When Apple first released AirPods in 2016, they revolutionized the wireless earbuds market. Since then, AirPods have become a staple for many music lovers and iPhone users. However, one question has been lingering in the minds of many – do AirPods work for calling? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of AirPods and explore their calling capabilities.
Understanding AirPods’ Design and Technology
To understand how AirPods perform during calls, it’s essential to understand their design and technology. AirPods are equipped with the W1 chip (or H1 chip in AirPods Pro), which enables them to pair seamlessly with Apple devices. This chip also allows for efficient communication between the AirPods and the connected device.
AirPods also feature a unique design, with each earbud containing a microphone and a speaker. The microphones are strategically placed to capture your voice, while the speakers deliver high-quality audio to your ears. This design enables AirPods to provide an immersive listening experience and clear voice calls.
The Role of Beamforming Technology
One of the key technologies that contribute to AirPods’ calling capabilities is beamforming. Beamforming is a technology that uses a microphone array to focus on the sound coming from a specific direction. In the case of AirPods, the microphones are designed to focus on the sound of your voice, reducing background noise and ambient sounds.
This technology is particularly useful during calls, as it helps to isolate your voice and reduce echo. By focusing on your voice, AirPods can deliver clear and crisp audio to the person on the other end of the call.
Calling with AirPods: The Good and the Bad
So, do AirPods work for calling? The short answer is yes, they do. However, like any technology, they have their strengths and weaknesses.
The Good: Clear Audio and Easy Setup
One of the significant advantages of calling with AirPods is the clear audio quality. Thanks to the beamforming technology and the high-quality microphones, AirPods can deliver crisp and clear audio to the person on the other end of the call. This means that you can enjoy high-quality voice calls without any noticeable distortion or background noise.
Another advantage of AirPods is the ease of setup. Since AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, you don’t need to worry about complicated pairing processes or configuring settings. Simply pair your AirPods with your iPhone, and you’re ready to make calls.
The Bad: Wind Noise and Limited Noise Cancellation
While AirPods are excellent for calling, they do have some limitations. One of the biggest drawbacks is wind noise. Since AirPods are designed to capture your voice, they can also pick up wind noise, which can be distracting during calls. This is particularly noticeable in windy or noisy environments.
Another limitation of AirPods is their limited noise cancellation capabilities. While they do have some noise cancellation features, they are not as effective as some other wireless earbuds on the market. This means that you may still hear some background noise during calls, which can be distracting.
Tips for Improving Call Quality with AirPods
While AirPods do have some limitations, there are some tips and tricks you can use to improve call quality:
- Find a quiet spot: Try to find a quiet spot to take your call, as this will help reduce background noise and wind noise.
- Use the right earbud: If you’re experiencing wind noise, try switching to the other earbud to see if it makes a difference.
- Speak clearly: Speaking clearly and at a moderate pace can help ensure that the person on the other end of the call can hear you clearly.
- Avoid loud environments: Try to avoid taking calls in loud environments, such as busy streets or noisy restaurants.
Comparing AirPods to Other Wireless Earbuds
So, how do AirPods compare to other wireless earbuds when it comes to calling? To answer this question, let’s take a look at some of the top wireless earbuds on the market.
| Earbuds | Call Quality | Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods | Excellent | Limited |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds | Good | Better than AirPods |
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | Excellent | Industry-leading |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Good | Limited |
As you can see, AirPods are competitive when it comes to call quality, but they fall short in terms of noise cancellation. If you’re looking for wireless earbuds with better noise cancellation, you may want to consider options like the Sony WF-1000XM4.
Conclusion
So, do AirPods work for calling? The answer is a resounding yes. While they may have some limitations, such as wind noise and limited noise cancellation, they are an excellent option for making high-quality voice calls.
Key Takeaways:
- AirPods deliver clear and crisp audio during calls
- They are easy to set up and use
- They have some limitations, such as wind noise and limited noise cancellation
- Tips and tricks can help improve call quality
- They compare favorably to other wireless earbuds on the market
If you’re looking for a convenient and easy-to-use solution for making voice calls, AirPods are an excellent choice. With their clear audio, easy setup, and seamless integration with Apple devices, they are a great option for anyone looking to make high-quality voice calls on the go.
Can I make calls with AirPods?
Yes, you can make calls with AirPods. They come equipped with dual beamforming microphones that are designed to pick up your voice and block out background noise, allowing for clear and crisp call quality. The microphones are also equipped with an accelerometer that detects when you’re speaking, which helps to reduce ambient noise.
The AirPods also have a feature called “voice accelerometer” which helps to detect when you’re speaking and when you’re not, and adjusts the microphone accordingly. This feature helps to reduce background noise and wind noise, allowing for a more clear and consistent call quality. Additionally, the AirPods have a feature called “audio sharing” which allows you to share audio with another pair of AirPods, making it easy to have conversations with others while on a call.
How do I answer a call with AirPods?
To answer a call with AirPods, simply tap on either AirPod twice. This will connect the call and allow you to start talking. You can also use Siri to answer calls by saying “Hey Siri, answer call”. If you’re not wearing your AirPods, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone that someone is calling you, and you can tap on the notification to answer the call.
It’s also worth noting that you can use the AirPods to answer calls from other devices, such as your Apple Watch or iPad, as long as they’re connected to the same iCloud account as your iPhone. This makes it easy to answer calls from any device, no matter where you are.
Can I make hands-free calls with AirPods?
Yes, you can make hands-free calls with AirPods. The AirPods are equipped with dual beamforming microphones that are designed to pick up your voice and block out background noise, allowing for clear and crisp call quality even when you’re not holding your iPhone. You can use Siri to make hands-free calls by saying “Hey Siri, call [name]”.
Additionally, you can use the AirPods to make hands-free calls using the iPhone’s built-in speakerphone feature. Simply tap on the speakerphone icon during a call to switch to hands-free mode. This allows you to make calls without having to hold your iPhone, making it easy to multitask while on a call.
Do AirPods work with non-Apple devices?
Yes, AirPods can work with non-Apple devices, but with some limitations. While AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, they can also be paired with non-Apple devices that support Bluetooth. However, some features, such as Siri and audio sharing, may not work on non-Apple devices.
To pair your AirPods with a non-Apple device, simply put the AirPods in their case, open the lid, and go to the Bluetooth settings on your device. Select “AirPods” from the list of available devices, and follow the prompts to complete the pairing process. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the settings on your non-Apple device to get the best possible call quality.
Can I use AirPods for conference calls?
Yes, you can use AirPods for conference calls. The AirPods are designed to pick up your voice and block out background noise, making them well-suited for conference calls. Simply put the AirPods in your ears, and join the conference call as you normally would.
It’s also worth noting that the AirPods have a feature called “noise cancellation” which helps to reduce background noise, allowing you to focus on the call. Additionally, the AirPods have a feature called “audio sharing” which allows you to share audio with another pair of AirPods, making it easy to have conversations with others during a conference call.
Do AirPods work with voice assistants other than Siri?
Yes, AirPods can work with voice assistants other than Siri. While the AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with Siri, they can also be used with other voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Alexa.
To use the AirPods with a voice assistant other than Siri, simply pair the AirPods with your device, and then configure the voice assistant settings on your device to use the AirPods as the audio output. This may require some additional setup and configuration, but it is possible to use the AirPods with other voice assistants.
Can I use AirPods with a landline phone?
No, you cannot use AirPods with a landline phone. The AirPods are designed to work with Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones and tablets, and do not have the ability to connect to a landline phone.
However, if you have a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone that is connected to the internet, you may be able to use the AirPods with it. Simply pair the AirPods with your VoIP phone, and use the phone’s settings to configure the call quality and settings.