Buying Guide
The Best Headsets With a Detachable Mic
From the Redragon H888 to the Barracuda X: five headsets ranked on battery life and driver size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A detachable mic turns a gaming headset into everyday headphones. Every pick has a detachable microphone, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for battery life, driver size and weight; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out battery life, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lightest Build
Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset
The lightest weight here (168g).
Best for: Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Our take Check price for Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC Wireless Gaming Headset
Three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0.
Best for: Buyers who want three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0.
Our take Check price for AOC Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset
A detachable directional mic.
Best for: Buyers who want detachable directional mic.
Our take Check price for JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Largest Drivers
HyperX Cloud II
The largest driver size here (53mm).
Best for: Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud II (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
Razer Barracuda X Wireless
The longest battery life here (50 hours).
Best for: Long sessions away from a charging cable.
Our take Check price for Razer Barracuda X Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lightest Build1 of 5
Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's H888 weighs 168g and offers 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes.
Best for
- Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: driver size of 40mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm).
Why we like it
Its mic detaches when you only need headphones. On driver size it ties with the Barracuda X at 40mm. Like the AOC, it has a detachable boom microphone, while the Quantum 100M2 uses a detachable directional boom microphone.
It also offers three connection modes and a detachable microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the AOC was closest. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the Barracuda X instead: it runs for 50 hours, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 168g
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Detachable boom
Pros
- Light 168g build
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Three connection modes
- 168g frame
Cons
- Driver size of 40mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm)
Also Consider2 of 5
AOC Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's wireless headset offers 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 6.0 and a 3.5mm cable.
Best for
- Buyers who want three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Redragon H888 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The mic detaches and the drivers are 50mm. Its 50mm driver size ranks second of 4 here, behind the Cloud II (53mm) and ahead of the Barracuda X (40mm). It shares a detachable boom microphone with the Redragon H888; the Barracuda X goes with a detachable cardioid microphone.
It also comes with three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0 and a detachable microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.
Its price falls between the Redragon H888 and the Quantum 100M2, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the Redragon H888, which weighs 168g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 45 hours
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 6.0, wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Detachable boom
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0
- Detachable microphone
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon H888 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
JBL's Quantum 100M2 has a detachable directional mic and a 3.5mm plug.
Best for
- Buyers who want detachable directional mic.
Skip if
- Its driver size is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It is the only JBL headset in this group. Its directional mic detaches and mutes, and memory foam with breathable fabric cushions keeps it light. One 3.5mm jack works with PC, consoles, Switch and phones.
JBL QuantumSOUND tuning brings out footsteps and effects. It is the only pick here with a wired 3.5mm connection; the Cloud II has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection instead. You get a detachable directional boom microphone here, which sets it apart from the Barracuda X and its a detachable cardioid microphone.
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper AOC and the pricier Cloud II, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Barracuda X runs for 50 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Detachable directional boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Detachable directional mic
- 3.5mm connection
- JBL QuantumSOUND signature tuning
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Redragon H888 at the time of writing
Largest Drivers4 of 5
HyperX Cloud II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud II remains a sensible pick: 53mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround and a detachable noise-cancelling mic in an aluminum frame.
Best for
- Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Redragon H888, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over USB or 3.5mm. Its 53mm driver size is the largest here; the AOC comes next at 50mm. It is the only pick here with a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection; the Quantum 100M2 has a wired 3.5mm connection instead.
It also comes with memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Quantum 100M2 and the pricier Barracuda X, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Barracuda X runs for 50 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: Wired (USB and 3.5mm)
- Microphone: Detachable, noise-cancelling
Pros
- 53mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- 7.1 virtual surround
- Memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon H888 at the time of writing
Longest Battery Life5 of 5
Razer Barracuda X Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Barracuda X uses a USB-C dongle, so it moves between a PC, phone and handheld.
Best for
- Long sessions away from a charging cable.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Cloud II offers 53mm.
Why we like it
It adds Bluetooth, a detachable cardioid mic and a 250g frame. It matches the Redragon H888 on driver size (40mm). A detachable cardioid microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Redragon H888 uses a detachable boom microphone.
You also get a USB-C dongle that suits phones and handhelds. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Cloud II. If driver size is your priority, the Cloud II (53mm) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 50 hours
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 250g
- Connection: 2.4GHz USB-C, Bluetooth
- Microphone: Detachable cardioid
Pros
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
- Light 250g build
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- USB-C dongle that suits phones and handhelds
Cons
- Driver size trails the Cloud II (53mm)
- Costs more than the Redragon H888 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Headsets With a Detachable Mic
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five headsets on battery life, driver size, weight and connection, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Redragon H888 to the Barracuda X, state connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Redragon H888, the Quantum 100M2 and the Cloud II give no battery life; the Quantum 100M2 gives no driver size.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Redragon H888 (under $50) to the Barracuda X ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Headset With a Detachable Mic
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Driver size
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the Barracuda X to 53mm on the Cloud II. For less, the AOC is the runner-up at 50mm. No figure for the Quantum 100M2.
How much battery life you need
Here battery life runs from 45 hours on the AOC to 50 hours on the Barracuda X. Start with the Barracuda X if battery life decides it. No figure for the Redragon H888, the Quantum 100M2 and the Cloud II.
How much weight you need
Here weight runs from 250g on the Barracuda X to 168g on the Redragon H888. The Redragon H888 is the pick for weight. No figure for the AOC, the Quantum 100M2 and the Cloud II.
Fit and compatibility
On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller.
Features beyond the spec table
The Quantum 100M2: a 3.5mm connection. The Cloud II: memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame. The Barracuda X: a detachable cardioid mic.
Console versions are not always interchangeable
Some wireless headsets come in PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions with different dongles. An Xbox-specific model may not connect wirelessly to a PlayStation.
Buy the version that matches every system you plan to use.
How to Choose a Headset With a Detachable Mic
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Long sessions where clamp and weight add up | Redragon H888 | The lightest weight here (168g) |
| Buyers who want three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0 | AOC | Three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0 |
| Buyers who want detachable directional mic | Quantum 100M2 | A detachable directional mic |
| Listeners who want the biggest drivers here | Cloud II | The largest driver size here (53mm) |
| Long sessions away from a charging cable | Barracuda X | The longest battery life here (50 hours) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Cloud II leads on driver size at 53mm, ahead of the AOC at 50mm. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Headset | Battery life | Driver size | Weight | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redragon H888 | Not listed | 40mm | 168g | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired 3.5mm |
| AOC | 45 hours | 50mm | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 6.0, wired 3.5mm |
| Quantum 100M2 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm |
| Cloud II | Not listed | 53mm | Not listed | Wired (USB and 3.5mm) |
| Barracuda X | 50 hours | 40mm | 250g | 2.4GHz USB-C, Bluetooth |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Redragon H888 was the lowest-priced pick and the Barracuda X the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Redragon H888, AOC, Quantum 100M2, Cloud II |
| About $50 to $100 | Barracuda X |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the AOC compare with the Cloud II on driver size?
The Cloud II leads at 53mm, with the AOC at 50mm. The Barracuda X is at the other end of this group with 40mm. The Quantum 100M2 doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
Is the Barracuda X ahead of the AOC on battery life?
The Barracuda X leads at 50 hours, with the AOC at 45 hours. The Redragon H888, the Quantum 100M2 and the Cloud II don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Which has the lightest weight: the Redragon H888 or the Barracuda X?
The Redragon H888 comes out best at 168g, with the Barracuda X at 250g. The AOC, the Quantum 100M2 and the Cloud II don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the Barracuda X worth paying more than the Redragon H888?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the Redragon H888 still leads on weight (168g). The Redragon H888 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the Redragon H888 the Lightest Build?
It earns the label for the lightest weight here (168g). It suits long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
What should I check before buying the Quantum 100M2?
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Redragon H888. Look at the AOC for three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0 and the Quantum 100M2 for a detachable directional mic if those matter more to you.
Keep the mic in a small pouch; the jacks are easy to lose.