Mic'd Up: A Guide to the Best Headphones with Mics
Mic'd Up: A Guide to the Best Headphones with Mics
We sympathize with people who're still struggling to find good quality headphones with a mic that actually works, when these products exist.
The reviews of the products in this article are created by a team of experts that is independent from CTech's editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission.
Our Top Picks
We know the frustration that comes with bad quality sound in your ears or when your clients cannot hear you clearly during important meetings. Or worse, when people around you have to put up with every sound out of your phone, you might know that it's time to buy a good headset. Personally, we don't recommend buying separate gadgets for your phone, your PC and then, for your gaming consoles, if you can just get headphones that are compatible with all your devices. It will not only save your money but also your time and space, like in a literal sense. In this carefully tailored guide, you'll get to know the best options for headphones with mic.
1 . Delton USB Headphones with Mic
We all want a smooth hearing experience despite our different needs and priorities. For those who prefer a USB headphone with a mic, this product balances sound quality, comfort, and connectivity. The active noise cancellation on the mic is a relief and it ensures that your voice is crystal clear, whether you're on a call or participating in a meeting. You'll be glad to notice that it offers flexible connection options—Bluetooth, USB dongle, and 3.5mm cable that give you the versatility to use it with different devices without any fuss. Plus, its long battery life of 35 hours means you won't have to constantly worry about recharging, and the quick Type-C charging feature gets you back up and running fast. The comfort is also noteworthy with its cushioned ear cups and adjustable headband, so you can wear it for long hours without feeling discomfort.
Pros
Active noise cancellation, Flexible connectivity, 400 hour standby time
Cons
No mute button on the headset
2 . Back Bay Audio USB Headphones with a Mic
If you're one of those people who are more concerned about the carbon emissions of your gadgets than their performance, you wouldn't feel left out in our guide. These microphones with a mic are eco-friendly because carbon emissions from these were first measured, reduced and then offset to make your experience sustainable. But, it doesn't compromise on quality and durability as the over-ear option comes with a removable boom mic. You'll enjoy is the detachable mic, which lets you switch seamlessly between work calls and personal listening. The AI noise-cancelling microphone ensures clear conversations when you're in noisy environments. With 45 hours of battery life, this wireless headset can last an entire workweek without needing a recharge. The great comfort provided by the soft ear cups during long meeting is another factor that'll make you want to buy this headset.
Pros
Detachable boom mic, Impressive battery life, Comfortable ear cups
Cons
On/Off button is not very fast
3 . JVC USB Headphones with Mic
Where are all the gamers who want no compromises in their gaming experience? Our guide has a special product for you all. For those of you seeking a budget-friendly pair of earbuds with a mic for gaming and chatting, this in-ear USB headphones with mic set delivers both comfort and quality. It is designed specifically for gamers like you and features sound isolation to keep your audio experience immersive. The single-button remote and mute switch make it easy to manage voice chats without needing to fiddle with settings. The included silicone ear pieces come in multiple sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. At only 3.3 feet, the color cord offers plenty of length for a convenient setup without the hassle of charging. Plus, the optimized sound makes it a solid choice for both casual and more intense gaming sessions.
Pros
Available in 3 colors, Built-in mute button, Sound isolation
Cons
Cord might be short for some
4 . DUKABEL USB Headphones with Mic
We can understand the annoyance that comes with bulky headsets and the urge to get something light, yet efficient. Don't worry, we've got you covered with these headphones that combines ease of use with a discreet and in-ear design. Unlike bulky over-ear options, these lightweight earbuds offer plug-and-play simplicity for your PC, PS4, or PS5. Forget about difficult controls as this set has inline control that allows for quick adjustments which makes it easy to manage volume or mute the mic without breaking focus. This set offers more longevity than standard plastic builds with durable casing and a braided cord which makes it perfect for anyone looking for both comfort and durability in a compact form.
Pros
Convenient inline controls, Discreet in-ear design, Durable metal build
Cons
Limited compatibility with Xbox
5 . NUBWO USB Headphones with Mic
This USB headphones with mic offers a balance of comfort, clarity, and versatility which is perfect for work or study. It is designed specifically for people who spend most of their time in front of a screen in offices of call centers because the lightweight design ensures you can wear it for long meetings or work sessions without discomfort. The enhanced Digital Signal sound card delivers crisp and natural audio for video calls or listening to music in busy environments. Its dual connection option via 3.5mm jack for smartphones or detachable USB for computers makes it adaptable across various devices. Also, this option will save you a lot of time because you can order a pack of 1, 5 or 10 headphones at once.
Pros
Convenient packaging option, Compatible with MacBook, Clear digital sound
Cons
Lacks high-end audio features
6 . USOTSO USB Headphones with Mic
Next product in our guide will take your audio effects to a whole new level with its 7.1 surround sound system. You’ll experience a 360-degree soundscape which will give you an edge in hearing subtle in-game details. The padded, adjustable headband and soft protein ear cushions ensure comfort during long gaming sessions. And, the best thing is that you can adjust the height of the microphone according to your precise positioning. The LED lights on the earcups aren’t just for show but they also add a fun, cool vibe to your setup while the closed-ear design helps block out external noise.
Pros
7.1 surround sound, Stylish black-blue color, 0.01 Ohm impedance
Cons
Too much bass for voice
7 . EAGLEND USB Headphones with Mic
For those who work as call center agents or their work require top level mic because the voice quality cannot be compromised, these headphones with a premium mic will prove to be a life saver. The headphones come with unidirectional boom 270° microphone that only picks up your voice and block out unwanted background noises. Also, you can wear it on the left or right ear as you like. The soft protein memory foam earpads is made of high-level breathable materials and the ROHS certified materials prevent your ears from heat and sweat. You don't get to worry about the durability because there 24 months global warranty on this product.
Pros
24 months warranty, ROHS certified materials, Boom 270° microphone
Cons
Might not fit people with larger head
FAQ
Q: How do USB headphones with a mic differ from regular 3.5mm headphones with a mic?
A: USB headphones with a mic integrate the audio processing and microphone functions directly into the headset, providing a digital connection. This often results in clearer sound and better noise cancellation compared to 3.5mm headphones, which rely on analog signals. USB headphones may also offer additional features like built-in controls and virtual surround sound, which aren’t available with standard 3.5mm connectors.
Q: Can I use USB headphones with a mic on a gaming console?
A: USB headphones with a mic are generally designed for use with PCs and may not be compatible with most gaming consoles, which often use 3.5mm jacks or proprietary connectors. However, some consoles like the PlayStation 4 and 5 support USB headsets, so check the specifications of both your headset and console for compatibility. For other consoles, you might need a separate adapter or consider a headset with a 3.5mm plug.
Q: How do I install and set up USB headphones with a mic on a Mac?
A: To set up USB headphones with a mic on a Mac, simply plug the headphones into a USB port. macOS should automatically recognize the device and install any necessary drivers. To configure the headphones, go to System Preferences, select “Sound,” and then choose the “Input” and “Output” tabs to select your USB headphones. Adjust volume levels and input settings as needed.
Q: Why do USB headphones with a mic sometimes have low audio quality?
A: Low audio quality in USB headphones with a mic can be caused by several factors, including poor drivers, low-quality hardware, or incorrect settings. Ensure that you have the latest drivers installed for your headphones. Check the audio settings on your computer to make sure the headphones are selected as the default device and adjust any software settings that might be affecting the sound quality. If the problem persists, the hardware itself might be the issue, and considering a different model could help.
Q: Can I use USB headphones with a mic for professional recording?
A: While USB headphones with a mic are suitable for everyday use, they are generally not the best choice for professional recording. Professional recording often requires high-fidelity audio capture and precise control over sound quality, which is better achieved with dedicated studio equipment like XLR microphones and high-end audio interfaces. USB headphones are more suited for casual recording, gaming, and general communication.
Article Contributors
Jessica Schoeman
From dance floors to mountain trails, Jessica finds inspiration in life's adventures. When not whipping up culinary delights, she's tending to her garden, sewing fashion-forward creations, or exploring the great outdoors with her pets.
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