Why Earbuds Fail for Video Calls: Top 3 Headsets to Boost Productivity in 2025

Ever dropped a Zoom call because your AirPods died during your meeting? You’re not alone. In 2025, with 36.2 million remote and hybrid workers relying on video conferencing, office professionals, marketers, IT specialists, project managers need reliable audio to sound professional.

Earbuds like AirPods, while sleek, often fall short with insufficient battery life, spotty connections, and distracting background noise. The result? Unprofessional calls and lost productivity. Wireless and wired headsets offer a smarter alternative, delivering clear sound, stable connections, and all-day comfort.

In this blog you'll discover three top headsets that outperform earbuds, plus a game-changing noise-canceling software to elevate any audio device. So if you’re ready to upgrade your video calls, contact Headset Advisor for expert recommendations tailored to your needs.

Watch Our 3 Best Video

If you'd rather watch our video, Drew takes you through the downsides of using earbuds for business calls and video meetings, and provides you with sound and noise tests to help illustrate the point. He also introduces you to three solid alternatives to using earbuds that aren't bulky, and won't weigh you down. So check it out below.

Why Earbuds Fall Short for Video Calls

Earbuds are great for music or casual conversations, but they’re not built for the demands of professional video meetings. Whether you’re a remote marketer presenting to clients or an IT pro troubleshooting via Teams, earbuds can let you down. Here’s why:

1. Battery Life Woes

Most earbuds, like Apple AirPods, offer just 4-6 hours of talk time which is fine for a quick call, but not for a full day of back-to-back meetings. Imagine a situation where you’re in an important meeting with a client, and your AirPods die mid-sentence. You’re left scrambling to recharge or switch devices, disrupting the flow and your credibility. If you’re someone who’s always juggling Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings, situations like this can be a deal breaker. 

2. Subpar Sound Quality

Sound quality in earbuds can be hit-or-miss, especially in noisy environments. Weak noise cancellation means coworkers’ chatter, barking dogs, or kids’ noise will bleed into your calls, making you sound unprofessional. For example, a project manager in a home office needs clear audio to lead team discussions, but earbuds often fail to filter out distractions, leaving everyone frustrated.

3. Unstable Connectivity

Bluetooth connections between earbuds and computers are notoriously unreliable. Dropped calls, audio jitter, or choppy sound are common, especially in busy office Wi-Fi networks. Unlike headsets with USB dongles, earbuds lack the stability needed for seamless video calls, which is critical for IT workers troubleshooting remotely or managers running virtual meetings.

4. Designed for Casual Use

Most earbuds are made for music or personal calls, not business-grade Unified Communications (UC) platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom, used by 70% of businesses in 2025. Their microphones and connectivity aren’t optimized for professional settings, risking muffled audio or dropped connections which can be a disaster especially when on highly important calls.

Why Headsets Are the Better Choice

Headsets solve these problems with purpose-built features for professional video calls. In 2025, as hybrid work drives demand for reliable audio, headsets offer:

• Longer Battery Life: Up to 40 hours of talk time, perfect for all-day use.

• Superior Sound: Noise-canceling microphones ensure clear audio, even in noisy offices or homes.

• Stable Connections: USB dongles or DECT technology provide reliable, long-range wireless performance.

• Comfort and Professionalism: Lightweight designs and UC compatibility make headsets ideal for modern workplaces.

Unlike earbuds, headsets are designed for business, helping you sound professional and stay productive.

Top 3 Headsets to Replace Earbuds in 2025

Ditch gambling with earbuds and upgrade to one of these professional-grade headsets instead. Each offers unique features to boost your video call performance, whether you’re a remote worker, hybrid team member, or office-based professional.

1. Shokz OpenComm2 UC: Bone Conduction Innovation

The Shokz OpenComm2 UC uses bone conduction technology, delivering audio through transducers placed behind your ears, not in them. This leaves your ears open to hear your surroundings—perfect for hybrid workers who need situational awareness.

If you'd like to learn about Bone Conduction, David provides a crash course in the short video below. 

Key Features of the Opencomm2 UC Bone Conduction headset:

• • Lightweight (1.2 oz), rests on shoulders, avoiding headband discomfort.

  • 16-hour battery life for all-day calls.

  • USB dongle for stable connection and wireless range up to 98 feet.

  • Noise-canceling microphone blocks background noise.

  • UC-certified for Teams, Zoom, and more.

• Best For: Project managers and business professionals who juggle virtual meetings and would like to monitor the sound when working from home, or in an office, and need a comfortable, lightweight headset with professional sound.

• Price: ~$150 - $200.

The OpenComm2 UC’s unique design ensures comfort and professional sound without the bulk of traditional headsets, and can even benefit those who are hearing challenged because the bone conduction system doesn’t require an eardrum to hear audio.

To see a review of the Opencomm 2 bone conduction headset, make sure to watch our video below. It's concise and informative.

2. Yealink BH71 Pro: Sleek and Powerful

The Yealink BH71 Pro is a lightweight, on-ear Bluetooth headset with a professional-grade microphone, ideal for office workers needing versatility. Its optional Workstation base adds a touchscreen and multi-device connectivity.

• Key Features:

• 10-hour talk time, perfect for daily meetings, and the charge case provides two additional charges for a total of up to 30 hours of battery life.

• 4 MEMS noise-canceling microphones for crystal-clear audio.

• USB dongle and Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable connections.

• Optional Workstation with 3” touchscreen, USB hub, and Qi charger.

• Connectivity: Connects to computers, desk phones, and mobile devices.

• Best For: Marketing professionals presenting on Zoom, where clear audio and mobility (100+ feet) are critical. Can also be highly useful to anyone who needs multi-device flexibility in a lightweight, professional sounding headset that’s worn over the ear.

• Price: ~$110 - $250 (BH71 Pro & BH71 Workstation models).

Its compact design and robust features make the BH71 Pro a top choice for dynamic office environments.

To see our review video of the Yealink BH71 Pro series, make sure to check it out below.

3. Discover D713U: Budget-Friendly Wired Option

For those who prefer a wired headset without sacrificing quality, the Discover D713U offers professional audio at an affordable price. Its unique ear loop design ensures a secure, comfortable fit.

• Key Features:

• Lightweight earpiece with noise-canceling microphone.

• Unique ear loop hinge for secure, flop-free fit.

• Three sizes of ear gels for custom fit and all-day comfort.

• Inline controller for easy access to commonly used headset features

• USB connectivity for easy plug-and-play and stable, drop free, static free connection.

• Right or left ear wearing.

• Best For: Budget-conscious admin assistants or IT workers needing reliable audio for daily Teams calls. For example, handle customer support calls without worrying about battery life or dropped calls.

• Price: ~$50-$100.

The D713U delivers business-grade sound and comfort without the wireless price tag.

To learn more about the Discover D713U, and to hear how it sounds, watch our review video below.

Comparison Table

Bonus: Elevate Any Device with neep Ai Software

Even the best headsets can benefit from extra noise cancellation. neep Ai noise-canceling software works with any audio device—earbuds, headsets, or speakerphones—to eliminate background noise from both your end and your caller’s. Whether it’s office chatter or a neighbor’s lawnmower, neep ensures distraction-free calls.

• Why It’s Great: Affordable, easy to install, and compatible with all UC platforms.

• Try It Free: Visit neep.com for a free trial and see the difference.

• Use Case: A remote IT worker uses neep with the Discover D713U to block home noise during troubleshooting calls, sounding professional every time, all the time.

The Takeaway

Earbuds like AirPods may be stylish, but they’re a gamble for video calls. Short battery life, unreliable connections, and poor noise cancellation can harm your professional image and productivity. In 2025’s hybrid work landscape, where clear audio is non-negotiable, headsets like the Shokz OpenComm2 UC, Yealink BH71 Pro, and Discover D713U deliver reliable performance and comfort. Pair them with neep Ai software for unmatched sound clarity.

Need Help Choosing the Right Headset?

With countless headsets on the market, finding the perfect fit for your video calls can be overwhelming. That’s where Headset Advisor comes in. Our friendly, knowledgeable team has helped thousands of professionals find compatible, high-quality audio solutions. Contact us today at headsetadvisor.com for personalized recommendations and experience the difference in your next video meeting.

Resources / Downloads

Opencomm2 UC datasheet

Opencomm2 UC user guide

Yealink BH71 datasheet

Yealink BH71 Flyer

Discover D713U user manual