Why Earbuds Fail for Business Calls (And Better Headset Options)

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Earbuds are convenient. They’re small, portable, and almost everyone already owns a pair. But when it comes to professional communication, convenience doesn’t always equal quality.

woman working from home, wearing earbuds while on a video conferencing meeting on her laptop

In our recent Headset Advisor video, Drew demonstrates exactly why earbuds fall short for business calls. He tests them in noisy environments, including background conversations, barking dogs, crying babies, and even a roaring blender. You may find the results eye-opening.

If you’re relying on earbuds for business calls, sales conversations, customer support, or virtual meetings, it may be costing you more than you realize. And hopefully after reading this blog, or watching our video, you'll give pause to the idea of continuing to use earbuds for important calls or meetings.

Check out our informational Earbuds video
Below, we break down why earbuds are not ideal for professional use and how wired or wireless headset alternatives deliver better performance. And no, not all earbud alternative headsets leave you looking like an Astronaut ready for the next lunar moon mission.

The Problem with Using Earbuds for Business Calls

Earbuds are designed primarily for casual listening and personal phone use. While some models advertise noise cancellation, most struggle in dynamic work environments to provide the kind of audio quality needed in a professional working environment.

Here’s what typically happens when earbuds are used for business communication:

Microphones pick up background noise that your callers can hear
Voice clarity drops in busy or unpredictable environments
Callers hear distractions more than your voice - message can get lost
Professional image suffers
Long-term comfort can be inconsistent
Battery performance is typically less than what’s needed for all day use
Bluetooth connection can be inconsistent - static, dropped calls, limited wireless range and unpredictable call quality. This can compromise image and productivity.

In the video, Drew demonstrates how quickly audio quality suffers when environmental noise is present. When people are talking, dogs are barking, babies crying or general noise is present, earbuds often allow too much of that background sound to reach the caller. And if the caller is distracted by the sounds around you, then you risk having your message not being heard which works against the objectives of your call causing you to be less productive.

That’s a problem if your role involves sales, customer service, consulting, or any client-facing communication. This is particularly problematic in cases where statistics are being kept, such as sales performance, customer satisfaction ratings and more.

Why Audio Quality Matters in Business Communication

Clear communication helps to build trust. Poor audio creates friction, distraction and can easily tarnish a reputation, or at the very least, how someone might perceive you.

When callers struggle to hear you clearly, several things happen:

Conversations take longer
Important details may be missed
Frustration increases
Your professionalism may be questioned

Even if a client doesn’t say anything directly, poor call quality leaves an impression. In competitive markets, perception matters, and most would agree that in business today, we need every advantage we can get, and audio quality is one of the many things that matter. Also, audio quality is something we can control by the devices we choose.

Business communication tools should support your message, not distract from it. And, it's my opinion that using earbuds for important business calls is a practice that works against you.

Real-World Noise Testing: What the Video Demonstrates

man wearing earbuds during a noise test with a decible meter in the foreground showing how much noise is present

In our video, earbuds are tested under conditions many professionals experience daily whether working in an office, or at home:

Office noise
Barking dogs
Children noise
To help ratchet up the noise level for a more extreme example, we threw in a roaring blender. Not that anyone would be on a call with a blender in high gear next to them, but this does help to show how different devices handle noise at that level.

When background noise increases, earbuds struggle to isolate the speaker’s voice, while at the same time, struggles to suppress these noises with the vast majority failing to deliver a professional sound. The result is inconsistent, and questionable call clarity and a diminished call experience.

That’s why investing in a purpose-built business headset can make a significant difference.

Better Alternatives to Earbuds for Business Calls

Instead of relying on consumer earbuds, Drew highlights three professional alternatives designed specifically for business communication.

Shokz OpenComm2

The Shokz OpenComm2 uses bone conduction technology and a noise-canceling boom microphone. Because the microphone sits closer to the mouth, it does a better job isolating your voice compared to standard earbuds, plus it features a noise canceling microphone and a discreet, lightweight, behind-the-neck design.

The Shokz Opencomm2 works well for:

Professionals who want situational awareness - ears are fully uncovered
Hybrid workers
Field professionals
Users who prefer open-ear comfort and no headband
People with hearing challenges - bone conduction bypasses the eardrum which may allow some people to hear better

Yealink BH71

The Yealink BH71 is a business-grade Bluetooth headset designed for mobile professionals. Its advanced microphone system improves voice pickup while reducing background distractions. Worn over the ear combined with its lightweight profile makes this a solid option to consider for those who don’t like headband style headsets, or those who have sensitivities to things worn over the head.

The Yealink BH71 is ideal for:

Sales professionals
On-the-go workers
Remote employees
Users needing strong voice clarity in variable environments
Those unwilling or unable to wear traditional headband style headsets

Discover D713U

The Discover D713U is a wired USB headset designed for clear and consistent communication. Unlike earbuds, it features a dedicated noise-canceling microphone positioned properly for voice isolation. The D713U offers users an on-ear wearing style for USB connectivity, allowing for right or left ear wearing, different sizes of ear tips for personalized comfort, and a lobe hinge that pivots to secure the headset to the ear. This feature helps to address those who have experienced earpiece style headsets in the past that weren’t secure and in some cases, would fall off.

The Discover D713U is well suited for:

Office environments
Call centers
Customer support teams
High call volume roles
Hybrid workers

Wired headsets like the D713U provide consistent performance without battery management concerns, making them a reliable option for desktop-based professionals.

Enhancing Audio Even Further with Software

Hardware plays a major role in communication quality, but software can add another layer of enhancement.

neep AI noise canceling software is designed to improve sound quality for both ends of the conversation. It learns and then enhances the caller’s voice while removing background noise from both the speaker and the listener. This creates a cleaner, more natural conversation even in challenging environments.

For organizations operating in hybrid or unpredictable settings, combining a professional headset with intelligent noise canceling software can dramatically improve communication clarity.

To learn more about neep ai noise canceling software, or to arrange for your free trial of neep, go to neep.com

Choosing the Right Business Headset

Selecting the right headset depends on several factors:

Work environment (quiet office vs noisy background)
Mobility needs
Call volume
Device compatibility
Comfort preferences
Budget

What works for one role may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to evaluate your communication needs before standardizing on a solution.

If you’re unsure whether earbuds, Bluetooth headsets, or wired USB headsets are right for your team, getting expert guidance can save valuable time and prevent costly mistakes.

Get Free Headset Assistance from Headset Advisor

Close up of a woman in front of a computer screen assisting a caller while wearing a headset

At Headset Advisor, we’ve been helping businesses solve their communication challenges for over 30 years. Our team understands compatibility, call clarity, and how to match the right audio device to the right environment.

If you have questions about earbuds vs business headsets, the Shokz OpenComm2, Yealink BH71, Discover D713U, or any other communication solution, reach out to us.

We offer free headset assistance to help you find the right, compatible audio solution for your specific needs.

Clear communication starts with the right equipment.

Watch the full video comparison above, and if you’re ready to improve your business call quality, and make sure to contact Headset Advisor today if you need some help.