AudioFu

Best Headset Microphones Under $500 2025

Affordable headset microphones under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Live Performance For Theater For Fitness Instruction For Public Speaking For Broadcasting For Hands-Free Applications
BRANDS: DPA the t.bone Sennheiser Shure Mipro AKG
Sennheiser HS 2 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sennheiser HS 2 BK

by Sennheiser
Fitness Instruction Public Speaking Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Consistent microphone-to-mouth distance
✓ PROS
  • • Less prone to handling noise
  • • Consistent microphone-to-mouth distance
✗ CONS
  • • May require makeup considerations
  • • Can be visible and affect appearance

Sennheiser HS 2 BKHeadset MicrophoneProfessional neckband with gooseneck and MKE 2 capsuleConnection: 3.5 mm EW...

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 606492
$395
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sennheiser HS 2 BE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sennheiser HS 2 BE

by Sennheiser
Broadcasting Hands-Free Applications Public Speaking
Key Feature:
• Less prone to handling noise
✓ PROS
  • • Hands-free operation for active performers
  • • Lightweight and comfortable for long use
✗ CONS
  • • May require makeup considerations
  • • Can be visible and affect appearance

Sennheiser HS 2 BEProfessional Neckband MicrophoneWith gooseneck and MKE 2 capsuleSpecially converted by Sennheiser to...

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 163729
$406
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Black EW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Black EW

by Sennheiser
Theater Hands-Free Applications Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Less prone to handling noise
✓ PROS
  • • Consistent microphone-to-mouth distance
  • • Lightweight and comfortable for long use
✗ CONS
  • • May pick up breathing sounds
  • • Limited to single user applications

Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Black EWProfessional Condenser Neckband MicrophoneOmni-directionalFrequency range: 20 -...

⭐ 5.0/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 445020
$325
Buy at Thomann View Details
Shure SM39-TQG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Shure SM39-TQG

by Shure
Broadcasting Hands-Free Applications Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Less prone to handling noise
✓ PROS
  • • Consistent microphone-to-mouth distance
  • • Great for theatrical and fitness applications
✗ CONS
  • • May pick up breathing sounds
  • • Can be fragile due to small size

Shure SM39-TQGHeadset Condenser MicrophoneSuitable for noisy environments due to over 20 dB off-axis attenuationPolar...

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 609861
$472
Buy at Thomann View Details
Shure DH5C/O-MTQG DuraPlex Headset - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Shure DH5C/O-MTQG DuraPlex Headset

by Shure
Live Performance Broadcasting Fitness Instruction
Key Feature:
• Hands-free operation for active performers
✓ PROS
  • • Consistent microphone-to-mouth distance
  • • Less prone to handling noise
✗ CONS
  • • May require makeup considerations
  • • Can be fragile due to small size

Shure DH5C/O-MTQG DuraPlex HeadsetHeadset MicrophoneCharacteristic: omnidirectionalIP57 - dust-resistant and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 504529
$438
Buy at Thomann View Details
Shure DH5B/O-MTQG DuraPlex Headset - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Shure DH5B/O-MTQG DuraPlex Headset

by Shure
Theater Public Speaking Fitness Instruction
Key Feature:
• Great for theatrical and fitness applications
✓ PROS
  • • Consistent microphone-to-mouth distance
  • • Great for theatrical and fitness applications
✗ CONS
  • • May pick up breathing sounds
  • • Limited to single user applications

Shure DH5B/O-MTQG DuraPlex HeadsetHeadset MicrophoneCharacteristic: OmnidirectionalIP57 - dust-resistant and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 504527
$457
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Beige EW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Beige EW

by Sennheiser
Live Performance Fitness Instruction Broadcasting
Key Feature:
• Less prone to handling noise
✓ PROS
  • • Hands-free operation for active performers
  • • Consistent microphone-to-mouth distance
✗ CONS
  • • Can be visible and affect appearance
  • • May require makeup considerations

Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Beige EWProfessional Condenser Neckband MicrophoneOmnidirectionalFrequency range: 20 -...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 445021
$307
Buy at Thomann View Details
Shure DH5T/O-MTQG DuraPlex Headset - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Shure DH5T/O-MTQG DuraPlex Headset

by Shure
Live Performance Theater Broadcasting
Key Feature:
• Hands-free operation for active performers
✓ PROS
  • • Consistent microphone-to-mouth distance
  • • Hands-free operation for active performers
✗ CONS
  • • May require makeup considerations
  • • Can be fragile due to small size

Shure DH5T/O-MTQG DuraPlex HeadsetHeadset MicrophoneCharacteristic: OmnidirectionalIP57 - dust-resistant and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 504531
$438
Buy at Thomann View Details
Shure DH5C/O-LM3 DuraPlex Headset - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Shure DH5C/O-LM3 DuraPlex Headset

by Shure
Theater Fitness Instruction Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Less prone to handling noise
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight and comfortable for long use
  • • Hands-free operation for active performers
✗ CONS
  • • May pick up breathing sounds
  • • Can be fragile due to small size

Shure DH5C/O-LM3 DuraPlex HeadsetHeadset MicrophoneCharacteristic: omnidirectionalIP57 - dust-resistant and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 504528
$483
Buy at Thomann View Details
Shure DH5T/O-LM3 DuraPlex Headset - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Shure DH5T/O-LM3 DuraPlex Headset

by Shure
Live Performance Hands-Free Applications Theater
Key Feature:
• Lightweight and comfortable for long use
✓ PROS
  • • Great for theatrical and fitness applications
  • • Hands-free operation for active performers
✗ CONS
  • • Can be fragile due to small size
  • • May pick up breathing sounds

Shure DH5T/O-LM3 DuraPlex HeadsetHeadset MicrophoneCharacteristic: OmnidirectionalIP57 - dust-resistant and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 504530
$483
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Beige 3-Pin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Beige 3-Pin

by Sennheiser
Fitness Instruction Broadcasting Hands-Free Applications
Key Feature:
• Hands-free operation for active performers
✓ PROS
  • • Hands-free operation for active performers
  • • Great for theatrical and fitness applications
✗ CONS
  • • Can be visible and affect appearance
  • • Limited to single user applications

Sennheiser HSP Essential Omni-Beige 3-PinProfessional Condenser Neckband MicrophoneOmnidirectionalFrequency range: 20 -...

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 445017
$312
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Headset Microphones

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 headset microphones 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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