. DSP enhances sound quality by processing audio signals from origin. Similarly, CV noise cancelling technology analyses and reduces background noise by creating an inverse wave.
Do all headphones have a microphone?
Most headphones do come with a built-in microphone, but not all of them. If you are looking for headphones strictly for listening to music, then you may not need a microphone. However, if you are looking for headphones to use for phone calls or video chatting, then you will want to make sure that the headphones you are considering have a microphone.
How can I test if my headphone mic is working?
If you are using a PC, you can go to the sound settings and set the headphones as the default device. Once you have done this, you can go to a sound recording program and test the mic. If you are using a Mac, you can go to the System Preferences and click on the Sound icon. From here, you can select the Input tab and set your headphones as the default device. You can then open up a sound recording program and test the mic.
If you are using a smartphone, you can open up the phone’s settings and go to the Sound & Notification section. From here, you should be able to select your headphones as the default input device. You can then open up a sound recording app and test the mic.
What makes a good microphone?
It is important to have the microphone that captures the tone of the voice in an accurate way. The headset must withstand tough conditions but not diminish calls.
Noise reduction: Basic noise cancelling techniques use two microphones, aimed to face the face with the other facing the face. The first microphone captures your voice whereas the other takes in ambient noises. The two signaling channels are separated and you have just one voice.
cVC or Clear Voice Capture: The cVC algorithm is a complex noise reduction system that uses two microphones to separate the ambient noise from the user’s voice. This system can recognize, learn and adapt to different types of noise environment. The drawback is of course the potential that the noise cancellation will reduce the good sound quality decrease battery life.
Beamforming: With this technology, the microphone captures sounds coming from a particular direction while rejecting the ones from other directions.
Echo reduction: When you are on a call and the person you are talking to is located in a noisy environment, your voice is captured by the first microphone, processed to remove the ambient noise and then sent back to them through their earphones. If the person you are talking to is also using headphones, they will experience an echo of their own voice. To reduce this, the second microphone is used to capture the ambient noise and then subtract it from the first microphone’s signal.
Wind reduction: If you are making a voice and video calls in a windy environment, the wind can create a “whooshing” sound that can be very annoying for the person you are talking to. To reduce this external noise, the second microphone is used to capture the ambient noise and then subtract it from the first microphone’s signal.
Frequency response: The frequency response of a microphone is the range of frequencies that it can accurately reproduce. For a human voice, the ideal frequency response would be 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz.
Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a microphone is the amount of sound that it can accurately reproduce. For a human voice, the ideal sensitivity would be -40 dB to 0 dB.
These are just some of the things that you should look for when choosing a microphone. There are many other factors that come into play, such as price, but these are the most important.
What is the difference between a headset and headphones?
The main difference between a headset and headphones is that a headset has a microphone attached to it, while headphones do not. Headphones are simply audio devices that allow you to listen to music or other audio without disturbing those around you. Headsets, on the other hand, are designed for use with computers and other devices that require two-way communication.
While headsets are primarily used for VoIP applications such as Skype or gaming, they can also be used to listen to music or other audio. However, headphones are generally considered to provide a better listening experience.
If you are looking for a device that will allow you to make calls and listen to music, then a headset is the better option. If you are looking for an audio device that will provide a better listening experience, then headphones are the way to go.
