There are two main types of microphones: USB and XLR. This refers to how they connect to your computer, with USB microphones working like other wired peripherals and XLR models requiring special modules, power sources, and adapters to work with your computer or interface. Many streaming microphones feature multiple pickup patterns and onboard dials for switching between them on-the-fly. Below are some of the best microphones for streaming from top brands like Blue, Shure, and Razer. Check out the listed features to help you decide which is best for your skill level and broadcast needs. Also: Best gaming PC: From HP to MSI, the top rigs compared The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular choices among podcasters and streamers. It features USB connectivity and plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS devices. The on-board controls let you quickly and easily switch between the four pickup patterns, so you can transition from solo let’s play streams to podcast interviews in a snap. It also has a dedicated mute button, volume knob, and headphone jack for live monitoring. And if you download the Blue VO!CE software, you can create vocal effects to add more flair to your streams and recordings. Pros:
USBPlug-and-play for Windows, Mac, and ChromeOSLive mic monitoring
Cons:
Boom arm mounting requires a special adapterTop-down pickup is lacking
If you’re a professional streamer or podcaster, you’ll want to invest in the Shure SM7B. This XLR microphone is built for broadcast quality audio to give you clean, crisp sound for live audiences or pre-recorded content. The dynamic capsule cartridge is designed for close-capture, front-end input, so all your audience hears is you instead of annoying background noise. It also has electromagnetic shielding to prevent interference from your computer, monitors, and other streaming equipment, as well as an internal shock mount to protect against bumps and vibrations that can distort your audio. Pros:
Excellent audio qualityInternal shock mount and shieldingBoom arm mountable
Cons:
ExpensiveRequires preamp
The Elgato Wave:3 is the perfect microphone for streamers and podcasters who like to live to mix their audio for more dynamic broadcasts. The Wave Link app works with both Windows and Mac computers, giving you control over almost every aspect of your sound – from input and output sources to game and chat balance. You can also use the Wave:3 with thousands of vocal effect plug-ins and map them to your Elgato Stream Deck to change your voice on-the-fly. And you won’t have to worry about clipping your chat audio with the built-in Clipguard feature that automatically adjusts input settings to prevent distortion and dead air. Pros:
Tons of audio input and output controlVocal effectsStream Deck compatible
Cons:
Boom arm mounting requires a special adapterThe mixing app doesn’t support multiple microphones yet
A USB microphone is an affordable, beginner-friendly way to get started on Twitch or YouTube Gaming, and the HyperX QuadCast is one of the best available. It connects to your Windows or Mac computer with a regular USB cable, which means you don’t have to be an audio expert to set up your new mic. It also gets both power and audio transfer data through the USB connection, so you don’t have to invest in expensive preamps, phantom power units, or mixing boards. It features a built-in shock mount to protect against bumps and vibrations, as well as four pickup patterns to suit your streaming or recording setup. The QuadCast has a headphone jack for live monitoring, so you can catch issues before they ruin your broadcast; the intuitive gain control also makes it easy to change mic sensitivity on-the-fly. And if you want to add a bit more personal flair to your setup, you can always opt for the RGB-enabled QuadCast S to configure custom color schemes and lighting effects. Pros:
Plug-and-playIntuitive pattern and gain controlsOne-touch mute
Cons:
Boom arm mounting requires a special adapter
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly microphone to get you started, the Joby Wavo Pod is a great choice. Its condenser capsule pickup and pattern flexibility make it great for both pre-recorded voice overs and live podcasts. It connects to your PC via a USB cable, which means you won’t need any expensive or fancy equipment: just plug it in and start recording. It even can connect to your tablet or smartphone so you can record quality TikTok or YouTube Shorts videos. The Wavo Pod also includes a pop filter to give you clean, crisp audio. And with live mic monitoring, you can plug in a pair of headphones to check your gain, volume, and audio quality on-the-fly. Microphones with XLR connections are not only much more expensive, but they need more equipment to make them work. So not only will you be spending $300 or more on the microphone alone, you’ll need to buy a preamp, a phantom power module, and maybe a mixing board to get the most out of your mic. The advantage XLR mics have over USB models is that they are better at isolating your voice from background noise for cleaner broadcasts.
