When it comes to streaming, audio plays a huge role, if not the biggest. That’s why we’ve tested every high-ranked streaming mics on the market in order to give you the best review. So, here is our list of the best microphones for streaming.
Blue Yeti USB Recording & Streaming ($129.99)
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Audio Patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 11.6 x 4.9 x 4.7 inches
- Connection Type: USB
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatile Reasonably priced Great sound quality | No multi-head setup |
For podcasting, streaming and video conferencing, the Blue Yeti is still as simple and easy to use as ever. It features a built-in stand, USB connection, and 4 different pattern modes.
In fact, very few microphones offer multiple audio patterns, and even fewer of them do a good job switching among them. But, thanks to Blue Yeti’s variety of audio patterns, you can record anything from a podcast to a whole roundtable discussion. Overall, this is an unquestionably high-quality mic at a ridiculously reasonable price.
Antlion Audio ModMic Wireless ($99.95)
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Audio Patterns: Omnidirectional, unidirectional
- Size: 7.30 x 0.60 x 1.40 inches
- Connection Type: USB and Bluetooth
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight Excellent sound quality Clever design | Limited to PC and PS4 No onboard adjustment |
This device can turn any set of headphones into a wireless gaming headset for your PC or PS4. This is perfect for any gamer who has a favorite pair of headphones that lack decent sound quality. To set up the ModMic Wireless, you just need to plug in the USB receiver and turn on the microphone by pressing the button for two seconds.
However, this wireless microphone is almost twice as expensive as its wired version. And, without a 3.5mm option, the ModMic Wireless is much more limited.
Blue Snowball Ice ($49.99)
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Audio Patterns: Cardioid
- Size: 10.0 x 7.9 x 4.9 inches
- Connection Type: USB
| Pros | Cons |
| Inexpensive Easy to set up Includes a stand | Only 44.1kHz/16 bit. Doesn’t angle high enough |
If you want something more than a common built-in laptop or headphone mic, but don’t have enough fund for anything fancier, then the Blue Snowball Ice is a perfect choice here. This one is probably the simplest and cheapest mic you can get from a top manufacturing company.
The Snowball Ice is compact and stylish with its black or white color options. And, in order to use this mic, you just need to connect with your computer via USB cable, and that’s it. Moreover, Snowball Ice uses a cardioid pattern, making it perfect for videoconferencing or chatting with friends in games.
Unfortunately, the mic stand doesn’t angle high enough for proper mouth alignment. It’s perhaps not high-end enough to record your podcast, but you can’t find any good streaming mic at this price range.
Rode Podcaster ($229)
- Mic Type: Dynamic
- Audio Patterns: Cardioid
- Size: 8.5 x 2.2 x 2.0 inches
- Connection Type: USB
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent audio quality Perfectly calibrated for podcasting Good warranty policy | Fancy price Requires expensive accessories |
If you want to record the audio for something like a YouTube video voiceover or Twitch stream, then the Rode Podcaster is one of the best microphones you can get right now. This mic offers a dynamic pickup, which it’s ideal for capturing loud sounds.
On top of that, the Podcaster’s audio pattern is cardioid. That means it’s optimized to pick up a single person’s voice, from a single direction. Additionally, the Podcaster also has a built-in audio jack with volume control to monitor your voice in real-time. However, you still need to buy a mic stand separately for this one.
Shure SM58 ($89)
- Mic Type: Dynamic
- Audio Patterns: Cardioid
- Size: 6.5 x 2.1 x 2.1 inches
- Connection Type: XLR
| Pros | Cons |
| Optimized for music Not very expensive Durable build | No USB connection Need a microphone stand |
The Shure SM58 is one of the best no-frills vocal mics on the market, with an optimized cardioid pattern for music and background noise canceling. And, if you like to sing on your stream, the Shure SM58 is ideal here. Also, it works really well if you play instruments in the background.
Note that the Shure SM58 uses an XLR connection rather than USB or 3.5 mm audio. Plus, this microphone works best when you hold it or let it sit upright.
HyperX QuadCast ($160)
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Audio Patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 9.8 x 5.1 x 4.0 inches
- Connection Type: USB
| Pros | Cons |
| Built-in stand and shock mount Multiple audio patterns Analog gain control | Garish lighting Imperfect pop filtering |
The HyperX QuadCast is a stylish and robust microphone that is perfect for gamers who don’t like headset mics. It is a condenser mic with a built-in stand and shock mount. Therefore, once it’s connected to your computer via USB, you’re pretty much ready to start recording right away.
Most users will probably want to start with cardioid settings. But, the HyperX QuadCast also features bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo audio patterns. So, you can record audio with multiple people if needed. If you’re looking for one of the best microphones for gaming, then this is a great choice.
Elgato Wave 3 ($147.55)
- Mic Type: Condenser
- Audio Patterns: Cardioid
- Size: 6.0 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches
- Connection Type: USB
| Pros | Cons |
| Solid and clean audio signal Low-latency monitoring Easy-to-operate onboard level controls Free software for blending audio | No switchable mic patterns No pop filter included |
The Elgato Wave 3 is a USB mic with a cardioid pattern, specifically designed for gaming. What sets this mic apart from others is its connectivity with the ubiquitous Elgato Stream Deck.
By using a Stream Deck, you can alter mic pickup and sound mix without ever touching the mic itself. Besides, the Elgato Wave 3 also features simple controls, a crystal-clear cardioid pattern, and a small profile that fits easily on most desks.
Related article: Basic Guide On How to Live Stream On Twitch
We hope you have found the perfect streaming microphone for yourself here. But, if you want to know our choice for the best streaming microphones, then it’s the Blue Yeti USB. It not only works great in many recording situations but also offers tons of useful features for the price.
Let us know if you have any questions about microphones for streaming in the comments!
