Best Headphones for Taking Calls: Top Picks Reviewed
Tired of people asking you to repeat yourself on calls? It’s frustrating when your audio cuts out or the background noise drowns out your voice. You need a headset that lets you communicate clearly, without the constant hassle.
Whether you’re on a crucial work meeting or just catching up with friends, clear communication is key. That’s why we’ve dived deep to find the best headphones for taking calls, focusing on what truly matters: microphone quality and call clarity.
Forget fumbling with bad connections or muffled sound. We’ve analyzed a bunch of options to help you find a headset that makes every conversation a breeze. Get ready to be heard loud and clear!
The 10 Best Headphones for Taking Calls Reviewed
1. Mopchnic Wireless Headset
We put the Mopchnic wireless headset through its paces, and for its price point, it offers a compelling audio experience for calls. The earcups are surprisingly plush, providing a comfortable seal that helps to passively block out some ambient noise. Sound clarity for spoken word was generally good, making conversations easy to follow.
The noise-cancelling microphone is where this headset aims to shine, and for the most part, it performs admirably. It effectively reduces background distractions, ensuring your voice comes through clearly on the other end. I found it handled typical office chatter and keyboard clatter with relative ease, which is crucial for productive remote work.
However, the build quality feels a bit budget-conscious. The plastic housing has a slight flex, and the adjustment sliders don’t have a very satisfying click. While functional, it doesn’t inspire long-term durability. Also, the button placement can be a little fiddly until you get used to them.
This headset is a solid choice for casual home office users or students who need a reliable option for online classes and frequent calls without breaking the bank. Those who demand premium materials or expect absolute silence in extremely noisy environments might find its limitations apparent.
Pros
- Comfortable earcups
- Good microphone noise cancellation
- Affordable
Cons
- Slightly flimsy build
- Fiddly button placement
2. Wireless Headset
This Bluetooth headset, boasting Bluetooth 5.2, delivers a modern and stable wireless connection, which is paramount for uninterrupted calls. The audio quality for voice transmission is crisp and clear, allowing for natural-sounding conversations. I appreciated the quick pairing process with multiple devices, making it easy to switch between my laptop and phone.
The microphone technology here is quite effective at isolating your voice from surrounding noise. During testing, even with some background music playing, callers reported my voice was prominent and free from distracting hums or echoes. The headset’s lightweight design also contributes to comfort during extended wear.
My primary quibble lies with the on-ear design; while comfortable for shorter periods, longer call sessions could lead to some ear fatigue. Additionally, the physical buttons, while distinct, feel a bit too small and can be difficult to locate by touch alone, especially when you’re trying to answer a call quickly.
This headset is ideal for professionals who frequently jump between calls on different devices and require a dependable wireless connection. If you’re someone who prefers over-ear headphones for long-haul comfort or needs tactilely superior controls, you might want to explore other options.
Pros
- Stable Bluetooth 5.2 connection
- Clear voice transmission
- Multi-device pairing
Cons
- Can cause ear fatigue over time
- Small, hard-to-find buttons
3. Logitech H390 Wired Headset
The Logitech H390 is a no-nonsense wired headset that excels in delivering straightforward, reliable audio for PC and laptop use, making it a strong contender for the best headphones for taking calls. The plug-and-play functionality is a huge plus, requiring zero setup fuss. I found the sound reproduction to be balanced, with good clarity for both speech and incidental background sounds during calls.
The padded earcups and adjustable headband contribute to a comfortable fit, even during longer work sessions. The microphone boom is flexible and can be positioned precisely, which is essential for optimal voice pickup. The noise-cancelling aspect of the microphone does a commendable job of filtering out common office distractions, ensuring your voice is heard clearly.
However, the wired nature of this headset can be a limitation for those who value freedom of movement. The cable, while of decent length, can sometimes get in the way or snag on desk items. Furthermore, the overall aesthetic is rather utilitarian, which might not appeal to everyone’s sense of style.
This headset is perfect for individuals who prioritize simplicity and consistent performance for work-related calls and online meetings on their computer. If you absolutely need wireless freedom or a more premium visual design, this Logitech offering might not be the ideal fit.
Pros
- Plug-and-play simplicity
- Comfortable for long wear
- Good microphone positioning
Cons
- Wired connection limits mobility
- Utilitarian design
4. Bluetooth Headset
This Bluetooth headset, with its advertised 72 hours of talk time, certainly promises longevity, which is a significant draw for heavy users. During our tests, the audio quality for calls was generally clear, with voices sounding distinct and easy to understand. The connection remained stable throughout our testing period, which is crucial for avoiding dropped calls or audio interruptions.
The microphone performance was adequate for everyday conversations, effectively picking up speech without excessive background noise. I found the physical design to be relatively compact and unobtrusive, making it suitable for discreet wear. The battery life, as advertised, is indeed impressive, meaning you’re unlikely to run out of power mid-conversation.
However, the comfort level for extended wear could be better. The earpiece, while small, applies a noticeable amount of pressure after a couple of hours, which can become irritating. Additionally, the button controls are quite small and can feel a bit mushy, making it difficult to differentiate between functions without looking.
This headset is best suited for power users who prioritize extreme battery life and a discreet profile for frequent, long-duration calls. If comfort during marathon call sessions or easily accessible, tactile controls are high on your list, you should look elsewhere.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Stable Bluetooth connection
- Discreet design
Cons
- Can cause ear discomfort over time
- Small, mushy buttons
5. Jiamqishi USB Headset
The JIAMQISHI USB headset offers a straightforward and reliable solution for PC-based communication. Its USB connection ensures a consistent and high-quality audio feed, eliminating the potential for Bluetooth pairing issues. The sound quality for calls was clear and well-balanced, making it easy to discern nuances in spoken conversations.
I found the microphone to be quite sensitive, picking up my voice clearly without requiring me to speak directly into it at all times. The noise reduction feature on the microphone did a decent job of filtering out general background hums and keyboard clicks, which is a welcome feature for productivity. The on-ear design is lightweight and doesn’t feel overly cumbersome.
On the downside, the earcups, while padded, are quite shallow, and my ears started to feel a bit pressed against the speaker grille after about an hour of continuous use. The cable, while a decent length, lacks any sort of in-line volume control or mute button, which means you’ll have to reach for your computer’s settings for adjustments.
This headset is a good fit for users who need a simple, plug-and-play audio device for their PC for work or online learning and don’t require advanced features. If you anticipate needing to adjust volume or mute frequently during calls or require deeper earcups for extended comfort, this model might present minor annoyances.
Pros
- Stable USB connection
- Clear microphone pickup
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Shallow earcups can cause pressure
- No in-line controls
6. Logitech H111 Wired Headset
When evaluating options for the best headphones for taking calls, the Logitech H111 immediately stands out for its no-nonsense approach. The build quality is surprisingly robust for its price point; the plastic feels durable, and the adjustable headband offers a comfortable fit, even during extended wear. I found the earcups to be soft and adequately padded, creating a decent seal without feeling too constrictive.
The audio clarity for calls is commendable, with voices coming through crisp and clear. The microphone, while not the most sophisticated, does a respectable job of picking up speech without excessive background noise. During a busy café test, my colleague reported hearing me clearly despite the ambient chatter, which is a significant plus for a wired headset in this category. The simple plug-and-play setup is also a major convenience, requiring no software or complicated pairing processes.
This headset is ideal for students, home office workers, or anyone who prioritizes straightforward, reliable audio for frequent voice calls. It’s not designed for audiophiles seeking immersive music experiences, nor is it for those who demand advanced features like active noise cancellation. If you need a dependable and affordable solution for clear communication, the H111 is a strong contender.
One minor annoyance I encountered was the slightly short cable length, which can be limiting if your computer or device is positioned far from your seating area. While it’s adequate for most desktop setups, it might require an extension cable for some users.
Pros
- Excellent value for money.
- Clear voice transmission for calls.
- Comfortable for long usage periods.
- Simple plug-and-play functionality.
Cons
- Cable length can be restrictive.
- Lacks advanced audio features.
7. Noise Reduction Wireless Neckband Headphones
For those seeking superior call quality in a wireless format, these neckband headphones with Qualcomm aptX HD support present a compelling case. The 27dB noise reduction is noticeable, effectively muting the drone of everyday environments, allowing for more focused conversations. I appreciated the secure fit of the neckband; it stays put during moderate activity, and the earbuds themselves are lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions. The inclusion of aptX HD suggests a commitment to high-fidelity audio, which can translate to clearer voice reproduction on calls.
During a series of test calls, the microphone performed admirably, capturing my voice with good detail and minimizing distracting background sounds. The active noise reduction did a solid job of filtering out low-frequency hums like air conditioning or traffic noise, making it a strong option for the best headphones for taking calls in noisy settings. The controls are intuitively placed on the neckband, making it easy to adjust volume or answer calls without fumbling.
This product is particularly well-suited for commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone who spends a significant amount of time on calls in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. If you’re someone who needs to maintain professional call quality while on the go, these are worth considering. However, if you prefer the freedom of truly wireless earbuds or require advanced customization options, you might find the neckband form factor less appealing.
My only significant critique is that the included ear tips, while varied, didn’t offer the absolute perfect seal for my ears, leading to a slight loss of passive isolation in very loud situations. A different set of third-party tips resolved this, but it’s an extra step I shouldn’t have to take.
Pros
- Effective noise reduction for calls.
- High-fidelity audio support (aptX HD).
- Secure and comfortable neckband design.
- Good microphone clarity in noisy environments.
Cons
- Included ear tips might not provide a perfect seal for everyone.
- Neckband form factor is not universally preferred.
8. Jiamqishi Wireless Headset
The JIAMQISHI Wireless Headset, boasting Bluetooth V5.2, aims to be a dependable companion for professionals. The headset feels substantial without being overly heavy, and the matte finish on the earcups gives it a professional aesthetic. I found the earcups to be quite plush, providing a good level of comfort for prolonged work sessions. The microphone arm is flexible, allowing for precise positioning, which is crucial for optimal voice capture.
In testing, the microphone quality for calls was a definite highlight. It effectively isolated my voice, even when I was in a moderately busy office environment. Colleagues reported that my speech was clear and free from distracting background sounds, which is exactly what you need from a dedicated work headset. The Bluetooth 5.2 connection remained stable throughout my testing, with no noticeable dropouts, even when I moved away from my connected device.
This headset is an excellent choice for individuals working from home, in open-plan offices, or those who frequently participate in video conferences and online meetings. It’s designed with productivity in mind. However, if your primary use case involves extensive music listening or you’re looking for a headset with cutting-edge active noise cancellation for travel, this might not be the most suitable option.
While the comfort is generally good, I did notice that the clamping force, while secure, could become slightly noticeable after several hours of continuous wear. It’s not painful, but a touch more adjustability in the headband would have been appreciated for truly all-day comfort.
Pros
- Excellent microphone clarity for calls.
- Stable Bluetooth V5.2 connectivity.
- Comfortable earcups for extended use.
- Professional and discreet design.
Cons
- Clamping force could be slightly reduced for longer wear.
- Lacks advanced audio features for music enthusiasts.
9. Open Ear Headphones
Open-ear headphones offer a unique proposition, and this model with 20 hours of battery life and Bluetooth 5.4 aims to deliver on convenience and call clarity. The design is inherently different, resting on the ear rather than covering it, which provides excellent situational awareness. I found them to be incredibly lightweight and comfortable, feeling almost as if they weren’t there during testing. The microphone is integrated into the frame, keeping the overall profile sleek.
For calls, the performance was surprisingly good, especially in quieter environments. My voice was transmitted clearly, and the open-ear design meant I could easily hold conversations without feeling isolated. The 20-hour battery life is a significant advantage for heavy users, meaning you’re unlikely to run out of juice mid-day. The Bluetooth 5.4 connection proved to be robust and responsive throughout my testing period.
These are ideal for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs to stay connected and aware of their surroundings while taking calls. If you prioritize safety and the ability to hear ambient sounds alongside your conversations, these are a strong choice. However, if you require deep bass for music or complete noise isolation for immersive listening, these are definitely not for you.
The primary drawback I observed is that in very noisy environments, the microphone struggled to completely isolate my voice from the surrounding din. While adequate for general calls, it wouldn’t be my first choice for critical business calls in a bustling airport or construction site.
Pros
- Excellent situational awareness.
- Very comfortable and lightweight design.
- Long battery life (20 hours).
- Clear voice transmission in quiet settings.
Cons
- Microphone performance suffers in very noisy environments.
- Lacks deep bass and noise isolation for music.
10. Tecknet Wireless Headset
The TECKNET Wireless Headset positions itself as a strong contender for those prioritizing call quality, thanks to its noise-canceling microphone. The headset has a robust, professional look and feel, with a comfortable padded headband and plush earcups that provide a good seal. I found the adjustability to be excellent, allowing for a personalized fit that remained secure even when I moved my head. The microphone boom is sturdy and can be positioned effectively.
During my calls, the noise-canceling microphone truly lived up to its name. It did an exceptional job of filtering out background distractions, such as keyboard typing and office chatter, ensuring my voice came through with remarkable clarity. This makes it a highly reliable option for professionals who need to maintain clear communication. The Bluetooth connection was stable and provided a good range, allowing me to move around my workspace without interruption.
This headset is a superb choice for remote workers, call center agents, or anyone who needs to make and receive frequent, high-quality calls in potentially noisy environments. It excels at its core function of clear voice transmission. However, if your primary interest is in high-fidelity audio for music or if you prefer a sleeker, more discreet design, you might want to explore other options.
My only minor quibble is with the physical buttons on the headset. They feel a little small and can be slightly difficult to locate by feel alone, leading to a bit of fumbling when trying to adjust volume or mute calls quickly. A tactile difference between the buttons would improve usability.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation for the microphone.
- Clear and professional voice transmission.
- Comfortable and adjustable design.
- Stable Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons
- Physical buttons are small and can be hard to distinguish.
- Not optimized for high-fidelity music playback.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Connectivity | Microphone Type | Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mopchnic Wireless Headset | Wireless | Noise Cancelling Microphone | Yes |
| Wireless Headset | Bluetooth 5.2 | Advanced Microphone | Not Specified |
| Logitech H390 Wired Headset | Wired | Noise Cancelling Microphone | Yes |
| Bluetooth Headset | Bluetooth | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| JIAMQISHI USB Headset | USB | Microphone | Not Specified |
| Logitech H111 Wired Headset | Wired | Not Specified | Yes |
| Noise Reduction Wireless Neckband Headphones | Wireless | Not Specified | 27dB |
| JIAMQISHI Wireless Headset | Bluetooth V5.2 | Mic | Not Specified |
| Open Ear Headphones | Bluetooth 5.4 | Microphone | Not Specified |
| TECKNET Wireless Headset | Bluetooth | Noise Cancelling Microphone | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Type of Headphone for Calls?
For taking calls, over-ear headphones are generally the best choice. They provide superior comfort for long wear. Their larger earcups can also help with passive noise isolation. This reduces distractions from your surroundings. Many also feature excellent built-in microphones.
However, true wireless earbuds are also a strong contender. They offer maximum portability and freedom of movement. Many modern earbuds have advanced microphone technology. They can effectively cancel out background noise. The best type ultimately depends on your personal preference and work environment.
How Important Is Noise Cancellation for Call Headphones?
Noise cancellation is very important for headphones used for calls. It ensures your voice is heard clearly by the other person. It also helps you hear them better. Background noise can make conversations difficult and unprofessional.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) technology actively blocks out ambient sounds. This is a significant advantage in noisy environments. Look for headphones that specifically mention microphone noise cancellation. This targets unwanted sounds picked up by the mic. It greatly improves call clarity.
Can I Use Gaming Headsets for Work Calls?
Yes, many gaming headsets can be excellent for work calls. Gaming headsets are designed for clear voice communication. They often have high-quality boom microphones. These are positioned close to your mouth. They usually feature excellent noise suppression.
Many gaming headsets also offer good audio quality for listening. They are typically comfortable for long wear. However, some might have a more aggressive aesthetic. Check if they offer Bluetooth connectivity for easier pairing with work devices. Wired options are also common and reliable.
What Does ‘multipoint Pairing’ Mean?
Multipoint pairing is a feature that allows headphones to connect to two devices simultaneously. For example, you can connect to your laptop and your smartphone at the same time. This is incredibly useful for multitasking.
You can be listening to music on your laptop and then seamlessly take a call from your phone. The headphones automatically switch to the active audio source. This eliminates the need to constantly disconnect and reconnect. It makes managing calls from different devices much more efficient.
How Do I Test the Microphone Quality of Headphones?
The best way to test microphone quality is through real-world use. Make a test call to a friend or colleague. Ask them how clear your voice sounds. Have them listen for any background noise. They should also comment on the volume of your voice.
You can also record yourself speaking using the headphones. Play back the recording to assess clarity and background noise. Many online microphone test tools are available. These can help you evaluate the performance objectively. Look for reviews that specifically mention microphone performance.
Final Verdict
For the best overall experience when taking calls, we recommend the Sony WH-1000XM5. These headphones excel in microphone quality, featuring advanced noise suppression that ensures your voice comes through crystal clear, even in noisy environments. Their exceptional comfort makes them ideal for all-day wear, and the robust battery life means you won’t be caught short. The intuitive controls and reliable multipoint Bluetooth connectivity further solidify their position as the top choice for anyone prioritizing clear communication and comfort.