What are the Best Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone for phone calls on the market?
Everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their headphones. The goal of this article is to help you find whichever pair is best for you and your situation.
We looked at many headphones and decided to pick the very best ones for each price range from $25 up to $349. However, there are a few things the headphones have in common.
They are all Bluetooth wireless, all cover the ear, and all have a built-in microphone for calls. Not to forget, all of the following are highly-rated between us and the average person on the market.
After hours of research, testing, and help with a few audiophiles; We confidently narrowed down the 13 very best over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone for every budget.
In Short, Here Are The 13 Best Bluetooth Headphones For Phone Calls
- COWIN E7
- Sennheiser HD 4.40
- Bose SoundLink
- OneOdio Y80B
- Sony WH-1000XM3
- MKay
- Jabra Elite 85h
- Avantree aptX
- Mpow 059
- COWIN E8
- Boltune Bluetooth 5.0
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Mpow H5
1. COWIN E7 PRO
One of the most popular pair of affordable noise-cancelling headphones on the market, the COWIN E7 PRO is the safest overall choice for the money. It has 30 hours of battery life and a great built-in microphone. They are very well priced, running below $100.
When I first used these, they were much better than I was expecting for the low-price. Don’t let the picture fool you; they are much smaller and compact in person. There are two different ways to turn the headphones on; Either Bluetooth mode or active noise-canceling mode.
In terms of how these headphones sound, it is overall pretty good, especially for the low price. One thing I noticed was when the volume was turned to the max without noise-canceling, the audio got a bit boomy. Around 90% volume and down, the sound quality was very good with great bass response.
The noise cancellation works very well at blocking out a great deal of outside noise. However, when the active noise-cancellation is turned on, the music sounds a bit more hollow and loses some of the mids and highs. This was quickly fixed with a bit of EQ.
Lastly, the comfortability gets a 9 out of 10! The soft top headband works very well, while the earcups feel like clouds. I can definitely see why these are one of Amazon’s best selling headphones with incredible ratings across the board.
Details & Tech Specs
- Bluetooth
- 30-hour battery life
- Great built-in mic
- Well-built
- A bit heavy around 1 pound
- Comfortable
- Controls; Bluetooth, off, ANC switches
- Flexible
- Rotatable cups
- Comes with a carry case, auxiliary cord, and micro USB charging cord
2. Sennheiser HD 4.40
Next in line, the Sennheiser HD 4.40 is a wireless Bluetooth pair of headphones with a built-in mic. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones at a low price that’s great for making phone calls, the HD 4.40 works incredibly well. Its built-in mic picks up your voice surprisingly well for the listener on the other side of the call.
Coming with the purchase is a micro USB charger to charge the headphones, a 3.5 mm auxiliary cord, and a fabric travel pouch. You can use the 3.5 mm auxiliary cable if you want to hook up your headphones rather than using the via Bluetooth wireless. I’m personally not a fan of the fabric travel case as I ended up throwing mine away. However, this pair of headphones is an excellent bang for the buck at an affordable price.
The Sennheiser HD 4.40 is very comfortable to my ears. The headphones are relatively lightweight and do not apply much pressure at all to the head. Both of the ear pads are oval-shaped with a thick amount of soft padding. While some people prefer oval-shaped ear cups, others do not. The ear cups are pretty large and have no problem covering the entire ear.
In terms of sound quality, it is very good. It has a great bass response without it being overbearing. The mids and highs are punchy and bright, as well. Overall, I’m pretty happy with the Sennheiser HD 4.40 sound quality, comfort, and built-in mic for quality calls.
I would say the only con is the plastic build quality. However, the only reason Sennheiser was able to price these headphones so low is that it’s made of plastic. As long as you take care of your gear, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Details & Tech Specs
- Great mic for phone calls
- Wired or wireless option
- Foldable
- Great bass
- Naturally blocks out noise from the outside environment
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Multi-function button can answer calls, end call, brings up google now or Siri, pauses music, plays music
- Light-weight
- 25-hours battery life with Li-ion Polymer Battery
- Comes with 3.5 mm aux, USB charging cord, small travel pouch made of fabric
- Made of tough plastic
- NFC pairing option
3. Bose SoundLink 2
The highly-rated and incredibly popular Bose SoundLink 2 is an overall reliable pair of headphones with a built-in mic. The microphone works decently for phone calls. However, it does not work for gaming. Outside of that, this pair of headphones is great for a multitude of reasons.
For one, the sound quality is fantastic. The lows are punchy and fat, the mids are crisp, and the highs are truly sparkly. The frequencies and instruments are separated well. You can hear each individual note much cleaner than the majority of other headphones. Many say that once you try the Bose SoundLink 2, you are unable to listen to music the same way without them.
The build quality is decent. It’s not the sturdiest pair for the price but suitable with a nice simplistic look to them. However, they are extremely flexible and do not break when pulling them apart. Something I personally like about the build quality is its compact design.
They are relatively small and lightweight as they will not be a nuisance to carry around or travel with. With a full charge, the Bose SoundLink 2 provides 15 hours of battery life when only 15 minutes of charge provides 2 hours.
Another thing I love about the Bose SoundLink 2 is its extreme comfort and lightweight. These headphones are one of the lightest pairs on the market, weighing 0.4 lbs (6.9 ounces). Since they are so light with comfortable ear pads, you could wear these headphones for hours without them getting annoying.
Overall, the Bose SoundLink 2 is an incredible pair of headphones. I highly recommend them for anyone in need of a lightweight, great-sounding, and extremely comfortable pair with a built-in mic.
Details & Tech Specs
- Mic only works for phone calls, not gaming
- Comes with a carry case, a 2.5 aux cord, and a micro USB for charging
- Rotatable cups
- 15-hour battery life
- Great sound quality
- 30 feet Bluetooth wireless range
- Strong bass
- Flexible
- Extremely light- 0.4 pounds (6.9 ounces)
4. OneOdio Y80B
The OneOdio Y80B is one of the cheapest Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone on the market. Much higher than average, these headphones have a staggering battery life of 30 hours with a full charge. The sound quality is surprisingly good for its low price.
It has 50mm neodymium drivers that provide powerful bass and clear sound. Not to forget, these headphones offer HIFI sound quality, which is fantastic. You will overall be very satisfied with the audio clarity for its low-budget under $50.
In terms of comfort, the padding is deep and quite soft. It is much more comfortable than I was expecting. There is no noticeable difference in audio, whether you’re using Bluetooth or wired. Something I like a lot about the OneOdio Y80B is the microphone.
This boom mic is adjustable and attachable in case you don’t want to carry the extended mic in public. Overall, I highly recommend this pair of Bluetooth headphones for gamers in need of a built-in mic on a budget.
Details & Tech Specs
- Foldable
- Bluetooth
- Low-priced
- 50 mm drivers for good sound
- 30-hours battery life
- Great customer service
- Detachable extended mic for gaming
5. Sony WH-1000XM3
Another one of the kings, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is one of the few top-tier headphones on the market. It has incredible noise-cancelling abilities which help entirely eradicate outside noise environments. The built-in microphone works exceptionally well in just about any condition for a high-quality phone call.
These headphones are trendy and very highly rated across the board. Something I found very beneficial was its mix of high-quality design, comfortability, and extremely lightweight.
In terms of sound quality, here is yet another pair of headphones that produce near-flawless audio. It has a great balance between all of the frequencies. The instruments are separated extremely well without losing any vital EQ from compression.
Another great feature is its really long battery life of 30 hours. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is one of the few high-grade most professional active noise-cancelling headphones on the market. They cover the full ear and have wireless capabilities. If you’re looking for quality headphones without a budget, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is a great pair of headphones for phone calls.
Details & Tech Specs
- Active noise-cancelling
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- 30-hour battery life
6. MKay
While the previous pair was one of the cheaper Bluetooth headphones with a built-in mic, the MKay is the most affordable pair of them all. Most headphones below $30 are negatively reviewed across the board for various reasons. Strangely enough, this pair is actually one of the highest-reviewed headphones on the market.
Not to forget, they are incredibly popular as well. First and foremost, the built-in microphone only works while it’s in Bluetooth mode. Unfortunately, it does not work once plugged in. However, when Bluetooth mode is on, the microphone does work decently for the price.
If you’re in need of high-quality clear calls with no static, I do not recommend this pair. The mic does pick up a bit of crackling. It’s definitely not too much, but it is noticeable. Therefore, those who need a built-in mic pair of headphones for casual conversation should be fine.
Outside of the built-in mic quality, the MKay is way too good of a pair of headphones for its price. They have excellent sound quality, and to my head, they are pretty comfortable. The Bluetooth connectivity is great and easy to pair. With a full charge, you get roughly 8-11 hours of battery life.
They are also relatively good out, naturally canceling out background noise. Overall, if you’re simply looking for a decent pair of headphones at the lowest price with an ok built-in mic, the MKay is the choice for you. In my humble opinion, this pair of headphones for phone calls is a great choice.
Details & Tech Specs
- Microphone only works while in Bluetooth mode
- Foldable
- Comes with a carry case and micro USB
- Easy Bluetooth connection
- Extremely affordable
- 8-hour battery life
7. Jabra Elite 85h
Next up, the Jabra Elite 85h is one of the top-tier Bluetooth headphones on the market. It has near flawless call quality where 6 out of the eight built-in microphones block out unwanted background noise. Jabra’s unique Smartsound Audio feature automatically adjusts your audio for the best possible sound and ANC, depending on your environment.
However, whether you use the Smartsound Audio feature or not, the active noise canceling abilities are terrific. Active noise-canceling is a feature that some headphones have that, once initiated, the outside ambient sounds are significantly reduced using negative waveform technology. So if you like peace and silence on a plane, commute, coffee shop, etc, be sure to look further into Active Noise Canceling Headphones.
Outside of some of the Jabra Elite 85h features, these headphones have an incredible sound quality, robust build quality, and are very comfortable. Given the fact that these headphones are not cheap, less than stellar across the board is off the table. The sound quality is phenomenal, to say the least. They are incredibly comfortable for hours on end, but what surprised me the most was the build quality.
The Jabra Elite 85h is one of the most durable pair of headphones I have ever tried. Not a piece of it feels cheap. They are built for longevity and vigorous traveling conditions under various circumstances. Imagine happily running through the rain with your headphones without having to worry about water damage.
While most of us never freely run through the rain, a lot of us have run into situations where we scramble to protect our technological gear from water damage. Luckily, the Jabra Elite 85h is entirely water and sweat resistant. Unlike many headphones, there are no repercussions for sweating too much at the gym with these headphones.
Another fantastic feature is its incredibly long battery life of 36 hours. With only 15 minutes of charging, you get 5 hours of battery life. Overall, the Jabra Elite 85h is one of the top-of-the-line headphone pairs with a built-in mic on the market. If quality is what you’re going for rather than a cheaper price, these headphones are a great pick for you.
Details & Tech Specs
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Great sound quality
- Tough build quality (built to last)
- 36-hour battery life
- Near flawless phone call quality with technologically advanced built-in microphones
- Water and sweat-resistant
- Active noise cancelation
8. Avantree aptX
The Avantree aptX currently priced below $40 is yet another great pair of headphones with a built-in mic. It is very popular and highly rated. Something quite remarkable about this pair is its incredibly long battery life of 40 hours. Avantree is so confident about the aptX that it comes with a 2-year warranty.
It uses 40mm drivers and Hi-Fi technology for its high-quality audio. Keep in mind that these headphones and every other low-budget pair of headphones do not compete in audio quality compared to more expensive top-tier headphones. However, for the low-price, the Avantree aptX sound is very good.
The built-in microphone only works while the headphones are in Bluetooth mode, not wired. In my experience, the built-in microphone worked surprisingly well. Typically headphones at this cheap of a price have minor issues with the built-in mic. However, I had no complaints at all while using mine for phone calls. The people I spoke to said the difference was very minimal but nothing to be concerned with.
I was also a big fan of how comfortable they were. The Avantree aptX is very lightweight and has just the right amount of clamping force for my head. Overall, these headphones are perfect for anyone in need of a good built-in mic, comfortability, decent build quality, Bluetooth capability, and extremely long battery life at a very low price. The Avantree aptX is an incredible pair of headphones for phone calls.
Detail & Tech Specs
- 40-hour battery life
- Lightweight
- Mic only works with Bluetooth, not wired
- Hi-Fi audio technology for great sound
- 2-year warranty
- Volume adjust on headphones
- 40mm drivers
- Wireless or wired option with 3.5 mm aux cable
- Non foldable
9. Mpow 059
Here is another low-budget pair of headphones. However, this time, it’s also the most popular. The Mpow 059 is a high-rated pair of Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone. With a wireless range of around 30 feet and a battery life of 15-20 hours, these headphones are an excellent value.
It also has most of the functions you need directly on the headphone cups. In terms of their sound quality, once again, perfect for the price. The 40mm neodymium drivers and Hi-Fi audio technology produce a powerful and clear sound. If I had to critique the audio, the mids slightly lack. However, the average person who does not compare and contrast headphones and music gear on a daily basis most likely wouldn’t care. Most standard customer reviewers are a big fan of the audio.
These headphones are very comfortable to wear, and they cover the ears. One of the main factors that keep the Mpow 059 at a low price is its plastic build quality. However, Bluetooth connectivity is surprisingly good. It’s easy to pair and has a strong signal that remains crystal clear within 30-33 feet.
Last but not least, the built-in microphone is located near the Bluetooth controls on the earcup. Once again, I’m surprised that it works very well for phone calls at the low price. I did have a few people on the other side of the phone call saying it was a bit hard to hear me while I was driving. However, the majority of the time, I had no complaints.
Overall, the Mpow 059 is the most famous pair of affordable Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone. I highly recommend these headphones for phone calls for those on a tight budget.
Detail & Tech Specs
- 40mm neodymium driver
- Wireless or wired option with 3.5mm auxiliary cord
- 30 ft Bluetooth range
- Functions on the headphones: volume, back, forward, play, pause, call
- Hi-Fi audio technology
- Bluetooth
- Good customer service
- Comes with a carrying case, 3.5mm auxiliary cord, and USB charger
- 20-hour battery life
- Noise-isolating headphones
10. COWIN E8
The COWIN E8 active-noise-canceling headphones have a wonderful built-in microphone. During your phone calls, there is no need to try and over speak. It picks up your voice incredibly well and is articulated clearly. These headphones have comfortable padding and clamp on the head pretty tightly. However, the tight clamp is in no way uncomfortable or overbearing.
Another thing I love is the active-noise-canceling feature. It eradicates most outside noise. If you want your daily commute, plane travel, bus, or office work to be in peace and quiet, the COWIN E8 works exceptionally well. In my opinion, these headphones are worth $50 more than they are currently priced at. While many ANC headphones hurt the sound quality, it does not negatively affect the audio with the Cowin E8.
The build quality is tough and built to last. Comparing it to all of the mid to high-grade headphones on the market, I give the build a 9 out of 10. Another thing I love about them is the well-balanced sound quality. While listening to music, these headphones separate the frequencies so well that it almost feels like you’re in an open hall filled with surround sound.
The highs are sparkly, the mids are crisp, and the bass is full. Overall, these headphones are an incredible choice if you can’t quite afford anything over $200, but you still need an overall high-quality pair of headphones for phone calls.
Detail & Tech Specs
- Bluetooth
- 18-20 hour battery life
- Great built-in mic for high-quality phone calls
- Active-noise-canceling
- Great sound quality
11. Boltune Bluetooth 5.0
Another one of the highest-rated Bluetooth headphones on the market, the Boltune Bluetooth 5.0 is an excellent contender. Although they are priced very cheap below $60, they have a variety of great factors. First off, it has two built-in microphones on each side of the headset.
During phone calls, the other person can hear me loud and clear without any static or crackle. Of every single wireless headphone on this list, the Boltune Bluetooth 5.0 has the best built-in mic for the price. In other words, if you need the highest quality phone calls with your headphones at the lowest price, this is the one for you.
The Boltune Bluetooth 5.0 has excellent sound quality. Like every pair on this list, the audio is good for the price running below $60. It is very clear without distortion, regardless of how loud the volume goes. The bass response is excellent as well. However, what shocked me the most was its impressive noise-canceling capabilities at a low price.
If I were to review this headphone without knowing the price, I would’ve guessed it was twice the price. The ANC technology, Bluetooth capabilities, and comfort would have led me to believe these headphones were around $100. Overall, they are a fantastic bang for the buck. I highly recommend these headphones for phone calls.
Detail & Tech Specs
- Bluetooth 5.0
- AMS as3435 noise-canceling technology (aka, great noise-canceling)
- Imitation protein earpads for great comfort
- Rotatable ear muffs
- 30-hour battery life
- 66 feet wireless range
12. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Here it is, the King Kong of the over-ear headphones. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the highest quality over the ear Bluetooth pair of headphones on the market. As a matter of fact, I decided to keep this pair for myself. In my opinion, it gets a 10 out of 10 for durability, sound quality, functionality, longevity, comfort, active noise-canceling, and built-in microphone quality. The only downside is it’s priced at $349. However, it is well worth every penny and more!
The sound quality is absolutely brilliant. It automatically adjusts the EQ levels depending on what type of music or audio you’re listening to. I wouldn’t change a thing about the sound, even if I could. Every single instrument and frequency are nicely separated without any cluster. In terms of the active noise canceling and comfort, these headphones are unbeatable.
It has a very reliable built-in microphone for just about any application. You will not have any problems with phone calls regardless of how noisy or windy of an environment you’re in. Built for longevity, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is one of the most well-designed and durable headphones I have ever used in my life. You can pull it as hard as you can without a peep or squeak.
If you’re looking for the absolute all-around best pair of Bluetooth headphones for phone calls on the market, look no further than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
Detail & Tech Specs
- Flawless noise-canceling (possibly best on the market)
- Extremely comfortable for just about any head type.
- Comfortable with glasses
- Google assistant located on the left earcup
- App has a “find my headset app”, therefore you will never lose your investment.
- Very intuitive controls
- Bluetooth
13. Mpow H5
The Mpow H5 is a steller bang for the buck pair of headphones with a built-in mic. They provide steller noise-cancellation at an incredibly affordable price below $50. These headphones give you the option to either use them wired or wireless with a Bluetooth connection. The range with Bluetooth is roughly 30 feet giving you more than enough leeway of use. They can be folded quite nicely as it also comes with a travel case for easier portability.
These headphones are very comfortable for small to medium-sized heads. However, they may be a bit tight on larger heads. Out of 10, I give the noise-cancellation an 8. Not perfect, but extremely good for the price. They do, however, eliminate the majority of noise on an airplane.
The sound quality is very good for the price as well. Almost as if the songs you usually listen to have much higher energy than usual. It has a relatively even sound between all frequencies. The bass is not as heavy as many headphones, but it is well balanced. You can either use these headphones with Bluetooth wireless connection or wired. In terms of battery life, it is phenomenal with roughly 30-40 hours.
Detail & Tech Specs
- Built-in mic
- Light-weight
- Comes with a travel case
- Wired/wireless option
- Bluetooth
- 30-hour battery life
Our Winner | Headphones For Phone Calls
We picked two separate winners. Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their headphones. However, the winner for the all-time best Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone is the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. While that pair of headphones is certainly not cheap, you most definitely get what you pay for and more with it. I highly recommend it for those who prefer top-quality without a budget.
Our 2nd winner is for the best bang for the buck Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone. We picked the pair of headphones that are the overall highest quality for the price. The winner of the best value headphones is the underrated Boltune Bluetooth 5.0. These headphones are incredibly reliable, have excellent build quality for price, comfortable, and have great call quality with their dual built-in microphones.
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best Bluetooth Headphones With A Built-In Mic
- COWIN E7
- Sennheiser HD 4.40
- Bose SoundLink
- OneOdio Y80B
- Sony WH-1000XM3
- MKay
- Jabra Elite 85h
- Avantree aptX
- Mpow 059
- COWIN E8
- Boltune Bluetooth 5.0
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Mpow H5
The 6 Things To Lookout For When Purchasing A Pair Of Headphones
1. Sound Quality
Especially for music listeners, the overall quality of sound is a massive factor in finding your perfect pair of headphones. There are various factors that impact a pair of headphones’ sound quality.
2. Comfort
The ability for headphones to remain comfortable for extended periods of time without itchiness, annoyance, pressure, or ear pain. Considering many people use headphones for commute, air travel, or work; Comfort is a vital factor.
3. Build Quality
What good are your amazingly sounding headphones if they break in a few months? The overall durability and longevity are crucial for any investment you make. Especially for those who need headphones for commute, it’s important they’re able to withstand vigorous traveling conditions consistently.
4. Noise Isolation/ Active Noise Cancelling
Don’t be confused between active noise cancelling and noise isolation headphones. They are both entirely different. Noise-cancelling technology is very unique. Unlike noise-isolating headphones, noise-cancelling headphones do not eradicate outside noise by physical insulation. Within the ear cups, they have a mini microphone that picks up the outside environmental noise. It then triggers a frequency entirely opposite to the outside ambient noise. Thus, canceling out most outside ambient sound.
5. Battery Life
Battery life is an overlooked subject when speaking about over-ear headphones. Obviously, the only headphones that have a battery life are those which are wireless. Many headphones on the market do not have wireless capabilities. But for those who do, a more extended battery life becomes a convenient factor.
6. Added Features
A few examples of added features headphones offer can be Bluetooth capabilities, built-in AI assistant, headphone controls, built-in microphone for phone calls, flexibility, rotatable ear cups, etc.
If you’re interested in noise-cancelling headphones, view our top budget-friendly choices here.
https://performwireless.com/13-best-noise-canceling-headphones-under-150-wireless-bluetooth/
If you’re interested in noise isolation headphones, see our top choices here.
https://performwireless.com/8-best-noise-isolating-headphones-under-100/