Best Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting 2021

A voucher

gaming headset

can have everything you need to chat with your teammates in games or have casual video calls without worrying about your computer audio. back into the microphone. But, if you want to get into more serious production, like streaming or podcasting, you have good reason to get a dedicated microphone.

For many headsets, a microphone comes second to the speakers. – hearing quality is important after all. But, when you want to share your golden voice with a streaming or podcast audience, what matters is no longer the sound coming from your headset speakers but rather the sound coming from the audience's speakers. That means you suddenly need a microphone that can match the quality of good speakers. So you will need dedicated hardware.

A solid stand-alone microphone will provide a wider frequency response range than a basic headset mic, allowing it to pick up all the nuances of your voice for richer sound. With different pickup modes, they can also help reduce background noise that may come from your

gaming pc

Where

gaming keyboard< /p>

. Some microphones can even let you switch between different pickup patterns, so you can just focus on your voice with cardioid pick-up pattern one day, while you might try recording yourself and a guest with two-way pick-up pattern. the next day.

With all of this in mind, we'll walk you through a variety of quality microphones that can suit a range of production environments. So whether you just want to stream games on the weekends or plan to create half a dozen podcast series, you'll be able to find a microphone that's up to the task:

click here to find them p>

UK. And, to complete the rest of your setup, don't miss these deals on

Certified Refurbished PC Peripherals on eBay

.

TL;DR – Here are the best microphones for streaming and podcasting:

Samson G-Track Pro

JLab Talk Microphone

Blue Snowball

Blue Yeti

HyperX QuadCast S

Razer Seiren Elite

BlueYeti Nano

Audio Technica AT2040

Shure SM58< /p>

Elgato Wave 3

Shure MV7

Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone

1. Samson G-Track Pro

Best Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

Samson G-Track

Pro

3

See

on BestBuy

View on Walmart

View Certified Refurbished PC Peripherals on eBay

Kind:

2 x back electret condenser capsule ●

Sensitivity:

+6dBFS/PA ●

Frequency response

50Hz – 20kHz ●

Sampling rate:

96kHz ●

Bit depth:

16bit, 24bit ●

Max SPL:

120dB ●

Polar model:

Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional ●

Headphone amplifier:< /p>

85mW @ 32ohms

Whether you're streaming your games, recording a podcast, or doing both regularly, the Samson G-Track Pro (

read our review

) is the microphone you should be setting your sights on. This is a high performance condenser microphone. For one thing, it supports a range of recording configurations thanks to three selectable polar patterns. You can focus just on yourself in a desktop setup with the cardioid setting, chat with a guest using the two-way setting, or just try to catch it all with the omni-directional setting.

The Samson G-Track Pro can also handle high quality recordings. It will pick up everything from 50Hz to 20kHz, covering the typical human vocal range, and then some. It can also let you get a little loud with a maximum sound pressure level of 120dB. All this sound can be recorded up to 96 kHz and in 16 or 24 bits. On the mic you'll find a number of simple controls to dial it all in as well as a jack for monitoring headphones and even a 1/4-inch jack for a second input source.

2. JLab Talk Microphone

Best Budget Microphone

JLab Talk

Microphone

0

To see

on JLab Audio

Kind:

3 x 14mm condenser capsules ●

Frequency response

20Hz – 20kHz ● p>

Sampling rate:

96kHz ●

Bit depth:

24bit ●

Max SPL: p>

120dB ●

Polar Pattern:

cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo

With the JLab Talk, you get an affordable microphone without having to compromise on usability or recording capability. Although it only costs $100, the JLab Talk offers a versatile microphone with three condenser capsules that can be configured to pick up sound with a cadioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, or stereo pattern. This will allow you to better adapt it to your configuration or adapt whenever your configuration changes.

The JLab Talk also records at a 96 kHz sample rate and an uncompromising 24-bit bit rate, ensuring your voice is captured in exquisite detail. The unit has simple and convenient controls, and will connect directly to your computer via a USB A-to-C cable.

3. Blue Snowball

Best Ultra Cheap Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

Blue

Snowball

1

See< /p>

on Amazon

View on Best Buy

View on Walmart

Kind:

2 x Blue 14mm Condenser Capsules ●

Frequency response

40Hz-18kHz ●

Sampling rate:

44.1kHz ●

Bit depth:

16 bit ●

Polar Pattern:

Cardioid, omnidirectional ●

Headphone amplifier:

130mW @ 16ohms

The Blue Snowball USB Microphone (

read our review

) is easily the best way to get quality audio recording without spending much at all. This little guy includes a height-adjustable desktop stand, so you can plug it in, put it down and start recording right away.

It only offers omnidirectional or cardioid pickup patterns, so it's not as flexible as the more expensive microphones on this list, but it's perfect for capturing your voice or that of a few of your huddled cohorts. around her. It's available in four colors and can even be mounted on a traditional mic stand if you want to get a little fancy.

4. Blue Yeti

Best plug-and-play mic for streaming and podcasting

Blue

Yeti

1

To see

on Walmart

View on Newegg

View on Best Buy

Kind:

3 x 14mm blue condenser capsules ●

Frequency response

20Hz – 20kHz ●

Sampling rate:

48kHz ●

Bit depth:

16bit ●

Max SPL:

120dB ●

Polar Pattern:

Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo ●

Headphone amplifier:

130mW @ 16ohms

Blue's Yeti Microphone (

read our review

) offers a near-perfect combination of performance and price, making it our near-preferred choice for anyone getting into the streaming and podcasting game. It's not that expensive and it includes cardioid, bi-directional and omni-directional pickup patterns, so it can start recording audio in just about any environment without breaking the bank.

It's also a USB microphone, so setup is super easy, and I also like that it has gain control and comes in a bunch of nifty colors. For beginners and even advanced streamers/podcasters, the Yeti does everything you need to do it at the right price, with fantastic performance too.

5. HyperX QuadCast S Micro USB

Best Broadcast Mic for Streaming and Podcasting

HyperX QuadCast S USB

Microphone

0

To see

on BestBuy

View on HyperX

Kind:

3 x 14mm condenser capsules ●

Sensitivity:

-36db ●

Frequency response

20Hz – 20kHz ●

Sampling rate:

48kHz ●

Bit depth:

16 bit ●

Polar model:

Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo ●

Headphone amplifier:

7mW at 32ohms

We already loved the HyperX QuadCast USB Microphone (

read our review

) for its ability to pick up speech with irresistible warmth. Now, HyperX has enhanced its offering even further with the HyperX QuadCast S (

read our review

).

The HyperX QuadCast S is still virtually the same USB Microphone capable of recording with a 48 kHz sample rate at 16-bit depth, ensuring you receive accurate recording across the mic's 20 Hz frequency response range at 20kHz. And, it can still capture audio with four different shot patterns, allowing you to easily change settings to suit your recording needs. Where the HyperX QuadCast S improves things over its predecessor is in the flashy RGB lighting, allowing you to have a mic that blends seamlessly into a gaming setup and adds some style to all video streams.

6. Razer Seiren Elite

The broadcast microphone you want on a boom arm

Razer Seiren

Elite

0

To see

on Amazon

View on Dell

Kind:

1 x dynamic capsule ●

Sensitivity:

-38db ●

Frequency response

50Hz-20kHz ●

Sampling rate:

48kHz ●

Bit depth:

16bit ●

Max SPL:

120dB ●

Polar pattern:

Cardioid ●

Headphone amplifier:

58mW @ 16ohms

The Razer Seiren Elite (

read our review

) is Razer's current high-end microphone and it's designed for broadcasting. It's smaller than most microphones and it comes with a detachable base so you can more easily mount it on a pole or pack it up for a LAN event or anywhere else you might go on the road. Unlike most gaming microphones, the Elite features a dynamic microphone capsule for excellent background noise rejection.

Around the base of the mic, Razer also has a built-in light ring that lights up red to let you know when you're talking too loud and clipping. It also includes a foam windshield, so you don't have to buy a pop filter to stop those "plosives."

7. Blue Yeti Nano

Best Portable Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

Blue Yeti

Nano

0

To see

on BestBuy

View on Walmart

Kind:

2 x 14mm blue condenser capsules ●

Sensitivity:

-47db ●

Frequency response

20Hz-20kHz ●

Sampling rate:

48kHz ●

Bit depth:

24 bit ●

Max SPL:

120dB ●

Fleece Pattern:

cardioid, omnidirectional ●

Headphone amplifier:

130mW @ 16ohms

The Blue Yeti Nano (

) takes everything good about the Blue Yeti and scales it down to a smaller form factor. Even though it's the Yeti's little brother, it still fits into almost any mic stand. Some of the recording models were lost in the shrinking process, but the two that remain are the two most used mic models for podcasting and streaming anyway. It's solid, well built and sounds great, and it's exactly the level of quality I've come to expect from Blue's range of excellent USB microphones.

8. Audio-Technica AT2040

Best XLR Mic for Streaming and Podcasting

Audio Technica

AT2040

0

To see

on Audio Technica

Kind:

Dynamic ●

Sensitivity:

-53db ●

Frequency response

80Hz-16kHz ●

Polar Pattern:

Hypercardioid

USB mics offer plenty of convenience for easy setup with your PC, laptop, or Mac, but you may already have a capable audio interface for your computer to support mics, instruments, and other sound inputs. In that case, you'll probably be looking for an XLR mic, and the Audio-Technica AT2040 is a great option for streaming and podcasting on that interface.

The Audio-Technica AT2040 really makes it easier to focus on your voice and reduce background noise as it uses a hypercardioid pickup pattern. It's also a dynamic mic, allowing it to pick up audio with solid sensitivity while still being able to handle high volumes. It's even built into the hardware which can dramatically simplify your setup. You don't need to mount it on a big shock mount or install a pop filter in front of it. The Audio-Technica AT2040 has its own built-in shock mount and pop filter.

9.Shure SM58

Best Handheld Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

shure

SM58

0

See p>

on Amazon

View on Newegg

View on Walmart

Kind:

Dynamic ●

Sensitivity:

-57.5db ●

Frequency response

50Hz -15kHz ●

Sampling rate:

48kHz ●

Bit depth:

16bit ●

Max SPL:

126dB ●

Polar Pattern:

Cardioid

If you've ever watched an awards show with musical breaks, you've probably seen the Shure SM58. This handheld mic is often overlooked by streamers and podcasters due to its portable design, but it's a classic for a reason: it sounds fantastic and cuts through background noise.

The capsule has been tuned for voice capture and has an internal shock mount to keep office noise out of your stream. All those recording professionals can't be wrong, can they? Remember that you will need an audio interface to connect it to a PC.

10. Elgato Wave 3

Best Customizable Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

Elgato Wave

3

0

To see

on Amazon

Kind:

Condenser ●

Sensitivity:

-15dBFS ●

Frequency response

70Hz - 20kHz ●

Sampling rate:

48/96kHz ●

Bit depth:

24bit ●

Max SPL:

120dB (140dB with ClipGuard) ●

Polar Pattern:

cardioid

Elgato is here to provide you with the gear you need for your streaming setup, and the Elgato Wave 3 (

read our review

) is here to keep you covered for audio. This condenser microphone will connect directly to your computer using a USB-C cable, so you don't need to add more wires and a dedicated DAC in the middle like you would with an XLR mic. It also has a headphone port on the back to make your cabling easier.

The microphone itself offers high audio resolution with a 96kHz sample rate and 24-bit depth. It can also let you get a bit noisy during your broadcasts thanks to a special ClipGuard feature. Controlling your stream's audio is also simplified with Wave Link software. Elgato also offers a number of additional accessories for the Wave 3 that allow you to customize it a bit more for your setup. There's a shock mount to reduce vibration if it has to sit on your desk, a pop filter to help reduce plosives, and extension rods that can elevate the mic.

11.Shure MV7

Best Professional Level Microphone

shure

MV7

0

To see

on Amazon

Kind:

Dynamic ●

Sensitivity:

-55dBV/Pa ●

Frequency response

20Hz – 20kHz ●

Sampling rate:

48kHz ●

Bit depth:

24-bit ●

Max SPL:

132dB ●

Polar model:

Cardioid

The Shure MV7 is a microphone that means business with recording quality to match. And, with a few handy features, it can make that endeavor a whole lot easier. This dynamic mic offers a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring it can pick up everything the human ear can hear and probably a bit more than most of us. It also offers increased resolution with a 48 kHz sample rate and 24-bit depth. With a maximum sound pressure level of 132dB, you can also get loud enough with this mic without having to worry about exceeding its limits.

The Shure MV7 is a rugged metal mic designed for convenience. Its cardioid pick-up pattern can help you focus on your voice and avoid background noise. And, with a built-in headphone jack, you can easily monitor yourself. You'll find support for both XLR and USB connections, allowing you to use it with your favorite DAW at home or simply connect it directly to a laptop on the go. The mic controls can let you adjust gain, monitor mix, and headphone volume levels or quickly mute the mic. Via a USB connection, the ShurePlus MOTIV app can even help you manage your sound levels and tone automatically, giving you that professional touch without having to lift a finger.

12. Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone

The cheapest professional option

rode

Procaster

0

See p>

on Amazon

Kind:

Dynamic ●

Sensitivity:

-56dBV/Pa ●

Frequency response

75Hz – 18kHz ●

Polar model:

Cardioid

If the Shure SM7B is too expensive for you (and it might be!) I would definitely recommend checking out the Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone. It's almost as popular as the SM7B and delivers a wonderfully detailed warm sound that's transmitted via an XLR connection. It's a dynamic microphone that allows you to improve its already good noise rejection and it has a high pass filter to reduce any signal noise for clean and quiet recordings.

Where to Get the Best Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting in the UK

Reaching a global audience from the comfort of your home is just as easy in the UK as it is in the US. We've managed to find a great selection of microphones from our list that are also available to pick up from across the pond, the vast majority in fact.

Don't see the microphones below? Click here.

Blue

Yeti

Snowball

Set it and forget it

0

£149.99

To see

on Amazon

shure

SM58 Vocal

Microphone p>

Best Handheld Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

4

£109.98

To see

on Amazon

Samson

G-Track

Pro

Best Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

5

£188.69

To see

on Amazon

Razer

Siren

Elite

The broadcast microphone you want on a boom arm

26% off

£189.99

2

£139.99

See

on Microsoft

HyperX

QuadCast

USB

Best Broadcast Mic for Streaming and Podcasting

11

£118.99

To see

on Scan

Blue

Yeti Pro

USB

Best plug-and-play mic for streaming and podcasting

7

£119.00

To see

on Currys PC World

Audio Technica

AT2020 cardioid condenser

Mic

Best XLR Mic for Streaming and Podcasts

4

£178.99 p>

To see

on Amazon

Blue

Yeti

Nano

Best Portable Microphone for Streaming and Podcasts

7

£99.99

To see

on Currys PC World

shure

SM7B Vocal Dynamic

Mic

Best Professional Level Microphone

7

£477.95

To see

on Amazon

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What to Look for in a Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting

When you're buying high-end audio it's all too easy to fall down a rabbit hole buying all sorts of expensive gear in an endless quest for the perfect recording, but that's exactly why I'm there to help you find exactly what you need.

cardioid

. If you plan to record tabletop interviews or want to record the whole room around the microphone, you'll want to look for something with multiple polar pattern options like the G-Track Pro or HyperX QuadCast.

The next big question you'll need to answer is what type of microphone do you want:

condenser

Where

dynamic

. If you need multiple polar patterns, that decision is simple: a condenser microphone. If you only plan to broadcast or podcast, you should consider a dynamic microphone. Luckily, both are available in USB or XLR format, so you won't have to invest in a fancy mixer or audio interface upfront. Here are the differences between the two.

Condenser Microphones

make up the bulk of the gaming and streaming microphone market and for good reason. They offer excellent pickup and are sensitive enough to pick up even faint sounds. It's great if you're in a quiet environment, but they don't work as well in loud environments full of background noise. Condenser microphones can also offer multiple polar patterns, which can be ideal for interviews or recording podcasts around a table.

Dynamic microphones

, on the other hand, are much less sensitive and require more power to operate. As a result, there aren't as many USB options as there are capacitors, but enough to go around. Chances are you've seen them all your life and didn't realize it: dynamic microphones are what your favorite singer carries around on stage!

In fact, dynamic microphones may be the perfect option for you due to their excellent noise rejection. Surely, if they can filter out the noise of a screaming crowd, they can reduce the noise of your loud housemate! They also usually sound much warmer, which often gives you what “radio voice” podcasters crave. Dynamic microphones are also the most common you will find in real world radio stations!

No matter what you choose, beware of buying the cheapest microphone you can find. With the rise of streaming and podcasting, sites like Amazon are inundated with shoddy mics making big promises. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If all else fails, read the reviews.

Another thing to consider: do you plan to expand in the future? If so, you may consider buying an XLR microphone now and an affordable audio interface to use with your PC. As your stream grows, you might want to look for special effects, like a compressor, equalizer, or noise gate to make your stream even better. USB mics are great but often aren't compatible with things like mixers. If there's a chance you want to add to your setup, spending a little more now can save you from having to buy a whole new mic later.

If you want to improve the sound quality of your recordings properly now, you should definitely scrap this 3.5mm gaming headset mic. It's not that there's anything wrong with a

good gaming headset

: It's fine if you're using it to chat on Discord, but if you're trying to look professional at all, it's not going to work. The easiest way to upgrade is to use a dedicated mic, like the ones in the list.

Create your own mini-studio, or a fake one at least

A mic is just the start of a rewarding career in online broadcasting. Okay, there's no guarantee this will turn into a career, but if you're serious about sound, you can use your new mic as the foundation on which your podcast empire will be built. The easiest and cheapest way to further enhance your recordings is to use a pop filter. Every time you speak a word beginning with the letter "P", you force a small puff of air into your microphone. This pop appears in your recordings and will turn people off pretty quickly.

The easiest and cheapest way to further enhance your recordings is to use a pop filter.

“< /p>

A pop filter captures those so-called plosives and keeps your sound flowing. If you don't have a pop filter, you can use software like Adobe Audition to automatically remove pops from your audio files. Alternatively, you can put your finger in front of your mouth (think of a librarian "chucking" you) and stream your audio that way. It works, but the downside is that you have to keep your finger in front of your mouth the whole time.

Echo is another big problem with recording. Unless you're recording in a literal vacuum, your room is filled with air. Since you cannot record in a vacuum for many compelling reasons both physical and physiological, there will almost certainly be an echo. This may be subtle, but it leads to a hollow sounding audio file.

You can minimize these annoying reflections with a few different methods that won't cost you money. If you are recording in VO, you can hide under a blanket with your mic. Another place to hide is a small closet. Clothing will soften and absorb any echo. If you are willing to spend a little extra money, you can also buy

a cheap set of foam sound absorption panels

which have the advantage of looking great on your stream!

Polar patterns or recording modes can't do much to stop the echoes

If you opt for the XLR channel, you will need an audio interface. You can spend a lot of money here, but you don't need it. If you're just getting started, something as simple as

Behringer UM2

will connect to your PC via USB and allow recording of an XLR or 1/4"-in line. If you want to record two mics or instruments at once, the

UMC202HD

is an excellent choice. On the top end you have the iconic

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

for just under $160.

You also need a computer, of course. A desktop computer or

gaming pc

may be better for heavy mounting, but a

good laptop

will be much more convenient. When it comes to software, there are plenty of professional editing suites you can choose from, but for most people, Audacity or even Garage Band should do the trick.

Looking to create a powerful PC for streaming with the best possible graphics? Check out our guide to

best graphics cards

, and while you're at it, our guides to

best gaming chairs

and the

best gaming headsets

will help you look like ap ro.

Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular tweeter on Twitter

@Techn0Mark