These days, the best gaming microphones have pretty good built-in mics, but they’re made to do more than one thing at once, so they won’t give you the professional-grade clarity you hear on the radio, and they won’t be able to pick up anything but one person’s voice. Your teammates, coworkers, and viewers will all be able to hear your voice better and clearer if you have your own mic.
You can also use it for other things, like podcasting or recording music. An excellent USB or XLR microphone is one of the most important things to get if you want to start making videos for YouTube or streaming games on Twitch. It’s likely that a dedicated microphone will give you better sound quality than a headset, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune either.
That you can find something that works for you, we tested the most popular USB and XLR mics to find the best ones. It’s because we want to help you find the best mic for your needs, like the best mic for recording voiceovers or the best mic for streaming. We also put XLR microphones in their own groups because they are a bit more complicated than plug-and-play USB options but can provide a big improvement in quality and versatility. Below, we have mentioned the best Gaming Microphones.
Why a Quality Microphone Matters for Gamers?
There are several important reasons why gamers need a good microphone:
????️ Clear Communication: In online games, it’s important to be able to talk to each other well. A good microphone makes sure that your teammates can hear you clearly, which makes it easier for them to work together and carry out your plan. Background noise, distortion, and bad sound clarity can make it hard to understand each other.
???? Immersive Experience: Many modern games have thorough soundscapes and audio cues that make the experience feel more real. A good microphone can correctly record your voice, making the whole gaming experience better for you and your audience. It helps you show how you’re feeling and reacting, which makes your gaming more interesting to watch if you’re streaming or recording it.
???? Streaming and making content: Audio quality is very important if you’re a gamer who streams or makes content on Twitch or YouTube. People are more likely to stay if they can hear you clearly and there is no static, pops, or background noise to get in the way. A professional microphone can help you stand out and improve the general quality of your production.
???? Reduced Background Noise: Good mics often have features that cancel out or reduce background noise. These technologies help get rid of sounds in the background that are annoying, like a computer clicking, a mouse moving, a fan running, or something else. This is especially important if you play in a place with other people or a lot of noise.
????️ Voice Clarity: A good microphone picks up all of the different tones, inflections, and feelings in your voice. This can help your friends understand what you’re thinking and what you want to do in games where you have to make quick decisions and work together.
Best Gaming Microphones Comparison Table
In the table below, you can compare the best game microphones based on important factors like sound quality, noise cancellation, connectivity options, and compatibility. It helps gamers make smart choices by giving a quick summary of each microphone’s best features. This helps them choose the best audio option for a more immersive gaming experience.
Features | Frequency Response | Connectivity | Compatibility | Latest Offers |
---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Yeti | 20Hz – 20kHz | USB | Windows, Mac | Check Deal |
Shure MV7 | 50Hz – 16kHz | USB, XLR | Windows, Mac, iOS | Check Deal |
Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic | 40Hz – 18kHz | USB | Windows, Mac | Check Deal |
Elgato Wave:3 | 40Hz – 18kHz | USB | Windows, Mac | Check Deal |
JLab Talk | 20Hz – 20kHz | USB | Windows, Mac | Check Deal |
Blue Yeti
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Condenser |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo |
Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
Bit Depth | 16-bit, 24-bit |
Sample Rate | 48kHz |
Headphone Jack | Yes, with volume control |
Gain Control | Yes |
Mounting Options | Adjustable stand included, compatible with boom arms |
Connectivity | USB |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac |
Check Price |
There are newer gaming microphones and cheaper gaming microphones. Overall, the Blue Yeti is still better than all the others. The recording quality is good enough for semi-professional recording, not to mention in-game voice chat or Discord conversations, but it’s still as easy to set up and use as any other computer microphone.
You can’t adjust the height of the stand, but the tilt is enough to put the Yeti in a comfortable position, and you can always use the stand as a substitute for your chosen microphone boom. The Blue Yeti is appreciated by everyone from part-time PC gamers to famous streamers, and it’s not hard to see why. Overall, it is one of the best gaming microphones that you can buy.
Pros
- Versatile recording patterns.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Good audio quality for the price.
- Multiple color options.
Cons
- Sensitive to background noise.
- Bulky design might be less portable.
Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone For Gaming
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Dynamic |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid, Omnidirectional |
Frequency Response | 50Hz – 16kHz |
Bit Depth | 16-bit, 24-bit |
Sample Rate | 48kHz |
Headphone Jack | Yes, with built-in monitoring |
Gain Control | Yes |
Mounting Options | Adjustable stand included, compatible with boom arms |
Connectivity | USB, XLR |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS |
Check Price |
The Shure Podcast Microphone is suitable for gaming, recording, live streaming and podcasting. Its all-metal housing is rugged and stylish. It is specially equipped with EQ filters that help adjust the sound of audio and save custom presets. This microphone has a touch control panel to mix headphones, adjust volume and mute the microphone. You can connect headphones directly to the microphone for perfect recordings. In addition, you can download the desktop application to access many more features. Still, it is one of the best gaming microphones that you can consider.
Pros
- Professional audio quality.
- Customizable sound via app.
- Dual USB/XLR connectivity.
- Durable build.
Cons
- Higher price point.
- Requires more setup and adjustment.
Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Condenser |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid |
Frequency Response | 40Hz – 18kHz |
Bit Depth | 16-bit |
Sample Rate | 44.1kHz, 48kHz |
Headphone Jack | No |
Gain Control | No |
Mounting Options | Adjustable stand included |
Connectivity | USB |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac |
Check Price |
The Snowball iCE Gaming Microphone from Blue Microphones is a high-quality plug-and-play device that delivers premium HD-quality audio. It is suitable for gaming, recording and streaming on PCs and Macs. This gaming microphone is equipped with a special condenser capsule that delivers crystal-clear audio quality far superior to that of a built-in computer microphone. Advanced models of this microphone support the high bandwidth of USB Mini 5 Pin B instead of USB Type B.
It features a state-of-the-art cardioid pickup pattern that captures clear, focused sounds that can be used for video streaming, podcasting, or video calling via Skype and other applications. Its sleek retro design looks great on a camera or desk. It records or transmits voice in a classic way while enhancing the aesthetics of the desk. With the help of its adjustable metal stand, you can place it in a precise position to the sound source to ensure excellent sound quality. Its compact design lets you make the most of desk space. Easily one of the best gaming microphones available on the market.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Plug-and-play setup.
- Decent sound quality for its price.
- Compact and portable.
Cons
- Limited recording patterns.
- Basic features compared to higher-end options.
Elgato Wave:3
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Condenser |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid |
Frequency Response | 70Hz – 20kHz |
Bit Depth | 24-bit |
Sample Rate | 48kHz |
Headphone Jack | Yes, with built-in monitoring |
Gain Control | Yes |
Mounting Options | Adjustable stand included |
Connectivity | USB-C |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac |
Check Price |
This condenser microphone offers only the cardioid polar pattern. While this is limiting in some respects, it is also the most versatile polar pattern. You can place the microphone almost anywhere on your desk and record your voice. The front of the case shows a few things: the recording status of the microphone, the status of the headset, and whether the microphone is off or on. Touching the top of the microphone turns it off. A gain control protrudes from the case, so you can adjust the volume at any time.
Unlike other software we’ve used, the WaveLink interface is excellent, especially for streamers. This digital audio mixer is clearly laid out so that audio sources can be quickly organized. A virtual audio mixer combines multiple programs from browser windows and combines them into a single audio source along with the microphone recording. Thus, this product is one of the best gaming microphones available right now.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality.
- Clipguard technology helps prevent distortion.
- Easy audio mixing with Wave Link software.
- Compact and sleek design.
Cons
- Relatively high cost.
- Some features may require software setup.
JLab Talk
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Condenser |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid |
Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
Bit Depth | 16-bit |
Sample Rate | 48kHz |
Headphone Jack | Yes, with built-in monitoring |
Gain Control | Yes |
Mounting Options | Adjustable stand included |
Connectivity | USB |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac |
Check Price |
If you can’t spend money on the Blue Yeti, the JLab Talk is a viable alternative. It recognizes speech with warmth and depth and works well once you plug in the USB cable, although a bit more gain wouldn’t hurt. Currently, this is one of the best gaming microphones that you can buy right now.
We also like the fact that the stand can be adjusted to allow some height adjustment, which isn’t even the case with the Blue Yeti. This stand does take up a bit more desk space, which is something to consider if you want to play with the stand in front of your keyboard. Again, you can always connect it to an arm stand.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Good sound quality for the price.
- Compact and portable.
- Suitable for entry-level users.
Cons
- Limited advanced features.
- May not match the audio quality of higher-end models.
HyperX QuadCast Gaming Microphone
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Condenser |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo |
Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
Bit Depth | 16-bit |
Sample Rate | 48kHz |
Headphone Jack | Yes, with built-in monitoring |
Gain Control | Yes |
Mounting Options | Shock mount included, compatible with boom arms |
Connectivity | USB |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac |
Check Price |
The HyperX QuadCast Gaming Microphone takes the guesswork out of audio tuning by providing numerous visual indicators and controls on the microphone. You can activate mute, adjust microphone sensitivity, and choose between 4 polar patterns on the microphone housing, so you always know when you’re “live” and when you’re not. Enthusiasts can perfect their sound without having to interrupt or adjust software controls. So, if you want one of the best gaming microphones, we highly recommend this product.
The 48 kHz/16-bit mic also features a built-in stabilizer and pop filter, making it a plug-and-play studio option. The bright red illumination is a great additional feature, but cannot be turned off and can be distracting when recording in dimly lit environments. However, the solid construction and attractive design make it a match for much more expensive microphones, but at a fraction of the cost and weight. The HyperX QuadCast Gaming Microphone is also a suitable solution for cross-platform gaming.
Pros
- Stylish design with RGB lighting.
- Multiple recording patterns.
- Good audio quality for gaming and streaming.
- Gain control and headphone jack.
Cons
- Premium pricing.
- RGB lighting may not appeal to everyone.
EPOS B20
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Condenser |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid |
Frequency Response | 50Hz – 20kHz |
Bit Depth | 24-bit |
Sample Rate | 48kHz |
Headphone Jack | Yes, with built-in monitoring |
Gain Control | Yes |
Mounting Options | Adjustable stand included, compatible with boom arms |
Connectivity | USB |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac |
Check Price |
Like the Elgato Wave: 3, the B20 calls itself a streaming microphone. However, it’s not as focused, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out if you just want to play privately. It has something for everyone, with a useful selection of buttons and controls, easy setup via USB, and optional EPOS Gaming Suite software for advanced settings.
It’s worth a try if you want to play with the noise gate and reverb controls. The B20 is also one of the cleaner, more grown-up looking gaming mics on this list, which might appeal to those who find the QuadCast S appealing. However, it is relatively expensive and the sound quality is good, but not outstanding.
Pros
- Clear and professional audio quality.
- Versatile recording patterns.
- Integrated pop filter.
- Suitable for gaming and content creation.
Cons
- Higher price point.
- May require some software configuration.
FIFINE USB Microphone
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Condenser |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid |
Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
Bit Depth | 16-bit |
Sample Rate | 48kHz |
Headphone Jack | No |
Gain Control | Yes |
Mounting Options | Adjustable stand included |
Connectivity | USB |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac |
Check Price |
This USB microphone is one of the best for gamers looking for an external microphone that offers professional sound at an affordable price. It offers an easy plug-and-play setup: just connect it to your laptop or desktop via the USB port and you’re done. The key to the quality of this microphone is the sound quality it offers. The frequency response is between 50 Hz and 16 kHz, which means that your voice will sound warm, rich, and well-rounded when you speak through the microphone.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about distracting outside noise interfering with the sound. The omnidirectional polar pattern is complemented by noise-canceling technology, so only the main sound source is picked up. This also means that you don’t have to hold the microphone near your mouth, so you can concentrate fully on the game.
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Plug-and-play setup.
- Decent sound quality for its price.
- Suitable for beginners and casual users.
Cons
- Basic features compared to more advanced models.
- May not meet the demands of professional streamers or content creators.
How to Set Up and Position Your Gaming Microphone?
Setting up and placing a game microphone correctly is important if you want your streams, voice chats, and recordings to sound clear and high-quality. Here’s a list of steps to help you:
????️ Pick the right microphone: Invest in a microphone that meets your needs and is of good quality. Most gamers like USB microphones because they are easy to use and don’t need any extra tools. But if you want even better sound quality, you might want to use an XLR microphone with an audio adapter.
???? Look for a quiet place: Choose a quiet place to keep background noise and disturbance to a minimum. Avoid places with noisy fans, air conditioners, traffic, and other things that can affect the quality of your sound.
???? Use a pop-up blocker: A pop filter is a simple device that cuts down on plosive sounds like “p” and “b” that can make your music sound distorted. It’s a round screen that you put in front of the microphone.
???? Change the mic’s gain: Set the gain or sensitivity of the microphone to the right amount. If it’s too high, the sound might get messed up, and if it’s too low, your words might not be clear enough. Change this to fit the needs of your microphone and the tools you’re using.
???? Check and Test: If you want to avoid hearing feedback while recording or streaming, wear headphones. Listen to test samples or keep an eye on your sound in real time to make sure it’s clear and free of noise.
FAQs
The HyperX QuadCast is a great microphone for people who livestream video games. The HyperX QuadCast cost $139 when it first came out, but you can find it at big retailers for less than $100. This USB condenser microphone is a great choice for people who care about how easy it is to use and how good it sounds.
The best microphone for getting professional results in any setting is the Shure SM7B. It’s strong but sensitive, easy to work with, and gives a sound that’s both intense and close, putting everything on the track. The SM7B is great for both singing and speech parts.