AirPods do have a tendency to pick up background noise when used for making calls. This can be attributed to the higher gain setting of the microphone compared to other headsets and earbuds. The gain setting determines how sensitive the microphone is to picking up sound, and in the case of AirPods, it is set relatively high.
One of the reasons behind this higher gain setting could be the desire to capture clear audio even in noisy environments. By increasing the sensitivity of the microphone, AirPods can ensure that the user’s voice is captured clearly, even if there are distractions in the background.
However, this higher gain setting comes with a trade-off. It means that the microphone is more likely to pick up ambient sounds, such as traffic noise, conversations happening nearby, or even the rustling of clothing. These background noises can sometimes interfere with the clarity of the call and make it difficult for the person on the other end of the line to hear you properly.
I have personally experienced this issue with AirPods, especially when making calls in busy environments. The microphone tends to pick up a lot of background noise, which can be distracting for both me and the person I’m speaking with. In some cases, I have found myself having to repeat what I said or ask the other person to repeat themselves due to the interference caused by these ambient sounds.
It’s worth noting that the background noise picked up by AirPods may vary depending on the specific environment and surrounding conditions. For example, if you are in a quieter room or a place with minimal external noise, the impact of background noise might be less noticeable. On the other hand, in a crowded or noisy setting, the microphone’s higher gain setting can result in more pronounced background noise.
While AirPods do offer convenience and a seamless user experience, the trade-off of potentially picking up background noise during calls is something to consider. If you frequently make calls in noisy environments or prioritize crystal-clear audio quality during calls, it might be worth exploring other headset options that have a lower gain setting and better noise cancellation capabilities.
AirPods have a higher gain setting for their microphone, which makes them more susceptible to picking up background noise during calls. This can sometimes interfere with the clarity of the conversation and may require additional effort from both parties to ensure effective communication.