Headphones with a microphone: pros and cons, a review of the best models

Headphones are a modern and practical accessory. Today, the most popular type of audio device is headphones with a built-in microphone. Today in our article we will consider the existing types and the most popular models.

All headphone models that have a built-in microphone are called a headset. They are very practical and easy to use. Thanks to such devices, you can multitask. Such accessories are very popular among gamers and professional e-sportsmen. If the microphone is not currently in use, it can be easily turned off.

All models of headphones with a microphone are divided into several types.

In-ear devices (or earbuds) are accessories that fit inside your ear. When purchasing mobile devices (for example, smartphones or tablets), such devices are very often included as standard. In the manufacturing process, plastic is used. The liners are distinguished by their small compact dimensions and low weight. Before purchasing such devices, you need to keep in mind that they do not differ in the ability of high noise isolation.

Popularly, such headphones are often called "droplets" or "plugs". They fit deeper into the ear than the variety of audio accessories described above. At the same time, the quality of the transmitted sound is much higher.

This type of headphone in its design has large cups that are superimposed on top of the auricles (hence the name of the type of device). Sound is transmitted through special sound membranes that are built into the structure. They have a headband, thanks to which they are attached to the head. At the same time, there is a soft cushion on the headband, which ensures the comfort of using the devices. It is believed that for listening to music, this type of headphone is considered the best choice, since it is capable of providing a high level of noise isolation.

These headphones are intended for professional use and are therefore not recommended for domestic use. The devices are large, heavy and endowed with many additional functions.

In order for such headphones to fully perform their functional duties, they must be connected to devices (laptop, personal computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.) using a special cable, which is an integral part of such a design. Such headphones have been presented on the market for a long time, over time they have lost their relevance, since they have several significant disadvantages: for example, they restrict the user's movement while using audio accessories.

This variety is relatively new in the modern technology and electronics market. Due to the fact that there are no additional elements in their design (wires, cables, etc.), they guarantee the user a high level of mobility.

A huge number of brands that specialize in the production of equipment and electronics are engaged in the production of headphones with a microphone. Among all existing companies, there are some of the best.

This large-scale company is international and operates in almost all countries of the world. It specializes in the production of network equipment and telecommunications equipment.

This company specializes in the distribution of mobile devices, as well as accessories necessary for them in Europe (in particular, its central and eastern parts).

The country of origin of the equipment is Japan. The company is one of the market leaders, as it is engaged in the production of exceptionally high quality audiovisual equipment.

The company focuses on the United States market, however, the products that it produces are used by consumers around the world.

The Chinese company guarantees high quality products, since at all stages of production, close monitoring is carried out to ensure compliance with all international standards and principles. Besides, the stylish and modern external design of the headphones from Edifier should be highlighted.

The Danish company produces headphones that comply with all the latest technological advances and scientific developments.

The Danish brand produces wireless headphones that work on the basis of modern Bluetooth technology. The devices are great for sports and exercise. The microphones included in the headphone design are distinguished by a high degree of suppression of external noise.

The American brand specializes in the production of headphones with a microphone, which are perfect for gamers.

A German manufacturer whose products are of the highest quality.

Koss manufactures stereo headphones that offer high sound quality and long lasting performance.

This company has been on the market for over 20 years and is a strong competitor for all the brands described above.

This firm is a world leader.

The Taiwanese company organizes the production process taking into account the latest technologies.

On the market you can find different headphones with a microphone: large and small, with built-in and detachable microphone, wired and wireless, full-size and compact, with and without illumination, mono and stereo, budget and expensive, for streaming, etc. we offer a rating of the best models.

The device belongs to the budget category, its market value is about 1000 rubles. The wire included in the structure has a length of 1.2 meters. At its end there is a 4-pin jack socket, so you can connect your headphones to almost any modern device.

The outer casing of the headphones is made in black, and therefore the model can be called universal. The device has impressive dimensions, so certain difficulties may arise in the process of transporting an audio accessory. The headphones are perfect for gamers, the sensitivity of the devices is at 97 dB. The microphone is attached to the headphones with a swivel and flexible arm, thanks to which you can easily adjust its position to suit your needs.

Although the earbuds are held in place by a specially designed headband, the weight of the structure is quite light at just 84 grams. The developers have provided for the presence of a noise reduction system, so you will not be disturbed by background noise and extraneous sounds.

This headphone model belongs to the "luxury" class, their cost is very high and amounts to about 9000 rubles, respectively, the device will not be affordable for every user. The control system is distinguished by simplicity and convenience, since all the necessary buttons are located on the outside of the earphone. A folding mechanism is provided, which greatly facilitates the process of transporting and storing the model. The recharging process is carried out thanks to the microUSB connector.

This model is popular and widely demanded among gamers and professional e-sportsmen. The design includes soft and comfortable ear cushions, as well as a headband - these elements guarantee ease of use of the device even over a long period. The weight of the headphones with a microphone is impressive and amounts to 354 grams.

This model has an attractive and stylish appearance. There is an adjustment function, so each user will be able to adjust the position of the earphone and microphone, depending on their physiological characteristics. A ChatMix knob is included as standard, allowing you to customize the volume mixing yourself. There is also an adapter for a 4-pin "jack". The headset supports the latest DTS Headphone: X 7.1 Surround Sound technology.

In order to choose high-quality headphones with a microphone, it is necessary to take into account a number of (primarily technical) characteristics.

Sensitivity is the most important parameter that has a great influence on both the operation of the headphones and the functioning of the microphone itself. So, in order for you to enjoy high-quality sound, the headphone sensitivity should be at least 100 dB. However, the choice of microphone sensitivity is more difficult.

The human ear can perceive and process sound waves that range from 16 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Thus, you should give preference to those models that guarantee the perception and transmission of such sound waves. The wider the range, the better - so you can enjoy bass and high-pitched sounds (which is especially important when listening to music).

Even the most expensive and high-quality headset will distort the sound. However, the level of this distortion can vary considerably. If the sound distortion rate is more than 1%, then you should immediately abandon the purchase of such a device.

Power is a parameter that affects the sound volume of the headphones.In this case, one should adhere to the so-called "golden mean", the optimal power indicator is about 100 mW.

Wireless headphones with microphone are the preferred option. However, if you want to buy a wired device, then pay special attention to the length of the cable that is included in the design.

Headphones with microphone should come standard with replacement ear pads. At the same time, it is desirable that there are several pairs of different diameters in order to provide the maximum level of comfort and convenience in the process of using the headphones by different people. The factors listed above are key. However, in addition to them, it is recommended to take into account some minor parameters. These include:

• manufacturer (choose devices from world-renowned and trusted consumer companies);
• cost (look for such models that correspond to the optimal ratio of price and quality);
• external design (headphones with a microphone should become a stylish and beautiful accessory);
• comfort of use (be sure to try on the headset before purchasing it);
• control system (control buttons should be located in the most comfortable position).

After you have chosen and purchased headphones with a microphone, it is important to plug them in and turn them on correctly. The subtleties and details of this process may vary, depending on the specific model of the audio device, so be sure to read the information contained in the operating instructions in advance.

So, if you have purchased a wireless device, then you need to perform the pairing procedure. Turn on the headphones and your device (for example, a smartphone or laptop), turn on the Bluetooth function and carry out the pairing procedure. This can be done using the "Search for new devices" button. Then select your headphones and connect them to the device. Do not forget to perform a functional check. If your headphones are wired, the connection process will be much easier - you just need to plug the wire into the appropriate jack.

In the process of using headphones, be as careful and careful as possible. Protect the headset from mechanical damage, water and other negative environmental influences. So you will significantly extend the period of their operation.

An overview of one of the models in the video below.