Buying Guide
The Best Headset with Mic for PC
We weighed five headsets on driver size and connection, and the Vliveaudax costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A PC headset with a boom microphone gives clearer voice chat than a laptop's built-in mic. These are ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh driver size, connection and microphone as the makers state them; we did not test these headsets ourselves, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround
The cheapest way into this group, below the QXQ.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
QXQ Wired Gaming Headset
A flip-to-mute microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want flip-to-mute microphone.
Our take Check price for QXQ Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset
A 198g frame.
Best for: Buyers who want 198g frame.
Our take Check price for WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset
50mm drivers at a low price.
Best for: Buyers who want 50mm drivers at a low price.
Our take Check price for IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation)
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a swivel-to-mute microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Vliveaudax's headset connects through a USB sound card with 7.1 virtual surround.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It is the lowest-priced USB headset here. Its noise-cancelling mic and ear-cup volume control are plug-and-play over USB-A or USB-C. It matches the IMYB A36 on driver size (50mm).
It is the only pick here with a wired USB sound card connection; the QXQ has a wired 3.5mm connection instead. It shares a boom mic microphone with the WIRWTRU and IMYB A36; the Stinger 2 Core goes with a swivel-to-mute boom microphone. It also offers 50mm drivers.
It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC. It undercut the QXQ and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired USB sound card
- Microphone: Boom mic
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- USB sound card
- 7.1 virtual surround
Also Consider2 of 5
QXQ Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The QXQ headset adds a flip-to-mute mic to a 3.5mm design.
Best for
- Buyers who want flip-to-mute microphone.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Vliveaudax, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest headset here with that feature at the time of writing. On driver size it ties with the WIRWTRU and the Stinger 2 Core at 40mm. No other pick in this guide offers a flip-to-mute boom microphone; compare the IMYB A36, which has a boom mic microphone.
It also offers a 3.5mm plug for PC and consoles and an entry-level price tier. 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. It was priced above the Vliveaudax and below the WIRWTRU at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Flip-to-mute microphone
- 3.5mm plug for PC and consoles
- Entry-level price tier
Cons
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
WIRWTRU's headset weighs 198g and lists ear pads designed for glasses wearers.
Best for
- Buyers who want 198g frame.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Vliveaudax cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
A 3.5mm plug covers PC and consoles. On driver size it ties with the QXQ and the Stinger 2 Core at 40mm. Like the Vliveaudax and IMYB A36, it has a boom mic microphone, while the QXQ uses a flip-to-mute boom 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. Worth noting too: light 198g build. It also brings no charging or pairing needed.
It makes the most sense for buyers who want 198g frame, since it offers a 198g frame. It was priced above the QXQ and below the IMYB A36 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 198g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Boom mic
Pros
- Light 198g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- 198g frame
- Ear pads described as glasses-friendly
Cons
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
IMYB's A36 fits 50mm drivers into a 3.5mm headset at an entry price.
Best for
- Buyers who want 50mm drivers at a low price.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Vliveaudax was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The headband adjusts for fit. Its 50mm drivers and 3.5mm connection work with PCs, PlayStation, Xbox (older pads need an adapter) and Switch. The mic handles basic voice chat.
On driver size it ties with the Vliveaudax at 50mm. Like the Vliveaudax and WIRWTRU, it has a boom mic microphone, while the QXQ uses a flip-to-mute boom 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. When we checked, only the WIRWTRU and cheaper picks cost less, and the Stinger 2 Core cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Boom mic
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- 50mm drivers at a low price
- 3.5mm connection
Cons
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's Cloud Stinger 2 Core uses 40mm directional drivers and a swivel-to-mute mic in a light over-ear frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Vliveaudax offers 50mm.
Why we like it
This is the PlayStation-styled version with a 3.5mm plug. Its swivel-to-mute mic flips up to mute, and audio controls sit on the headset. Soft ear cushions keep it light.
It matches the QXQ and the WIRWTRU on driver size (40mm). A swivel-to-mute boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the QXQ uses a flip-to-mute boom microphone. It also comes with a lightweight over-ear design.
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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the IMYB A36. If driver size is your priority, the Vliveaudax (50mm) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Swivel-to-mute boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Swivel-to-mute microphone
- 40mm directional drivers
- Lightweight over-ear design
Cons
- Driver size trails the Vliveaudax (50mm)
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connection options
- We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
What to Look for in a Headset with Mic for PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
Virtual surround is software
7.1 and spatial audio labels usually describe software processing, not extra drivers. They can help locate sounds in some games and hurt music in others.
Make sure you can switch it off in the headset's software.
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.
Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
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 Mic for PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Vliveaudax | The cheapest way into this group, below the QXQ |
| Buyers who want flip-to-mute microphone | QXQ | A flip-to-mute microphone |
| Buyers who want 198g frame | WIRWTRU | A 198g frame |
| Buyers who want 50mm drivers at a low price | IMYB A36 | 50mm drivers at a low price |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Stinger 2 Core | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a swivel-to-mute microphone |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vliveaudax | 50mm | Wired USB sound card | Boom mic |
| QXQ | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute boom |
| WIRWTRU | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Boom mic |
| IMYB A36 | 50mm | Wired 3.5mm | Boom mic |
| Stinger 2 Core | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Swivel-to-mute boom |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on driver size?
The Vliveaudax, at 50mm. The IMYB A36 follows at 50mm, while the Stinger 2 Core has 40mm.
Which pick costs the least here?
That was the Vliveaudax at our last check; if you can stretch, the QXQ is the next step up and the Stinger 2 Core the priciest.
Do I need a separate microphone?
Only if your headphones do not include one or you stream. Most gaming headsets include a usable microphone.
Should I turn on virtual surround?
Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Vliveaudax, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the QXQ. Look at the QXQ for a flip-to-mute microphone, the WIRWTRU for a 198g frame and the IMYB A36 for 50mm drivers at a low price if those matter more to you.
USB headsets bring their own sound card; 3.5mm ones use the PC's.