A headset microphone is one of the easiest ways to keep your hands free while speaking or performing.
Instead of holding a traditional microphone, you wear a small microphone around your head. The boom positions the capsule close to your mouth, so the microphone stays at roughly the same distance even when you turn your head or move around.
That makes headset microphones especially useful for singers who play instruments, fitness instructors, teachers, presenters, theater performers, public speakers, and worship leaders.
Choosing the right one isn’t always simple, though.
Some headset microphones are designed for loud stages and use directional pickup patterns to reduce background sound and feedback. Others are tiny omnidirectional microphones designed to be almost invisible. You also need to pay close attention to connectors because many headset microphones are designed to work with specific wireless bodypack systems.
For most active performers, the Shure SM35 is my favorite overall choice. The Shure PGA31 is a good affordable alternative, while the Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni makes more sense when you want something lightweight and discreet.
What is the Best Headset Microphones?
Here are seven of the best headset microphones to consider.
1. Shure SM35 – Best Headset Microphone Overall
The Shure SM35 is an excellent all-around headset microphone for live performers. It’s a condenser microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern.
That cardioid pattern is particularly useful on a stage because it focuses on your voice while reducing sound arriving from other directions. Shure specifically designs the SM35 to reject signal bleed and feedback in loud performance environments.
The headset uses a lightweight wireframe that fits securely around your head. That’s important if you’re moving while performing. The microphone also has a flexible gooseneck.
You can adjust the microphone position and keep it close to your mouth, which helps maintain consistent vocal volume.
Another advantage is its low-profile appearance. You don’t have a large microphone sitting in front of your face.
The SM35 is available in versions designed to work with Shure wireless bodypacks, while wired configurations are also available.
If you’re a singer who plays guitar or keyboard, a drummer who sings, or an energetic stage performer, the SM35 is a particularly strong choice.
2. Shure PGA31 – Best Budget Headset Microphone
You don’t necessarily need an expensive professional headset microphone. The Shure PGA31 provides many of the features that make headset microphones useful at a more accessible level. It’s an electret condenser microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern.
Shure specifies a frequency response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz and a maximum sound-pressure level of 145 dB. More importantly, the cardioid pattern helps reject unwanted sound.
That can improve voice clarity and provide better gain before feedback when you’re using stage monitors.
The headset itself uses a wireframe design intended to remain secure during active performances. A flexible gooseneck lets you adjust microphone placement, and an included windscreen helps control breath and plosive noise.
The standard PGA31-TQG uses Shure’s TA4F connector and is designed to integrate with compatible Shure wireless bodypack systems. This connector issue is important.
Don’t buy a headset microphone simply because you like its specifications. Make sure it actually connects to the wireless transmitter or audio equipment you plan to use.
3. Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni – Best for Speaking and Presentations
The Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni takes a different approach. Instead of using a cardioid pattern, it uses an omnidirectional condenser capsule. That means the microphone captures sound more evenly around the capsule.
For speech and presentations, this can produce a natural and consistent result, particularly when the microphone is positioned correctly.
Sennheiser designed the HSP Essential Omni to be extremely lightweight. It weighs just 25 grams.
That’s a big advantage when someone needs to wear a headset for a long conference, lecture, presentation, or theatrical performance.
The neckband can be adjusted to different head sizes and shapes, while the boom can be worn on either the left or right side.
Another important feature is moisture protection. Sennheiser uses a protective diaphragm design and describes the headset as resistant to sweat.
The microphone has a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and can handle sound pressure levels up to 148 dB.
It’s available in black and beige, making it easier to choose between a visible or more discreet appearance.
4. Shure WH20 – Best Dynamic Headset Microphone
Most headset microphones use condenser capsules. The Shure WH20 is different. It’s a dynamic headset microphone.
Dynamic microphones can be useful when you want a rugged, straightforward design without the sensitivity associated with many condenser microphones.
Shure designed the WH20 for active microphone users including performers.
It uses a cardioid pickup pattern to help isolate your voice from unwanted surrounding sounds and provide greater gain before feedback.
The frequency response is shaped specifically around close speech and vocals. The headset has an adjustable wireframe and elastic headband to keep it securely positioned.
The microphone boom is also collapsible, making the WH20 easier to store and transport. Another advantage is connection flexibility.
Shure offers WH20 variants with different connectors, including versions intended for wired and wireless applications.
If you prefer the simplicity and ruggedness of a dynamic microphone, the WH20 is one of the first headset microphones I’d consider.
5. Audio-Technica PRO 8HEx – Best Wired Headset Microphone
Wireless is convenient, but not everyone needs it. If you stay relatively close to your mixer or audio interface, a wired headset microphone can be simpler.
The Audio-Technica PRO 8HEx is a professional dynamic headworn microphone with a hypercardioid pickup pattern.
That tighter directional pattern helps isolate the person wearing the microphone from sounds around them.
Audio-Technica specifies a frequency response of 200 Hz to 18 kHz. It also uses a standard three-pin XLR output on its attached cable.
That makes the microphone particularly interesting for people who don’t want to deal with wireless bodypacks and proprietary microphone connectors.
Plug the XLR connection into a compatible mixer or microphone preamp and you’re ready to work.
At around 60 grams, it’s heavier than extremely lightweight theatrical microphones, but the secure headworn design makes sense for musicians and other active users.
6. Shure SM39 – Best Premium Headset Microphone for Singing
For singers who want something aimed more specifically at demanding vocal performance, the Shure SM39 is worth considering.
Headset microphones can be challenging for singers because the microphone position remains close to the mouth at all times.
That’s great for consistency, but it also means the microphone needs to handle powerful vocals without becoming unpleasant or picking up excessive unwanted sound.
The SM39 is designed around active vocal performers.
A directional pickup pattern helps keep the focus on the singer and reduce surrounding stage noise.
This type of microphone makes particular sense for someone who can’t hold a traditional handheld microphone.
A quality headset microphone gives you much of the freedom of an instrumental performer while keeping your vocal microphone consistently positioned.
Final Thoughts
For active singers and musicians, the Shure SM35 is my best overall headset microphone. Its cardioid pattern, secure wireframe design, flexible gooseneck, and vocal-focused response are specifically intended for active live performance.
For a cheaper alternative, choose the Shure PGA31. It offers a cardioid condenser design, 60 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, secure headset, and compatibility with Shure TA4F bodypacks.
For speaking and presentations, choose the Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni. Its 25-gram construction makes it particularly attractive for long periods of use.
If you want a wired dynamic microphone, consider the Audio-Technica PRO 8HEx.