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 the span of 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  Best Overall |  Best USB Microphone |  Most Versatile Mic |
Røde NT-USBThe Røde NT-USB may be a plug-and-play microphone that is incredibly portable, versatile, and high-performing. | Blue Yeti ProThe 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 MV7The Shure MV7 brings the best of a USB and XLR mic together without sacrificing quality, design, and functionality for an overall broadcast-quality sound. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Top YouTube Microphone
#1. Røde NT-USB
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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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. And shine it does. While it does suffer from a bit of sensitivity, especially when it comes to table 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 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 microphone 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, 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
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ 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 |
#2. Blue Yeti Pro
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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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.
The Blue Yeti Pro 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 definitely 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, the Blue Yeti Pro’s iconic design makes it a great addition to your on-camera setup.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Has a gain control button ✔ Has four polar patterns ✔ Zero-latency monitoring ✔ USB output ✔ Desktop stand included | ✖️ May require a mic arm |
#3. Shure MV7
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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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 if 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 connection 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, easy to use, but can produce high quality audio inside and outside the studio.
Pros and Cons of the Shure MV7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Has both USB and XLR output ✔ Has a touch panel for gain control ✔ Highly versatile | ✖️ Windscreen may be loose |
#4. Audio-Technica AT2035
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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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 background noise like clicking or typing on the keyboard. Its high sensitivity also means that you can capture 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 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 sound quality. Definitely one of the best mics for voice recording and recording YouTube videos.
Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica AT2035
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ 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 |
#5. Røde VideoMic Pro+
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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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 that 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 use on the go, 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 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+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ 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 |
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 microphone. 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. For that, you’ll need to thoroughly read up about mics to ensure that you get the best one that suits you. Among the different types, the best microphone for YouTube use are USB mics, condenser mics, 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 low-cost price tag — sometimes even an audio interface and mic stands. A condenser microphone is a favorite of those who do home and studio recording as it offers a wide frequency response and captures a crisp, clear sound. They often also come equipped with a shock mount.
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, a lapel or lavalier mic is what you need. A 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.
It might feel daunting to select which one will suit you best but don’t worry, we’re here to help you out. We rounded up the best mics to use and level up your YouTube video recordings.
What to Look for in a Microphone for YouTube?
The great thing about YouTube is that you can basically create any kind of content you want. Whether it’s original animation, song covers, vlogging, gaming streams, or even ASMR, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find an audience. Viewers aren’t even picky — while quality video is always the best, there’s still a charm to handheld shaky-cam footage or even footage that you’ve taken on your smartphone.
One thing that can put a potential viewer off, though, is your audio quality. While shaky cam footage has its charm, bad audio is just bad audio. There’s no point in sitting through a five-minute video if you can’t understand anything that’s going on, and audio is a big part of that. That’s why most YouTube creators, whether they’re vlogging or gaming, are going to invest in good microphones.
But what should you look for if you want a good microphone for YouTube? What sets the best microphones for YouTube videos apart? Quite a lot of factors, really, depending on your budget and aim. For example, a microphone meant for mostly vlogging will definitely be different from a microphone meant for ASMR, and that microphone would be different from one meant for gaming.
However, regardless of the specific content that you’re aiming to put out, there are still several things that can make or break mics for YouTube. Here are a few of the general characteristics you should be looking out for if you want to add a good vlogging microphone (or any kind of microphone, really) to your YouTube creator arsenal.
Frequency Response
The first thing you’ll need to look at is the frequency range. Frequency response will decide your microphone’s overall sound. It determines the range of sound that your microphone is able to capture, so it can differ slightly if you’re going to be spending more time recording instruments rather than vocals, for example.
If you’re picking mics for vlogging or any other kind of activity that needs focus on your voice, then look for a mic that’s optimized for the human vocal range, which is typically from 85 Hz to 255 Hz, although it can vary.
Pickup Pattern
The pickup or polar pattern determines the “active” area of your microphone, or what parts of your microphone will be recording. If you have a microphone for recording vocals, this is typically set to cardioid, which is the preferred choice since it offers great background noise rejection.
While cardioid pattern microphones are definitely popular, again this will depend on the kind of content you’re looking to create. If you need a vlogging microphone for the outdoors, you can look for microphones with a super-cardioid polar pattern, which helps block out sound more easily and efficiently.
Power Source and Connection
If you’re planning to use your microphone for a ton of content, then you definitely need to think about how you’re going to power it. You can have a vlogging microphone that uses battery power, which you can take around freely no matter where you go.
In a more controlled, home studio environment, however, you can also choose to go with a microphone that requires phantom power, sourced through a preamp or mixer, and able to be connected to your laptop or PC. Mics for YouTube are as diverse as the content that’s published on the platform, so make sure that you pick a microphone that makes the most of your resources, as well as fits your desired purpose.
How to Use a USB Mic for YouTube
- Make sure the provided USB cord is plugged into your microphone.
- Plug the other end of the cord into your laptop or computer and make sure the microphone is switched on.
- Identify and select your microphone as the audio input source in your computer.
- Download your microphone’s program if needed, and set up your mic accordingly.
- Start recording.
How to Use an XLR Mic for YouTube
- Connect the microphone to a phantom power source (usually via cable).
- Connect the cable to the audio interface (usually via cable).
- Connect the audio interface to a computer if recording via computer.
- Turn on phantom power.
- Start recording.
Frequently Asked Questions
What microphone do most YouTubers use?
Content creators on YouTube 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, output level adjustment, and built-in headphone jack, and 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.
Some YouTubers wear a lavalier mic to free up their hands and move around on camera. These mics are beneficial for those who broadcast live, or for those who want more creative freedom rather than being stuck to a desk or mic stand.
Lapel mics deliver a full frequency response, reduce muffled vocals thanks to their omnidirectional recording, and are small in size that they can blend in easily.
Just like with other microphones, there is no single answer for the best microphone for singing on YouTube. We can, however, recommend microphones that a lot of YouTube professionals use. Among our list above, we can recommend Audio-Technica AT2020.
The industry-standard Shure SM7B is a top pick of numerous YouTube vocalists as it provides a rich yet neutral low-end sound with no distortion. Its key features include air suspension shock isolation, a pop filter, and the ability to reject electromagnetic hum from neon lights, computer monitors, and other devices. It also delivers a smooth and warm sound.
Another microphone that a lot of people have not considered for singing on YouTube is the Shure SM58. Generally used for live performances, the Shure SM58 is a dynamic capsule microphone that can also be used for singing and vlogging. It features an internal pneumatic shock mount and provides a clear sound without distortion.
Is a condenser microphone good for YouTube content creation?
Condenser microphones are great at picking up detailed sound in environments where the audio can be controlled. With this, they are preferred for studio recording making them great devices for YouTube video recording. Unlike a dynamic microphone, a condenser mic is more sensitive to sound. This makes it the preferred recording device for film, music production, and voice recording, especially if you want to achieve studio-quality audio.
However, if you plan to record YouTube videos outdoors and in loud settings, opting for a dynamic microphone rather than a condenser one is best. 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.
Do I need a digital recorder?
Maybe there are times that you can’t record your videos in a studio, or you need to record on the go. When you’re faced with a remote recording situation, a portable digital recorder can help you out. Portable digital audio recorders allow you to capture audio both on camera and off it.
A portable audio recorder that you can look into is the Zoom H1N. This portable recorder has a twin condenser model situated in an X/Y pattern, making it capable to record stereo sound and even double as a shotgun model when mounted on a camera. It can also handle up to 120 dB without distorting the audio.
Final Note
We’ve rounded up the best microphone for YouTube 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.
Editor’s Choice
Røde NT-USB
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 definitely one of the most reliable options.
Beginners who shy away from expensive microphones don’t have to worry about this one: for its 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? Its 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 an incredible audio quality 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. Definitely 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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