Author: In today's ranking best microphones for computer of 2021Here are 15 great USB gaming microphones that are perfect for streaming, podcasting, Youtube, or just chatting on Skype, Zoom and more.
In the rating of the best microphones for PC, only USB models were added, the main task of which is recording and voice transmission. The TOP will not include studio microphones or microphones for recording vocals.
Read also: Best budget microphones under $ 100
Which PC microphone should you buy?
So, first you need to decide on the choice of a USB gaming microphone. Usually, for games and for streaming, gaming headsets are used (for which there are separate ratings with best headphones for gaming or stream), but there is always room to grow and you want a better microphone. After all, an external gaming microphone will always be better than a built-in microphone in a laptop or a microphone in gaming headphones.
For streaming or gaming, it is best to use a USB microphone because it has the following factors:
- USB microphone has a built-in audio card and the necessary amplifiers;
- no need to purchase an audio interface, amplifiers or wires for a microphone;
- Comes with a USB cable;
- many models come with a stand, stand and basic windscreen;
- no need to understand the settings;
- all necessary controls and indicators are located on the microphone itself;
- USB microphone is very versatile, it can be connected not only to a PC, but also to a laptop, phone, tablet.
To summarize, USB gaming microphones for computers are Plug & Play devices. Just connect it to your PC and the microphone is ready to use.
Read also: Rating of the best manufacturers of headphones
Which microphone is better for gaming and streaming: dynamic or condenser?
First, let's figure out which is which.
Dynamic microphone - a microphone similar in design to a dynamic loudspeaker. It is a membrane connected to a conductor that is placed in a strong magnetic field created by a permanent magnet. Fluctuations in air pressure act on the membrane and set the conductor in motion.
Condenser microphone - a microphone, the action of which is based on the use of the properties of an electrical capacitor.
Desktop USB microphones for computers are mostly condenser microphones. This is definitely a plus, because they qualitatively pick up a voice at a distance of about 30 cm, which allows you to talk at a comfortable distance from the microphone, and not close to the microphone, as is the case with dynamic ones.
Moving on, decide what kind of microphone you want for streaming? The most important thing is, of course, high-quality and natural voice recording, without unnecessary problems in the settings. Sound insulation is also important so that the sounds of a cooler, mouse clicks and other extraneous squeaks and sounds are not heard.
Read also: Best replica AirPods
This ranking will showcase versatile microphones for PC gaming and streaming.
TOP 15: Best USB Gaming Microphones for Computer
| № | Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Audio-Technica AT2020USB + | Professional studio condenser USB microphone. Best microphone for streaming and gaming | 200$ |
| 2. | Samson C01U PRO | High quality inexpensive USB microphone. Universal model for PC and laptop | 100$ |
| 3. | Recording Tools MCU-01C | A good inexpensive microphone for a computer | 70$ |
| 4. | Maono AU-A04 | Inexpensive USB gaming microphone for computer | 70$ |
| 5. | Shure Motiv MV88 + | Super USB microphone for premium PC | 250$ |
| 6. | Sony MDR-XB950AP | Full-size, closed-back headphones with deep bass | 77$ |
| 7. | Blue yeti nano | Desktop USB Condenser Microphone for Streaming and YouTube | 170$ |
| 8. | Razer Seiren X | Compact USB Gaming Condenser Microphone | 120$ |
| 9. | Asus ROG Strix Magnus | Portable microphone for gamers and streamers | 180$ |
| 10. | BEHRINGER C-1U | Simple and convenient USB condenser microphone | 42$ |
| 11. | AKG Lyra (C44-USB) | Good desktop USB microphone | 210$ |
| 12. | Trust GXT 252+ Emita Plus | High-quality microphone for gaming and streaming with a large set | 130$ |
| 13. | RODE NT-USB | USB Condenser Microphone for PC | 270$ |
| 14. | HyperX QuadCast | Good gaming USB microphone for computer with backlight and wide functionality | 175$ |
| 15. | Sven MK-490 | A good cheap microphone for a computer | 8$ |
Best USB gaming microphones for PC and streaming
15. Sven MK-490
A good cheap microphone for a computer.
Opens today's rating of the best microphones for a computer inexpensive model Sven MK-490 Is a budget microphone for PC gaming that covers the basic needs of the budget-minded and not overly picky gamer. This model is a construction of a stand and a microphone fixed on a flexible arm. There is also a mute button on the case.
Main characteristics
- Type: electret
- Construction: desktop
- Purpose: for computer
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
- Sensitivity: -58dB
- Frequency range: 30 Hz - 16000 Hz
- Cable length: 2.4m
- Body material: plastic
Equipment
- Microphone
- Cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Price.
- Long cable.
- Power button. Works great. Reliable.
- Rack. It is heavy, the microphone does not fall.
- Reliability. Poor quality materials. Looks cheap.
- Sound. The microphone is very quiet.
- The materials are the cheapest.
14. HyperX QuadCast
A good gaming USB microphone for a computer with a backlight and wide functionality.
A good gaming microphone for a computer with a backlit and wide functionality - HyperX QuadCast ($ 175). The model looks beautiful due to the proprietary HypeX style and lighting. The design immediately shows that in front of you is a gaming microphone. There is a convenient touch-sensitive power button, intuitive volume control and the ability to connect monitoring headphones Is a great option for streaming.
HyperX QuadCast can operate in 4 modes: Cardioid, Stereo, Surround and Front-Back.
Main characteristics
- Element: electret condenser microphone
- Capacitor type: three 14mm capacitors
- Sensitivity: -36 dB (1V / Pa at 1 kHz)
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Power consumption: 5V, 125mA
- Sampling rate / number of bits: 48 kHz / 16 bit
- Polar structures: Stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional
- Cable length: 3m
- Total weight with USB cable: 710g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Stand and "spider"
- Tripod mount
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Good recording quality. The signal is quite clean, there is little surrounding noise, the voice is transmitted quite naturally.
- Design.
- Wide functionality.
- High-quality assembly and materials.
- Equipment.
- High price.
- Sound features. The microphone picks up ambient noises and sounds better than we would like.
13. RODE NT-USB
USB condenser microphone for PC.
TOP-13 rating of the best microphones for a computer takes RODE NT-USB ($ 270). A great option for streaming, games, for communicating via Skype and its analogues. The microphone stands out for its good voice recording, low noise, especially at the back and bottom.
Main characteristics
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Dynamic range: 96 dB
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Max SPL: 110dB
- JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
- A / D converter 16-bit / 48 kHz
- Headphone Amplifier
- Output Connections: USB
- Power Requirements: USB (DC 5V)
- Dimensions: 184 x 62 x 50mm
- Weight: 520g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Pop filter
- Table tripod
- Mount + holder
- USB cable (6 m)
- Case
- Documentation
Video review
- High quality sound. RODE NT-USB has natural voice transmission, low noise floor, cardioid directivity and excellent ambient rejection.
- Equipment. The rich set will delight any user.
- Useful functions.
- Build quality. The body is made of metal, the stand is made of plastic, but reliable and durable. There is also a high quality pop filter. The microphone will last a long time.
- Price.
- There is no gain / sensitivity control.
Read also: Rating of headphones with a good microphone
12. Trust GXT 252+ Emita Plus
A quality microphone for streaming and gaming.
Trust GXT 252+ Emita Plus ($ 130) - Great quality microphone for streaming and gaming for a reasonable price. The model stands out for its rich set. In the box with the microphone you can also find a pantograph, a spider, a pop filter, a windscreen, a small tripod for mounting on a table.
This USB microphone is designed for streaming (you can also find it on Aliexpress), and it gives a good recording quality. The signal is quite clear, there is little noise.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: desktop
- Purpose: universal, for streaming
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Sensitivity: -35dB
- Frequency range: 18 Hz - 21000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 81 dB
- Connector: USB
- Power supply: via USB
- Cable length: 2.9 m
- Body material: metal
- Weight: 1520g
Equipment
- Microphone
- USB cable
- Foam cover
- Pop filter
- Spider suspension
- Adjustable stand
- Stand
- Documentation
Video review
- Good recording quality. No noise, sufficient volume and excellent natural voice transmission.
- Value for money.
- Rich equipment.
- Build quality.
- Flimsy clamp. The pantograph, of course, does not fall out, but it can wobble a little, which, in turn, can be stressful.
- "Spider". Harsh, sometimes it can transmit unnecessary noise.
11. AKG Lyra (C44-USB)
Desktop USB microphone for computer with clear sound.
# 11 in the TOP Best Microphones for Gaming AKG Lyra (C44-USB) ($ 210) - a beautiful desktop USB microphone for a computer with the ability to record stereo sound, 4 options for radiation patterns and recording at 192 kHz 24 bit. A direct monitoring function is also possible due to the 3.5 mm jack.
Main characteristics
- Capsule: 4 electret condenser
- Digitizing mode: 16 bit 44 kHz to 24 bit 192 kHz
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Maximum SPL: 129 dB
- Operating modes: Front, Front & Back, Tight Stereo, Wide Stereo
- Connection protocol: USB 2.0
- Consumption: 75mA
- Headphone amplifier power: 43mW
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Distortion: <0.009%
- Signal to noise ratio: 98dB
- Dimensions: 108 x 247 x 153 mm
- Weight: 915g
Equipment
- Stand microphone
- Tripod mount adapter
- USB cable (2 m)
- Ableton Live 10 Lite Registration Card
- Documentation
Video review
- High quality sound. A clean, versatile sound that's great for streaming and gaming, as well as vocals and instruments.
- 4 operating modes. For streams, for recording interviews, for recording an instrument + vocals or a conversation of 2-3 people and for recording several instruments, communication of people who are not sitting nearby, for recording the environment, movement, etc.
- Useful functionality. Direct monitoring capability with volume control for both headphone and microphone.
- Appearance.
- Price.
- Build quality. Raises questions. The material does not look durable, there is a suspicion that the microphone will not last long.
- There is no mix volume control.
Read also: The best headphones for TV
10. BEHRINGER C-1U
Simple and convenient USB condenser microphone for PC.
Top 10 Best Gaming Microphones for PC Ranked BEHRINGER C-1U ($ 42) - a simple and convenient condenser USB microphone, costing up to 3000 rubles. Sound recording quality is top notch for the money. The manufacturer has reduced the set to a minimum, which is understandable, because all the money went into the recording quality.
The metal body gives hope that this cheap PC microphone will last a long time.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: stationary
- Purpose: universal
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Max. sound pressure: 136 dB
- Impedance: 100 Ohm
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Connector: USB
- Power supply: via USB
- Body material: metal
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 54x169x54 mm
- Weight: 450g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Pole mount (with adapter)
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound. Not suitable for vocals, of course. But for voice transmission, a great option.
- Design.
- Build quality.
- Value for money.
- Sound. It can be quiet. It is recommended to adjust it in the settings.
- Can catch PC noises.
9.Asus ROG Strix Magnus
High quality USB gaming microphone from a famous brand.
The ninth place in today's ranking of the best microphones for streaming and gaming gets an option for those willing to overpay for a super-gamer product - Asus ROG Strix Magnus ($ 180). The microphone is positioned as a gaming one and it is really extremely convenient when communicating with teammates, but using it only for voice chat will be extremely wasteful. An interesting streamer option that looks advantageous against the background of studio solutions of the same cost due to its small size and ease of use.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: desktop
- Purpose: for computer, for streaming
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm, USB
- Sensitivity: -35dB
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Power supply: via USB
- Body material: plastic
Equipment
- Microphone
- Cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Convenience.
- Useful functionality.
- Sound recording quality.
- Price. The sound of the microphone falls short of similarly priced studio microphones.
- Noise suppression.
Read also: Best Noise Canceling (ANC) Headphones
8. Razer Seiren X
Compact condenser-type USB gaming microphone.
TOP 8 Best Microphones for Computer Gets Razer Seiren X ($ 120) - Compact USB Condenser Gaming Microphone for Streaming and Gaming. Razer's signature design, excellent noise reduction and superior voice reproduction.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: desktop
- Purpose: for computer, for streaming
- Directional pattern: hypercardioid
- Connector: USB
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Max. sound pressure: 110 dB
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 85dB
- Power supply: via USB
Equipment
- Microphone
- Support bar
- Table stand
- Micro-USB to USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- The size. The microphone is compact and portable.
- Build quality. Shockproof design that will last you many years.
- Design.
- Value for money.
- Modest equipment.
- No PlayStation and Xbox compatibility.
Read also: TOP best headphones for PS4
7. Blue Yeti nano
Desktop USB condenser microphone for streaming and YouTube.
# 7 Best USB Microphone for Computer Blue yeti nano ($ 170) - Desktop condenser microphone for streaming and video recording. Good sound quality, clear and convenient settings, stable performance. Well, several colors to choose from.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: desktop
- Capsules: two 14 mm condenser capsules
- Modes: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 4.5mV / Pa (1KHz)
- Maximum SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1KHz)
- Sampling rate: 48 kHz
- Bit rate: 24 bit
- Power consumption: 5V 150mA
- Headphone output: yes
- Power supply: via USB
- Microphone mute button: yes
- Attenuator (PAD): yes
- Dimensions (microphone and stand) L: 10.9 cm W: 9.6 cm H: 21.1 cm
- Weight: 630g
Equipment
- Microphone on stand
- Tripod mount adapter
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound quality. One of the best microphones for streaming and voice recording.
- Useful functions. Connecting headphones for direct monitoring, adjusting its volume, the ability to "mutate" the microphone.
- Design.
- Sound features. Perhaps the most important disadvantage of this microphone. He catches too much background noise.
6. Shure Motiv MV88 +
Excellent USB microphone for premium PCs.
The most expensive microphone in the TOP - Shure MOTIV MV88 + ($ 250) - Condenser-type digital miniature microphone for computers, laptops and mobile gadgets.
The microphone is equipped with a modern Lightning connector and is designed to be paired with Apple devices.
Main characteristics
- Weight: 0.079 kg
- Directional Pattern: Bidirectional / Cardioid
- Connector type: Lightning / USB
- Sensitivity: 37
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Equipment
- Microphone
- Windscreen
- Phone clip with microphone mount
- Lightning cable, 38 cm
- USB-C cable, 38cm
- Minitripod Manfrotto PIXI
- Carrying case
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound.
- Equipment.
- Build quality.
- Price.
Read also: How to choose a portable speaker?
5. Samson Meteor USB
A budget external microphone for PC and gaming.
TOP 5 in the ranking of the best gaming microphones for PC takes Samson Meteor USB ($ 90) - An inexpensive external microphone for PC and games. This gaming microphone transmits voice with high quality and natural, does not require settings, does not cause problems.
This microphone is one of the best under $ 100 in terms of value for money. If you don't have a budget, then it's definitely worth taking a closer look.
Main characteristics
- Operating principle: capacitor
- Microphone directivity: unidirectional
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 96dB
- Sound pressure: 120 dB
- ADC capacity: 16 bit
- ADC sampling rate: 48 kHz
- Connector: USB / mini type B / headphone / mini-jack 3.5 mm
- Cable length: 1m
- Body material: metal
- Dimensions: 100x49x49mm
- Weight: 263g
Equipment
- Microphone
- USB cable
- Case
- Documentation
Video review
- Sensitive, good sound.
- Levels the volume automatically.
- Value for money.
- Interesting design.
- Compact.
- It gets very dirty.
- Poor noise reduction. Due to automatic volume leveling, when it is quiet, it can draw out some background noise.
4. Maono AU-A04
An inexpensive electret USB microphone for your computer.
# 4 Best Computer Microphones for Gaming and Streaming Maono AU-A04 ($ 70) - An inexpensive electret USB microphone for your computer. The microphone stands out for its rich set, beautiful appearance and excellent value for money and sound quality.
Main characteristics
- Operating principle: electret
- Microphone directivity: unidirectional
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Sensitivity: -38dB
- Frequency response: 30 - 16000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 70dB
- Sound pressure: 120 dB
- ADC sampling rate: 192 kHz
- ADC capacity: 24 bit
- Connection connector: USB
- Cable length: 2.5m
- Body material: metal
- Weight: 205g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Pop filter
- Windscreen
- Vibration protection "spider"
- Pantograph with mount
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Value for money. It is difficult to find a worthy competitor for this money. The voice is written naturally, with high quality.
- Rich kit.
- Quality build and design.
- Not loud enough.
- Catches a lot of noise.
- There is no direct monitoring and regulators.
Read also: Rating of the best headphones for the computer
3. Recording Tools MCU-01C
A good budget USB microphone for gaming and streaming.
TOP 3 best microphones for streaming and gaming Recording Tools MCU-01C ($ 70). This microphone is the little brother of the famous MCU-01, using the same capsule and electronics in a more compact body. Designed for recording vocals, speech, musical instruments and podcast. Installation of additional drivers is not required for operation. The microphone has LED backlighting. Power is supplied via USB. The set includes a hard holder, a tripod table stand, a USB cable.
Main characteristics
- Microphone: for computer
- Operating principle: capacitor
- Microphone directivity: unidirectional
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 30 - 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -36dB
- Sound pressure: 135 dB
- ADC sampling rate: 48 kHz
- ADC capacity: 16 bit
- Connection connector: USB
- Power: phantom
- Body material: plastic
- Dimensions: 157x47x47mm
Equipment
- Microphone
- Stand holder
- Tripod
- Documentation
Video review
- Value for money.
- Build quality.
- Equipment.
- Voice quality.
- Noise suppression.
2. Samson C01U PRO
Universal high quality portable USB microphone for laptop.
Silver Medal for Best Gaming Microphones goes to Samson C01U PRO ($ 100) - a universal high-quality portable USB microphone for a laptop, the best in terms of price and quality up to $ 100. The model can be found on Aliexpress and is reliable despite the Chinese build. From the useful - there is the ability to connect headphones for direct monitoring.
Read also: TOP best headphones from Aliexpress
Samson C01U PRO is perfect for voice acting video or sound recording. For its price, it accurately and clearly conveys the voice.
Main characteristics
- Studio condenser microphone
- Diaphragm diameter: 19mm
- Diaphragm thickness: 3 microns
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 18000 Hz
- Sensitivity: minimum -40 dB FS / Pa
- Sensitivity: maximum -4 dB FS / Pa
- Maximum sound pressure SPL: 130 dB
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dimensions: 180mm x 54mm x 54mm
- Weight: 0.48kg
Equipment
- Microphone
- Tripod stand
- Mount adapter
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound quality.
- Versatility in application.
- Compatibility. Compatible with Mac, Windows and even iPad.
- Equipment.
- Durability.
- The best ratio of price and quality.
- Working with Windows 10. May be too quiet, there may also be background noise. You can fix the problem by resetting the settings or updating Windows.
1. Audio-Technica AT2020USB +
Best gaming microphone for PC in 2021
Best USB studio condenser microphone under $ 200 - Audio-Technica AT2020USB + ($ 200). Professional USB studio condenser microphone, best rated for gaming and streaming. The model is universal, suitable for both vocals and speech. The sound is clear, there is little noise. Easy to use. Easily take your videos, streams and so on to the next level.
Main characteristics
- Microphone directivity: unidirectional
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Nominal impedance: 100 Ohm
- Frequency response: 20 - 16000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -37dB
- Sound pressure: 144 dB
- Signal to noise ratio: 74dB
- ADC sampling rate: 44.1 kHz
- ADC capacity: 16 bit
- Connection connectors: USB
- Body material: metal
- Dimensions: 162x52x52mm
- Weight: 374g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Stand holder
- Detachable cable
- Tripod
- Case \ cover
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound.
- Equipment.
- Functional.
- Design.
- There is no shutdown button.
- Complete tripod. It is lightweight plastic and holds the microphone extremely uncertainly, it is very easy to drop it.
