11 earphones and headphones to invest in for crystal-clear sound quality on your next web conference

For those who are working from home during the circuit breaker period, web conference tools like Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet have very likely become a regular part of daily life.

And we’re sure you would have encountered one of these scenarios: you asking your associates to speak up because you can’t hear them over the noise in your background or them asking you to repeat because you were too soft or broke up mid-sentence.

If you want a smoother web conference experience, a great pair of earphones or headphones would be one of the best investments to make for better work productivity. And even if you don’t foresee yourself using web conference tools frequently when the pandemic is over, a quality pair of earphones or headphones are also great for getting a better music-listening experience when you work or work out.

We have rounded up 11 well-loved models for your consideration.

Earphones and headphones with great online reviews

If you’re not sure what to get just yet, read what other users have to say about their favourite pairs of earphones below.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Well-known among tech-lovers, Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 earned an almost perfect score on Lazada, as well as a place on “best of” lists on sites like cnet and RTINGS.com. Reviewers praise its noise cancelling abilities, sound quality, and sleek look.

Retails on Lazada for SGD599.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3

Microphone quality is just as important as sound when making calls. This stylish model has an ergonomically placed microphone higher up, so you don’t have to hold up the microphone constantly during conferences, and its control box also allows you to change the volume, answer calls, and more. Sites like 3DInsider claims it has a great noise-cancelling function so you can answer calls in any environment, making this a great all-rounder.

Retails at SGD240 on Lazada.

Klipsch T5M Wired Earphones

Klipsch’s earphones are said to have an unparalleled and detailed sound quality, and it doesn’t skimp on microphone quality as well. It has a great in-ear fit so it doesn’t come loose easily. Despite its relatively modest price, reviewing sites like What Hi-Fi compliments its crisp sound and powerful bass.

Get yours here, at SGD109.

JBL T110BT

Available in colours like pink, blue, grey, and basic black and white, this alternative is great if you want to look stylish as you work, while delivering decent sound and microphone quality. It’s also known for its nifty magnetic feature, so your earphones remain neat and untangled around your neck when not in usel.

Available on Lazada for SGD59.90.

Audio Technica ATH-CKS550XIS

If you prefer a bass-heavy sound, Audio Technica has a great options. Although this pair doesn’t have a noise-cancelling feature like others, it has a built-in microphone to take calls. Costing much a little less than a few others on this list, this is a mid-range option for a good pair of earphones with microphone.

Retails on Lazada for SGD126.56.

Wireless earphones

What’s better than a great pair of earphones? A wireless one that allows you to move around unrestricted by a cable!

Apple AirPods

It’s probably no surprise that this popular model is on this list. They’re comfortably light at only four grams each, and produce great sound quality while looking sleek and stylish, making them a great overall choice if you want a wireless pair. They also charge fast, at 15 minutes for a full charge!

However, note that some users have commented that its microphone quality isn’t very good, so this may be a good option that you’d use when you attend a webinar, but not when you’re participating in a web conference.

Available on Lazada for SGD239.

Sudio Tolv True Wireless Earphones

Its sleek appearance of great noise-cancelling feature and sound quality are why this pair of earphones are gaining popularity online. Its reasonable price and ease of automatically connecting to your other devices are other plus points users love.

Retails at Lazada at SGD199, although they go on sale often for as low as SGD119!

Jabra Elite Active 75t

While its main feature is its wireless earbuds, these are also noise isolating- only if you want them to. Tap on the left earbud once, and the HearThrough function will be activated, allowing you to listen to your surroundings when you need to. Plus, the rubberised tips allow a better fit and grip so it doesn’t fall out throughout the day.

Retails at Jabra’s site, or at all Jabra retailers for SGD318, in Navy and Grey, with Sienna and Mint being released at a later date.

Noise-cancelling alternatives

If you live with a huge family or have children, you may often struggle with being distracted by noise around the house. Try out these life-saving noise-cancelling alternatives to keep you focused.

Philips TAPH805

The newest headphones in the market, this is a wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that deliver excellent audio quality while ensuring comfort. Music and sounds are played through high-quality 40mm diameter speakers and it further enhances the experience with its Advanced Active Noise Cancelling hybrid technology that cancels out background noise.

You’ll also love how comfortable the earcups that are cushioned with soft memory foam feels and the intuitive physical buttons and touch controls to activate the different features of the headphones. Its ability to fold easily into pocketable size or folded flat also makes it great for travel or storage.

Retails for SGD249 at iShopChangi and Juz Shoppe. Find out more about the product here.

Apple AirPods Pro

Just like its predecessor, these are lightweight and offer a fast charge. Its added noise-cancelling feature further helps to block out your surroundings when you need to concentrate.

Get yours on Lazada for SGD379.

Jabra Elite 65E Wireless

This neckband-style earphones come with a convenient mic-mute button so you can easily silence yourself during online meetings. These are also noise-cancelling so you don’t have to worry about being distracted by your environment while working.

Retails on Lazada for SGD328.

Sony MDR-XB55AP

For a budget-friendly option that has a noise-isolating feature, this will probably be an ideal pair. Praised for its great bass and treble, these earphones are also lightweight and feel comfortable on the ears, so they’re perfect for long conference calls.

Retails on Lazada for SGD59.