Best Headphone/Microphone Combinations Under $500 2026
Affordable headphone/microphone combinations under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.8/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
beyerdynamic DT-797 PV
by
beyerdynamic
Stage Crew
Live Events
Event Coordination
Key Feature:
• Essential for professional event coordination
✓ PROS
- • Clear communication in noisy environments
- • Essential for professional event coordination
✗ CONS
- • Requires compatible intercom system
- • Can be expensive for multiple units
beyerdynamic DT-797 PV, Headset combo, Innovative goose neck for microphone arm, Colour:...
⭐
4.8/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 245230
$452
#2
⭐
4.4/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
beyerdynamic DT-290/M200/H80 MkII
by
beyerdynamic
Broadcasting
Communication
Call Centers
Key Feature:
• Professional broadcast standard
✓ PROS
- • Hands-free communication
- • Integrated headphone and microphone solution
✗ CONS
- • May compromise on either headphone or mic quality
- • Limited flexibility compared to separate units
beyerdynamic DT-290/M200/H80 MkIIHear-Talk CombinationInnovative twist joint for microphone armEar piece:...
⭐
4.4/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 251412
$402
#3
⭐
5.0/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
beyerdynamic DT-297-PV/250 MkII
by
beyerdynamic
Film Production
Stage Crew
Event Coordination
Key Feature:
• Clear communication in noisy environments
✓ PROS
- • Hands-free communication for crew
- • Often includes noise cancellation
✗ CONS
- • Limited to intercom applications
- • Cable management in mobile applications
beyerdynamic DT-297-PV/250 MkII, Headset combo, Innovative goose neck as microphone arm, Weight without cable: 240 g,...
⭐
5.0/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 242955
$428
#4
⭐
4.8/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
beyerdynamic DT-280/M200/H80 MKII
by
beyerdynamic
Aviation
Broadcasting
Communication
Key Feature:
• Integrated headphone and microphone solution
✓ PROS
- • Great for long-duration use
- • Noise-canceling options available
✗ CONS
- • Repair issues affect entire unit
- • May compromise on either headphone or mic quality
beyerdynamic DT-280/M200/H80 MKIIOne-Ear Talk CombinationInnovative twist joint for microphone armEar piece:...
⭐
4.8/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 251410
$369
#5
⭐
5.0/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro
by
beyerdynamic
Communication
Broadcasting
Aviation
Key Feature:
• Professional broadcast standard
✓ PROS
- • Professional broadcast standard
- • Hands-free communication
✗ CONS
- • Can be bulky for some applications
- • May compromise on either headphone or mic quality
beyerdynamic MMX 300 ProGaming and Multimedia HeadsetWired headphonesCircumauralClosed-back desigDynamicHeadphone...
⭐
5.0/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 594977
$329
#6
⭐
4.8/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
beyerdynamic DT-297-PV/80 MKII
by
beyerdynamic
Event Coordination
Broadcast
Live Events
Key Feature:
• Hands-free communication for crew
✓ PROS
- • Essential for professional event coordination
- • Comfortable for extended wear
✗ CONS
- • Requires compatible intercom system
- • Cable management in mobile applications
beyerdynamic DT-297-PV/80 MKII, Headset combo, Innovative goose neck for microphone arm, Weight without cable: 240 g,...
⭐
4.8/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 242956
$435
#7
⭐
4.4/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Riedel TAC-E1L XLR4F
by
Riedel
Gaming
Broadcasting
Aviation
Key Feature:
• Integrated headphone and microphone solution
✓ PROS
- • Great for long-duration use
- • Hands-free communication
✗ CONS
- • May compromise on either headphone or mic quality
- • Can be bulky for some applications
Riedel TAC-E1L XLR4F - in-ear headset (listen-talk combination), In-Ear Headset (Listen-Talk Combination) , For use in...
⭐
4.4/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 565368
$369
#8
⭐
4.5/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
beyerdynamic DT-109/M200/H50-B
by
beyerdynamic
Theater
Event Coordination
Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Comfortable for extended wear
✓ PROS
- • Clear communication in noisy environments
- • Essential for professional event coordination
✗ CONS
- • Can be expensive for multiple units
- • Requires compatible intercom system
beyerdynamic DT-109/M200/H50-BHeadset The DT 109 headsetswhich are characterized by their robustness and ease of...
⭐
4.5/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 180644
$362
#9
⭐
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
#10
⭐
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
#11
⭐
5.0/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
beyerdynamic DT-290/M200/H250 MkII
by
beyerdynamic
Broadcasting
Call Centers
Aviation
Key Feature:
• Integrated headphone and microphone solution
✓ PROS
- • Professional broadcast standard
- • Great for long-duration use
✗ CONS
- • Repair issues affect entire unit
- • May cause fatigue during extended use
beyerdynamic DT-290/M200/H250 MkIIHear-Talk CombinationInnovative twist joint for microphone armEar piece: Dynamic...
⭐
5.0/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 251411
$402
#12
⭐
4.6/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
AKG HSD 271
by
AKG
Call Centers
Gaming
Communication
Key Feature:
• Hands-free communication
✓ PROS
- • Great for long-duration use
- • Professional broadcast standard
✗ CONS
- • Repair issues affect entire unit
- • Can be bulky for some applications
AKG HSD 271, Headset*Dynamic Headphones:*ClosedCircumauralTransmission range: 16 - 28.000 HzSound pressure level: 94...
⭐
4.6/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 260777
$351
#13
⭐
5.0/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Telex PH-88 Headset
by
Telex
Event Coordination
Film Production
Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Clear communication in noisy environments
✓ PROS
- • Clear communication in noisy environments
- • Hands-free communication for crew
✗ CONS
- • Requires compatible intercom system
- • Can be expensive for multiple units
Telex PH-88 HeadsetSuper-light headsetSingle-ear lightweightFor intercom systemsDynamic goose neck micWith 4-pin XLR...
⭐
5.0/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 194048
$340
#14
⭐
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
#15
⭐
4.6/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Riedel RUN-E1R XLR4F
by
Riedel
Broadcasting
Communication
Gaming
Key Feature:
• Integrated headphone and microphone solution
✓ PROS
- • Hands-free communication
- • Professional broadcast standard
✗ CONS
- • May cause fatigue during extended use
- • Repair issues affect entire unit
Riedel RUN-E1R XLR4FIn-Ear Headset (listen-talk combination)For use in environments with high noise levelsOptimised for...
⭐
4.6/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 565356
$483
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.
