Earbuds with Good Noise Suppression on Mics

Chazzozz on 26/03/2024 - 11:31
Last edited 31/03/2024 - 11:29

Update: Thank you to everyone who gave their input, it was very helpful. I realise buds will be a compromise on performance but as stated I can’t wear a headband, and I’d really prefer the freedom of wireless. I ended up going with the Jabra Evolve2 Buds, partly because of the excellent deal mentioned below, and I also happened to find two people in my company who have them. Both raved about the excellent performance and said noise isolation was good. I’ll know myself next week when they arrive from Mwave.

My workday revolves around a lot of Teams meetings. When I'm home alone I just use the speakers on my Windows laptop but when I'm in the office I need to use earphones. For various reasons I find it hard to use something with an over-the-head band, so I've been using earbuds lately. The trouble is my current set is Apple Airpods Pro Gen 2 and while the microphones of them are really excellent they also pick up everything around me, so I have to keep muting myself to stop the excess noise getting through. Before anyone asks, I've already turned up the noise suppression settings built into Teams to max but that didn't help. Additionally, I can't use my iPhone to take advantage of the superior sound control - too many shared screens or often presenting means juggling two devices in a meeting would be unwieldy.

I've done a bit of research to see what else there is that would do a better job of isolating background noise. I've narrowed it down to the Jabra Evolve2 Buds or the Sony WF-1000XM5, both of which seemed to perform well in some of the online reviews I've read, but I'm wondering if anyone here has used either and is willing to share their experience.

Alternatively, does anyone have a different suggestion? Because it's mostly used for Teams on a Windows computer I'd prefer something that's Teams-certified (which is what makes the Jabras so attractive) but that's not a deal-breaker. Noise suppression is my primary criteria.

This previous forum post suggested the Sony may be good, but no mention of the Jabra.

Electrical & Electronics Earphones

Comments

  • Fredfloresjr on 26/03/2024 - 11:37

    this works really well for me both to my teams meeting and gym sessions.

    https://www.myer.com.au/p/bose-174-quietcomfort-noise-cancel…

    • jv on 26/03/2024 - 11:50

      😲

  • ChatCPT on 26/03/2024 - 11:44

    I’m like you. Don’t like overhead stuff but the Jabra Evolve2 85 is fantastic. Very comfy fits around my big ears. Great noise cancellation and background noise. Clear voice. Teams certified

    I even take it with me on flights sometimes

    • jv on 26/03/2024 - 11:51
      +1

      I’m like you

      Tasmanian?

    • Chazzozz on 26/03/2024 - 11:52

      I so wish I could use something like that but my main issue is I wear glasses so it presents two problems: the frames under the cups can press into my head (solved by getting oh-so-thin arms on my current specs) plus the pressure can pull the glasses back onto the bridge of my nose, leading to a headache eventually. Hence why I'm looking for some good buds.

      • ChatCPT on 26/03/2024 - 11:57

        ah ok. i dont have that issue
        surprised airpods pro 2 don't work for you. everyone at work has them and seem happy - but maybe because my office is pretty quiet

  • snuke on 26/03/2024 - 11:51

    Jabra have mixed feedback on this post, great price though - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/837189

    Frankly, most things will have mixed feedback, the XM5s will have it too.

    Go watch some review videos, several of them to get a wide range of feedback.

    I use WF1000-XM4, not had any feedback on excessive noise.
    The BT multipoint has been a bit hit and miss, to the point I sent a set back to Sony and they replaced them. Still having issues so these will go back too.

    I love the noise cancelling and fit is fine.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 26/03/2024 - 12:04

    find it hard to use over the head

    Large head size? I had similar problems with the headsets at our office but found engage 75t to be a good fit for 8-10 hour usage.

    Good battery range
    Insane range
    Customers said it was a big difference with noise cancellation

    • Chazzozz on 26/03/2024 - 12:05
      +1

      Large head size?

      Partly, but I explain more above.

      I like the Jabra range. We actually issue the Evolve 40 for staff to use and they do a credible job for a cheaper model. We'll soon be moving to the Evolve2 30 now that the 40 is EOL. The post linked above to the deal at MWave is very attractive, though.

  • DingoBilly on 26/03/2024 - 12:13

    From my own research, the airpods are one of the better earbuds if not the best already for calls. E. G., :
    https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/17/23309582/wireless-buds-st…

    Unfortunately though at end of day wireless earbuds are just not great for calls. I've had the best luck with a wired USB-c set myself, just a standard Samsung stock set for $40 or so and they outperform any $200+ wireless earbud I've used for calls.

  • Xyzzy on 26/03/2024 - 12:16

    I use these Avantree Ace M10 earbuds. They're designed for to use with a PC and for voice, though I don't know that they're Teams certified.
    I'm on Teams all day and they have been flawless. Never have to mute due background noise, and people tell me I come through loud and clear.
    Come with a USB dongle but also can connect via bluetooth.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09N6TX1VJ

    Only possible downside is music isn't great, acceptable for me, but not great.

  • Mechz on 26/03/2024 - 12:24

    I've still got this headset from 2015 and it's hands-down the best mic with actually pretty decent sound quality and great ANC too.

    https://www.simplyheadsets.com.au/plantronics-poly-b825-voya…

    They have updated models like Voyager Focus 2 with options such as usb-c or a dongles. Or you can just use them with Bluetooth and have phone and PC connected simultaneously with either config.

    Among others I have tested these against Bose QC45 and Jabra Evolve2 65 and to me, the Voyager Focus is much more comfortable (Jabra never seem to get this right) and the mics are better. ANC is also great.

    Essentially, I can blast music from studio monitors on my desk while on a call and the Plantronics filters it all out. Can't really ask for more.

    Not a plug for that specific vendor, you might find them cheaper elsewhere.

  • ihfree on 26/03/2024 - 15:34
    +1

    I was about to recommend Airpods but I saw you've ruled them out already.

    You don't book meeting rooms?

    • John Kimble on 26/03/2024 - 15:35

      Don't be ridiculous!

    • Chazzozz on 26/03/2024 - 15:39

      Nah, most of my meetings are of the 'standup' variety which only go for 15-20 min. If I've got a longer one on the calendar then I generally book a meeting room, or else stay home that day.

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