The Best Microphones for Ham Radio With Noise Canceling Feature

The overall performance and experience in using a ham radio depend on many things. Aside from the quality of the radio itself, it also relies on the accessories you are using. Among others, one of the most important is a microphone.

With the best microphone for ham radio, audio clarity is significantly improved. Even in rowdy or weak connection environments, it ensures effective communication between users.

You will find tons of ham radio microphones in the market, but they are not all the same. As you differentiate the possibilities, below are the most important considerations:

Take radio communications to the next level. Read on and find out some of my favorite products, as well as the features that make them great picks.

7 Best Ham Radio Microphone Reviews

1. Ranger SG_B00BROQP9I_US SRA-198 Ham Radio Mic

Cheap does not always mean low quality, and that is what you can expect in this product. Even if it is economical, it has a plethora of notable features that make it a great choice for the top-rated ham radio microphone.

Among others, this model stands out because of its impressive noise-canceling feature. Inside the large grill is a protruding foam responsible for minimizing noise. Even if I am driving with the windows down, I do not have to worry about the background noise.

Speaking of noise cancellation, it allows me to achieve optimal modulation. It has zero feedback and distortion. This is unlike other radios mics that are prone to generating feedback that makes conversations incomprehensible.

The solid construction of this mic is another impressive feature. It is a bit heavy, but such is because it is made using tough materials. Even after years of use, I am confident that it is not easily prone to wear.

Best of all, it is an affordable mic. While it is economical, I do not feel that it is lacking in features. Many of its functions are comparable to its high-end competitors, making it great for users on a budget.

More so, I am a big fan of this ham radio mic because of its intelligent design. For instance, it has a chromed steel hanger button that makes it easy to hang when not used. Plus, it has an ergonomic design, so I can easily hold the mic when I am talking.

 Heads-up:  If there is one drawback, however, it would be the volume. Many times, the people I am talking to would comment on how low my volume is. To prevent this, I often have to speak closer to the microphone.

 Bottom Line:  From its excellent noise cancellation to its ergonomic design, this is one ham radio mic that should be on the top of your list.

2. BTECH QHM22 Platinum Series Mic

Level-up ham radio communications with this impressive mic, and you can’t say no with its amazing features. It is from a reliable manufacturer, which is already compelling to choose it over others.

While there are endless things to love about this mic, its heavy-duty construction is one of the most notable. It is industrial-grade and made in the USA, so you can expect it to withstand many years of use. Even in construction sites and industrial applications, the mic won’t disappoint.

To make it long-lasting, it comes with a high-impact PVC casing, which has an IP54 waterproof rating. It is also shock, wind, dust, and splash-resistant, so you do not have to worry about using it in different environments.

One thing that proves the durability of this mic is the construction of the coil cord. Unlike others, it does not easily stretch. This can preserve the quality of the wires internally, so it won’t distort audio.

I can talk even without holding this ham radio mic. The lapel comes with a stainless steel clip, making it easy to hang. Plus, it is adjustable in eight positions. This way, I can keep my hands free even when I am talking.

The versatile design of this mic will allow me to listen privately. On its side, there is a 3.5mm miniature jack. This is where I can connect an earpiece if I do not want other people to hear my radio conversations.

 Heads-up:  However, one thing that I did not like about this ham radio microphone is that it can easily get too hot. You can feel this when pressing the push to talk button, which can end up being uncomfortable.

 Bottom Line:  With its tough industrial-grade construction, a lapel that adjusts on eight positions, and a built-in jack for earphone connectivity, this ham radio mic deserves a spot on this list.

3. Commountain 8541724367 Ham Radio Mic

It may not be from a name that most buyers will recognize, but it is another great studio mic for ham radio that delivers top-notch performance without costing a lot.

The high-impact plastic casing makes the mic long-lasting. The heavy-duty housing construction will protect the internal components from dirt and dust, among other elements that can speed up wear. This way, it can retain its peak performance, even after years of use.

Despite the tough construction, it is lightweight and easy to hold. My comfort is never an issue, even during prolonged conversations. I can hold it comfortably with one hand. Aside from being light, I also like how it does not easily get hot, so it feels great in my hand.

Aside from the housing itself, the wire is also rugged. It is made of top-notch polyurethane, providing excellent flexibility without sacrificing toughness. It also has a high-tensile coil and Kevlar fiber, which are both responsible for making it more durable. Even if it is strong, the flexibility is not compromised.

Performance-wise, it delivers loud and clear audio. In most environments, I can hear the other person. The output volume is remarkably loud, unlike the cheaper options that are prone to distortions.

Like many other products in this review, it also comes with a 3.5mm jack. The latter provides a convenient place for connecting an earpiece if you would like to keep your radio conversations private.

 Heads-up:  While it is great overall, one of its shortcomings is that the mic often gets stuck in an open position. At times, it does not reset even after releasing my mind from the push to talk button.

 Bottom Line:  In sum, this is one of my favorite microphones for ham radio because of its rugged but lightweight construction, flexible but durable coil, and jack for private listening.

4. Uniden BC646 Microphone

Those who are looking for the ham radio microphones for sale will not be disappointed with this product. The reputation of the manufacturer speaks for itself.

While it has a long list of commendable features, my favorite is the pistol grip. The latter makes it effortless to hold, even for a long time. Not to mention, it is also lightweight, which means that it does not put too much strain on my wrist.

Speaking of how comfortable it is, I also love how the push-to-talk button is easily accessible. It fits perfectly on my palm. Plus, it is soft enough so I do not need to exert too much effort when I am talking.

I also love how it works with almost any ham radio. Thanks to the included four-pin connector, it is easy to connect to a compatible unit. I can also connect it to screw-on connectors. Once it is connected to the radio, the pin stays in place, unlike others that can easily disconnect.

The eight-foot cord is another asset of this ham radio microphone. With its flexibility, it is easily extendable, even when I am not near the radio. The rugged coiled construction is also worth mentioning, which protects the internal components of the wire from premature damage.

On top of it all, it has notable audio clarity. The built-in speaker makes it possible to hear the other line clearly. Alternatively, I can choose to connect it to the speaker of the radio itself if I want the volume to be higher.

 Heads-up:  Unfortunately, the wires have inferior construction. They can easily loosen over time, including the conductor.

 Bottom Line:  With its comfortable pistol grip to the accessible push-to-talk button, this ham radio mic is designed to offer intuitive and comfortable use.

5. Delta Electronics Chrome Delta M2 Microphone

From its vintage design to superior functionality, this ham radio desk microphone is a standout. Even the technical specs won’t disappoint.

The first thing that you will notice in this product is its old-school look, which differentiates it from the others on this list. It looks like one of those retro microphones used by recording artists.

Combining form and function, it also has impressive specifications. Looking at the numbers, it has a frequency response of 40 to 15,000 kHz. Meanwhile, the output impedance is 5 KOhms while the output adjustment is approximately 40 dB range.

Another incredible feature of this radio mic is the lock-to-talk button. The latter means that you can slide the switch on the control panel and enjoy hands-free communication. This is handy when you do not want to use the standard push-to-talk button.

Additionally, I am a fan of the self-tensioning head, so I can adjust its position depending on what can yield the best in terms of audio clarity. I can set it at 45 degrees or 80 degrees, depending on how loud I want my voice to be. Regardless of its position, my voice remains clear to the other user.

The radio comes with a solid metal base. On the surface, you will find several buttons that provide complete control of the unit. I can adjust the tone and modulation as I wish. This is also where you can find the slider that you can lock as you talk.

 Heads-up:  While it is great overall, the size of this mic is one of its shortcomings. Since it is a desktop mic, it is not as space-efficient as the others mentioned above. It comes with a platform instead of having a clip that you can hang.

 Bottom Line:  This Delta M2 mic review praises this model because of its eye-catching design, intuitive base at the solid panel, and self-tensioning head that produces clear audio.

6. Kenwood MC-60A Deluxe Desktop Microphone

One of the most favorite ham radio desktop microphones in the market that is made by a reputable manufacturer, and it’s great to own this desk mic. The brand name alone is enough reason to pick it over others, sure to be, the product lives up to all our expectations for a microphone.

While going through eHam microphone reviews about this model, one thing that I notice is that many are happy with its dynamic unidirectional moving coil. The latter is one feature that can help enhance its performance to guarantee crystal-clear communication.

When talking, I have the option to use either the push to talk or lock to talk buttons. With the former, I will need to release it when I am done talking. Meanwhile, the latter means that I can lock the position and use it hands-free.

The classic design is also worth mentioning. It has a light-ash hue finish with black trim, giving it a vintage appeal. Plus, it comes with a heavy die-cast base, which allows the mic to remain stable even when adjusting its position.

I also like how it has different controls, so I can adjust its functionality as I wish. For instance, the base has up and down tuning buttons so I can modify the frequency. This is also where you will find the dual impedance switch, which makes it compatible even with old transceivers.

Many are not aware that this microphone has a built-in preamp. Two AA batteries are needed to make the latter work. This feature helps in getting rid of distortions and in making it work even when it is connected to old transceivers or those from other brands.

 Heads-up:  The price of this product is its biggest shortcoming. It is the most expensive on this list, so it is not for buyers on a budget. Nonetheless, the cost is justifiable because of its long list of innovative features and its top-notch performance.

 Bottom Line:  One of the most notable Kenwood ham radio microphones, this beautiful and high-end product delivers incredible audio quality while also being user-friendly.

7. Baofeng 8541724969 Ham Radio Mic

Wrapping up my recommendations is an affordable ham mic radio with decent quality. It is made in China, but it comes with a US-based warranty, making it easy to return in case US customers encounter any problems.

One of the reasons why it stands out is its clear voice transmission. I used this in challenging environments, and I noticed that the audio clarity remains unimpeded. Even if I am in a loud surrounding environment, our conversations are audible.

While it has a built-in speaker, it is a good thing that it also comes with a built-in 3.5mm jack. The latter allows it to connect to an earpiece, which I can use for private listening. During the times that I do not want other people to hear our conversations, this is a handy feature.

The universal compatibility of this model is another thing I want to highlight. It works with almost any radio, including those from Kenwood. With a two-pin connector, it is easy to connect to a compatible device.

It also has several features that make it intuitive. For instance, the LED indicator lets you know when someone is talking. To add, the coil extends from 24 to 60 inches.

 Heads-up:  However, one of my gripes about this product is the inconsistency of the volume. There are times when it would suddenly cut and I can hear nothing at all, which is frustrating.

 Bottom Line:  With its built-in jack for an earpiece, convenient LED indicator, and universal 2-pin adapter, this is another microphone that will make the most of your ham radio.

What to Look for When Buying Microphones for Ham Radio

With an endless selection of microphones for ham radios, below are some of the most important factors to narrow your search.

Sound Quality

The most important for the ham radio mic is the sound quality. It is indicative of its overall performance. A nice feature is noise cancellation, which will promote audio clarity even in noisy environments. The transmission should be free of static noise and distortions. Even when you are speaking far from the mic, the output must be clear.

Ease of Use

Pick a radio mic with an intuitive design, making it effortless to operate. I prefer those with a lock to talk button, which will let me operate the mic hands-free. It should also be lightweight and ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold. It is frustrating to use a microphone with complicated features.

Durability

A good ham radio microphone is a long-term investment. Look at its overall construction, which will impact its longevity. Solid housing construction is a must – it should also be water, impact, and shock-resistant. Even the cable and buttons should be sturdy. Over time, damages to any part of the mic will harm its performance.

Compatibility

Check the compatibility with the radio that you have. This is often listed in the tech spec sheet. Alternatively, you can look at the pin connector. For instance, if the radio mic slot has two holes, pick a mic that comes with two pins, so that it will fit.

Warranty

For your peace of mind, consider the warranty that the manufacturer offers. At the minimum, the warranty should be one year. Some manufacturers are extremely confident of the quality of their product, and hence, they are offering a one-year warranty.

Price

No doubt, most of you will look at the price tag. Nonetheless, being cheap does not necessarily mean providing the best bang for the buck. It should not compromise quality. It is better to spend more if this means getting a boom mic for ham radio that will deliver unmatched performance.

What Kind of Microphone Is Used in Most Radio Stations

Most radio stations will use a capacitor or condenser microphone. Think of the classic Shure microphone for ham radio. It is also often used by DJs and radio hosts. This type of mic is good for a quiet and controlled environment, such as in a radio booth or station. It is more expensive than dynamic mics.

How Do I Install a Ham Radio Microphone

Using a microphone is straightforward. It comes with a connector, often with two or four pins. Plug it straight into the radio and the mic is ready instantly. Some will have an on/off switch. More so, there are also models that will require installing batteries before you can use them.

Do Ham Radio Microphones Require Batteries

In most cases, the microphones will not require batteries. Plug them on the radio and they will work. Nonetheless, there are also some which will need a battery, especially those that require more power to deliver superior performance.

What Are the Best Brands of Ham Radio Microphones

Ranger, BTECH, Uniden, Baofeng, and Kenwood are some of the best brands to consider when looking for a mic. They have high-quality products that offer exceptional audio clarity even in challenging settings.

While not mentioned above, it is also worth looking at the Shure microphone for ham radio. It is a classic condenser/capacitor type mic, which gives it a vintage appeal. Heil microphones are also great, which have the same vintage-inspired design as Shure.

Where to Buy Ham Radio Microphones

The best place to buy is online. You can check out websites like Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart. Alternatively, you can also visit the manufacturer’s website directly. By buying online, you can save time and effort. Plus, it makes it easy to compare prices and learn from the real-life experiences of other people by reading the reviews they are sharing.

Care and Maintenance of Ham Radio Microphones

For keeping your ham radio mic in its peak condition even after years of use. Below are some of the best tips for proper care and maintenance:

Conclusion

Isn’t it frustrating to be speaking on a radio only to end up knowing that the other person cannot hear you clearly? You can prevent this from happening with the help of the best microphone for ham radio, including my recommendations above. They will help minimize distortion, ensuring that you are loud and clear on the other line.