10 Best Earbuds with Mics [ 2023 Review ] - MusicCritic (2024)

Earbuds with Microphone Buyers Guide

When you start looking around for earphones you can use with your phone, watch, tablet, or laptop, you'll have to decide if a microphone is something you will frequently be using. Most earbud options have a microphone, but the quality can vary greatly.

While it might not matter much if you only plan to use it occasionally, a quality microphone is crucial for someone who'll be taking important calls or recording audio. There are some things you'll want to consider as you browse through the options available to you, and this guide will make it easier for you to make the right choice based on your needs and your budget.

Earphone Comfort

How well your earphones fit in your ear-canal matters greatly, as this will have a direct effect on how enjoyable the audio experience is. If you know that you sometimes struggle to find buds that fit your ears, or if they start to ache after using earphones for a while, look for a product that comes with different sized ear-tips. The tip is the foamy material that goes into your ear, and many products will have ones that are removable and interchangeable, as this allows you to customize the product.

If you'll be using the earbuds for sports, consider wireless earbuds or a pair of earphones designed to stay on your ear when you're moving rapidly. The design has a lot to do with comfort, so have a look at different models available, to see what would best suit your lifestyle and the activities you plan to engage in.

Even if a microphone is the most important thing for you, you don't want to be uncomfortable when you're in the middle of a business call, so comfort should be one of your top priorities.

Type of Microphone

There are different types of microphones. Some are on the cord, and others are on the headphones. But, in the case of in-ears, the microphone will almost always be on the cord. This does not apply to in-ear Bluetooth wireless earbuds, as wireless earbuds have a mic on the earphone itself. The kind of microphone you find on the cord isn't always great in quality. This is why it's so important to look for the right product when shopping.

The panel with the microphone needs to be properly placed for your voice to travel effortlessly from your mouth to the microphone, so don't underestimate the type of microphone your new earbuds are equipped with.

Wireless vs. Wired

You will inevitably be faced with the decision of whether to get true Wireless Bluetooth headphones or if you're better off going with a wired product. The benefits of Bluetooth and true wireless is that you won't have to worry about tangling cords, and you'll have the freedom of movement, which many athletes might prefer. The downside is that, just like with any Bluetooth device, you need to charge up your headphones before you can use them.

This can become annoying if you use them frequently. When the battery life of true wireless earphones or headphones is running low, the Bluetooth connection can get weaker, which will then interrupt what you're listening to. Unless you think you will benefit directly from true wireless, it might be best to stick to a wired product.

Noise Reduction

If you're purchasing earphones with a mic, then you're probably planning to use them for some type of audio transmissions, such as receiving calls from phones, and that means you also need to be able to hear the person on the other end.

Noise reduction means that exterior sound is kept out, both while you're listening to a phonecall and to music, and it's usually achieved through the design of the earphone - typically the tip. For ultimate noise reduction, you need to make sure your earbud fits your ear.

What are the best earbuds for gaming?

Most gamers tend to use over-ear headphones, simply because these may be more comfortable for long-term use than earbuds. However, if you prefer in-ears, there are high-quality buds that will give you an excellent experience while gaming on either your computer or using another device.

Can earbuds be used as a microphone?

Yes, and with the right microphone on your earbuds, you can take important business calls, participate in online seminars, and much more.

What are the best wireless earbuds with a microphone?

There's no straight answer as to which product is best, as it depends on what you'll be using them for, and what your personal needs are. Someone who will be using their true wireless product for sports may have other needs than someone who will mostly be using them when commuting to work. Battery life should also be taken into consideration here, as some products may have a longer battery life than others.

Conclusion

Whether you want to go wireless or wired, there are so many options out there. It's easy to get a little lost in your decision-making process at times, but hopefully, this guide will have helped you gain the necessary knowledge to make a good decision. Consider things like battery time, placement of the microphone, how well they fit your ear, the design, the type of cord (a flat cord is less likely to tangle) it has, and more.

Take into consideration how you'll be using them, and for what. Once you set your mind to it, finding the right in-line earbuds with a microphone does not have to be hard, and you are now only steps away from optimizing your search to add the ultimate product to your list of potential purchases.

Expert Tip

While there are many different things to think about when buying earbuds, you should adapt your search to what the earbuds will be used for, as many are designed with a specific purpose in mind.

Did You Know

True wireless headphones and wireless earbuds with Bluetooth are great, but if you don't want to worry about charging them up, a pair of wired earphones is a better option.

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