Whether you aspire to stream on Twitch or engross in intense Discord conversations with your friend circle nothing beats a dedicated microphone. Although headsets also come in a variety of shapes and sizes with built-in mics for audio clarity. But somehow they are not as professional as the microphone, which is specially designed to pick up anything than one person is speaking. so lets dive in the details of top 10 best microphones for gaming
There is plethora of options to choose from, so the integral question here is “How do I choose the best microphone for gaming”. If you have a pocket full of money and looking best of both USB convenience and top-grade XLR quality, then look no other than Shure MV7. Other than that if you are looking for a budget-friendly option than Razer Seiren Mini best suits you. These are just two options so let’s dig deeper and explore the rest in the list of top 10 best microphones for gaming in detail.
Quick Summary- Top 10 best Microphones for Gaming
- Shure MV7 – Best in-class podcast sound in USB format
- Razor Seiren Mini– Best Budget gaming microphone
- Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set– Excellent all-in-one vocals
- Rode NT-USB – Studio quality USB microphone
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle – 3rd Gen Recording Bundle
- HyperX Quadcast S – Dynamic RGB lighting
- Audio Technica ATH M50XSTS StreamSet- Best Microphone on headset
- Blue Yeti USB– First-class gaming microphone for streaming
- Beyerdynamic FOX– Great gaming microphone for recording music
- Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ – Best microphone for gaming podcasts
Charting the Top 10 best Microphones for Gaming
| Top 10 best Microphones for Gaming | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shure MV7 | $199 | Excellent sound quality, versatile, built-in audio interface | Requires phantom power, not portable |
| Razer Seiren Mini | $50 | Compact and portable, good sound quality | Not as versatile as some other options |
| Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set | $199 | Excellent sound quality, built-in audio interface, comes with a pop filter and shock mount | Not as portable as some other options |
| Rode NT-USB | $128.95 | Good sound quality, versatile, USB-powered | Not as durable as some other options |
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle | $249 | Excellent sound quality, comes with a microphone, headphones, and audio interface | Not as portable as some other options |
| HyperX Quadcast S | $149 | Good sound quality, versatile, built-in audio interface, has a built-in pop filter | Not as durable as some other options |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50XSTS StreamSet | $299 | Excellent sound quality, comes with a microphone, headphones, and pop filter | Not as portable as some other options |
| Blue Yeti USB | $99.99 | Versatile, USB-powered, comes with a stand | Not as good sound quality as some other options |
| Beyerdynamic FOX | $89 | Good sound quality, USB-powered, durable | Not as versatile as some other options |
| Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ | $79.95 | Good sound quality, USB-powered, durable | Not as versatile as some |
1. Shure MV7
Best for – Hybrid USB and XLR outputs
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 24-bit 48kHz
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Unidirectional Cardioid Polar Pattern
Connectivity- USB, XLR
Key Feature – Integrated simple touch panel for mic controls
Shure MV7 fulfills the need of anyone who wants broadcast-quality sound with its killer audio gear. No matter what is the setup or if you work with an audio interface, this microphone does it all for you. The mic with its distinct design and sonic cues from the Shure SM7B offers countless benefits for radio broadcasts and podcasts. When it’s used in close proximity to your voice it exhibits high quality and intelligible sound.
Shure MV7 gained the top spot among the top 10 best microphones for gaming and has a built-in pop filter against all the plosives to further simplify all your editing hassle. The mic offers a headphone jack for complete monitoring. Additionally, it also provides extensive control and seamless integration with the free ShurePLus MOTIV Desktop App.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent pro-grade vocal clarity | Lightning cable is sold separately |
| Hybrid design that provides connection with USB, XLR | Multiple software downloads to access all key features |
| Easy-to-use microphone | |
| Small and sturdy for easy mounting |
2. Razor Seiren Mini
Best for – Streamers who want an unobtrusive microphone
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 48kHz
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Supercardioid
Connectivity- USB
Cable length – 3.3 feet
Key feature – Record vocal frequencies across the frequency spectrum
The Razer Seiren Mini is just $50 for streaming that works best to deliver top-notch sound. Not everyone desires for multiple cardioid patterns and premium features. So for all those people, Seiren Mini is the viable option and comes in a variety of colors with its plug-and-play functionality.
With an ultra-precise super-cardioid pick-up pattern, the mic offers balanced sound with less background noise. This compact condenser mic is tuned with a tighter pickup angle that focuses solely on clear sound quality. In brief being one of the top 10 best microphones for gaming, Seiren Mini is sleek and subtle which efficiently hides the cord flush with the rear of microphone.
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly option that is accessible for all | Limited usability with one polar pattern |
| Quality and audio signal are prefect for vocals and streaming | Razor Synapse 3 software is for Windows solely |
| Sleek design | No headphone jack or on-board controls |
| Compact and portable |
3. Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
Best for – Sleek and modern design for on-camera applications
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 24-bit -48kHz
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Connectivity: USB
Cable length: 3m
Key Feature– Boom arm, headphones, and mix controls
The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set microphone is where performance meets accessibility. With a sturdy boom arm and an easy-to-use USB mic, this is an excellent all-in-one vocal solution. This mic has cardioid condenser capsule and USB-C powered microphone that prioritizes audio quality and design.
Being the best-in-class and top 10 best microphones for gaming, it offers three controls. Gain control to adjust the level of the microphone, mix control to balance your device audio and microphone, and lastly volume control to set headphone monitoring level. Depending upon your particular needs it will either include table stand for convenience or a desk-mounted boom arm for optimal positioning.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy boom arm for ease of use | Lacks software with presets |
| Long cable hence easy to connect | Does not include the advanced pop up filters |
| High-quality vocal mic with transparent signal | |
| On board gain, mix, and headphone controls |
4. Rode NT-USB
Best for – Recording vocals, instruments, gaming, voice-overs, and more
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 48kHz
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Connectivity: USB
Cable length: 3m
Key Feature– Professional USB condenser, onboard monitor level and headphone mix control
The Rode NT-USB is a USB microphone that is compatible with both the PC and MacOS, therefore it can easily bypass the need of phantom power and preamplifier. This microphone offers the best-in-class flexibility that is perfect for beginners and experts as well.
As its one of the top 10 best microphones for gaming, it retains the sleek, professional, and sturdy design of its predecessors with the add-on of enhanced circuitry, impressive upgrades, and Rode’s revolution preamp technology. Rode NT-USB is a robust condenser microphone that offers excellent vocals and is regarded best for its on-camera video microphones. With little to no self-noise with high quality sound it’s a complete plug-and-play package.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with detachable pop filters | Low resolution |
| Well build and sturdy microphone | No on-mic gain knob |
| Zero latency monitoring mode | |
| DSP-free and clear mic signals |
5. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle
Best for – High-end upgrade to create studio quality recordings at home
Specifications – Recording Sample Rate: 24-bit -192 kHz
Frequency response: 50-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Connectivity: USB
Key Feature– Great Front-End Scarlett CM25 MkIII microphone with USB audio interface
The 3rd Generation Scarlett mic preamps sound straight out of the box. 2i2 has worked to increase the quality of sound and brought studio sounds for the artists. The distinct twin-preamp design means you can easily run two microphones through a single interface. Each input offers individual control with its own INST switch so it’s easy to edit audio at the end of the recording. Through the use of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle, you can simultaneously hook a couple of mics, guitars, or keys and record in whatever way you want.
Being in the list of top 10 best microphones for gaming it has high headroom instrument inputs along with high impedance which makes it a great choice for guitar recordings. Coming to its setup which is functional and straightforward, this is a great condenser microphone with a metal construction for longevity.
| Pros | Cons |
| Transparent stereo recordings for rich inputs | Cannot precisely match gain levels of dual input |
| Comparatively easy to set up and operate | Lightweight body hence can be easily pulled by cables |
| Excellent mic for streaming | No microphone stand is included |
| Low-latency monitoring |
6. HyperX Quadcast S
Best for – Feature-filled USB microphone for gamers and streamers
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 16-bit -48 kHz
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
Connectivity: USB
Cable length: 3m
Key Feature– Radiant RGB lighting with built-in Shock mount
The HyperX Quadcast S has stunning RGB lightning and dynamic effect that will add a layer of style and flair to your gaming experience. The QuadCast S has a range of features that include an antivibration shock mount, built-in pop-up filters, and much more to play with sound.
With four selectable polar patterns, this mic works best for any recording situation and features gain control dial to regulate input sensitivity. This mic is multiplatform compatible and delivers great quality sound input in connection with PC, PS4, and PS5. Moreover being in the list of top 10 best microphones for gaming, the touch-sensitive mute button at the top side of the microphone is best for instant mute.
| Pros | Cons |
| RGB adjustable color scheme | Records only 48kHz/16-bit |
| Multiple and high-end recording patterns | Not portable |
| Pop filter and built-in shock mount | Relatively expensive than other microphones |
| Excellent sound quality |
7. Audio Technica ATH M50xSTS StreamSet
Best for – First-class gaming microphone for streaming
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz
Frequency response: 50-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Unidirectional Polar Patterns
Connectivity- USB
Key Feature – Plug and Play and comes attached to a good headset
The ATH M50xSTS from Audio Technica offers legendary sound quality and 20-series microphones into a professional-level headset for pro gamers and streamers. The clarity of iconic 20 series microphone is one of the main reasons that is included in the top 10 best microphones for gaming. This set is equipped with a cardioid condenser microphone and two distinct earpad styles so that you can choose as per your preference. In brief, this headset delivers first-in-class studio-quality sound for your streaming audience.
| Pros | Cons |
| First-class mic quality | Limited control options |
| Audio quality is impressive | On the pricier side |
| Professional and understated design |
8. Blue Yeti USB
Best for – Audio microphone on the headset
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 44kHz
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo, and cardioid
Connectivity- USB (Type A)
Key Feature – Crystal clear vocal with easy control layout
The advanced Blue Yeti USB microphone gained the immense attention of gamers in a short span of time. Being included in the list of top 10 best microphones for gaming it possesses a custom three-capsule array for broadcast quality sound. No matter if you want this microphone for streaming, gaming, or some other use case, it shows optimal performance in all use cases with its clear sound quality. With advanced modulation and HD audio quality, it produces the perfect vocal sound.
As this microphone offers multiple polar patterns users can make choices in picking up patterns that allow them to record in ways. Along with it, it also offers onboard audio controls with options like instant mute, pattern selection, and headphone volume for recording and streaming.
| Pros | Cons |
| Top-class sound quality hence included in top 10 best microphones for gaming | Sometimes picks sibilant noise |
| Robust and solid metallic mic | Controls are flimsy |
| Offers multiple polar patterns hence its versatile |
9. Beyerdynamic FOX
Best for – Excellent gaming experience for recording music
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 96kHz
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Connectivity- USB (Type A)
Key Feature – Excellent pop-shield design and studio-capability microphone.
Being the best-in-class large diaphragm USB condenser microphone, it offers high-quality 24bit/96 kHz sound. This microphone is included in the list of top 10 best gaming microphones due to its plug-and-play design which is relatively easy to use. The desk stand was also included along with a mic for easy positioning. Not only this , being one of the top 10 best microphones for gaming it has first-rate large diaphragm condenser capsule along with 2-position gain switch for dialing in mic gain.
The integrated headphone output ensures low latency monitoring for clear vocals. The mix control feature is also a part of this microphone that lets users balance the computer signal with the mic signal. For all those who want a microphone that produces natural sound with its perfect signal processing, this one is a viable option.
| Pros | Cons |
| Crisp audio signal for better gaming experience | Gain switch instead of knob |
| Built-in mute button | |
| Windscreen included with mic |
10. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Best for – Great gaming microphones for podcast
Specifications– Recording Sample Rate: 44kHz
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Connectivity- USB (Type A)
Key Feature – Best USB microphone for handy lag-free monitoring
Although last in the list of the top 10 best microphones for gaming, this condenser microphone with USB output is good for digital recording. This one delivers professional-quality sound into the homes of gamers, podcasters, and streamers. For ease of use the headphone jack has a volume control that allows monitoring the microphone signal with no delays. Apart from the mix control allows users to blend microphone signal and the prerecorded audio.
This microphone is plug-and-play compatible and engineered for crisp detail and has been an absolute favorite for creators too. In brief, the high output and the internal amplifier deliver high-quality clear sound with high volume. Moreover its compatible with Windows 7, XP , 200 and Mac OS X and Vista
| Pros | Cons |
| Great sound quality in an affordable price | Low resolution |
| Sturdy and durable microphone | No shock mount |
| Extended frequency |
