Microphones headphones: Headphones With A Microphone : Target
Best gaming headsets with good microphones
Gaming headsets bring a lot of value to the table. They’re simple solutions to a problem often more complicated than it should be: the need to talk and hear clearly in a video game. Many of them come with all sorts of doodads and perks, like surround sound, customizable LEDs, and multiple input options. However, oddly enough, something many of them often just can’t quite nail is the microphone. Truly great gaming headset microphones are genuinely pretty hard to find, and there aren’t really any good indicators of quality for them—outside of, you know, using them, at least.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve reviewed a lot of great gaming headsets, and more than a few of them have excellent microphones. Read on for our picks of the best gaming headsets with good microphones.
Editor’s note: this post was updated on May 24, 2023 to verify timeliness of the content within, and to add a mention of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro.
The EPOS h4PRO Hybrid is a fantastic multipurpose headset
The EPOS h4PRO Hybrid is a high-quality gaming headset with a versatile set of features. The detachable microphone and relatively accurate sound make it ideal both for gaming and for daily wear, while the variety of connection options make it ready for anything.
EPOS h4PRO Hybrid
8.2
The h4PRO delivers excellent playback sound quality, hitting very close to what we consider the ideal frequency response curve. The bass and low-mids are slightly emphasized, with some minor roll-off to notes below 40Hz (nearly inaudible). This makes it great for both gaming and music listening. It also works with different surround sound solutions, including the PlayStation 5’s new 3D Audio and Windows Sonic in wired mode. The microphone is quite good too as you can here in this standardized sample.
This headset also features active noise canceling (ANC), making it a standout option for people playing games in louder environments or shared living spaces, as well as on the go. To complement this, you can adjust the microphone’s noise gate using the app. It sports a wide array of connectivity options including wired and wireless USB options, a 3.5mm cable, and Bluetooth 5.2.
Considering EPOS’ previous effort, the h4 Hybrid, the h4PRO is an exciting step up in quality that performs admirably in nearly any instance. If the price isn’t a deterrent to you, this is one of the best options on the market.
The EPOS h4PRO Hybrid has a very good microphone for a gaming headset. The mic is loud and voices come through clearly. The noise gate turned on by default in the app is pretty noticeable, but you can turn that down or deactivate it easily. The noise suppression is handy for incidental noises like in an office.
EPOS h4Pro Hybrid microphone demo (Ideal):
EPOS h4Pro Hybrid microphone demo (Office):
If you want a great mic without stretching a cord across the room, look to the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE
The Virtuoso Wireless SE is the most premium gaming headset Corsair has ever released. Featuring aluminum construction, comfortable ear pads, RGB lighting, and a generous selection of included accessories, the product aims to deliver a high-end gaming experience for people willing to spend nearly $200 USD on a headset.
Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE
8
As its name implies, this gaming headset supports wireless connections via its included 2.4GHz USB dongle, which is compatible with the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PCs. Plus, it has a 20-hour battery life which means that you’ll never have to worry about this headset dying out on you mid-game.
In regards to playback sound quality, the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE won’t please everyone. Under-emphasized bass notes like kick drums and bass synth lines, will come across as too quiet for EDM and hip-hop fans. However, it handles sound effects, dialogue, and musical scores with ease, delivering a listening experience that is ideal for gaming.
Of course, the main attraction of this headset is its microphone. Our tests showed that the microphone has a relatively neutral frequency response, meaning that all voices—high or low pitched—are reproduced loud and clear. While higher frequencies sound slightly quiet, there’s no denying that the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE has one of the best microphones in a gaming headset.
Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE microphone demo (Old):
Looking for something you can just plug in and play with? Consider the Audio-Technica ATH G1
The Audio-Technica ATH G1 gaming headset brings the straightforward build and stellar sound this company’s become known for to the gaming space. It lacks the bells and whistles of a lot of the other headsets on this lists, but that’s a small price to pay for raw audio quality.
Audio-Technica ATH-G1
7.9
This 3.5mm gaming headset works well with anything that supports TRRS plugs, which is basically everything in the gaming space. You’ll need to use its included splitter if you want to use the microphone for games other than Fortnite and Warframe on Nintendo Switch, though. The headset’s 45mm dynamic drivers output very good sound, though they’re definitely tuned to match an Olive-Welti curve, rather than the neutral frequency response you’d find with Audio-Technica’s studio headphones.
The Audio-Technica ATH G1 microphone puts out very accurate sound, with only a slight under-emphasis around 2,500Hz. However, this is definitely a headset where it’s worth increasing the gain, as the mic can be awfully quiet. It’s an easy fix, and it shouldn’t detract from the appeal of the headset, but it’s something you’ll need to deal with.
Audio-Technica ATH-G1 microphone demo (Old):
The Razer Barracuda X (2022) is an excellent affordable gaming headset
Razer took its already good Razer Barracuda X made it even better. For only $99 USD, the Razer Barracuda X (2022) features Bluetooth, 2.4gHz, and wired connectivity options, good sound quality, long battery life, and a great microphone. You can use the Barracuda X (2022) with pretty much any device you can play a game on, and its light at only 250g, so you can comfortably game anywhere you want. In our testing at a consistent audio output peaking at 75dB(SPL), we found that the battery lasts 59 hours, 53 minutes, so you can reliably game throughout the week without charging the headset.
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
7.7
The frequency response varies from ours in the highs and lows quite a bit, with the mids being quite close to our consumer curve. This might not be ideal for some music, but for gaming it’s perfectly fine. The isolation isn’t the best either, but it’s pretty typical for closed-back headsets. Don’t expect this headset to block out noise roommates or vacuums, but it should at least dampen some higher pitched sounds like a fan running.
The microphone on the Razer Barracuda X (2022) sounds pretty great. Voices come through very clearly, and not too much background noise is detected by the mic, nor do they make my voice cut out. This microphone is great for Discord calls and Zoom meetings alike.
Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone demo (Ideal):
Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone demo (Office):
For a great-sounding no-frills headset, check out the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX is a comfortable, straightforward wireless gaming headset that connects to PC and consoles alike via a 2. 4GHz wireless USB dongle. The dongle has a switch on the side for alternating between Xbox and USB modes. It has rock-solid audio output, comfortable memory foam ear pads, and a great mic that can fold into the headset. The battery life of the Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX is also fantastic, lasting 78 hours, 23 minutes in our testing.
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX
7.2
The frequency response of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX does deviate from our consumer curve in the lows, as well as some areas of the highs. You can EQ the sound a bit via the controls built into the headset. The isolation isn’t the best, but higher pitched sounds should be reasonably quieted. And the microphone’s response is just as accurate as you could hope to get from a gaming headset.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX, like most Turtle Beach gaming headsets, has a great microphone. It captures bass sounds in voices well, so people with deep voices shouldn’t sound “tinny.”
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX microphone demo (Ideal):
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX microphone demo (Office):
How is the Corsair HS65 Surround for gaming?
Sam Smart / SoundGuys
The Corsair HS65 Surround isn’t anything too special, but the microphone makes it worth it.
The Corsair HS65 Surround is a good gaming headset overall, though most of what it offers isn’t that special or notable. The microphone is the absolute best part about it, with very clear audio and great noise suppression. It even quiets echo and reverberation from room reflections well. Whether you’re chatting on Discord, in-game chat, or doing a video call for work, everyone will hear you perfectly well with this headset.
Other aspects of the headset include 7.1 virtual surround sound capability through Corsair’s iCue software, and lots of sound profile customization as well. The base sound profile is a bit wonky, with a big boost in the bass and high frequencies. But for gaming this isn’t bad, and iCue has sound profile options for different types of games that help a ton. The headset connects using a 3.5mm TRRS connection, but it also comes with a USB-A dongle for PC, which is needed for the software to work with the headphones.
The Corsair HS65 Surround has an excellent microphone. Voices come through loud and clear with no issues, and incidental noises and echo are rendered very quiet. If you’re trying to chat with others using this headset, they’ll hear you well regardless of noises around you.
Corsair HS65 Surround microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Corsair HS65 Surround microphone demo (Office conditions):
Corsair HS65 Surround microphone demo (Reverberant conditions):
Corsair HS65 Surround
All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.
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Is the Logitech G Pro X a good gaming headset?
You won’t be recording any podcasts with the G Pro X, but if you’re one of the many people who play Dungeons and Dragons on the internet it could be the perfect thing.
The Logitech G Pro X is overall a great gaming headset, with good sound quality, multiple connectivity options, and comfort standing out as key features. The headset does, however, rely a lot on software, making it less ideal for console gamers. The Logitech G Hub app is only available on PC, but it helps you by giving you a surround sound feature and letting you change the EQ of the headphones, as well as modifying the microphone with Blue VO!CE.
The microphone by default deemphasizes bass frequencies, making lower voices sound “tinny” as a result. You can modify this with Blue VO!CE in the G Hub app to make it sound better for your individual voice, but this only works on PC.
Logitech G Pro X microphone demo (Ideal):
Logitech G Pro X microphone demo (Office):
Logitech G Pro X
All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.
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Should you get the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro?
There’s also a wired version for cheaper, if you want to save money.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a great wireless gaming headset, with a good sound profile, great microphone, and lag-free wireless connectivity through a 2.4GHz USB dongle. The headset is also compatible with Razer Synapse 3, so you have access to THX virtual surround sound, and EQ settings for the mic and headphones. The headset is very comfortable too, with memory foam ear pads wrapped in leatherette for a good seal and long-term comfort. It’s one of the best gaming headsets out there, and for $179 USD, it’s definitely worth it for the great features.
The microphone on the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is great, a big improvement from the BlackShark V2. There’s a bit of a deemphasis in the bass range, but voices are still very audible and accurate. You can also adjust the mic EQ in Razer Synapse to get the perfect sound for your voice so you can sound as good as possible on Discord calls and Zoom calls.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro microphone demo (Old):
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is one of the best wireless gaming headsets on the market.
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The best gaming headsets with good microphones: Notable mentions
The Audeze Mobius has a seriously flexible band.
- Astro A10: This headset supports the draconian Nintendo Switch voice chat system. Plus it’s reasonably priced, has a decent sounding mic, and comes with velour ear pads—bespectacled gamers, rejoice.
- Audeze Mobius: This premium gaming headset is quite expensive, but it offers features such as 3D audio, 7.1, and stereo audio settings, and its sound quality is unmatched. The microphone accurately relays vocals all along the frequency spectrum.
- Beyerdynamic MMX 150: This wired headset isn’t flashy but gaming and music sound great through it, and your voice will sound great through its microphone too. If you don’t need a USB-C to USB-A connection, save money with the MMX 100 instead.
- Beyerdynamic Team Tygr 300 R: Though this is one of the pricier gaming headsets out there, its mic quality bridges the gap between gaming and podcasting because it’s just that darn good. It also has great sound quality, is easy to use, and has comfortable velour padding on its ear pads.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset: Not only does this headset have a great microphone, but it is a true luxury pair of headphones equipped with active noise canceling and a super comfortable fit. If you have money to spare, this is a great choice.
- Corsair Void RGB Elite: If something wireless is what you’re after, but the Thresher Ultimate is just too steep, have a look at the Corsair Void RGB Elite. It’s a little bit looser than I’d like and it over-emphasizes the bass like nobody’s business, but this headset is a very solid choice for anyone aiming for under $100.
- HyperX Cloud Flight S: This wireless headset is compatible with PC and PS4. Its microphone quality is pretty good, but only for people with relatively high voices. It offers surround sound technology, has a great battery life, and the sound quality is very good.
- Logitech G733 Lightspeed: Just like the Logitech G Pro X, the microphone’s hardware by itself on this headset is only average, but it comes with the Blue VO!CE app which can dramatically improve the sound quality. If you don’t need Blue’s software, you can save a few bucks with the G435 Lightspeed.
- Razer Kraken V3: For gamers wanting a wired headset at a reasonable price point, the Razer Kraken V3 is an excellent option. Featuring the same Razer Synapse features as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, the Razer Kraken V3 includes THX Spatial Audio and EQ settings. A solid detachable microphone combined with good sound quality makes for an excellent choice. If you want the same headset with haptic feedback, check out the Kraken V3 HyperSense.
- Roccat Syn Pro Air: A wireless gaming headset with a great microphone, solid audio, and a comfortable, lightweight build for $150—What’s not to like? The only thing really keeping this headset out of the main picks of this list is that its software is still in beta and only partially functional right now, which puts a bit of a damper on the whole experience (At least on PC).
- Sennheiser Game One: If you need an open-back headset, and the pricey detached mic of the Team Tygr bundle just isn’t doing it for you, consider the Sennheiser Game One. Its microphone has a pretty steep de-emphasis in the bass range and it’s a little on the quiet side, but it’ll get the job done for anyone with a medium or high-pitched voice. It also just happens to be a great PC gaming headset in every other way.
- Turtle Beach Recon 70: Turtle Beach has made something of a habit of putting accurate microphones in just about all its gaming headsets. The Recon 70 sports a microphone that sounds great, plus it’s comfortable and runs for about $40—pretty much any Recon headset will scratch this itch just as well, but this one’s the cheapest.
- Turtle Beach Stealth Pro: This is an excellent headset, but it narrowly misses our “best” title because of somewhat less-decent audio quality. The mic is quite good, however.
- HyperX Cloud Core: This is a great affordable gaming headset option. The sound profile is pretty close to our consumer curve, except for some deviation in sub-bass and the highs, but the frequency response is great for gaming. The headset is also super simple to use, since it only connects via 3.5mm, so there’s no extra software or setup required, you can just plug it in and play. If you’re looking for an easy to use headset, this is it.
What you should know about gaming headset microphones
This headset is plenty comfortable to wear for long stretches.
There are some things to bear in mind when you’re shopping for a gaming headset with good microphone. The first is mic type. Different kinds of mics have different pick-up patterns. Most gaming headsets use cardioid and hyper-cardioid microphones, which primarily pick up sound coming from in front of the microphone. Gaming headset microphones are pretty much all meant to pick up one source of audio (you) from about three inches away, so this makes sense—picking up sound from the room you’re sitting in can negatively impact call quality.
The V-MODA BoomPro X is a detachable boom mic that includes a Y-splitter, extension cable, and five microphone covers.
Some headsets come with an omni-directional microphone, which probably isn’t ideal if you’re just looking for something to wear sitting on your couch or at your computer. If you’re having problems with getting enough level, there are ways to boost your mic audio on every platform.
Why you should trust Sam
We test headsets in the lab and in real-world use cases.
When it comes down to it, I don’t just review gaming headsets because I’m passionate about good audio. Pretty much everything I do here at SoundGuys focuses on gaming content, and that’s because I’ve been a gamer my whole life. You name it, I’ve probably played it. I know what kind of audio features are important for different kinds of games, and maybe more importantly: which ones aren’t.
The gaming headset space, much like many other parts of the audio industry, is rife with exaggerated language and gimmicky features that often don’t add much of anything to your experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy lights and promises of immersive audio and bass so intense it’ll rupture your eardrums (in a good way, somehow), but most of that stuff flat out doesn’t matter. When we’re talking about gaming headset mics in particular, there’s a lot of fluff out there. Too many gaming headsets run into the same problems and pitfalls, all while boasting clear, undistorted audio. That’s why we review headsets, and why we have lists like this.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re serious about recording high quality audio, a detached microphone will probably suit your needs a little bit better. However, if only a gaming headset will do, the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE offers the raw mic quality you need, and the Logitech G Pro X (and its wireless option) offers the best software improvements you’ll find.
If your keyboard is anywhere near as loud as the average desktop keyboard, there’s only so much gaming headset mic hardware can do to filter it out. However, this is the kind of thing you can help with software by adjusting your mic sensitivity in programs like Discord. The Logitech G Pro X has enough software options to kill some additional noise, but getting a quieter keyboard is always going to be the best solution. Keep in mind that if you want to use a gaming headset for your conference calls, you should get one with a 3.5mm wired connection because wireless gaming headsets typically require a USB connection to operate over the 2.4GHz radio frequency band rather than use Bluetooth.
If you choose a wired gaming headset with a 3.5mm cable, it will be compatible with your smartphone, given your smartphone has a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, a wireless gaming headset will not be compatible with a smartphone because smartphones connect wirelessly to headphones through Bluetooth, whereas gaming headsets typically use 2.4GHz radio frequency connections.
If you’re looking to produce a gaming voiceover, or just really want your voice to come out crystal clear when talking to your teammates, you might want to consider one of our best gaming microphones, or even one of our best podcasting mics. An external mic will almost always give you a better sound simply because they’re designed to produce high quality audio and reproduce a natural frequency response. Depending on the type of microphone you buy, you may need to purchase additional equipment in order to power it. If you just need the mic to do the job for administering communication between you and your teammates and don’t want to spend too much, a headset with a mic will do the trick. Additionally, because a headset mic is often physically closer to your mouth than an external mic, it can be better for canceling out keyboard clicking sounds.
The Puro Sound Labs PuroGamer headset is probably your best bet. This gaming headset is designed to prevent hearing loss in children by limiting volume to 85dB, and it also happens to have a very accurate microphone—though a detached mic will always sound better for recording. YouTube’s terms of service don’t allow content creators younger than 13 without parental permission, so nine is quite young to start putting videos on the internet, but this is a solid and affordable option for starting out.
The 6 Best Earbuds With A Mic – Spring 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Earbuds
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Best Upper Mid-Range
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best Noise Cancelling
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Best Wired
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated May 29, 2023 at 02:57 pm
By Vanessa McCuaig
Thanks to their portable and convenient design, earbuds and in-ears can be excellent daily headphones. However, they generally don’t have the best microphone quality, especially if they rely on a Bluetooth connection. In comparison, Bluetooth headsets designed for phone calls may have better microphones, but they often only have one earbud, making them less than ideal for listening to music at work or during your daily commute. Luckily, there are more and more earbuds on the market that balance call quality and casual versatility, which is great if you work from home or take calls on the go.
We’ve tested over 255 pairs of earbuds and in-ear headphones with microphones, and below are our recommendations for the best earphones with mic capability to buy. If you’re looking for our top picks for other earbuds and in-ear headphones, check our recommendations for the best earbuds and in-ears, the best truly wireless earbuds, and the best Bluetooth headsets for phone calls.
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Best Earbuds With A Mic
Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless
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Neutral Sound
7. 0
Commute/Travel
7.7
Sports/Fitness
7.6
Office
7.3
Wireless Gaming
5.7
Wired Gaming
7.4
Phone Calls
7.4
Type
In-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Yes
Transducer
Hybrid
Noise Cancelling
Yes
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The best headphones with a microphone we’ve tested are the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless. These in-ears aren’t completely wireless since they have a cable that goes around your neck, so their style may not be for everyone. However, their in-line mic sits closer to your mouth than most integrated microphones on truly wireless earbuds. It makes your voice sound clear and understandable over the phone and does an okay job separating it from background noise. Their sound is well-suited for phone calls since voices reproduce clearly and accurately.
They last about eight hours of continuous use and have a decently comfortable fit, although the neckband can snag longer hair. They also have a good selection of differently-sized ear tips, including foam and silicone options. Their very good active noise cancelling (ANC) feature can block out the low rumble of bus engines during your commute and ambient chatter at work. You can connect them to your phone and computer simultaneously and easily take calls on either device.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Earbuds With A Mic
Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless
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Neutral Sound
7. 8
Commute/Travel
8.0
Sports/Fitness
8.4
Office
7.6
Wireless Gaming
6.1
Wired Gaming
5.9
Phone Calls
7.0
Type
In-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Truly Wireless
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
Yes
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The best earbuds with microphone capability in the upper mid-range category we’ve tested are the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless. As well as being cheaper than our top pick, these earbuds have a smaller, more compact, truly wireless design. It also means they have an integrated mic, so it sits further away from your mouth than the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless’ in-line mic. It captures your voice well, meaning you’ll be heard clearly over the phone. There’s a sensor in each earbud to detect wind, which is meant to improve the mic’s noise handling when you’re outside.
They support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to your computer while you take a call on your phone. Their neutral sound profile ensures voices sound clear and accurate, but if you prefer a different sound, it can also be customized with a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app. These earbuds also have ANC, but unfortunately, it’s not very effective, so these aren’t the buds for you if you want to cut out the sound of rumbling engines during your commute. That said, they passively block out a decent amount of mid-range noise like background chit-chat.
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Best Mid-Range Earbuds With A Mic
EarFun Air Pro 3 True Wireless
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Neutral Sound
6.2
Commute/Travel
7.9
Sports/Fitness
8.1
Office
7.1
Wireless Gaming
5.5
Wired Gaming
5.3
Phone Calls
7. 0
Type
In-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Truly Wireless
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
Yes
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
For something a bit more affordable, check out the EarFun Air Pro 3 True Wireless. These comfortable buds have an integrated mic, which offers a fair overall performance and ensures your voice is easy to understand. That said, loud sounds can overwhelm speech, making it harder to hear you well. On the upside, the buds have an ANC system that offers a significantly better performance than the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless, and it does a very good job of isolating you from sounds like ambient chatter and traffic. With their ANC on, they also last over six hours continuously, and their carrying case holds an extra four charges.
By default, these buds have a very bass-heavy sound. While this sound is great for genres like EDM and hip-hop, all that extra thump, rumble, and boom can also muddy voices. Luckily, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you get the most out of them. The buds also support multi-device pairing, which is handy if you want to stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously and have a well-built design.
See our review
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Best Budget Earphones With A Mic
TOZO T6 Truly Wireless
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Neutral Sound
6.7
Commute/Travel
7.6
Sports/Fitness
8.0
Office
7. 0
Wireless Gaming
5.3
Wired Gaming
5.2
Phone Calls
6.9
Type
In-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Truly Wireless
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The best earbuds with mic capability we’ve tested in the budget category are the TOZO T6 Truly Wireless. These budget-friendly earbuds have an in-line mic that makes your voice sound clear and natural. Like most other picks on this list, though, they have trouble separating speech from background noise, which can be troublesome if you call from a noisy office. On the upside, they have a decently comfortable fit and come with various differently-sized ear tips.
Unlike the EarFun Air Pro 3 True Wireless, they don’t have an ANC feature, but they can block out a reasonable amount of mid-range noise like background chatter. Their bass-heavy sound profile emphasizes thump and rumble in genres like EDM and hip-hop, but voices reproduce clearly and accurately. However, they lack an app and customization features. They last for about five hours of continuous use, which isn’t very good, but they come with a case that holds four additional charges, so you can always top up the battery partway through your day.
See our review
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Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds With A Mic
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3
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Neutral Sound
7.1
Commute/Travel
8. 2
Sports/Fitness
8.2
Office
7.6
Wireless Gaming
5.6
Wired Gaming
5.4
Phone Calls
7.0
Type
In-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Truly Wireless
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
Yes
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
If you’re looking for high-powered noise cancelling buds with a solid mic performance, you’ll want to check out the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3. Their mic’s recording quality falls short of the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless, but they have significantly better noise isolation, thanks to their ANC system. It does a great job of isolating you from a wide range of noise, including bass-range noise like rumbling engines. Their mic still offers an okay overall performance, but to make the most of it, you’ll want to take calls from a quiet space to ensure you’re heard clearly.
You can adjust their bass-heavy sound profile with a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app. They also have a long continuous battery life of about eight hours, which is nice for long journeys or workdays. The portable charging case holds about three extra charges. If you want earbuds with a mic but care more about noise isolation than mic performance, you might prefer the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless. These earbuds have an outstanding ANC performance but a mediocre mic performance. Still, recorded speech is understandable as long as you call from a fairly quiet place.
See our review
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Best Wired Earbuds With A Mic
SteelSeries TUSQ
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Neutral Sound
5. 9
Commute/Travel
5.4
Sports/Fitness
6.7
Office
5.9
Wireless Gaming
4.8
Wired Gaming
6.8
Phone Calls
6.7
Type
In-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
No
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
If you prefer a wired design, you’ll want to check out the SteelSeries TUSQ, the best wired earphones with mic capability we’ve tested. Although they’re designed with gaming in mind, they come with a boom mic for clearer recording quality and an in-line mic if you want to use them more casually. Your voice sounds clear and natural using the detachable boom mic, so you won’t have any problems being understood. That said, even though you can position the mic closer to your mouth than the Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless in-line mic, it still has trouble separating speech from ambient noise. As a result, your voice can get lost in the noise if you’re taking a call from a busy street or office.
These earbuds have a decently comfortable fit and are lightweight. Their excited sound is well-suited for genres like rock and pop as it adds extra thump, rumble, and boom while vocals and instruments are bright. However, voices also sound muddy, and the headphones lack customization features to help you adjust them to your liking. They also struggle to block background sound, so it can be hard to hear your conversations clearly.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- JBL CLUB PRO+ TWS True Wireless:
The JBL CLUB PRO+ TWS True Wireless are truly wireless earbuds that feel more premium than the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless. However, they don’t support multi-device pairing, and their continuous battery life isn’t as long-lasting.
See our review - Nothing Ear (2) Truly Wireless:
The Nothing Ear (2) Truly Wireless are stylish in-ears with better overall noise isolation than the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless. Their mic also has better noise handling. However, their recording quality falls short of the Jabra, and their continuous battery life isn’t as long-lasting.
See our review - Logitech G333:
The Logitech G333 are wired earbuds meant for gaming. They’re better built than the SteelSeries TUSQ, but their integrated mic doesn’t perform as well.
See our review - Turtle Beach Battle Buds:
The Turtle Beach Battle Buds are wired gaming headphones that, like the SteelSeries TUSQ, have a detachable boom mic. Their mic has better noise-handling performance; however, the headphones aren’t as comfortable or well-built.
See our review
Recent Updates
-
May 29, 2023:
We’ve replaced the EarFun Air Pro True Wireless with the EarFun Air Pro 3 True Wireless, as the original model isn’t currently available. We’ve also added the Nothing Ear (2) Truly Wireless to the Notable Mentions. -
Mar 17, 2023:
Checked that the picks represent the best recommendations and that the products are in stock. -
Jan 18, 2023:
We’ve added the SteelSeries TUSQ as the ‘Best Wired Earbuds With A Mic’ and made minor updates to the text for clarity and accuracy. -
Nov 04, 2022:
Added the Logitech G333 to Notable Mentions. -
Aug 26, 2022:
We’ve restructured this article to provide a better selection of picks that align with the market. The Jabra Elite 65t have been discontinued, and we’ve replaced them in this article with the Sony WI-1000XM2. We’ve also added the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless, which are designed with calls in mind, and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 as a noise cancelling option.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best earphones with microphone capability to buy for most people. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all earphones we’ve tested with a mic. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.
Headphones with microphone: Three options to choose from | Articles | Audio and video equipment
Almost all modern headphones are equipped with a microphone. Phone headsets need it for calls, work headphones for video conferencing, and gaming headphones for voice chats. So whatever headphones you choose now, most likely, you will have to focus not only on the sound quality and speaker characteristics, but also on the microphone.
Today we will look at how to choose the right headphones with a microphone.
Photo: flickr.com
Three main features
Housing design
There are four different headphone categories based on the type of design.
Earbuds are the cheapest type of headphones that are becoming less and less popular now. They are still handed out for free (for example, on airplanes and long-distance buses), but they are almost never bought for permanent use.
These headphones have average sound quality and no isolation from external noise. Nevertheless, the popular Apple AirPods are made according to this principle, but they are distinguished from the rest by calibration, technical features and price. So among the liners, they have become an exception.
The in-ear headphones are droplets with ear cushions. They are now common among smartphone users. Thanks to soft rubber or silicone ear cushions, they sit well in the ear and block out extraneous noise.
The reproduction quality of these headphones is often very high, they transmit both bass and treble well. These are Marshall Major II headphones, some models of Beats and other popular brands.
Different types of headphones. Photo: isy.com
On-ear headphones are large headphones, they are worn over the ear, but soft ear cushions do not completely cover the ear, but only “overlap” on top of it.
Most often, devices of the middle segment have this design. They sometimes sound good, but isolation from ambient noise leaves much to be desired. And all precisely because of the design, it physically transmits more sounds than other types. These headphones sometimes have a padded headband, but can put pressure on your ears, especially if you use them for long periods of time.
The over-ear headphones are the most expensive type of headphones. This includes monitor devices that are used in sound engineering or editing, and headphones for music lovers, and devices for home cinemas. The full-size ear cups cover the entire ear, so they create comfort during long work or rest. The ear cushions are soft and very large, and the headband is almost always soft and covered with a special material: artificial leather or fabric. These headphones are known for their high quality sound.
Driver type
Photo: sony.com Dynamic headphone design.
Dynamic earphones work according to a specific principle. The basis of this principle is a membrane that vibrates under the influence of current and transmits sound. This whole structure is so small that it allows you to create miniature headphones. This is how most of the headset models familiar to us are arranged. You should not expect professional quality sound reproduction from these headphones, but you can count on the full transmission of all frequencies and high volume.
Armature headphones are noticeably larger due to a completely different system. They also have a membrane, but it fluctuates not from the current, but from the turns of the movable armature. In order not to go into the details of the physical and technical device, we note that such headphones provide high sound insulation, transmit sound with high quality, but are able to reproduce fewer frequencies than dynamic headphones.
Acoustic design
Open-back earphones. Photo: headphones.com
In terms of acoustic design, everything is very simple and understandable almost “by eye”. Headphones closed type have no openings on the case. This design allows you to provide high sound insulation – others do not hear what is playing in the headphones, and the sounds from the outside are not audible to those who put on the headphones.
The open earphones are provided with openings through which air flows to the speakers. Thanks to this, the headphones produce a clearer sound and level out echo waves, but are limited in the location of use. They do not drown out extraneous noise, in addition, the music you listen to is heard from outside.
Headphone specifications
Professional monitor headphones often do not have a microphone. Photo: Roland.com
Headphones have several indicators that can be found in the description of the characteristics. To make it simple and clear to choose, we will indicate the name of the characteristic and note the limits within which its value should be in order to be able to count on high-quality sound.
- Frequency response. The standard value is 20 – 20,000 Hz. It is in this range that the sounds that the human ear recognizes are located. It may change with age, but for headphones and any other audio playback devices, it remains the standard. It is not necessary to look for a wider range, because the likelihood that you will distinguish additional sounds is extremely small.
- Impedance. This is the headphone input impedance. The value itself is not very clear, but the main thing is to know which indicator is ideal for your music playback device (smartphone, computer, stereo or player). When it comes to standard headphones, 16-32 ohms is the optimal value.
Wired or wireless headphones
Headphones today can be either wired or wireless. The only difference is in the connection method. If the wired ones are enabled via a 3.5 mm jack, then the wireless ones are synchronized with a smartphone via Bluetooth or a radio channel. In the latter case, an adapter is used for communication, which works via a USB port.
Almost all modern smartphones do not have an input for wired headphones, so it is best to choose Bluetooth models for them. For players or laptops, you can still use wired headphones.
If you decide on a wireless model, you should choose one that supports the latest versions of Bluetooth. Otherwise, interference may occur in crowded places, especially if the phone is in a bag or pocket.
Water resistant
Water resistant is a feature that is important for those who buy headphones for sports or walking. It depends on her whether the headphones will survive the fall into the water, the ingress of raindrops or sweat. For the home, such models are not necessary to choose.
Noise reduction
This characteristic is important for those models that do not have noise reduction in the design. The software noise reduction of wireless headphones affects the battery, but it allows you to limit extraneous sounds.
Microphone
Headphones with boom microphone. Photo: 9to5toys.com
We choose headphones with a microphone, so we will give this device a separate item. A good microphone should record or catch a voice without interference, cut off extraneous noises or sighs during a conversation.
The microphone is usually located either on the wire next to the volume buttons or, in the case of wireless headphones, on the case.
If the headphones are large gaming, then they may have a gun microphone. This is the most advanced option.
Guns are most often condenser microphones. They have wide audio frequency and better transient response and are the ones used for recording. These microphones are sensitive and compact.
Radiation pattern
Various microphone pickup patterns. Photo: yourfreesounds.com
The main characteristic of a microphone is its polar pattern. Microphones pick up sound in different ways and from different directions. The omnidirectional microphone picks up ambient sounds from all directions.
Cardioid microphone picks up sound from one direction and focuses on the speaker’s voice, partially canceling ambient noise. It got its name from the diagram that looks like a heart.
Semi-cardioid polar pattern is best suited for recording due to its narrow pickup direction.
Don’t forget that headphones with a microphone are best chosen based on the sound quality “at the other end of the line.” Marshall headphones are distinguished by high quality microphones, the same can be said about the premium brands Apple and Beats.
The best headphones with a microphone for webinars
Nelli Kirgintseva
Author of Webinar Group. Tells how to organize remote training, work and hiring employees.
June 6, 2022
4 min
Contents:
- Types of microphones for webinars
- What should be a microphone
- Types of headsets
- What should be a headset for a webinar
- Complete solution: microphone, lighting and camera in one device
- Conclusion
9006 9 Best Headsets for Live Streaming
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Roman
Jun 8, 2022 at 03:52 pm
This is the first time I hear about condenser microphones. As I understand it, they are more suitable for online learning. I would like to understand how they differ from the usual? Does it even make sense to overpay for them?
Fedor Belousov
June 8, 2022 at 18:13
There are condenser microphones, there are dynamic ones (that is, ordinary ones). Both are suitable for webinars. Capacitors have better sensitivity, so they transmit even the smallest sounds. But this can also be a minus, because. all noises will be heard.
Lebedeva Darina
Jun 10, 2022 at 01:58 pm
Maybe I don’t understand something, but why use wired headphones at all, it’s terribly inconvenient. Now there are so many options for models with a Bluetooth connection, you can find a suitable one for webinars, right?
S. trifonov
11 Jun 2022 at 08:11
Wired is really less convenient, but if you have an important streaming, then there are two options. Either buy a very expensive wireless headset (and this is not always possible), or still take wired headphones. Because they will not be discharged at the most inopportune moment and nothing will happen to the sound transmission.
Alexander
June 11, 2022 at 03:25 pm
If you decide to buy a wireless headset for online broadcasting, always look at the battery life and how much you have to charge it. Because otherwise, at the most inopportune moment, it will simply be discharged and the stream will end.
eugene
June 12, 2022 at 10:57
good review turned out
irinaaa
June 15, 2022 at 06:55
did not know that there are so many options for webinar headsets
Sonya
10 Jul 2022 at 10:57
kittens, who knows what is the best microphone to buy for streaming? I plan to develop my personal blog, I need good sound transmission and mobility (I will take it with me everywhere, most likely). thank you all for your replies)0003
Max
Jul 10, 2022 at 12:25 pm
i think you need some kind of wireless option. lavalier is best if it is a microphone for online broadcasts on the move or just on the street. You will get confused in the wires for sure)) you need to look for a model according to reviews, where all the rules are with sound transmission
Valeria Selivanova
15 Jul 2022 at 15:21
Thank you for the article, I liked it very much, but there are a lot of new words for me) the most understandable ones are headphones and a webinar) tell me what is “cardioid recording”? why is it suitable for online broadcasting?
Max
July 15, 2022 at 19:11
cardioid orientation – from the word “cardio” – heart. so named because of the shape of the chart (degrees/dB). In short, this directivity of the sound allows you to record in noisy places, while your voice will be heard clearly and loudly, in contrast to extraneous noise.
Alexandra
July 22, 2022 at 08:21
What would you pay attention to first of all when choosing equipment for online broadcasts? Provided that it is impossible to buy the best option, accordingly, some characteristics will definitely sag ..?
mikhail gromov
2 Aug 2022 at 07:01
1. I would proceed from the input that will be. for example, if I’m in a quiet room, then I can sacrifice noise reduction for the sake of microphone sensitivity, as an example. Or I will give priority to the quality of the image, because the picture should be clear. 2. Convenience! For me, when conducting webinars in any technique, ease of use is important. If the conditional typeface interferes, it greatly distracts from the process. You can miss some important thought or skip someone’s question. 3. Just don’t use a microphone or camera built into a laptop) Please, if your audience is dear to you, never use them when broadcasting online! The sound is usually very quiet, you can’t really make out anything, and the transmission may also slow down. In general, the sound is quiet, the horror is loud (
Polina
20 Aug 2022 at 06:05
It’s nice that there are only options for webinar equipment (headsets, microphones, cameras) so that you can put together your ideal set. Or buy a universal one so as not to spend a lot of time choosing.
Mark
25 Aug 2022 at 10:58
Everyone has their own preferences, but here I am always for over-ear headphones for webinars. They fit snugly to the head, while the ears practically do not get tired of them (but then they hurt from the plugs). But this is if the model is correctly chosen, for themselves.
Unknown author
Sep 7, 2022 at 01:34 pm
cool cho
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