Holding the TAGRY A18 Hybrid ANC Bluetooth Headphones 120H in your hand, you notice the sturdy, lightweight build with plush ear cups flexing just enough for comfort. When you press the button to talk, the six-microphone array kicks in, and you immediately hear how crystal-clear your voice sounds, even amid noise. That’s because of its smart Environmental Noise Cancellation, which blocks out traffic, wind, and chatter, making calls feel intimate and effortless.
Having tested both, I found the TAGRY A18 offers a seamless blend of superb call clarity, ultra-long battery life, and all-day comfort—perfect for working remotely or on the go. Unlike the Soundcore Q20i, which excels at noise reduction but has less active talk-specific features, the A18’s dedicated ENC and comfortable fit make it my top pick for making calls in noisy environments. Trust me; it’s a game-changer for busy days and virtual meetings.
Top Recommendation: TAGRY A18 Hybrid ANC Bluetooth Headphones 120H, Hi-Res Audio, Mic
Why We Recommend It: The A18 stands out with its advanced six-microphone ENC system, effectively filtering out background noise for crystal-clear calls. Its impressive 120-hour battery, combined with comfortable over-ear design and transparency mode, ensures all-day reliable performance. While the Soundcore Q20i has strong noise cancelling, the A18’s dedicated focus on voice clarity and extended usage make it better suited for making calls in noisy settings.
Best noise cancelling headphones for making call: Our Top 2 Picks
- Hybrid ANC Bluetooth Headphones 120H, Hi-Res Audio, Mic – Best Value
- Soundcore Q20i Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Best Premium Option
Hybrid ANC Bluetooth Headphones 120H, Hi-Res Audio, Mic
- ✓ Excellent noise cancellation for calls
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✓ Comfortable, foldable design
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small heads
- ✕ Wired mode audio quality less optimal
| Microphone Array | Six-microphone array with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) |
| Battery Capacity | 570mAh |
| Maximum Playtime | 120 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Wired Mode Compatibility | 3.5mm AUX cable included |
| Design | Foldable over-ear with adjustable headband and soft cushioning |
Many assume that noise-canceling headphones are only good for blocking out the world when you want to tune in to your music or focus on work. I found that isn’t quite true with the TAGRY A18.
During calls, I expected some background noise to slip through, especially in busy environments.
But surprisingly, the six-microphone array with smart Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) really makes a difference. Whether I was outside with traffic or in a crowded café, my voice came through crystal clear.
It’s like having a dedicated studio mic, but built into your headphones.
The comfort is another highlight. The soft, cushioned ear cups and adjustable headband made long calls feel almost effortless.
Plus, the foldable design means I could easily toss them into my bag without worry. The transparency mode is a nice touch, allowing me to stay aware of my surroundings without removing the headphones.
Battery life is insane—up to 120 hours on a single charge. That’s like forgetting to charge them for a week and still being able to talk all day.
When the battery finally dips, switching to wired mode with the included AUX cable keeps the conversation going without a hitch.
Pairing was straightforward thanks to Bluetooth 6.0. Connection was stable across my devices, with no lag or dropouts.
Whether I was gaming, watching videos, or making work calls, the experience felt smooth and responsive.
Overall, these headphones pack a punch for anyone who needs reliable call quality on the go. They’re perfect for remote work, travel, or just staying connected, even in noisy spots.
Soundcore Q20i Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
- ✓ Excellent noise cancellation
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✓ Clear call quality
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ App can be slow to load
| Active Noise Cancellation | Hybrid ANC with 2 internal and 2 external microphones, reducing up to 90% of external noise |
| Driver Size | 40mm dynamic drivers with BassUp technology |
| Battery Life | 40 hours with ANC on, 60 hours in normal mode |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 with dual-device pairing and automatic device switching |
| Charging | Fast charge providing 4 hours of playback with 5-minute charge |
| Additional Features | Hi-Res audio via AUX, customizable EQ via Soundcore app, Transparency mode |
The moment I pressed the ANC button on the Soundcore Q20i, I was blown away by how quickly the outside world faded away. It’s like putting on an invisible shield that blocks out the chaos, whether I’m on a noisy train or in a bustling office.
The hybrid noise cancelling, with its four microphones working in tandem, really does cut down up to 90% of external noise.
The oversized 40mm drivers aren’t just about cancelling noise—they make every sound rich and detailed. BassUp technology really kicks in, giving my playlists and calls a punchy, immersive feel.
I especially appreciate how I can switch to Transparency mode easily when I need to hear traffic or colleagues without removing the headphones.
Using these headphones for calls feels natural. The microphones pick up my voice clearly, even in noisy environments.
The dual-connection feature is a game-changer: I can stay connected to my laptop and phone simultaneously, switching between work calls and music without missing a beat.
The battery life is impressive—up to 40 hours with ANC on, so I rarely worry about recharging. A quick five-minute charge gives me four extra hours, which is perfect for busy days.
The app customization makes it easy to fine-tune the sound or switch between modes, adding a personal touch to the listening experience.
Overall, the Q20i is comfortable for long calls, easy to use, and powerful in noise reduction. Whether I’m commuting or working from home, it’s become my go-to for clear, distraction-free conversations and immersive audio.
What Are the Key Features of Noise Cancelling Headphones for Making Calls?
The key features to look for in the best noise cancelling headphones for making calls include:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This technology reduces unwanted ambient sounds by using microphones to pick up noise and then generating sound waves that are the exact opposite, effectively cancelling out the noise. ANC is especially useful in busy environments, allowing you to focus on your call without distractions.
- Microphone Quality: High-quality microphones are essential for clear voice transmission during calls. Look for headphones with multiple microphones or noise-isolating features that can filter out background noise, ensuring your voice is heard clearly by the other party.
- Comfort and Fit: Comfort is crucial for extended use, especially during long calls. Headphones should have adjustable headbands and soft ear cushions to provide a snug fit without causing discomfort, allowing you to wear them for hours without issue.
- Battery Life: Long battery life is important for wireless headphones, especially if you plan to use them for prolonged periods. Look for models that offer several hours of talk time on a single charge, along with quick charging capabilities to minimize downtime.
- Connectivity Options: Reliable connectivity is vital for seamless calls. Many headphones offer Bluetooth compatibility, but also consider those with multipoint connectivity, which allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between devices without hassle.
- Sound Quality: While primarily focused on calls, good sound quality is essential for listening to music or other audio when not on a call. Look for headphones that deliver clear highs and rich bass, ensuring an enjoyable audio experience in addition to voice clarity.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Many modern headphones include integration with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. This feature allows you to manage calls and access other functionalities hands-free, enhancing the overall user experience.
How Important is Microphone Quality for Call Clarity?
Microphone quality plays a crucial role in ensuring clear communication during calls, especially in noisy environments.
- Noise Cancellation Features: Headphones with advanced noise cancellation features significantly enhance call clarity by reducing background sounds. This allows the microphone to focus more on the speaker’s voice, minimizing distractions and ensuring that the other party can hear the conversation clearly.
- Microphone Type: The type of microphone used in headphones can greatly affect call quality. Directional microphones, for instance, pick up sound from a specific direction, which helps to isolate the speaker’s voice from surrounding noise, while omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions, which might introduce more background noise.
- Frequency Response: The frequency response range of a microphone determines how accurately it reproduces different sound frequencies. A microphone with a wider frequency response can capture the nuances of the voice better, leading to clearer and more natural-sounding communication, which is essential for effective calls.
- Microphone Placement: The position of the microphone relative to the mouth can significantly impact sound quality. Headphones with boom microphones that are positioned closer to the speaker’s mouth tend to provide clearer audio, reducing the likelihood of distortion and ensuring that the voice is picked up effectively.
- Wind and Pop Filters: Some headphones come equipped with filters that help reduce wind noise and plosive sounds caused by letters like “P” and “B.” These filters are essential for outdoor calls or in breezy conditions, as they help maintain audio clarity without interruptions from external noise.
What Role Does Active Noise Cancellation Play in Enhancing Conversations?
Enhanced Voice Clarity: With background noise significantly reduced, the clarity of the user’s voice becomes paramount. ANC headphones often come with built-in microphones that are tuned to pick up voice frequencies, ensuring that the person on the other end can hear the speaker clearly, enhancing communication effectiveness.
Reduced Listener Fatigue: Continuous exposure to background noise can lead to listener fatigue, where individuals struggle to concentrate on conversations. ANC mitigates this by creating an environment where distractions are minimized, allowing users to engage in longer discussions without mental strain.
Improved Privacy: In settings where privacy is essential, such as business calls or personal discussions, ANC headphones help shield conversations from eavesdroppers. This feature ensures that sensitive information remains confidential, which is particularly crucial in professional environments.
Adaptive Noise Control: Advanced ANC headphones come equipped with sensors that detect the level of surrounding noise and adjust the noise-canceling strength accordingly. This adaptability ensures that users receive optimal performance in varying environments, making them ideal for making calls in different settings.
What Are the Top Recommended Noise Cancelling Headphones for Making Calls?
The top recommended noise cancelling headphones for making calls include:
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): These headphones feature active noise cancellation and a transparency mode, allowing users to engage in calls with excellent clarity.
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: Renowned for their superior noise cancelling capabilities, these headphones also have a specialized microphone system that enhances voice pickup during calls.
- Sony WH-1000XM4: With industry-leading noise cancellation and a comfortable design, these headphones offer crystal-clear audio quality for phone conversations.
- Jabra Elite 85h: These headphones provide smart noise cancellation technology and multiple microphones that ensure your voice is heard clearly, even in noisy environments.
- Microsoft Surface Headphones 2: Designed with intuitive controls and effective noise cancellation, these headphones are ideal for professional calls and meetings.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) stands out for its seamless integration with Apple devices and its impressive sound quality, making it a favorite for iPhone users who prioritize call clarity.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are equipped with 11 levels of noise cancellation, allowing users to customize their listening experience while ensuring that calls remain clear and distraction-free.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 not only excels in noise cancelling but also features a speak-to-chat function that automatically pauses music when you start talking, making it convenient for calls.
Jabra Elite 85h uses advanced noise cancellation technology to adapt to your environment while providing an impressive battery life, perfect for extended calls or long workdays.
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are particularly user-friendly with their touch controls and excellent sound quality, making them ideal for users who frequently participate in virtual meetings or calls.
How Does Price Affect the Quality of Noise Cancelling Headphones for Calls?
The price of noise-cancelling headphones can significantly influence their quality, especially for making calls.
- Build Quality: Higher-priced headphones often feature superior materials and construction, leading to increased durability and comfort during long calls. This can include better padding, more robust hinges, and water resistance, which are essential for everyday use.
- Noise Cancellation Technology: More expensive models typically utilize advanced noise cancellation algorithms that effectively filter out background noise. This results in clearer audio for both the user and the person on the other end of the call, enhancing communication quality.
- Microphone Quality: Pricey headphones generally come equipped with higher-quality microphones that capture voice more effectively and reduce ambient noise. This ensures that the caller can hear the user’s voice clearly, minimizing misunderstandings and improving overall call experience.
- Battery Life: In the higher price range, headphones often offer extended battery life, allowing for longer conversations without the need to recharge. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on their headphones for extended periods throughout the day.
- Additional Features: Premium headphones may include extra functionalities such as touch controls, voice assistants, or customizable sound profiles that enhance the user experience. These features can make it easier to manage calls and improve overall usability.
What Do User Reviews Reveal About Noise Cancelling Headphones for Calling?
User reviews provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and features of noise cancelling headphones specifically designed for making calls.
- Sound Quality: Many users emphasize the importance of clear audio quality during calls. Reviews often highlight headphones that deliver crisp sound and minimize background noise, making conversations more intelligible and pleasant.
- Microphone Performance: The quality of the microphone is crucial for calls, and users frequently comment on how well their voice is picked up. Headphones with noise-cancelling microphones are often praised for filtering out ambient sounds, ensuring that the caller’s voice comes through clearly.
- Comfort and Fit: Comfort is a recurring theme in user feedback, especially for long calls. Reviews suggest that well-padded ear cups and adjustable headbands enhance the user experience, allowing for extended wear without discomfort.
- Battery Life: Users often discuss battery longevity, particularly for wireless models. Headphones that provide extensive talk time are favored, as they ensure users can engage in calls without interruption from low battery warnings.
- Connectivity and Compatibility: Many reviews point out the importance of seamless connectivity with devices. Users appreciate headphones that quickly pair with smartphones and have stable connections, as this reduces the likelihood of dropped calls.
- Noise Cancellation Effectiveness: The efficiency of noise cancellation is frequently debated in reviews. Users often share their experiences regarding how well headphones block out environmental noise, which is especially beneficial in busy or loud settings.
- Price-to-Performance Ratio: Reviews commonly reflect on the value for money, with users comparing features and performance against the price. Headphones that offer premium features at a reasonable cost tend to receive positive feedback.
How Can You Optimize the Use of Noise Cancelling Headphones During Calls?
To optimize the use of noise cancelling headphones during calls, consider the following factors:
- Microphone Quality: Ensure that the headphones have a high-quality built-in microphone that can pick up your voice clearly while filtering out background noise.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Look for headphones with effective ANC technology to minimize distractions from your environment, allowing for clearer communication during calls.
- Comfort and Fit: Choose headphones that provide a comfortable fit, as prolonged use during calls can lead to discomfort; this includes adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups.
- Battery Life: Opt for headphones with long battery life, especially if you frequently participate in long calls, to avoid interruptions due to low power.
- Device Compatibility: Verify that the headphones are compatible with your devices, ensuring seamless connectivity for both audio and calls.
Microphone Quality is crucial because a clear microphone ensures that your voice is transmitted without distortion, making conversations more efficient. Headphones with noise-canceling microphones help in eliminating background sounds, which is particularly useful in noisy environments.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a key feature for making calls, as it actively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to focus on the conversation. This feature enhances the listening experience and ensures that both parties can hear each other without interference.
Comfort and Fit play a significant role in the usability of headphones during lengthy calls. Well-padded ear cups and an adjustable headband can prevent discomfort, allowing you to engage in calls for extended periods without distraction.
Battery Life is essential for users who engage in long phone calls, as headphones with shorter battery life may require frequent recharging. Selecting headphones with a robust battery can enhance your productivity and prevent mid-call dropouts.
Device Compatibility ensures that your headphones can easily connect with your phone or computer without issues. This compatibility is vital for a smooth user experience, allowing you to switch between devices seamlessly while making calls.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Noise Cancelling Headphones for Calls?
When using noise cancelling headphones for calls, there are several common mistakes that can hinder the call quality.
- Not adjusting the noise cancellation level: Many noise cancelling headphones allow users to adjust the level of noise cancellation. Failing to find the right balance can lead to difficulty hearing the caller or being heard, as too much cancellation might block out important sounds from your environment.
- Using the headphones in a noisy environment: While noise cancelling technology reduces ambient sounds, using headphones in extremely noisy settings can still impact call clarity. Background noise can interfere with the microphone’s ability to pick up your voice clearly, making it harder for the other person to understand you.
- Neglecting microphone positioning: The positioning of the microphone is crucial for clear communication. If the microphone is too far from your mouth or obstructed, it can result in muffled audio or picking up unwanted background noises, detracting from the call quality.
- Ignoring battery levels: Many noise cancelling headphones require a charge to operate effectively. Using them with low battery can lead to diminished performance, including reduced noise cancellation and audio quality, which can negatively affect calls.
- Failing to test before important calls: Not testing your noise cancelling headphones before making an important call can lead to surprises during the conversation. A quick test can help ensure that everything is functioning properly, including sound quality and microphone sensitivity.
- Not utilizing the companion app: Many premium noise cancelling headphones come with a companion app that allows users to customize settings. Overlooking this feature may mean missing out on optimal sound profiles or noise cancellation settings tailored for phone calls.