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The Best Microphone for YouTube

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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Microphone for YouTube

It’s no secret that YouTube has taken the online world by storm since its establishment in 2005. In a decade and a half, the daily views on YouTube have climbed to about one billion hours of watched video per day, and hundreds of hours of video uploaded to the site per minute. YouTube is shaping the landscape of content, and a lot of people are aiming to ride the wave. Today, we’re here to help you do just that with our guide on the best microphone for YouTube.

Why do you need a microphone for YouTube? Well, if you’re planning to start publishing videos on YouTube, you need to make sure that your production is top-class. Thanks to the availability of great-quality microphones, this is now a possibility even for the most amateur home studio setup. There are now a ton of different, quality options for the best microphone for YouTube, and a look at our list below will be more than enough to get the ball rolling for you.


Which is the Top YouTube Microphone?

Editor's Choice

The Best Microphone for YouTube
Best Overall
The Best Microphone for YouTube
Best USB Microphone
The Best Microphone for YouTube
Most Versatile Mic
Røde NT-USB

The Røde NT-USB may be a plug-and-play microphone that is incredibly portable, versatile, and high-performing.

Blue Yeti Pro

The Blue Yeti Pro is a flexible and portable USB mic that amateurs and professionals can easily use to record YouTube videos with quality audio.

Shure MV7

The Shure MV7 brings the best of a USB and XLR mic together without sacrificing quality, design, and functionality for an overall broadcast-quality sound.

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

Let’s Go Over Each Microphone for YouTube

The Best Microphone for YouTube

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

For its price, the Rode NT-USB mic offers an incredible recording experience. As a USB microphone, it’s essentially plug-and-play, allowing even the most amateur of creators to record quality content. Not only that, it’s even compatible with portable devices like the iPad, as long as you have the proper adaptor. With a durable build and a simple yet effective design, it sets the standard for USB mics the world over.

If there’s one place where this mic is meant to shine, it’s in its audio quality. And shine it does. While it does suffer from a bit of sensitivity, especially when it comes to background noise and keyboard sounds, overall the sound is crisp and clear. 

While other USB microphones tend to suffer from a bit of hiss and white noise, the Rode NT-USB has no such problem. It has a sharp and detailed sound, and its cardioid pickup pattern allows users to block out unwanted noise while capturing the sound source with full clarity and fidelity.

Overall, when it comes to USB microphones and the best mic for YouTube, this one from Rode is leading the pack. Combining a simple yet effective design with top-quality sound and an affordable price, it stands out from among the many budget USB microphones available on the market today. This cardioid condenser mic also has a headphone jack with volume control and a mix dial for you to blend computer audio with your voice. 

Its plug-and-play capabilities and body dials make the learning curve on this mic so much easier, allowing beginners to hit the ground running with their recordings. Additionally, this condenser microphone comes with a mic mount, desktop stand, internal pop filter, storage pouch, and a USB cable. The complete package, plus its versatility makes it a clear winner for YouTube creators who want a powerful mic with an easy setup thus, earning the number one spot in our list of best microphones for YouTube.

Pros and Cons of the Røde NT-USB

ProsCons
✔ Directional recording with a cardioid polar pattern
✔ Has a stereo headphone jack for zero latency and accuracy
✔ Comes with numerous accessories
✔ Crisp and clear audio quality
✖️ A computer is needed to adjust the gain control

The Best Microphone for YouTube

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

The Blue Yeti Pro’s somewhat intimidating price point might not make it the first choice for many first-timers, but if you’re planning on investing in quality then picking it up will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

The Blue Yeti Pro has flexibility that allows the microphone to grow with your skill, allowing for easy, basic desktop use as well as more complex combinations with professional recording equipment. Its high resolution also makes for more flexibility with recording, making the Blue Yeti Pro a more dynamic choice over the basic Blue Yeti microphone model.

This dynamic mic is the ultimate USB microphone for both amateurs and professionals. While it may cost a little more than your entry-level mic set, its top-tier recording quality and features make it a great investment.

The Blue Yeti Pro is one of the better quality microphones in its price range and can be a great choice for YouTube content creators who want a mic that feels good and sounds great. Plus, its iconic design makes it a great addition to your on-camera setup.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti Pro

ProsCons
✔ Has a gain control button
✔ Has four polar patterns
✔ Zero-latency monitoring
✔ USB output
✔ Desktop stand included
✖️ May require a mic arm

The Best Microphone for YouTube

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

The MV7 is Shure’s option for microphone users who are on the tail-end of beginner level and are looking to try out more complicated, yet still user-friendly setups. While Shure has long been a giant in the microphone industry, many of the brand’s condenser microphones remain a little out of reach for the average user working from a laptop.

The Shure MV7 is a great solution to this, offering two connection options that are great for amateurs who are moving into intermediate-level micing. With that, you get the best of both worlds for USB microphones and XLR microphones. If you’re concerned that that will make the connection process difficult, fear not. This versatile microphone is designed to be easy to use, allowing for more comfort and convenience in recording. Its great range of benefits makes it no wonder why the Shure MV7 is one of the best microphones for YouTube content creators, and the top-class audio quality is just on another level.

When it comes to YouTube video creation, a USB connection will always come in handy, and the Shure MV7 is pretty much the mic that you need for the modern era. It’s the perfect, powerful little companion for recording on the go thanks to its USB connectivity and the ShurePlus MOTIV app. 

With the MOTIV app, you can adjust your audio settings easily both before and after your recording session. The MV7 allows you to record on your laptop, or even on your smartphone or tablet with an adaptor. With that kind of range, the studio is pretty much anywhere you want it to be. Overall, these features and applications make the Shure MV7 one of the best microphones for YouTube if you’re looking for a condenser microphone that is versatile, and easy to use, but can produce high-quality audio inside and outside the studio.

Pros and Cons of the Shure MV7

ProsCons
✔ Has both USB and XLR output
✔ Has a touch panel for gain control
✔ Highly versatile
✖️ Windscreen may be loose

The Best Microphone for YouTube

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

Thanks to its smooth, balanced sound and fantastic midrange, the Audio-Technica AT2035 is one of the best microphones for YouTube videos focused on vocals. Its side-address design and cardioid polar pattern mean that you can easily position the cardioid mic to capture your voice while avoiding catching unwanted background noise like clicking or typing on the keyboard. Its high sensitivity also means that you can capture clear audio and the nuances of your voice perfectly, making it the perfect companion for YouTubers at home.

The Audio-Technica AT2035 is comparable with several studio-grade condenser microphones, which makes its affordability all the more astonishing. With this XLR microphone, you can switch between the 80Hz high-pass filter and the 10 dB pad, reliably taking care of high sound pressure levels. 

The Audio-Technica AT2035 produces a natural sound with a tone that leans slightly towards the warm and vintage. It has a crisp and detailed high-end, as well as a rich low-end that’s full of depth, making it a great choice for any sound engineer looking to buy their first large-diaphragm condenser.

While it may not be the most affordable mic around for first-timers and amongst XLR mics, the Audio-Technica AT2035 is one of the best microphones in the industry thanks to its incredible quality. It’s at par with many other mics at higher price points and can give you clear, consistent audio quality with hardly any need for post-processing. After all, it is a high-quality microphone.

If you spend most of your time creating content in a studio setting, then the Audio-Technica AT2035 is a powerhouse when it comes to great audio quality. One of the best mics for voice recording and recording YouTube videos.

Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica AT2035

ProsCons
✔ Can eliminate ambient noise and other low sounds
✔ Equipped with a shock mount and protective pouch
✔ Has an 80Hz high-pass filter
✔ Excellent audio quality
✖️ Requires external power
✖️ Single polar pattern

The Best Microphone for YouTube

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

Røde is known for producing top-quality microphones that are easy to use, durable, and have a fantastic sound and the VideoMic Pro is one of their best microphones. This shotgun microphone is compact and foolproof and will elevate your videography from good to great.

This is a great YouTube mic for content creators who plan on shooting videos outdoors. Designed for on-the-go recording, it has easy-to-find switches and a near-universal size mount that will suit practically any handheld camera or camcorder. If you’re worried that this shotgun mic won’t cover much range, then think again as it has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. It also has an integrated shock mount to minimize vibrations and has a super-cardioid pickup pattern that’s great for directional recording modes and producing amazing sound.

With such a compact size, the Røde Videomic Pro’s portability is one of its strongest features. Taking shotgun mics out into the world, however, means that you have to contend with issues like battery life. It can be pretty stressful bringing around extra battery packs and making sure that they’re all charged.

Luckily, the Videomic Pro’s battery life can stretch to around 70 hours on a single battery, eliminating the anxiety over whether your mic is going to stop working in the middle of a shoot. It makes use of a standard 9-volt battery that you can find almost anywhere, so compatibility is no problem either.

Pros and Cons of the Røde VideoMic Pro+

ProsCons
✔ Convenient and portable
✔ Fantastic microphone in filtering out off-axis sounds
✔ Integrated shock mount
✖️ The 9V battery may weight a bit for a shotgun mic

Samson Go Mic

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

Samson Technologies, a pioneer in wireless microphone systems since 1980, brings innovative microphones such as the Samson Go Mic that people swear by and for good reason. 

The Samson Go Mic features a custom compact design, allowing it to clip directly onto your laptop or sit discreetly on your desk. Its sleek and portable build makes it perfect for creators on the move. You will also enjoy hassle-free operation with the Go Mic’s plug-and-play functionality. It’s completely compatible with both Mac and PC, requiring no drivers for installation. Simply plug it in, and you’re ready to start recording.

So, whether you’re a budding YouTuber on a budget or a seasoned creator in need of portability, the Samson Go Mic is an ideal choice for YouTube videos. Its compact size, plug-and-play simplicity, and versatile functionality make it a practical tool for content creators of all levels. Ideal for recording setup on the go, however, they might not provide the same audio quality as larger microphones.

Pros and Cons of the Samson Go Mic

ProsCons
✔️ Compact and portable
✔️ Requires no drivers and is Mac and Windows compatible
✔️ Folding clip allows for easy attachment
✔️ Comes with a carrying case
✔️ Affordable
✖️ May lack advanced polar patterns

Do You Need a Good Mic for YouTube Videos?

If you’re aiming to become a content creator on YouTube or start your very own YouTube podcast, yes, you do need a good microphone to improve audio quality. Even if you film your video using the latest camera, your YouTube channel won’t attract viewers if your audio sounds terrible. The built-in microphone of your laptop or camera won’t be enough. For filming YouTube videos, an important thing that you’ll have to invest in is an external microphone.

Microphones come in different types to accommodate different recording scenarios. Among them, the best microphones for YouTube use are USB mics, condenser mics, dynamic microphones, shotgun microphones, or lapel microphones. 

A USB mic is probably the most standard pick for YouTubers. They’re convenient to use and are usually beginner-friendly. Plus, they offer a lot of versatility and they generally come with a good mic cost — sometimes even an audio interface and mic stand. A condenser microphone is a favorite of those who do a studio recording environment as it offers a wide frequency response and captures a crisp, clear sound. They often also come equipped with a shock mount. Dynamic mics on the other hand are less sensitive to environmental noise and do not require external power, making them suitable for capturing loud sounds and performing in noisy environments. 

If your content is going to focus on the outdoors, a shotgun microphone might be ideal for you. They’re very portable and are equipped with shock mounts, reducing vibrations and handling noise well. Shotgun mics are also perfect for recording audio sources that face the camera at all times. 

If you want to be heard loud and clear but want your microphone to be discreet, lapel or lavalier microphones are what you need. A Lavalier mic or lapel mic is a small recording device that’s wireless and can be clipped onto your clothes. It includes a transmitter to where it is connected and a receiver that picks up the signal from the transmitter even at great distances. 

Aside from a microphone, you also need to consider if you need accessories such as microphone stands, shock mounts, pop filters, cases, and the like. Knowing microphone polar patterns is a great help as well when deciding which microphone to get.


What Microphone Do Most Youtubers Use?

Content creators on YouTube channels use a variety of microphones, ranging from external mics to studio mics. A popular choice among YouTubers is the Blue Yeti X which has a four-capsule array, background noise eliminator, output level adjustment, and built-in headphone jack, The Blue Yeti X can be used with the Blue VO!CE audio software. Some YouTubers also favor the Shure SM58, while others like to use the Rode NT1-A.


What Is the Mic That Vloggers Use?

If you plan to record YouTube videos outdoors and in loud settings, opt for dynamic microphones. A dynamic microphone is more suited for live settings and for on-the-go recording where there would be a lot more background noise and high-volume sound sources.

Condenser microphones are good at picking up detailed sound in environments where the audio can be controlled. With this, they are preferred by Vloggers for the studio recording environment of YouTube videos. Unlike a dynamic microphone, a condenser mic is more sensitive to sound.


What Mic Has the Best Quality?

One microphone that consistently receives praise for its exceptional audio quality is the Rode VideoMic Pro. This microphone is known for its best sound quality, compact size, and versatility. It can easily attach to a camera or smartphone, making it ideal for vloggers and YouTube video creators who need a portable solution for capturing high-quality audio while in the studio and on the go.


What Is the No. 1 Mic for YouTube?

There isn’t a definitive “number one” microphone for YouTube channels as it ultimately depends on the content creator’s specific needs and budget. However, one microphone that’s highly recommended for YouTube content creation is the Blue Yeti X. It offers excellent audio quality, multiple pickup patterns, and ease of use, making it suitable for various recording scenarios including vlogging, podcasting, gaming, and more. The Blue Yeti X USB connectivity also makes it convenient for connecting directly to computers without the need for additional audio interfaces.


Final Note

We’ve rounded up the best microphones for YouTube video recording and streaming! We’ve presented the best mics for all kinds of content creators, whether you’re just beginning your YouTube journey or you already have an established viewer base and want to level up your gear. 

Like most things out there, however, there is no perfect, one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. You have to consider your needs and budget to find the most ideal mic for your setup. Always remember that what works for one user may not work for another, after all.


The Best Microphone for YouTube

Editor’s Choice

Our top pick for the best microphone for YouTube has to go to the Rode NT-USB. Røde is famous for its quality materials and design, as well as its surprisingly affordable prices. While it may not be one of the cheapest microphones around, it’s one of the most reliable options. 

Beginners who shy away from expensive microphones don’t have to worry about this one: for its mid-range price point, it’s an incredible piece of equipment, definitely at par with more expensive microphones.

The mic’s durability is another one of its fantastic points. Amateur YouTube creators might think that they can put their money into cheaper mics and just upgrade later, but that may not be the right choice. It’s a better option to simply invest in a quality microphone that will bring you years of great audio to come, and that’s what this mic is. With the proper care, it can weather travel, tours, and all manner of different events.

What else does this mic have going for it? It’s a USB connection, quite obviously. The Rode NT-USB microphone is one of the best in the business, and it allows beginners to begin churning out videos with better audio quality with almost non-existent background noise straight off the bat.

Top-quality microphones often require complicated setups, including an audio interface, but not with this one. You can simply plug it into your laptop or computer and start filming. With the proper adaptor, it’s even compatible with portable devices like the iPad. A winner in our books.

Thanks to the convenience that the Rode NT-USB mic provides, more content creators can get started filming their YouTube videos straightaway. If you’re the type who wants a lot of flexibility, convenience, and ease with your recordings, then a USB microphone like this is the way to go. It allows you to do away with the complex processes, and exercise your creativity more quickly and efficiently.

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Ash Burnett

Hailing from Chicago, IL - Ash made his break into journalism at the age of 23 writing music reviews for a local website. Now in his late 30's and after being pulled closer towards the technical side of the music and live gig industry, he founded Shout4Music to write thorough microphone reviews.

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