The Best Microphone for Streaming
Table of Contents
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Microphone for Streaming
If you’re someone who’s put some thought into beginning your own streaming career, you’re probably looking at all the equipment you need starting with the best streaming microphone.
A quality microphone for streaming is what will help you keep your audience interested and engaged while they enjoy your gameplay. Of course, many gaming headsets will come with their built-in mic, but there’s nothing quite as good as a dedicated streaming mic that can get your enthusiasm across perfectly and immerse your audience in the experience. If all of this sounds confusing for a first-time streamer, don’t worry.
To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the best mics for streaming. With a range of quality and affordable choices, this list is guaranteed to make finding great mics for streaming easier than ever. Read on, and find out which of these mics will make the perfect addition to your livestreaming setup, podcasting gear, and even enhance the overall audio quality of your streaming experience.
Which is the Top Streaming Microphone?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Multi-Purpose Condenser Microphone |  Best Premium Podcast Mic |
Audio-Technica AT2035The AT2035 is the perfect streaming mic for those who are looking into professional quality. | Røde NT1-AThe Røde NT1-A is a versatile streaming mic that has function, features, and accessories that are well-worth the price. | Shure MV7The Shure MV7 brings the best of a USB and XLR mic together without sacrificing quality, design, and functionality. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Top Microphone for Streaming
#1: Audio-Technica AT2035
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Our top choice for the best streaming mic is the Audio-Technica AT2035. With a frequency response of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, it has a rich, detailed sound that captures and flatters the human voice perfectly.
Its low self-noise, side-address cardioid pattern, and overall high-quality audio make it a perfect option for streamers.
The AT2035 has much better specs than many other microphones in the same price range and can last you years thanks to its durable build and fantastic engineering.
As an XLR microphone, and one priced at around $200, it may not be the best option for beginners. However, if you’re an established streamer who wants to make content that stands out, then the AT2035 is definitely our recommended microphone for streaming for you.
Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica AT2035
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Offers fantastic sound quality ✔️ Well-suited for vocals and voice overs ✔️ Comes with a shock mount | ✖️ Pricey |
#2. Røde NT1-A
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Røde has established itself as one of the greats in the microphone industry, and the Røde NT1A is a good example of how it’s managed to do that. With a crisp sound and incredible clarity, it’s incredibly flattering for nearly any type of audio source.
It’s got a very low noise floor, so you don’t have to worry about this mic capturing its own noise. Thanks to its focused cardioid pattern, the NT1A can block out off-axis sounds easily.
At around $230, it’s not the cheapest mic around, but it more than makes up for it with its incredible quality and inclusions like a pop filter, built-in isolation mount, and mic cable.
This is a versatile mic that can capture most sounds, so streamers who have plans to branch out can count this microphone as a great investment.
Pros and Cons of the Røde NT1-A
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Multi-purpose microphone ✔️ Very low noise ✔️ Excellent build quality | ✖️ Pricey |
#3. Shure MV7
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The Shure MV7 is a compact yet versatile mic for streaming or a standalone microphone that can deliver great performances for both amateurs and professionals alike. It’s armed with both USB and XLR connectivity, bringing convenience and comfortability in any kind of recording situation.
Since it has two connection options, newbie streamers can start off with the MV7’s easy-to-use, plug-and-play Type-B micro inputs. If these streamers decide to have a more professional audio setup, they don’t have to buy a new mic anymore as they can just simply switch to the MV7’s XLR connector.
Thanks to this dual option, beginner and intermediate content creators will have no problem leveling up their skills and audio.
The MV7 produces audio that’s rich, bright, smooth, and clearly defined. Further audio adjustments, such as sparkle and depth, can also be done using the ShurePlus MOTIVE app.
By using this mic together with the app, you can create your ideal professional sound without having to do too much editing during post-production.
It also comes with an LED-lit touch panel that has a gain level control, monitor levels, and a mute option. While the MV7 may have a somewhat steep price, it’s well worth the investment if you’re a streamer who’s aiming for a serious upgrade.
Pros and Cons of the Shure MV7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ High-quality microphone ✔️ Has XLR and USB connection ✔️ Easy to use ✔️ Delivers great vocal clarity | ✖️ Steep price ✖️ No mic stand included ✖️ Does not have a pop shield |
#4. Blue Yeti Pro
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Blue Microphones’ mics are favorite options for streamers around the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With affordable prices but incredible quality, it’s easy to see why Blue Yeti mics are so well beloved.
The Blue Yeti Pro is perhaps the best example of this. It’s incredibly well-made and versatile, with USB connectivity and a dual XLR breakout cable. This means that you can use it in your favorite home studio set-up, or on the road with your laptop.
This quality mic for streaming has multiple recording modes that you can adjust according to your preference and no latency, making it ideal for live streaming or interviews.
A plug-and-play compact microphone that can fit just as well in more complex audio set-ups, it is an absolute game-changer for streamers everywhere.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Zero-latency monitoring ✔️ Comes with a mute button ✔️ Has four recording patterns ✔️ No additional software required | ✖️ Better with a mic arm |
#5. Blue Yeti Nano
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The smaller, more affordable sibling to the fan-favorite Blue Yeti Pro, the Blue Yeti Nano is a premium USB condenser microphone designed to bring high-quality sound into your home computer set-up.
Coming in at a little under $100, the Blue Yeti Nano is a favorite for many beginner streamers thanks to its affordable price, simple set-up, and top-quality sound.
For the price, it has great quality sound, and the compact size of the Blue Yeti USB Nano makes it an easy addition to any gaming set-up. It might not hold up against more powerful mics, but if you need a good beginner option, this might be it.
By using this mic with the app, you can create your ideal professional sound without too much editing during post-production.
The Blue Yeti also comes with an LED-lit touch panel making it incredibly useful for mic gain control, monitor levels, and mute function. While the MV7 may have a somewhat steep price, it’s well worth the investment if you’re a streamer who’s aiming for a serious upgrade.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti USB Nano
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ USB condenser mic ✔️ Great for streaming gaming content ✔️ Best budget microphone for streamers ✔️ Delivers excellent sound quality for its price ✔️ Has a headphone volume knob | ✖️ Requires desktop app to modify gain control |
#6. ALABS XLR Condenser Microphone
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The microphone that’s best for a streamer should pick up the voice clearly, eliminate background noise, have good low-noise performance, and of course, offer good sound quality. One good microphone that checks all those boxes is the ALABS XLR Condenser Mic.
With a cardioid pickup pattern and a 25mm-large microphone capsule, this mic can capture your voice and reduce noise interference, making it ideal for speech, voice-overs, and singing.
While it’s not a plug-and-play microphone, ALABS made this mic simple to operate by allowing it to be compatible with various sources. You can connect it to a PC, iPad, tablet, or smartphone by connecting it to an external 48V phantom power source.
Considering its features, this ALABS mic is one of the best budget microphones with an XLR connection, making it a great addition to your streaming gear.
Pros and Cons of the ALABS XLR Condenser
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Can be used for various studio applications ✔️ Compatible with different sources ✔️ Comes with accessories such as a isolation mount, pop shield, boom arm, foam cap, and windscreen | ✖️ Requires external power source |
#7. Blue Snowball
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Sticking to a budget but want a mic that produces studio-quality audio? Look no further as the Blue Snowball is the perfect fit for you whether you’re a new streamer or seeking to upgrade your current setup.
The Snowball has a plug-and-play design, making it easy to set up without having to worry about any additional software. It’s equipped with three pickup patterns, capturing sound no matter the position.
The cardioid pickup focuses on recording a single voice from the front, perfect for solo streams. If you’re doing a group stream, use the omnidirectional mode that picks up noise in a spherical pattern.
Hailed as the best mid-range microphone, the Snowball also has its own adjustable stand to position it in relation to the source. This also saves space on your desktop as you don’t have to get an entirely separate stand for the mic.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Snowball
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Best mid-range microphone ✔️ Multiple polar patterns ✔️ Crisp and clear audio | ✖️ Audio levels can be low |
#8. HyperX QuadCast S
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HyperX has given their QuadCast mic a refresh by launching the QuadCast S. The QuadCast S retains the great sound of the original QuadCast as well as all the fancy features but with vast improvements and a few extras.
The QuadCast S offers four switchable patterns, each tailored for different recording situations. The cardioid pattern can pick up sound directly from the front, perfect for solo streams and gaming.
The bidirectional setting and the omnidirectional mode both sound great for interviews and group discussions. Last but not least, the stereo mode is great for ASMR or rich soundscapes.
The QuadCast S is easy to operate with its controls located on the front of the mic. It’s also equipped with an internal pop shield to reduce plosives. Additionally, it has an isolation mount and stand to lessen unwanted noise from bumps or movements.
Similar to the original QuadCast, the QuadCast S also has LED lights, adding a stylish flair to any desk setup. The LED lights and the RGB lighting can be customized further via HyperX’s additional software, the HyperX NGENUITY.
If you want a mic that’s aesthetically pleasing and has a great sound, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Pros and Cons of the HyperX QuadCast S
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ USB-C mic ✔️ LED lights and RGB lighting can be modified via the HyperX software ✔️ Multiple recording patterns ✔️ Has convenient control buttons | ✖️ The internal pop shield can be more effective |
#9. Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
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The Sennheiser Profile Set is an all-around bundle that can help with your podcasting, voice acting, and streaming journey. This set comes with a USB-C mic as well as all the basics one needs to build the perfect at-home streaming setup for those with a tight budget.
The mic’s USB-C connection allows anyone to stream directly once it’s plugged in, no need to learn any complicated interface. Sennheiser also made sure that using the mic is easy as a breeze with its intuitive control panel located on the front.
The panel includes a gain knob, volume control, and a mute button. The mute and gain buttons also have LED rings so you can see them clearly.
Along with the mic, Sennheiser has provided a mic arm, an isolation mount, and guides to equip you with all the essential streaming specifications. The arm offers a great degree of flexibility and the mount absorbs vibrations that could interfere with the sound quality.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Budget-friendly mic that sounds great ✔️ USB-C connection ✔️ Comes with various accessories for a complete setup ✔️ Intuitive controls | ✖️ Does not include a pop shield |
#10. SteelSeries Alias Pro
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If budget isn’t a problem for you and you want the best for your streaming setup, then the SteelSeries Alias Pro might just be the mic for you. This high-end mic can help you achieve a studio-quality sound in your streams with its cardioid pickup pattern and capsule that’s three times bigger than other mics.
The Alias Pro is an XLR-type mic that includes a special interface called the Stream Mixer, letting you customize its controls such as the gain, volume, mute, and even the RGB lighting.
SteelSeries has also included two USB ports for you to connect the Alias Pro to multiple PCs. While the Alias Pro already sounds great right out of the box, SteelSeries’ free-to-download Sonar software allows you to make even more customizations for the best sound.
Pros and Cons of the SteelSeries Alias Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ XLR connectivity ✔️ Comes with an interface for more mic control, including RGB lighting ✔️ Cardioid pickup pattern ✔️ Has two USB ports ✔️ Integrated isolation mount | ✖️ Expensive ✖️ Has a learning curve compared to USB-type mics |
What to Look For in a Microphone for Streaming?
When it comes to picking the right microphone for streaming, buyers have to look at specific criteria. A good streaming mic will be able to block out unnecessary background noise like keyboard sounds, while still maintaining the quality and fidelity of the audio.
Because commentary is such an integral part of the streaming experience, you’ll also want to look for a microphone that has various mic controls that can capture the warmth and detail of your voice without those tricky plosives for optimal audio quality. Plus, there’s also the set-up to think about. Will you want to go for a USB microphone, XLR mics, or something more complex?
Whether streaming is something you want to do as a side hobby or something that you want to keep investing time, money, and effort into, sifting through the best mics for streaming requires doing a bit of research. Here are the three things you should be looking out for when you start exploring your microphone options:
Frequency Response
Frequency response is what you call the sound range that a microphone can produce. Most microphones will have a frequency response from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, but buyers need to look at how the sound output varies within that range. This is because the frequency response will help determine the sound signature and tone of the microphones you’re looking to buy.
Generally, a frequency response anywhere from 80Hz to 15,000Hz will be enough to capture the human voice but be sure to do a little more research on your preferred microphone’s frequency response chart. While streaming doesn’t quite require the precision and sensitivity that high-end vocal microphones have, you’ll still want to look for a microphone with a frequency response that can flatter your range for good audio quality.
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern is one of the most important streaming specifications when looking for the right type of mic, and one glance at a gaming set-up will tell you why. If you’re doing live gaming on your PC, chances are that you’re going to be making use of your keyboard — a lot. Aside from avoiding interferences in the digital signal quality of their devices to their mics, gamers will want to keep unnecessary noise like keyboard sounds out of their commentary, which is where polar patterns come in.
Polar patterns determine the ‘shape’ of how your mic can capture noise. There are six main polar patterns: cardioid polar pattern, supercardioid polar pattern, hypercardioid polar pattern, figure-8 polar pattern, ultra directional polar pattern, and omnidirectional polar pattern.
To capture practically 360 degrees of sound around the mic, go for omnidirectional microphones so they can pick up omnidirectional polar patterns. Cardioid polar patterns are seen as the best for streaming as they capture all the details of a single voice while blocking out unwanted noise from the ‘back’ of your mic. On the other hand, figure-8 or bidirectional microphones are great for one-on-one interviews in studios or home setups.
Connection
Finally, one of the most important streaming specifications that any streamer will want to look out for when picking a mic is the connection method. There are two main types of connection methods that you’ll be looking at: USB and XLR.
USB is the easiest one, and will most likely be familiar to most gamers as it’s a plug-and-play mic. You’ll find this option on a lot of dedicated streaming models, as well as more affordable mics. Many older USB-type mics have a microUSB connection but newer ones have convenient USB-C connectivity. USB microphones are easy to use and set up, but may not last as long as XLR microphones.
The second type of connection method is XLR. XLR-type mics will require connection to an audio interface or preamp via XLR cable, which would then be connected to your computer via USB. It’s thus a little pricier than USB-type mics. However, the high price point is more than made up for thanks to the durability and advanced audio processing of XLRs. If you want your set-up to last you for years, then an XLR-type mic is well worth the investment.
What Type of Microphone is Best for Streaming?
Finding the best streaming mic can be quite daunting with all the factors that you have to consider. Aside from those important matters, the biggest decision that you have to make when buying is whether you should get a USB microphone or an XLR one.
A USB mic equips the microphone, preamp, and audio interface into one body. USB types are described as plug-and-play mics because you only need to connect them to the USB port on your computer and you’re good to go. On the other hand, an XLR-type microphone uses an external preamp and interface.
Unlike a USB microphone, XLRs won’t function by just plugging them into your PC. Aside from the microphone itself, you also need to purchase a sound interface and sometimes, a preamp as well.
A USB mic is extremely affordable, making it ideal for beginners, solo streamers, or gamers on the go who are looking for a budget microphone. USB mics have good audio, but most of the time, you are not fully in control of how your voice sounds thus, it will require more mic monitoring.
Meanwhile, XLRs require less mic monitoring as they allow you full control of your voice and provide more mic controls you can set up according to your preferred settings. Seen as a more professional microphone by streamers, XLRs tend to be on the more expensive side as additional audio gear is needed to complete the setup and may also have upgrades, which overall can be costly.
When it comes to choosing between the two, it can depend on your budget, preferred microphone type, and most importantly, your desired audio quality.
Once you’ve chosen the type of microphone, there also lies a decision between condenser and dynamic microphones. Both the tone reproduction and audio quality between the two types are important to consider as if the streaming mic sounds weak or lacking in detail, it could affect the overall outcome of your stream.
Most audio and recording professionals recommend a condenser microphone over a dynamic microphone as they capture sharp and clear audio. However, condenser microphones have their cons as well. While it captures audio in a crisp manner, it is also quite fragile as it can pick up a lot of surrounding noise, especially if the room isn’t acoustically treated or if the recording isn’t done in a professional studio. In the right environment though, condenser mics sound amazing as they can pick up detail and have a wide frequency response.
As for a dynamic mic, it has a sound that’s rugged and fairly tight. Additionally, dynamic mics are also less fragile than condenser mics. It can also handle loud spikes in volume and do a good job of rejecting unnecessary noise. However, compared to condenser microphones, a dynamic microphone’s audio depends on the diaphragm and the interfaces used along with it.
Budget is also one notable aspect when deciding which one to use for streaming and podcasting between these two microphone types. Condenser mics are usually more expensive than dynamic mics. If you have the budget and if you’re going for a higher frequency range and clearer vocals, you might want to get a condenser-type mic. If you’re on a budget and want low sensitivity and background sound rejection, dynamic-type mics might be your best bet.
How Do Streamers Make Their Mic Sound So Good?
Many streamers have a professional setup or workstation to make their streams and mics sound good. The desk setup can vary per streamer and may require a different microphone and accessories. If you want to create a professional setup on your workstation or if you want to make your stream sound better just like other streamers, you’ll need a couple of valuable equipment aside from having an excellent mic that fits your requirements.
Accessories such as a boom extension, mic stand, pop filter, or shock mount can help a lot. A boom or mic arm can be clipped to the side of your desk, allowing you to have your mic within reach and also easily stow it away when not in use. An alternative to a boom arm is a desktop stand which is smaller in size and more portable. Some mics come with a stand in the box, but more often than not, you’ll have to purchase a separate stand.
An important accessory to have, especially if you’re streaming games, is an anti-vibration mount. This prevents vibration from traveling through your boom extension or your mic stand. If your mic doesn’t have an internal pop filter, you can get one to reduce the sound of air leaving your mouth. A pop shield can also prevent plosive sounds and prevent your mic from being grubby when you’re up close. Keep in mind though that if your mic already has a built-in pop filter, you won’t need a separate one as you may end up muffling your audio instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to use an XLR microphone for streaming?
- Connect the mic to a phantom power source (usually via cable).
- Connect the XLR cable to the audio interface (usually via cable).
- Connect the interface to the computer if recording via computer.
- Turn on phantom power.
How to use USB microphones for streaming?
- Make sure the provided USB cord is plugged into your mic.
- Plug the other end of the cord into your laptop or computer and make sure the mic is switched on.
- Identify and select your mic as the audio input source in your computer.
- Download your microphone’s program if needed, and set up your mic accordingly.
- Once the audio output is set up, start recording.
Are cardioid mics good at reducing background noise?
Cardioid mics are a common choice for livestreaming mics as they can isolate unwanted ambient sounds, as well as other unnecessary sounds from the back of the microphone. A lot of mics these days are equipped with several polar patterns, allowing you to switch the audio pattern to a cardioid mode or another that suits your stream best.
What do most Youtubers use for a microphone?
Professional content creators on YouTube use a variety of microphones. A vast majority of them opt to use USB microphones as they’re pretty easy to use, the most popular one being the Blue Yeti X.
Equipped with a four-capsule array, the Blue Yeti X also comes with a quick mute button, output level adjustment, and a built-in headphone jack, and can be used with the Blue VO!CE audio software that provides users with their own custom sound. This Blue Yeti X is also popular for recording podcasts.
As for professional musicians on YouTube, a number of them use the Shure SM58 as it’s designed to highlight vocals. This mic is an XLR output mic so an interface is needed to be able to use it. The Rode NT1-A, another XLR output mic, is a popular choice as well, especially for capturing clean vocals.
What mic do most streamers use?
Streamers use a variety of popular mics. In our guide, we listed the Blue Yeti Nano and Blue Yeti Pro which are popular with streamers and console and PC gamers, but there are other mics as well.
The USB-powered mic Elgato Wave 3 is popular for streaming. A cardioid mic, the Elgato Wave 3 is good for those who have robust online streams with multiple audio sources. It has onboard controls such as physical gain control, mute switch, and physical volume control. Moreover, it can be used with the Wave Link software which acts as a digital audio mixer.
If you’re someone who needs to mix multiple audio channels such as game audio, sound effects, and music and uses software such as OBS or XSplit, the Elgato Wave 3 with Wave Link software is a great choice as both a streaming and gaming microphone. You can also pick up the Wave 1 instead if you’re tight on budget. It offers the same features as the Elgato Wave 3 and only lacks some controls but there aren’t significant drawbacks to stop you from using it as a livestreaming mic.
What microphones do Twitch streamers use?
A gaming headset comes with a mic but a lot of times, the built-in mic won’t be able to deliver quality audio for streaming. May it be a compact mic that makes use of a USB interface or an XLR setup that may need stereo connectivity, Twitch streamers look at streaming mics that can clearly isolate their voice amidst ambient sounds whenever they conduct streams live.
A mic that features volume controls for headphones benefits game streamers on Twitch as it lessens the need to do any on-the-spot mic monitoring for when a voice channel or audio signal is becoming too loud or inaudible. With this, the headphone jack-equipped Blue Yeti X USB is yet a viable candidate. However, the Shure SM7B is one of the most commonly preferred XLR types in the Twitch community.
Is the Shure SM7B good for streaming?
Thanks to their incredible quality and durability, Shure has pretty much established itself as one of the greatest microphones in the industry. The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone that has a rich yet neutral low-end, with no distortion and clean, balanced bass. Eliminating unwanted sounds and background noise is easy with this microphone, as it has air suspension shock isolation, a built-in pop filter, and a cardioid polar pattern.
The Shure SM7B also has electromagnetic shielding to avoid capturing hum from computers and other equipment. The SM7B requires a preamp or interface to be used properly. At around $400, it is a pricey dynamic type, but it’s definitely one of the best streaming mics around.
What microphone is best for live sound?
One of the best mics for live applications is the Shure SM58. A dynamic mic, the SM58 is affordable and produces a sound that brings richness and depth to live performances. It has a natural frequency range optimized for performances, as well as a warm and natural mid-range that flatters most voice types.
Final Note
With recorders and live streaming likely to grow in popularity, aspiring streamers should think carefully about the type of equipment they’re willing to invest in. Your audience will want the whole package, and that means you shouldn’t settle for a low-quality one or just any mic, like a Lavalier mic, that might ruin the listening and viewing experience because it wasn’t intended for said application.
We’ve presented a few of what we believe are the best mics for streaming — whether you’re a beginner just building your Twitch audience or an established favorite who’s looking to upgrade. Pick your mic, map out your set-up, and get ready to captivate the world.
Editor’s Choice
Audio-Technica AT2035
Our top choice for the best mics for streaming is the Audio-Technica AT2035. With a frequency response of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, it has a rich, detailed sound that captures and flatters the human voice perfectly.
Its low self-noise, side-address cardioid polar pattern, and overall high-quality audio make it a perfect option for streamers.
The AT2035 has much better specs than many other microphones in the same price range and can last you years thanks to its durable build and fantastic engineering.
As an XLR-type mic, and one priced at around $200, it may not be the best option for beginners. However, if you’re an established streamer who wants to make content that stands out, then the AT2035 is definitely the perfect microphone for you.
