Using a dedicated microphone is more affordable than ever before and a genuinely fantastic way to improve audio quality, especially when compared tostandard gaming headsets. The range of options is vast, with different styles, sizes, and connectivity available at all price points. That being said, USB mics are generally considered excellent entry-level microphones and tend to cost much less than XLR microphones, which require an additional peripheral in the form of an audio interface to operate.
Razer Seiren V3 Chroma
FIFINE Gaming PC USB Microphone
What makes USB mics such great options comes down to their ease of use, affordable cost, and versatility. Most USB microphones are plug-and-play, with some being able to operate without even downloading drivers. Despite being available for as low as $10,some USB micscan be real workhorses and take audio to professional levels, albeit at equally prestigious prices. That means that no matter who you are – a producer, gamer, or streamer – you can find a USB mic ready to tackle tasks with you, minus the cost and complication of XLR mics.
Game Rant’s Picks of the Best USB Microphones in 2024
Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone
This Logitech mic banks on a custom three-capsule array to produce precise, broadcast-quality sounds that will impress the user’s audience. Further enhancing the sound quality is the mic’s software support. The Blue Voice software boosts the audio output through intensified effects, advanced modulation, and high-definition audio sampling. It also has four distinct pickup patterns: bi-directional, omni-directional, stereo, and flexible cardioid.
Blue Yeti has long held the title of best USB mic among users, and their standard USB microphone is still the best choice for most people. Featuring three capsule arrays, the mic can capture audio from gaming streams, podcasts, and virtual meetings with crystal clarity. There are four pickup patterns: cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo. Each offers a uniquely precise capturing method, tailoring the audio to whatever medium you’d like.
These fairly advanced features are easy to manage too, thanks to both the on-board controls andLogitech’s approachable audio app. For most users who aren’t recording music, the Blue Yeti USB Mic is the last microphone they’ll ever need to buy, especially considering the durable, yet adjustable design.
That being said, recording music at a professional level is simply not going to work with this mic. Beginners and hobbyists may find the Blue Yeti mic to be perfectly suitable, but those looking for higher-quality audio and a better balance of sounds throughout an entire room will be disappointed quickly.
However, that high quality isn’t exactly expected of the Blue Yeti microphone, which wraps up its pitch for being the best USB microphone with a price tag of just $100 right now and an MSRP of only $130.
MAONO USB Gaming Microphone
The MAONO USB microphone is specifically designed for gamers, with one-touch noise-cancellation technology eliminating unwanted background sounds and enabling users to communicate clearly and efficiently with their team. The RGB lighting function provides a visually appealing experience that can help you fully immerse yourself in your gameplay, too. This mic uses ENC technology to identify and suppress noise from the surrounding environment, improving the clarity and quality of game voice or recording. Plus, at under $40, it is one of the most affordable USB mics on the market.
At first glance, the Maono USB microphone looks like something that belongs on a streamer’s desk. Though it is capable of capturing audio for streamers and offers brilliant RGB lighting, it’s far from a prestigious mic. For just $35, you may get this intuitive USB mic and start streaming or enhancing your raid night chat.
That low price comes with few caveats, offering prospective users a plethora of onboard touch controls along with customizable lighting. The top of the mic has on-touch controls for muting and activating the built-in noise cancellation, which can be customized through Maono’s app. you may also customize the RGB colors, setting them to almost any solid color or setting them to either breathing or gradient pre-programmed color cycles.
For the price, it may be unsurprising to hear that the Maono USB Microphone has somewhat poor durability and isn’t ideal for high-level audio capture. However, for beginners and those who aren’t recording at a professional (or semi-professional) level, Maono’s offering is the best budget USB microphone available.
Elgato Wave:3
Quality content requires excellent sound, and no one knows what streamers need better than Elgato. The Elgato Wave:3 is the perfect addition to any streaming setup. With a built-in mixer and a clipguard that prevents those exciting moments from getting lost in overly loud audio, any streamer looking to upgrade their sound will not be disappointed by the Elgato Wave:3.
Those interested in professional-level audio recording may not be quite ready to invest in high-end gear, but that doesn’t mean they want a budget option. For those looking for a USB mic that’s a bit more serious, but doesn’t cost too much, the Elgato Wave:3 is the best option.
Price is the main reason the Elgato Wave:3 isn’t at the top of our list, as once you getthe pop filter and standthat makes recording even better, you’ll be looking at a bill of about $300. Of course, there’s no need to buy everything up front, especially considering the impressive specs already packed into the microphone.
The cardioid condenser capsule is specifically designed for recording speech, backed by tech from Elgato and Lewitt, and it’s shielded from background noise by its durable design. Elgato also includes its unique Clipguard Technology, which makes distortion virtually impossible.
The versatility present in the Blue Yeti microphone is missing from the Elgato Wave:3, but this more honed approach allows for better audio capture for independent streamers or podcasters. Even groups might find that the Elgato Wave:3 is best for them, as up to eight of them can be connected for recording at the same time using the Wave Link App. That app also gives you the ability to fine-tune your audio further, with lots of settings to tweak as you become better acquainted with recording. Overall, as a mid-range option that can carry you from beginner to expert, the Elgato Wave:3 is the best USB microphone.
Shure MV7+
The Shure MV7+ is a premium and high-performing microphone suitable for all purposes, but ideal for podcasting. It comes with a customizable LED panel, an improved auto level mode, both XLR and USB Type-C connections, and a real-time denoiser.
USB microphones can only go so far in terms of audio quality, with the absolute best standalone mics often being studio-grade XLR-based ones. Luckily, the Shure MV7+ USB mic rivals much more advanced competition without sacrificing the convenience of USB connectivity. In fact, the MV7+ even offers XLR connections in addition to USB, making itself useful to professionals as well as amateurs.
The super-portable standalone miccan come with a handy tripodfor only an extra $20 or so, making it an ideal choice for podcasters or streamers at events. The mic comes with built-in voice isolation, while the ShurePlus Motiv audio app allows you to fine-tune your tone, set the distance between you and the mic, and balance everything out with the Auto Level Mode.
On-board controls make it easy to mute, adjust gain, or change the volume. Although the ports on the base of the mic could be better placed for connecting USB-C or 3.5mm plugs, the general design is unobtrusive, and the metal construction keeps it protected from minor damage during travel. At the end of the day, the expensive Shure MV7+ USB mic leaves little to be desired and is the best premium option currently on the market.
Razer is so well known for its excellent RGB that it’s almost a given that they have the best RGB USB microphone on the market with their Seiren V3 Chroma. Aside from the somewhat obvious bonus of being able to coordinate RGB lighting across an entire gaming setup through the Razer Synapse app, choosing the Razer Seiren gives you access to millions of colors that can be displayed at the touch of a button.
The top of the Seiren V3 offers four handy touch controls: a single tap to mute, a double tap to change the light colors, a triple tap to toggle the gain limiter, and a long press to increase the volume. The Synapse app also supports audio setting adjustments alongside the lighting, though it’s not quite as in-depth as many users might like. However, the app can be customized a bit to help organize different windows, making it ideal for entry-level streamers regardless of the audio customization.
The Razer Seiren uses a supercardioid condenser paired with a built-in gain limiter and shock absorber to accurately capture voices, even during intense matches when noise from keyboards and mice may be at their loudest. Some may balk a bit at the price, which is a little high considering the specs, but with the industry-leading RGB lighting, it’s far from unreasonable. TheSeiren V3 specs, as they are, offer a decent experience that will be fine for most players while being the best choice overall for fans of RGB in their gaming space.
The FIFINE Gaming PC USB Microphone is a great budget mic for beginner streamers. Boasting a plug-and-play design, this USB microphone can record audio with crisp clarity, relying on an included pop filter to further enhance vocals. Compatible with Windows, macOS and Mac, and PS4/5, this boom mic can be attached to desks and tables in any setting. This mic is ideal for new streamers looking to get a stylish and affordable microphone.
It seems like everyone wants to be a streamer these days, and why not? It’s super affordable to do and a lot of fun, even if it doesn’t always end up with a dazzling online career. The Fifine gaming USB microphone is the best choice for streamers on a budget of less than a few hundred dollars. While more expensive models may seem better at first glance, the fact is that Fifine’s gaming mic offers every feature you could want and looks great while doing it.
One of the few options on this list to come with a mic arm and a pop filter, this microphone is extremely easy to set up. Plus, it’s suitableeven for compact desks. The look is completed with vibrant RGB lighting, which is displayed as a dual-toned gradient and can be changed to any one of seven color combinations.
Only the mute function is tied to touch controls, but volume and gain can still be adjusted using manual knobs on the mic itself. There is no dedicated audio app, but the mic has wide compatibility across PC, Mac, and PlayStation, allowing users to add it to their existing control panels. The cardioid condenser within the mic accurately captures vocals and works best for direct speech, thanks to its polar pattern.
Sure, you can spend much more on a standalone microphone for streaming, but until you reach professional-grade offerings, the Fifine Gaming USB Mic is (perhaps surprisingly) the very best option for streamers.
How to Get the Best Sound from a USB Mic
Choosing the right USB mic can be a real headache, especially with the wide range of quality available. Although pricing can indicate how well a mic will work to some extent, you’ll be able to better identify the best mic for your setup by paying attention to a few key features:
FAQ
Q: What is the downside of a USB mic?
USB microphones typically have a limited frequency response range, which leads them to capture audio less accurately than XLR or studio-grade microphones.
Q: Is a USB mic better than a jack mic?
Yes, USB connections can transfer much more data at faster speeds than 3.5mm jacks. This capacity for data transfer is a necessity for any microphone with built-in audio adjustment, though using an audio interface can mitigate the performance differences between the two designs.
Q: Is a USB mic better for streaming?
A USB mic is much better than a headset for streaming.
