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The Best Headset Microphones will provide you with greater audio in both the sense that it will allow you to hear more and in the sense that it will allow other people to hear more of what you are saying. Therefore, regardless of whether you are podcasting, streaming, or simply conducting a video chat, you will come across as being significantly more professional. This indicates that it is well worth the additional cost to acquire a model of acceptable quality.
To begin, it is important that we define our words. Headsets are distinct from the best headphones in that they come equipped with a mic that is integrated into the design. This means that you may use them to consume material, just as you would with regular headphones, but you can also use them to make your own content, as well as take part in meetings, Zoom conversations, online games, and other activities, and the audio will be delivered in a manner that is crisp and clear.
Best Headset Microphones Comparison Table
| Product Name | Features/Description |
|---|---|
| EPOS H3PRO Hybrid | A wired headset with a detachable noise-canceling microphone, featuring high-quality audio and comfortable design. |
| Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE | A wireless headset with a detachable microphone, featuring high-fidelity audio and RGB lighting. |
| AKG C 520 | A professional-grade headset with a flexible boom microphone, featuring excellent sound quality and durability. |
| Sennheiser XSW 1-ME3 | A wireless headset with a unidirectional condenser microphone, featuring easy setup and reliable wireless connection. |
| Razer Kraken X | A lightweight wired headset with a bendable microphone, featuring 7.1 surround sound and comfortable design. |
| Audio-Technica ATH-G1 | A wired gaming headset with a detachable boom microphone, featuring large 45mm drivers and durable construction. |
EPOS H3PRO Hybrid
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-30kHz |
| Impedance | 20 ohms |
| Connectivity | USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm jack |
| Microphone | Uni-directional, noise-cancelling |
| Weight | 325g |
The sound quality of the H3PRO’s playing is very close to what we consider to be the perfect frequency response curve. The bass and low-mids are slightly emphasized, and notes below 40Hz have a tiny roll-off that makes them almost inaudible. This makes it great for playing games and listening to music. It also works with different surround sound systems, like the new 3D Audio on the PlayStation 5 and Windows Sonic in USB mode. As you can see in this clip, the microphone is also pretty good.
This headset also has active noise cancellation (ANC), which makes it a great choice for people who play games in noisy places or in shared living spaces, as well as when they’re on the go. In addition, you can use the app to change the noise gate on the microphone. It has a lot of different ways to connect, like wired and wireless USB, a 3.5mm cord, and Bluetooth 5.2.
The Good
- Compatible with a number of different platforms
- Wide range of frequencies for clear sound
- There are many ways to connect.
- The design is light and comfortable.
- A good microphone that blocks out noise
The Bad
- People who like a more bass-heavy sound might not like it.
- Some users might find it a bit pricey.
Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Connectivity | Wireless USB dongle, wired USB-C/3.5mm jack |
| Microphone | Omnidirectional, noise-cancelling |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours with RGB lighting off |
| Weight | 360g |
As its name suggests, this gaming headset lets you join wirelessly using the 2.4GHz USB dongle that comes with it and works with the PS4, Xbox One, and PCs. Also, the battery lasts for 20 hours, so you won’t have to worry about it dying in the middle of a game.
When it comes to sound quality, not everyone will be happy with the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE. EDM and hip-hop fans will find it too quiet if the kick drums and bass synth lines aren’t loud enough. But it handles sound effects, dialogue, and musical scores easily, making for a great game listening experience.
The Good
- Low latency and high-quality wireless sound
- Wide frequency response for sound that fills the room
- Comfortable and durable design
- A good microphone that blocks out noise
- Lasts a long time
The Bad
- Could be too heavy for some people
- Might not be good for people who want something smaller.
AKG C 520
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | PA systems, mixers, recording devices |
| Frequency response | 60Hz-20kHz |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Sensitivity | -52dBV/Pa |
| Connectivity | XLR cable |
| Weight | 335g |
The studio headphones that AKG makes are known for being of good quality. But they also make great microphones, and one of their best headset mics is the AKG C520. The C520 is a cardioid mic that can pick up sounds between 60 Hz and 20 kHz and has a sensitivity of -46 dBV. To put it more simply, the C520 is a great microphone.
When I quickly tested the C520 by connecting it to an audio input, it was clear and responsive. Also, the sensitivity is as described. The C520 can hear whispers clearly and doesn’t cut out when loud singing is going on. The p’s and b’s are also filtered out well by the pop filter that comes with it.
The Good
- Professional-grade audio quality
- Clear sound output with a good cardioid polar pattern
- Suitable for recording and amplifying different kinds of sound
The Bad
- Might require additional equipment for proper use
- People who want a smaller, more portable microphone might not like this one.
Sennheiser XSW 1-ME3
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Camera systems, mixers, PA systems |
| Frequency response | 60Hz-16kHz |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Sensitivity | 1.8mV/Pa |
| Connectivity | XLR cable |
| Weight | 226g |
Another well-known brand of headphones that are good for studio use. And just like AKG, Sennheiser makes great, high-quality mics like the XSW 1-ME3, which is easily one of the best portable headset microphones for singing. This mic, the XSW 1-ME3, sounds great. With a frequency range of 50Hz–16kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of 103dB, it can pick up almost any voice at almost any volume.
The mic also has great sound quality. Nothing sounds dull, and the included pop filter does a great job of taking care of those p’s and b’s. The headset is also pretty easy to wear. It sits firmly on top of your ears and has a strap at the back that fits snugly and comfortably against the back of your head.
The Good
- Excellent sound quality
- Clear sound output with a good cardioid polar pattern
- Suitable for recording and amplifying different kinds of sound
- The design is light and comfortable.
The Bad
- Might require additional equipment for proper use
- People who like a more bass-heavy sound might not like it.
Razer Kraken X
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Frequency response | 12Hz-28kHz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm jack |
| Microphone | Uni-directional, bendable |
| Weight | 250g |
Here is the best cheap headset we can suggest. Again, it was made with gamers in mind, but it can also be used as a normal headset. The soft memory foam earpad cushions are just as comfortable for a day of working from home as they are for a night of games.
Under the left earcup is a volume slider and mute button that are easy to reach. Inside are 40mm drivers with a good frequency response of 12Hz–28kHz and a low 32-ohm resistance, which means they can be driven by any device and still make a lot of noise.
The Good
- The design is light and comfortable.
- Sounds that are clear and specific
- It works with a lot of different devices.
- Affordable price point
- A microphone that can be bent makes it easy to place.
The Bad
- People who like a more bass-heavy sound might not like it.
- Not many ways to connect
Audio-Technica ATH-G1
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 45 ohms |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm jack, Y-type cable |
| Microphone | Uni-directional, detachable |
| Weight | 250g |
If you want a headset just for games, we recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-G1 Premium games Headset. The sound quality is the most important thing here. The relatively large 45mm drivers are tuned to give studio-quality sound, and the 5Hz-40kHz frequency response backs this up. Even the mic has a good range of 30Hz to 20kHz.
The mic boom is also bendable for the best possible placement. It has a highly directional pickup to help block out background noise and improve the sound of your voice, and it can be taken off so you can use the headphones while you’re on the go.
The Good
- Good balance between different frequencies and high-quality sound output
- With a detachable microphone, you can use it in more ways.
- Comfortable and durable design
- Suitable for a variety of streaming and gaming apps
The Bad
- It doesn’t work well with other devices.
- Its bass output might not be as strong as that of some other gaming headsets.
FAQs
A: A headset microphone is a type of microphone that is attached to a headband or a set of headphones. It allows the user to speak into the microphone without the need to hold it in their hand, providing greater convenience and freedom of movement.
A: Some advantages of using a headset microphone include hands-free operation, greater mobility, improved sound quality, and better noise cancellation.
A: Some good headset microphones for recording podcasts or videos include the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x with a separate microphone attachment, the Blue Yeti USB microphone, and the Rode NT-USB microphone.