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When someone calls while you’re out and about and you’re wearing headphones, it’s much more convenient to simply talk into your headphones rather than taking them off and use your cell. It’s easier than ever to take a phone call wherever you are, thanks to the inclusion of a microphone and controls in almost every pair of headphones. Although earpiece-style Bluetooth headsets are still common among heavy phone users, we haven’t tested many, so we’ll focus on standard Bluetooth headphones with good microphones in this article.
We reviewed over 400 Bluetooth headsets, and our top picks for the best Bluetooth headsets for phone calls are listed below. Also, take a look at our picks for the best Bluetooth headphones for video editors, best headphones for zoom calls, best over-ear headphones, or best headphones for cycling.
1. Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphone – Best Over-all
The Bose 700 Headphones Wireless are the best Bluetooth headset for phone calls that we’ve checked. These Bluetooth over-ears look futuristic and are well-built, particularly when compared to the rest of Bose’s conservative-looking lineup. Their user-friendly control system combines physical and touch-sensitive controls. The battery life, which is just under 21 hours, should be enough to get you through a couple of long days at the office.
The sound quality is excellent, particularly for a pair of headphones with an integrated microphone. Without the use of a dedicated and bulky boom microphone, your voice can sound loud, full-bodied, and simple. But it’s when it comes to background noise isolation that this headset really shines, as its powerful noise gate processor does an outstanding job of isolating your voice from the clatter and chatter of a busy office or any other noisy environment.
Unfortunately, their sound profile isn’t as well-balanced as the rest of the company’s range, and they can’t be changed in the Bose Music app, which is a letdown at this price point. Additionally, their motion-activated auto-off timer is a little too sensitive. Finally, since their integrated microphone output is among the best we’ve reviewed, and they look and sound very premium, these are excellent for making calls.
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2. Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless – Runner up
Consider the Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless if you want a more expensive headset with physical controls. These Bluetooth-enabled over-ears aren’t as well-made as the Bose 700 Headphones Wireless, and their boom microphone isn’t as good at isolating speech from background noise, but their control scheme is simpler to use than the Bose’s touch-sensitive surface. They also have a more robust companion app with a graphic EQ and a battery life of more than 31 hours. Their noise cancellation technology filters out a lot of background noise, and their microphone makes your voice sound clear and natural to those on the other end of the line.
They’re comfortable enough to wear for hours on end, thanks to their generously padded ear cups and headband.
If you prefer tactile controls and longer battery life, go with the Bose, but if you prefer sturdier build quality and a slightly better microphone, go with the Jabra.
3. BlueParrott B450-XT Bluetooth Headset
The BlueParrott B450-XT Bluetooth Headset is the strongest mono Bluetooth headset we’ve checked for phone calls. This in-ear wireless headset features multi-device pairing, which allows you to take phone calls while staying connected to your screen, as well as low audio latency on mobile devices.
Its battery life of more than 24 hours could easily last you a couple of days at the office. Its boom mic captures your voice in a simple, natural, and mostly noise-free manner, which is useful if you work in a noisy environment. The headset also rotates, allowing you to wear it on either ear.
Aside from the unbalanced treble response, the sound profile is well-balanced enough to make incoming voices sound full-bodied and present.
Unfortunately, some people, particularly those with large ears, can find the on-ear fit to be a little too tight. Despite its IP54 dust and water resistance grade, its mostly-plastic construction feels cheap and flimsy, though it should be noted that we don’t currently test for that. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a feature-rich wireless mono headset, this is a decent option.
4. Plantronics Voyager 5200 Bluetooth Headset
Try the Plantronics Voyager 5200 Bluetooth Headset if you’re looking for an in-ear mono headset. The Plantronics has a smaller, more compact design due to its earbud fit. Although its recording quality isn’t as good as the BlueParrott B450-XT Bluetooth Headset, and its continuous battery life is much shorter, the Plantronics has a smaller, more portable design. It’s lightweight and secure, so you can take calls on the go without having to worry about your headset shifting around your neck. The boom mic can also distinguish your voice from background noise, and its neutral mid-range ensures that voices on the other end of the line sound consistent and informative.
It has a standby mode to help save battery life when you’re not constantly taking calls, despite the fact that it only lasts about six hours.
If you want better recording quality and a longer battery life from your headphones, the BlueParrott is a good choice. If you value comfort and portability, however, consider the Plantronics.
5. Jabra Elite 65e Wireless
For phone calls, the Jabra Elite 65e are the perfect wireless Bluetooth earbuds. The neckband style on these headphones is very comfortable, and the controls are easily accessible. They have simple controls and even a dedicated microphone mute button, which is useful while on a long conference call.
Even in relatively noisy settings, their in-line microphone has a good recording quality, so the voice sounds full-bodied and normal. They can help reduce background noise so you can concentrate on your call thanks to their amazing ANC feature. They have a continuous battery life of over eight hours and a standby mode to help save battery life while not in use.
Even though they’re flexible and well-built, their neckband style isn’t the most portable. They also have a default sound profile that is bass-heavy and dark, making voices sound small, flat, and lacking in detail. Fortunately, they work with the Jabra Sound+ companion app, which includes a graphic EQ and mic controls.
6. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Truly Wireless
Consider the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Truly Wireless if you often take calls in a noisy environment. As compared to the Jabra Elite 65e Wireless, the Bose lack a dedicated mic mute button and their integrated mic have poor recording quality, but they do a much better job of noise handling, so people on the other end of the line can clearly hear you, even if you’re standing on a busy street. They also have a good ANC, which can help reduce the ambient noise around you, and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of audio genres. They’re well-made and have a fair level of comfort.
They do, however, have a battery life of just over seven hours, so you will need to charge them during the day.
If you want better recording quality and a dedicated mic-mute button, the Jabra is the way to go. If you want a more compact pair of headphones with improved noise handling ability so you can take calls on the go, try the Bose.
7. Jaybird Tarah Wireless
The Jaybird Tarah is the best wireless Bluetooth headset for phone calls in the budget category that we’ve reviewed. Multi-device pairing is supported by these well-built, secure in-ears, making it simple to switch from listening to music on your desktop to taking a call on your phone. They don’t have an active noise cancellation feature, but they do a good job of filtering out background noise so you can concentrate on your call.
These in-ears have a good recording quality in-line microphone, so whoever is on the other end of the line can hear your voice clearly. They also don’t make a lot of noise, so you can turn up the volume without upsetting anyone else.
They’re also well-suited for listening to a wide range of audio content thanks to their neutral sound profile, and they have a parametric EQ and presets so you can customise their sound.
Unfortunately, the microphone fails to differentiate the speech from background sounds, rendering them unsuitable for taking calls in noisy conditions such as a crowded train station. Furthermore, their in-ear configuration may not be suitable for all users. Fortunately, they come with a variety of ear gel sizes to help you find the perfect match.
