Gaming headsets are great for most situations, but for those gamers who want to stream or have incredible audio quality for Discord calls, there’s nothing better than a dedicated microphone. Gaming headsets are built to accomplish two tasks: produce audio through the headphones and receive audio through the microphone. This often leads to the sound quality being better than the mic quality. With a dedicated mic, this is not an issue because they are made to do one thing: produce excellent, sometimes studio-quality sound.
Best Gaming Headsets
For gamers who think they need a full audio mixer and audio production degree to make a dedicated mic sound good, there is no need to worry. With most mics nowadays, all that is needed is a spare USB port and some desk space to a microphone down.
When looking for a gaming microphone, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind to make the shopping process easier:
- Polar Pattern: What polar pattern works best for different use cases?
- Connectivity: Does the mic connect via USB or XLR?
- Extra Features: What features does the microphone feature that make it unique or stand out from the rest?
![Rode NT-USB+](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/rode-nt-usb.jpg)
Rode NT-USB+
Best Overall Gaming Microphone
$149 $169 Save $20
With the convenience of a USB microphone and the pristine audio quality of a professional condenser microphone, the NT-USB+ is an excellent choice for any gamer looking to upgrade their sound. Thanks to its USB-C connector, the NT-USB+ is incredibly easy to set up, and it comes with everything needed to start recording, including a high-quality pop filter, a desktop stand, and a headphone output with dedicated volume and mix controls.
- Brand
- Rode
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Audio Sensitivity
- 20Hz-20kHz
- Connector
- USB-C
- Incredibly well-built
- Excellent sound quality
- USB-C Connector
- Comes with stand and pop filter
- No on-mic gain controls
- Clips quite easily with loud sound sources
Gamers who want a low-fuss plug-and-play microphone with impressive features can look no further than the Rode NT-USB+. This microphone is the upgraded version of the NT-USB, the powerhouse gaming mic of its time in 2014. The NT-USB+ has the same sturdy build as the older version but with newer upgrades like Rode’s Revolution Preamp technology and a USB-C connector instead of micro-USB.
The NT-USB+ comes with everything needed to start streaming or recording immediately. The box has a USB-C to USB-C cable, a metal pop filter, and a tripod stand. The included stand is made out of plastic and a little flimsy, but for the most part, this stand will keep the mic steady. The NT-USB+ comes with a detachable ring to easily mount it to a different stand or a boom arm to reduce gaming desktop noises.
The NT-USB+ is a side-address microphone, which means to get the best sound quality out of it, the user should talk directly into the face of the microphone instead of into the top. With the mic positioned correctly, it sounds excellent with rich and detailed vocals. Plus, there is a 3.5mm audio jack to monitor levels while speaking to make sure it is not too loud or too quiet.
For the most part, it is entirely plug-and-play, but there is no on-mic gain control. To get access to that, gamers will need to download the included software. Luckily, Rode’s software is relatively easy to use and gives users access to noise-gates and high-pass filters.
The NT-USB+ is the best microphone because it provides excellent sound quality, fantastic design, and everything needed to get started recording or streaming right away.
![Razer Siren Mini USB Microphone](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/razer-siren-mini-usb-microphone.jpg)
Razer Seiren Mini
Best Budget-Friendly Gaming Microphone
$36 $50 Save $14
Big sounds can come in small packages. The Razer Seiren Mini is an ultra-compact condenser mic that’s the perfect fit for professional-grade audio at an incredibly affordable price. The Serien Mini is tuned with a tighter pickup angle, so the microphone focuses more on the voice talking directly into it instead of the background noise around it.
- Brand
- Razer
- Type
- Electret
- Pattern
- Supercardioid
- Connector
- USB-A
- Frequency Bandwidth
- 20Hz- 20KHz
- Extremely affordable
- Plug-and-play
- Sounds excellent for streaming and gaming
- No headphone jack or onboard controls
- The mic stand is too small to get ideal placement out of the box
Dedicated gaming microphones are great, but once gamers look more into the budget area, pickings start to get slim (especially under $50). Typically, a lot of these mics are from no-name brands, but thanks to the Razer Serien Mini, the go-to budget gaming microphone no longer has to be that karaoke mic that plugs in via USB. The Serien Mini offers a true plug-and-play experience for gamers who want to sound good but don’t want to fuss with audio levels.
The Seiren Mini uses a super-cardioid polar pattern, which emphasizes sounds coming from directly in front of the mic instead of the side or behind. This makes it fantastic at cutting out mechanical keyboard typing or furious clicking. However, the included stand with this mic does not make it easy to get a proper position to get the best sound.
For most cardioid mics, super or otherwise, it is typically best practice to put the mic about 8 to 10 inches away from the user, pointed directly at their mouth. Because this stand is so short, the mic has to be quite far away to get the angle needed to point the mic at the user’s mouth correctly. This is easily fixed by changing the stand or putting it on a boom arm which will screw into the same mount the stand is in, but that does add to the overall cost.
Overall, the Razer Seiren Mini is an excellent budget option for any gamer looking to improve their sound. The price is easy on the wallet, and because of its impressively small form factor, this mic won’t take up too much space regardless of the desk it is on.
![Shure MV7 USB Microphone](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/shure-mv7-usb-microphone.jpg)
Shure MV7 USB Microphone
Best Premium Gaming Microphone
$249 $311 Save $62
Shure MV7 USB Microphone is a high-end, standalone mic built for podcasting and recording live streams of gaming or other content. The all-metal, dual USB/XLR mic promises to last through hours of use and future upgrades to other audio equipment, such as dedicated mixers. With a sizable boom and built-in audio processing, the Shure MV7 is one of the best mics for crisp and professional vocal delivery.
- Brand
- Shure
- Type
- USB, XLR
- Power
- Corded Electric
- Weight
- 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions
- 4.3 x 12.3 x 5 inches
- XLR and USB connectivity
- PC and Mac compatible
- Podcast/Studio quality sound
- Quite pricey
- Doesn’t come with a stand
Now, for gamers looking to upgrade their current setup or who want a clear upgrade path for the future, the Shure MV7 USB Microphone is a fantastic option. The MV7 is a hybrid mic, so it can connect via USB or XLR, giving gamers who plan to use a full audio mixer in the future a great way to upgrade their sound without buying a new microphone. That being said, this mic is quite a bit more expensive than the other mics on this list, and it doesn’t come with a stand. But some kits sell it with a boom arm to make the setup process a bit easier for those who don’t already have one.
Gamers who plan to use the MV7 with an audio mixer will have full access to the EQ and filters that their board provides. Users who use it via USB are not left out, thanks to the ShurePlus Motiv app. In this app, users can fine-tune the settings to get the best possible sound out of the MV7. Plus, the app does an excellent job of walking users through the process, so people who aren’t really confident about dialing in an EQ manually can use the auto-level to get fantastic sound with minimal fuss.
What Headests Do the Pros Use?
After setting up the MV7, this mic has some of the best sound quality available at this price point. Vocals are clear and crisp, while it rejects just about any background noise. And unlike virtual background noise removal software, the MV7 isn’t cutting out frequencies to reduce the background noise, so gamers won’t get that tinny voice effect. Gamers who don’t mind spending a little extra on a microphone that will last them for quite a while will surely not be disappointed by the Shure MV7.
![Blue Yeti USB Microphone](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/blue-yeti-usb-microphone.jpg)
Blue Yeti USB Mic
Most Versatile Gaming Microphone
$100 $130 Save $30
The Blue Yeti USB condenser microphone features a triple-capsule array to record in four polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. With this amount of flexibility, whether for solo streaming or a group of people gathered around, this mic can handle it all and sound excellent.
- Brand
- Blue
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Connector
- USB Mini-B, 1 x 1/8″ (headphones)
- Weight
- 3.31 pounds
- Frequency Bandwidth
- 20Hz-20kHz
- Dimensions
- 4.92 x 4.72 x 11.61 inches
- Easy to use
- Well-built and feels sturdy
- Able to switch between 4 polar patterns
- Sensitive to desk sounds and bumps
Older gamers will probably recognize the Blue Yeti microphone as it has been around for quite a while. Again and again, it has stood the test of time. This mic has been the go-to dedicated mic for streamers, gamers, and podcasters since it came out in 2010. The Yeti is a great way to upgrade a recording setup for a reasonably affordable price. Thanks to its adjustable polar pattern, it is fantastic in pretty much any setting.
The look of the Blue Yeti is quite iconic, with its pill-shaped body and built-in stand that is incredibly stable and adjustable to make the positioning perfect. On the front of the microphone, there is a mute button and an in-line monitor volume knob. On the backside, there is a gain knob and a switch to change the type of polar pattern that is being used: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, or stereo.
Windows and MacOS users can use the Yeti as a plug-and-play mic and get incredible sound quality out of this mic. For most gamers and streamers, the cardioid pattern will be the pattern of choice, so there is very little noise picked up, except for the sound coming directly in front of the microphone. But for gamers who want to stream a board game session with a bunch of people around the table, the mic can be turned too omnidirectional to pick up sound regardless of what side of the mic the person is speaking from.
Regardless of the polar pattern, the Yeti delivers excellent sound. However, for people who switch back and forth between patterns, be sure to change it back to the appropriate setting before recording in a different setup.
![HyperX Quadcast S](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hyperx-quadcast-s.jpg)
HyperX QuadCast S
Best Looking Gaming Microphone
$120 $160 Save $40
The HyperX QuadCast S is a USB condenser microphone that sounds great and looks great. The stunning RGB lighting of this microphone quickly adds style and visual interest to any streaming setup. Not only does this mic look great, but it also sounds fantastic. With four selectable polar patterns, this mic is prepared for nearly any recording situation and features a gain control dial to regulate input sensitivity quickly.
- Brand
- HyperX
- Type
- Three 14mm electret condenser capsules
- Pattern
- Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional
- Connector
- USB-C, 3.5mm headphone output
- Frequency Bandwidth
- 20Hz – 20kHz
- RGB adjustable color scheme
- Four polar patterns
- Very good sound quality
- Mic can’t be removed from the shock mount
- Not very portable
The HyperX Quadcast S takes many of the features of the Blue Yeti and adds RGB lighting effects in the grill of the microphone, making it the statement piece of any streaming setup. The Quadcast S is a USB microphone with four adjustable polar patterns. It is made entirely of metal, making it feel incredibly sturdy. It comes with a shock mount to reduce noise when moving around or touching the mic. However, this shock mount is not removable, making packing it up in a bag difficult. Most gamers will probably not move this away from their desk, so that’s not a big issue.
This mic has a lot of on-mic controls, making it easy to change settings on the fly. On the top of the mic, there is a touch-sensitive mute button, and when the mic is muted, the RGB lights are turned off to visually let the users know when the mic is muted and unmuted. On the bottom of the mic, there is a dial that allows users to adjust the gain, which is always nice for a USB-only mic; that way, the software doesn’t constantly have to be open to change settings while recording or streaming.
The Hyper X Quadcast S provides excellent recording quality regardless of the polar pattern. People who want to use the omnidirectional setting might get a good amount of echo when using it in an untreated room. For solo streamers, the cardioid pattern does a great job of making vocals sound natural, and it won’t produce those annoying plosives when speaking too closely to the mic. For gamers who want a fantastic RGB microphone, the HyperX Quadcast S is a great way to go.
How To Choose The Perfect Gaming Microphone
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern is the first thing to check when looking at a gaming microphone. The polar pattern describes the area around the mic where it will pick up noise. Some mics will offer multiple polar patterns, like the Blue Yeti or HyperX Quadcast S, but most gaming mics only have one pattern available. There are three main polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.
The cardioid polar pattern is the most common pattern for gaming microphones. It is best suited for recording one person’s voice and is meant to be used relatively close to the user’s mouth for the best results. Variations of the cardioid pattern, such as supercardioid or hypercardioid, take the narrow pattern of the cardioid pattern and make it narrower.
The bidirectional pattern is best suited for two people on either side of the mic, such as conducting an interview. Most gamers will probably not use this setting, and it is rare to see a gaming mic made with a dedicated bidirectional polar pattern.
The omnidirectional pattern is almost the complete opposite of the cardioid pattern. It is designed to pick up sounds regardless of what side of the mic it is coming from. Gamers who want to stream with multiple people using one mic will want to use omnidirectional to make sure everyone is being picked up, but this also allows for a lot of background noise to be picked up.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another important factor for gaming microphones. For the most part, there are two options: USB or XLR. Most gamers will probably want a USB microphone as these microphones offer an easy setup process, a lower cost, and competitive sound quality.
On the other hand, there are XLR microphones. These mics are usually a bit more expensive. Gamers must get an XLR interface to send the audio signal to their computer, so there is a bit more cost involved. If appropriately set, XLR microphones will provide better sound quality, and XLR is a much more reliable connector than USB. Plus, if gamers are willing to pick up an audio mixing board, all the settings will be an arms-reach away rather than dealing with software.
The extra features of a microphone are what make a mic stand out from the rest. This could be features like in-line monitoring, which allows users to plug in headphones to the mic to monitor levels without delay, RGB lighting, an included stand, or on-mic controls. An excellent way to think about it is what sort of creature comforts a mic can offer to make the experience of using it a joy.
FAQ
Q: Why do streamers use condenser mics?
Condensers are often the mic of choice for streamers because they allow for the best sound even when the user is not in a sound-treated room. That is because of the narrow polar pattern of condenser microphones; there is a very narrow field that the microphone picks up noise from.
Q: Why do streamers not use headset mics?
Gaming headsets are built more for enjoying content instead of creating content. Because of that, the microphones on them are usually not up to the quality that a dedicated microphone can produce.