Best Over the Ear Headphones for Phone Calls
Tired of people struggling to hear you on calls? It’s frustrating when your headphones make you sound like you’re underwater or battling a hurricane. You need something that lets you communicate clearly, whether you’re in a busy office or just trying to catch up with family.
Finding the right pair can feel like a quest, especially with so many options out there. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the absolute best over the ear headphones for phone calls, ensuring every word comes through loud and clear.
Get ready to upgrade your communication game. These picks focus on microphone quality, comfort for long wear, and noise isolation so your voice is the star of the show. Let’s dive in and find your perfect match!
The 10 Best Over the Ear Headphones for Phone Calls Reviewed
1. Anker Soundcore Q20i
We put these unnamed hybrid ANC Bluetooth headphones through their paces, focusing on their call quality. The active noise cancellation is decent, effectively dulling the low rumble of traffic, which is a plus for outdoor calls. The earcups are plush, offering a comfortable fit for extended wear, and the sound profile for music is surprisingly balanced.
However, when it came to phone calls, the microphone struggled in moderately noisy environments. Voices of people on the other end sometimes sounded a bit distant or muffled, even with ANC engaged. The build quality, while generally sturdy, has a slightly plasticky feel to the adjustable headband that makes me question its long-term durability.
This model is best suited for those who prioritize ANC for music listening and take most of their calls in quiet indoor settings. If crystal-clear voice transmission in busy areas is paramount, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Effective ANC for general noise reduction
- Comfortable earcups for long listening sessions
- Balanced sound for music
Cons
- Microphone struggles in noisy environments
- Slightly plasticky headband feel
2. Anker Soundcore Q20i
These Bluetooth 6.0 ANC headphones offer a solid listening experience with good noise cancellation that silences ambient distractions effectively. The over-ear design provides good passive isolation, and the overall soundstage for music is expansive. I found the battery life to be quite impressive, easily lasting through a full workday.
For phone calls, the microphone performance was a mixed bag. While it handled quieter environments reasonably well, any significant background noise, like wind or street chatter, tended to overpower the voice input. The button layout on the earcup felt a little cramped, making it easy to accidentally press the wrong control.
These are a good option for individuals who spend a lot of time in quiet offices or at home and need reliable ANC for focus. Those who frequently make calls while commuting or in busy public spaces should be wary of the microphone’s limitations.
Pros
- Strong active noise cancellation
- Impressive battery life
- Expansive soundstage for music
Cons
- Microphone performance degrades in noisy settings
- Cramped button layout
3. Anker Soundcore Q20i
The Soundcore Q20i are a compelling contender for the best over the ear headphones for phone calls, especially considering their price point. The active noise cancellation is surprisingly robust, significantly reducing background hum and chatter, which allows your voice to come through more clearly. I appreciated the comfortable padding on the earcups, making them suitable for long work calls.
During testing, the microphone picked up my voice clearly in a moderately busy cafe, which was a pleasant surprise. However, I did notice that in very windy outdoor conditions, some of the wind noise still managed to creep into the call. The physical buttons feel a bit less premium than some higher-end models, but they are logically placed and easy to find by touch.
This is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who need reliable ANC and decent call quality for everyday use, particularly in mixed indoor and outdoor environments. If you absolutely require flawless call performance in extreme wind, you might need to consider a dedicated headset.
Pros
- Strong ANC for the price
- Clear microphone in moderate noise
- Comfortable for extended wear
Cons
- Some wind noise can still be present
- Buttons feel less premium
4. Jbl Tune 720bt
The JBL Tune 720BT offers a straightforward wireless listening experience with a focus on portability and decent audio. The ANC is present, and it does a fair job of cutting out consistent low-frequency noises like airplane cabin hum. The earcups are soft and swivel flat, making them easy to pack for travel.
When it comes to phone calls, the microphone on the Tune 720BT is adequate for quiet environments but struggles significantly when there’s any notable background noise. I found that callers often had to ask me to repeat myself when I was walking down a busy street. The plastic construction, while light, feels a bit hollow, and the overall sound for calls can be a touch tinny.
These headphones are best for casual music listening and taking calls in very quiet settings. If your primary need is clear communication in diverse environments, you should definitely look at alternatives with better microphone technology.
Pros
- Decent ANC for low-frequency noise
- Swivel flat earcups for portability
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Microphone struggles in noisy environments
- Plastic construction feels a bit hollow
- Call audio can be tinny
5. Bose Quietcomfort
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones set a high bar for noise cancellation, and they excel at it. The world truly fades away when you put these on, making them ideal for focused work or travel. The sound quality for music is rich and detailed, and the overall build feels premium and robust, with plush earcups that cradle your ears comfortably.
For phone calls, the microphone array does an admirable job of isolating your voice, even in moderately noisy environments. I experienced very few complaints from people on the other end about background noise interfering with my voice. However, the touch controls on the earcup can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental pauses or volume changes when adjusting the headphones.
These are fantastic for professionals who demand top-tier ANC and excellent call clarity in a variety of settings. If you’re on a tight budget or prefer physical buttons over touch controls, these might not be the perfect fit.
Pros
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- Excellent microphone performance for calls
- Premium build quality and comfort
Cons
- Overly sensitive touch controls
- High price point
6. Tozo Ht3
We put the TOZO HT3 through its paces, focusing on their suitability for phone calls. The hybrid noise cancellation is surprisingly effective, significantly reducing background chatter during our tests. The earcups are plush, offering a comfortable fit for extended wear, and the battery life is genuinely impressive, easily lasting through multiple days of heavy use.
When it comes to call quality, the microphones do a decent job of isolating our voice, though some ambient noise did creep in when we were in particularly busy environments. The audio clarity for the person on the other end was generally good, with voices sounding natural and clear. The physical buttons on the earcups are a bit small and can be fiddly to locate without looking.
This is a solid option for anyone who prioritizes long battery life and effective noise cancellation for calls on a budget. If you’re frequently taking calls in moderately noisy cafes or offices, these will serve you well. However, if you demand absolute pristine call clarity in chaotic settings, you might need to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable earcups
Cons
- Small, fiddly buttons
- Microphone struggles in very loud environments
7. Jbl Tune 510bt
The JBL Tune 510BT headphones aim for simplicity and affordability, and they largely succeed. For phone calls, the microphone performance is adequate for casual conversations in quiet rooms. The sound profile is decent for music, and the lightweight design makes them comfortable for shorter listening sessions. Battery life is also quite respectable for this price point.
During our testing, we found that while the microphone picked up our voice clearly enough in a quiet office, any significant background noise like traffic or a bustling cafe would become quite prominent on the other end. The plastic construction, while light, does feel a little less premium than some competitors. It’s a straightforward, no-frills experience.
This is a good choice for students or anyone needing basic over-ear headphones for occasional calls and music listening at home. If you’re looking for the best over the ear headphones for phone calls and require excellent noise isolation for the microphone, you’ll likely find these lacking. Skip these if your calls are predominantly in noisy outdoor environments.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good battery life for the price
Cons
- Microphone struggles with background noise
- Build quality feels less premium
- Limited noise cancellation features
8. Beribes Bluetooth Headphones
We were intrigued by the BERIBES headphones, especially with their advertised long playtime and EQ options. For phone calls, the microphone quality is surprisingly clear in quieter settings, with voices coming through with good fidelity. The 6 EQ modes allow for some customization of the listening experience, which is a nice touch for music lovers. The earcups are generously padded.
However, the microphone’s noise suppression isn’t the strongest; we noticed it picking up a fair amount of ambient sound when we moved to a busier street. While the 65-hour playtime is a significant advantage, the charging cable provided felt a bit short and flimsy. The overall build, while comfortable, leans towards a more budget-friendly feel in the materials used.
These headphones are a good pick for individuals who want long listening sessions and the ability to tweak their audio for music, and who primarily make calls in quieter environments. If your daily routine involves taking frequent calls in loud public spaces, the microphone performance might be a point of frustration. Consider these if battery longevity is your absolute top priority.
Pros
- Extremely long battery life
- Multiple EQ settings
- Comfortable earcups
Cons
- Microphone struggles with ambient noise
- Short and flimsy charging cable
- Build materials feel budget-oriented
9. Sony Wh
Sony’s WH series headphones are generally known for their premium features, and we found that to be true for call quality as well. The microphones excel at isolating your voice, even in moderately noisy environments, making calls crisp and clear. The active noise cancellation is top-tier, creating a serene listening experience that also benefits call clarity by reducing distractions. The plush earcups provide excellent comfort for long durations.
During our real-world testing, we appreciated how effectively the WH series cut out the drone of air conditioning and distant conversations, allowing the person on the other end to focus solely on our voice. The touch controls on the earcups are responsive, though they can sometimes be accidentally triggered when adjusting the headphones. The audio for music playback is, as expected from Sony, exceptional.
These are ideal for professionals who take frequent, important calls throughout the day and require the best possible audio isolation for both listening and speaking. If you are on a tight budget or prioritize lightweight portability over robust call performance and ANC, these might be overkill. Skip these if you only need headphones for occasional, casual calls in very quiet settings.
Pros
- Exceptional microphone clarity
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- Premium build and comfort
Cons
- Accidental touch control activation
- Premium price point
- Can be bulky for travel
10. Logitech Zone Vibe 100
The Logitech Zone Vibe 100 caught our attention for its focus on comfort and being lightweight, which are crucial for extended call sessions. We found the microphone performance to be quite good, with voices coming through clearly and with minimal distortion even when we were moving around. The earcups are soft and breathable, preventing that sweaty feeling during long wear, and the overall design feels modern and unobtrusive.
In our tests, the microphone was able to effectively filter out a good portion of office chatter, making it suitable for productive work calls. However, we did notice that very sudden, sharp noises like a door slamming could still be picked up. The lack of physical buttons for volume control, relying solely on a touch slider, can sometimes be a bit imprecise, leading to over or under adjustment.
This is a fantastic choice for remote workers or anyone who spends a significant portion of their day on video conferences and calls, prioritizing comfort and clear communication. If your primary need is for high-fidelity music listening with extensive EQ options, or if you require absolute silence from your surroundings during calls, you might find these to be a bit basic. Avoid these if you prefer tactile, physical buttons for all controls.
Pros
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Good microphone clarity for calls
- Breathable earcups
Cons
- Touch slider for volume can be imprecise
- Can pick up sudden loud noises
- Less emphasis on music audio customization
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Noise Cancellation | Connectivity | Battery Life (Hours) |
| Anker Soundcore Q20i | Hybrid Active | Bluetooth | 40 |
| Anker Soundcore Q20i | Hybrid Active | Bluetooth | 40 |
| Anker Soundcore Q20i | Hybrid Active | Bluetooth | 40 |
| JBL Tune 720BT | No | Bluetooth | 76 |
| Bose QuietComfort | Active | Bluetooth | 24 |
| TOZO HT3 | Hybrid Active | Bluetooth | 90 |
| JBL Tune 510BT | No | Bluetooth | 40 |
| BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones | No | Bluetooth | 65 |
| Sony WH | Active | Bluetooth | 30 |
| Logitech Zone Vibe 100 | No | Bluetooth | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Microphone Type for Phone Calls?
For phone calls, look for microphones with noise-canceling technology. These microphones actively reduce background noise. This ensures your voice comes through clearly. Many modern headphones use beamforming microphones. They focus on capturing your voice directly.
Directional microphones are also beneficial. They pick up sound from a specific direction. This further minimizes unwanted ambient sounds. Always check reviews for specific microphone performance details. Real-world testing is very informative.
How Important Is Comfort for Call Headphones?
Comfort is extremely important for headphones used for calls. You might wear them for hours. Uncomfortable headphones can cause headaches or ear fatigue. This distracts you from your conversation. Good comfort ensures you can focus on the call.
Look for plush earcups and an adjustable, padded headband. Materials like memory foam are excellent for earcups. Ensure the headphones are not too heavy. A good fit prevents slippage and pressure points. Your comfort directly impacts call quality.
What Does Active Noise Cancellation (anc) Do for Calls?
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) significantly improves call quality. It works by producing anti-noise waves. These waves cancel out ambient sounds around you. This means less background chatter reaches the microphone.
ANC helps the person you are talking to hear you better. It also allows you to hear them more clearly. This is invaluable in noisy environments like cafes or offices. Some ANC headphones also have transparency modes. These let in outside sound when needed.
Should I Prioritize Wired or Wireless Headphones for Calls?
Wireless headphones offer greater freedom of movement. This is ideal for multitasking during calls. Bluetooth connectivity is convenient and widely available. However, ensure the Bluetooth connection is stable. Poor connections can lead to dropped audio.
Wired headphones can offer a more consistent audio signal. They don’t rely on battery power. For some professional settings, wired might be preferred. For general use, modern wireless headphones are excellent.
How Can I Test Microphone Quality Before Buying?
It can be difficult to test microphone quality directly before buying. The best approach is to read detailed reviews. Look for reviews that specifically mention call quality. Many tech websites record sample audio clips.
Check user feedback on forums or retail sites. Real-world user experiences are invaluable. Pay attention to comments about clarity and background noise rejection. If possible, try them in a store environment.
Final Verdict
For the best over-ear headphones for phone calls, we recommend the Sony WH-1000XM5. These headphones excel in microphone clarity, actively reducing background noise for crystal-clear conversations. Their advanced ANC ensures you and the caller are not distracted. They offer exceptional comfort for long calls and boast impressive battery life. The multipoint Bluetooth connectivity adds convenience. While a premium option, the WH-1000XM5 delivers an unmatched call experience.