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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 always use the left or right earbud. Some newer models also support features such as Voice Isolation or microphone input in supported camera apps; those extras depend on the model, device, software, app, and region.
How the AirPods microphone works
Each AirPod has a microphone, so AirPods are not playback-only earbuds. Apple says the microphones can be used for calls and Siri. By default, the microphone setting is Automatic, allowing either earbud to act as the microphone. If you use just one AirPod, that earbud acts as the microphone.
You can also choose a fixed side instead of automatic selection. On a paired iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your AirPods near the top of the screen, tap Microphone, then select Always Left AirPod or Always Right AirPod. Menu labels and paths can vary by device and software version. Apple’s AirPods settings guide describes the automatic and left/right options.
What the microphones can do
Calls and Siri
The built-in microphones let you speak during phone calls and make voice requests to Siri. This is the standard microphone use across AirPods; you do not have to set a preferred side for ordinary use.
#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 on supported setups
Voice Isolation can prioritize your voice and reduce surrounding noise during calls, but it is not a feature to assume every AirPods model supports. Apple documents it for AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3 when used for calls with supported iPhone, iPad, or Mac setups. Apple’s call guidance explains supported models and call controls. Availability depends on the device and software combination.
Recording audio in camera apps
Some AirPods can serve as the microphone input when recording in supported iPhone or iPad camera apps. Apple’s guide lists AirPods 4, AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max 2, and requires iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or later. App and regional restrictions apply; Apple says the feature is not available in every country or region, including the EU. Check Apple’s supported camera-app instructions for current requirements and setup.
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.*
Do AirPods have noise-cancelling microphones?
Microphones also help some AirPods manage noise, but that role is distinct from speaking on a call. Apple explains that outward-facing microphones detect external sounds and an inward-facing microphone listens inside the ear for unwanted internal sounds during Active Noise Cancellation. These microphones are not an external boom mic, and noise cancellation alone does not establish how clearly a caller will hear you. See Apple’s explanation of Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency.
Microphone details vary by model
AirPods models do not all have identical microphone configurations or support the same extra features. For example, Apple lists AirPods 4 as having dual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone. It also lists Voice Isolation for AirPods 4, but support for features such as camera-app recording has its own model and software requirements. AirPods 4 technical specifications provide the model-specific details. Apple’s documentation does not provide a comparable call-quality test across models, so the microphone count alone should not be treated as a quality ranking.
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.*
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