Sound Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

The Elgato Wave:3 is arguably hailed by the gaming community as the best gaming microphone currently out there in the market and with good reason. This broadcast-grade USB condenser microphone is ideal for use in video games, streaming, and for some even as a working microphone to be used for conference and video calls. In fact, one can even argue that it’s good enough for recording music in a recording studio.

Other USB mics can’t compare with the Elgato Wave:3’s custom software, Wave Link, which has an integrated eight-channel mixer, which in itself is also a rare feature for other microphones already — again making the Elgato one the best gaming mics.

With this virtual mixer, this USB mic allows you to adjust the mix, levels, and gain of different audio channels. That makes the job of a gaming streamer way easier since it allows the user to uniquely adjust and set the levels of whatever is running on their computer or device — subscriber alerts, music, the game itself, their voice, and any other program that’s being used.

Its multifunctional single dial on the front of the mic lets a user adjust gain accordingly. Just be careful of setting it too low, otherwise, the mic can pick up the hum of your PC in the recording. Although, one can argue that it’s an indication of just how great the sound pick-up is on this mic, it still might be better to invest in a shock mount or noise-canceling accessories if you plan on using it as a desktop microphone.

Most importantly, this mic can set itself apart from other USB microphones because of its Clipguard tech that automatically adjusts audio levels, no matter how loudly you’re shouting over the mic, into a sound quality that is soothing and smooth. This feature sets the Elgato apart from most condenser microphones that are limited to applications in quieter environments.

The Elgato also boasts a built-in pop shield or pop filter, which helps in reducing plosives directed at the microphone. That means even if you let out a big exasperated sigh after losing a game, your mic still sounds great!

Powered by USB-C connectivity, this USB microphone is extremely easy to connect with your device. Simply plug this USB microphone to your console or device of choice and you’re good to go. This defnitely beats the fuss of an XLR setup. It’s also small in size so it won’t take up much space on your desk and is easily portable. 

If you’re worried about the mic picking up any sounds and vibrations should you bang your desk out of frustration, the built-in mic stand that has a padded base and its multilayered noise shield will help in filtering all the noise out as much as possible. Just be careful of accidentally clicking the mute button since it’s quite sensitive and is placed on the front.

Although the Elgato Wave:3 doesn’t come with the fancy RGB lighting most gamer streamers look for in a gaming mic, the design and aesthetic of this USB streaming mic is sleek enough to boast in front of a camera.If you don’t mind using a condenser mic that can only pick up a single cardioid polar pattern, then all in all the Elgato makes for the best gaming microphone there is right now.

Pros and Cons of the Elgato Wave:3

Sound Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Blue Yeti Nano is another crowd favorite and some would say, even a close runner-up in topping the list of the best gaming microphones. Most Twitch streamers would be familiar with the Blue Yeti Nano as it is most commonly used by streamers of the online community as it can pick up four polar patterns — a feature that not all USB condenser mics can do.

The Blue Yeti Nano is also easy to use; a simple plug-and-play setup, single volume control, and a mute button on the front of the mic. The intuitive design allows any new gamer and streamer to navigate their way around this quality USB microphone without any problems. 

Plus since headphone volume controls today’s gaming community, the Blue Yeti Nano made sure to include this as one of its features along with zero-latency monitoring.

However, as they focused on simplicity, they had to give up customization and more features on the Blue Yeti Nano such as the lack of hi-res recording options and a subpar studio quality sound.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti Nano

Sound Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A respected name in the industry, Audio-Technica AT2020 is a medium-diaphragm condenser XLR mic that although cannot pick up multiple polar patterns, can definitely give a streaming audio quality that is excellent.

With just a 48V of phantom power, you can get warm and clear audio that is ideal for streaming vocals or when you’re trying to communicate to other players in the game. It even has an extended frequency response that will give a user a rich, deep, and crisp sound for vocals, which is why a lot of YouTubers and streamers have been using it as a streaming microphone despite the lack of polar patterns.

Although, it is recommended you purchase accessories to support the mic and an audio interface to get the best quality possible. No different from most condenser microphones, the AT2020 can perform better in noise-controlled environments.

Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica AT2020

Sound Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Blue Yeti X is also a growing favorite amongst the online gaming community, especially because the Blue Yeti itself is a staple in the streaming world. However, the Blue Yeti X is more impressive than its predecessor by way of sound quality and features.

Unlike other USB microphones, the Blue Yeti X comes with an extra condenser and a toggle that can reduce noise, “air”, or soft hums, making your recorded audio clean and clear. 

The new Blue Yeti X World of WarCraft Edition even comes with a Blue Voice section found in the Logitech G Hub software, so you can change the sound of your voice and even make sound effects for added entertainment to your stream, which by the way can totally upgrade your role-playing games’ experience.

The Blue Yeti X comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring, but you can also plug it in via USB. The Blue Yeti X also has an impressive USB frequency response given that it can pick up multiple polar patterns. Ultimately, this makes for the best USB gaming microphone for RPGs.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti X

Sound Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Rode NT-USB Mini may only be able to pick up a cardioid polar pattern, but the sound quality of this USB mic makes it worthy to be the best gaming microphone in its own right.

With a studio-quality sound and a professional “air”, this mic is used by professional streamers and amateurs provided that they don’t mind stretching their budget. The Rode NT-USB Mini has an advanced interior shock capsule, zero-latency monitoring, and mute & headphone volume controls.

It even has a built-in pop filter and a digital mixer called Rode Connect, which means you won’t need to get an external audio interface.

From the name itself, the Rode NT-USB Mini is small in size, so when you attach it to a mic arm, you would be sure that it won’t obstruct your view when you play a game or your face when people watch your live stream.

All these make for a quality microphone that you can add to your list of today’s best deals in your search for the best gaming microphone.

Pros and Cons of the Rode NT-USB Mini