If you are you are looking for the best headworn microphones that can deliver a crisp clear speech, this article is for you.
You may have used over-the-ear microphones in the past back in your church or perhaps at the college convention, but realistically you have no idea of how to use it or which one to pick.
Now you are in a situation in which you will start giving speeches to a multitude of people and you are in the need of the best dual (or single) ear headworn microphones, right?
Product | Image | Battery | Polar pattern | Product page |
Our best pick |  | 10 hours | Omnidirectional | |
#2. Samson DE10x Best value |  | NA | Omnidirectional | |
 | 1 AA batteries required | Multipattern | ||
 | NA | Omnidirectional | ||
 | NA | Omni-Directional | ||
 | NA | Omnidirectional | ||
 | NA | Omnidirectional |
We know it, there are plenty of options and they all kinda look the same, it is confusing!
But don't worry, in this article, we will demonstrate the 7 best headworn microphones for crisp clear speech and after that, you will feel more comfortable and buy the one you like the most!
Top 7 headworn microphones reviewed
Samson AirLine Micro
Specifications:
- Connector Type – USB, 3.5 mm Jack
- Connections – Bluetooth
- Power Source – Battery Powered
- Polar Pattern – Omnidirectional
- Power Requirements Internal Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Life Up to 10 Hours
- Dimensions (L x W x H) 6.7 x 0.6 x 2.3" / 171 x 14 x 58 mm
- Weight 0.8 oz / 22 g
Build and design
The Samson AirLine Micro is made of plastic protected from moisture and perspiration by specifically treated with a water-resistant coating.
It only comes with a single button that serves for power, mute, and volume.
The transmitter comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery with up to 10 hours of operation and a USB DC input for recharging it when needed.
This system is very durable because it is designed not only for presenters and performers but also for fitness professionals that need a system that can resist a lot of action and movement.
It weighs around 20 grams and comes with its own carrying pouch for handling.
Fit and comfort
The ear clip comes with a rubber adjustment band that makes this process very easy.
Feedback is rare on this system because the capsule is very close to the singer's mouth, therefore not a lot of gain will be needed to operate.
After exhausting the battery life, it simply turns OFF, so be careful when using them.
Sound quality and performance
The microphone captures sound from its 3mm omnidirectional micro capsule covered with a windscreen.
This Omni pattern captures sound from all directions, but mostly from the mouth because of the position of it.
The microphone's sound quality is clear enough for presentations and fitness professionals, but not ideal for music purposes where intelligibility and perfect response across frequencies is needed.
The windscreen rejects the sound of air, however, most of the rejection will happen due to the proximity to the singer's mouse and the overall gain applied to the microphone.
What do we like?
- Very easy to adjust to the head with its rubber adjustment band.
- Water-resistant, great for outdoors.
What we don't like?
- One button operation can be a bit tedious under stress situations.
Bottomline: Ideal for public announcement presentations, politicians, and fitness/aerobics live classes. Not particularly ideal for live sound applications.
Samson DE10x
Specifications:
- Connector Type USB, 3.5 mm Jack
- Connections Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB
- Polar Pattern Omnidirectional
- Item Weight 6.8 Grams
- Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Maximum Input Sound Level 120 dB
- Power Requirements 1.5 – 12 VDC
Build and design
This microphone is made out of plastic material but it has a moisture-resistant coating that protects it from dust and water/sweat.
It has no controls or batteries because it is just an analog microphone. All the controls would be on the transmitter, depending on which you choose.
The microphone does not look very sturdy because of its thin structure design, however, the protective coating and the gold-plated connectors make it nice for live vocal applications, presentations, houses of worship, theaters, and fitness.
It weighs less than 7 grams and comes with a carrying case to store the mic, cables, and windscreens.
Fit and comfort
The ear clip provides a very discreet design based on a plastic/aluminum thin frame that adjusts in size but it is not flexible
Therefore some users might find it a bit uncomfortable depending on their head design.
Sound quality and performance
It captures sound based on omnidirectional pattern, so basically from all directions.
This Omni pattern presents no proximity effect, which is ideal when trying to remove low-end and rumble from vocals.
The noise rejection will depend on the windscreen used and also the gain applied.
Feedback is not common because it has no proximity effect. However, the audio engineers must be very careful with gain.
The overall frequency response graph is very flat from 20 to 20 KHz, yielding high-quality audio reproduction, ideal for the most demanding users.
The microphone's sound quality and frequency response make it great for live music-oriented applications and the most demanding singing situations.
What do we like?
- Very flat frequency response, high-quality audio signal.
- Lightweight structure, you won't even feel it.
What we don't like?
- No transmitter included just the microphone.
Bottomline: Good microphone choice if you are working with live sound applied to music concerts, singers, and choirs due to its flat frequency response.
AKG Pro Audio Perception Wireless Microphone
Specifications:
- Connector Type XLR Connector
- Connections Wireless
- Batteries 1 AA batteries required. (included)
- Polar Pattern Unidirectional
- Weight 12.7 oz / 360 g
Build and design
This microphone is made out of metal and noryl painted in black, making it a very sturdy design.
The microphone itself has no controls, but the transmitting devices do let you change the channels.
The body-pack transmitter needs a 9V battery to operate.
The system is built-to-last with the latest AKG's specifications.
It weighs around 30 grams, a bit more than others on the market.
Unfortunately, it does not come with a case or pouch, so you will need to find one in order to handle it.
Fit and comfort
The ear clip is not very easy to bend in order to adjust to your head's shape, so be careful about that aspect.
Feedback is almost nonexistent because of its cardioid polar pattern.
After periods of long duration, the headset might turn a bit uncomfortable due to its weight and difficulty to adjust to the head.
Sound quality and performance
The microphone captures the sound using a cardioid polar pattern, meaning it will only capture coming from the front.
The frequency response is very flat with a small bump around 8 KHz to add even more clarity to the sound, ideal for public speech, politicians, churches, and large crowds in general with minimum distortion.
Noise and signals coming from the back and sides will be rejected considerably.
It comes with several windscreens and moisture shields in order to protect the microphone's membrane and let the singer use it under the most difficult outdoor circumstances.
What do we like?
- Cardioid polar pattern is great in rejecting noise from the back and sides!
- System built-to-last following AKG's specs.
What we don't like?
- No case or pouch included.
Bottomline: Ideal in any circumstance where clarity on the voice is required, so basically any announcement and public speech situation will suffice.
Countryman E6 Omni Earset
Specifications:
- Form Factor Headworn
- Sound Field Mono
- Capsule 1 x Condenser
- Polar Pattern Omnidirectional
- Windscreen Foam (Included)
- Output Connectors 1 x TA4/Mini XLR 4-Pin Female
- Cable Length 5' / 1.52 m
Build and design
The E6 is Countryman's lowest-profile and most discreet-looking earset microphone, made from a combination of aluminum and plastic materials making it their flagship product.
The microphone has no controls on it, however, it lets the user interchange the capsules for different behaviors and levels.
No batteries are required because it is not a wireless headset. You must have your own third-party transmitter in case you want it to be wireless.
It weighs 2 grams, can you beat that?
Considering this is one of Countryman's most famous headsets, its lightweight design makes it a bit fragile.
It comes with a carrying case designed to fit the microphone, cables and capsules.
Fit and comfort
The ear clip is very easy to set on your ear due to its flexible plastic design and lightweight materials.
Sound quality and performance
The microphone can capture sounds depending on the capsule that you installed. Options included are Omni, cardioid, and hyper-cardioid, all included with the microphone.
The Omni capsules have the flattest responses, with different high frequency "bumps" depending on the capsule, while the directional capsules have more off-axis coloration.
The hyper-cardioid will reject outer noise the most, while the Omni will capture more noise.
Feedback can occur depending on the gain applied, however, the use of certain capsules can either amplify or reduce this possibility.
The possibility of replacing the capsules makes this microphone ideal for any type of environment where high-quality audio is under any crowd size circumstances.
Windscreens are also included to protect from excessive wind and water.
What do we like?
- This is perhaps the most discreet design ever, you barely see it!
- Super light-weight design (2 grams), lets you "wear it and forget it"
What we don't like?
- Transmitters are not included.
- Must be handled with care, a fragile unit.
Bottomline: This microphone is great not only because of its high sound quality but also because of its "almost-invisible" build and design.
Rode HS2-PL Condenser Microphone
Specifications:
- Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional
- Frequency Range: 60Hz – 18kHz
- Output Impedance: 3000Ω
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 58 dBA
- Clipping SPL: 122 dB
- Maximum Output Level: 189.0mV
Build and design
The HS2-PL is made of plastic that comes in pink or black, but it has an internal structure of the steel for the boom arm.
The microphone itself has no controls, it is completely analog and passive, with no switches or knobs.
No power or batteries are required in order to operate the microphone, however, the transmitter will need some kind of power in order to make it work.
The overall plastic material makes this microphone durable and resistant to water, sunlight, and dust. It also comes with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
The weight of the microphone is 20 grams, which is the standard for light-weight headset microphones.
No case or pouch is included with this device.
Fit and comfort
The ear clip is very simple to use because of its silicone hypoallergenic material. The microphone comes in Small and Large sizes.
The boom arm where the capsule is located can be adjusted telescopically
After long periods of time, you won't feel tired of wearing them because the ear clips are made of silicone.
Sound quality and performance
It captures the sound coming from all directions due to its omnidirectional capsule.
The frequency response is considerably flat from 68 Hz to 18 KHz with a small 3 dB boost around 7 KHz for presence, ideal for speech applications with medium to small size crowds where potential distortion is accepted.
The noise level is calibrated around 36 dB, with a dynamic range of 86 dB.
Feedbacks can happen at high levels, but can easily be eliminated by placing the capsule closer to the mouth and reducing the gain.
It comes with a mini-furry-style windscreen that can be used for speech, as well as a regular pop-filter-style windscreen ideal for singing.
What do we like?
- Easy to wear silicone-based ear clips.
- Two types of windscreens available for different applications, very versatile.
What we don't like?
- The overall frame does not look very durable under extreme circumstances.
Bottomline: Perfect device if you are looking for a durable yet affordable microphone for public speaking situations, not for singing.
Shure Microflex MX153T/O-TQG
Specifications:
- Polar Pattern Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz
- Self Noise Equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical: 34dB
- Common Mode Rejection 20Hz to 20kHz
- Power Requirements +1 – 5VDC (500 μA max.)
- Dimensions Cable Length: 48" (1.21m)
- Weight 0.69oz (19.76g)
Build and design
The Shure MicroFlex MX153 is made of plastic covered with Kevlar materials to protect against moisture, rain, and dust.
The kevlar covering makes it very durable under extreme circumstances, ideal for live sound, churches, and conferences.
It has no controls on the microphone itself since it is completely passive.
At the same time, it does not require any batteries to operate.
The weight is the standard 20 grams for a headset microphone.
Like most Shure products, it comes with its own storage pouch for easier handling and traveling.
Fit and comfort
The ear clip is flexible and very easy to set around your ear. Simply wrap it around and adjust the opening on the clip until it touches the back of your ear and you will be all set!
However, it is also a good practice to keep the gain at a nominal level in order to reduce the chances of feedback.
Sound quality and performance
It captures the sound coming from all directions with its signature subminiature condenser electret omnidirectional capsule.
The frequency response is flat from 50 Hz to 20 KHz, which is more than great for singing applications and speech.
Low-frequency noise is not a problem because omnidirectional capsules have no proximity effect, great for singing purposes.
It comes with 3 windscreens and a collar clip in order to reject the wind noise and easily attach the cable to your clothes.
Feedback is a possibility but it is very limited considering the capsule included and its lack of proximity effect.
The sound quality this microphone can deliver is ideal for big crows and open spaces, perhaps for concerts and extended-size houses of worship.
What do we like?
- Kevlar material makes this perhaps the most durable headset microphone on the market.
- It includes 3 windscreens, a pouch, and a collar clip, basically all the accessories you could ever need.
What we don't like?
- Only the omnidirectional capsule is available.
Bottomline: Perfect device if you are looking for a durable microphone, that is capable to work both indoor and outdoor scenarios.
Airwave Technologies HSD-SLIMLINE+SE T4 TAN
Specifications:
- Connections Wired, Wireless
- Polar Pattern Omnidirectional
- Item Weight 0.2 Pounds
- Bendable Boom for Comfortable fit
- Detachable and replaceable cable
- Compatible with most manufacturer's body packs
- Fits Shure connectors
Build and design
The Airwave Technologies HSD microphone is made of pure plastic, making it a very fragile product that must be handled with extreme care.
It is totally passive, so no batteries are included or needed to run the microphone itself.
Also, it has absolutely no controls on the microphone.
Unfortunately, it does not come with any case or pouch.
Fit and comfort
The ear clip is easy to set because the plastic is flexible.
A clear plastic layer covers the ear clip in order to protect it.
Since the weight is so low, you can wear it for extended periods of time with no issues.
As with any headset microphone, feedback can happen when too much gain is applied.
Sound quality and performance
It captures the sound coming from all possible directions due to its back-electret condenser omnidirectional capsule.
The frequency response graph shows a flat response from 50 Hz to 5 KHz and a considerable "brightness" bump from 5 KHz to 20 KHz.
Besides the windscreen included and the lack of proximity effect due to the Omni capsule, there is really no other "noise rejection" features included.
The sound quality delivered by this microphone is perhaps not the best for "transparent" reproduction situations such as concerts, but it can definitively be used on public speech situations and worships, ideally in small to medium size spaces.
What do we like?
- Lightweight microphone, you won't feel it.
- Small frame, hard to see when wearing it
What we don't like?
- Very fragile design, not ideal for applications where movement and action are involved.
Bottomline: Good choice if you want an affordable microphone for public speech circumstances where the flat frequency response is not required.
Read Also:
- What is Microphone Feedback and How To Eliminate For Good
- How to Earrape Mic? (Discord, Zoom) – Don't Miss this Guide
Conclusion
Let's say that your main goal is to find the most lightweight and discreet headset of the market for your conferences for example… Your best bet is the Countryman E6. You simply can't feel those 2 grams of weight!
Now, if your goal is to find a headset microphone built to last, stop reading and hurry up to buy the Shure Microflex MX153T/O-TQG. There is no way to be tougher than kevlar.
Last, but not least, if you want high audio quality and crystal clear sound characteristics, the AKG Pro Audio Perception Wireless Microphone is your friend. AKG's quality and specs are unbeatable!