Whatever the application, a set of headphones with a good microphone can make all the difference to the flow of any conversation. Distorted mics and poor sound quality can easily lead to miscommunications, bad for gamers, even worse if it costs you an important business deal.
Fortunately, with microphone technology developing at such a rapid pace, there are a ton of good quality sets on the market these days. In this review, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best headphones with microphones from different price ranges and narrow down the best choice for you.
The better microphone designs are either built into the headphones or swing out on a boom, so you talk directly into them. Active Noise Cancellation technology now uses an extra microphone to capture environmental sounds.
These are then negated using inverse sound waves that the headphones create, which pretty much eliminating any external noise. High-quality audio in your ears and superb crystal clear voice into your mic is what the best headsets guarantee.
And if you intend using the headphones to listen to music or watch movies, make sure you also get a good set of cans as well as a quality mic. The direct audio signal you get with a cable will give you the security of uninterrupted communication you need for more professional activities. However, Bluetooth technology has improved a lot of late, but there is still a loss of sound quality when using wireless headphones and occasional interference and drop-outs. You’ll want something that lasts longer than a few hours and isn’t snail paced to recharge.
Now that we’ve gone through what you need to look out for, let’s dive in and review 10 of the best headphones with microphone currently available and find the perfect one for you… This mid to high priced offering from Plantronics is most suited for the work environment, combining lightweight and portable design with comfort for multiple hours of use per day. It features a 4.1 Bluetooth connection, which has a range of up to 30 meters, and the battery will give you around 12 hours of talk time and up to 15 if you are just listening. The Active Noise Reduction technology (ANC) does a reasonable job of canceling out unwelcome sounds, which is especially useful in loud office environments. The boom is equipped with three directional microphones, delivering a precise sound to whoever you’re talking to. A handy ‘mute alert’ feature lets you know if you’ve turned the mic off and are still talking. Primarily designed for office use, the Plantronics Voyager can double up for listening pleasure too. These high-end headphones from Bose, offer stellar sound quality and solid calling ability through the built-in microphones. Not specifically designed for calls; however, the microphones can handle them on the move well, but if you’re looking for a more professional set-up, then a boomed mike will give you the best results. The ANC technology is the most impressive of the models reviewed, providing three different levels of noise reduction.
Great for video, gaming, and music, you can’t fail to be impressed with the powerful yet elegant sound they produce. The market for top quality microphones has exploded in recent years, with millions of content creators across social media and YouTube looking to buy.
Its sound pick-up range is also much shorter than normal, so any ambient noise is virtually canceled out, and it produces a rich tone. On top of the great mic technology, the headphones also provide decent sound quality.
The built-in microphone does the basics well enough, although the lack of noise cancelling technology means they aren’t best suited to noisier work environments. A clean, full bodied sound is achieved carrying a deeper bass then you get with many headphones.
However, the headband does fold down so the headphones can be broken down and easily carried in the protective case. A real option if you’re looking for Bluetooth headphones with a focus on sound, rather than call quality at a very affordable price.
The same mid-range price as the Sennheiser, this AKG offering is a lightweight and highly portable, on ear set of headphones. They’ve managed to pack a lot of high tech features into such a compact design.
On top of the advanced 4.2 Bluetooth technology, there is a noise cancelling system called Ambient Aware, which works reasonably well to quieten background chatter. Music tracks will pause automatically when you remove the headphones and resume when you put them back on. They won’t disappoint the audiophile too much, although they do fail to match up to the high standards set by the similarly priced Sennheiser Hd 4.40. You can expect to get up to a whopping 33 hours of use on a single charge, the most of all our wireless headphones reviewed here.
Many buyers have complained of mounting discomfort after longer periods of use, claiming their ear lobes became uncomfortable. However, omnidirectional mics mean that a fair amount of ambient noise will make it through to the listener’s end.
The materials are more breathable than the other models meaning minimal heating or sweating at contact points. Speech will be easily understood in quiet or loud environments, thanks to good ambient noise control. Musically the Arctis 7 doesn’t perform as well as other models which shouldn’t be such a surprise for dedicated gaming headphones. The cheapest of all the models on our list, the Mpow 071 is purely dedicated to providing voice based services. Ideal for anyone looking for a cheap, lightweight set of headphones with a good microphone to make calls only. Also a cheap option for office and call center businesses who need to bulk buy and are not concerned about the audio output quality. The one directional microphone carries your voice well and also has reasonably effective noise reduction capabilities, important when calling in busy surroundings. Built with communication in mind, if you’re buying these headphones to listen to music, then you’ll be disappointed with the performance.
This wired headset from Vtin is another cheap and practical set of headphones that are purpose-built for use in call centers and office environments. The earpads are made using soft protein memory foam, which molds comfortably to your ear.
Attachable via USB port or a 3.5mm jack, these headphones can be used on a variety of different devices from a desktop or laptop, to your tablet or phone. High spec 5.0 Bluetooth technology allows for a steady connection with whatever device you choose to pair it with. And the A7 can be paired with two devices simultaneously, and when receiving a call, the neckband will vibrate to let you know. The noise cancelling feature on these headphones focus in on your voice whilst effectively lowering surrounding clatter. Battery life isn’t quite as impressive as other Bluetooth models providing up to 10 hours after a 2-hour charge — more than enough, however, for most daily requirements. Audio sound quality isn’t bad but fails to live up to the standard of our more expensive models. At the other end of the price range, V-MODA has combined a stylish design with a ton of great features to bring you this traditionally wired headset. Although primarily focusing on sound quality, the M-100 microphone is perfectly ok to handle social phone calls.
A boom mic can be purchased separately, which really transforms this headset into a unit capable of more professional applications, including streaming and broadcasting. They are the first headphones designed by Roland’s engineers since the company bought V-MODA, and this appears to have made quite a difference.
Two large 50mm speakers bring forth a powerful, punchy bass with no distortion that others can’t compete with. The customizable steel plates, padded Steelflex headband, and Kevlar cables tell us the company is keen to extend the life of this product, an admirable trait.
Plush materials and fine balance allow you to wear these headphones for hours with no discomfort. Our criteria really came down to which model had the best sound combined with the most capable microphone, with the price as our final consideration. Gaming, live streaming, broadcasting, or regular phone calls are all handled with ease. Even having bought the BoomPro mic, this model still comes in at a significantly lower price point than the nearest rival on this list, the Bose QuietComfort 35.
Comfort levels are outstanding, built to handle extended use from impressively durable materials, and designed to last for years. A real audio crowd pleaser, and let’s face it, that’s what all good headsets should be at heart.
The Best Headsets and Headphones for Your Home Office
For a job that requires you to take a lot of calls, you should consider a dedicated Bluetooth headset. The microphones are the big deals on these headsets, though you can also find some that deliver very good sound quality.
If you don’t need to take many calls but want to keep out any distractions, look for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They use outward-facing microphones to read any distracting noises and generate waves to cancel them out before they hit your ear.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) circuitry can be expensive, but it’ll help you stay focused by muffling noisy pets, kids, roommates, traffic, or construction. The Plantronics Voyager 5200 is one of the best, a standard earpiece with an excellent microphone that makes sure you’re heard in your home office or walking down the street.
The Jabra Evolve2 30 is just $99, and offers excellent microphone clarity and strong stereo sound. The addition of a headset cable with a boom microphone makes the headphones appropriate for voice communication, both for gaming and work.
The headphones also feature their own active noise cancellation circuitry to help block out distractions when you’re working. They’re comfortable, sound excellent, and have a wide selection of helpful features, like user-adjustable EQ and voice assistant support.
It works with nearly any headphones with a 3.5mm jack, so you can use your favorite pair while drastically upgrading the voice quality over whatever pinhole mic is already there. The wireless boom mic module connects to a USB receiver, and will work with any Mac or PC with a USB-A port.
Best gaming headsets with good microphones
Many of them come with all sorts of doodads and perks, like surround sound, customizable LEDs, and multiple input options. 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.
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. No gaming headset has a particularly powerful microphone, so you don’t want to worry about additional background noise coming through over a call.
There are ways to boost your mic audio on every platform, and they’re all pretty easy, but know you’ll probably need some kind of additional gain if you pick up a condenser. EPOS has been quietly putting out interesting gaming audio products since its split with Sennheiser and the new H3 Hybrid is no exception.
This is a 3.5mm wired gaming headset with Bluetooth compatibility, so it’s well-tailored to the needs to gamers who play on console, but chat on Discord. There’s also an internal microphone for when you want to detach the cords and go out to a cafe for some less conspicuous listening—it doesn’t sound as good, but it’s a nice little bonus to have. Featuring an 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 on a headset.
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. The headset de-emphasizes low-end sounds like kick drums and bass synth lines, which fans of EDM and hip-hop won’t appreciate. However, it handles sound effects, dialogue, and musical scores with ease, delivering a listening experience that is ideal for gaming.
While higher frequencies sound slightly under-emphasized, there’s no denying that the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE has one of the best microphones in a gaming headset. 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. The headset’s 45mm dynamic drivers output very good sound, though they’re definitely tuned to match an Olive-Welti curve, rather the neutral frequency response you’d find with Audio Technica’s studio headphones. They are not so emphasized to the point that you won’t be able to hear your opponent’s footsteps coming around the corner unless you’re in the middle of a loud battle. Additionally, while listening to music, you’ll probably find that the bass frequencies of any song are very loud, which may lead to some slight auditory masking. The isolation on the Razer Kaira Pro isn’t the best ever, but while you’re gaming at home, it should do a decent job of lowering the volume of any noisy roommates.
The Razer Kaira Pro has two microphones; the internal one, which isn’t so great, and the detachable boom mic, which sounds very good. Its microphone actually severely deemphasizes the bass frequencies, but if you utilize the Blue VO!CE app, the mic quality becomes very good.
Razer Thresher Ultimate: This headset has it all: great sound quality, lag-free wireless connectivity, good battery life, and an amazing microphone that will ensure your teammates will hear you loud and clear, even in-game. It’s 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.
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).
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.
The best headsets in 2021: headphones with a mic for Zoom, gaming & home working
Essentially just a pair of conventional headphones with a boom microphone attached, a headset is ideal for providing great quality audio as well as voice recording, as the mic is always perfectly positioned just in front of your mouth. At its most basic, a good mic should be able to be positioned so it can sit just beside or below your lips – close enough to pick up your voice at its clearest, but not right in front where your breathing will make you sound like Darth Vader.
Headphones with a low impedance (below 50 ohms) are easy to drive and don’t require additional sound amplification above and beyond what your laptop can produce.
Razer Kraken X A headset with great specs and a bargain price Specifications Microphone: unidirectional ECM boom, 100Hz-10kHz Connection: wired, 3.5mm jack, 1.3m cable Driver size: 40mm Frequency response: 12Hz-28kHz Impedance: 32 ohms Weight: 250g TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart 15 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Good headphone frequency response + Accessible price + Plenty of ear/headband padding Reasons to avoid – No active noise cancellation
The external design is just as subtle as any non-gaming headset, and the plush memory foam earpad cushions will be equally as comfortable for a day’s homeworking as they would be during an evening’s gaming. HyperX Cloud II A superb premium headset with features galore Specifications Microphone: Electret condenser microphone, bi-directional, ANC, 50Hz-18kHz Connection: Wired, 3.5mm jack, 1m cable (+2m extension) Driver size: 53mm Frequency response: 15Hz-25kHz Impedance: 60 ohms Weight: 350g TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Lenovo USA 345 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Large drivers with wide frequency response + Mic has active noise cancellation + 7.1 virtual surround sound Reasons to avoid – Relatively heavy The drivers are capable of Dolby 7.1 virtual surround to enhance both gaming and movie immersion, and you don’t even need to install software to enable the feature. Comfort is paramount with the Cloud II, as its large over-ear earpads are clad in soft leatherette and lined with memory foam.
Audio-Technica ATH-G1 The best money-no-object headset Specifications Microphone: condenser, hypercardioid pattern, 30Hz- 20kHz Connection: wired, 3.5mm jack, 2m cable Driver size: 45mm Frequency response: 5Hz- 40kHz Impedance: 45 ohms Weight: 257g TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Sweetwater Sound Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 537 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Stunning frequency response + Detachable, directional mic + Premium design Reasons to avoid – Fairly pricey – No virtual surround You also get an in-line volume control and mic lock switch on the 2m cord, and the cable connects to your device with an ultra-compatible 3.5mm audio jack.
Jabra Evolve 75 The best wireless headset for home working Specifications Microphone: uni-directional ECM microphone, ANC, 150Hz-6.8kHz Connection: wireless (USB receiver dongle, Dual Bluetooth) Driver size: 40mm Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz Impedance: Not stated Weight: 177g TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Dell Reasons to buy + Strong emphasis on microphone quality + Certified by numerous VC platforms + Wireless with up to 30m range Reasons to avoid – Not the ideal choice for music/movies If you regularly work from home and want to improve your voice clarity in important VC meetings, Jabra’s Evolve 75 wireless headset is well worth checking out.
It’s been designed for professional use is an office environment, so its mic is blessed with advanced active noise cancellation, and it boasts official certification by the likes of Microsoft and Cisco. Leatherette padded on-ear ear cushions have been sculpted to allow comfortable day-long use, and you get complete freedom to move thanks to Bluetooth wireless connectivity that enables up to 30 metres of roaming range.
Logitech H800 The best wireless headset for device compatibility Specifications Microphone: 100Hz-6.5kHz Connection: wireless (USB receiver dongle, Bluetooth) Driver size: Not stated Frequency response: 30Hz-15kHz Impedance: 32 ohms Weight: 120g TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy 72 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Wireless with long Bluetooth range + Works with computers and mobile devices + Very light Reasons to avoid – Poor headphone frequency response – On-ear earcups, not over-ear Simply stick the tiny ‘Nano’ receiver into a spare USB port on your computer, or activate the built-in Bluetooth to pair with your smart device.
Touch buttons on the ear cup give you convenient access to volume, mute, call handling, song advance/replay and device select functions, and the Nano receiver can even be stored inside the left earcup when you’re on the go. Koss SB45 The best budget headset Specifications Microphone: Noise-reduction Clear Voice Technology Connection: wired, 3.5mm or USB (separate products), 2.44m cable Driver size: Not stated Frequency response: 18Hz-20kHz Impedance: 100 ohms Weight: Not stated TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Amazon Recommended Retailer View at HP (US) Reasons to buy + Bargain price + Folding earcups + USB and 3.5mm versions available Reasons to avoid – Slightly high 100-ohm resistance – Frequency response could be better – Plasticky look The earcups can be folded up and into the headband for more compact storage, and inside are anisotropic ferrite magnet drivers boasting a pretty respectable 18-20,000 Hz frequency response, though at 100 ohms they’re not quite as easy to drive as some headsets, meaning you may find volume levels a little low when used with some portable devices. Plantronics (Poly) Voyager Focus UC The best headset for serious home working Specifications Microphone: Active noise-cancelling triple mic Connection: wireless (Bluetooth, USB) Driver size: Not stated Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz Impedance: Not stated Weight: 155g TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Dell Reasons to buy + Noise cancelling headphones and mic + Great wireless range & battery life + Charging stand included Reasons to avoid – On-ear ear cups wont suit everyone – Biased for work over play
If you’re fed up with background noise distracting you from important conference calls, the Voyager Focus UC headset could be the answer. The Voyager Focus UC can be used with your PC, phone, tablet or even a smartwatch, thanks to its USB and Bluetooth wireless connectivity that gives up to 30m of roaming range.
The best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls in 2021
The best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls show how tech you’d normally associate with sound output alone can have a secret talent for two-way communications. Another new release, the OnePlus Buds Pro makes for an adequate calling headset, though its greater strengths are sound quality and noise cancellation. Not every single pair of headphones has a mic — audiophile models like the Focal Clear might not see the need — but there are lots of great options to choose from.
Bose 700 The absolute best headphones for voice and video calls Specifications Size and weight: 8 x 6.5 x 2 inches, 8.8 ounces Battery life (rated): 20 hours (ANC on) Bluetooth range: 30 feet (9 meters) Special features: Adjustable active noise cancellation, customizable EQ, charging case (optional) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Crutchfield View at Walmart 21 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Adjustable ANC levels + Slick, attractive design + Excellent noise cancelling on calls and music + Smart, intuitive buttons and touch controls Reasons to avoid – Expensive
Bose is a class leader on active noise cancellation (ANC) on headphones, and that microphone mastery extends to voice calling capability as well. The 700’s extensive mic array picks up your vice with outstanding clarity while simultaneously blocking out loud ambient noises, allowing fewer distractions in you calls even when you’re in busy places.
Combine that with a comfortable fit, excellent sound quality for music and the absolute best ANC on the market, and the Bose 700 is worth paying a little extra for. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds The best earbuds for voice and video calls Specifications Size and weight: 1.5 x 1 x 1.1 inches, 0.3 ounces (per bud) Battery life (rated): 6 hours, 18 hours (with charging case) Bluetooth range: 30 feet (9 meters) Special features: Adjustable ANC, Bluetooth 5.1, Self Voice mode for enhanced calling TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Category-leading ANC + Well-balanced sound + Excellent call quality + Bluetooth 5.1 Reasons to avoid – Battery life could be better
And, while recording clarity can take a nosedive on lesser in-ear buds, it’s the opposite on the QuietComfort Earbuds — in testing, we were complimented on how clear we sounded.
Apple AirPods Max The best Apple headphones for voice and video calls Specifications Size and weight: 7.4 x 6.6 x 3.3 inches, 13.6 ounces Battery life (rated): 20 hours (ANC on) Bluetooth range: 33 feet (10 meters) Special features: ANC, spatial audio, audio sharing, Siri TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Luxury design + Excellent noise cancellation + Spatial Audio sounds great Reasons to avoid – Expensive Transparency mode is one: this lets you hear you own voice when speaking, which in turn helps you moderate your own volume and make sure you’re coming through clear. Jabra Elite 65t The best cheap headphones with a mic for voice and video calls Specifications Size and weight: 0.3 x 1.2 x 0.9 inches inches, 0.2 ounces (per bud) Battery life (rated): 5 hours; 15 hours (with charging case) Bluetooth range: 30 feet (9 meters) Special features: Customizable EQ, digital assistant support, transparency mode TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Best Buy View at Walmart 68 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Low price + Excellent call quality + Good sound quality + Comfortable design Reasons to avoid – Middling battery life – Newer models available
Apple AirPods Pro Feature-packed earbuds with high call quality Specifications Size and weight: 2.4 x 1.7 x 0.9 inches, 0.2 ounces (per bud) Battery life (rated): 4.5 hours (ANC on), 24 hours (ANC on with charging case) Bluetooth range: 800 feet Special features: Active noise cancellation, Siri, spatial audio TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Crutchfield Prime View at Amazon 6923 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Modern, functional design + Great active noise cancelling + Comfortable semi-custom fit + Adaptive sound Reasons to avoid – Battery life could be longer This improves passive sound isolation so you can better hear our friends and colleagues on the line, and that’s not even taking into account the AirPods Pro’s ANC. It’s not much of a factor for voice and video calls specifically, but the AirPods Pro also has a few special features that only work with compatible iOS devices.
Bose’s mic array is powerful, not only blocking out large amounts of ambient noise across the frequency spectrum, but also demonstrating great intelligibility to understand words and voice commands when using your native assistant.
Having longer battery life (24 hours on a full charge) than its predecessors is a huge deal, but so is not being able to turn off ANC mode for power preservation. AirPods 3 The best standard AirPods for voice and FaceTime calls Specifications Size and weight: 1.21 x 0.72 x 0.76 inches, 0.15 ounces (per bud) Battery life (rated): 6 hours, 30 hours (with charging case) Bluetooth range: 40 feet (12 meters) Special features: Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio, MagSafe Charging TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at BHPhoto Reasons to buy + Adaptive EQ with well-balanced sound + Spatial audio support + Strong wind resistance + Longer battery life Reasons to avoid – No ANC or Transparency mode – Loose fit Apple added acoustic mesh on the mics to reduce wind resistance, and AAC-ELD codec support delivers full HD voice quality when jumping on FaceTime calls. Where these headphones really shine are in the productivity features, such as voice dictation with Microsoft 365 to verbally jot down notes in Office programs (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), and multipoint technology, which lets you connect to 10 devices simultaneously.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Bose-quality voice and video calls, for less Specifications Size and weight: 7.1 x 6.7 x 3.2 inches, 8.2 ounces Battery life (rated): 20 hours (ANC on), 40 hours (ANC off) Bluetooth range: 30 feet (9 meters) Special features:: Active noise cancellation, dedicated digital assistant button, Music Share TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon 633 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Stellar noise cancellation + Crisp, wide sound + Can listen in wired mode with ANC on Reasons to avoid – Google Assistant integration could be improved But indoors the QuietComfort 35 II still makes for a great chatting tool, and proved very capable of quietening ambient noise in our testing.
Amazfit PowerBuds Pro The best sport headphones to use for calls Specifications Size and weight: 1.3 x 0.7 x 0.9 inches, 0.2 ounces Battery life (rated): 5.5 hours (ANC on), 9 hours (ANC off), 19 hours (with charging case and ANC on), 30 hours (with charging case and ANC off) Bluetooth range: 30 feet (9 meters) Special features: Active noise cancellation, activity tracking, ambient listening mode Today’s best Amazfit PowerBuds Pro deals Cyber Monday Sale ends in 21 hrs 21 mins 02 secs Amazfit PowerBuds Pro… Amazon Prime $149.99 View Check out more Cyber Monday Sale deals at Amazon Walmart Best Buy Dell Reasons to buy + Energetic sound + IP55 rating + Doubles as a fitness tracker Reasons to avoid – Loose fit – Not all tracking is accurate Speaking of audio, these buds pump out vibrant sound to keep your workouts energized, while features like activity tracking and heart-rate monitoring mean you can leave your Apple Watch or Fitbit at home during runs.
Sony WH-1000XM4 The best Sony headphones for voice and video calls Specifications Size and weight: 10 x 3 x 7.3 inches, 9 ounces Battery life (rated): 30 hours (ANC on), 38 hours (ANC off) Bluetooth range: 40 feet (12 meters) Special features: Active noise cancellation, customizable EQ, multipoint technology TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime Low Stock View at Amazon View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Excellent sound and noise cancellation + Plenty of features via Sony Connect Headphones app + Stellar touch controls + Multiple ways to connect the headphones Reasons to avoid – Call quality could be improved So think about whether you want to pay extra for ANC, which enhances your listening experience in busy areas or on transport, as well as how important sound quality is for you more generally.
We also judge overall audio performance by how well each pair handles a variety of music genres, and will measure how long we get out of the battery before it runs empty.
Best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls 2021
Thankfully, voice and video calling apps such as Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime and WhatsApp have shrunk the world, enabling us to virtually meet up with friends, family and colleagues no matter where they are. Whether you’re working from home and need to do a conference call to Singapore or just have a video catch-up with your mum, you’ll need one of our best headphones with a mic.
And if you tend to make calls outdoors or in busy offices, noise-cancelling technology will block out external sounds such as wind, rain, rumbling trains and open-plan banter.
To help you make the right choice, we’ve recommended the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls – don’t forget, Black Friday is nigh, meaning deals aplenty.
They’re as comfortable as ever, making them perfect for long video calls; they introduce useful features that elevate the user experience; and, most importantly, you’re getting a serious hike in sound quality. Their sense of musicality and enthusiasm remains as addictive as ever, but you can also hear big improvements over their predecessor across the board. Specifications Bluetooth: Yes Noise-cancelling: Yes Battery life: 20hr Charging: USB-C Built-in mic and controls: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS £260 View at Amazon £269 View at Peter Tyson £299 View at Hughes Reasons to buy + Next-gen noise-cancellation + Comfortable and stylish + Crystal-clear, upfront sound + Intuitive touch controls Reasons to avoid – Lack class-leading insight – Rivals have better battery life – Expensive The name of Bose’s latest wireless headphones doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue, but it does reflect the company’s focus on improving noise-cancelling technology. The 700 (as they’re destined to be known) use a new noise-cancelling system with everything from new acoustics to new digital signal processing – all running off Bose’s own NC chip. For a hands-free experience, there’s built-in voice control; press a button on the earcup to summon Google Assistant or Alexa. Specifications Bluetooth version: 5.0 Noise-cancelling: No Battery life: 45 hours (low power mode) Charging: USB-C Built-in mic and controls: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £89.95 View at Amazon Prime £89.95 View at Amazon £89.95 View at Richer Sounds Reasons to buy + Extra dynamic expression + Great clarity + Slick app support Reasons to avoid – No noise cancelling Specifications OS support: Android/iOS Bluetooth: Yes Noise-cancelling: Yes Battery life: 8 hours (24 hours with charging case) Finishes: 2 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £199 View at Amazon £199 View at John Lewis £199 View at Sevenoaks Reasons to buy + Clear, detailed bass performance + Wonderful sense of musicality + Comfortable + Class-leading battery life Reasons to avoid – Missing Sony’s Multipoint feature – Lacking ear tip choices – No aptX HD
Award winning WF-1000XM4, Sony’s managed to build on the huge success of the WF-1000XM3 and produce a sensational pair of true wireless ‘buds that are perfect for music and calls alike. They have dynamics and detail in spades and put in a balanced performance, with taut, precise bass notes and refined, sophisticated vocals. The Sonys are comfortable to wear too, with touch-sensitive controls and ear tips that provide excellent noise isolation (which should come in useful when you’re trying to focus on the call at hand). IPX4 water resistance is included, as are clever features such as Quick Attention and Speak-To-Chat which both allow you to have a conversation without removing the earbuds. If you’re looking for a decent pair of cable-free earbuds for music and calls, and you’re an Apple user, the AirPods Pro are the obvious choice. Each bud has a force sensor on the stem – squeeze it to activate Siri, answer calls or skip a track.
Inside, Apple’s H1 chip enables the buds to switch seamlessly between iOS devices and allows for a stronger connection. But what they lack in punch and dynamism compared to, say, the Sony WF-1000XM4, they make up for in natural, crystal clear tone (a sound profile that’s ideal for voice calls).
Specifications Bluetooth version: 5.0 Noise-cancelling: Yes Battery life: 6.5 hours (+ 13 hours from charging case) Charging: USB-C Built-in mic and controls: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS £76.24 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Expansive detailed presentation + Excellent noise cancelling + Superb touch controls Reasons to avoid – Fit could be an issue for some Specs are thorough, with noise-cancelling tech, an Ambient Mode, twin mics for voice calls, and a battery life that totals 19.5 hours (6.5hrs from the buds and 13hrs from the charging case).
Google’s latest true wireless earbuds come with a stacked feature set and very low price, making them a seriously appealing prospect for many. That’s no bad thing – it can make crossing the road a lot safer when you’re deep in conversation with someone using the buds as a handsfree kit.
Thankfully these put in an admirable performance come music time, with a clean, balanced sound that doesn’t lean too far into any part of the sonic spectrum. Specifications Bluetooth: Yes Noise-cancelling: No Battery life: 7hr (+13hr from case) Charging: USB-C Built-in mic and controls: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £149.80 View at Amazon Low Stock £169 View at Audio Visual Online Reasons to buy + Lively, detailed sound + Lightweight fit + Excellent value for money Reasons to avoid – Battery life below the best – Not waterproof
The CX 400BT may not have the sleekest name, the fanciest design or even the most generous feature set, but they are more sonically gifted than most at this quite affordable price.
The former promises high-quality, far-reaching Bluetooth transmission, while the latter opens doors to EQ adjustment and control customisation.
This Pro variant takes the standard – and excellent – Earfun Air and adds active noise cancellation (ANC), more mics and larger drivers. That all adds up to a better sonic performance as well as clearer voice calls – very handy if you’re out and about in noisy environments. Unlike its older sibling, it opens like a suitcase, instead of a backpack, and is pebble-shaped as opposed to looking like a premium box of dental-floss. The crucial function you’ll want to practise is a triple-tap of that left earpiece, as this scrolls between the Earfun’s noise-cancelling, ‘normal’ and ‘ambient sound’ modes. Specifications Battery life: 30 hours Water resistance: IPX4 Features: spatial audio, Audio Sharing, MagSafe wireless charging Bluetooth: AAC, 5.0 Weight: 4.3g (each bud), 38g (case) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £159 View at Amazon £169 View at Currys £179 View at O2 Mobiles Reasons to buy + Spatial audio support + Balanced, clear, detailed sound + Strong battery life Reasons to avoid – Beaten for transparency – No on-bud volume adjustment – Fit won’t be for everyone
Apple has also worked to improve voice call quality, firstly by bringing in support for a codec called AAC-ELD, specifically designed to enhance speech, and secondly by covering the beamforming microphones on the earbuds with an acoustic mesh in an effort to reduce wind noise. They make a great alternative for non-Apple users, with impressive features, decent battery life and an enjoyably balanced sound. They’re more comfortable and nicer to use than their predecessors, and noise-cancelling is now included as part of the package, so they provide decent voice pickup in noisy environments.
Customisable touchpad controls are built into both buds and they’re comfortable enough for a movie marathon or an extended video call. The addition of noise-cancelling also comes in handy when summoning Siri or Google Assistant, as you’ll be able to hear their AI-powered answers loud and clear. Specifications Connector: Lightning Cable length: N/A In-line remote and mic: N/A OS support: iOS/Android Bluetooth: Yes Noise-cancelling: Yes Battery life: 20 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £439 View at Amazon £459 View at Richer Sounds £549 View at argos.co.uk Reasons to buy + Superb sound and noise-cancelling + Cinematic spatial audio + Exceptional build quality Reasons to avoid – Near-pointless case – Audio cable not included – Practically Apple-only They boast pristinely machined, single-piece anodised aluminium ear cups connected by a stainless-steel headband. Between the cups and your head are memory-foam cushions that easily surround even the largest ears, creating a seal that’s both gentle and surprisingly effective at physically blocking out sound, leaving you to focus on the call at hand. The third-generation Momentum Wireless cans follow in the footsteps of two models that knocked it out of the park, and this new pair continues the trend.
Build quality is exceptionally good, with plush sheepskin leather earpads and stainless steel sliders. And via the Sennheiser Smart Control app, you can customise the intensity of the noise cancellation (‘Anti-Wind’ mode should prove its worth during outdoor calls).
The Momentum Wireless also support aptX Low Latency, which aims to improve the synchronicity of audio and video content.
They might feel a little cheaper than previous B&W headphones but the PX7 offer a high degree of all-day comfort, making them a great go-to for both Netflix binges and extended video calls. They combine proprietary driver technology and Qualcomm’s new aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec to great effect, serving up a solid, balanced sound, plenty of clarity and a tad more enthusiasm than their peers. The PX7’s inability to fold into a more compact form for slinging in a bag is a shame, but they do come with a carry case in the box.
Bose pioneered active noise-cancellation technology for the consumer market, so it’s no surprise that QC45 are mighty impressive in that respect. They have more mics, with more of those beamforming, meaning a real step up in terms of noise cancellation and for call clarity.
Multi-point pairing means you can easily flick between a Zoom call on your laptop and listening to music on your phone.
There are three levels of noise cancelling, which you can toggle with the press of an ear cup, plus a solid 30-hour battery life.
There’s a good dose of warmth at the bottom end to provide solid sound effects and enough subtlety in the midrange to give dialogue some real character. Sony’s wireless noise-cancelling headphones are some of the most comfortable over-ears we’ve ever tested, so they’re perfectly suited to extended voice and video calls, not to mention box-set binges.
The open, spacious soundstage provides plenty of room for sparkling vocals and ensures that the person on the other end of the call can be heard clearly. They also sport Bluetooth 5.0, meaning they have an outstanding 40m indoor range, giving you the freedom to pace around the room or gesticulate without getting tangled up in a cable. The improved audio quality makes for a sophisticated, musical sound that benefits from a neutral sonic balance.
Another nifty feature, for devices running iOS 13 or later, is Audio Sharing, which allows a second pair of AirPods to connect to an iPhone and listen to whatever you’re playing. But if you’re an Apple fan, these sleek buds are fantastic value for money, and a great bet if you’re after some of the best headphones with a mic around.
10 Best Headphones With Mics (2021 Review)
Whilst this is great for purists, consumer music usually needs extra bass and treble added to the mix. They provide the convenience of call handling without needing to retrieve your mobile and the majority of manufacturers have cottoned on quickly to the popularity of this mod-con. Some mic additions are just filler with many of them pretty sub-par for the task in hand just simply added for show or to compete with the market. Directional mics must be placed on an arm like a headset which is ideal for a work environment and indeed for gaming purposes.
Noise cancellation is a double-edged sword but for call-handling, it is pretty important unless you have a near field directional microphone. Noise cancellation relies on additional microphones placed externally to capture surrounding sound then play the waves twice with one copy 180 degrees out of phase with the original input. If you are buying a wired set then the cords should be coated, twisted or braided to give them a smoother surface that is harder to tangle and easier to untangle as well. We have tried to include a good variety in this article and we have steered away from too many Bluetooth models as it can be less reliable as far as communication signals are concerned.
If you are looking for a more discreet, on the go, in-ear option then you might fancy giving our true wireless headphone article a read although they operate via Bluetooth they could fit the bill.
The best PC gaming headsets of 2021
The best PC gaming headsets can be a blessing for anyone looking to declutter their workspace, combing the benefits of the best headphones and a fantastic microphone into a single, convenient product. Beyond being useful, they can also be styled for the rest of your gaming PC setup, with a plethora of colors, materials and designs to choose from. You also get things like fantastic surround sound, Dolby Atmos capability, and a crisp, full-sounding mic. Of course, just because PC gaming headsets offer the best of both worlds doesn’t mean they’ll be the best solution for everyone, but if you have your eyes on a particular pair then keep a look out for Black Friday deals as we enter the fall sales.
Save $30 – Enjoy Dolby Atmos sound with custom-tuned 50mm audio drivers for the PC, Mac, PS4, and PS5 thanks to this Corsair Black Friday deal from Best Buy. Save $40 – Get one of the most premium PC gaming headsets around with the Corsair Virtuoso RGB SE Wireless and enjoy 7.1 surround sound and 50mm audio drivers for PCs, Macs, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
Save $20 – Get this premium gaming headset for less and enjoy high-fidelity 7.1 surround sound, broadcast-quality microphone, 20 hour battery life, and more – all for 11% off thanks to this Corsair Black Friday deal at Amazon. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Premium wireless gaming headset Specifications Interface: 2.4GHz USB wireless, 3.5mm audio jack Features: THX Spatial Audio, noise cancellation, TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers, removable HyperClear Supercardioid mic TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Razer’s THX Spatial audio app for fine audio customization + 24-hour battery life Reasons to avoid – Isn’t fully compatible with consoles – Could use a better battery level indicator
Focusing primarily on three attributes: positional audio, communication clarity and noise cancellation, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a premium wireless gaming headset in every sense of the word. You bet Specifications Interface: Wireless / Wired (USB) Features: Dolby Atmos, 20 hour battery life, 60-foot rang, custom-tuned 50mm high density neodymium audio drivers TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at CORSAIR Reasons to buy + Nice design + Fantastic sound quality + Comfortable + Dolby Atmos works well Reasons to avoid – Expensive and out of most budgets – Mic arm not easily positioned With its excellent build quality, comfortable design, 20-hour-long battery life, range of around 60 feet (18.3m), and fully customizeable RGB lighting through Corsair’s iCUE software, this is the premium gaming headset that ever serious PC gamer should check out. Corsair HS60 Haptic One of our favorite headsets ever, hands-down Specifications Interface: Wired (USB) Features: Haptic bass powered by Taction Technology, custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers, noise-cancelling unidirectional mic TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon Low Stock View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Excellent sound + Haptic feedback is like wrapping your head with a subwoofer + Excellent noise-cancelling microphone Reasons to avoid – In theory, you can lose the detachable mic – Some might prefer a wireless headset
It actually feels like you’ve just strapped a subwoofer comfortably to your head, and that’s without compromising the sound quality. Logitech G Pro X Wireless Wireless freedom Specifications Interface: Wireless Features: up to 20h battery life, Detachable mic with foam windscreen, 1.8m USB A to USB C charging cable TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Best Buy View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Excellent sound quality + Superb build quality + Comfortable Reasons to avoid – Expensive for what you’re getting – Weak microphone
One of the best gaming headsets out there, this pair of cans gives you wireless freedom alongside low latency, robust build quality and, most importantly, excellent sound. SteelSeries Arctis Pro PC gaming’s best kept secret Specifications Interface:: Wired (USB) Features:: 40mm drivers, Retractable boom microphone, DTS Headphone:X v2.0, RGB lighting, included DAC TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart 31 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Included DAC + Audiophile worthy sound Reasons to avoid – Surround sound not great
Astro A50 Wireless (2019) Like the Cadillac of PC gaming headsets Specifications Interface: Wireless (5.8GHz) Features:: Dolby Audio, Works with PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC and mobile; Astro Audio; 5.8GHz wireless tech with MixAmp; USB charging with base station TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Dolby Audio sounds amazing + Supremely comfortable Reasons to avoid – Edgy aesthetics The Astro A50 Wireless isn’t just an appealing choice for the best gaming headset because of its edgy aesthetic – that is, if you’re into that sort of look. This is a multi-use headset boasting excellent and immersive – if not audiophile-level – sound quality as well as fantastic wireless connectivity so latency is no issue. SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless Excellent sound for both your PC and PS5 Specifications Interface: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth Features: Discord-certified microphone, 20+ hour battery life, On-ear ChatMix control, DTS Headphone:X v2.0 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at SteelSeries View at SteelSeries Reasons to buy + Excellent sound quality + Lag-free Reasons to avoid – Expensive
Beyerdynamic Custom Game Gaming never sounded so good Specifications Interface:: Wired (3.5mm) Features: Sound slider; Soft ear pads; Changeable design covers; Detachable cable TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime Low Stock View at Amazon 401 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Extremely comfortable + Impressive audio quality Reasons to avoid – Kind of expensive Corsair HS50 The budget king Specifications Interface: Wired (analog) Features: 50mm drivers; Easy on-ear volume and mute controls; Multi-platform compatibility TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Adorama 333 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Strong stereo sound + Excellent value Reasons to avoid – Mic easily misplaced
If you don’t mind forgoing some extra bells and whistles – like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, for example – then you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless A wireless headset with wired sound Specifications Interface: Wireless (Bluetooth) Features: Dual-battery charging system, Bluetooth connectivity, 40mm drivers TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime Low Stock View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 18 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Lossless audio + Convenient dual-battery system Reasons to avoid – Expensive
Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition Improving a perfect formula Specifications Interface: Wired (USB and Analog) Features: 50mm drivers; Reinforced steel and aluminum build; Detachable and flexible mic TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon 403 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Very comfortable + Clear, accurate sound Reasons to avoid – Mids and highs unbalanced Specifications Interface: Wireless Features: Metal headband; Powerful desktop software; Enables Waves NX 3D Audio; ProSpecs Glasses Relief system TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Microsoft US View at Walmart Prime Low Stock View at Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + ProSpecs Glasses Relief system + Plenty of features Reasons to avoid – Questionable aesthetic Yes, there might be a few things that hold the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero back from true greatness – namely, its tight fit and not-so-appealing aesthetic. With great sound quality to start, coupled with its ProSpecs Glasses Relief system to make it more comfortable for wearers with glasses, plethora of features and incredibly powerful software, this is one of the best gaming headsets we’ve ever put over our ears.
Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R No gimmicks, just excellent sound Specifications Interface: Wired (3.5mm with 6.35 adapter) Features: Open-back design, extended frequency response TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Adorama Reasons to buy + Amazing sound quality + Comfortable Reasons to avoid – No built-in mic Razer Nari Ultimate Feel the game Specifications Interface: Wireless Features: 8-hour battery life; HyperSense haptic feedback; Compatible with many devices; 50mm drivers TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 5 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great sound + Tons of connectivity Reasons to avoid – Haptic vibrations are divisive
Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 Shiny Specifications Interface: Wireless (Bluetooth) Features: 7.1-channel surround sound; 50mm Neodymium drivers; Bluetooth; Built-in DAC TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon 453 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Aesthetic Reasons to avoid – Expensive With its Republic of Gamers brand, Asus has built a reputation for being the name behind some of the best gaming peripherals to constantly meet consumer standards.
Packed with 50mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth compatibility, this gaming headset provides fantastic sound quality without being tethered with a wire. Likewise, Logitech may not always reach the same heights in audio quality as SteelSeries but it always puts out a good sounding, comfortable product at a reasonable price.
Not only do they offer pairs for most every budget, but they come with all sorts of features like THX or Dolby Atmos, haptic feedback, and great battery life for the wireless options. As proven by our picks here, Astro, Turtle Beach, and the typically non-gaming focused Beyerdynamic all make some excellent headsets.
And, if you plan on gaming for hours, you need to choose one that won’t hurt your head when you wear it for long periods. Finally, there are things like type of interface (wireless or wired), connectivity and range, and RGB lighting to consider as well. They might not be as exciting as the latest graphics cards or the newest gaming PCs , but they can be just as fun to try out and appraise.
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