Best headphones for calls in 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
If you want the best overall headset for calls and meetings, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clear choice, thanks to its superb noise cancellation and clear microphone pickup.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is the runner-up for all-day comfort, while the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers a budget-friendly alternative with surprisingly strong call quality.
Finding a headphone that makes you sound clear on calls is different from finding one that sounds great for music. A good call headphone needs a microphone that rejects background noise, keeps your voice crisp, and stays comfortable for back-to-back meetings. Battery life matters too, you don’t want to scramble for a charger mid-afternoon. To narrow the field, we looked at microphone performance in noisy environments, comfort for extended wear, and connectivity reliability. The models below have earned consistent praise from reviewers and owners for their call-handling capabilities. We’ve ranked them by overall performance, but the best pick depends on your specific priorities.
Sony WH-1000XM5
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers best-in-class active noise cancellation that makes calls feel private even in busy spaces. Its microphone array captures your voice clearly while suppressing background chatter and wind, and the plush ear pads let you wear it for hours. If you need one headphone for music and meetings, this is it.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Bose QuietComfort 45
the comfort champion
4.5out of 5The Bose QuietComfort 45 sets the standard for long-wear comfort, with a lightweight frame and soft ear cushions that barely feel there after hours. The microphone quality is very good for calls, though it doesn’t cancel background noise quite as aggressively as the Sony. Still, for marathon meeting days, this is a reliable choice.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
the budget standout
4.3out of 5The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC proves you don’t need to spend a lot to get good call quality. It offers decent active noise cancellation and a microphone that handles moderate background noise well, all at a fraction of the price of premium models. Battery life is solid, and the fit is secure. It’s a smart value pick.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Sony WH-1000XM5 | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Anyone who spends hours on calls in noisy environments and also wants a great headphone fo | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Bose QuietComfort 45 | 4.5 / 5 | $$$ | Professionals who spend four or more hours a day in meetings and prioritise comfort above | Check price → |
| Best value | Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable wireless earbud for calls without spending a l | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Sony WH-1000XM5: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers best-in-class active noise cancellation that makes calls feel private even in busy spaces. Its microphone array captures your voice clearly while suppressing background chatter and wind, and the plush ear pads let you wear it for hours. If you need one headphone for music and meetings, this is it.
Pros
- Top-tier noise cancellation silences office and home distractions
- Microphone handles wind and crowd noise better than most rivals
- Comfortable for long meetings with cushioned ear cups
- Excellent battery life for all-day use
Cons
- Non-foldable design makes it less portable than some alternatives
- Touch controls can be finicky on occasion
- Not the most affordable option
Who it’s for
Anyone who spends hours on calls in noisy environments and also wants a great headphone for music.Who should skip it
You need a truly portable model that folds flat, or your budget is very tight.2. Bose QuietComfort 45: the comfort champion
Runner-upThe Bose QuietComfort 45 sets the standard for long-wear comfort, with a lightweight frame and soft ear cushions that barely feel there after hours. The microphone quality is very good for calls, though it doesn’t cancel background noise quite as aggressively as the Sony. Still, for marathon meeting days, this is a reliable choice.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear, even with glasses
- Reliable noise cancellation that’s close to Sony’s top tier
- Clear, natural voice pickup on calls
- Physical buttons are easy to use without looking
Cons
- Microphone struggles more in very loud settings than the WH-1000XM5
- No USB-C fast charging (micro-USB)
- Design feels a bit dated compared to newer rivals
Who it’s for
Professionals who spend four or more hours a day in meetings and prioritise comfort above all else.Who should skip it
You work in an extremely noisy open office and need the most aggressive noise rejection for your microphone.3. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: the budget standout
Best valueThe Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC proves you don’t need to spend a lot to get good call quality. It offers decent active noise cancellation and a microphone that handles moderate background noise well, all at a fraction of the price of premium models. Battery life is solid, and the fit is secure. It’s a smart value pick.
Pros
- Very affordable for the feature set, including ANC and good call quality
- Compact charging case with long total battery life
- Customisable touch controls and ear fit options
- Voice pickup is respectable for the price point
Cons
- Noise cancellation is not as powerful as Sony or Bose
- Microphone performance drops noticeably in windy or very loud conditions
- Build feels less premium than the more expensive competitors
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable wireless earbud for calls without spending a lot.Who should skip it
You need absolute noise isolation for calls, or you prefer over-ear headphones for extended comfort.Best for specific needs
Best for all-day wear
If your calendar is packed with back-to-back video calls, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is your best companion. Its lightweight design and plush ear pads keep pressure off your head even after four hours of wear, and the physical controls are a blessing when you need to mute or adjust volume without fumbling. The call quality is reliable, and the noise cancellation is strong enough for most home or office environments. Our pick: Bose QuietComfort 45.
Best for noisy environments
When you’re taking calls from a coffee shop, open office, or a room with a humming air conditioner, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the headset that saves you. Its microphone array is tuned to cut out background noise and focus on your voice, so the person on the other end hears you clearly even when chaos surrounds you. Pair that with its class-leading listen-side noise cancellation, and you get a private bubble for conversations. Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM5.
Best for budget-conscious buyers
For shoppers who need good call quality without spending much, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers impressive value. It offers effective active noise cancellation, a comfortable in-ear fit, and a microphone that handles quiet to moderately noisy settings with ease. You get most of the key features of premium earbuds at a much friendlier price, making it a no-brainer for casual calls and occasional meetings. Our pick: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.
Our verdict
For most people, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the headphone to buy: it nails call clarity, noise cancellation, and comfort in one package. If you live in meetings and want something lighter on your head, choose the Bose QuietComfort 45. And if you’re watching your wallet, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC gives you a solid call experience without regret. No matter which you pick, you’ll sound professional on every call.
Frequently asked questions
What makes headphones good for calls?
Microphone placement and background noise suppression matter most. Headphones with beam-forming microphones (multiple mics targeting your voice) and AI noise suppression filter keyboard clicks, background conversation, and environmental noise from what your caller hears.
Are earbuds or over-ear headphones better for calls?
Both can work well. Over-ear headphones with boom microphones or multiple beam-forming mics often have better mic clarity. Earbuds with stem-mounted microphones (AirPods, Galaxy Buds) are closer to the mouth and pick up voice well. The software noise suppression quality matters as much as physical mic position.
Do ANC headphones help during calls?
Yes, ANC reduces background noise you hear from the other party's side, making their voice clearer. The microphone processing handles what they hear from you. Both directions benefit from the call experience on good ANC headphones.
Can I use one earbud for calls while leaving one ear open?
Most true wireless earbuds support mono mode, only the primary earbud (usually right) needs to be in. This works for brief calls and is useful for office workers who want to stay aware of their surroundings. Remove the secondary bud and leave it in the case.
What is sidetone and do I need it for calls?
Sidetone is the ability to hear your own voice in the headphones while speaking. Without it, people tend to speak too loudly because they can't hear themselves. Some headphones offer adjustable sidetone; it's a comfort feature more than a quality one, but useful for all-day call users.