In recent years, the mobile technology boom has revolutionized the gaming industry and opened doors to a new generation of gamers. Gaming has become much more integrated with modern popular culture. More than 42% of Americans are gamers, and four out of five United States households have a console.
For me, part of the fun in gaming is being able to connect with my friends while we play. It’s even fun to be able to trash talk people from all around the world that you find yourself playing with randomly.
Although you often see pro gamers using headsets with integrated microphones, you don’t have to be a professional gamer to get the benefits of using a microphone for gaming at home.
To help you understand the difference between these gadgets, we’ve researched and summarized a checklist of the best microphones for your gaming specific needs.
Gaming Headset
A gaming headset with microphone is pretty much essential for team gaming. You don’t want your mic picking up extraneous sounds from your environment and distracting your team from what you’re trying to communicate. Many modern gaming headsets already have a good mic built in, this can be a good option if you do not want a dedicated microphone setup.
Microphone
Of course, streaming is not just about people watching you play. Viewers have also come to be entertained. Any streamer should invest in a great mic to enable them to talk to and engage with their audience while working their gaming magic. Ideally, you want a good quality mic that blocks out surrounding noise, focuses on your voice, and sounds great too.
This article will focus on the last (and one of the most important) audio equipment you need – the microphone. While there are so many brands, styles, and designs out there, worry not because we have done all the research and work for you! Like what we mentioned, choosing a microphone for your gaming needs is crucial for your gaming streaming activity; continue reading the sections below to know more about the different microphone brands and which one will best suit your needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Gaming Microphone  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Newbie Gamers  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best in Portability  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
The Best Microphone for Gaming Reviews
HyperX QuadCast – USB Condenser Gaming Microphone– Best Gaming Microphone
Key Features
- Sample rate: 48 kHz
- Bit rate: 16-bit
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
- Condenser Type: Electret
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo
- Cable length: 9.8 feet (3m)
- Connectivity: USB Type-A
The HyperX QuadCast USB Condenser Gaming Microphone is the best gaming microphone for most gamers because it stands out with great vocal warmth and clarity. One of the amazing features of this microphone is that its strikingly dramatic red light illuminates when the microphones are operational. Tapping the top of the mic mutes it instantly and handily turns the light off.
The HyperX QuadCast USB Condenser Gaming Microphone is also supplied with a very sturdy shock mount, so you can relax and get your game face on without having to worry too much about knocking the stand over and deafening your Discord pals.
Another amazing feature of the HyperX QuadCast USB Condenser Gaming Microphone is that it boasts a unique three-diaphragm design that allows for four polar patterns, including an unconventional stereo arrangement. Overall, this microphone emits a nice and warm sound that is perfect for gamers.
Pros
- Easy controls
- Four Polar Patterns
- Great audio clarity
- Boasts of outstanding shock mount and adapter for boom stands
Cons
- USB interface limits audio to 48 kHz / 16-bit
- May lead to a mega-expensive headphone purchase
Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC and Mac– Best for Newbie Gamers
Key Features
- Sample rate: 44 kHz
- Bit rate: 16-bit
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
- Condenser Type: Back electret
- Polar patterns: Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
- Cable length: 3.3 feet (1m)
- Connectivity: USB Type-
Right at the get-go, the Blue Yeti USB Microphone has been there ever since the gaming industry went mainstream. One of the reasons people love using this microphone is that it is one of the easiest microphones to use, making it perfect for newbie gamers. It also excels when picking up a single vocal at a time.
When it comes to the design and build of the Blue Yeti USB Microphone, it boasts of a retro aesthetic of the mic capsule itself, making this the most stylish USB microphone. This aspect is really important when you are streaming in front of a live audience with judging eyes.
Again, the Blue Yeti USB Microphone is the best fit for newbie gamers because of its user-friendly interface. There is single volume control, and a mute button on the front of the mic is all you get, and for the intended purpose, that is all you need. You are never going to hit the wrong thing mid-stream.
The Blue Yeti’s four polar patterns also give it great versatility, so if you venture out into music recording or podcasting, you are not limited by a single cardioid pickup pattern.
Pros
- Stable stand
- Crystal Clear vocals
- Easy control layout
Cons
- Outmatched for sound quality by rivals
- No high-resolution recording option
- Crunchy audio quality
Elgato Wave: 3 – USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer for Streaming, Recording, Podcasting – Best in Portability
Key Features
- Sample rate: 96 kHz
- Bit rate: 24-bit
- Frequency response: 70 Hz-20 kHz
- Condenser Type: Electret
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
- Cable length: 8.2 feet (2.5m)
- Connectivity: USB Type-A
The Elgato Wave 3 USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer is a mainstream microphone that boasts powerful and advanced features compared to other gaming microphones out in the market. In addition to working with the Elgato Stream Deck, this mic comes with Elgato’s Clip guard feature, which successfully limited audio volume during testing. Fit for Twitch streaming, YouTube compression, and high-res audio recording, the Wave:3’s small build also makes it easily portable.
The Elgato Wave 3 USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer are similar to other microphones in the market when it comes to the price point. The only downside is that this microphone only has one polar pattern type, making it less diverse. Overall, the Elgato Wave 3 USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer is a good buy if you want a handy pop shield for game streaming purposes.
Pros
- Boasts of an anti-distortion technology
- Small and portable
- Has a built-in pop shield
Cons
- Muted low end
- Mute is easy to touch, and people can accidentally mute themselves
- Cardioid only
Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone – Best Low Budget Gaming Microphone
Key Features
- Sample rate: 48 kHz
- Bit rate: 16-bit
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Condenser Type: Electret
- Polar patterns: Supercardioid
- Cable length: 3.3 feet (1m)
- Connectivity: USB Type-A
You can never go wrong with the Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone. It is one of the best low-budget microphones out in the market that does not skimp on the quality and clarity of audio. Do remember that not everyone needs multiple cardioid patterns and a pile of features. If you are willing to work with the best budget gaming microphone, better invest in the Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone. It delivers a powerful audio performance and comes in various colors that will add some fun to your setup.
The Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone is currently priced at just $ 50 with sound quality that rivals its close competitor. The only downside is that Razer’s best budget gaming mic sounds drier and flatter, pleasing with those who prefer less artificial sounding output. You cannot get better sound quality at this price.
You will, however, be stuck with a super-cardioid polar pattern only, while others on this list offer multiple options. Also, features here are almost non-existent. There is not even a mute button or headphone jack. Still, the Seiren Mini is cute, portable, and offers simple, quality audio.
Pros
- The sound quality rivals other gaming microphones out in the market.
- Comes in various colors, which includes pink!
Cons
- Almost non-existent features (no mute button or headphone jack).
- Only one polar pattern.
Beyerdynamic FOX USB Condenser Microphone – Best in Pop Shield Design
Key Features
- Sample rate: 96 kHz
- Bit rate: 24-bit
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
- Condenser Type: Back electret
- Polar patterns: Cardioid
- Cable length: 3.3 feet (1m)
- Connectivity: USB Type-A
If you are truly an audio expert, you would know that Beyerdynamic only produces the best types of audio equipment, tools, and gadgets. And the Beyerdynamic FOX USB Condenser Microphone.
Unlike the vast majority of its USB interface peers, the Beyerdynamic FOX USB Condenser Microphone offers hi-res 96 kHz/24-bit recording quality, which is an impressive feat for a mic you can plug in via USB and hit record. You might not use that extra quality on platforms that compress audio and video like YouTube, but if you are into podcasting or music production, you will be glad for the option to go beyond CD-quality 44 kHz/16-bit.
The mic is controlled for mix and volume and a headphone minijack input for inline monitoring. The preamp that outputs this monitoring signal runs a little hot in our experience, distorting well before the mic itself does; however, it is still a useful feature when the gain has rolled off.
There is also a mute button at the top and a high-low gain toggle (essentially a pad) at the rear of the mic. Beyerdynamic throws in a sturdy metallic pop shield that clips on without the need to unscrew anything, and you can angle the mic on its stand.
Pros
- 96 kHz/24-bit quality
- Great pop shield design
- Studio mic capability
Cons
- Headphone preamp breaks up easily
- Only cardioid polar pattern available
- Higher quality bit/sample rate is irrelevant for streaming platforms
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone – Best Medium Diaphragm Condenser
Key Features
- Sample rate: 44 kHz
- Bit rate: 16-bit
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
- Condenser Type: Fixed-charge plate, permanently polarized
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid | Cable length: 10.2 feet (3.1m)
- Connectivity: USB Type-A
If you have been in the audio industry for quite some time, you would know that one of the biggest brands in this industry is Audio-Technica. They only produce the best audio tools and equipment out there in the market. It brings decades of expertise to the table with the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone. This is a medium-diaphragm condenser with just a cardioid polar pattern available, which makes it somewhat specialized to lone vocal recording, but luckily, it is brilliant at that very thing.
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone produces warm sounds but falls short when it comes to the detail quality of your audio. However, the breathiness and pleasant high end make it perfect for spoken vocals. Overall, you get value for your money with this microphone.
Pros
- Very good USB microphone as compared to other USB microphones out in the market.
- Handy lag-free monitoring.
- Brings in a pleasant room sound at a distance.
Cons
- Tripod stand is a balancing act.
- Not quite up to the sound quality of other microphones in a similar price range.
- Picks up keyboard clicks.
Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic – Best for Warcraft
Key Features
- Sample rate: 48 kHz
- Bit rate: 24-bit
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
- Condenser Type: Electret
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
- Cable length: 6.6 feet (2m)
- Connectivity: USB Type-A
The Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic with Blue VO!CE Effects is a significant upgrade from the earlier Blue Yeti microphone regarding performance, features, and even the price. This microphone is a versatile option with fantastic audio performance. Although it somewhat comes at a premium so you would expect a higher cost investment.
The Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic with Blue VO!CE Effects boasts powerful features such as having a greater number of condenser capsules that brings smoother sound with better sensitivity than the standard Yeti. It also has an improvement in recording quality as compared to the standard yeti microphone. This microphone can articulate a wider dynamic range that sounded a bit fuller.
Another nifty upgrade, the Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic with Blue VO!CE Effects provides a dial that swaps between cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo polar patterns. The joy here is that this dial is plain easy to turn and much more so than the standard Yeti.
Pros
- Fundamentally great sound.
- Useful multi-function dial.
- Four polar patterns give it versatility.
Cons
- Not much new for existing Yeti owners.
- Dials feel a little loose and plastic.
- Microphone design attracts smudges.
Important Features to Consider When Looking for the Best Gaming Microphone
Before we get into the products, however, you must remember these few things:
Directionality
Different mics pick up audio from different directions. If it is a unidirectional mic, then it is only going to pick up sound that is coming from one direction. This can come in handy if you are looking to minimize background noise. You can point the mic at yourself, and it will only pick up your voice. The most commonly used unidirectional mics are the cardioid microphone. These are used for speeches and recording because they do a good job of eliminating background noise.
Frequency
The frequency of a mic is often given in a range. This frequency is what the mic hears and records. The human ear works the same and has a frequency of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Some mics can have the same range, but it is uncommon for a mic to go higher than the human ear. The range means the kind of frequency the mic will be able to pick up. The mic will not record or pick up sound that is lower or higher than the rated frequency.
Bottom Line for Best Gaming Microphones
- Best Gaming Microphone: HyperX QuadCast – USB Condenser Gaming Microphone
- Best for Newbie Gamers: Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC and Mac
- Best in Portability: Elgato Wave: 3 – USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer for Streaming, Recording, Podcasting
- Best Low Budget Gaming Microphone: Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone
- Best in Pop Shield Design: Beyerdynamic FOX USB Condenser Microphone
- Best Medium Diaphragm Condenser: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
- Best for Warcraft: Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic
Other Useful Gaming Equipment
A good microphone is just one component of a great gaming setup. If you’re planning on doing a lot of gaming, you may want to also consider looking into some of the additional equipment below.
Ergonomic Chair
If things go well with your streaming endeavors, you will likely be sitting for hours on end, happily gaming away and entertaining the masses. Therefore, it is pretty important to have some comfortable seating to ensure you can keep on going without developing back pain or other misery.
Gaming chairs are also nice enough to make your stream look interesting too. After all, for the most part, all people will see in the game you and what you are sitting on. If you are sitting on a wooden chair or a stool, then yes, the focus will be entirely on you, but it will not be comfortable.
High-Resolution Monitor
Getting your monitor set up right is pretty crucial to your streaming success. It might seem like a no-brainer, but there are a few things to consider regarding your monitor.
The first is that most streaming platforms only support 16:9 footage. We like ultra-wide monitors for gaming as they give you a bigger, more immersive view of the game, but they are generally 21:9 or 32:9 format. If you try streaming like this, you will soon find you are running into problems. The stream will either have black bars to compensate for the size difference, or it will be squashed and stretched depending on your setup. Neither is ideal. So, for streaming, it is preferable to opt for either a 4k display (downscaled to 1080p or 720p for the stream) or a 1080p monitor.
Secondly, it is well worth having two or more monitors in your arsenal. Having one for your game is essential, but another screen can be useful to keep an eye on your stream’s chat and respond to viewers. You can also use it to monitor your streaming software, having easy access to your tools and apps, and more.
The monitors do not necessarily need to be identical, but it pays to have more than one. You will see that the biggest streamers have multi-monitor setups with three, four, five, or more monitors. When you are starting, that might be unnecessary, but two is particularly useful.
Webcam
A good webcam can help them do just that. Hook up a camera, and you can pull its feed into your favorite streaming software and overlay in the game stream. Just take care not to interfere with the view of the game too much.
It is worth paying for a high-quality webcam to ensure you get the best visuals for your audience, and they can see you react to what is happening in the game. Whether that is celebrating a victory, engaging with viewers, or throwing a full-blown rage fit.
Suitable Lighting
There is no point in spending your hard-earned cash on a fancy camera if your lighting is shocking. Good lighting ensures a consistent webcam feed from your stream that looks professional and helps viewers see what is going on. After all, if your face is only bathed in colors from your screen and a dim bulb elsewhere in the room, things are going to get sloppy during the darker scenes.