A good gaming headset may have all you need to chat with teammates in games or have the occasional video call without worrying about the audio from your computer feeding back into the microphone. But, if you want to get into some more serious production, such as streaming or podcasting, you've got good reason to get a dedicated microphone.
For many headsets, a microphone comes second fiddle to the speakers – hearing quality audio 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 through your headphones speakers but instead the sound coming through the audience's speakers. That means you suddenly need a microphone that can match the quality of good speakers. So, dedicated hardware is what you'll want.
A solid, standalone microphone will offer a wider frequency response range than a basic headset mic, letting it pick up all the nuance in your voice for a richer sound. With different pickup patterns they can also make it easier to cut down on the background noise that might be coming from your gaming PC or gaming keyboard. Some microphones can even let you switch between different pickup patterns, so you can focus on just your voice with a cardioid pattern one day while you might try to record you and a guest with a bi-directional pattern the next day.
With all that in mind, we'll help guide you through a variety of quality microphones that can fit in a range of production environments. So, whether you just want to stream games on weekends or plan on making a half-dozen podcast series, you'll be able to find a microphone suited to the task – click here to find them in the UK.
Type: 2 x back electret condenser capsule | Sensitivity: +6dB FS/PA | Frequency Response 50Hz – 20kHz | Sample rate: 96kHz | Bit Depth: 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 on the regular, the Samson G-Track Pro is the microphone you should set your sights on. This is a seriously capable condenser mic. For one thing, it supports a range of recording setups thanks to three selectable polar patterns. You can focus on just yourself in a desk setup with the cardioid setting, chat with a guest using the bidirectional setting, or just try to pick up everything with the omnidirectional setting.
The Samson G-Track Pro can handle some high-quality recording, too. It’ll pick up everything from 50Hz up to 20kHz, covering the typical human vocal range and then some. It can also handle you getting a little loud with a max sound pressure level of 120dB. All that sound can be recorded at up to 96kHz and in 16- or 24-bit. On the mic, you’ll find a number of simple controls for dialing everything in as well as a jack to monitor on headphones and even a quarter-inch jack for a second input source.
Type: Dual Condenser Capsules | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 24-bit | Max SPL: 110dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Stereo, Whisper
You might expect the basics with a budget microphone, but the Roccat Torch comes with some surprising flair for just $100. This USB-powered condenser mic provides the flexibility of multiple polar patterns. Letting you focus on your own voice or go for stereo to capture the voices of you and a guest. There’s also a special Whisper mode to capture your voice when you need to keep your voice down. With a 110dB max SPL, the mic can also capture louder sounds without clipping.
The mic aspect is a good start, but Roccat has also built a volume dial and gain control onto the base of the mic alongside a dial for easily switching between pickup patterns. You can plug your headphones into that base, too, for lag-free monitoring. When you need to mute, you can quickly swipe your hand over the top of the mic to cut your audio without having to touch your setup. Roccat tops it off with flashy RGB lighting inside the mic housing, so you can add some flair to your video feed.
Type: 2 x Blue 14mm condenser capsules | Frequency Response 40Hz-18kHz | Sample rate: 44.1kHz | Bit Depth: 16-bit | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional Headphone Amplifier: 130mW @ 16ohms
The Blue Snowball USB microphone is easily the best way to get into quality audio recording without spending much at all. This little guy includes a desktop stand that's height-adjustable, so you can plug it in, plop it down, and start recording right away.
It only offers omnidirectional or cardioid capture 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 cohorts huddled around it. It's available in four colors and can even be mounted to a traditional mic stand if you want to get a bit fancy.
The Blue Yeti microphone offers a near-perfect combination of performance and price, making it our almost-top pick for anyone getting into the game of streaming and podcasting. It's not
that
expensive and it includes cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional capture patterns, so it can start recording audio in pretty much any environment without breaking the bank.
It's also a USB microphone, so setup is super easy, and I also dig the fact that it has gain control and comes in a bunch of nifty colors. For fledgling and even advanced streamers/podcasters, the Yeti does everything you need it to do at the right price, with fantastic performance too.
Type: 3 x 14mm condenser capsules | Sensitivity: -36db | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 16-bit | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo | Headphone Amplifier: 7mW @ 32ohms
We already loved the HyperX QuadCast for its ability to capture speech with compelling warmth. Now, HyperX has made its offering even better with the HyperX QuadCast S.
The HyperX QuadCast S is still mostly the same USB microphone capable of recording with a 48kHz sample rate at a 16-bit depth, ensuring you can get an accurate recording across the mic's 20Hz-20kHz frequency response range. And, it can still capture audio with four different pickup patterns, letting you easily switch the settings up to meet your recording needs. Where the HyperX QuadCast S steps things up compared to its predecessor is in the flashy RGB lighting, letting you have a mic that blends in nicely with a gaming setup and adds a bit of flair to any video streams.
Type: 1 x dynamic capsule | Sensitivity: -38db | Frequency Response 50Hz-20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 16-bit | Max SPL: 120dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Headphone Amplifier: 58mW @ 16ohms
The Razer Seiren Elite (read our review) is Razer’s current top-of-the-line microphone and it’s made for broadcast. It's smaller than most microphones and it comes with a detachable base so you can more easily mount it onto a boom arm or pack it up 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 a ring light that lights up red to let you know when you’re talking too loud and clipping. It also includes a foam windscreen, so you don’t need to buy a pop filter to stop those ‘plosives.’
Type: 2 x Blue 14mm condenser capsules | Sensitivity: -47db | Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 24-bit | Max SPL: 120dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional | Headphone Amplifier: 130mW @ 16ohms
The Blue Yeti Nano takes everything great about the Blue Yeti and shrinks it down to a smaller form-factor. Even though it's the smaller sibling to the Yeti, it still fits into almost any mic stand. Some of the recording patterns have been lost in the shrinking process, but the two that remain are the two mic patterns most used for podcasting and streaming, anyway. It's solid, well-built, and sounds great, and is exactly the level of quality I've come to expect from Blue's line of excellent USB microphones.
Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: -53db | Frequency Response 80Hz-16kHz | Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
USB mics offer a lot of convenience for easy setup with your PC, laptop, or Mac, but you might already have a capable audio interface for your computer to support mics, instruments and other sound inputs. In that case, you’ll probably be looking for an XLR mic, and the Audio-Technica AT2040 is a great option for streaming and podcasting over that interface.
The Audio-Technica AT2040 makes it simple to really focus on your voice and cut down on background sounds as it uses a hypercardioid pickup pattern. It’s also a dynamic mic, letting it pick up audio with solid sensitivity while being able to handle high volumes. It’s even built into hardware that can drastically simplify your setup. You don’t need to mount this onto a large shock mount or rig up a pop filter in front of it. The Audio-Technica AT2040 has its own shock mount and pop filter built in.
Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: -57.5db | Frequency Response 50Hz -15kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 16-bit | Max SPL: 126dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
If you’ve ever watched an awards show with musical breaks, you’ve probably seen the Shure SM58. This handheld mic often gets forgotten about by streamers and podcasters because of its handheld design, but it’s a classic for a reason: it sounds fantastic and cuts out background noise.
The capsule has been tuned for vocal capture and features an internal shock mount to keep desk noise from invading your stream. All of those recording professionals can’t be wrong, can they? Just bear in mind that you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to a PC.
Type: Condenser | Sensitivity: -15dBFS | Frequency Response 70Hz - 20kHz | Sample rate: 48/96kHz | Bit Depth: 24-bit | Max SPL: 120dB (140dB with ClipGuard) | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Elgato is all about supplying the gear you need for your streaming setup, and the Elgato Wave 3 is here to keep 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 keep your wiring easy.
The microphone itself offers a high audio resolution with a 96kHz sample rate and 24-bit depth. It can also handle you getting a bit loud during your streams thanks to a special ClipGuard feature. Controlling the audio of your stream is also simplified with the Wave Link software. Elgato also offers a number of extra accessories for the Wave 3 that allow you to customize it a bit more for your setup. There's a shock mount to cut down on vibration if it's going to sit on your desk, a pop filter to help cut down on plosives, and extension rods that can elevate the mic.
Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: -55dBV/Pa | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 24-bit | Max SPL: 132dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Shure's MV7 is a microphone that means business with the recording quality to match. And, with some handy features, it can make that business a lot easier. This dynamic mic offers a frequency response range from 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring it can capture everything the human ear can hear and likely a fair bit more than most of us can. It also offers a heightened resolution with a 48kHz sample rate and a 24-bit depth. With a max sound pressure level of 132dB, you can also get pretty loud with this mic and not have to worry about pushing past its limits.
The Shure MV7 is a sturdy, metal mic built for convenience. Its cardioid pickup pattern can help 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, letting you use it with your favorite DAW at home or simply connect it straight to a laptop on the go. Controls on the mic can let you dial in the gain, monitoring mix, and headphone volume levels or quickly mute the mic. Over a USB connection, the ShurePlus MOTIV app can even help you manage your sound levels and tone automatically, giving you that professional touch without you needing to lift a finger.
Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: -56dBV/Pa | Frequency Response 75Hz – 18kHz | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
If the Shure SM7B is too expensive for you (and it just might be!) I would definitely recommend checking out the Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone. It’s nearly as highly regarded as the SM7B and features a wonderfully detailed, warm sound that’s transmitted over an XLR connection. It’s a dynamic microphone that allows you to enhance its already-good noise rejection and it features a high-pass filter to cut down on any signal noise for clean, quiet recordings.
Reaching a worldwide 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 that are also available to pick up on the other side of the pond, the vast majority in fact. Don't see the microphones below? Click here.
While buying high-end audio it's all too easy to fall into a rabbit hole of purchasing all kinds of expensive gear in a never-ending quest for the perfect recording, but that's exactly why I'm here to help you find only exactly what you need.
The first question you’ll need to answer is what you plan to record. If you’re only ever going to stream, then you need a microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. If you plan on recording interviews across a table or want to record the entire room around the microphone, you’ll need to look into something with multiple polar pattern options like the G-Track Pro or HyperX QuadCast.
The next big question you will need to answer is what type of microphone you want: condenser or dynamic. If you need multiple polar patterns, this decision is easy: a condenser microphone. If you only plan to stream or podcast, you should consider a dynamic microphone. Thankfully, both are available in USB or XLR format, so you won’t be forced to invest in a fancy mixing board or audio interface right off the bat. Here are the differences between the two.
Condenser microphones make up most of the market for gaming and streaming microphones and for good reason. They offer excellent capture and are sensitive enough to pick up even quiet sounds. This is great if you’re in a quiet environment, but they don't perform so well in noisy environments full of background sound. Condenser microphones can also offer multiple polar patterns, which can be great for interviews or recording podcasts around a table.
Dynamic microphones, one the other hand, are much less sensitive and require more power to operate. As a result, there aren’t as many USB options as condensers, but still enough to allow you to shop around. Chances are, you’ve been seeing them your whole life and haven’t realized it: dynamic microphones are what your favorite singer carries around on stage!
In fact, dynamic microphones may be the perfect option for you because of their excellent noise rejection. Surely, if they can filter out the sound of a screaming crowd, they can cut down the sound of your noisy roommate! They also typically have a much warmer sound, often giving you that “radio voice” podcasters crave. Dynamic microphones are also the most common you’ll find in real-world radio stations!
No matter which you choose, beware of buying the cheapest microphone you can find. With the rise of streaming and podcasting, sites like Amazon are flooded by low-quality mics making big promises. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If all else fails, read the reviews.
One other 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 it with your PC. As your stream grows, you may want to look into special effects, like a compressor, equalizer, or noise gate to make your stream sound even better. USB mics are great but often aren’t compatible with things like mixing boards. If there’s a chance you may want to add to your setup, spending a little more now may 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 definitely need to scrap 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 for chatting over Discord, but if you're trying to sound professional at all, it's not going to work. The easiest way to upgrade is with a dedicated mic, like the ones on the list.
A mic is just the start of a rewarding career in online broadcasting. OK, there aren't any guarantees that it's going to turn into 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 least expensive way to further improve your recordings is with a pop-filter. Every time you say a word beginning with the letter "P" you force a little burst of air into your mic. That pop comes through in your recordings and will turn people off pretty quickly.
The easiest and least-expensive way to further improve your recordings is with a pop-filter.
A pop-filter catches these so-called plosives and keeps your audio smooth. If you don't have a pop-filter, you can use software like Adobe Audition to automatically remove pops from your audio files. Failing that, you can put your finger in front of your mouth (think of a librarian "shushing" you) and deliver your audio that way. It works, but the downside is you have to keep your finger in front of your mouth the entire time.
Echo is another big problem with recording. Unless you record in a literal vacuum, your room is filled with air. Since you couldn't record in a vacuum for lots of compelling reasons both physical and physiological, there's almost certainly going to be an echo. It might be subtle, but it leads to a hollow-sounding audio file.
You can minimize these annoying reflections with a few different methods that won't cost you any money. If you're recording VO, you can hide under a blanket with your mic. Another place to hide is a small closet. The garments will soften and absorb any echoing. If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, you can also pick up a cheap set of foam sound absorption panels that have the side benefit of looking great on your stream!
If you do go the XLR-route, you’re going to need an audio interface. You can spend a lot of money here but you don’t need to. If you’re just getting started, something as simple as the Behringer UM2 will connect to your PC via USB and allow to record either an XLR or 1/4" line-in. If you’d like to record two mics or instruments at a time, the UMC202HD is a great choice. On the upper end, you have the iconic Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for just under $160.
You also need a computer, obviously. A desktop computer or gaming PC might be better for heavy editing, but a good laptop is going to be way more convenient. As far as software, there are lots of professional editing suites you can choose from, but for most people, Audacity or even Garage Band should do the trick.
Looking to put together a powerful PC to stream with the best possible graphics?
Check out our guide to the best graphics cards, and while you're at it, see our guides to the best gaming chairs and the best gaming headsets to help you look like a pro.
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
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For many headsets, a microphone comes second fiddle to the speakers – hearing quality audio 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 through your headphones speakers but instead the sound coming through the audience's speakers. That means you suddenly need a microphone that can match the quality of good speakers. So, dedicated hardware is what you'll want.
A solid, standalone microphone will offer a wider frequency response range than a basic headset mic, letting it pick up all the nuance in your voice for a richer sound. With different pickup patterns they can also make it easier to cut down on the background noise that might be coming from your gaming PC or gaming keyboard. Some microphones can even let you switch between different pickup patterns, so you can focus on just your voice with a cardioid pattern one day while you might try to record you and a guest with a bi-directional pattern the next day.
With all that in mind, we'll help guide you through a variety of quality microphones that can fit in a range of production environments. So, whether you just want to stream games on weekends or plan on making a half-dozen podcast series, you'll be able to find a microphone suited to the task – click here to find them in the UK.
TL;DR – These are the Best Microphones for Streaming and Podcasting:
- Roccat Torch
- 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
Type: 2 x back electret condenser capsule | Sensitivity: +6dB FS/PA | Frequency Response 50Hz – 20kHz | Sample rate: 96kHz | Bit Depth: 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 on the regular, the Samson G-Track Pro is the microphone you should set your sights on. This is a seriously capable condenser mic. For one thing, it supports a range of recording setups thanks to three selectable polar patterns. You can focus on just yourself in a desk setup with the cardioid setting, chat with a guest using the bidirectional setting, or just try to pick up everything with the omnidirectional setting.
The Samson G-Track Pro can handle some high-quality recording, too. It’ll pick up everything from 50Hz up to 20kHz, covering the typical human vocal range and then some. It can also handle you getting a little loud with a max sound pressure level of 120dB. All that sound can be recorded at up to 96kHz and in 16- or 24-bit. On the mic, you’ll find a number of simple controls for dialing everything in as well as a jack to monitor on headphones and even a quarter-inch jack for a second input source.
2. Roccat Torch
Best Budget Microphone
Type: Dual Condenser Capsules | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 24-bit | Max SPL: 110dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Stereo, Whisper
You might expect the basics with a budget microphone, but the Roccat Torch comes with some surprising flair for just $100. This USB-powered condenser mic provides the flexibility of multiple polar patterns. Letting you focus on your own voice or go for stereo to capture the voices of you and a guest. There’s also a special Whisper mode to capture your voice when you need to keep your voice down. With a 110dB max SPL, the mic can also capture louder sounds without clipping.
The mic aspect is a good start, but Roccat has also built a volume dial and gain control onto the base of the mic alongside a dial for easily switching between pickup patterns. You can plug your headphones into that base, too, for lag-free monitoring. When you need to mute, you can quickly swipe your hand over the top of the mic to cut your audio without having to touch your setup. Roccat tops it off with flashy RGB lighting inside the mic housing, so you can add some flair to your video feed.
3. Blue Snowball
Best Ultra Cheap Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting
Type: 2 x Blue 14mm condenser capsules | Frequency Response 40Hz-18kHz | Sample rate: 44.1kHz | Bit Depth: 16-bit | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional Headphone Amplifier: 130mW @ 16ohms
The Blue Snowball USB microphone is easily the best way to get into quality audio recording without spending much at all. This little guy includes a desktop stand that's height-adjustable, so you can plug it in, plop it down, and start recording right away.
It only offers omnidirectional or cardioid capture 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 cohorts huddled around it. It's available in four colors and can even be mounted to a traditional mic stand if you want to get a bit fancy.
4. Blue Yeti
Best Plug-and-Play Mic for Streaming and Podcasting
Type: 3 x Blue 14mm condenser capsules ● Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz ● Sample rate: 48kHz ● Bit Depth: 16-bit ● Max SPL: 120dB ● Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo ● Headphone Amplifier: 130mW @ 16ohmsThe Blue Yeti microphone offers a near-perfect combination of performance and price, making it our almost-top pick for anyone getting into the game of streaming and podcasting. It's not
that
expensive and it includes cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional capture patterns, so it can start recording audio in pretty much any environment without breaking the bank.
It's also a USB microphone, so setup is super easy, and I also dig the fact that it has gain control and comes in a bunch of nifty colors. For fledgling and even advanced streamers/podcasters, the Yeti does everything you need it to do at the right price, with fantastic performance too.
5. HyperX QuadCast S USB Microphone
Best Broadcast Mic for Streaming and Podcasting
Type: 3 x 14mm condenser capsules | Sensitivity: -36db | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 16-bit | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo | Headphone Amplifier: 7mW @ 32ohms
We already loved the HyperX QuadCast for its ability to capture speech with compelling warmth. Now, HyperX has made its offering even better with the HyperX QuadCast S.
The HyperX QuadCast S is still mostly the same USB microphone capable of recording with a 48kHz sample rate at a 16-bit depth, ensuring you can get an accurate recording across the mic's 20Hz-20kHz frequency response range. And, it can still capture audio with four different pickup patterns, letting you easily switch the settings up to meet your recording needs. Where the HyperX QuadCast S steps things up compared to its predecessor is in the flashy RGB lighting, letting you have a mic that blends in nicely with a gaming setup and adds a bit of flair to any video streams.
6. Razer Seiren Elite
The Broadcast Microphone you Want on a Boom Arm
Type: 1 x dynamic capsule | Sensitivity: -38db | Frequency Response 50Hz-20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 16-bit | Max SPL: 120dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Headphone Amplifier: 58mW @ 16ohms
The Razer Seiren Elite (read our review) is Razer’s current top-of-the-line microphone and it’s made for broadcast. It's smaller than most microphones and it comes with a detachable base so you can more easily mount it onto a boom arm or pack it up 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 a ring light that lights up red to let you know when you’re talking too loud and clipping. It also includes a foam windscreen, so you don’t need to buy a pop filter to stop those ‘plosives.’
7. Blue Yeti Nano
Best Portable Mic for Streaming and Podcasting
Type: 2 x Blue 14mm condenser capsules | Sensitivity: -47db | Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 24-bit | Max SPL: 120dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional | Headphone Amplifier: 130mW @ 16ohms
The Blue Yeti Nano takes everything great about the Blue Yeti and shrinks it down to a smaller form-factor. Even though it's the smaller sibling to the Yeti, it still fits into almost any mic stand. Some of the recording patterns have been lost in the shrinking process, but the two that remain are the two mic patterns most used for podcasting and streaming, anyway. It's solid, well-built, and sounds great, and is exactly the level of quality I've come to expect from Blue's line of excellent USB microphones.
8. Audio-Technica AT2040
Best XLR Mic for Streaming and Podcasting
Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: -53db | Frequency Response 80Hz-16kHz | Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
USB mics offer a lot of convenience for easy setup with your PC, laptop, or Mac, but you might already have a capable audio interface for your computer to support mics, instruments and other sound inputs. In that case, you’ll probably be looking for an XLR mic, and the Audio-Technica AT2040 is a great option for streaming and podcasting over that interface.
The Audio-Technica AT2040 makes it simple to really focus on your voice and cut down on background sounds as it uses a hypercardioid pickup pattern. It’s also a dynamic mic, letting it pick up audio with solid sensitivity while being able to handle high volumes. It’s even built into hardware that can drastically simplify your setup. You don’t need to mount this onto a large shock mount or rig up a pop filter in front of it. The Audio-Technica AT2040 has its own shock mount and pop filter built in.
9. Shure SM58
Best Handheld Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting
Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: -57.5db | Frequency Response 50Hz -15kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 16-bit | Max SPL: 126dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
If you’ve ever watched an awards show with musical breaks, you’ve probably seen the Shure SM58. This handheld mic often gets forgotten about by streamers and podcasters because of its handheld design, but it’s a classic for a reason: it sounds fantastic and cuts out background noise.
The capsule has been tuned for vocal capture and features an internal shock mount to keep desk noise from invading your stream. All of those recording professionals can’t be wrong, can they? Just bear in mind that you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to a PC.
10. Elgato Wave 3
Best Customizable Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting
Type: Condenser | Sensitivity: -15dBFS | Frequency Response 70Hz - 20kHz | Sample rate: 48/96kHz | Bit Depth: 24-bit | Max SPL: 120dB (140dB with ClipGuard) | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Elgato is all about supplying the gear you need for your streaming setup, and the Elgato Wave 3 is here to keep 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 keep your wiring easy.
The microphone itself offers a high audio resolution with a 96kHz sample rate and 24-bit depth. It can also handle you getting a bit loud during your streams thanks to a special ClipGuard feature. Controlling the audio of your stream is also simplified with the Wave Link software. Elgato also offers a number of extra accessories for the Wave 3 that allow you to customize it a bit more for your setup. There's a shock mount to cut down on vibration if it's going to sit on your desk, a pop filter to help cut down on plosives, and extension rods that can elevate the mic.
11. Shure MV7
Best Professional Level Microphone
Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: -55dBV/Pa | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz | Sample rate: 48kHz | Bit Depth: 24-bit | Max SPL: 132dB | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Shure's MV7 is a microphone that means business with the recording quality to match. And, with some handy features, it can make that business a lot easier. This dynamic mic offers a frequency response range from 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring it can capture everything the human ear can hear and likely a fair bit more than most of us can. It also offers a heightened resolution with a 48kHz sample rate and a 24-bit depth. With a max sound pressure level of 132dB, you can also get pretty loud with this mic and not have to worry about pushing past its limits.
The Shure MV7 is a sturdy, metal mic built for convenience. Its cardioid pickup pattern can help 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, letting you use it with your favorite DAW at home or simply connect it straight to a laptop on the go. Controls on the mic can let you dial in the gain, monitoring mix, and headphone volume levels or quickly mute the mic. Over a USB connection, the ShurePlus MOTIV app can even help you manage your sound levels and tone automatically, giving you that professional touch without you needing to lift a finger.
12. Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
The Cheaper Professional Option
Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: -56dBV/Pa | Frequency Response 75Hz – 18kHz | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
If the Shure SM7B is too expensive for you (and it just might be!) I would definitely recommend checking out the Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone. It’s nearly as highly regarded as the SM7B and features a wonderfully detailed, warm sound that’s transmitted over an XLR connection. It’s a dynamic microphone that allows you to enhance its already-good noise rejection and it features a high-pass filter to cut down on any signal noise for clean, quiet recordings.
Where to Get the Best Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting in the UK
Reaching a worldwide 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 that are also available to pick up on the other side of the pond, the vast majority in fact. Don't see the microphones below? Click here.
What to Look for in a Microphone for Streaming and Podcasting
While buying high-end audio it's all too easy to fall into a rabbit hole of purchasing all kinds of expensive gear in a never-ending quest for the perfect recording, but that's exactly why I'm here to help you find only exactly what you need.
The first question you’ll need to answer is what you plan to record. If you’re only ever going to stream, then you need a microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. If you plan on recording interviews across a table or want to record the entire room around the microphone, you’ll need to look into something with multiple polar pattern options like the G-Track Pro or HyperX QuadCast.
The next big question you will need to answer is what type of microphone you want: condenser or dynamic. If you need multiple polar patterns, this decision is easy: a condenser microphone. If you only plan to stream or podcast, you should consider a dynamic microphone. Thankfully, both are available in USB or XLR format, so you won’t be forced to invest in a fancy mixing board or audio interface right off the bat. Here are the differences between the two.
Condenser microphones make up most of the market for gaming and streaming microphones and for good reason. They offer excellent capture and are sensitive enough to pick up even quiet sounds. This is great if you’re in a quiet environment, but they don't perform so well in noisy environments full of background sound. Condenser microphones can also offer multiple polar patterns, which can be great for interviews or recording podcasts around a table.
Dynamic microphones, one the other hand, are much less sensitive and require more power to operate. As a result, there aren’t as many USB options as condensers, but still enough to allow you to shop around. Chances are, you’ve been seeing them your whole life and haven’t realized it: dynamic microphones are what your favorite singer carries around on stage!
In fact, dynamic microphones may be the perfect option for you because of their excellent noise rejection. Surely, if they can filter out the sound of a screaming crowd, they can cut down the sound of your noisy roommate! They also typically have a much warmer sound, often giving you that “radio voice” podcasters crave. Dynamic microphones are also the most common you’ll find in real-world radio stations!
No matter which you choose, beware of buying the cheapest microphone you can find. With the rise of streaming and podcasting, sites like Amazon are flooded by low-quality mics making big promises. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If all else fails, read the reviews.
One other 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 it with your PC. As your stream grows, you may want to look into special effects, like a compressor, equalizer, or noise gate to make your stream sound even better. USB mics are great but often aren’t compatible with things like mixing boards. If there’s a chance you may want to add to your setup, spending a little more now may 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 definitely need to scrap 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 for chatting over Discord, but if you're trying to sound professional at all, it's not going to work. The easiest way to upgrade is with a dedicated mic, like the ones on the list.
Build Your Own Mini-Studio, or Fake One at Least
A mic is just the start of a rewarding career in online broadcasting. OK, there aren't any guarantees that it's going to turn into 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 least expensive way to further improve your recordings is with a pop-filter. Every time you say a word beginning with the letter "P" you force a little burst of air into your mic. That pop comes through in your recordings and will turn people off pretty quickly.
The easiest and least-expensive way to further improve your recordings is with a pop-filter.
A pop-filter catches these so-called plosives and keeps your audio smooth. If you don't have a pop-filter, you can use software like Adobe Audition to automatically remove pops from your audio files. Failing that, you can put your finger in front of your mouth (think of a librarian "shushing" you) and deliver your audio that way. It works, but the downside is you have to keep your finger in front of your mouth the entire time.
Echo is another big problem with recording. Unless you record in a literal vacuum, your room is filled with air. Since you couldn't record in a vacuum for lots of compelling reasons both physical and physiological, there's almost certainly going to be an echo. It might be subtle, but it leads to a hollow-sounding audio file.
You can minimize these annoying reflections with a few different methods that won't cost you any money. If you're recording VO, you can hide under a blanket with your mic. Another place to hide is a small closet. The garments will soften and absorb any echoing. If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, you can also pick up a cheap set of foam sound absorption panels that have the side benefit of looking great on your stream!
If you do go the XLR-route, you’re going to need an audio interface. You can spend a lot of money here but you don’t need to. If you’re just getting started, something as simple as the Behringer UM2 will connect to your PC via USB and allow to record either an XLR or 1/4" line-in. If you’d like to record two mics or instruments at a time, the UMC202HD is a great choice. On the upper end, you have the iconic Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for just under $160.
You also need a computer, obviously. A desktop computer or gaming PC might be better for heavy editing, but a good laptop is going to be way more convenient. As far as software, there are lots of professional editing suites you can choose from, but for most people, Audacity or even Garage Band should do the trick.
Looking to put together a powerful PC to stream with the best possible graphics?
Check out our guide to the best graphics cards, and while you're at it, see our guides to the best gaming chairs and the best gaming headsets to help you look like a pro.
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
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