As we wrap up 2026, rather than compiling a standard list of my favorite headphones and earbuds, I decided to put a selection of this year’s top models to a specific, real-world test: voice-calling performance. In our latest “Holiday Office Hours from the Labs” video, I evaluated several premium and budget-friendly earbuds to see how they handle voice calls, especially in noisy environments. Joining me are Jada Jones from ZDNET and Eric Zeman from PCMag, who also share their top holiday picks for headphones and earbuds.
Each of the premium earbuds I put to the test has earned a CNET Editors’ Choice award, including Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 5, and Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro. To see how high-end options stack up against budget alternatives, I also included the $27 JLab Go Pods ANC in the test. While they aren’t perfect, the budget buds performed better than expected.
In my hands-on review, I rated the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro highly for voice-calling, and it lived up to the reputation by delivering the best noise reduction, keeping my voice clear and natural even amidst street noise. Watch the full video above to see how all the contenders performed.
David Carnoy, Executive Editor / Reviews