Earbud Microphone Test: Sony Wins – A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to choosing true wireless earbuds, microphone quality is often a decisive factor for professionals, students, and anyone who relies on crystal-clear calls or voice recordings. In this in-depth test, we pitted four top contenders against each other: the Earfun Air Pro 3, Soundpeats Engine 4, Sony LinkBuds S, and Samsung Buds Pro 2. Each earbud was subjected to rigorous testing in controlled environments and real-world conditions to determine which delivers the best microphone performance.

Test Methodology

All tests were conducted using the same smartphone (iPhone 15 Pro) on the same network, at the same location. Microphone recordings were captured during phone calls and voice memo apps. We evaluated four parameters: voice clarity (clarity in quiet environments), background noise suppression (ability to filter out street noise, wind, and chatter), wind resistance, and overall naturalness of the voice. Each earbud was tested in quiet room, busy street, and windy outdoor scenarios. A panel of three listeners rated the recordings blindly on a 10-point scale.

Individual Performance Breakdown

Earfun Air Pro 3

The Earfun Air Pro 3 offers solid performance for its budget-friendly price. In quiet settings, the voice was clear but slightly muffled at the edges. Background noise suppression was adequate for moderate noise, but in loud environments, voices became hard to understand. Wind handling was average; gusts above 15 km/h caused noticeable distortion. Overall, the Earfun is a good choice for occasional calls but falls short for professional use.

Soundpeats Engine 4

Soundpeats Engine 4 surprised testers with its vocal clarity in quiet rooms, scoring high marks for naturalness. However, its noise cancellation for the microphone is weak. On busy streets, background traffic often overpowered the speaker. The earbuds have decent wind resistance due to their aerodynamic design, but voice intelligibility dropped significantly when background noise increased. Best suited for quiet environments or indoor calls.

Samsung Buds Pro 2

Samsung’s flagship earbuds performed admirably across the board. The triple-microphone array captured voices with good detail and minimal echo. Background noise suppression was strong, reducing street noise by approximately 70% in our tests. Wind resistance was excellent thanks to the dedicated wind shield. However, in very loud environments (e.g., subway stations), some voices acquired a slight metallic quality. Overall, a strong contender but not the top performer.

Sony LinkBuds S – The Winner

Sony LinkBuds S took the crown with its advanced noise rejection technology. In quiet rooms, voices were crisp, clear, and natural. On busy streets, the adaptive noise cancellation effectively filtered out almost all background noise, leaving only the speaker’s voice. Wind resistance was best-in-class; even in strong winds of 30 km/h, there was no noticeable distortion. The microphones also handled multiple voices well, making it suitable for group calls. The only minor drawback is that the earbuds rely heavily on the Sony Headphones Connect app for optimal settings, but once configured, performance is outstanding.

Detailed Scoring

• Voice Clarity (quiet): Sony 9.5, Samsung 9.0, Soundpeats 8.5, Earfun 7.5
• Background Noise Suppression: Sony 9.8, Samsung 9.0, Soundpeats 6.5, Earfun 7.0
• Wind Resistance: Sony 9.7, Samsung 9.3, Soundpeats 8.0, Earfun 7.5
• Naturalness: Sony 9.4, Samsung 8.8, Soundpeats 8.2, Earfun 7.8

Why Sony Wins – Technology Behind the Microphone

Sony’s victory is not accidental. The LinkBuds S uses a unique combination of a high-quality MEMS mic, adaptive beamforming, and AI-based voice signal processing. The earbuds constantly analyze the acoustic environment and adjust parameters in real time. Additionally, the proprietary Precise Voice Pickup technology focuses on the user's voice while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear. This system is particularly effective for calls in open offices, coffee shops, or even outdoors. Furthermore, the LinkBuds S supports Sony’s DNN (Deep Neural Network) noise reduction, which learns common noise patterns and cancels them intelligently. This is a step above the simpler noise gates used by competitors.

Practical Use Cases and Recommendations

For business professionals who take calls in varied environments, Sony LinkBuds S is the clear recommendation. Students attending online classes or recording voice notes will also benefit. Samsung Buds Pro 2 remain a strong alternative for users already in the Samsung ecosystem. Soundpeats Engine 4 appeals to budget-conscious users who primarily take calls in quiet rooms. Earfun Air Pro 3 offers decent value but should be avoided if call quality is a priority. In summary, the microphone test confirms Sony’s dominance in audio technology, and the LinkBuds S sets a new benchmark for wireless earbud call quality. The test also highlights that while price does not always guarantee performance, Sony’s investment in R&D pays off for users who demand the best. Whether you are leading a team meeting, chatting with friends, or recording a podcast on the go, the Sony LinkBuds S delivers the most reliable and natural voice reproduction available today.

Source: MSN News