Podcasting and streaming have become a trend these days with more and more content creators trying to win over a large audience. That’s why great video and sound quality is crucial for leaving an impression on the viewers.
During a stream, no one wants to hear constant buzzing and other distracting sounds. Therefore, choosing great-quality microphones is important to record crystal clear audio and suppress background noise. In this article, we will review some of the best microphones for streaming and podcasting.
Best Microphone for Streaming: Blue Yeti
Blue Yeti is well-known for its simplicity, quality, and ease of use. It is the perfect pick for someone who needs a straightforward choice without the hassle of doing research and comparisons because many content creators favor it. It also remains a top choice when it comes to sound quality.
The classic metal build gives it a premium look. It is a USB-only mic which means there’s no extra cost for an audio interface, and all you need is to connect it to your PC and start recording. The knobs and buttons also give a lot of flexibility to make adjustments on the fly. Overall, a genuinely decent mic at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality
- Omnidirectional recording pattern
- Simple plug-and-play
- Value for price
Things to consider
- No XLR output
Best USB and XLR Microphone for Streaming: Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone
A hybrid USB/XLR microphone, Shure MV7 is ideal for podcasters and streamers seeking quality at a reasonable price. A dynamic mic with excellent performance in terms of noise rejection and vocal reproduction. It has a decent build quality and minimalistic design.
The touch panel for volume adjustments minimizes the knobs and switches that we usually see on mics. The coolest feature of this mic is that its XLR and USB outputs can be used simultaneously. For the best experience, the mic works with the Shureplus MOTIV app, a software for customizing settings and adjusting sound frequency.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly design
- Simultaneous XLR and USB outputs
- Decent build quality
- Useful companion software
- Portability and ease-of-use
Things to consider
- Uses a microUSB output instead of a USB-C
- Windows users might face some issues if using both MV7 and a USB audio interface
- Adjustments through the touch panel can introduce unwanted noise
Best USB Microphone for Streaming: HyperX QuadCast S USB Microphone
HyperX QuadCast S is a USB condenser mic and a perfect choice for those who value aesthetics besides excellent sound quality and a reliable build. It comes with a built-in customizable RGB lighting, a shock-mount for stability, and a pop filter for noise reduction.
It has a durable metal build, has features like a tap-to-mute button, and impressive sound quality along with effective noise reduction. If you ask me, it’s absolutely worth the investment.
Pros
- Impressive sound quality
- Reliable build
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Built-in shock-mount and pop-filter
Things to consider
- Relatively expensive
- It can’t be moved from the shock mount
- Condensers don’t work well with very loud sounds
Best Budget Microphone for Streaming: Razer Seiren Mini
Razer Seiren Mini is a compact mic that comes at a very reasonable price and is a great option for users who want to save some money without compromising quality. It has a reliable pill-shaped body with a condenser microphone, a microUSB to USB-A cable, and a rod to screw in the bottom.
It is not realistic to expect many features and a crystal clear sound quality in such a lower price tag. However, the mic still manages to record at various frequencies accurately and makes you sound good.
Pros
- Cheap
- Portable and easy to use
- Decent build quality
Things to consider
- Picks up a lot of keyboard sound
- Limited recording pattern
Best Gaming Microphone for Streaming: Trust Gaming GXT 259 Rudox
GXT 259 Rudox provides exceptional sound quality, making it a perfect pick for studio recording. At first glance, it seems like a professional and top-notch product and you’re right, it is. The mic comes with an isolation shield, pop filter, and a quality shock mount.
The build quality is also quite impressive with AUX and dials for on-the-fly adjustments. In addition, Rudox’s zero-latency monitoring and single direction pattern are some of its remarkable characteristics. Overall, it has pretty much every feature a podcaster or a streamer would need.
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality
- Zero-latency sound monitoring
- Accessories included in price
Things to consider
- No XLS output
- Single directional pattern
