Best Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting 2021
A good
gaming headset
may have everything you need to chat with your teammates in games or have casual video calls without worrying about your computer audio bouncing back into the microphone. But, if you want to get into more serious production, such as streaming or podcasting, you have good reason to get a dedicated microphone.
For many headsets, a microphone comes after the speakers – hearing quality is important after all. But, when you want to share your golden voice with a streaming or podcast audience, the important thing is no longer the sound coming from your headset speakers but rather the sound coming from the speakers in the audience. This means that 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 patterns, they can also facilitate reducing background noise that may come from your
gaming pc
Where
gaming keyboard
.Some microphones can even let you switch between different pickup patterns, so you can just focus on your voice with a cardioid pattern one day while you might try recording with a guest with a two-way pattern the next. next day.
With all of that in mind, we'll walk you through a variety of quality microphones that can suit a range of production environments, so whether you're just looking to stream games over the weekend or planning create half a dozen podcast series, you can find a microphone suitable for the task -
click here to find them
in the 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
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
To see
on BestBuy
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Type:
2 x rear electret condenser capsule ●
Sensitivity:
+6dBFS/PA ●
Response frequency
50Hz – 20kHz ●
Sampling rate:
96kHz ●
Shallow:
16 bit, 24 bit ●
Max SPL:
120dB ●
Polar Pattern:
Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional ●
Headphone amplifier:
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. It's a very capable condenser mic. For one thing, it supports a range of recording setups thanks to three selectable polar patterns. on yourself in a desk setup with the cardioid setting, chatting with a guest using the two-way setting, or just trying to pick it all up 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 more. It can also let you get a little loud with a level of pressure. maximum acoustics of 120 dB. All of this sound can be recorded up to 96 kHz and in 16 or 24 bit. 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
Type:
3 x 14mm condenser capsules ●
Response frequency
20Hz – 20kHz ●
Sampling rate:
96kHz ●
Shallow:
24 bit ●
Max SPL:
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, bi-directional, omni-directional, or stereo pattern. This will allow you to better match it to your setup or adapt whenever your setup 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
To see
on Amazon
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Type:
2 x 14mm blue condenser capsules ●
Response frequency
40Hz-18kHz ●
Sampling rate:
44.1kHz ●
Shallow:
16 bit ●
Polar pattern:
Cardioid, Omnidirectional ●
Headphone amplifier:
130mW @ 16ohms
The blue snowball (
read our review
) The USB microphone is easily the best way to get quality audio recording without spending too much. 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 colleagues huddled around. of him. 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
To see on Newegg
View on Best Buy
Type:
3 x 14mm blue condenser capsules ●
Response frequency
20Hz – 20kHz ●
Sampling rate:
48kHz ●
Shallow:
16 bit ●
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 top pick for anyone getting into the streaming and podcasting game. It's not that expensive and it features cardioid pickup patterns, bi-directional and omni-directional, allowing it to 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 beginner streamers/podcasters and even advanced, 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
Watch on HyperX
Type:
3 x 14mm condenser capsules ●
Sensitivity:
-36db ●
Response frequency
20Hz – 20kHz ●
Sampling rate:
48kHz ●
Shallow:
16 bit ●
Polar Pattern:
Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo ●
Headphone amplifier:
7mW @ 32ohms
We already loved the HyperX QuadCast USB Microphone (
read our review
) for its ability to capture 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 mostly the same USB microphone capable of recording with a 48kHz sample rate at 16-bit depth, so you're guaranteed accurate recording across the mic's 20Hz frequency response range at 20 kHz. 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 to its predecessor, it's in flashy RGB lighting, letting you have a mic that blends seamlessly into a gaming setup and adds some flair to any video stream.
6. Razer Seiren Elite
The broadcast microphone you want on a boom arm
Razer Seiren
Elite
0
To see
on Amazon
View on Dell
Type:
1 x dynamic capsule ●
Sensitivity:
-38db ●
Response frequency
50Hz-20kHz ●
Sampling rate:
48kHz ●
Shallow:
16 bit ●
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 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 windscreen, you don't have to so no need to buy a pop filter to stop these "plosives".
7. Blue Yeti Nano
Best Portable Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting
Blue Yeti
Nano
0
To see
on BestBuy
View on Walmart
Type:
2 x 14mm blue condenser capsules ●
Sensitivity:
-47db ●
Response frequency
20Hz-20kHz ●
Sampling rate:
48kHz ●
Shallow:
24 bit ●
Max SPL:
120dB ●
Polar Pattern:
Cardioid, Omnidirectional ●
Headphone amplifier:
130mW @ 16ohms
The Nano Blue Yeti (
read our review
) takes everything great 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 widely used mic models for podcasting and streaming anyway. is exactly the level of quality I 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
Type:
Dynamic ●
Sensitivity:
-53db ●
Response frequency
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 this 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 allows you to really 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 by being able to handle high volumes. It's even built into the hardware which can greatly simplify your setup. You don't need to mount it on a large shock mount or install a pop filter in front of it. 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
To see
on Amazon
To see on Newegg
View on Walmart
Type:
Dynamic ●
Sensitivity:
-57.5db ●
Response frequency
50Hz-15kHz ●
Sampling rate:
48kHz ●
Shallow:
16 bit ●
Max SPL:
126dB ●
Polar pattern:
Cardioid
If you've ever watched an award 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 eliminates 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 pros can't be wrong, can they? Don't forget 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
Type:
Condenser ●
Sensitivity:
-15dBFS ●
Response frequency
70Hz - 20kHz ●
Sampling rate:
48/96kHz ●
Shallow:
24 bit ●
Max SPL:
120dB (140dB with ClipGuard) ●
Polar Pattern:
Cardioid
Elgato is all about providing the gear you need for your streaming setup, and the Elgato Wave 3 (
read our review
) is here to have 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 as you would with an XLR mic. It also has a headphone port on the back to make your wiring easier.
The microphone itself offers high audio resolution with a 96kHz sample rate and 24-bit depth. It can also let you get a little loud during your broadcasts with a special ClipGuard feature. 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. 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
Type:
Dynamic ●
Sensitivity:
-55dBV/Pa ●
Response frequency
20Hz – 20kHz ●
Sampling rate:
48kHz ●
Shallow:
24 bit ●
Max SPL:
132dB ●
Polar Pattern:
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 business a whole lot easier. This dynamic mic offers a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring it can capture 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 depth of 24-bit. 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 microphone designed for convenience. Its cardioid polar 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. Mic controls can let you adjust the gain , control mix and headphone volume levels or quickly mute the mic. Via a USB connection, the ShurePlus MOTIV app can even help you automatically manage your sound levels and tone, giving you that professional touch without the hassle of you need to lift a finger.
12. Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
The cheapest professional option
Mounted
Procaster
0
To see
on Amazon
Type:
Dynamic ●
Sensitivity:
-56dBV/Pa ●
Response frequency
75Hz – 18kHz ●
Polar Pattern:
Cardioid
If the Shure SM7B is too expensive for you (and it might be!), I'd definitely recommend checking out the Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone. It's almost as popular as the SM7B and delivers wonderfully detailed warm sound. which is transmitted via an XLR connection. It is a dynamic microphone which 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 find 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 which 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 Voice
Microphone
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
Mermaid
Elite
The broadcast microphone you want on a boom arm
26% off
£189.99
2
£139.99
To 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
Microphone
Best XLR Mic for Streaming and Podcasting
4
£178.99
To see
on Amazon
Blue
Yeti
Nano
Best Portable Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting
7
£99.99
To see
on Currys PC World
shure
SM7B Dynamic Vocal
Microphone
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
While 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 here to help you find exactly what you need.
The first question you'll need to answer is what you plan to record. If you're just streaming, you need a microphone with a
cardioid
polar pattern. 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 more than one polar pattern, 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 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 quiet sounds. It's great if you're in a quiet environment, but they don't don't work as well in noisy environments full of background noise. Condenser microphones can also offer multiple polar patterns, which can be great 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 are not as many USB options as there are capacitors, but enough to go around. There are 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 from a screaming crowd, they can reduce the noise from your loud roommate! They have also generally a much warmer sound, which often gives you what "radio voice" podcasters crave. Dynamic microphones are also the most common you'll find at 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 want to 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 into special effects, like a compressor, EQ, or noise gate to make your stream even better. USB mics are great but often aren't compatible with things like tables 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 right now, you should definitely ditch that 3.5mm gaming headset mic. 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 sound professional it won't work. The easiest way to upgrade is to use a dedicated mic, like the ones in the list .
Build your own mini-studio, or at least a fake one
A mic is just the start of a rewarding career in online broadcasting. Okay, there's no guarantee it'll become a career, but if you're serious about sound, you can use your new mic as the foundation upon 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 say a word beginning with the letter " P", you force a small puff of air into your mic. 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.
"
A pop filter captures these so-called plosives and keeps your sound smooth. If you don't have a pop filter, you can use software like Adobe Audition to automatically remove pops from your audio files. , you can put your finger in front of your mouth (think of a librarian "shitting" 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 can't record in a vacuum for many compelling reasons to 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 those annoying reflections with a few different methods that won't cost you anything. If you're recording in VO, you can hide under a blanket with your mic. Another place to hide is a small closet. will absorb any clutter. If you're willing to spend a little extra cash, you can also
a cheap set of foam sound absorption panels
which have the advantage of looking great on your stream!
Polar charts or recording modes can't do much to stop echoes
If you go the XLR route, you'll 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 the
Behringer UM2
will connect to your PC via USB and allow recording to an XLR or 1/4" line input. If you want to record two mics or instruments at once, the
UMC202HD
is a great choice. On the top end you have the iconic
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
for just under $160.
You also need a computer, obviously. A desktop computer or
gaming pc
maybe better for heavy mounting, but a
good laptop
it's going to be a lot more convenient. As far as software goes, 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 a pro.
Mark Knapp is a regular IGN contributor and irregular tweeter on Twitter
@Techn0Mark