Best Headphone/Microphone Combinations Under $500 2025

Affordable headphone/microphone combinations under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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

beyerdynamic DT-297-PV/80 MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

beyerdynamic DT-297-PV/80 MKII

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
Hollyland Solidcom C1 Pro Remote Headset - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Hollyland Solidcom C1 Pro Remote Headset

Theater Stage Crew Event Coordination
Key Feature:
• Often includes noise cancellation
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for professional event coordination
  • • Hands-free communication for crew
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to intercom applications
  • • Requires compatible intercom system

Hollyland Solidcom C1 Pro Remote HeadsetWireless Single-Ear Hearing-Speaking CombinationSuitable for the Solidcom C1...

5.0/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
beyerdynamic DT-109/M200/H50-B - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

beyerdynamic DT-109/M200/H50-B

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
Audeze Maxwell for Xbox - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Audeze Maxwell for Xbox

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
beyerdynamic DT-797 PV - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

beyerdynamic DT-797 PV

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
beyerdynamic DT-280/M200/H80 MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

beyerdynamic DT-280/M200/H80 MKII

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
beyerdynamic DT-290/M200/H250 MkII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

beyerdynamic DT-290/M200/H250 MkII

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
beyerdynamic DT-297-PV/250 MkII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

beyerdynamic DT-297-PV/250 MkII

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
beyerdynamic DT-108/M200/H400-B - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

beyerdynamic DT-108/M200/H400-B

Broadcast Theater Stage Crew
Key Feature:
• Often includes noise cancellation
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for professional event coordination
  • • Hands-free communication for crew
✗ CONS
  • • Requires compatible intercom system
  • • Limited to intercom applications

beyerdynamic DT-108/M200/H400-BSingle-ear headset comboHeadphones: DynamicclosedcircumauralImpedance: 400...

4.6/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser HMD 300 X3K1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sennheiser HMD 300 X3K1

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
beyerdynamic DT-290/M200/H80 MkII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

beyerdynamic DT-290/M200/H80 MkII

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
Audio-Technica BPHS2S - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Audio-Technica BPHS2S

Aviation Broadcasting Communication
Key Feature:
• Hands-free communication
✓ PROS
  • • Professional broadcast standard
  • • Noise-canceling options available
✗ CONS
  • • Repair issues affect entire unit
  • • Can be bulky for some applications

Audio-Technica BPHS2SSingle-ear broadcast headsetIncludes dynamic microphoneVocal reproduction and monitoring...

5.0/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
beyerdynamic DT-109/M200/H400-B - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

beyerdynamic DT-109/M200/H400-B

Film Production Live Events Theater
Key Feature:
• Essential for professional event coordination
✓ PROS
  • • Clear communication in noisy environments
  • • Often includes noise cancellation
✗ CONS
  • • May be uncomfortable for long periods
  • • Cable management in mobile applications

beyerdynamic DT-109/M200/H400-BHeadset The DT 109 headsetswhich are characterized by their robustness and ease of...

4.9/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Riedel AIR-D2 XLR4F - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Riedel AIR-D2 XLR4F

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
Sennheiser HMD 26 S - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Sennheiser HMD 26 S

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

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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