A good headset microphone keeps your hands free while singing and helps reduce background noise so your vocals come through clearly. This guide covers five headset microphones suited for singing, along with a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one.
These recommendations are based on research into specs, brand reputation, and how each microphone performs for vocal recording and live singing.
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What to Look For in a Headset Microphone
Before picking a headset microphone, it helps to understand a few key terms and features that affect how well it works for singing.
Polar Pattern
Most headset microphones use a unidirectional, or cardioid, polar pattern. This means the microphone picks up sound mainly from the front, which helps reduce background noise. This pattern is generally recommended for headset microphones used for singing.
Some microphones use an omnidirectional pattern, which picks up sound from all directions. This can be useful in certain performance settings but generally offers less noise rejection.
Wired or Wireless
Wireless headset microphones offer more freedom of movement, which is useful for performers who move around while singing. Wired microphones tend to offer simpler, more reliable connectivity without battery concerns. Many headset microphones are available in both wired and wireless versions, so you can choose based on your needs.
Build Quality
Headset microphones include flexible wires and lightweight materials that need to hold up to regular use. Checking the build quality, including the materials used for the headband and wiring, can help you choose a microphone that lasts.
Connectivity
Common connectivity options for headset microphones include XLR cables, USB connections, and wireless transmitters. Choose based on what your existing setup supports and what you find easiest to use.
Frequency Response and Max SPL
Frequency response shows the range of pitches a microphone can pick up, typically measured in Hz. Max SPL (sound pressure level) indicates how loud a sound source the microphone can handle before distortion. A higher max SPL is useful if you plan to sing alongside louder instruments.
Budget
Headset microphones are available across a wide range of prices. Before buying, check the latest price and availability, since pricing and product availability can change over time.
Best Headset Microphones for Singing
1. Shure BLX SM31
Shure has a strong reputation across both dynamic and headset microphones, and the BLX SM31 is a popular choice in their headset lineup. It has a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern, which helps it focus on your voice and reduce background noise.
The BLX SM31 comes in several frequency range variants (such as H11, H10, H9, J10, and J11), which affects the wireless range available rather than the core audio quality. It has a frequency response of 45Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL of 145dB, which means it can handle instrumental sounds without distortion.
This microphone includes moisture resistance, supports multiple simultaneous wireless systems, and offers a battery life of around 14 hours.
Best for
- Versatile use across studio recording and live performance
- Singers wanting a wireless headset with strong battery life
- Performers in humid or sweat-prone environments
Key features
- Unidirectional cardioid polar pattern
- 45Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- Maximum SPL of 145dB
- Moisture resistant design
- Around 14 hours of battery life
Pros
- Strong noise cancellation from the cardioid pattern
- Moisture resistant build
- Long battery life
- Multiple frequency range variants available
Cons
- Wireless systems generally cost more than wired alternatives
Who should buy it
- Singers performing both in studio and on stage
- Users wanting a durable, moisture resistant wireless headset mic
Who should avoid it
- Users on a tight budget who do not need wireless flexibility
Final verdict
The Shure BLX SM31 is a versatile, durable headset microphone suited for singers who need reliable wireless performance across different environments.
2. Shure SM35
The Shure SM35 is a unidirectional condenser headset microphone designed specifically for vocal and singing applications. It is available in both wired and wireless versions, giving you flexibility based on your setup.
It has a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL of 153dB, one of the highest on this list, which makes it well suited for singing alongside instruments. The cardioid polar pattern helps with noise cancellation by focusing on sound from the front.
A notable feature is the locking snap-fit windscreen, which helps reduce breath and wind noise during recording.
Best for
- Vocalists who want a dedicated singing headset microphone
- Singers performing alongside drums or other loud instruments
- Users wanting both wired and wireless options
Key features
- Unidirectional cardioid polar pattern
- 40Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- Maximum SPL of 153dB
- Locking snap-fit windscreen
- Available in wired and wireless versions
Pros
- High maximum SPL for instrumental environments
- Strong noise cancellation
- Windscreen reduces breath and wind noise
- Available in both wired and wireless options
- More budget friendly than some alternatives
Cons
- Slightly heavier and larger than some other headset microphones
Who should buy it
- Singers wanting a microphone built specifically for vocal performance
- Users who want the choice between wired and wireless
Who should avoid it
- Users prioritizing the lightest possible headset design
Final verdict
The Shure SM35 is a strong option for singers who want a microphone purpose built for vocals, with the flexibility of wired or wireless use.
3. Shure PGA31
The Shure PGA31 is a unidirectional wireless condenser headset microphone positioned as a budget friendly option in Shure’s lineup. It has a simple, comfortable design that is easy to wear for extended periods.
It has a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL of 145dB. The low end response is slightly less pronounced compared to some other models, which may result in a touch less depth in the low frequencies.
Best for
- Singers on a budget wanting a comfortable headset microphone
- Studio or treated room recording
- Users new to headset microphones
Key features
- Unidirectional cardioid polar pattern
- 50Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- Maximum SPL of 145dB
- Lightweight, comfortable design
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Good noise cancellation for the price
- Decent build quality at this price point
Cons
- Slightly less depth in the low end
- Build quality is less robust than higher priced options
- Less suited for noisy environments
Who should buy it
- Budget conscious singers wanting decent quality from a trusted brand
Who should avoid it
- Users needing a more rugged build or recording in noisier spaces
Final verdict
The Shure PGA31 is a solid budget pick for singers who want comfort and decent sound quality without a high price tag.
4. JK Mic-J 071S
The JK Mic-J 071S is an omnidirectional condenser wireless headset microphone from JK, a newer company focused on offering distinctive features at accessible prices.
Unlike the other microphones on this list, it uses an omnidirectional polar pattern, meaning it picks up sound from all directions rather than focusing on the front. This can work well for certain performance styles but generally offers less noise rejection than a cardioid pattern.
It has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, a dust proof design, and a very lightweight, thin build. It is also compatible with certain wireless systems from other brands.
Best for
- Performers wanting a very lightweight, low profile headset mic
- On-stage performances where omnidirectional pickup suits the style
- Users in dusty or outdoor performance environments
Key features
- Omnidirectional condenser polar pattern
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- Dust proof design
- Very lightweight, compact build
- Compatible with select third party wireless systems
Pros
- Affordable
- Extremely lightweight
- Dust proof
- Decent overall sound quality
Cons
- Noise cancellation is weaker due to the omnidirectional pattern
- May pick up more unwanted sound during high pitched singing
Who should buy it
- Performers wanting the lightest possible headset and comfortable with omnidirectional pickup
Who should avoid it
- Singers recording in noisy environments who need strong noise rejection
Final verdict
The JK Mic-J 071S is an affordable, lightweight option best suited for performers who do not need strong directional noise cancellation.
5. AKG C520
The AKG C520 is a unidirectional XLR headset microphone from AKG, a long established brand known for durable, customer friendly audio equipment. It is one of the most widely used headset microphones in its category.
As an XLR microphone, it connects using an included XLR cable rather than wireless. It is known for being extremely lightweight and comfortable, with a frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL of 130dB.
The lower maximum SPL compared to other mics on this list means it is better suited to vocals and lighter instrumentation rather than very loud sources like acoustic drums.
Best for
- Singers wanting the lightest, most comfortable headset option
- Studio singing and live performance in moderate volume settings
- Voiceover artists and performers wanting a hands-free XLR option
Key features
- Unidirectional cardioid polar pattern
- 60Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- Maximum SPL of 130dB
- XLR connectivity with included cable
- Extremely lightweight build
Pros
- Very comfortable and lightweight
- Good overall build quality
- Reliable XLR connectivity
- Well regarded across studio and live use
Cons
- Lower maximum SPL limits use with very loud instruments like drums
- Requires an XLR cable connection rather than wireless
Who should buy it
- Singers wanting maximum comfort with reliable wired connectivity
Who should avoid it
- Performers needing wireless freedom or very high SPL handling
Final verdict
The AKG C520 is a comfortable, reliable headset microphone well suited for singing and voiceover work in moderate volume settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which headset microphone is best for singing?
There is no single best option since it depends on your budget, whether you want wired or wireless, and your performance environment. The Shure SM35 and Shure BLX SM31 are strong choices for dedicated vocal performance, while the AKG C520 suits users wanting a lightweight, comfortable XLR option.
What microphones do singers commonly use?
Singers use a range of microphones depending on whether they are recording in a studio or performing live. Headset microphones like the ones in this guide are popular for hands-free performance, while condenser microphones are common for studio recording. Our guide to best microphones for vocals covers more studio focused options.
Are lavalier microphones good for singing?
Some lavalier microphones can work well for singing, but not all are designed for this purpose. If you are considering a lavalier microphone for singing, look for one with a frequency response and sensitivity suited to vocal performance rather than general speech.
Conclusion
All five headset microphones in this guide are well suited for singing, with different strengths depending on your needs. The Shure BLX SM31 and Shure SM35 are strong all round choices for vocal performance, the Shure PGA31 offers good value on a budget, the JK Mic-J 071S is the lightest option for performers comfortable with omnidirectional pickup, and the AKG C520 is a reliable, comfortable XLR choice.
For more options across other microphone types, see our guide to best microphones for vocals, singing or recording.
