Can you get earbuds with microphone?
Earbuds with microphones have become a popular choice for many consumers looking for a convenient audio solution. Integrating a microphone into earbuds allows users to listen to music or make calls hands-free without needing a separate headset microphone. The technology has advanced rapidly, with most wireless Bluetooth earbuds now containing built-in mics. Even many wired earbuds come equipped with an in-line microphone on the cable for phone calls and voice commands. As the quality of built-in mics has improved over the years, earbuds with microphones provide an all-in-one portable option for audio and communication needs.
Types of Earbuds with Mics
There are a few main types of earbuds that come with built-in microphones:
In-ear
In-ear earbuds, also known as in-ear monitors (IEMs), are small earbuds that fit inside your ear canal. They come with silicone or foam tips in different sizes to get a secure and comfortable fit. In-ear earbuds block out external noise and provide an immersive listening experience. Many in-ear earbud models have inline mics and controls for handling calls and accessing voice assistants.
Over-ear
Over-ear earbuds, sometimes called supra-aural headphones, have padding that rests on the outer ear instead of inserting into the ear canal. They are lightweight and portable. Over-ear earbuds often come with built-in mics and on-cord controls. The open design allows you to remain aware of your surroundings while listening.
Wireless
Wireless earbuds connect via Bluetooth and do not have cords. Popular styles of wireless earbuds with mics include Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and other brands. Wireless earbuds offer convenience, portability, and freedom of movement. They allow you to listen wirelessly while taking calls and controlling audio playback from your mobile device.
Uses for Earbuds with Mics
Earbuds with built-in microphones have become popular for a variety of uses where having hands-free voice input is convenient. Some of the most common uses for earbuds with mics include:
Calling – Earbuds with mics allow you to make and receive phone calls hands-free. The microphone picks up your voice and transmits it to the person on the other end of the call. This makes earbuds with mics useful for making calls while driving, working out, or doing other activities where holding a phone up to your face isn’t feasible. Many modern wireless earbuds have features optimized for calling like noise cancellation.
Gaming – For online gaming, built-in mics on earbuds allow gamers to communicate with teammates hands-free. Directional microphones on some gaming earbuds focus on picking up the wearer’s voice and minimize background noise. Earbuds designed for gaming often have low latency for real-time communication.
Voice assistants – Earbuds with mics enable hands-free use of voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and others. The microphone picks up voice commands and queries without needing to hold your phone close or speak directly into a device. This allows convenient hands-free control of smart home devices, asking questions, setting reminders, and more.
Microphone Quality
The microphone quality of earbuds can vary greatly between models. Some key factors that determine microphone performance include noise cancellation, sensitivity, and audio clarity.
Noise cancellation allows the earbuds to filter out ambient background noise, ensuring your voice is transmitted clearly. Earbuds like the Jabra Elite 7 Pro utilize multiple microphones and algorithms for improved noise cancellation during calls.
Microphone sensitivity determines how well the mic picks up your voice. Higher sensitivity allows the earbuds to detect soft whispers while also handling loud talking without distortion. Look for earbuds with MEMS or electret condenser microphones which tend to offer better sensitivity.
Audio clarity refers to how natural and crisp your voice sounds on the other end. Quality earbuds transmit a clear reproduction of your voice without muffling or hissing. Advanced audio codecs like Qualcomm aptX can optimize voice clarity for earbuds.
Overall, prioritize earbuds promising clear phone calls and voice assistant interaction to ensure you get exemplary microphone quality for daily use.
Brands and Models
Some of the top brands for earbuds with microphones include Apple, Samsung, Sony, Jabra, JBL, Anker, and 1More. Apple’s AirPods Pro are consistently rated as one of the best true wireless earbuds overall, with excellent noise-cancelling and call quality from the built-in microphones. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro also offer great call quality with their multiple microphones. Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds have well-reviewed microphones and noise reduction for calls.
Some popular wired earbud models with mics include the JBL T110, 1MORE Triple Driver, and Anker SoundBuds Curve. These all come with in-line microphone remotes for calls and voice assistant access. For budget options, JBL T290 and T210 earbuds deliver decent mic performance at lower prices.
Features to Look For
When shopping for earbuds with a microphone, there are a few key features to consider:
Battery Life
Look for earbuds that offer at least 5-6 hours of battery life per charge. This allows you to listen and talk on calls for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently. Models like the Samsung Galaxy Buds offer up to 6 hours of playback time.
Connectivity
Choose wireless earbuds with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for the most stable and furthest reaching connection. Some models also allow a wired connection via USB-C for charging and listening without Bluetooth. Having both wireless and wired connectivity options is ideal.
Controls
Look for earbuds with controls on each bud to manage music playback, calls, and voice assistants without pulling out your phone. Touch controls let you do things like pause music, skip tracks, adjust volume, answer/end calls, and activate Siri or Google Assistant.
Price Range
You can find earbuds with built-in microphones across a wide range of prices, from budget options under $20 to premium models over $200. Here’s an overview of what to expect at different price points:
Under $50
For less than $50, you can find basic earbuds with decent audio quality and microphone performance. Models in this range often have a simple in-line microphone and one-button remote. Brands like JLab, Anker, and Taotronics offer affordable options with good value.
$50 – $100
In the $50 to $100 range, you’ll get improved audio drivers, noise isolation, and microphone quality. Brands like 1More, Jabra, Jaybird, and Plantronics offer great options in this mid-range category. The microphones will capture better clarity in calls and voice recordings.
Over $100
At over $100, there are premium earbuds with excellent sound, long battery life, app support, and very high-quality microphones. Top options from Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, Airpods, and Bang & Olufsen provide an immersive listening and calling experience. The mics rival standalone microphones in their recording and voice pickup quality.
Consider how much you want to spend based on the audio and microphone quality you need. With more budget options now available, it’s possible to get decent performance without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons of Earbuds with Mics
Here are some of the key benefits of using earbuds with built-in microphones:
Convenience: Having a microphone integrated into your earbuds means you don’t need any extra equipment for calls or voice commands. You can easily switch between listening to music/media and talking on the phone.
Portability: Earbuds with mics are ultra compact and portable. You can take them anywhere without hassle. They barely take up any space when stored away.
Audio quality: Many earbuds are optimized to provide great sound for both incoming and outgoing audio. The mic is tuned to isolate your voice and reduce background noise on calls.
Some potential drawbacks include:
Battery life: The addition of a microphone can drain battery life faster compared to earbuds without one. However, many models now offer decent battery life.
Microphone performance: The microphone quality may not match that of a dedicated external mic. But many premium earbuds have excellent call clarity.
Cost: There is often a price premium for earbuds with integrated mics compared to basic earbuds. However, prices continue to come down.
Alternatives to Earbuds with Mics
While earbuds with built-in mics provide convenience, there are some alternatives worth considering:
Headsets
Dedicated headsets like the Logitech G435 are designed specifically for communication and gaming. They have large over-ear designs with boom mics that provide excellent noise isolation and voice pickup. Headsets often have superior mic quality over earbuds. However, they aren’t as portable or discreet.
Bluetooth Headsets
Bluetooth headsets like the Jabra Evolve2 65 allow you to connect wirelessly to your phone or computer for calls and voice chat. The boom mic provides clearer voice pickup than most earbuds. Bluetooth headsets are lightweight and portable but aren’t designed for music listening.
While alternatives exist, earbuds with built-in mics provide a convenient all-in-one solution for music, calls, and voice chat in a portable form factor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many earbud options available with built-in microphones for convenient hands-free phone calls and voice assistant access. Top brands like Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose, and Jabra offer quality models with clear microphone pickup. Key features to look for include noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, water resistance, battery life, and comfort. Prices range from budget-friendly under $50 to premium over $200. While built-in mics may not match dedicated external mics, they provide a handy voice interface solution for many everyday needs. Just be sure to test call quality before purchase. With the right pair of earbuds with mic, you can enjoy great sound, seamless connectivity, and effortless voice commands.