Best Headphone/Microphone Combinations for Beginner 2025

Perfect headphone/microphone combinations for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Gaming For Communication For Call Centers For Broadcasting For Aviation

BRANDS: Sennheiser Riedel beyerdynamic AKG

Audeze LCD-GX - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Audeze LCD-GX

by Audeze

Aviation Call Centers Communication

Key Feature:

• Great for long-duration use

✓ PROS

• Integrated headphone and microphone solution
• Great for long-duration use

✗ CONS

• May cause fatigue during extended use
• Repair issues affect entire unit

Audeze LCD-GXStudio HeadphonesProfessional studio headphonesPlanar magnetostatic drivers for improved dynamics and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 480449

$1,073

Buy at Thomann View Details

Riedel AIR-D2 XLR4F - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Riedel AIR-D2 XLR4F

by Riedel

Communication Aviation Gaming

Key Feature:

• Integrated headphone and microphone solution

✓ PROS

• Professional broadcast standard
• Integrated headphone and microphone solution

✗ CONS

• Can be bulky for some applications
• May compromise on either headphone or mic quality

Riedel AIR-D2 XLR4FTwo-Ear Headset (listen-talk combination)270° Rotatable microphone boom for right or left...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 565382

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sennheiser HMD 26 S - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Sennheiser HMD 26 S

by Sennheiser

Aviation Call Centers Broadcasting

Key Feature:

• Great for long-duration use

✓ PROS

• Noise-canceling options available
• Hands-free communication

✗ CONS

• May cause fatigue during extended use
• Limited flexibility compared to separate units

Sennheiser HMD 26 SOne-Sided HeadsetWired (cable not included!)Supra-auralClosed designDynamicHeadphone frequency...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 597166

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Riedel AIR-D1 XLR4F - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Riedel AIR-D1 XLR4F

by Riedel

Call Centers Gaming Communication

Key Feature:

• Hands-free communication

✓ PROS

• Noise-canceling options available
• Great for long-duration use

✗ CONS

• Limited flexibility compared to separate units
• Can be bulky for some applications

Riedel AIR-D1 XLR4FOne-Ear Headset (listen-talk combination)270° Rotatable microphone boom for right or left...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 565377

$429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Riedel Max-D2 XLR4F - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Riedel Max-D2 XLR4F

by Riedel

Communication Call Centers Aviation

Key Feature:

• Professional broadcast standard

✓ PROS

• Noise-canceling options available
• Professional broadcast standard

✗ CONS

• Limited flexibility compared to separate units
• May compromise on either headphone or mic quality

Riedel Max-D2 XLR4FDouble-Ear Headset (Hearing-Speech Combination)For extremely loud environments such as sports and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 565394

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sennheiser HME 26 S - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sennheiser HME 26 S

by Sennheiser

Aviation Broadcasting Gaming

Key Feature:

• Integrated headphone and microphone solution

✓ PROS

• Professional broadcast standard
• Hands-free communication

✗ CONS

• May cause fatigue during extended use
• Can be bulky for some applications

Sennheiser HME 26 SOne-sided headsetWired (cable not included!)One-earClosed-back deisgnDynamicHeadphone frequency...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 597176

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Riedel Pro-D2 XLR4F - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Riedel Pro-D2 XLR4F

by Riedel

Call Centers Aviation Communication

Key Feature:

• Great for long-duration use

✓ PROS

• Noise-canceling options available
• Professional broadcast standard

✗ CONS

• Repair issues affect entire unit
• May compromise on either headphone or mic quality

Riedel Pro-D2 XLR4FTwo-Ear Headset (listen-talk combination)270° Rotatable microphone boom for right or left...

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 565392

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

AKG HSC 271 PC Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

AKG HSC 271 PC Set

by AKG

Gaming Broadcasting Call Centers

Key Feature:

• Noise-canceling options available

✓ PROS

• Great for long-duration use
• Hands-free communication

✗ CONS

• Can be bulky for some applications
• Limited flexibility compared to separate units

AKG HSC 271 PC Set*Bundle offer comprising*, AKG HSC 271*Headset**Dynamic Headphones:*ClosedCircumauralTransmission...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 475258

$358

Buy at Thomann View Details

Riedel RUN-E1L XLR4F - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Riedel RUN-E1L XLR4F

by Riedel

Call Centers Aviation Gaming

Key Feature:

• Noise-canceling options available

✓ PROS

• Noise-canceling options available
• Integrated headphone and microphone solution

✗ CONS

• May cause fatigue during extended use
• Can be bulky for some applications

Riedel RUN-E1L XLR4FIn-Ear Headset (listen-talk combination)For use in environments with high noise levelsOptimised for...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 565365

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sennheiser HMD 300 X3K1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Sennheiser HMD 300 X3K1

by Sennheiser

Gaming Call Centers Broadcasting

Key Feature:

• Great for long-duration use

✓ PROS

• Hands-free communication
• Integrated headphone and microphone solution

✗ CONS

• Can be bulky for some applications
• May compromise on either headphone or mic quality

Sennheiser HMD 300 X3K1Listening-Speaking Combination HeadsetWiredCircumauralClosed-back designDynamicHeadphone...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 597172

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sennheiser HME 26 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sennheiser HME 26

by Sennheiser

Gaming Call Centers Communication

Key Feature:

• Great for long-duration use

✓ PROS

• Great for long-duration use
• Noise-canceling options available

✗ CONS

• Limited flexibility compared to separate units
• Can be bulky for some applications

Sennheiser HME 26HeadsetWired (cable not included!)On-earClosed-back designDynamicHeadphone frequency range: 6 Hz -...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 597175

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sennheiser HMD 46 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Sennheiser HMD 46

by Sennheiser

Communication Call Centers Aviation

Key Feature:

• Integrated headphone and microphone solution

✓ PROS

• Hands-free communication
• Integrated headphone and microphone solution

✗ CONS

• Repair issues affect entire unit
• Limited flexibility compared to separate units

Sennheiser HMD 46Intercom hearing-speaking combinationWired (cable not included!)On-earOpen-back designDynamicHeadphone...

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 597173

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro

by beyerdynamic

Communication Call Centers Aviation

Key Feature:

• Professional broadcast standard

✓ PROS

• Great for long-duration use
• Hands-free communication

✗ CONS

• May compromise on either headphone or mic quality
• Can be bulky for some applications

beyerdynamic MMX 330 ProGaming and Multimedia HeadsetWiredCircumauralOpen-back designDynamicFrequency range headphones:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598225

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Riedel TAC-E1R XLR4F - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Riedel TAC-E1R XLR4F

by Riedel

Aviation Call Centers Communication

Key Feature:

• Great for long-duration use

✓ PROS

• Hands-free communication
• Professional broadcast standard

✗ CONS

• Can be bulky for some applications
• Limited flexibility compared to separate units

Riedel TAC-E1R XLR4FIn-Ear Headset (listen-talk combination)For use in environments with high noise levelsOptimised for...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 565367

$369

Buy at Thomann View Details

Audeze Maxwell for Xbox - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Audeze Maxwell for Xbox

by Audeze

Broadcasting Aviation Gaming

Key Feature:

• Hands-free communication

✓ PROS

• Hands-free communication
• Noise-canceling options available

✗ CONS

• Repair issues affect entire unit
• Limited flexibility compared to separate units

Audeze Maxwell for XboxGaming Headset for XboxUltra low latency wirelessCircumauralClosed backMagnetostaticBluetooth...

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 557159

$391

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Headphone/Microphone Combinations

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced headphone/microphone combinations typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Headphone/Microphone Combinations for Beginner 2025

Audeze LCD-GX

Riedel AIR-D2 XLR4F

Sennheiser HMD 26 S

Riedel AIR-D1 XLR4F

Riedel Max-D2 XLR4F

Sennheiser HME 26 S

Riedel Pro-D2 XLR4F

AKG HSC 271 PC Set

Riedel RUN-E1L XLR4F

Sennheiser HMD 300 X3K1

Sennheiser HME 26

Sennheiser HMD 46

beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro

Riedel TAC-E1R XLR4F

Audeze Maxwell for Xbox

How to Choose the Best Headphone/Microphone Combinations

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying headphone/microphone combinations?

How much should I spend on headphone/microphone combinations?

Are expensive headphone/microphone combinations worth the investment?

What are the best brands for headphone/microphone combinations?

Should I buy headphone/microphone combinations online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Large Diaphragm Microphones

Best Wireless Microphones with Handheld Microphone

Best Transmitters

Best Wireless Microphones with Headset Microphone

Best Wireless Systems for Guitar and Bass

Best Headset Microphones

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