Author: Today's TOP-20 best microphones will feature excellent models with good sound for all needs and purposes: microphones for games and streaming, for recording vocals, video, speech or musical instruments, for karaoke, as well as microphones for ordinary communication. All price categories were also considered - from budget to premium microphones.
How to Choose the Right Microphone?
When choosing a microphone, you need to decide on the goals of its purchase. If you want the best microphone for recording video or sound, then these are the microphones alone. If you need a microphone for PC and games, then these are other microphones, for which we have prepared a separate rating with the best USB mics for gaming.
What to look for when choosing a microphone?
- Sound quality... The most important factor when choosing a good microphone. The sound should be transmitted as naturally as possible, without distortion.
- Category... As mentioned above, you need a different microphone category for each purpose.
- Price... Another important factor. Not everyone can afford a premium microphone. For people on a budget, we have previously collected a rating best inexpensive microphones.
- Other little things... Such as cable strength, structural reliability, wind protection, etc.
Top 2021 Microphones with Good Recording Sound
| № | Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Shure SM57 | The best studio microphone for the stage | 115$ |
| 2. | AKG C636 | Excellent electret condenser stage microphone | 345$ |
| 3. | LEWITT LCT640 | Premium professional studio condenser microphone | 980$ |
| 4. | Audio-Technica AE2300 | Excellent dynamic cardioid microphone, alternative to Shure SM57 | 320$ |
| 5. | Rode NTR | Best premium microphone for audio or video recording | 700$ |
| 6. | HyperX QuadCast | Best microphone for gaming | 175$ |
| 7. | Sennheiser Memory Mic | The best wireless microphone for your phone | 190$ |
| 8. | Aston Microphones Origin | Quality condenser microphone | 340$ |
| 9. | Razer Seiren X | Best compact and portable microphone | 110$ |
| 10. | Audio-Technica AT2020USB + | The best professional studio microphone for PC streaming | 200$ |
| 11. | Sennheiser MD 421 II | A dynamic microphone that's great for the home studio | 370$ |
| 12. | Rode NT1 | Professional studio microphone of good quality | 290$ |
| 13. | Neumann TLM 102 | Quality studio condenser microphone | 530$ |
| 14. | BEHRINGER C-1U | Best budget digital (USB) microphone | 50$ |
| 15. | Zoom H1N | One of the best professional wireless microphones for voice and sound recording | 110$ |
| 16. | Audio-Technica AT5040 | Best Premium Condenser Microphone | 4100$ |
| 17. | Maono AU-410 | Portable External USB Lavalier Microphone | 40$ |
| 18. | Shure MV88 | Quality Expansion Microphone for iPhone with Lightning Plug | 195$ |
| 19. | Samson C01U PRO | Best microphone under $ 100 | 100$ |
| 20. | Sennheiser XSW-D | Excellent external wireless microphone lavalier for filming | 345$ |
20 of the best microphones of 2021
20. Sennheiser XSW-D
External wireless microphone lavalier for filming.
The best microphones of 2021 are opened by the excellent external wireless lavalier microphone for filming and cameras - Sennheiser XSW-D ($ 345). This microphone connects to other microphones and is perfect for bloggers.
The sound quality is at a very high level, and the microphone also stands out for its small size - it is very comfortable.
Main characteristics
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.1%
- Operating frequency ranges: 2,400 - 2483.5 MHz
- Frequency range: 3.5 mm jack / XLR: 80 - 18,000 Hz / 6.3 mm jack: 10 - 18,000 Hz
- Audio output: max. 12 dBu
- Modulation: GFSK with TDMA
- Signal to noise ratio: ≥ 106dB
- Working time: up to 5 hours
- Battery Features: Li-ion
- Capacity: 850mAh
- Codec: aptX® Live
- Maximum input voltage: 5V
- Transmission power: max. 10 MW
- Supply voltage: 3.7V
- Temperature range: 0 ° C - 60 ° C
- Working temperature: -10 ° C + 55 ° C
- Charging time: Typically 3 hours
- Operating relative humidity: 95% (non-condensing)
Equipment
- Microphone
- XSW-D transmitter with 3.5 mm jack (1/8 ″)
- Receiver XSW-D with 3.5mm jack (1/8 ″)
- Coiled cable with 3.5 mm (1/8 ″) plugs
- Belt clip
- USB-A to USB-C conversion cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Good sound.
- Distance of work. As much as 70 meters.
- Equipment. The microphone is ready for use without additional. shopping.
- Compactness.
- Price.
- Working hours.
19. Samson C01U PRO
Best budget microphone under $ 100.
One of the best budget microphones out there - Samson C01U PRO ($ 100) - Universal quality portable USB microphone for laptop, also ranked among the best microphones of 2021. Despite the fact that this microphone for a computer is the easiest to find and buy on Aliexpress, the model is reliable and will last for more than one year. From the useful - there is the ability to connect headphones for direct monitoring.
This microphone is quite suitable, for example, for voice acting video. He writes his voice well. And many musical instruments too. At least for its price level.
Read also: Rating of the best monitor headphones
Main characteristics
- Studio condenser microphone
- Diaphragm diameter: 19mm
- Diaphragm thickness: 3 microns
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 18000 Hz
- Resolution: 16 bit
- Frequency: 44.1 / 48 kHz
- Sensitivity: minimum -40 dB FS / Pa
- Sensitivity: maximum -4 dB FS / Pa
- Maximum sound pressure SPL: 130 dB
- Supercardioid radiation pattern
- 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. Best of the best microphones under $ 100.
- Versatility in application. In the PRO version, you can connect headphones to the microphone, it's very convenient!
- Compatibility. Compatible with Mac, Windows and even iPad.
- Set.
- Durability and reliability.
- Working with Windows 10. For some owners, the microphone in this OS writes too quietly. There are also reports of strong background noise.
- Housing. The case is rubbing and this is clearly a minus.
18. Shure MV88
Great expansion microphone for iPhone.
Go ahead, and the next place in the TOP of the best microphones on the market is Shure MV88 ($ 195) - Mid-range expansion microphone. Ideal, easy-to-use iPhone model with lightning plug.
Main characteristics
- Operating principle: capacitor
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- DSP Modes: Speech / Singing / Acoustic / Loud / Smooth
- A / D conversion: up to 24-bit / 48 kHz
- Sensitivity: -37 dBFS / Pa @ 1 kHz
- Max SPL: 120dB
- Power supply: via Lightning connector
- Body material: metal
- Dimensions: 67 x 25 x 35mm
- Weight: 40.5g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Wind protection
- Hard case
- Headphone extension cable
- Documentation
Video review
- High quality sound.
- Value for money.
- Convenient application.
- Build quality. The microphone is very durable.
- The radius of the microphone.
Read also: The best headphone manufacturers
17. Maono AU-410
Portable external lavalier microphone with USB connection.
The seventeenth place for the best microphones goes to the portable external lavalier microphone with USB connection - Maono AU-410 ($ 40). The microphone is designed to work in combination with a laptop or PC, perfect for communication, conferences and similar conversational events. The Maono AU-410 is remembered for its good sound quality, inexpensive cost and error-free operation in most talking and recording applications.
If you are looking for a small USB lavalier microphone at a reasonable price, then the Maono AU-410 is definitely a great choice.
Read also: TOP of the best headphones for computer
Main characteristics
- Microphone: lavalier
- Operating principle: electret
- Microphone directivity: omnidirectional
- Frequency range: 30 - 18000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 74dB
- Sensitivity: -30dB
- ADC capacity: 24 bit
- ADC sampling rate: 96 kHz
- Connection connector: USB
- Cable length: 2m
- Body material: plastic
Equipment
- Microphone
- Clip
- Wind protection
- Case
- Documentation
Video review
- Excellent value for money and sound quality.
- Stable work.
- Clip quality.
- Catches ambient noise.
- The wire. Poor quality and spoils easily.
16. Audio-Technica AT5040
The best premium condenser microphone.
The most expensive microphone in the rating - Audio-Technica AT5040 ($ 4,100) - New large diaphragm condenser microphone. The Audio Technica AT5040 meets all the specs of a typical high quality phantom powered condenser microphone with its discrete component design, low noise, high SPL and decent shock absorber. However, take a closer look and you will find some peculiarities. The noise figure is exceptional and the quick release bearing is beautifully designed.
Also worth mentioning is the improved internal decoupling mechanism of the capsule and the fact that it is 100% hand-assembled and tested.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: manual
- Purpose: for vocals
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Connector: mini XLR
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Max. sound pressure: 142 dB
- Sensitivity: -56dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 89 dB
Equipment
- Microphone
- 5/8 "rack mount
- Protective case
- Documentation
Video review
- Design.
- Build quality.
- Sound. Natural and open.
- Large output level and very low noise.
- Requires accurate positioning.
- Price.
15. Zoom H1N
One of the best professional wireless microphones for voice and sound recording.
The best wireless microphone — Zoom H1N ($ 110) - Professional wireless microphone for voice recording. A functional and interesting device. The handheld recorder can be used as a wireless microphone. It also works as a USB microphone for a PC or as an external microphone, for example, for a camera.
Main characteristics
- Number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- Max. bit depth / sampling rate: 24/96
- Power: 500mW
- Recording format: MP3 / PCM (WAV)
- Memory type: external (microSD)
- LCD display: yes
- Display diagonal: 1.25 inches.
- Display resolution: 96 x 64 pix.
- Computer connection: USB 2.0
- Working time: 10 h
- Battery type: 2 AAA
- Weight: 60g
Equipment
- Microphone
- 2 AA batteries
- Steinberg Cubase LE and WaveLab LE keys
- Documentation
Video review
- Value for money and sound quality.
- A large number of functions.
- Inputs / outputs and connection options. There is a headphone output, an input for an external microphone.
- Convenient management.
- Software included. Cubase and WaveLab will not hurt a beginner, albeit truncated versions.
- High level of intrinsic noise.
- Working hours.
- Lean kit.
14. BEHRINGER C-1U
Best budget digital (USB) microphone.
Another place in the ranking of the best microphones is received by an inexpensive model BEHRINGER C-1U ($ 50) - Good value for money USB microphone. The microphone writes a voice with dignity, does not require a sound card, and can boast of reliability. The only disadvantage is that there is no stand in the kit.
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
- Weight: 450 g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Pole mount (with adapter)
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound. Best for speech rather than vocals.
- Design. Stylish and interesting.
- Build quality and reliability. The microphone is durable, made of metal. It will obviously last more than a year.
- Value for money.
- Sound volume. The microphone can be quiet.
- Can catch PC noises.
Read also: Best headphones under $ 100
13. Neumann TLM 102
A quality studio condenser microphone.
TOP-13 of the rating of the best microphones of 2021 Neumann TLM 102 ($ 530). This condenser microphone delivers superior vocal performance. Offering crystal clear reproduction across the entire frequency range with a beautiful bump around the 6 kHz mark, the TLM 102 is a dedicated microphone that does wonders for your mixes.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: stationary
- Purpose: for vocals
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Max.sound pressure: 144 dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 73 dB
- Power: phantom
- Weight: 262g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Microphone stand
- Documentation
Video review
- Build quality and materials.
- Sound.
- Noise isolation. Low level of intrinsic noise. Captures much less external noise (clicks, knocks, wall drilling, etc.) when recording, unlike many other microphones.
- Scanty equipment and packaging.
12. Rode NT1
Professional studio microphone of good quality.
The twelfth place in the TOP of the best microphones receives the original NT1 Rode (290$).
The microphone was released about 20 years ago and the NT1A a few years later. The company reverted to the old name with the recently released NT1 model, which is very similar to the NT1A but has actually been completely redesigned from the ground up - the only common component with the NT1A is the mesh grille.
So what does this redesign include? First is the new HF6 capsule, which has a sound signature similar to vintage favorites but exhibits extremely low noise levels. In addition, the transducer is suspended inside the microphone using a Lyre Rycote system to minimize external vibration. Rode also claims the NT1 is the world's quietest 1-inch cardioid capacitor due to its high-quality electronics that reduce its own noise floor to 4.5 dBA.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: stationary
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Connector: XLR 3 pin (M)
- Impedance: 100 Ohm
- Max. sound pressure: 137 dB
- Sensitivity: -32dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 88dB
- Power: phantom
- Cable length: 6m
- Weight: 326g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Anti-vibration mount SM6
- XLR cable
- Dust case
- Instructions
Video review
- Sound recording quality.
- Nice thick cable included.
- Spider set and n-filter.
- Build quality.
- Price.
11. Sennheiser MD 421 II
An impressive dynamic microphone for the home studio.
Microphone Sennheiser MD 421 II ($ 370) - eleventh place in the TOP of the best microphones. This dynamic versatile microphone will fit perfectly into your home studio.
Read also: The best headphones from Sennheiser
Main characteristics
- Studio dynamic microphone
- Microphone directivity: unidirectional
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Nominal impedance: 200 Ohm
- Frequency range: 30 - 17000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -54dB
- Functions / Capabilities: LPF (Roll-off)
- Connectors: XLR
- Dimensions: 215x46x49mm
- Weight: 385g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Stand holder
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound quality.
- Build quality.
- Design. A Sennheiser classic.
- Ease of use.
- Price.
10. Audio-Technica AT2020USB +
Professional studio condenser USB microphone.
As we continue to pick the best microphone, the tenth place in the ranking goes to one of the best studio USB microphones that is perfect for streaming - Audio-Technica AT2020USB + ($ 200) - professional studio condenser USB microphone.
Main characteristics
- Studio condenser microphone
- Microphone directivity: unidirectional
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Nominal impedance: 100 Ohm
- Frequency range: 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
- Weight: 374g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Stand holder
- Detachable cable
- Tripod
- Case \ cover
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound.
- Equipment.
- Functional.
- Design.
- An unreliable tripod for attachment.
- There is no shutdown button.
9. Razer Seiren X
The best compact and portable microphone.
TOP 9 Best Microphones of 2021 Receives Razer Seiren X ($ 120) - Compact USB Condenser Gaming Microphone for Streaming and Gaming on Your PC. Razer's signature design, excellent noise reduction and superior voice reproduction.
Read also: Best portable speakers
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.
8. Aston Microphones Origin
High quality condenser microphone.
Eighth place in the ranking of the best microphones received a quality condenser microphone Aston Microphones Origin (340$).
Origin is a fixed-pattern condenser (cardioid) and is the smaller of Aston's two microphones: the larger Spirit is a multi-pattern condenser with an additional 10 dB. There are two switches on the stainless steel case: a 10 dB attenuator and an 80 Hz low pass filter.
Main characteristics
- Microphone: instrumental
- Operating principle: capacitor
- Microphone directivity: unidirectional
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -32dB
- Sound pressure: 127 dB
- Signal to noise ratio: 76 dB
- Connection connector: XLR
- Power: phantom
- Body material: metal
- Weight: 450 g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Documentation
Video review
- Robust, high quality construction.
- Great sound.
- Design.
- Price.
- Lean kit.
7. Sennheiser Memory Mic
The best wireless microphone for your phone.
Sennheiser Memory Mic ($ 190) - Best Lavalier Microphone for Phone, # 7 Top Microphone. It is attached to clothes with a clothespin. The model is very beautiful for its form factor. Connects to an iOS or Android phone using Bluetooth version 4.1. A free branded mobile application is used for recording, processing and mixing sound.
Read also: Best Sennheiser headphones
Main characteristics
- Directional Pattern: Circular
- Signal type: digital
- Equivalent noise level: 28 dB
- Microphone type: lavalier
- Frequency range: 100 - 20,000 Hz
- Transducer Principle: Electret
- Maximum sound pressure level: 119 dB
- Operating frequency ranges of the transmitter: 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz
- Transmitter power: 10mW
Equipment
- Microphone
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Excellent sound and recording quality.
- Does not disable the built-in microphone of the smartphone.
- The quality of the materials.
- Beautiful design. In the Sennheiser signature style.
- Small radius of action.
6.HyperX QuadCast
The best microphone for gaming.
# 6 in the TOP of the best microphones this year gets the best microphone for gaming - HyperX QuadCast ($ 175) - A relatively inexpensive mic for streamers looking for an easy-to-use mic with crisp sound.
Read also: Rating of the best gaming headphones
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: desktop
- Purpose: for podcasts / radio / television, for streaming
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm, mini USB
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: -36dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 90dB
- Power supply: via USB
- Cable length: 3m
- Weight: 254g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Mounting adapter
- Shock absorber and stand
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound quality.
- Ease of use.
- Mute touch button.
- Design and lighting.
- There may be problems with some operating systems.
5. Rode NTR
The best microphone for recording sound or video.
The top 5 microphones are opened by the best microphone for recording sound and video - Rode NTR (700$).
Thanks to the internal shock mounts, there is no need for an external suspension stand to assist with setup, and while this is a rather heavy microphone, the included compact mount that attaches to its base is great for holding it at any angle to the microphone.
Read also: The best headphones with a great mic
On a variety of sound sources, the microphone provides a very natural representation of everything in front of it, with lots of low frequencies and a crisp top with a natural roll-off rather than the often exaggerated brightness inherent in some capacitors.
Main characteristics
- Type: tape
- Construction: stationary
- Purpose: universal
- Impedance: 200 Ohm
- Max. sound pressure: 130 dB
- Sensitivity: -30.5dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Weight: 1047g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Holder
- Case
- Documentation
Video review
- High quality sound.Natural smooth and silky sound.
- Design.
- Built-in shock absorber.
- Build quality.
- The microphone is picky about proper control.
- Price.
4. Audio-Technica AE2300
Excellent dynamic cardioid microphone alternative to Shure SM57.
TOP-4 ratings of the best microphones of 2021 Audio-Technica AE2300 ($ 320). The microphone is a general purpose cardioid design with high SPL, making it ideal for percussion, drums, guitar amps and brass instruments. It is also quite compact (less than 10 cm in length), so it is ideal for discrete use in live environments.
Main characteristics
- Construction: stationary
- Purpose: instrumental
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Connector: XLR 3 pin (M)
- Impedance: 250 Ohm
- Sensitivity: -57dB
- Frequency range: 60 - 20,000 Hz
- Body material: metal
- Weight: 138g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Pole mount AT8471
- Threaded adapter
- Soft case
Video review
- Individual frequency response.
- Additional low-pass filter.
- Rubberized screw clamp.
- The quality of the materials.
- Relatively high price.
3. LEWITT LCT640
Premium professional studio condenser microphone.
Bronze in the Best of Best Microphones rating goes to LEWITT LCT640 ($ 980) - Premium professional studio condenser microphone. The microphone is suitable for recording vocals and musical instruments: percussion, piano, wind instruments, as well as ensembles.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: stationary
- Purpose: universal
- Connector: XLR 3 pin (M)
- Impedance: 150 Ohm
- Max. sound pressure: 163 dB
- Sensitivity: -38dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 84dB
- Power: phantom
- Low pass filter
- Attenuator (PAD)
- Weight: 430g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Case
- Holder
- Wind protection
- Documentation
Video review
- High-quality sound transmission.
- Flexible.
- Five pattern options.
- Selectable decay and decay.
- The second way out is pretty fragile.
- High price.
Read also: TOP headphones with good bass
2. AKG C636
Excellent electret condenser stage microphone.
Best microphone gets silver AKG C636 ($ 345) - Great electret condenser stage microphone. As a condenser microphone, the C636 is inherently more complex than its dynamic cousins. Feedback cancellation and noise handling issues are balanced with trade-offs in audio quality.
The high-frequency range is present and well defined, without the harsh noise and peak phase shifts that some condenser microphones either reflect or try to mask with a general treble reduction.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: manual
- Purpose: for vocals
- Connector: XLR 3 pin (M)
- Impedance: 200 Ohm
- Max. sound pressure: 150 dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 74dB
- Power: phantom
- Low pass filter
- Weight: 312g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Microphone holder
- Microphone bag
- Documentation
Video review
- Loud full sound.
- Build quality.
- Equipment.
- Design.
- Too expensive.
1. Shure SM57
The best studio microphone for the stage.
Best Microphone in 2021 - Shure SM57 ($ 115) - An indispensable classic studio and stage dynamic microphone.
No list of the best microphones is complete without the Shure SM57.
This mic is ideal for guitar cabinets and snare drums, and should be in every sound engineer's microphone locker.
Main characteristics
- Type: dynamic
- Construction: stationary
- Purpose: instrumental
- Purpose of the instrument microphone: drums, winds
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Connector: XLR 3 pin (M)
- Impedance: 150 Ohm
- Sensitivity: -56dB
- Frequency range: 40 Hz - 15000 Hz
- Power: phantom
- Body material: metal
- Weight: 284g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Swivel holder
- Microphone case
- Brief instruction
Video review
- Sound. Stunning quality sound recording and transmission.
- Reliability.
- Easy to set up.
- The best in terms of price and quality.
- There is some background noise.
