6 earbuds with great microphones to buy in 2024

Earbuds were once derided for not offering the best calling experience or adequate mic performance due to their reliance on Bluetooth connection. However, there are more and more earbuds being launched in the market that offer just the right harmony between call quality, portable design, and audio performance.

Whether you choose to go the wired route or the wireless route, these earbuds and earphones are the best in the segment and won’t disappoint you irrespective of whether you use them for work from home or to take calls on the go or simply for entertainment.

ALSO READ: Best TWS earbuds for sound quality to buy today

Best earbuds with a mic to buy in 2024

1. Sony WF-1000XM5

2. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

3. Nothing Ear (2)

4. boAt Bassheads 182 Wired Earphone with Mic

5. Nothing CMF Pro Neckband

6. Noise Buds VS106 TWS Earbuds

1. Sony WF-1000XM5

If money is not a constraint, then look no further than Sony WF-1000XM5. These truly wireless earbuds from Sony feature a new compact design with the industry’s best active noise cancellation (ANC) and hi-res audio experience in a portable package. 

These earbuds feature a total of six microphones, three on each earbud and an AI-based noise reduction algorithm to deliver a marked improvement in the calling experience over its predecessor. The smaller design, improved sound, noise cancelling, and call quality make the Sony WF-1000XM5 the best pair of wireless earbuds India for most people.

2. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

When it comes to true wireless earbuds with the best voice-calling performance, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) is probably second to none. The microphone array is designed by Apple to work very well under ideal conditions but it is also capable of reducing background noise so you can hear your caller in noisy areas. While the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) technically works with any Android device, it is best suited for iPhones and other Apple devices.

3. Nothing Ear (2)

Nothing Ear (2) is a pair of true wireless earbuds that brings a personality to this segment. They build on the transparent design seen in the original Nothing Ear (1) but see further improvements to noise cancelling and microphone performance. In most conditions, the Ear (2) mic manages to reproduce voice clearly and even thrive in noisy environments. It does struggle a bit in windy conditions but not to the extent that you can’t hear anything.

4. boAt Bassheads 182

boAt Bassheads 182 wired earphones with mic are one of the best in the budget segment. They are affordable and sport braided cable that not only adds elegance but also durability. These earphones use 10mm drivers for crystal-clear audio and the in-line mic means that your caller will never have a hard time hearing you.

5. Nothing CMF Pro Neckband

If you are looking for a wireless neckband then Nothing CMF Pro Neckband with Active Noise Cancellation is worth considering. These neckband-style earbuds feature 5 mics for clear voice calling, and the hybrid ANC feature can suppress noise up to 50dB. These also look unique with their smart dial function for intuitive control. 

6. Noise Buds VS106 TWS Earbuds

With quad mic setup and environment noise cancellation, Noise Buds VS106 TWS Earbuds ensure its users hear crisp and clear voices. These earbuds have ultra-low latency of 40ms and rely on 10mm dynamic drivers to deliver good sound with 50 hours of battery life. They are affordable and also come with an IPX5 rated splash resistance.

The earbuds market has never been this dynamic, where incumbents are being challenged by upstarts and often fighting them, not only on the price front, but also in terms of features. One area where every earbud has made significant strides is with the use of quality microphones to deliver an excellent calling experience. Choose either of the options listed above depending on your requirements and you won’t be disappointed.