Discover the best budget gaming headphones without mic — perfect for streamers, competitive play, and crystal-clear audio with an external microphone setup.
When it comes to gaming, not everyone wants a headset with a built-in mic. In fact, more and more gamers—especially streamers and competitive players—are switching to a setup that includes gaming headphones without a mic paired with a separate microphone. Why? Because this combo often offers far better audio quality, flexibility, and comfort.
This guide is for those who want immersive sound, clear directional cues, and long-session comfort—all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re playing fast-paced FPS games, streaming to your audience, or just vibing in your gaming cave, this list of the best budget gaming headphones without mic has got you covered.
From clean audio imaging to noise isolation, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know and help you find the perfect mic-less pair—without burning your wallet.
2. Why Choose Gaming Headphones Without a Mic?
Most traditional gaming headsets come with a built-in microphone. But here’s the catch—they often compromise on sound quality to fit everything into one device. That’s where headphones without built-in mics shine.
Here are a few good reasons why many gamers prefer this setup:
Superior Audio Experience: Mic-less headphones—especially those designed for studio or audiophile use—deliver better soundstage, clarity, and bass. You’ll hear footsteps, reloads, and ambient cues more precisely.
Freedom to Choose Your Mic: Pairing your headphones with a high-quality external mic (like a USB condenser mic) means clearer voice input—perfect for streamers and content creators.
Lighter & More Comfortable: Without the added bulk of a mic boom, these headphones are often more comfortable, especially during long sessions.
Ideal for Competitive Gaming: In intense games, good directional sound is crucial. Studio-style headphones often offer better imaging, giving players an edge.
This is exactly why so many pro players and content creators consider headphones without mic a worthy upgrade—and a smarter investment.
3. Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
Choosing the right gaming headphones without a mic isn’t just about price—it’s about getting the best performance for your style of play. Whether you’re dropping into a battle royale or grinding in a quiet RPG, here are the features that actually matter:
1. Soundstage & Imaging
These two things are game-changers—literally. A wide soundstage helps you feel like you’re in the environment, while accurate imaging lets you pinpoint where footsteps, gunfire, or movement is coming from. This is especially crucial in competitive shooters.
2. Comfort Over Long Sessions
If you play games for a long time, your headphones should feel soft and comfy — not too tight or hot. Look for ones with soft ear pads, light weight, and materials that let your ears breath.
Tip: Over-ear, closed-back designs are usually more comfortable for long gaming sessions and also offer passive noise isolation.
3. Wired vs Wireless (Wired Wins for Budget)
Wireless headphones are cool, but wired ones give better sound without any delay — which is important in fast games. They’re also usually cheaper.Go for wired models unless you’re gaming casually or hate cables.
4. Compatibility
Make sure your headphones work with your system—whether it’s a gaming PC, PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. Most wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack or 1/4″ adapter will plug in easily, but some may need an audio interface or DAC for best performance.
If you’re using a DAC or amp, check impedance (measured in ohms) so you don’t end up with headphones that are too quiet or underpowered.
5. Sound Signature
Some gamers love bass-heavy headphones for explosive effects, while others want more neutral or balanced audio to catch finer details. Think about your gaming and listening preferences.
Tip: You can always EQ headphones later, but it’s smart to start with a sound profile that matches your style.By keeping these factors in mind, you’re more likely to find a pair that doesn’t just fit your budget, but also fits your gaming lifestyle.
4. Best Budget Gaming Headphones Without Mic (Top Picks)
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Price Range: $50–$60
Type: Closed-back, wired, over-ear
Platform: PC, Console, DACs
Overview:
The ATH-M20x is one of the most popular entry-level studio headphones out there — and for good reason. While it’s technically designed for audio production, its sound clarity and precise imaging make it a hidden gem for budget-conscious gamers.The headphones deliver clean mids and decent bass, making it easier to hear footsteps, reloads, and audio cues in games. The build is sturdy, though mostly plastic, and the clamping force is a bit tight out of the box — but it softens up with use.
Pros:
Accurate audio imaging
Lightweight and durable
Great for FPS games
Why We Recommend It:
For under $60, you’re getting a true studio-style experience that easily rivals basic gaming headsets in sound quality. It doesn’t have the flash or RGB, but if you care more about performance than looks, this one’s a sleeper hit.
Personal View:
Honestly, if you’re switching from a typical gaming headset, the ATH-M20x will feel like you’ve taken off the training wheels. Pair it with a cheap external mic, and you’re golden.
2. Samson SR850
Price Range: $40–$50
Type: Semi-open-back, wired
Platform: PC (best with amp/DAC), Console-compatible
Overview:
The Samson SR850 is a favorite among budget audiophiles and a surprisingly good pick for gaming. It has a semi-open design, which gives it a wider soundstage than fully closed headphones—meaning better spatial awareness in-game.It’s particularly useful for competitive shooters, thanks to its detailed treble and tight bass. The only drawback is that the build feels a little flimsy, and it leaks a bit of sound — so not ideal for shared spaces.
Pros:
Wide soundstage
Great for directional audio
Super affordable
Why We Recommend It:
The SR850 performs like a headphone double its price. It won’t win any style awards, but it delivers immersive, competitive-friendly sound on a budget.
Personal View:
This is one of those underdog headphones. People either haven’t heard of it—or swear by it. If you’re playing in a quiet room, it’s an excellent pick.
3. Superlux HD681
Price Range: $30–$40
Type: Semi-open-back, wired
Platform: PC and consoles with 3.5mm jack
Overview:
Another audiophile sleeper, the Superlux HD681 is semi-open like the SR850, but with a slightly brighter sound signature. It’s ideal for those who want a lot of clarity and a spacious gaming experience.The soundstage is surprisingly good, and it’s often compared to headphones two to three times its price. The only downside? Comfort. The stock pads are stiff, so we recommend replacing them with velour pads for longer sessions.
Pros:
Big sound for low cost
Excellent for spatial awareness
Great treble clarity
Why We Recommend It:
If you want maximum value for under $40, and don’t mind a small DIY upgrade (earpad swap), the HD681 will surprise you.
Personal View:
This one feels like a project headphone — you get it cheap, maybe mod it later, and it ends up being your daily driver. Great pick for techy gamers.
4. Sony MDR-7506
Price Range: $80–$100 (Often on sale under $100)
Type: Closed-back, wired
Platform: Universal compatibility
Overview:
A classic in the studio world, the Sony MDR-7506 is known for clean sound, excellent detail, and a neutral tone. It’s not as fun-sounding as bass-heavy headphones, but it’s precise — which helps in games where hearing subtle details can give you the upper hand.It’s super lightweight, foldable, and built to last. Gamers who also work with audio, video editing, or streaming will especially appreciate its versatility.
Pros:
Clean, studio-quality sound
Comfortable for long sessions
Legendary reliability
Why We Recommend It:
While slightly higher in price, it’s a fantastic investment for those who want both gaming and productivity performance.
Personal View:
This is the headphone that shows up in music studios and YouTube editing bays—because it works. It’s a smart, grown-up gaming choice.
5. Best Microphones to Pair With These Headphones
So, you’ve picked out one of the best budget gaming headphones without a mic—now what? The next step is pairing them with a dedicated microphone that delivers clear, crisp voice input. Whether you’re streaming on Twitch, chatting with teammates, or recording content, an external mic is what completes the setup.
1. Fifine K669B USB Condenser Mic
Price Range: $30–$45
Connection: USB
Best For: Beginners, streamers, Discord users
Overview:
Don’t let the price fool you—this little mic punches way above its weight. The Fifine K669B is plug-and-play with most PCs, requires no extra software or audio interface, and sounds surprisingly professional for the price.It comes with a metal stand, gain knob, and cardioid pickup pattern (which helps reduce background noise). For solo gamers or streamers just starting out, it’s a no-brainer.
Why Pair It:
It’s a solid step up from any built-in mic on a headset. Voice comes through cleanly, with just enough warmth to make you sound confident and clear.
Personal View:
This mic is like the ATH-M20x of microphones — affordable, durable, and good enough that you won’t feel like you’re settling.
2. Maono AU-A04 Condenser Mic Kit
Price Range: $50–$65
Connection: USB
Best For: Streamers, gamers who want pro-level feel
Overview:
The Maono AU-A04 is perfect for gamers who want a full setup right out of the box. It includes a mic, boom arm, shock mount, pop filter, and USB cable. Setup takes about 5 minutes, and the results are miles ahead of standard headset mics.It sounds warm, balanced, and is great for both gaming and recording voice-overs or YouTube content.
Why Pair It:
It gives your setup a serious streamer vibe, without the usual price tag. Clean voice + high comfort = win-win.
Personal View:
This is for the gamer who doesn’t just want to play — they want their stream to look and sound the part too. Feels professional without overcomplicating things.
3. V-Moda BoomPro Mic (If Compatible)
Price Range: $30–$40
Connection: 3.5mm inline boom
Best For: Gamers who want minimal clutter
Overview:
If your chosen headphones have a detachable 3.5mm cable (like certain Audio-Technica or V-Moda models), the BoomPro is a genius plug-and-play upgrade. It transforms your headphones into a full-on headset with a quality boom mic.It’s not quite on the level of a condenser mic for studio sound, but it’s extremely convenient and far better than most built-in headset mics.
Why Pair It:
It keeps your desk clean and your setup simple, all while improving mic quality.
Personal View:
Not every gamer wants a boom arm and filters crowding their space. This mic is the sleek answer to that.
Bonus Tip:
If you want to upgrade even further, consider getting an XLR microphone (like the Audio-Technica AT2020 or Samson Q2U) along with an audio interface. It’s a bit more advanced, but the jump in quality is massive for streamers, podcasters, or YouTubers.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 Can I use regular headphones for gaming?
Absolutely! Many gamers use regular or studio-style headphones for gaming — especially when paired with an external mic. In fact, studio headphones often provide better audio quality and directional accuracy than standard gaming headsets. If you choose the right pair, you won’t miss the built-in mic at all.
Q.2 Are studio headphones better than gaming headsets?
In most cases, yes — especially when it comes to sound accuracy, build quality, and comfort. Studio headphones are designed for critical listening, which translates well into gaming where audio cues matter. The only thing they usually lack is a built-in mic and flashy gamer aesthetics (RGB, branding, etc.).
Q.3 Why do pro gamers and streamers avoid built-in headset mics?
Built-in headset mics often sound flat or tinny compared to standalone microphones. Pro gamers and streamers prefer external mics because they offer more control, better voice clarity, and reduce background noise. It also gives them the freedom to pick their headphones based on sound performance, not just mic quality.
Q.4 What mic should I use with gaming headphones that don’t have a mic?
You can go with a USB condenser mic (like the Fifine K669B or Maono AU-A04) if you’re just starting out. If your headphones support it, the V-Moda BoomPro is a great plug-in mic option. Streamers and content creators can even invest in XLR microphones for a more professional setup.
Q.5 Can I use these headphones on console (PS5, Xbox, etc.)?
Most wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack are compatible with console controllers. Just plug them in and go. However, for optimal performance (especially for semi-open headphones like the SR850), PC is often the better platform due to more control over EQ and audio settings.
7. Final Thoughts:
Finding the best budget gaming headphones without a mic might seem like a niche search—but for serious players and streamers, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make.
By separating your mic and headphones, you’re not only getting better sound and clearer communication, you’re giving yourself the freedom to build a setup that fits your style. Whether you want clean, studio-quality audio for competitive shooters or just a more comfortable and reliable pair of headphones for everyday gaming, the models in this guide deliver excellent value without compromise.
Options like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x or the Samson SR850 prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy immersive sound. And when paired with an affordable external mic like the Fifine K669B or the Maono AU-A04, you’ve got a setup that easily outperforms most entry-level gaming headsets — both in quality and longevity.
For gamers who care more about performance than RGB lighting, this is the way forward. It’s not just a workaround — it’s an upgrade.