Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Wireless Earbuds
Finding the best wireless earbuds for phone calls without breaking the bank can be tough. Here, you’ll find top options that combine affordability with clear call quality. Below are the best picks under varying price points, for those who need reliable earbuds for phone conversations or video conferences.
Best Under $100: OnePlus Buds 3
OnePlus Buds 3 top the list with exceptional call clarity. They handle indoor and outdoor noise with ease. The price is below $100, offering great value for their performance.
Runner-Up: Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
Close behind, Realme Buds Air 6 Pro offers not just good call quality, but strong active noise cancellation. They’re also known for their impressive sound quality.
Best Half-In-Ear Model: Huawei FreeBuds SE 2
For those who dislike rubber ear tips, Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 are the best half-in-ear choice. They’re light, comfortable, and maintain clear calls even in the wind.
Without Stems: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are powerful stemless earbuds. They are ideal for indoor calls and allow switching between ANC and transparency modes during conversations.
Most Affordable Option: Haylou X1c
On a tight budget? Haylou X1c earbuds are incredibly affordable and decent for indoor calls. They are the best pick for those looking to save the most while still managing clear calls.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting wireless earbuds for phone calls, consider several key features. These ensure optimal performance during calls.
Call Clarity and Noise Handling
Call clarity is crucial for wireless earbuds. They must deliver clear audio both ways. Earbuds should suppress ambient noises effectively. This ensures clarity, especially in noisy environments.
Comfort and Fit
Earbuds should be comfortable for long periods. They must fit securely, preventing frequent adjustments.
Battery Life and Charging Options
Long battery life is essential for uninterrupted use. Fast charging capabilities provide quick usage recovery.
How to Test Wireless Earbud Call Quality
To ensure your earbuds excel in call quality, follow these testing tips.
Indoor and Outdoor Call Performance
For indoor calls, simulate an office space. Include background voices and random noises. Test while seated and walking around. For outdoor calls, choose a busy intersection. Listen for bus, truck and scooter sounds as well as talking pedestrians. Make calls in these settings on your phone and laptop. This will reveal how the buds perform with various devices and Bluetooth versions.
Handling Wind and Background Noises
When testing earbuds, focus on wind noise. This can greatly affect call clarity. Ensure your voice is heard clearly over the wind. Also, pay close attention to how earbuds manage overall background noises. Good earbuds will reduce or cancel out distracting sounds while keeping your voice clear and audible in calls.
Additional Features and Benefits
When looking for the best wireless earbuds for phone calls, consider more than just call quality. Additional features enhance the user experience, catering to diverse needs.
Multipoint Connectivity
Multipoint connectivity is a vital feature. It allows the earbuds to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. This is useful for those who switch between devices often, like a personal phone and a work laptop. Earbuds like the OnePlus Buds 3 exemplify effortless device management, reducing the hassle of manually switching Bluetooth connections.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is ideal for maintaining call clarity in noisy environments by blocking out unwanted sounds. Transparency mode, on the other hand, is useful for staying aware of your surroundings. This feature is particularly advantageous during outdoor activities or in office settings where you might need to hear announcements or a colleague’s voice. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE stand out for seamlessly switching between ANC and transparency during calls.
App Integration and Additional Controls
Modern wireless earbuds often come with a companion app, opening up various functionalities. These apps can offer features like customizable controls, EQ settings, firmware updates, and finding lost earbuds. Apps like the Huawei AI Life and the Realme Link app enhance the user experience by providing these additional control options. They make it easier to tailor the earbuds’ performance to your preferences.
These extra features enrich the functionality of wireless earbuds, making them not just tools for calls, but versatile accessories suitable for a wide range of uses.
Comparisons and Alternatives
When choosing the best wireless earbuds for phone calls, comparing current models with previous ones or competitors can be very insightful. Below, we delve into how today’s top picks stack up against their predecessors and other brands, and we explore alternative choices for specific user needs.
Comparison with Previous Models and Competitors
Comparisons of newer earbud models with previous versions often reveal significant improvements in technology and performance. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE have enhanced their call clarity and noise handling over the Galaxy Buds 2. They’ve improved how they manage background noises, making them a better choice for busy environments. On the other hand, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro, compared to the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro, have improved video synchronization and active noise cancellation (ANC), making them a more versatile option for diverse settings.
Alternative Choices for Specific Needs
For users with unique needs, certain earbuds might stand out. If you prioritize battery life for long conference calls, Huawei Freebuds SE 2 offers a long-lasting solution with up to 9 hours on a single charge. Those looking for earbuds without rubber tips may find comfort in the design of the Huawei FreeBuds SE 2. Lastly, for those who value very low budget yet functional options, the Haylou X1c, priced under $10, serves as a decent alternative for making clear phone calls in quieter indoor scenarios. These models cater to specific preferences while maintaining quality in phone call clarity and additional features like ANC and multipoint connectivity.
Several Factors of Choosing the Best Wireless Earbuds
Choosing the best wireless earbuds for phone calls depends on several factors, including sound quality, microphone clarity, comfort, battery life, and price. Here are some top options that excel in call quality:
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
- Best for iPhone users: Offers excellent call quality with spatial audio and adaptive EQ.
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode.
- Mic Quality: Features three microphones for clear voice pickup, even in noisy environments.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, plus additional charges from the case.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
- Best for Android users: Excellent integration with Samsung devices.
- Noise Cancellation: Advanced ANC with wind noise reduction.
- Mic Quality: Triple microphone system and Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) for crystal-clear calls.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours on a single charge, with up to 18 hours total with the charging case.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
- Top-tier call quality: Six-microphone system (four external, two internal) for superior voice clarity.
- Wind Protection: Designed to minimize wind noise during outdoor calls.
- Comfort: Ergonomically designed for long-term wear.
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours on a single charge, with up to 30 hours total with the case.
Sony WF-1000XM4
- Excellent noise cancellation: Industry-leading ANC for focused calls in noisy environments.
- Mic Quality: Four integrated microphones with advanced beamforming technology for clear voice transmission.
- Comfort: Lightweight design with comfortable fit for extended use.
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours on a single charge, with up to 24 hours total with the case.
Anker Soundcore Life P3
- Budget-friendly option: Great value for money with solid call quality.
- Mic Quality: Dual-microphone system with cVc 8.0 noise reduction for clear calls.
- Comfort: Ergonomic design for all-day wear.
- Battery Life: Up to 32 hours total with the charging case.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
- Premium sound and call quality: Bose’s reputation for high-quality audio extends to call clarity.
- Noise Cancellation: Adjustable ANC with multiple levels.
- Mic Quality: Dual-microphone system for clear voice capture.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours on a single charge, with up to 12 hours total with the case.
Key Considerations:
- Microphone Quality: Look for earbuds with multiple microphones or advanced noise-canceling features to ensure clear voice transmission.
- Noise Cancellation: If you’re often in noisy environments, ANC can help reduce background noise during calls.
- Comfort: Choose earbuds that fit well and are comfortable for extended periods.
- Battery Life: Ensure the earbuds have enough battery life for your daily needs, especially if you make frequent calls.
Based on your specific needs (e.g., budget, device compatibility, and features), any of these models could be an excellent choice for making clear and reliable phone calls.
