Twitch. YouTube. PlayStation Live. Streaming is here, and it’s here to stay. Heck, even social media has jumped on board, with live streams popping up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It’s a phenomenon of the modern age, allowing people to become celebrities without having to leave their desks. It’s the culmination of our recreational technology so far, and it’s an amazing and exciting thing to witness.
But what if you don’t want to stand by and watch - what if you want to start creating your own content, to start streaming your own gameplay, and building your own fanbase? You've got the kit; the monitor, the gaming keyboard, the mouse and even the chair{
There are many options out there, from companies fresh and experienced in the audio game. To help you cut through and find the devices that meet the standard, we’ve scoured the web to find only the very best streaming mics.
While we were open to any product, we did limit ourselves in one sense – we’ve chosen only USB microphones. The reason? USB microphones are lower in cost, and their quality has surpassed all expectations. Once upon a time, audio clarity was the preserve of expensive XLR options, which required interfaces and mixers. This is no longer the case, as you’ll see.
Of course, it’s streaming that gets the headlines, but these microphones serve other purposes just as well. If you’re a budding podcaster, songwriter, or instrumentalist, then they’re going to deliver for you, too. That’s because these microphones are, on the whole, extremely versatile and of a high quality. Whether you’re looking to casually chat your way through an interview, show off your pipes by hitting some high notes, or demonstrate your finesse on an acoustic guitar, you’ll be covered. As USB microphones, they’re also going to help you earn some extra clarity on the next Discord, Zoom, or Skype chat, too.
Here's our selection of the best microphones for streaming:
While it's important for your audience to hear you loud and clear, don't forget that audio is your tactical edge, too. You'll need to fully gear up with one of the best gaming headsets
Best sound quality
Description
Professional in every way. That's what you feel when you start using the Blue Yeti X, and you suddenly understand why it's the go-to option for many full-time streamers and podcasters. The sound quality is crisp and clear, due to the four condenser mic capsules, which can be run over a choice of four polar patterns. While the Yeti X has the flexibility to record instruments, the response and quality of cardioid recording is where it shines. This is thanks to the Yeti X's access to the Logitech G-Hub and the Blue Vo!ce software, which enables full customisation, from audio equalisation, right down to LED colour profile.Connection: USBBuilt-in Headphone Output: YesPower: 5VPattern: Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, BidirectionalOS: PC, PS4, Mac
Best for new streamers and podcasters
Description
The Samson Meteor is a versatile little plug-and-play driverless device that's ideal for entry and intermediate level podcasters and streamers. Under the retro styling sits a 25mm condenser diaphragm with a cardioid pickup pattern, picking up and transmitting pure and clear audio, thanks to the flat frequency range. There's a headphone jack for no-latency monitoring, and the tripod stand is great for flexible and optimal positioning. Its compact size makes it both unobtrusive and portable. This is a great first mic, though those with a sharper ear and more experience may want to tweak the settings to get the most out of it.Connection: USBBuilt-in Headphone Output: YesPower: 5VPattern: CardioidOS: PC, PS4, Mac
Best microphone for gaming
Description
Just one look at the HyperX QuadCast will tell you the target audience. Thankfully, it's not all gamer styling over substance here, as the microphone offers an impressive and clear sound quality. The clear LED indicators, low-profile gain dial, and tap-to-mute are very useful and really simple features, and now seem lacking from other models. For those looking to focus heavily on fine-tuning the sound, the QuadCast may come up a little short. However, commentating over live gaming, the QuadCast is up there amongst the best. Plus, the shock mount is a godsend for those who tend to get a little more animated during gameplay.Connection: USBBuilt-in Headphone Output: YesPower: 5VPolar Pattern: Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, BidirectionalOS: PC, PS4, Mac
Best design
www.gear4music.com
Description
The Rhode NT USB microphone offers a refined, professional aesthetic and, more importantly, crisp and clear audio. While some users will undoubtedly be frustrated with the single cardioid pattern, though those looking for only vocal and speech audio won't be among them u2013 the balance and accuracy of the sound is remarkable. The pop shield is a nice addition too. Just make sure not to get too animated, as the stand is a little wobbly.Connection: USBBuilt-in Headphone Output: YesPower: 5VPattern: CardioidOS: PC, PS4, Mac
Best for streaming and gaming
Description
Bold, utilitarian, matte black with a dash of green? Yes, it's Razer alright. Inside the unassuming mini-monolith casing sits an ultra-precise super-cardioid pickup pattern, which is keyed in to reduce ambient and disruptive noise. For the most part, this is very effective u2013 unless a mechanical keyboard happens to be in range. Otherwise, the combination of quality audio, simple volume and mute controls, and shock mount makes the Seiren X a very compelling offering.Connection: USBBuilt-in Headphone Output: YesPower: 5VPattern: SupercardioidOS: PC, PS4, Mac
Description
While this isn't a microphone (clearly), the Logitech StreamCam is an interesting alternate solution for those taking their first steps into the streaming world. The reason is that it's efficient. The device records both full HD 60 fps footage and high-quality audio through one lightning-quick USB-C connection, and provides access to the Logitech Capture software suite. This software is a great one-stop-shop for newbie vloggers, and can even act as a source for streaming services like Open Broadcast and XSplit. It's like we said in our review, the StreamCam makes capturing broadcast-ready content "so easy that it almost feels like cheating."Connection: USBAudio: Dual omnidirectional mic with noise reduction filter, stereo or dual mono channelOS: PC, Mac
Best value
Description
The PowerCast M300 is a good pick for podcasters and streamers with limited funds. Without getting anywhere near triple figures, the microphone provides a clear audio quality that's ready for broadcast or post-processing. There is a gain control for getting the levels just right and a headphone jack for all-in-one monitoring. RGB lights add some cyber-vibes into things if desired, and the plug-and-play compatibility makes for an easy setup process. Connection: USB-C Built-in Headphone Output: YesPower: n/aPolar Pattern: CardioidOS: PC, Mac
Best microphone for sound quality
The Blue Yeti X. This isn’t just our opinion. As you’ll see from its award wins, the Yeti X is widely held as one of the best microphones on the market, especially considering its relatively low price. It’s feature-heavy, reliable, and well-constructed – even the most steadfast contrarian would have trouble to pick fault. However, it’s not the only choice out there.
Best microphone for gaming and streaming
YouTube gamers and up-and-coming Twitch stars will be drawn to the HyperX and Razer offerings – both brilliant, but our vote lands with the QuadCast. The sound quality is perfect for live streaming, the controls and interface is well thought out, and the shock mount can handle plenty of knocks. Also, we cannot deny it looks the part.
Best microphone for a new streamer or podcaster
This very much depends on your budget and goals. However, we think that the Samson Meteor Mic is a good place to start. Not only is it affordable, but the sound quality is great, it’s compact and it’s plug-and-play. As you upgrade your equipment, it’s also a nice mic to have in reserve. It’ll never let you down.
As we stated above, the Logitech StreamCam also offers a compelling alternative, providing great footage and audio to match.
Best microphone for podcasting
Those looking to upgrade their podcast equipment should be drawn to the Yeti X or the Rode NT. They both deliver a very high-standard sound with the much sought-after modern crispness and ambient-free clarity.
Polar patterns explained
A polar pattern refers to a microphones directional sensitivity. You can think of it as being the way a microphone hears and records audio. There are four polar patterns to be aware of:
Cardioid polar pattern
So named because its pickup pattern resembles a heart, a cardioid polar pattern is more sensitive at the front. Side and back audio pickup is limited, if not negated. For this reason, cardioid microphones are best used for picking up a streamer's speech.
Supercardioid polar pattern
The supercardioid polar pattern is similar to the cardioid, only it has greater sensitivity. A microphone using supercardioid polar pattern is perfect for picking up a voice in a loud environment. This microphone pickup pattern will also hear more sound from the back of the microphone.
Omnidirectional polar pattern
Microphones set to an omnidirectional polar pattern will pick up sound from all around. This polar pattern would suit a talk show podcast with multiple participants, or those looking to pick up ambient audio.
Bi-directional polar pattern
A bidirectional polar pattern resembles a figure of eight, picking up audio across opposite sides of a microphone.
If you’d like a deeper look at polar patterns, check out this video by the studio recording masters at Recordeo.