Shure PGA31 vs SM35: Head to Head Microphone Comparison

Choosing between the Shure PGA31 and Shure SM35 headset microphones comes down to budget, features, and how much noise cancellation matters for your setup. Both are popular picks from our guide to best headset microphones for singing, and many people find themselves deciding between the two.

This guide compares the Shure PGA31 and SM35 head to head across design, sound quality, frequency response, SPL, power supply, type, and budget, so you can decide which one fits your needs.

Shure has a long standing reputation as one of the most trusted brands in the microphone and sound industry, and both of these headset microphones reflect that reputation in their build and performance.

Shure PGA31

The Shure PGA31 is a unidirectional wireless condenser microphone and one of the more budget friendly options in Shure’s headset lineup.

The design is simple and classical, without anything particularly flashy, but the build quality holds up well for the price. Its unidirectional polar pattern records sound only from the front of the microphone, which makes it well suited for live streaming, vocals, and singing.

In our experience, the PGA31 performs impressively when it comes to noise cancellation, doing a better job at rejecting background noise than many other headset microphones at this price point.

It has a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz and a maximum sound pressure level of 145dB, which means it can handle louder sources like instrumentals or drums without distortion.

Pros

• Budget friendly
• Good design
• Comfortable to wear
• Strong noise cancellation
• Flexible for different use cases

Cons

• Build quality is less robust compared to higher priced options
• Less suited if you need a more discreet, stealthy headset
• Slight shallowness in the low end

Shure SM35

The Shure SM35 is a unidirectional condenser microphone built specifically for singing, making it a strong choice for dedicated music practitioners.

It stands out for its flexibility and the locking snap mechanism, which is a distinctive feature not commonly found on other headset microphones. The overall design is classical and similar to other headset microphones, but it looks and feels well put together.

It has a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz and a maximum sound pressure level of 153dB, which is higher than the PGA31 and allows it to handle a wider range of instruments in your recordings.

The SM35 uses a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern, recording sound only from the front, and performs well at noise cancellation. One of its standout features is the choice between wireless and wired versions, giving users flexibility depending on their setup. It is also considered one of the best headset microphones for singing drummers.

In our experience, the SM35 is comfortable to wear for most users, though it can feel a bit heavier than other headset microphones. It also includes locking snap-fit windscreens, which help reduce breath and wind noise during recording, a useful feature for vocal recordings.

Pros

• Strong choice for dedicated singing
• High quality condenser sound
• Great noise cancellation
• Available in both wired and wireless versions
• Locking snap-fit windscreens reduce breath and wind noise
• Budget friendly for the features offered

Cons

• Slightly heavier than other headset microphones
• Feels a bit larger for some users

Shure PGA31 vs SM35

Now that we have looked at both microphones individually, here is how they compare across key factors.

Design

Neither microphone stands out as particularly attractive. Both have a classical, fairly plain headset microphone design, so this comes down to personal preference rather than a clear winner.

Sound Quality

Both microphones deliver strong sound quality and would work well in a home studio setup. If choosing based on sound quality alone, the SM35 has a slight edge for sounding more natural.

Noise Cancellation

The PGA31 performs better here, doing an excellent job of rejecting background noise compared to the SM35.

Features

The SM35 is the clear winner in terms of features, offering both wired and wireless options along with the locking snap-fit windscreen. This gives users more control and flexibility overall.

Budget

The PGA31 is the more pocket friendly option of the two, making it the better choice if budget is your main priority.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you are tight on budget and want strong noise cancellation, the Shure PGA31 is a solid pick. If you want more features, the flexibility of wired or wireless use, and slightly better overall sound quality, the Shure SM35 is the better choice.

Both microphones deliver good sound quality overall, so either option is a reasonable choice depending on what matters most to you.

Before buying, check the latest price and availability for both microphones, since pricing and product availability can change over time.

Final Words

Both the Shure PGA31 and SM35 are solid headset microphones, and you are unlikely to be disappointed with either one. If budget and noise cancellation matter most, go with the PGA31. If you want more features and flexibility, the SM35 is worth the extra investment.

For more options, see our full guide to best headset microphones for singing.