Introduction: The Importance of Microphone Quality in True Wireless Earbuds
As true wireless earbuds become essential for work, calls, and remote communication, microphone performance has emerged as a critical factor. Consumers often prioritize sound quality for music, but the ability to capture clear voice during phone calls, video conferences, or voice assistant commands can make or break the user experience. In this comprehensive microphone test, we compared four popular models: the Earfun Air Pro 3, Soundpeats Engine 4, Sony Link Bud S, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. The results were clear: Sony's Link Bud S delivered the best overall microphone performance, earning top marks for clarity, ambient noise reduction, and consistent output.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
Each of these earbuds represents a different price segment and brand philosophy. The Earfun Air Pro 3 is a budget-friendly option known for solid ANC and good sound. The Soundpeats Engine 4 targets fitness enthusiasts with its secure fit and durable design. Sony's Link Bud S sits in the premium mid-range with a focus on comfort and smart features. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is a flagship model with excellent audio and integration with the Galaxy ecosystem. All support Bluetooth 5.3 or later, and each uses multiple microphones with beamforming and noise reduction algorithms.
Test Methodology
To ensure consistent results, we recorded voice samples from the same speaker in three environments: a quiet room, a busy street with traffic, and a moderately noisy office. We used a calibrated reference microphone to capture the original speech and compared the recorded output from each earbud. Metrics included frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, and intelligibility in noise. Subjective listening panels also rated clarity, naturalness, and background suppression. The Sony Link Bud S consistently scored highest across all environments.
Microphone Performance Deep Dive
Earfun Air Pro 3
The Earfun Air Pro 3 uses a dual-mic array with Qualcomm cVc noise reduction. In quiet environments, voice capture is surprisingly clear for the price, with moderate background noise filtering. However, in noisy outdoor conditions, the microphones struggled to isolate the speaker's voice, and wind noise caused noticeable distortion. The overall quality is acceptable for casual calls but falls short for professional use.
Soundpeats Engine 4
Soundpeats Engine 4 features a single-mic configuration with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation). While the earbuds are comfortable for workouts, the microphone quality is mediocre. In quiet rooms, voices sound thin and slightly muffled. In noise, the algorithm aggressively cuts background sounds but also removes some vocal frequencies, making the speaker sound distant. For hands-free commands, it works, but for important calls, it's not recommended.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Samsung's Buds 2 Pro are equipped with three microphones and an advanced beamforming system. They perform well in quiet and office environments, with good clarity and natural tonality. However, in high wind or busy streets, occasional artifacts and pumping of background noise were observed. The voice capture remains intelligible, but the Sony Link Bud S outperforms it in consistently suppressing wind and sudden noises.
Sony Link Bud S
The Sony Link Bud S uses a unique open-ring design with dual beamforming microphones and a noise reduction algorithm powered by Sony's Integrated Processor V1. In all test scenarios, the voice was remarkably clear and full-bodied. Even in loud traffic, the background honks and engine sounds were greatly reduced without affecting the speaker's voice. Wind noise handling was the best in its class. Microphone output remained stable across different angles and distances. This performance is a clear winner for users who rely on their earbuds for calls in varied environments.
Why Sony Wins: Technology and Design
Sony's advantage stems from its proprietary Precise Voice Pickup technology, which uses a combination of multiple microphones and machine learning to distinguish the user's voice from environmental noise. The Link Bud S also benefits from the open-ring design that naturally reduces occlusion effect, allowing the user to hear their own voice more naturally. Additionally, Sony's Adaptive Volume Control and Speak-to-Chat features are built on top of reliable microphone input, ensuring a seamless experience. These factors collectively give Sony the edge over competitors.
Broader Market Context: The Growing Demand for Clear Calls
The earbud market has expanded rapidly, with sales projected to exceed 500 million units by 2027. As remote work becomes permanent for many, the need for reliable voice communication has skyrocketed. Early earbuds often sacrificed microphone quality for music sound, but recent models like the Link Bud S demonstrate that it is possible to excel in both areas. The trend is towards better voice pickup, with companies investing in AI-powered noise reduction and multi-microphone arrays. Sony's win in this test aligns with its reputation for premium audio engineering, but rivals are catching up quickly.
Key Takeaways for Consumers
If you primarily use earbuds for music and casual calls, the Earfun Air Pro 3 offers good value. For sports and outdoor activities, the Soundpeats Engine 4 is acceptable but not ideal for voice. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is a solid all-rounder with excellent integration for Android users. However, for professionals who make frequent calls in noisy environments, the Sony Link Bud S is the clear champion. Its microphone clarity and noise reduction set a new benchmark. Future updates may improve algorithms further, but as of mid-2026, Sony leads.
How to Maintain Microphone Performance
To ensure optimal microphone quality, users should regularly clean the microphone grills with a soft brush, avoid blocking the vents with earwax or debris, and update firmware to get the latest noise reduction algorithms. Many earbuds also allow you to adjust microphone sensitivity in companion apps. For best results in very noisy places, consider using transparency mode or turning off ANC, as some mics double for both ANC and voice pickup.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Earbud Microphones
We expect to see more earbuds equipped with bone conduction sensors that pick up voice directly through the skull, bypassing ambient noise entirely. AI-driven real-time enhancement will become standard. The competition between Sony, Samsung, and emerging Chinese brands will push innovation further. For now, the Sony Link Bud S sets the standard for microphone excellence. Whether you are a remote worker, a frequent traveler, or a podcast host, investing in a pair with outstanding microphone quality will pay off in clearer conversations and fewer repetitions.
In summary, our rigorous testing across multiple environments confirms that Sony's Link Bud S outperforms the Earfun Air Pro 3, Soundpeats Engine 4, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in microphone performance. The technology behind its Precise Voice Pickup and the thoughtful open-ring design make it the top choice for voice call reliability. The other models have their own strengths, but for pure microphone quality, Sony wins.
Source: MSN News