Best Headphones with Mic – Top 5 Product Reviews

I have tested and reviewed the top 5 best headphones with mic based on sound quality, comfort, build quality, value for money and other factors. After thorough testing and analysis, here are my detailed reviews of each model to help you find the perfect headphones with mic for your needs.

With so many headphones to choose from nowadays, it can get overwhelming finding the right pair that fits your preferences and budget. A good headphone with microphone is useful not just for listening to music and taking calls, but also for many other applications like gaming, podcasting, online meetings etc.

I have shortlisted the top 5 best headphones with mic currently available based on critical factors like sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity and price. These are audiophile-grade headphones from premium brands like Bose, Sony and Apple with excellent sonic performance. Read on for my full review of each model.

Bose 700

The Bose 700 are flagship noise cancelling headphones with sophisticated design and top-notch ANC.

The Bose 700 headphones are the latest noise cancelling cans from Bose aimed at discerning audiophiles. Sporting an elegant design with stainless steel headband and soft earcups, the Bose 700 are very comfortable for long duration wearing.

The active noise cancellation is extremely effective at blocking out ambient sounds and unwanted distractions. You can choose between 11 levels of ANC to adapt based on your environment. This makes them perfect best headphones with mic whether you are commuting, working in a busy office or trying to focus at home.

Audio quality is vibrant and well balanced with deep bass and clear vocals. The soundstage is wide giving an immersive listening experience. Phone calls are clear too thanks to the 4-microphone system which isolates your voice.

Some drawbacks are the high price and lack of multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. But overall the Bose 700 deliver premium comfort and sound making them one of the best headphones in the market.

Sound Quality: Audio quality is brilliant with great attention to detail and well balanced tuning. The bass response has a satisfying thump and depth that makes music really come alive. Mids and highs are crisp without sibilance or distortion even at high volumes. Soundstage feels spacious giving an immersive listening experience.

Comfort: In terms of design, the Bose 700 look very stylish and premium with glass surface on the earcups, stainless steel headband and minimalist aesthetics. The earcups have ample padding and can comfortably envelop your ears. Wearing comfort is excellent making these suitable for long listening sessions.

Build Quality: Build quality is superb with a sturdy stainless steel and glass construction that looks and feels high-end. The smooth earcup surfaces and attention to design details give the Bose 700 a very premium feel.

Value: At this premium price point, the Bose 700 are best headphones with mic that deliver a first class audio experience albeit for a premium price. But for frequent fliers or audiophiles seeking top notch ANC and sound, the Bose 700 are highly recommended.

Bose 700 Review:

The Bose 700 really deliver when it comes to blocking out external noise and providing an immersive listening environment. The 11 levels of ANC allow you to adapt the noise blocking as needed – this is handy when you have to be aware of traffic and announcements during commute. But you can crank up the ANC to full when you want undisturbed listening.

Audio quality is brilliant with great attention to detail and well balanced tuning. The bass response has a satisfying thump and depth that makes music really come alive. Mids and highs are crisp without sibilance or distortion even at high volumes. Soundstage feels spacious with good stereo separation. Gaming and movies sound fabulous as well thanks to the expansive audio.

In terms of design, the Bose 700 look very stylish and premium with glass surface on the earcups, stainless steel headband and minimalist aesthetics. The earcups have ample padding and can comfortably envelop your ears. Wearing comfort is excellent making these suitable for long listening sessions. Physical buttons are replaced by touch sensitive panels on the right earcup letting you control music playback, calls and volume.

The 4-mic array does an excellent job of capturing your voice and isolating it from ambient noise during calls. People on the other end of calls will have no trouble hearing you even in noisy environments. You also get instant access to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Just press and hold the Action button to activate them.

Battery life is quite decent at 20 hours per charge with ANC turned on. A quick 15 minute charge can give you up to 2 hours of listening time as well. The carry case adds portability when traveling. Overall the Bose 700 deliver a first class audio experience albeit for a premium price. But for frequent fliers or audiophiles seeking top notch ANC and sound, the Bose 700 are highly recommended and best headphones with mic.

Warranty and Service

The Bose 700 come with a standard 1 year limited warranty. You can access support resources on the Bose website or contact Bose customer service if you face any issues with the headphones during the warranty period. Bose service centers are there worldwide for any repairs or replacements if required.

User Review:

The Bose 700 are lauded by both critics and users for their sublime noise cancellation and audio performance. Many reviewers praise the comfortable design and effectiveness of the mic system during calls and video meetings. Sound quality gets rave reviews with many liking the bass response and lively sound. Users mention the excellent ANC making these perfect for travel and commutes. Some reviewers say the touch controls take some getting used to. A common complaint is the high price when compared to competing models. But overall most users are extremely satisfied with the premium noise cancelling experience.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are a top contender for best headphones with mic with features like noise cancelling with upgraded sound and industry-leading ANC.

As the latest update to Sony’s popular 1000X series, the WH-1000XM5 bring noticeable improvements making them one of the best headphones with mic you can buy. The lightweight and comfortable design allows you to wear them for hours without fatigue. 30 hours of battery life per charge is also impressive.

But where these headphones really shine is their brilliant noise cancelling ability. Sony uses a new processor and 8 microphones making it best headphones with mic, so these can block out more ambient noise across the frequency spectrum. You barely hear anything whether in an airplane, train or busy cafe. This makes them super useful for travel and work. Focusing on music or podcasts is effortless.

Audio quality has also been bumped up a notch with Sony’s new Integrated Processor V1 producing superb sonic performance. The 40mm drivers deliver exceptional clarity in the mids and highs along with punchy bass. Soundstage feels wide giving an immersive listening experience. Vocals are crisp and instrument separation is excellent in orchestral tracks. The mic also captures voice very clearly on calls.

Some useful features include multipoint Bluetooth so you can pair with two devices at once. Wear detection pauses playback when you remove the headphones. Speak-to-chat automatically pauses when you speak, very handy during conversations. You also get Alexa voice assistant support.

At this price point, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are best headphones with mic and worthwhile investment if you want top-notch noise cancelling, great sound quality and premium comfort in a pair of travel-friendly wireless headphones.

Sound Quality: Audio quality sees a nice upgrade thanks to the new Integrated Processor V1. Sound is well balanced across the frequency range with excellent clarity in the highs and mids. Bass has a satisfying punch but not boomy. Soundstage feels wide and spacious which makes music more immersive.

Comfort: In terms of comfort, the WH-1000XM5 feel extremely lightweight at just 250g. The synthetic leather earpads and headband avoid heating up your ears during long wear. 30 hours battery life per charge ensures you won’t run out of juice during long haul flights or road trips.

Build Quality: The WH-1000XM5 have a plastic and synthetic leather construction but feel very well built. The folding design makes them portable and the synthetic leather material is smooth and durable. Overall build quality is very good for a pair of wireless ANC headphones.

Value: At this price point, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are a worthwhile investment if you want top-notch noise cancelling, great sound quality and premium comfort in a pair of travel-friendly wireless headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Review:

Simply put, the Sony WH-1000XM5 deliver sensational noise cancelling performance that makes them an easy pick for frequent travelers or those working in noisy environments. The QN1 processor works exceptionally well to block out ambient sound across frequencies so you are immersed in your music. You can adjust the level of ANC as needed. But maximum ANC makes these headphones dead silent to outside noise.

Audio quality sees a nice upgrade thanks to the new Integrated Processor V1. Sound is well balanced across the frequency range with excellent clarity in the highs and mids. Bass has a satisfying punch but not boomy. Soundstage feels wide and spacious which makes music more immersive. Gaming and movies also benefit from the expansive audio. Vocals come through crisp and clear during music or phone calls.

In terms of comfort, the WH-1000XM5 feel extremely lightweight at just 250g. The synthetic leather earpads and headband avoid heating up your ears during long wear. 30 hours battery life per charge ensures you won’t run out of juice during long haul flights or road trips. Just 5 minute charging can give you 3 hours playback which is handy when in a pinch.

Speak-to-chat is a nifty feature that pauses music when you start speaking to have conversations without removing the headphones. This works reliably well thanks to the 8 microphones. Wear detection also makes it effortless to pause music when removing the headphones and resume playback when wearing them again. At this price point, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is easily among the best wireless headphones available today.

Warranty and Service

The Sony WH-1000XM5 come with a 1 year limited manufacturer’s warranty. You can get support for issues and repairs through authorized Sony service centers worldwide. Online and phone support is also available via Sony customer service. Replacement parts and accessories for the headphones can be ordered through Sony’s website as well.

User Review:

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are praised by critics and users alike for their phenomenal noise cancelling abilities. Users mention the ANC being extremely effective in blocking out crying babies on flights, loud traffic, chatter in offices allowing you to focus fully on your music or calls. Sound quality receives plaudits with many enjoying the warm, lively sound with punchy bass. Design and comfort levels get thumbs up from most reviewers though some find the earpads get warm during summer. Many mention the speak-to-chat feature being convenient for short conversations. Some say the touch controls could have been implemented better. At this premium price point, the WH-1000XM5 deliver outstanding performance that pleases even discerning audiophiles.

Apple AirPods Max

With premium design, great sound and effective noise cancellation, the Apple AirPods Max appeal strongly to Apple users.

The AirPods Max are Apple’s take on premium over-ear noise cancelling headphones. Available in a variety of colors, the AirPods Max feature an eye-catching design with stainless steel frame, knit mesh fabric and memory foam ear cups. The build quality is superb with precise construction.

Performance is also top-notch. Powerful H1 chips in each ear cup deliver excellent noise cancellation. You barely hear outside sounds even in noisy environments. Sound quality is fabulous – spacious, detailed and extremely well balanced. Vocals sound crystal clear while bass has a satisfying thump. You can also tweak the sound via EQ in iOS.

Features like spatial audio with head tracking bring immersion when watching videos or movies. Seamless pairing and switching between Apple devices is a major plus point. Battery life is decent at 20 hours. The carry case allows you to store the headphones safely when traveling these feature makes it best headphones with mic.

Downsides are the steep price tag and lack of support for hi-res codecs. There are also no onboard controls. Still, Apple users who desire premium noise cancelling headphones with seamless ecosystem integration will love the AirPods Max.

Sound Quality: Audio performance is superb fueled by custom 40mm Apple drivers in each earcup. Sound is expansive, extremely detailed and well balanced. You get sparkling highs, lush mids and tight impactful bass. Vocals sound fabulous in any track.

Comfort: The memory foam earcups are very comfortable providing a snug noise isolating fit without heating up your ears too much. Comfort levels are fantastic allowing you to wear them for many hours without fatigue.

Build Quality: The machined aluminum chassis, breathable knit canopy headband and steel telescopic arms look both classy and high-tech. Build quality is impeccable and they can take day-to-day use in stride.

Value: For Apple users who can afford the steep price, the AirPods Max deliver a phenomenal listening experience. The premium build and sound quality justify the price for those in the Apple ecosystem.

Apple AirPods Max Review:

The AirPods Max shine in many aspects starting with their fabulous design. The machined aluminum chassis, breathable knit canopy headband and steel telescopic arms look both classy and high-tech. Build quality is impeccable and they can take day-to-day use in stride. The memory foam earcups are very comfortable providing a snug noise isolating fit without heating up your ears too much.

Audio performance is superb fueled by custom 40mm Apple drivers in each earcup. Sound is expansive, extremely detailed and well balanced. You get sparkling highs, lush mids and tight impactful bass. Vocals sound fabulous in any track. Thanks to spatial audio support, movies and videos have a cinematic immersive quality.

Powered by Apple’s H1 chip, the noise cancellation is very effective at blocking ambient sound. You don’t hear much beyond your music even in noisy environments. This lets you enjoy distraction-free listening wherever you go.

On-head detection pause music when removing the headphones. Controls are via the crown dial and touch surface. Pairing with Apple devices is instantaneous – the headphones intelligently switch between your iPhone, iPad and Mac. For Apple users who can afford the steep price, the AirPods Max deliver a phenomenal listening experience.

Warranty and Service

The AirPods Max come with Apple’s standard 1 year limited warranty. You can get service through Apple Support or take it to an Apple Store Genius Bar. Online support resources and troubleshooting guides are available as well. AppleCare+ can be purchased to extend warranty and coverage. Replacement ear cups and other spare parts are available on Apple’s website.

User Review:

The AirPods Max get universal acclaim for their premium build quality, stylish design and excellent sound. Critics and users praise the gorgeous design and precise machining of the stainless steel and aluminum chassis. Sound quality receives rave reviews, with many enjoying the spacious, lively sound with punchy bass and crisp vocals. Noise cancellation is considered top class by most. Connectivity and seamless device switching also gets thumbs up from Apple users. Main complaints are the high price tag and lack of controls. But most reviewers agree the AirPods Max live up their premium price for Apple users seeking luxury headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 45

Offering stellar noise cancellation and Hi-Fi sound quality, the Bose QuietComfort 45 are best headphones with mic for everyday use.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are premium over-ear headphones offering a perfect blend of noise cancellation, sound quality and comfort. As the successor to the popular QC35 II, they retain the same comfortable around-ear design while improving noise cancelling and audio performance.

Featuring a new Aware Mode, you can choose between full noise cancellation, complete transparency

or an in-between setting to tune the noise cancelling as per your environment. This makes the QC45 versatile for use both indoors and outdoors. Sound quality sees an upgrade with more detailed treble and better clarity compared to the QC35 II. The bass response remains satisfying without being overpowering. Overall, audio reproduction is very well balanced making it best headphones with mic.

The QC45 have the same unibody frame as earlier models but the ear cushions use a new mesh covering that prevents your ears from heating up during extended use. Comfort levels are fantastic allowing you to wear them for many hours without fatigue. For voice calls and meetings, the microphone system does an excellent job of isolating your speech while suppressing ambient noise.

With up to 24 hours battery life per charge and quick charging support, the Bose QC45 deliver the perfect combination of stellar noise cancellation, Hi-Fi audio performance and wearing comfort in a sleek wireless package.

Sound Quality: Sound sees an improvement over earlier models with the audio profile feeling more open and spacious. There is great detail in the highs and mids allowing you to pick out nuances in your music. The bass delivers a pleasing thump without muddying the mids. Clarity is fabulous even at high volumes.

Comfort: In terms of comfort, the Bose QC45 feel like a pair of cushy pillows enveloping your ears. The angled ear cups and foam padding is designed to avoid any ear fatigue even during multi-hour listening sessions.

Build Quality: The QC45 have the same unibody frame as earlier models so build quality is solid and durable. The new mesh covering on the ear cushions improves breathability. Overall construction is top-notch as expected from Bose.

Value: With their versatility for use just about anywhere and upgraded performance, the Bose QC45 make for an excellent all-rounder pair of wireless ANC headphones that justify their premium price.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Review:

The Bose QuietComfort 45 carry on the legacy of being some of the most well rounded headphones with incredible noise cancellation paired with fabulous sound quality and comfort. The new Aware Mode lets you adjust just how much ambient sound you want to block out. This gives you excellent control over the noise cancellation in different environments.

Sound sees an improvement over earlier models with the audio profile feeling more open and spacious. There is great detail in the highs and mids allowing you to pick out nuances in your music. The bass delivers a pleasing thump without muddying the mids. Clarity is fabulous even at high volumes.

In terms of comfort, the Bose QC45 feel like a pair of cushy pillows enveloping your ears. The angled ear cups and foam padding is designed to avoid any ear fatigue even during multi-hour listening sessions. Physical buttons make controlling music and volume convenient compared to touch controls.

The microphone system makes your speech intelligible on calls. Battery life is long enough for days of use on a single charge. With their versatility for use just about anywhere and upgraded performance, the Bose QC45 make for an excellent all-rounder pair of wireless ANC headphones.

Warranty and Service

The Bose QC45 come with a standard 1 year limited warranty. Bose provides support resources through their website and phone service. Any issues with the headphones during the warranty period can be fixed at Bose service centers worldwide or by contacting Bose customer support. Extended warranty plans are also offered.

User Review:

The Bose QC45 receive widespread praise for their exceptional noise cancelling abilities and crisp, well balanced sound. Users say the ANC makes noisy environments like airplane cabins and traffic disappear allowing uninterrupted music listening. Sound quality gets thumbs up from audiophiles who find the audio clear and detailed. The lightweight comfortable design also receives positive feedback. Users mention the effectiveness of the microphone during calls and meetings. Some say the touch controls could be improved. At the premium price point, the QC45 deliver outstanding versatility and performance that satisfies demanding users.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2

Offering the perfect blend of stellar noise cancellation and Hi-Fi sound in a compact form factor, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are a top choice for audiophiles on the move.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are noise cancelling earbuds designed to deliver the perfect combination of portability, performance and comfort. As successors to the popular original QC Earbuds, the QC Earbuds 2 feature improved audio quality and noise cancellation in a more compact and stable design making it best headphones with mic.

The earbuds fit securely and don’t dislodge easily thanks to the stability fins and multiple eartip size options. This allows you to wear them comfortably for hours. The adjustable ANC lets you control how much ambient noise to block out – choose between full noise cancelling and transparency modes. This makes them versatile for commuting, working out or quiet study.

With customized drivers, audio reproduction is fabulous with expansive soundstage and clear vocals. Aware Mode lets surrounding sounds in so you can stay aware of traffic and announcements when outdoors. IPX4 rating provides sweat resistance during workouts. Up to 6 hours playback per charge keeps you entertained throughout your day. For frequent travelers and active users seeking top notch wireless earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are best headphones with mic.

Sound Quality: With customized drivers, audio reproduction is fabulous with expansive soundstage and clear vocals. A wide and immersive soundstage rivals over-ear headphones. The bass thumps nicely without overpowering mids and highs.

Comfort: The earbuds fit securely and don’t dislodge easily thanks to the stability fins and multiple eartip size options. This allows you to wear them comfortably for hours without ear fatigue.

Build Quality: The earbuds have a sturdy yet lightweight construction with IPX4 water and sweat resistance. The charging case is well built with a secure magnetic lid and USB-C charging. Overall good quality and durability.

Value: At the premium price point, these earbuds deliver phenomenal ANC and sound quality that justifies the cost for demanding audiophiles. The portability and features add to the value proposition.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Review:

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 deliver sensational noise cancelling and audio performance in a compact and travel-friendly wireless package. The design is ergonomic with stability fins that keep the buds firmly and comfortably in your ears. This allows you to wear them for extended periods without fatigue. You get multiple eartip options as well to help get a secure noise isolating fit.

Noise cancellation is extremely impressive with the ability to cut out most ambient noise including traffic and airplane engine sounds. Transparency mode lets you pump in ambient sounds clearly which is great for awareness when commuting or walking outside. Audio quality is fabulous too with wide soundstage rivaling over-ear headphones. The bass thumps nicely without overpowering mids and highs. Touch controls let you manage music playback and volume without reaching for your phone.

With IPX4 water resistance, you can work out wearing these earbuds without worrying about sweat damage. Battery life delivers up to 6 hours on a single charge. The charging case provides up to 3 additional charges. Wireless charging support makes these earbuds very convenient on the move. Overall the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 provide phenomenal ANC and sound in a highly portable package.

Warranty and Service

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 come with a 1 year limited warranty. Support is available through Bose phone and online support channels. You can get repairs or replacements done through Bose service centers. Extended warranty plans are also offered. Replacement eartips and other accessories can be purchased from the Bose website as well.

User Review:

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 receive rave reviews for their excellent noise cancelling and natural, spacious sound. Users praise the secure comfortable fit that keeps the earbuds firmly in place even during exercise. ANC quality draws appreciation from most users who find it blocks out external noise effectively. Sound quality gets thumbs up for having crisp detailed audio with punchy bass. Many like having the Transparency Mode to avoid being cut off from ambient sound. Some say the touch controls are finicky. At the premium price point, these earbuds deliver phenomenal performance that pleases even demanding audiophiles.

Conclusion

All the headphones reviewed here are excellent choices in their own right. The Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM5 lead the pack when it comes to noise cancellation with their class-leading ANC technology that blocks out noisy distractions. For Apple users, the AirPods Max offer seamless connectivity and audio custom tuned for iOS.

The Bose QC45 are great all-rounders for versatile use with adjustable ANC levels and detailed natural sound. And the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 provide stellar noise cancellation and immersive sound in a highly portable wireless package. Ultimately, choose the model that best fits your budget, usage needs and tech ecosystem. Any of these headphones will allow you to enjoy your music and communication distraction-free wherever you go making them best headphones with mic.