How to Improve Your Audio Quality in Video Calls
The biggest upgrade costs the least effort: any headset beats the laptop's built-in microphone. Then come room acoustics, the platform's noise cancellation, and mic levels.
1. Use a headset, not the laptop's microphone
The most noticeable improvement for the least effort: a headset with a microphone (even a basic one) usually sounds markedly better than the laptop's built-in mic, which picks up more ambient noise and room echo.
2. Reduce background noise around you
- Close windows if there is outside noise.
- Pick a room with more "soft" objects (curtains, rugs) — they absorb echo better than bare walls.
- Mute notifications on other nearby devices.
3. Use the platform's noise cancellation
Most video call platforms (Zoom, Teams, Meet) include noise cancellation you can enable in their audio settings — it automatically reduces constant background noise (fans, distant traffic).
4. Check your microphone level
Not too low (it forces others to raise their volume and pick up more noise) and not too high (it clips and distorts) — most platforms show a visual meter while you speak so you can set it right.
Tip: mute your microphone when you are not speaking in group calls — it cuts the combined background noise of every participant at once.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most noticeable audio quality upgrade?
Using a headset with a microphone instead of the laptop's built-in mic — the perceived quality difference is usually striking for minimal effort.
Should I mute myself when not speaking in group calls?
Yes, it is good practice — it reduces the combined background noise of every participant who is not actively speaking at that moment.