Skip to content
Video calls have become an indispensable part of our work and personal lives. Whether you're taking client calls over Zoom, catching up with friends and family over FaceTime, or being interviewed for your dream job over Skype - a good pair of headphones can make all the difference.
But with such a wide selection of headphones flooding the market, how do you pick the right pair specifically suited for long video calling sessions? This comprehensive guide has got you covered.
Why You Need Headphones Tailored for Video Calls
Standard headphones may sound fantastic for music, but video calls have some specific audio requirements. Here are a few reasons why you need dedicated video calling headphones:
High-Quality Microphone
A crisp and clear microphone is key so the person on the other end can hear you easily despite background noises around you. Headphones designed for conference calls have advanced microphones that isolate your speech.
Noise Cancellation
Cutting out ambient sound ensures your voice transmission remains flawless. Noise cancellation uses smart tech to block out external disturbances.
Comfort
You want to be able to wear your headphones for long stretches without discomfort. Features like padded ear cups, flexible headbands, and lightweight builds add to the ergonomics.
Easy Call Management
Nifty controls on the headphones themselves allow you to answer/end calls and adjust volume without constantly reaching for your device.
Long Battery Life
You don't want wireless headphones dying mid-call. Models made for conferencing boast batteries lasting over 30 hours on single charge.
Best
TREBLAB X3 PRO
Best headphones for Video Calls
Unparalleled Sound Quality
The X3 Pro wireless earbuds provide clear sound and deep bass with its 11mm drivers so you can have fun while working out.
IPX7-Rated To Endure Any Sport or Activity
The X3 Pro most durable earbuds rest securely around your ear with no-slip ear hooks when you're in motion.
Key Considerations for Video Call Headphones
Here are some key factors to evaluate when shopping for headphones meant for online meetings and video interviews:
Sound Quality
Clear audio ensuring your voice sounds natural is essential even in noisy environments. Headphones with large high-performance drivers deliver exceptional sound quality.
Noise Isolation
Effective noise isolation ensures ambient sounds don't get transmitted to the other party. Some models even have a visible noise cancelling microphone to help mute sounds.
Mic Clarity
A mic able to pick up the nuances in your voice for natural conversations is vital. Mics monitoring inner mouth sounds perform the best.
Comfort
Look for soft ear cushions that don't put pressure on your ears during extended use. Additional features like ventilation prevent heat buildup.
Battery Life
Battery capacity allowing uninterrupted talk time for at least 30 hours should easily cover your video calling needs. Quick charging support adds to the convenience.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0 provides reliable and quick wireless connectivity up to 800ft for unhindered mobility during calls.
Wired or Wireless: Which is Better?
Both wired and wireless headphones have their situational advantages for taking video calls.
Benefits of Wired Headphones:
- Never run out of battery
- Zero interference results in better call quality
- Often cheaper than wireless equivalents
- No syncing issues common with Bluetooth
Great for video calls at your work desk via a laptop or desktop computer.
Why Go Wireless:
- Complete freedom of movement
- Multi-device pairing flexibility
- No cables getting in the way
Ideal if you're taking client video calls on the go from your smartphone or frequently switching between devices.
In most cases, wireless headphones designed specifically for conferencing provide the best overall package with incredible quality, battery life, and next-gen features.
Now that you know just how critically important it is to use headphones fit for purpose when it comes to tackling your video calling commitments with finesse, let's explore the top models dominating the scene at the moment.
Top 10 Headphones for Video Calls
1. TREBLAB X3 Pro
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5 out of 5 stars
The X3 Pro true wireless earbuds feature latest Bluetooth 5.3 connection for reliable connectivity, a built-in microphone, noise isolation technology and a secure over-ear fit with earhooks. Makes an excellent affordable choice optimized for video conferencing.
Pros
- Great sound quality with deep bass
- Long battery life up to 9 hours per charge
- Good noise cancellation via noise isolation
- Sweatproof and water-resistant body
- Very affordable pricing
Cons
- Call quality isn't the absolute best
- Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues
Best Suited For
Those seeking a comfortable, feature-packed wireless earbud on a budget. Ideal if you take frequent video calls on-the-go.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With a capable microphone that captures voice clearly even in noisy backgrounds, plus effective noise isolation so ambient sounds aren't transmitted to the caller, the X3 Pro checks most boxes for a smooth video conferencing experience.
2. Sony WH-1000XM5
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ - 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Sony WH-1000XM5 feature industry-leading noise cancellation powered by a dedicated processor and 8 microphones. Equipped with precise voice pickup, multipoint Bluetooth, and 30 hours of battery life. Makes an exceptional high-end choice optimized for crystal clear video conferencing.
Pros
- Superb noise cancellation for distraction-free calls
- Natural microphone sound quality
- 30 hours long battery life
- Ultra plush comfortable design
- Intuitive touch controls
Cons
- Very expensive
- Non-foldable design makes the case bulkier
- Sound quality not a massive upgrade over XM4
Best Suited For
Frequent business travellers and remote workers who want best in class noise cancellation for daily video calls. Worth the premium for executives and client meeting calls.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With eight microphones and advanced noise cancelling powered by a dedicated processor, the XM5 creates the perfect environment for glitch-free conference calls. The Precise Voice Pickup technology also ensures your voice sounds crisp and clear to the other party.
3. Jabra Elite 7 Pro
⭐⭐⭐✩✩ - 3.9 out of 5 stars
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro feature advanced noise cancellation powered by 6-microphone call technology for crystal clear video conferencing. With customizable sound, IP57 rating, and wireless charging case. A great premium option for remote meetings.
Pros
- Powerful noise cancellation for distraction-free calls
- Crisp and natural microphone sound quality
- Fully customizable sound profile
- IP57 sweat and dust resistant
- Convenient wireless charging
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
- Bulky charging case
- Connectivity issues reported
Best Suited For
Business professionals and remote workers who want to make a solid impression on video calls. Worth spending extra for critical meetings where audio clarity is key.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With Jabra's MultiSensor Voice technology using multiple noise cancelling microphones, the Elite 7 Pro ensures your voice sounds clear as day even in noisy environments. Making them ideal for conference calls on the move.
4. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ - 4.2 out of 5 stars
The PX7 S2 feature a redesigned acoustic system for exceptional audio performance powered by a dedicated amp and noise cancelling processor. With up to 30 hours battery life, aptX Adaptive, and luxurious design. A top-tier premium option for immersive video calls.
Pros
- Best in class sound quality
- Great noise cancellation
- 30 hours long battery life
- Elegant and durable build
- Improved external microphones
Cons
- Very expensive
- Noise cancellation lags competition
- Non-intuitive controls
Best Suited For
Audio enthusiasts and professionals willing to pay top dollar for superb distraction-free video conferencing with hospital grade noise cancellation.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With a redesigned acoustic system delivering stellar audio clarity and enhanced external microphones for natural voice pickup, the PX7 S2 ensures you come through loud and clear on video calls. The noise cancellation also helps minimize background disturbances.
5. Sony WF-1000XM4
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ - 4.1 out of 5 stars
The WF-1000XM4 packs industry-leading noise cancellation into a compact truly wireless design with Bluetooth 5.2, aptX HD support, IPX4 rating, and wireless charging case. An excellent premium choice optimized for calls and music on the move.
Pros
- Superb noise cancelling abilities
- Great sound quality with dynamic range
- Good battery life up to 24 hours
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless charging support
Cons
- Bulky design doesn't suit small ears
- Occasional Bluetooth dropouts
- Call quality could be better
Best Suited For
Frequent travellers and busy professionals who want rich distraction-free sound on business calls paired with excellent music listening on the go.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With Precise Voice Pickup technology isolating your speech, the WF-1000XM4 ensures you come through loud and clear on video conferences. The noise cancelling also removes ambient disturbance so you can focus.
6. Jabra Evolve2 85
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ - 4.1 out of 5 stars
The Evolve2 85 feature powerful 40mm speakers, improved noise cancellation with 10 built-in microphones, and seamless Bluetooth multi-device connectivity. Making it a top-tier wireless headset optimized for calls and music during video meetings.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation for clearer calls
- Natural and distortion-free audio
- 37 hours long battery life
- Durable and comfortable design
- Works with leading VoIP platforms
Cons
- Expensive
- Clunky non-foldable design
- Charging stand magnets quite weak
Best Suited For
Busy professionals and call center agents who want the best noise isolation during daily video conferences and phone meetings. Justifies premium price for critical voice communications.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With improved noise cancellation and 10 microphone call technology, the Evolve2 85 is purpose built to deliver absolute call clarity in any environment. Ensuring your voice is transmitted professionally on virtual meetings.
7. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ - 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro delivers stellar audio powered by a co-developed Samsung/AKG 10mm driver, threehigh-SNR mics, and intelligent active noise cancellation. With seamless Samsung ecosystem integration, IPX7 rating, and wireless charging.
Pros
- Excellent, balanced sound profile
- Great noise cancellation capabilities
- Very comfortable and secure fit
- Seamless pairing with Samsung devices
- Good battery life up to 29 hours
Cons
- No multi-point Bluetooth pairing
- No EQ customization options
- Occasional connectivity issues reported
Best Suited For
Samsung smartphone owners wanting a comfortable pair with great audio, noise isolation, and easy connectivity for calls, music and media on the move.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With three high SNR microphones and enough noise cancelling to cut out real world sounds, the Buds 2 Pro ensures your voice sounds crystal clear on virtual calls.
8. Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ - 4.1 out of 5 stars
The Surface Headphones 2 delivers immersive Omnisonic sound powered by 40mm free-edge speaker drivers and 13 levels of noise cancellation. With up to 20 hours battery life, intuitive dial controls, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Good adjustable noise cancellation
- Intuitive physical controls
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Great battery life
Cons
- Unstable fit for small heads
- Call quality could be better
- Materials prone to wear
Best Suited For
Professionals and creatives looking for a flexible pair with great audio, noise isolation, and seamless device switching to enjoy music and take calls.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With 13 levels of adjustable noise cancelling and enough battery to last all day conferencing, the Surface Headphones 2 allow you to focus on your meeting without external distraction.
9. Anker Soundcore Life P3
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ - 4.4 out of 5 stars
The Soundcore Life P3 packs customized sound powered by 11mm composite drivers, three noise cancelling modes, multipoint Bluetooth 5.2, and IPX5 water resistance. With up to 10 hours playback (50 hours with case). An excellent value-for-money option.
Pros
- Great audio with thumping bass
- Good noise isolation
- Reliable connectivity
- Customizable sound profile
- Cost effective pricing
Cons
- Noise cancellation could be better
- Call quality leaves room for improvement
- Paired buds can't be used independently
Best Suited For
Those wanting a comfortable, everyday pair for enjoying music, videos, games etc. while commuting or at the office on a budget. Decent for voice and video calls.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With enough noise isolation to reduce ambient disturbance and microphones that pick up voice, the Soundcore Life P3 allows you to take calls on the move without too much background chatter.
10. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ - 4.7 out of 5 stars
The ATH-M50x delivers stellar sonic performance powered by 45mm large aperture drivers and rare earth magnets. With exceptional clarity, deep accurate bass, 90 degree swiveling earcups, and robust construction. The perfect pick for critical listening.
Pros
- Balanced sound across all frequencies
- Clear and detailed audio reproduction
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- Durable and high quality build
- Great value at affordable pricing
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Sound isolation could be better
- Non-detachable coil cable on some models
Best Suited For
Music producers, sound engineers, podcasters, gamers, and critical listeners who want a solid, comfortable pair that accurately represents audio across various monitoring applications.
Why It's Good For Video Calls
With a closed-back over-ear design that passively blocks out exterior noise, the ATH-M50x allows you to focus on conference calls without ambient disturbances. Ensuring your voice sounds clear as day for professional communications.
Choosing Between Wired and Wireless
When selecting headphones for video conferencing, one key decision is whether to go with a wired or wireless Bluetooth option. There are pros and cons to both that are worth evaluating based on your personal needs and preferences.
Sound Quality
In terms of audio fidelity, wired headphones generally have the edge over wireless. Without relying on Bluetooth compression, wired cans deliver uncompressed sound resulting in better clarity and dynamic range. However, newer Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD have narrowed this sound quality gap substantially.
Convenience and Portability
Wireless headphones offer unmatched flexibility and ease of movement without getting tangled up in cables. This convenience does come at the cost of needing to charge your device periodically. Wired options have unlimited usage time but less portability.
Connectivity Stability
Bluetooth wireless connectivity can sometimes introduce anomalies like signal interference, pairing issues, and potential audio cutouts. Wired connections skip this factor, ensuring reliable and consistent signal. Though modern wireless reliability has improved considerably.
Price Difference
Wireless headphones require advanced Bluetooth technology and battery components - adding to the price. Affordable wired headphones with similar sound can be found for cheaper. Though high-end audiophile-grade wired headphones can also get quite expensive.
Use Case Scenarios
Wired – Ideal if listening at a desk via a laptop or personal computer regularly. Offers dependable connectivity and unbeatable value.
Wireless – Great if needing to pair with multiple mobile devices and requiring more flexibility in wearing. Useful if also taking video calls on the move.
Evaluate your personal requirements whether noise isolation, wearing comfort, audio quality, or ease of connectivity is a bigger priority to decide between wired or wireless headphones for seamless video calling.
Important Features To Evaluate
When searching for the best headphones to elevate your video conferencing experience, there are a few vital features to assess potential candidates on before deciding.
Microphone Quality
Since the person on the other end relies solely on your transmitted voice audio, a quality microphone that accurately picks up speech is key. Advanced mics that minimize distortion and noise are ideal for calls.
Noise Cancellation Capability
Noise cancelling technology that blocks real-world sounds not only allows you to better hear the caller, but also ensures minimal background ambient noise gets transmitted from your end.
Audio Drivers for Optimal Sound
Larger audio drivers in the 15mm to 50mm range are capable of delivering richer, well-balanced sound critical for hearing nuances in voice during extended discussions.
Comfort and Ergonomics
When wearable technology sits on your head for hours video conferencing, lightweight construction with plush, breathable earcups is a prerequisite for comfortable extended wear.
Controls and Smart Features
Intuitive onboard controls, preset modes catered for voice calls, smart sensors and other handy features greatly impact overall convenience.
Battery Life
Adequate battery capacity directly correlates with uninterrupted talk time. Minimum 15 hours for wireless Bluetooth models is recommended for full day coverage without battery anxiety.
Ease of Connectivity and Pairing
Hassle-free Bluetooth pairing and ability to quickly connect to multiple devices is important for a smooth video meeting experience as you switch between laptop, mobile etc.
Use this checklist when evaluating headphones to find the right match that ticks all boxes critical for your professional voice and video calling needs.
FAQ
Can you video call with headphones?
Yes absolutely. Headphones are perfectly suited for video calls and often recommended. Their over-ear noise isolation, in-line microphones and multimedia controls allow for an optimized video calling experience.
Do I need headphones for video calls?
While not an outright requirement, having a good pair of headphones specially designed for calling makes a remarkable difference to video chat quality. Onboard mics reduce background noise pickup while amplifying your voice for clearer conversations free of ambient chatter.
How do I use Bluetooth headphones for video calls?
To use wireless Bluetooth headphones for desktop/mobile video calls simply turn on the headphones and pair them to your device either manually via settings or automatically by opening the case. Ensure they are connected as a 'Headset' or 'Headphones' for full call functionality. Test microphone pickup and speaker output before making a video call.
Why do my headphones disconnect during video calls?
Frequent Bluetooth headphone disconnections mid-call could arise due to - interference from nearby wireless devices, antiquated Bluetooth standards, outdated firmware needing upgrades, insufficient battery charge levels, obstructions in line-of-sight or range exceeding limitations.
Can I use headphones for video job interviews?
Yes, using headsets is highly recommended for important video interviews as they optimize your audio experience. Noise cancelling models minimize background disturbance allowing you to focus while integrated mics enrich speech pickup conveying confidence and clarity. Practise a mock interview on a test call beforehand.
Do noise cancelling headphones work for calls?
Premium noise cancelling (ANC) headphones definitely enhance call performance by screening out real-world sounds using tiny microphone sensors. This prevents surrounding ambient noise from being transmitted to the caller for disturbance-free conversations.
Is a microphone necessary for online meetings?
Can inbuilt mobile phone or laptop mics suffice during video conferences? For casual everyday video meetings your device speakers and microphones may be adequate in quiet indoor environments. But for professional business calls and interviews demanding crystal clear communication, a quality headset with advanced microphone system is highly recommended.
Should I choose wired or wireless headphones for video conferencing?
Both wired and wireless headphones can make great options for video meetings. Wired models offer reliable connectivity and value while wireless models provide flexibility and mobility. Choose based on your budget, portability needs, sound quality preferences and workplace environment.
The Final Verdict - Best Headphones for Glitch-Free Video Calls
After evaluating some of the top contending headphones excelling specifically at managing your professional voice and video calling commitments with finesse, a clear winner that ticks all boxes emerges.
The TREBLAB X3 Pro true wireless earbuds stand out as the definitive bang-for-buck choice purpose-built to deliver clear and smooth video conferencing performance for the budget conscious.
With a capable quad microphone system, effective noise isolation technology and secure comfortable fit - the X3 Pro ensures your voice sounds loud and clear on business video calls.
While more affordable options lack the advanced call tech of premium brands, the X3 Pro punches well above its weight with strong audio and mic quality perfect for situational remote meetings.
When you require dependable wireless earbuds able to tackle your essential video conferencing needs without breaking the bank, the feature-packed X3 Pro gets the job done. Delivering call clarity comparable to models double the price!
