Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Yes. Apple says every AirPod has a microphone for phone calls and Siri. Microphone selection is automatic by default, but you can set your AirPods to use the left or right microphone instead. Some newer models also support additional features, including Voice Isolation for calls and microphone input in supported camera apps.
Which microphone do AirPods use?
By default, either AirPod can act as the microphone. If you use just one earbud, that AirPod acts as the microphone. You can also choose a fixed side in your connected device’s AirPods settings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Set the microphone to Automatic, Left, or Right
- Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad and put them in your ears.
- Open Settings and tap your AirPods near the top of the screen. If they do not appear there, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the info button next to your AirPods.
- Tap Microphone, then choose Automatically Switch AirPods, Always Left AirPod, or Always Right AirPod. The exact wording or path can vary by device and software version.
Automatic selection is the default, so most people do not need to change this setting. Choosing a side can be useful if you prefer one earbud to handle calls consistently. Apple documents the automatic and left/right options in its AirPods settings guide.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Do all AirPods have the same microphone features?
Apple says there is a microphone in each AirPod, but microphone hardware and extra features differ by model. For example, Apple lists AirPods 4 with dual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone. That specification should not be assumed for every AirPods model. See Apple’s AirPods 4 technical specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Voice Isolation during calls
Voice Isolation is a call feature that can prioritize your voice and reduce background noise. Apple’s call guidance identifies AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3 for Voice Isolation on supported iPhone, iPad, or Mac setups. Availability depends on the AirPods model and connected device; having a microphone alone does not mean a model supports this feature. Apple’s guide to making and answering calls with AirPods describes supported models and call controls.
Using AirPods as a camera microphone
On supported iPhone and iPad camera apps, AirPods can serve as the audio input for a recording. Apple lists AirPods 4, AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max 2 for this feature, with iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 and later required. The feature depends on the model, operating system, and app, and is not available in every country or region; Apple’s guide notes that it is unavailable in the EU. Check Apple’s supported-camera-app instructions for current compatibility and input-selection steps.
Rank #2
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Are AirPods microphones used for noise cancellation?
Yes, but noise-control microphones and call microphones serve different purposes. Apple describes outward-facing microphones that detect external sound and an inward-facing microphone that listens inside the ear as part of Active Noise Cancellation. This does not mean AirPods have an external boom microphone, nor does ANC by itself establish how clearly your voice will be picked up on a call. Apple explains the roles of these microphones in its Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes guide.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Rank #4
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
What to expect when using AirPods for calls
- For ordinary calls and Siri, AirPods include microphones; the default automatic setting handles which earbud acts as the microphone.
- If you want to use one side consistently, select left or right in AirPods settings.
- Special capabilities such as Voice Isolation and camera-app recording are model- and device-dependent. Confirm compatibility in Apple’s current guidance rather than assuming all AirPods support them.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
