The Vergecast team, joined by John Higgins, tests microphone quality across multiple headphone models to find which delivers the clearest call audio. The episode challenges the assumption that premium brands like Apple deliver the best mic performance, uncovering surprising results in real-world call scenarios.
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Highlights
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Microphone Performance Variation Is Extreme
Testing reveals massive differences in call audio quality across headphone models in the same price range, suggesting microphone engineering is inconsistent and underinvested.
Anker's new earbuds delivered the clearest, most intelligible call audio in The Verge's testing—outperforming AirPods Pro, Sennheiser Momentum 5, and other established brands.
Consumers assume flagship headphones from Apple and other premium brands have the best microphones, but real-world testing often reveals better performance in unexpected places.
Most people have no feedback on their own call audio quality, making it impossible to know if they're coming through clearly or if ambient noise is ruining their end of conversations.