10 Best Earbuds With Mics 2026 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are impressive wireless earbuds designed for those who want top-notch sound and active noise cancellation. They deliver rich, clear audio with detailed bass and vocals that create an immersive listening experience. The active noise cancellation blocks out twice as much background noise as the previous model, helping you focus in noisy environments. The earbuds come with five sizes of silicone tips for a secure, comfortable fit that suits many ear shapes, which is great if you wear them for long periods.

Microphone quality is strong, making calls and voice commands clear, and hands-free control via Siri and touch gestures is convenient. Battery life is solid, offering up to 8 hours of playback with noise cancellation on and 10 hours in transparency mode, which is sufficient for most daily uses. Connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable and quick pairing with Apple devices along with seamless switching between them. Additional features like spatial audio and personalized sound adjustments via Adaptive EQ enhance the listening experience. The case supports USB-C charging and includes a speaker and lanyard loop but does not come with a charging cable, which might be inconvenient for some.

Durability is decent with water resistance, making these earbuds suitable for workouts or light rain, but they are not fully waterproof. The inclusion of heart rate sensing and hearing aid functions adds health-related value, especially for users in the Apple ecosystem. These earbuds are relatively pricey and work best with Apple devices to get the full feature set. Non-Apple users can still use them but might miss out on some seamless integrations and features like live translation. Also, the absence of a charging cable in the box means extra cost if you don't already own a compatible one. The AirPods Pro 3 are a great choice if you want comfortable, high-quality wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation, smart features, and solid battery life, particularly if you use Apple products.

The Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds are designed to enhance your listening experience with impressive sound quality and a comfortable fit. Thanks to the H2 chip, users can enjoy improved audio and call clarity with features like Voice Isolation, making them suitable for calls in noisy environments. The Personalized Spatial Audio brings an immersive feel, resembling a theater-like experience, which is great for music, movies, and games. Battery life is a strong point, as they offer up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge and a total of 30 hours when using the charging case.

Comfort is another advantage, with a new design aimed at all-day wear. They are also sweat and water-resistant (IP54), making them a good choice for workouts or outdoor activities. Pairing them with Apple devices is seamless, and the integration with Siri adds extra convenience for hands-free control.

There are some drawbacks. The AirPods 4 do not feature active noise cancellation, which may be a downside for those seeking to block out external sounds effectively. Also, their fit may not be ideal for everyone, particularly those with larger ears, which could lead to discomfort during extended use. Additionally, the charging case uses USB-C, which is a plus for modern tech, but it means you may need to purchase a separate cable if you don't already have one. The AirPods 4 represent a solid option for Apple users who value quality sound and ease of use, particularly for calls and multimedia, but they may not be the best fit for those seeking advanced noise cancellation or customizable fit.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer impressive noise cancellation that stands out even among premium earbuds. Thanks to advanced ActiveSense technology, they effectively reduce background sounds and handle sudden noises smoothly, making them great for noisy environments. The CustomTune feature adjusts sound and noise cancellation to fit your ears, delivering clear and immersive audio that feels natural and spacious. Whether you want complete quiet, awareness of your surroundings, or a balanced Theatre-like soundscape, these earbuds provide flexible listening modes.

Call quality is strong, with microphones designed to cut out wind and background noise, which makes conversations clear whether using one or both earbuds. Comfort is prioritized through a range of ear tips and stability bands, ensuring a secure and pleasant fit even during longer use. Battery life is decent at up to 6 hours per charge, with a portable case that supports wireless charging and multiple recharges on the go. Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, so switching between devices like your phone and laptop is easy without interruptions. The IPX4 water resistance rating offers protection against sweat and light rain, suitable for casual workouts or daily use.

Controls are managed mostly through the Bose app, allowing customization but requiring a smartphone for full functionality. The earbuds are relatively light and compact but use plastic for the case and housing, which is typical but less premium feeling than some metal options. These earbuds are well suited for users who want top-tier noise cancellation, strong call quality, and adaptable sound modes, especially if they value a custom fit and wireless convenience. However, if you prefer longer battery life or physical buttons instead of app-based controls, there might be better fits elsewhere.