Buying Guide
The Best Headsets With Noise-Cancelling Mics
Three headsets compared, from the CM7002 to the INZONE H5, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read3 products evaluated
A noise-cancelling mic keeps keyboard clicks and room noise out of voice chat. Every pick lists a noise-cancelling microphone, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for driver size, connection and microphone; where a maker leaves out driver size, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 3 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Drivers
syndesmos CM7002 Wired Gaming HeadsetThe largest driver size here (50mm).
Best for: Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Check price for syndesmos CM7002 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Closed-back Design
EPOS Sennheiser GAME ZEROA closed-back design.
Best for: Buyers who want a closed-back design.
Check price for EPOS Sennheiser GAME ZERO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Sony INZONE H5 WirelessThe top of this price range, adding AI-based mic noise reduction.
Best for: Spending more than the GAME ZERO costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Sony INZONE H5 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest driver size here (50mm). | Listeners who want the biggest drivers here. | Check price for syndesmos CM7002 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A closed-back design. | Buyers who want a closed-back design. | Check price for EPOS Sennheiser GAME ZERO on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding AI-based mic noise reduction. | Spending more than the GAME ZERO costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Sony INZONE H5 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Drivers1 of 3
syndesmos CM7002 Wired Gaming Headset
The CM7002 offers 50mm drivers and an ENC noise-cancelling mic at a budget price.
Best for
- Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
Noise cancelling on the mic helps in a loud room. Its 50mm drivers and soft over-ear cushions aim at long competitive sessions, and an ENC mic reduces background noise. The wired link avoids battery worries.
You get a wired connection here, which sets it apart from the GAME ZERO and its a wired 3.5mm connection. Worth noting: no charging or pairing needed. Another plus: low price tier.
The nearest alternative on driver size is the INZONE H5 at 40mm, against 50mm here. It cost the least of the 3 picks at the time of writing, with the GAME ZERO the next step up.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 50mm
- Connection
- Wired
- Microphone
- ENC noise-cancelling boom
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- ENC noise-cancelling microphone
- Low price tier
Closed-back Design2 of 3
EPOS Sennheiser GAME ZERO
The GAME ZERO, from Sennheiser's gaming line now sold under EPOS, is a closed-back folding headset with a flip-to-mute boom.
Best for
- Buyers who want a closed-back design.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its driver size before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Memory foam pads are listed. It folds flat into the included hard case, and the flexible boom mic reduces background noise. A wired 3.5mm connection is unique to it among these picks, while the CM7002 uses a wired connection.
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. When we checked, only the CM7002 cost less, and the INZONE H5 cost more. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the CM7002 instead: it comes in at 50mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Design
- Closed-back
- Microphone
- Flip-to-mute noise-cancelling boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Foldable closed-back design
- Memory foam ear pads
- Flexible boom mic
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the CM7002 at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 3
Sony INZONE H5 Wireless
Sony's INZONE H5 pairs a 2.4GHz USB dongle with a 3.5mm wired option.
Best for
- Spending more than the GAME ZERO costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: shorter 28-hour battery.
Why we like it
Its boom mic uses AI-based noise reduction. Sony's 360 Spatial Sound can be personalized from a photo of your ear. The bidirectional boom mic uses AI-based noise cancelling, and the battery lasts up to 28 hours.
It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. Another plus: no charging or pairing needed.
The nearest alternative on driver size is the CM7002 at 50mm, against 40mm here. At our last price check it topped the group, with the GAME ZERO the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 28 hours
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- 2.4GHz USB, wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Bidirectional boom, AI noise reduction
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- AI-based mic noise reduction
- 3.5mm wired option
- INZONE Hub EQ and spatial sound
Cons
- Shorter 28-hour battery
- Costs more than the CM7002 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Headsets With Noise-Cancelling Mics
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side three headsets on driver size, connection and microphone as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 3 fields compared are stated for every pick, while driver size has gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 3, from the CM7002 to the INZONE H5, state connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The GAME ZERO gives no driver size.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CM7002 (under $50) to the INZONE H5 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Headset With Noise-Cancelling Mics
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much driver size you need
Across these 2 picks driver size spans 40mm (the INZONE H5) to 50mm (the CM7002). If driver size is your first filter, the CM7002 sets the ceiling at 50mm. The GAME ZERO gives no driver size figure, so 2 of 3 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The CM7002: an ENC noise-cancelling microphone. The GAME ZERO: memory foam ear pads. The INZONE H5: a 3.5mm wired option.
Open-back headphones on a stand beside a headphone amplifier Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the CM7002; $100 to $150 buys the GAME ZERO; $150 to $250 buys the INZONE H5 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Listeners who want the biggest drivers here: the CM7002. Buyers who want a closed-back design: the GAME ZERO. Spending more than the GAME ZERO costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the INZONE H5.
A headset hanging on a PC case next to a monitor Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
How to Choose a Headset With Noise-Cancelling Mics
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Listeners who want the biggest drivers here | CM7002 | The largest driver size here (50mm) |
| Buyers who want a closed-back design | GAME ZERO | A closed-back design |
| Spending more than the GAME ZERO costs for the fullest feature set in this group | INZONE H5 | The top of this price range, adding AI-based mic noise reduction |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CM7002 leads on driver size at 50mm, ahead of the INZONE H5 at 40mm. "Not listed" marks driver size where the GAME ZERO leaves the figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM7002 | 50mm | Wired | ENC noise-cancelling boom |
| GAME ZERO | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute noise-cancelling boom |
| INZONE H5 | 40mm | 2.4GHz USB, wired 3.5mm | Bidirectional boom, AI noise reduction |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the CM7002, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the INZONE H5 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | CM7002 |
| About $100 to $150 | GAME ZERO |
| About $150 to $250 | INZONE H5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CM7002 ahead of the INZONE H5 on driver size?
The CM7002 leads at 50mm, with the INZONE H5 at 40mm. The GAME ZERO doesn't state a driver size figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 2 of 3 picks are ranked.
Is the INZONE H5 worth paying more than the CM7002?
The INZONE H5 matches or trails the CM7002 on driver size, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The CM7002 leads on driver size (50mm). The CM7002 sat in the under $50 tier and the INZONE H5 in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 1 other pick between them.
What makes the CM7002 the Largest Drivers?
It carries the badge for the largest driver size here (50mm). The INZONE H5 is next on driver size at 40mm, so this pick's 50mm is 25% further out. It is aimed at listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the CM7002 and the GAME ZERO apart?
The CM7002: 50mm drivers. The GAME ZERO: a foldable closed-back design. The INZONE H5: AI-based mic noise reduction.
Who should choose the GAME ZERO?
The GAME ZERO carries our Closed-back Design label for a closed-back design. It ranks second of 3 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a closed-back design.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CM7002. Look at the GAME ZERO for a closed-back design and the INZONE H5 for the top of this price range, adding AI-based mic noise reduction if those matter more to you.
Position the mic at the corner of your mouth, not in front.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Headsets Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Gaming Headsets Now
- Related guideThe Best Budget Gaming Headsets Under $50
- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap Gaming Headsets
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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