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Headphones with Microphone: A review of the best headsets with microphone (2023)

Editor's choice

star
Jabra Evolve2 85

best value for money

euro-icon
Jabra Elite 45h
Jabra Elite 85h

Best on-ear

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Sennheiser PC 5.2 Chat

What are the best microphone headsets on the market?

Headsets with microphones are very useful and are becoming more and more fashionable. And not only in the gaming universe. You can use them at work to stay permanently connected, answer calls, record or make live broadcasts. Headsets with microphone are an indispensable tool for multiplayer gaming or important teleconferences. From our point of view, they are super versatile and useful devices, especially the wireless headsets with microphone, which give you a lot of freedom.

At culturasonora, we have been selecting and analyzing the best microphone headsets on the market for weeks. In this review, we have chosen what we believe to be the five best models. You will find the best headphones with microphone for gamers, for broadcast professionals, wireless headsets with microphone and affordable models for use with a phone. These five headsets are comfortable, integrate good microphones and offer the best sound in their respective price ranges. Shall we begin?

How to choose the ideal headset for you?

When choosing a pair of headphones, the most important thing to consider is what you will use them for. The In-Ear headphones integrated in-line microphones in the cable are perfect for making or answering calls from your phone, but their quality is not as good for more demanding purposes.

They are ideal if you plan to use them for calls that do not involve serious negotiations. Plus, they're small and portable, so you can take them with you to listen to music at the gym or on the go. Wireless headphones are also very comfortable and can perfectly fulfill this task.

If your needs are more serious however, you need to invest in a model that integrates a higher quality microphone. The best headphones for broadcasting, recording vocals or gaming have  Over-Ear  designs (supra-aural) that attenuate external noise significantly, and integrate a microphone with a boom arm that connects to one of the cups.

On the other hand, if you are looking for comfort, On-Ear or circum-aural headphones are the most recommended.They let more sound through than Over-Ear models and this can be problematic in noisy environments, but you can wear them for hours without them causing any discomfort. They are also more portable than Over-Ear.

Comfort and design

The comfort offered by a headset is a very important aspect if you plan to use it for working during the day or playing for several hours. The most significant details to consider are the headband, the weight and the fit of the cups.

Closed Over-Ear headphones feature the best cushioning and are ideal for offices or if you don't want other people to hear your games. The On-Ear are perfect for quiet environments and home use. In-Ear are not as comfortable, but you can use them without problems to exercise or perform any type of activity.

We also recommend you this article with several tips on  how to improve the sound quality of your headphones.

Microphone quality

Microphone quality is paramount for most users. Voice clarity is most important for those who work in online broadcasting, teleconferencing or are professional gamers. If you only need to answer occasional calls, this point is not essential for you. Otherwise, try to choose a model with a directional polar pattern and, if possible, with some noise cancellation technology.

The best headphones with microphone of 2023:

  1. Jabra Evolve2 85
  2. Plantronics Voyager Focus UC
  3. Jabra Elite 85h
  4. Steelseries Arctis 7
  5. Shure AONIC 3
  6. Jabra Evolve2 40
  7. Sennheiser PC 5.2 Chat

Jabra Evolve2 85

Pros

Great sound and noise cancellation, compatible with Zoom, Teams and Skype, good design.

Cons

Somewhat expensive.

Technical Characteristics:

  • Type: Over-Ear.
  • Weight: 286 gr.
  • Connectivity : Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Noise cancellation: yes.

The Jabra Evolve2 85 is an ideal headset for office work and one of the best mobile headsets. They are very comfortable and integrate a battery that allows you to use them all day long. They feature very effective active noise cancellation and do not leak audio. They can be synchronized with two devices simultaneously and offer superb sound quality.

Design:

This Over-Eear headset has an attractive and modern design. They look very similar to the Jabra Elite 85h Bluetooth headsets, except for the integrated retractable microphone. They are almost entirely made of hard plastic and come in black or beige. They look elegant and do not attract attention.

The Jabra Evolve2 85, like most headphones of this brand, are very comfortable. They have generous padding in the cups and the band. In addition, the weight is very well distributed around the head. You can use them for long sessions without any discomfort.

As for the controls, these headphones with microphone integrate buttons to manage volume, playback and change songs. They also allow you to answer calls with the multipurpose button, which is also used to switch between noise cancellation and speech functions. You can move the microphone to mute it or press the voice button. This button also turns on your phone's personal assistant when you are not making a call.

They are an over-ear headset, but their design is portable. They fold up into a more compact size for carrying with the faux leather hard case that comes in the package.

Sound:

The sound profile of the Jabra Evolve2 85 headset is very well balanced. All frequencies maintain a good presence in the mix. The bass sounds strong but doesn't overshadow the other tonalities. The mid response is neutral, which is important for conversations. Dialogues and vocals are perceived as detailed and clear.

The treble also sounds very good, although the quality may vary according to the position. They are sensitive to fit and position. If you have long hair or glasses, you may have a little trouble getting the perfect fit. That said, you can equalize the sound to your personal taste with the Jabra Sound application that offers a five-band equalizer.

The performance is remarkable in terms of harmonic distortion. All reproductions sound faithful and clear. They also insulate you significantly from external noise. ANC suffers a little with low noises, such as bus engines, but it's very effective in any type of environment. It's perfect for the office.

The Evolve2 85 comes with an excellent quality boom microphone. They capture vocals naturally and without distortion. They also cancel ambient noise very well. You can use them to make calls in the noisiest environments and the recipient will still understand you perfectly.

Connectivity:

The Jabra Sound application gives you access to different audio and microphone settings, a five-band equalizer and a menu to change the standby mode duration. You can also turn the active noise cancellation technology on or off, view the battery status and update the firmware.

They work with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and their wireless range is very wide. With the Jabra Evolve2 85 headset, you can connect to two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth. It also has a memory for eight devices. On the other hand, they also come with a TRS audio cable for wired use, although you lose microphone compatibility.

When you use the Bluetooth adapter that comes in the package, plus Jabra Direct software, you get the full Microsoft Teams experience to control all functions from your computer. That said, you do not need the adapter to use these headphones with microphone. You can connect them directly to your computer or mobile device via Bluetooth, although you lose the functions certified for Microsoft equipment.

Battery:

The Evolve from Jabra have an integrated high-performance battery. The autonomy reaches 32 hours with active noise cancellation, which is amazing. You can use them while charging, as long as you are synchronized via Bluetooth or the adapter.

Conclusion:

The Jabra Evolve2 85 headset is ideal for people who frequent noisy environments or travel a lot. They integrate excellent noise cancellation technology, offer great sound, the microphone is remarkable and they are very comfortable. They are one of the best wireless headphones with microphone. Interested? Check out the best prices on Amazon.

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC

Pros

Comfortable, long battery life (15 h), balanced sound, good microphone, active noise cancellation.

Cons

Only connect via Bluetooth (4.1)

Technical Characteristics:

  • Type: On-Ear.
  • Weight: 155 gr.
  • Connectivity : Bluetooth 4.1.
  • Noise cancellation: Yes.

The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC is one of the best wireless headsets with microphone that we have tested. The sound quality is remarkable, it has a good battery performance, they are comfortable and the microphone is of very good quality.

Design:

On the outside, the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC headset looks like a high-quality professional product. They are black with some details in red and silver. Its On-Ear design (supraural) is very comfortable. The metal band holds the cups in place but doesn't exert uncomfortable pressure. They can be used for hours without problems.

Both the cup and the headband feature soft-touch padding. These wireless headphones with microphone integrate a button to activate voice command on one cup, and on the other cup, buttons to control playback and a potentiometer for volume.

All buttons are large and easy to press. The cups rotate and also come with a bag. They are quite portable, although they do not have a folding structure. They come with a 2-inch boom microphone that you can lower to mouth level when you need it or raise it out of the way.

Sound:

The sound quality offered by the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC headset is quite good. Music can sound powerful, without distortion. They have an excellent bass response, although it doesn't overshadow the other tonalities. The mids and treble maintain a good presence.

Overall, they offer a well-balanced sound. These wireless headphones feature active noise cancellation technology that you can activate from one of the ear cups. The ANC does a good job of eliminating the ambient noise you encounter on trains or airplanes.

One of the best features of this wireless headset is the quality of its microphone and its performance when making calls. They offer mild voice monitoring so you don't have to shout when you speak and the voice sounds very clear, even in noisy environments. In this section they fare better than most wireless headphones with microphone that we have tested.

Connectivity:

They work with Bluetooth 4.1 and can be synchronized with two devices (a phone and a computer, for example). Wireless connectivity works perfectly for up to nine meters. Unfortunately, they cannot be connected by wire . It always comes in handy to have a plan B in case you run out of battery power. They are one of the best microphone headsets for PC.

Battery:

The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC headset has a built-in battery that lasts about 15 hours with noise cancellation turned off and about 10 hours if ANC is activated. They are charged with an included USB cable that can be connected to any computer or USB charger. They have four blue side lights that indicate the battery status while charging.

Conclusion:

The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC headset costs a bit more than other Bluetooth headsets, but the price is justified. The sound quality is good enough to reproduce any musical genre, they are comfortable, have active noise cancellation and integrate an excellent quality microphone.

It's a good buy if you need a noise-cancelling wireless headset to enjoy your music and take or make important calls. They are the best video conferencing headset in this price range. Find the best prices on Amazon.

If you are looking for a handsfree, the Plantronics Voyager 5200 are ideal.

Jabra Elite 85h

Pros

Comfortable, high quality microphone, attenuates external noise impeccably.

Cons

They do not support the aptX codec.

Technical Characteristics:

  • Type: Over-Ear.
  • Weight: 296 gr.
  • Connectivity : Bluetooth/cable.
  • Noise cancellation: Yes.

Jabra's new Elite 85h recently came out to compete with the latest ANC models from Sony and Bose. Their design, sound quality and price/performance ratio make them one of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market.

Design:

The Jabra Elite 85h is a very attractive professional headset. They have a sleek minimalist design and a premium fabric finish. They feature faux leather padding that is very soft to the touch, and can be worn for hours without causing any discomfort. The quality of construction is excellent. They are made of plastic, but are strong and flexible enough to last for a long time.

The right cup integrates controls that allow you to answer calls, change songs and control playback. They turn on automatically when you turn the cups and playback stops or starts when you take off and put on the headset. The purchase package includes the audio and charging cables and an excellent quality case.

Sound:

The Jabra Elite look very nice, but the best thing they offer is their sound quality and noise cancellation. This professional headset integrates eight microphones that work flawlessly to reduce outside noise. In addition, voices on calls are very clear in any environment.

They do not support aptX or LDAC codecs, but their sound quality is remarkable. They offer strong, controlled bass and a pleasant, easy-to-listen-to sound profile. Mid and high tones are perceived as warm and clear.

You can also equalize the sound to your personal taste with the Jaba Sound app. The application offers several useful modes for different situations, such as a Bass Boost that emphasizes the bass. They are useful for mobile and any other devices.

Connectivity:

The Elite 85h work with virtual assistants, such as Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. Thanks to the quality of their microphones, they pick up voice commands impeccably. In addition to the buttons that allow you to control playback, this Jabra headset includes a button to mute the microphone and another to switch between four different levels of noise cancellation. Both the USB-C charging port and the 3.5mm auxiliary input are located on the right cup.

Battery:

The battery life of these noise-cancelling headphones is incredible. It lasts 36 hours with the ANC technology active and up to 41 hours if you turn it off. In addition, they load very quickly. Just 15 minutes of charging is enough for five hours of continuous playback.

Conclusion:

The Jabra Elite 85h is one of the best headsets on the market. They are attractive, comfortable, integrate a high-performance battery, are very comfortable and the sound is top-notch. To see the best prices on Amazon, click here.

SteelSeries Arctis 7

Auriculares gaming SteelSeries-Arctis-3
Pros

Good sound quality, customizable headband, good value for money.

Cons

Nothing significant.

Technical Characteristics:

  • Type: Over-Ear.
  • Weight: 376 g.
  • Connectivity : By cable / USB adapter (PlayStation, Pc/Mac, Xbox, VR, smartphones).
  • Noise cancellation: No.

The Steelseries Arctis 7 has remained one of the best gaming headsets for several years now. Last year, they received an update that improved several aspects of the design and sound.

Design:

The new Arctis 7 headset features thicker padding and a more curved headband to better adapt to any type of user. The build quality of this PS5 headset is very good, as is the microphone. In terms of appearance, they maintain the same attractive and elegant design.

They integrate an elastic band on the upper called Ski Google that reduces weight and resists perspiration. The band can be easily removed and is customizable. The cups are always kept dry thanks to the Air Weave technology that takes advantage of air circulation. They can be used for hours without causing any discomfort.

Sound:

The Steelseries Arctis 7 is one of the best headsets designed for gamers. However, the sound quality is so good that you can use them to watch movies or listen to music in good detail. They work with DTS headphone X V2 surround sound technology that allows you to hear the different effects of a game or movie in a remarkable way.

The sound balance of this PS4 headset is well achieved and offers good clarity in all tonalities. The bass is not as strong as other gaming headsets, but it feels deep. In addition, the mid and high tones maintain a great presence in the mix.

One of the best features of this headset is its microphone. It's retractable and features adjustable noise cancellation technology. It significantly filters out low-frequency noise and emphasizes mid-frequencies to flawlessly capture vocals. This is achieved with a unique technology called ClearCast that is inspired by the engineering present in radio stations and recording studios.

Connectivity:

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 can be connected to any computer or PS4 console via a USB adapter, but you can also use them wired. The latency is minimal and the connectivity range is wide. One of the best headphones with cable and microphone.

The Arctis 7 has controls that allow you to mute the microphone, mix the channels and manage the volume. You can also equalize the sound profile to your personal taste via the SteelSeries Engine app, access a compressor effect and manage different settings.

Conclusion:

These headphones stand out for their microphone quality and unique design. The Arctis gaming headset offers great sound quality, and you can also equalize it to your personal taste. They are ideal for gaming or watching movies, but their versatility allows you to use them for any need.

They are one of the best wireless headphones with microphone for gaming. Find the best prices on Amazon.

We also recommend you check out the excellent Astro A50 and the Logitech G430 gaming headset.

Shure Aonic 3

auriculares con microfono Shure
Pros

Detailed and balanced sound, light and comfortable.

Cons

Somewhat expensive.

Technical Characteristics:

  • Type: In-Ear.
  • Weight: – .
  • Connectivity : Wired.
  • Noise cancellation: No.

The Shure Aonic 3 delivers great sound. They are not the cheapest In-Ear headphones, but their price is very justified. They come with several tips that achieve a perfect fit with any user and insulate you from noise, they are very comfortable and reliable. In addition, they are the headphones with the best In-ear microphone.

Design:

The Aonic 3 is inspired by the old E4 In-Ear headphones. They use an armor driver and are the smallest headphones in the line. They fit perfectly and are lightweight. You can use them for a long time without discomfort. The cable can be secured over the ears, so they feel secure all the time.

They come with nine types of tips of different materials. The perfect fit and design eliminate up to 37dB of noise, to avoid distractions anywhere. The package comes with a 3.5mm detachable audio cable, a travel case and a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter.

Sound:

The sound quality offered by these headphones with microphone is really excellent. The Aonic 3 integrates all of Shure's engineering expertise and it shows in the audio. The sound is incredibly rich and full for such a small headset. The good fit and comfortable design allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes while isolating yourself from outside noise. The integrated driver armature delivers natural, high-fidelity audio.

We tested them by playing several Radiohead albums and were very pleased. It's a pleasure to listen to music on the Aonic 3. All elements are perceived separately and without any confusion. The rhythm and timing are truly amazing.

They have a remarkable dynamic capacity, and all instruments and vocals stand out. The notes of the pianos mingle with the subtle details of the vocals to give you a delightful sound experience. You can even hear the vocalist's breathing.

You can put on the Aonic 3 headphones and forget about the world. The sound profile is impeccably balanced, no frequency is perceived as excessive or poor. The bass doesn't overshadow the other tonalities and the treble is clear, without being too jarring. Shure's are designed to deliver audio that is honest, transparent and very faithful to the original recording. You can perceive excellent details and a lot of emotionality in any genre of music.

Connectivity:

An in-line remote control and a microphone are located on the right ear cable. You can use them with Apple or Android devices without any problems. The control allows you to increase or decrease the volume and playback. The controls are simple but effective.

The cable of these headphones with microphone is removable thanks to the Shure MMCX connection. In addition, you can transform them into a wireless headset with the optional Shure True Wireless Secure Fit adapter. That said, the adapter is quite expensive.

Conclusion:

The Shure Aonic 3 impressed us with their sound quality. It's difficult to find other In-Ear headphones in this price range that offer this level of transparency, dynamism and musicality. They are one of the best headphones with microphone for cell phones and players. If you want to check the best prices on Amazon, follow this link.

Jabra Evolve2 40

auriculares con microfono jabra evolve2 40
Pros

Excellent value for money, good microphone, comfortable.

Cons

The sound quality is not the best.

Technical Characteristics:

  • Type: On-Ear.
  • Weight: 188 gr.
  • Connectivity : Wired.
  • Noise cancellation: No.

The Jabra Evolve series is known for its quality and value. The new Evolve2 40 is an On-Ear headset ideal for use in conference calls, is comfortable and offers good sound quality. The first generation appeared in 2014, and this new version features improvements in all departments.

Design:

The Jabra Evolve2 40 is an ideal office headset. They integrate a light in the left cup called Busy Light that turns on automatically when you receive a call, to let other people know you are busy, although you can also turn it on manually. The light of this new generation can be seen from any direction.

The Evolve2 40 has a new ergonomic design that is much more attractive and modern. In addition, the body feels more resistant compared to the original model. The Evolve2 40 is a compact and lightweight On-Ear headset. The cups are small, but have good padding made of memory foam that is soft to the touch. They are quite comfortable, ideal for long work sessions and integrate a microphone that filters out ambient noise so that your voice can be heard clearly.

One of the features we love about this headset is the mute function. Like other models, it has a mute button, but you can also mute the microphone by lifting the boom arm.

Sound:

The Evolve2 40 headphones offers fairly decent sound quality. We tested them by listening to various genres of music and video recordings and noticed no distortions. They do not offer the sublime details of the more expensive models and are not ideal for audiophiles, but they sound good and are perfect for office use, something to which this company has accustomed us.

They work with a frequency response of 20-20kHz in music mode and 100-10kHz in speech mode. As for the microphone, it also has a range of 100-14kHz. They sound very good and also isolate you from external noise. They are On-Ear microphone headphones and do not have active noise cancellation. That said, the pads and the angle of the cups noticeably muffle noise passively.

Jabra has updated the call technology for the new Evolve series. No matter what type of calls you want to make, the performance is flawless. This is because they integrate three powerful, perfectly positioned microphones, and the company's best signal processing technology. They are indeed a headset with a good microphone.

Connectivity:

These headphones with microphone connect to a USB-A or USB-C port on any computer. They are very easy to use and you only need to plug them in to start using them. They are certified for unified communications platforms.

They allow you to maintain flawless communication with UC. This means you can use them to work with GoToMeeting, Skype Business, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Xoom, Google Hangouts, BlueJeans and many more options.

Conclusion:

The Jabra Evolve2 40 headphones are comfortable and sound quite good for their price range. They are perfect for use in offices for long periods of time. Call quality is truly excellent and outperforms any model in this price range. They are one of the best headphones with microphone for work. Check the best prices on Amazon.

Sennheiser PC 5.2 Chat

Pros

Affordable, good sound quality, comfortable.

Cons

The pads are not the most comfortable.

Technical Characteristics:

  • Type: On-Ear.
  • Weight: 110 gr.
  • Connectivity : Wired.
  • Noise cancellation: No.

The Sennheiser PC 5.2 Chat headphones are a lightweight, very affordable and compact headset. They are perfect for chatting, answering video calls, attending virtual classes or enjoying your favorite multiplayer games without spending a lot of money.

Design:

The Sennheiser PC 5.2 Chat headset is very light and compact (weighing only 110 grams). The pads of the cups are not of the best quality, but they are quite comfortable for sessions that are not very long. After wearing them for a few minutes, you hardly notice them anymore.

They are plug-and-play headphones with microphone, you only need to connect them to start enjoying them. They integrate an adjustable noise-cancelling microphone that rotates 180 degrees so as not to disturb you when not in use.

The Sennheiser PC 5.2 Chat is a simple and extremely inexpensive on-ear headset. They are made of plastic and do not compare to the best models on this list in terms of build quality, but perform very well for their price. They allow you to attend virtual classes, play games, chat with family, co-workers or friends via Skype.

Sound:

The stereo sound quality offered by these headphones is quite decent for their price. Its performance is good for gaming, attending online classes or chatting. They are howver very basic and are not designed for critical music listening. The sound detail doesn't match that of the more expensive models on this list, but this is to be expected. They work with a fairly decent frequency range of 20-20kHz.

The noise-canceling microphone is quite good. You can use them to record broadcasts or podcasts, but you would need to use some audio editor software to improve the quality of the voices. The microphone, on the other hand, picks up clear voices and attenuates ambient noise very well. Conversations are always very clear.

Connectivity:

They can be connected directly to any computer or laptop. The cable with standard 3.5 mm connector is quite long (2 meters), allowing you good mobility. It's a very easy to use Plug and Play headset with microphone.

Conclusion:

The Sennheiser PC 5.2 Chat headset is very inexpensive and lightweight. They don't offer the best sound quality on this list, but they perform well considering their price. They are designed to meet basic needs, and you can connect them with the 3.5mm jack to any computer or laptop.

You can use them to make video calls at work, play multiplayer games, chat with family, attend virtual classes and listen to music occasionally. They integrate a microphone that picks up voices clearly and neutrally.

They are a good inexpensive option if you need a versatile headset with microphone. The best headset for work and one of the best value for money headphones. Check best prices on Amazon.

If you need a headset for watching TV, we recommend the Sennheiser RS 160.

Final Conclusion

The seven headphones we present in this article can satisfy any need, they are the best headphones with microphone on the market for their value for money.

If you need a Bluetooth headset with noise cancellation, the Jabra Elite 85h are the best choice. The SteelSees Arctis 7 are one of the best gaming headsets on the market and have a very good price-performance ratio.

The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC is a comfortable headset with a great built-in microphone, one of the best headsets on the market. The Jabra Evolve2 85 are perfect for people who are constantly on the go. The Shure AONIC 3 is an attractive In-Ear headset that delivers incredible sound.

Finally, if you need a headset for use in the office or at home, the Jabra Evolve2 40 and the Sennheiser PC 5.2 Chat are two good options that offer a very good value for money.

We also recommend you check out our reviews of the best handsfree and simultaneous translators on the market.

#TOP1: Plantronics Voyager Focus

The Plantronics Voyager Focus is a headset designed to satisfy users in any activity. They attenuate external noise and are very comfortable, so they can be worn for hours. The microphone that comes with the Voyager is designed to capture vocals: it reproduces them very faithfully and its cardioid polar pattern rejects unwanted noise. In addition, they have a very solid build quality.

Editor's recommendation

SEE PRICE

Technical characteristics Headset with microphone

MODELS

TypeConnectivityNoise cancellationWeight
Jabra Evolve2 85Over-EarBluetoothYes286 gr
Plantronics Voyager Focus UCOn-EarBluetoothYes155 gr
Jabra Elite 85hOver-EarWiredYes296 gr
SteelSeries Arctis 7Over-EarWired/USB deviceNo376 g.
Shure AONIC 3In-EarWiredNo-
Jabra Evolve 40On-EarWiredNo141 gr
Sennheiser PC 5 ChatOn-EarWiredNo77 gr

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