CoachCall Hardware Guide
Start with the watches and earbuds you already own. If you need recommendations, this is the short list we'd start with for a dependable CoachCall setup.
A Note on High School Compliance
Electronic communication rules still vary by state, league, and level of play. Check with your state athletic association or governing body before relying on any game-day setup.
NFHS 1-6-2 Situation 5 says a catcher wearing a one-way electronic communication device with an earpiece and no microphone is legal. NFHS Situation 6 makes the two-way point clear: if the device has two-way capability, it is illegal for high school use even if someone says it is muted. Under NFHS 3-2-5, the one-way communication path is limited to a coach in the dugout or bench area relaying to the catcher while on defense. Read the official 2024 NFHS Baseball Rules Interpretations PDF and the NFHS rule change story.
Watches
If you need to buy into a watch setup, these are the two lower-cost places we'd start first. For the setup steps, read Smart watch setup for baseball.
Watch compatibility note
For CoachCall, we recommend Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or newer, or a Google Pixel Watch.
Earbuds & Headsets
Your typical AirPods and Bluetooth earbuds can work just fine with CoachCall too. If you want open-ear bone conduction options for better field awareness, these are the ones we'd start with.
Audio setup guide
If you are deciding whether basic earbuds are enough, read Bluetooth audio for catchers before buying extra gear.
Catcher Setup
If you are building for a catcher, we would think less about consumer earbuds and more about a dedicated Bluetooth receiver plus a receiving-only earpiece.
Keep it practical
Hardware changes fast, and availability moves around. We'll keep refining this guide as devices change, but the goal stays the same: point coaches toward gear that feels dependable, comfortable, and won't break the bank.
Teams and high school programs should still confirm local association and game-administration expectations before using any electronic communication setup in competition.
Need help choosing the right setup for your team? Read the coach-to-catcher guide or email CoachCall support.
