Best Earbuds and Headsets With Mic for Laptops and PCs
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Most laptops now ship with fewer ports, and the earbuds sitting in your drawer may not plug into them, or may plug in but not pick up your voice. This guide compares five earbuds and headsets that work with a laptop or PC, shows which connector each one needs, and flags the drawbacks reviewers found.
How we researched this: we don’t test products ourselves. This guide combines manufacturer specs and expert reviews from RTINGS, SoundGuys and TechGearLab. See the full method.
Quick answer
For calls on a laptop or PC, wired earbuds with an in-line mic are the simplest choice, as long as your laptop has the matching port: a 3.5mm combo jack or USB-C. Bluetooth earbuds work too if your laptop has Bluetooth, and a model with its own USB dongle skips pairing entirely. Our top pick is the Apple EarPods (USB-C) for most people, and the Jabra Evolve2 Buds if you take a lot of Teams or Zoom calls on a PC.
Jump to your situation
Best overall
Apple EarPods (USB-C)
Simple, cheap and plug-and-play on laptops with a USB-C port. RTINGS picks the EarPods as its best wired earbuds with a mic.
Price band: Under $20
Best budget wireless
Anker Soundcore P31i
RTINGS’ cheap pick for earbuds with a mic: decent mic, good noise handling and Bluetooth for two devices at once.
Price band: $25–$40
Best for calls on a PC
Jabra Evolve2 Buds
Ships with a USB dongle certified for Teams, Zoom and Google Meet, so there is nothing to pair.
Price band: Over $200
Top picks compared
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| Product | Connector | Mic type | Price band | Main drawback (per reviewers) | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple EarPods (USB-C) | USB-C (3.5mm version also sold) | In-line mic on the cable | Under $20 | No ear-tip seal or noise cancelling; works only sometimes on some devices | Simple wired calls | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Anker Soundcore P31i | Bluetooth | Mics in the earbuds | $25–$40 | Plastic build; noise cancelling weaker than pricier picks | Budget wireless with two-device pairing | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Jabra Evolve2 Buds | USB dongle (USB-A or USB-C) and Bluetooth | Mics plus bone-conduction sensors | Over $200 | Weak noise cancelling for the price | Teams and Zoom calls on a PC | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Sony WF-1000XM6 | Bluetooth | Mics in the earbuds | Over $250 | Bulky; reviewers disagree on call quality and fit | Best mic among earbuds RTINGS reviewed | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Logitech H390 | USB-A | Rotating boom mic | Under $25 | No independent mic test found | Cheap plug-and-play USB headset | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Apple EarPods (USB-C): best wired pick for most people
Connector: USB-C (3.5mm version also sold)Mic: In-line mic on the cablePrice band: Under $20
The EarPods are the simplest answer for most people. They plug into a USB-C port, include an in-line mic and remote, and cost little. RTINGS names the EarPods its best wired earbuds with a mic, and SoundGuys calls the mic better than the price suggests.
Pros
- Plug-and-play on USB-C, with a mic and remote on the cable
- In-line mic sits close to your mouth for calls
- Very low cost; a 3.5mm version is also sold
- No battery or pairing
- Durable build, according to TechGearLab
Cons
- No ear-tip seal, so little noise isolation and weak bass
- No noise cancelling
- Compatibility is not guaranteed on every device
Who should skip it
Skip them if you work in a noisy space, want deep sound for music, or need noise cancelling. They are also a poor fit for ears that don’t hold open-fit earbuds well.
What the reviewers say
RTINGS tested the 3.5mm version and recommends it for clear call quality over extra features. SoundGuys’ EarPods review (updated July 2025) rates the mic well for the price but says the EarPods are not the pick for comfort or sound, and that USB-C earbuds like these work only sometimes on phones. TechGearLab (May 2026, bought by the reviewers, not supplied) found calls clear in quiet and office settings and mostly intact on a noisy subway, though voices cut out occasionally. It also says the sound is thin with little bass, the fit is poor because the buds rest outside the ear canal and fell out during activity, and the build is durable. TechGearLab says they work with any USB-C device but names no operating system, and none of these sources tested them on a laptop, so confirm your laptop’s USB-C port supports audio.
Anker Soundcore P31i: best budget wireless pick
Connector: BluetoothMic: Mics in the earbudsPrice band: $25–$40
These are the cheap pick in RTINGS’ earbuds-with-a-mic guide. They are Bluetooth earbuds with active noise cancelling, and RTINGS says the mic has reasonable recording quality and great noise handling. They can pair with two devices at once, which is handy if you switch between a phone and a laptop.
Pros
- Mic stays understandable in noisy places, according to RTINGS
- Bluetooth connection to two devices at once
- Noise cancelling at a budget price
- Over seven hours per charge, with four extra charges in the case
Cons
- Plastic build feels cheap, says RTINGS
- Noise cancelling is weaker than pricier picks
- Needs Bluetooth on your laptop
Who should skip it
Skip them if your laptop has no Bluetooth, you want a wired connection with no pairing, or you need top-tier mic quality. RTINGS also advises catching them on sale, because at full price another budget pick can be better value.
What the reviewers say
RTINGS (guide updated July 2026) picks the P31i as its cheap earbuds-with-a-mic recommendation. We found no laptop-specific test.
Jabra Evolve2 Buds: best for calls on a PC
Connector: USB dongle (USB-A or USB-C) and BluetoothMic: Mics plus bone-conduction sensorsPrice band: Over $200
The Evolve2 Buds are built for calls. They come with a USB dongle (the Jabra Link 380, in USB-A or USB-C versions), so your PC connects without Bluetooth pairing, and they work over Bluetooth too. They are certified for Teams, Zoom and Google Meet.
Pros
- USB dongle skips pairing and reconnects quickly
- Certified for Teams, Zoom and Google Meet
- Mic with bone-conduction sensors captures your voice well for earbuds
- About eight hours per charge, plus wireless charging
Cons
- High price
- Noise cancelling is barely noticeable, according to SoundGuys
- Settings are split between a phone app and a PC app
- Only three ear-tip sizes
Who should skip it
Skip them if you rarely take calls, want strong noise cancelling for the money, or prefer a cheaper wired option.
What the reviewers say
SoundGuys’ review tested them for a week and calls the mic good for earbuds, with a haze of office background noise but voices louder than keystrokes. Its main complaint is the noise cancelling. That review dates from 2023, so check for newer firmware and pricing. futurework.blog (March 2023) used the USB-C dongle with a Windows laptop and found it made the connection stable, with the earbuds becoming the Teams audio device automatically and no dropouts, though he notes noise cancelling has limits for keeping your voice clear without a boom mic. Serious Insights (June 2023) used the UC version with a Mac and found the connection seamless, but the apps and firmware updates fiddly. Jabra sells Teams and UC versions with USB-A or USB-C dongles, so match the version to your laptop port and meeting app.
Sony WF-1000XM6: premium Bluetooth pick
Connector: BluetoothMic: Mics in the earbudsPrice band: Over $250
RTINGS names the WF-1000XM6 the best earbuds with a mic it has tested. The mic captures your voice with more detail than the previous Sony model, handles noise well, and the earbuds can pair with two devices at once, such as a phone and a laptop.
Pros
- Best mic of the earbuds RTINGS reviewed
- Outstanding noise isolation and a customisable app
- Pairs with two devices at once
- More than eight hours per charge, plus two extra charges
Cons
- Bulkier design that splits reviewers: some find it comfortable for hours, others unstable
- Expert reviewers disagree on call quality
- Very loud noise can trigger aggressive mic noise suppression, making your voice harder to understand
Who should skip it
Skip them if you want the cheapest way to take calls, prefer a wired connection, or find bulky earbuds uncomfortable.
What the reviewers say
RTINGS (guide updated July 2026) says the mic is easier to understand than the previous model in busy places like cafes and offices. Expert reviewers disagree on calls. SoundGuys (February 2026, updated April 2026) calls the mic excellent indoors and a big step up from the previous model, though loud street noise sometimes broke through. TechGearLab (May 2026) found call quality only okay, with gritty or choppy speech even in quiet rooms, though better than the previous model and fine for calm meetings. Fit splits them too: SoundGuys found the buds comfortable for hours, while TechGearLab found them bulky and unstable. For laptop use, SoundGuys switched between a phone and a laptop with no noticeable lag and notes Windows 11 Swift Pair support. LDAC audio works only on Android.
Logitech H390: budget USB headset
Connector: USB-AMic: Rotating boom micPrice band: Under $25
If you want a headset, not earbuds, the H390 is a USB-A headset with a rotating boom mic and in-line controls. The manufacturer says you plug it in and it works without installing software, so it suits a desktop PC or a laptop with USB-A.
Pros
- Plug-and-play USB-A, with no jack needed
- Boom mic that swings out of the way
- In-line volume and mute controls
Cons
- No independent test of its mic found
- Needs USB-A, so a laptop with only USB-C needs an adapter
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want wireless, want a mic with independent test data, or have only USB-C ports and no adapter.
What the reviewers say
We found no independent lab measurements of this headset’s mic, so this entry rests on the manufacturer’s description alone, and we can’t say how its mic performs. Check current expert reviews before you buy.
Verdict
For most people on a laptop, the Apple EarPods (USB-C) are the easiest, cheapest way to get a working mic. If you spend your day on Teams or Zoom calls on a PC, the Jabra Evolve2 Buds’ USB dongle avoids pairing hassle. If you want wireless on a budget, the Soundcore P31i is the pick, provided your laptop has Bluetooth.
Buyer’s guide: what to check before you buy
Not sure whether a pair will work with your laptop? These sections cover the ports, wireless options and call questions that decide it, so you can check compatibility before you click through to Amazon.
Can you use earbuds with a laptop or PC?
Yes. Any earbuds with a microphone can work on a laptop or PC, but three things decide whether they actually do: the connector, whether your computer treats the earbuds as a headset (speakers plus mic), and whether the mic is where your voice can reach it.
Earbuds with an in-line mic on the cable, like the EarPods, have an edge for calls. RTINGS notes that this mic sits closer to your mouth than the mics inside truly wireless earbuds, and you can hold it closer when the room is noisy. The trade-off is no noise cancelling.
Which connector does your laptop need?
Look at the ports on the side of your laptop, then match them to the table below.
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| Connector | Works with | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm TRRS (four-pole plug) | Laptops with a single combo headphone and mic jack | Laptops with separate headphone and mic jacks need a splitter. A plug with only two black bands (TRS) carries no mic. |
| USB-C | Laptops and PCs with a USB-C port that supports audio | Usually appears as a USB headset. SoundGuys notes USB-C earbuds don’t work with every device, and its tests covered phones. We found no laptop-specific test, so check your laptop’s spec sheet. |
| USB-A | Any PC with a USB-A port | Plug-and-play headsets, and the receiver for dongle-based earbuds. Needs no headphone jack. |
| Bluetooth | Laptops and PCs with Bluetooth | RTINGS points out that Bluetooth limits mic quality. Pairing and dropouts can be a hassle, which a dongle-based model avoids. |
| USB dongle | Any PC with the matching USB-A or USB-C port | A dedicated receiver skips Bluetooth pairing. Useful when your laptop’s Bluetooth is weak or missing. |
USB-C and USB earbuds with mic
If your laptop has dropped the headphone jack, USB-C earbuds are the cleanest wired option because the cable carries both sound and the mic. Apple’s EarPods with USB-C are the best-known example. For a PC with spare USB-A ports, a USB headset like the Logitech H390 plugs in and works without extra software, according to the manufacturer. A third route is a small USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, which lets earbuds you already own work on a jack-less laptop, though the adapter has to support a mic.
Wireless earbuds without Bluetooth
If your PC has no Bluetooth, or the connection is unreliable, look for earbuds that include a USB receiver (dongle). The Jabra Evolve2 Buds are the example in this guide. You plug the dongle into a USB port and the PC treats the earbuds as a headset. You can also add a separate Bluetooth USB adapter to a desktop PC, but a model with its own dongle is simpler because the earbuds and receiver are designed to work together.
Wired vs wireless for calls on a laptop
Wired earbuds have no battery to charge, no pairing and no audio lag, and the in-line mic sits near your mouth. Wireless earbuds free you from the cable and often add noise cancelling, but they depend on Bluetooth (or a dongle), and add battery and pairing steps. For all-day calls at a desk, wired or dongle-based picks cause the fewest surprises. For moving around the house or office, Bluetooth is worth it.
Why is my earbud mic not working on my PC?
- Check the plug. A 3.5mm plug needs four poles (TRRS) to carry a mic. Laptops with separate headphone and mic jacks need a splitter.
- Pick the right input. In Windows Sound settings, make sure the earbuds are the selected input device, and check that the volume isn’t muted.
- Allow microphone access. In Windows privacy settings, make sure apps can use the microphone, and check the audio settings inside your call app.
- Try another port or app. A different USB port, or testing in another app, shows whether the problem is the earbuds or the software.
- Check Bluetooth profiles. Some Bluetooth earbuds switch to a lower-quality call mode when the mic is active, which is normal. If the mic is silent, disconnect and re-pair.
How we research
We analyze specs, independent lab data and expert reviews, and note common owner feedback where we find it. We do not test products ourselves. We favor reviewers who buy their own units, and we say when evidence is thin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use earbuds with a laptop or computer?
Yes. Wired earbuds need a matching port (a 3.5mm jack or USB-C), and wireless earbuds need Bluetooth or a USB dongle.
Do earbuds with a mic work on a PC?
Usually yes, if the plug or connection carries the mic. A 3.5mm plug needs four poles (TRRS), and some PCs need a splitter for separate mic and headphone jacks.
Which earbuds are compatible with laptops?
Look at your laptop’s ports first. Laptops with a combo jack accept 3.5mm TRRS earbuds, laptops with USB-C accept USB-C earbuds that support audio, and any laptop with Bluetooth accepts Bluetooth earbuds.
Are wired earbuds better than wireless for calls on a laptop?
Wired earbuds avoid battery, pairing and lag problems and put the mic close to your mouth. Wireless earbuds are more convenient and often add noise cancelling, but depend on Bluetooth or a dongle.
USB-C or 3.5mm: which does my laptop need?
Use whichever port your laptop has. If it has both, a 3.5mm TRRS plug is the most universal, and USB-C is cleaner if the jack is missing.
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