What is the best gaming microphone: Best Gaming Microphones for 2022 — Tom’s Hardware

Elgato Wave: 3 microphone review

Our Verdict

The Elgato Wave: 3 makes a strong debut with a great sounding mic with smart digital mixing tools for an idiot-proof stream.

For

Sounds Great
Digital Audio Mixer
Easy to Mount

Against

Only one polar pattern (cardioid)
Not the most versatile mic

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The Elgato Wave microphones, formerly known as Project Wave, have arrived, finally completing your Elgato-based capture needs. And this Wave: 3 is one of the best pure mics on the market.

Technical Specs

Condensers: 1
Directional Patterns: Cardioid
Controls: Volume Control, Gain Control, Capacitive Mute
Recording Sample Rate: 96kHz
Frequency Response: 70-20000 Hz
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Warranty: 2 year

Year after year, Elgato has slowly expanded its product line to take over every aspect of your streaming needs. Currently, its products include a full suite of capture cards, key lights, green screens, rigging systems, and live switchers. Most serious streamers and content creators will likely have one, or all, of these products in their setups.

Back at CES 2020, Elgato teased something called Project Wave, which most people assumed would be Elgato finally making USB microphones. Turns out we were all right.

To become the one-stop-shop for all things streaming, Elgato has launched (surprising no one) the Wave microphones in an effort to annex a new streaming category…. audio.

The Elgato Wave series of microphones, the $130 Wave: 1 and $160 Wave: 3, are designed explicitly with streamers in mind. Elgato sent us the Wave: 3, and the big difference is a 96kHz sample rate over the Wave: 1’s 48kHz, and a handy capacitive mute button that lets you cut the microphone with the lightest of taps.

The Wave 3’s design finds an excellent middle ground between looking modern while still hitting the same aesthetic notes as an old-timey microphone. It’s a look that’s grown on me over time. But what I especially like is how easy it is to set up on even the cheap $18 boom scissor arm I have mounted on my desk. There’s an included boom arm adapter that didn’t require me ordering any special shock mounts or anything.

(Image credit: ELGATO)

As you can hear from the lines I recorded, the Wave: 3 sounds pretty great. Even with the gain set on the lower end, you can listen to every little detail in my post-date night hungover voice, right down to the smacking of my dry lips. I should drink more water.

My party members in Call of Duty Warzone said I sounded pretty clear along with my coworkers during conference calls, though I will recommend again keeping your gain low, so it doesn’t pick up the hum of your PC while you’re trying to talk to teammates.

The $160 price puts the Wave: 3 wedged in between with the Blue Yeti X ($170) and HyperX Quadcast ($140) as far as premium USB microphones are concerned. The Wave: 3’s sample rate of 96kHz sits at double that of the Yeti X and Quadcast’s 48kHz, which results in a pretty accurate representation of your voice. Despite being so close in price, the Wave:3 has some neat features you don’t see anywhere else, such as the Clipguard tech.

Clipguard «automatically soothes overdriven soundwaves before sending them to your computer.» This means the microphone will automatically adjust your levels as you stream. So, even if you’re blowing out your microphone in real-time because you’re having a screaming fit after a BS death in Fortnite, the Wave: 3 will do its best to make sure anyone listening to your stream isn’t blown out by your loud screeches of defeat.

The idea is you can set your levels once and never have to worry about it during your stream. In practice, this is useful for streamers who like to partake in any singing related shenanigans without the need to keep an eye on your levels continually.

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(Image credit: ELGATO)

(Image credit: elgato)

(Image credit: Elgato)

Elgato’s custom software, Wave Link, works as a digital audio mixer that controls all aspects of your stream from one place. You can put up to 8 channels for game audio, multiple microphones, even game chat. Xsplit and OBS users can add Wave Link as a master audio source, which is a lifesaver. Most streamers will tell you that the most annoying and unpredictable part of a stream is always the audio.

While I like this software in theory, it did take a while to wrap my head around how to assign the different apps to each channel. But once I did I found it to be a pretty useful tool, it just needs a better tutorial to teach the user how it works.

I never use any other polar patterns aside from cardioid for streaming, so the lack of any other patterns doesn’t affect me too much. Though I know plenty of content creators who use different types for interviews, round tables, and ASMR silliness, who will be turned off by the Wave: 3’s single condenser capsule, especially if they are looking for a one-size-fits-all microphone.

But Elgato’s approach with the Wave has been to hyperfocus on the things that derail most streamers, and that’s the audio. From the digital audio mixer to the control dial with LED indicator lights, the Elgato Wave: 3 is the best no-nonsense microphone you can use for your next stream.

Read our review policy

Elgato Wave 3

The Elgato Wave: 3 makes a strong debut with a great sounding mic with smart digital mixing tools for an idiot-proof stream.

Jorge is a hardware writer from the enchanted lands of New Jersey. When he’s not filling the office with the smell of Pop-Tarts, he’s reviewing all sorts of gaming hardware from laptops with the latest mobile GPUs to gaming chairs with built-in back massagers. He’s been covering games and tech for nearly ten years and has written for Dualshockers, WCCFtech, and Tom’s Guide.

Shure MV7 Podcast microphone review

Our Verdict

The Shure MV7 is a great sounding XLR/USB hybrid microphone that’ll give veteran podcasters and streamers a serious upgrade.

For

Excellent Vocals
USB/XLR combo
Versatile
Easy Use software

Against

Expensive
Mic stand sold separately

You don’t really need to be much of a sound person to know Shure makes killer audio gear. Chances are, you’ve seen some of your favorite musicians rock a Shure microphone on stage or in the studio. Shure has been providing pro-grade microphones for an age, and the MV 7 Podcast microphone is its attempt to bring its high-end sound to content creators.

The USB Type-B Micro/XLR connection will be the big draw for a lot of folks. It gives you the best of both worlds by providing the adaptability of XLR (especially if you use professional audio interfaces) and the versatility of Type-B Micro inputs for recording on the go with laptops and mobile devices.

The MV7 microphone is for content creators who want to bring up their production values to pro-grade levels but don’t want to or can’t spend that pro-grade money. This is the reason why XLR microphones are hard to recommend for streaming, podcasting, and gaming.

They become pretty expensive endeavors, especially when they require a USB audio interface (some XLR mics require phantom power), which can easily cost over $500. So at $250, having a hybrid USB/XLR microphone isn’t that big of an ask when you consider the flexibility of the Shure MV7, which lets you use both.

Technical Specs

Price: $250 BH Photo
Condensers: 1
Directional Patterns: Unidirectional Cardioid Polar Pattern
Controls: Integrated Touch Panel for Mic Controls
Recording Sample Rate: 48kHz
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Weight: 1.21 lbs

In the box, you’ll get a Micro Type-B to USB Type-C and Micro Type-B to USB Type-A cable. Useful if you’re recording on the go on your phone and don’t want to pick up the background noise. If you’ve ever conducted an interview at a convention, or trade show, or tried to record audio in a packed location, you know how easy it is to have your subject drowned out by crowd noise when you whip out your phone to record.

Much like the time I interviewed a Halo 5 dev in 2015 at an event and had my recording rendered useless because the press of humanity was loudly singing along to The Weeknd’s «Can’t Feel My Face» through most of the interview. Sigh.

Available in black and silver, the MV7 keeps with Shure’s studio microphone look, forgoing any RGB LEDs or any particularly ‘gamer’ design choices, and keeps things simple and elegant. It looks like a squished version of the SM7B, Shure’s very popular broadcast microphone that retails around $400.

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(Image credit: FUTURE)

I do find it strange that there’s no included mic stand (that version will cost ya $10 extra), so you’ll have to rig it to a boom arm. The Shure website does a decent job of offering different accessory combinations if you needed a pair of headphones, lightning cable (to record on your Apple device), or something like a boom arm. However, the costs do quickly start to add up.

Compared to other premium microphones like the Blue Yeti X, Hyper X Quadcast, or Elgato Wave 3, you’ll hear the Shure sounds more in line with the Elgato and does a good job of not picking up background noise right out of the box. In fact, I’d say the Wave 3 is the closest competitor to the MV7, more so than the Yeti X or Quadcast. The mic itself does an excellent job of isolating my voice while ignoring the loud hums of my desktop PC, air conditioner, and any other ambient nonsense I have going on in the background. You will notice some pretty loud plosives, so it might be best to invest in a windshield or not having the mic directly in front of you when recording.

The MV7 takes advantage of the ShurePlus Motiv software, which lets you tweak and fine-tune your sound with relative ease. From here, you can mess with things like adding compression to your voice, adjust your EQ, and add a limiter. One of the more understated features is the Auto Level Mode. We’ve seen similar features in other mics, such as the Elgato Wave 3, which basically keeps you from hitting the red. That’s especially useful if your content involves lots of shouting or singing or both. So now you don’t have to worry about bursting your viewers’ eardrums when a jump scare gets the better of you in Phasmophobia. Also, nice if you’re a bit of an audio novice, and your recording area isn’t acoustic-friendly.

The Shure MV7 Podcast microphone is the perfect microphone for anyone looking for a serious upgrade. If you’re a musician or just want your voice to sound the way it should be heard, the MV7 is an easy recommendation if you don’t mind reaching deep into your pocketbook.

Shure’s first hybrid XLR/USB microphone manages to provide pro-grade sound with minimal set-up and expertise. While it is more expensive than your average premium mic, its versatility completely justifies the cost.

Read our review policy

Shure MV7 Podcast microphone

The Shure MV7 is a great sounding XLR/USB hybrid microphone that’ll give veteran podcasters and streamers a serious upgrade.

Jorge is a hardware writer from the enchanted lands of New Jersey. When he’s not filling the office with the smell of Pop-Tarts, he’s reviewing all sorts of gaming hardware from laptops with the latest mobile GPUs to gaming chairs with built-in back massagers. He’s been covering games and tech for nearly ten years and has written for Dualshockers, WCCFtech, and Tom’s Guide.

Best gaming microphones in 2022

If you spend an inordinate amount of time on the computer, chances are good that you play at least one multiplayer game. Whether it’s a MOBA, first-person shooter, or indie game, you’ll definitely want a decent mic to be able to coordinate with your teammates—but you don’t need professional equipment to do that. Here are the best gaming microphones on the market for Discord, VOIP, or in-game chat.

You may notice that this entire list contains some pretty cheap mics, and that’s no accident: unless you’re recording professionally, there’s no need to overspend here. You just need a mic that’ll work relatively okay, right? Why not save some cash for the next Steam sale?

Editor’s note: This list of the best gaming microphones was updated on October 7, 2022 to update formatting.

Why is the Elgato Wave:3 the best gaming microphone?

The Elgato Wave:3 is one of the best microphones around because of its “set it and forget it” interface: all you have to do is plug it into your device’s USB input, and you’re ready to record.

Elgato Wave:3

This condenser mic affords just the cardioid polar pattern. While this is limiting in some ways, it’s also the most versatile pattern. You can place the microphone virtually anywhere on your desk and it will register your voice. The front of the chassis communicates a few things: microphone recording status, headphone status, and whether the mic is muted or enabled. Tapping the top of the mic mutes it. A gain knob protrudes from the housing, so you can adjust volume levels at a moment’s notice.

Twitch streamers will be hooked on the WaveLink software.

Unlike other software we’ve used, the WaveLink interface is exceptional, especially for streamers. This digital audio mixer is neatly designed, so you can quickly organize your audio sources. A virtual audio mixer gathers different programs from your browser windows and combines them, along with your microphone recording, into a single audio source.

Elgato Wave:3 microphone demo:

The Elgato Wave:3 shines when it records spoken word content: the high-pass filter combats the proximity effect, resulting in clean vocals. Its integrated Clipguard feature automatically condenses the audio to avoid accidentally spiking the recording.

How does the microphone sound to you?

1879 votes

Elgato Wave:3

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.

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$119.99 at Best Buy

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$119.99 at Corsair

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The Blue Yeti X brings high quality to a stream-friendly setup

Blue’s mission is to make your recording experience as efficient and streamlined as possible with its USB microphones. The Blue Yeti X brings a “four capsule” condenser array, which allows for high-quality recordings in a variety of pickup patterns. It also updates the Yeti’s physical interface, with a single knob that can adjust gain, metering, and blending, and offers live metering via LEDs—perfect when you’re streaming and need a quick indicator of how you sound.

Blue Yeti X

The Yeti X offers four recording pattern modes, allowing you to choose which one best suits your given situation. Cardioid is ideal for podcasts, as it allows you to record sound which is immediately in front of the mic. Stereo mode acts as one would expect: recording sound from the left and right channels simultaneously to provide a better illusion the listener is in the room with you. Omnidirectional mode will record 360-degree sound, and bidirectional will record sound from the front and rear regions of the microphone.

Basically, the Yeti X straddles the line between being a recording or gaming microphone, and can cover you for either. Turns out being a Twitch streamer makes you need to have something for both—how convenient. The Blue Yeti X offers almost as much versatility as the Yeti Pro, for $80 USD less.

Blue Vo!ce audio software is new to the Blue Yeti line, which brings all sorts of customization options. It features effects like de-popper, noise reduction, expander, gate, de-esser, EQ, compression, and limiter, and you can even change the color of the mic’s LEDs. After all, if you’re marketing a device at gamers and Twitch streamers, and you can’t change the LED color, why bother, right?

Blue Yeti X

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.

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$139.00 at Sweetwater

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$139.00 at Gamestop

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The V-MODA BoomPro X can turn headphones into a gaming headset

Another boom mic, the V-MODA BoomPro X uses your headphones’ 3.5mm port to make your regular headphones a gaming headset for around $50 USD. Not bad, all things considered, and there are no messy adhesives. If you want to convert your headphones back, all you have to do is simply yank out the BoomPro X and replace it with the original cable.

V-MODA BoomPro X

Unlike the original BoomPro mic, which has an omnidirectional pickup pattern, the BoomPro X has a cardioid pickup pattern. It has a narrower pickup field which makes it great if you share a space with someone. You can change the mic shields to customize the look of the mic, which can be useful if your office bought the entire team BoomPro X mics and you want a quick way to differentiate yours from your office mate’s.

The inline remote makes it easy to adjust the volume—of your headphones, not your voice—and gives you the option to mute yourself with the integrated switch. You can hear a slight click when you toggle the mute function on/off from the control module, though.

V-MODA BoomPro X microphone demo:

How does the microphone sound to you?

443 votes

For better sound quality, you might want to get the older BoomPro instead. The first-generation V-MODA BoomPro uses an omnidirectional polar pattern, rather than cardioid, so it’s best suited for quiet environments.

V-MODA BoomPro X

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.

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Sweetwater

The HyperX QuadCast offers the best sound with a built-in pop filter

HyperX is known for putting out high-quality gaming peripherals, and the QuadCast is no different. It’s pricier than a lot of this list, but this mic offers really great sound in an easy-to-use package that can cover a lot of bases.

HyperX QuadCast

If you’re in the market for a gaming microphone, this is a great option, but the QuadCast will cover your podcasting or recording needs too. Its gain knob makes adjusting sensitivity intuitive and easy, and you can even set its polar pattern, switching between cardioid, hypercardioid, and bi-directional. Plus it’s built-in pop filter will help you avoid rogue plosive sounds spiking the mic.

The HyperX QuadCast S is compatibly with Ngenuity, which can be used to adjust the color scheme and headphones volume.

If you have a bit more money to spare and want an RGB color scheme, the HyperX QuadCast S is compatible with the Ngenuity software which allows you to make adjustments to the LED light show of your microphone. The QuadCast S also plugs in via USB-C rather than microUSB. The frequency responses of the two mics are very similar, but the QuadCast S attenuates bass frequencies a tiny bit more than the QuadCast.

HyperX QuadCast S microphone demo:

How does the microphone sound to you?

1356 votes

HyperX QuadCast S

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.

Amazon

$159.00 at Best Buy

The Razer Seiren Mini is a great pick if you want something compact

Rounding out this list is the little Razer Seiren Mini USB microphone, which boasts a sleek design, intuitive UI, and affordable price at just $49 USD. It doesn’t have many features but that makes it easy to focus on the task at hand.

Razer Seiren Mini

We like the Razer Seiren Mini for its sleek, unobtrusive design that works well for streamers who don’t want a mic to take up half of the frame. The mic stand that attaches to the bottom of the Seiren Mini is an odd height and will likely be shorter than you expect (15cm/6in), but you can also attach it to a third-party boom arm.

The sound quality isn’t as good as some of our other picks mentioned here, but that’s likely due to a high noise floor from cheap electronics. Still, it sounds much better than your average laptop microphone and will take your gaming and streaming up a notch for little money. You don’t need a pop filter with the Seiren Mini as you do with other USB microphones so that saves you a bit of cash too.

This supercardioid microphone picks up sound in a directional manner: its pickup field is mainly anything that’s directly in front of it, with very limited pickup behind it.

Razer Seiren Mini microphone demo:

How does the microphone sound to you?

2179 votes

Razer Seiren Mini USB mic

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.

Amazon

$49.00 at Best Buy

$49.00 at Razer

The best gaming mics: Notable mentions

The Blue Yeti Nano is a great microphone for podcasting alone or with others using either the cardioid or omnidirectional polar patterns.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+: This USB mic has onboard mixing controls, an internal headphone amp, and records 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz audio.
Beyerdynamic Fox USB: This mic has helpful on-board controls, 24bit/96kHz audio, and a forgiving polar pattern, making it easy to record audio that can be easily edited later on. The main drawback is its price.
Blue Snowball iCE: If you’re looking for quality at a low price, this is one of the best affordable microphones around. Sure, it’s not the greatest quality mic out there, but it’s capable, and even Discord certified.
Blue Yeti Nano: With its cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns, 24-bit/48kHz recording quality, and compact design, the Yeti Nano can do a lot for not much cash.
HyperX SoloCast: This mic fits pretty much the exact same niche as the Razer Seiren Mini. It’s $10 more expensive, but it brings comparable audio quality, a more versatile stand, and a built-in mic mute sensor you can tap.
JLab Talk PRO: This one’s a little pricey at $150 USD, but it backs that price up with a nice build, easy-to-use controls, multiple polar patterns, and good sound. The Talk PRO’s onboard controls mean you can do a lot with little effort, and its 192kHz/24-bit audio means you can easily use it for recording, as well as gaming.
JOBY Wavo POD: A competitor with the Blue Yeti Nano, the JOBY Wavo POD is an easy-to-use mic that works as soon as you plug it in, and records 24bit/48kHz audio. At $99 USD, you can choose from a cardioid or bidirectional pickup pattern, and it comes with a pop filter. This is another cheap option streamers and gamers may enjoy.
Movo UM700: Released as an all-around mic to compete with the Blue Yeti line, the UM700 offers a bunch of polar patterns and solid audio, plus it’s easy to use. For $100 USD, this is one heck of a deal.
ROCCAT Torch: This is one of the more unique gaming mics around for its mixer base that allows you to select the polar pattern, toggle the mic on/off, control the volume, mute the mic, and adjust the gain.

We’ve made a big improvement to how we demonstrate the microphone performance of products we review. We now use a standardized test setup that plays back pre-recorded phrases from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber, either with or without simulated background noises, simulated reverberant spaces, or artificial wind. This means that samples from every product can be directly compared, which makes it far easier to make meaningful comparisons between products in terms of the raw speech quality or the product’s ability to reject noise.

It will take a while to update our backlog of old test results, but we will update this review (and many others!) once we’re able with improved microphone demos. These will be made obvious in each new sample which begins with the phrase, “This is a SoundGuys standardized microphone demonstration …”

Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope to see you again once we’ve sorted everything out.

What other hardware does a gaming microphone require?

Knowing what you need in a gaming microphone is important for setting expectations. Quality is important, but if you’re not building a recording studio or a streaming setup, the main goal is clear communication. A lot of gaming microphones prioritize the mids and highs in ways that sometimes aren’t accurate, but are meant to make voices sound clear.

If you’re setting up a streaming station, springing for something with more studio-quality sound might be worth it. There are all sorts of things to consider on that front too, like what kind of microphone you’d like to have and what kind of environment you’ll need for recording.

Depending on what your needs are, you’ll need to figure out what kind of mic you want, as well. If you’re sitting at a desk playing games, a mic with a cardioid or hypercardioid pickup pattern is probably best. Those varieties do well when what they’re recording is positioned directly in front of the mic.

Do gaming mics work across platforms?

You’re going to want to prop the mic up close to your mouth in order for it to fully register the timbre of your voice.

Depending on what kind of setup you have, your needs will probably change quite a bit. If you’re gaming on a PC, a USB mic is probably your best bet. You don’t need to spring for an expensive XLR mic and audio interface. Ultimately, simpler is better.

If you’re gaming on a console, things are a little more complicated. The PlayStation 4 can handle either 3.5mm or USB solutions. The Nintendo Switch can handle them too, but USB mics will only work while in docked mode. Of course, there’s also the particulars of your setup to remember—a detached wired USB mic might not be the most convenient pick if your console of choice is across a den or living room.

How do you control a gaming microphone?

Onboard controls make it easier to make adjustments on the fly.

Pay attention to what kinds of buttons and switches mics have. Almost all of that stuff can be controlled on your computer or console, but it’s always faster to reach over and flick a mute switch than alt-tab and find the menu option.

Why you should trust

SoundGuys

Each writer at SoundGuys has accumulated years of experience reporting on the consumer audio market, and our staff adheres to a strict ethics policy. We don’t use sponsored content on the website at a time when doing so is the norm. SoundGuys’ survival depends almost exclusively on readers enjoying their purchases. We pride ourselves on transparently outlining objective facts, while accounting for the subjective experience to contextualize an audio product’s performance. When we do misspeak, we correct and own up to it.

Frequently asked questions about the best gaming mics

Thanks for your feedback! We’ve started to include these kinds of mic samples in our more recent mic reviews such as the review for the Razer Seiren Mini and we will be sure to continue to do so. As for our older reviews, until we can retest the mics, we’d recommend paying attention to the polar pattern of the mics. If a microphone has a directional polar pattern, chances are it’s going to be better at rejecting typing sounds than if it has an omnidirectional polar pattern, simply because of the directions it picks up sound from.

The audio quality on a standalone is almost always going to be better than one built inside headphones or even a boom mic. This can improve the professionalism of your livestreams or YouTube videos, or even just make it easier for your teammates to understand you. Additionally, either the look or feel of a standalone mic might be preferable to a headset. Some people really don’t like having a boom microphone right in front of their mouth as it can be distracting, and some people prefer the appearance of a standalone mic in their videos.

If you’re going to be sharing the microphone, and only need it for calls, rather than streaming or recording, the Blue Snowball iCE (or the older Blue Snowball) is probably your best bet. It sounds great, and it’s simple to use—perfect for calls over Skype, Zoom, and Discord.

In general, stereo patterns will be picking up sound from the left and right of the microphone, bi-directional will pick up sound from the front and back of the mic, and omnidirectional will pick up sound from all directions.

TOP 11 Best Gaming Mic for Streaming 2022 ?

Using the best gaming microphone for streaming will ensure your voice is clear even in the most intense multiplayer games. Especially if you plan to use your microphone for game streaming, the quality of the content you create comes first.

For many gamers, one of the best gaming headsets will be enough to communicate. But no microphone on a tiny boom can match the richness and detail of a dedicated condenser microphone.

07/28/2022 Update

HyperX, Razer, Beyerdynamic, Audio-Technica have been added to the ranking of the best gaming microphones.

For those who want to stream and podcast on general topics, we have prepared a ranking of the best microphones for podcasts. And if you’re looking for an all-in-one microphone for your home, be sure to check out our list of the best microphones for home and work. In general, the microphones of all these ratings are similar, but there are still small differences.

Sound plays an important role in game streams, but you should not forget about the picture. Our rating of the best gaming streaming cameras will help you to assemble a complete set of game streamer, be sure to read.

Blue Yeti

The best microphone as a whole, is suitable for streaming and games

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Microphone type: Condenser Temaches: bidirectional, cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo
Size: 295 x 124 x 119 mm
Connection type: USB

Pros

Mode range
Good price
High sound quality

Cons

Fixed mount

There are newer gaming mics, and there are cheaper gaming mics. In general, Blue Yeti is still better than any of them. The quality is good enough for semi-professional recording, not to mention in-game or Discord voice chat. It’s just as easy to set up and use as other PC microphones.

You won’t be able to adjust the height of the stand, but the tilt is enough to put the Yeti in a comfortable position, and you can always use the stand mount to replace the mic boom of your choice. Blue Yeti is popular with everyone from PC gamers to famous streamers, and it’s not hard to see why.

Read more: Blue Yeti Review of the legendary microphone

Hyperx Quadcast

Best game microphone

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Electrofil Audio Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, Stereo
Weight: 254g
Connection Type: USB

Pros

Simple control
Great clarity
AMOCORITER and adapter for bar racks

2 Bessions

USB interface limits up to 48 kHz / 16 bits

QUADCASK us USB microphones. With impressive warmth and voice clarity, the HyperX Quadcast is the best gaming mic for most gamers.

Not only does the Quadcast have great sound quality, it also has a distinct gaming aesthetic. It houses a strikingly dramatic red light that lights up when the microphone is on. You can instantly mute your sound by touching the top of the microphone, at which point the light will turn off, indicating this.

HyperX has equipped the QuadCast with a very strong shock. This means you can relax and immerse yourself in the game without worrying about knocking over the kickstand and stunning your Discord friends.

The Quadcast’s name, oddly enough, refers to the unique three-diaphragm design that allows for four polar patterns, including non-traditional stereo. This is actually best used outside of gaming and for a wide sound source or two different sources (at home or when recording live performances).

Blue Yeti X

The best high-end gaming microphone

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Type of microphone: condenser
Audio templates: Dicompressed, cardiode, venomous, stereo
Size: 290 x 109 x 122 mm
type of connection: USB

Plus

9000 9000 ° 9000 9000.

Advanced controls

Not too hard to set up

Cons

More expensive

For example, the Yeti X moves the gain control from the back of the microphone body to the front, making it easier to access and fine-tune. The design also includes an LED display showing your microphone volume, so you don’t have to worry about how loud you’re talking while you’re playing. The lower price of the standard Blue Yeti is enough to keep it in the top spot, but the Yeti X’s customization can be useful.

Razer Seiren Mini

The best budget gaming microphone

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Type of microphone: condenser
Audio Patterns: Supercardiode
Size: 8.9 x 8.99 x 162 mm
Connection type: USB

Pros

Sound quality equals Snowball Ice (below)
Available in various colors including pink

Cons

Very light
Only one polar pattern

Not everyone needs multiple cardioid patterns and tons of features. If you want to work with the best budget gaming mic, the Razer Seiren Mini comes in a variety of colors to add fun to your setup.

Seiren Mini in terms of sound quality, it is not inferior to its close competitor Blue Snowball iCE (lower in the ranking). This best budget Razer gaming mic sounds dryer and flatter, which should appeal to those who prefer a less artificial sound. And you most likely won’t be able to get better sound quality for the price.

However, you only get a super-cardioid pickup pattern, while other mics in this ranking offer several options. In addition, there are almost no functions here. There is not even a mute button or a headphone jack.

However, the Seiren Mini is cute, portable and offers simple quality sound.

Beyerdynamic FOX

Best gaming microphone for recording music

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Microphone type: condenser
Audio Patterns: Cardiode
Weight: 900 g
USB 9000-24 9000 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 ° C 96,000 96 kgg bit quality

Great pop filter design

Studio microphone capabilities

Cons

Single polar pattern
Overkill for streaming platforms

If you enjoy humming tunes during or after your Twitch broadcast, this music-focused microphone is a great choice. Beyerdynamic is a respected name in professional audio, and the company’s experience in the studio is perfectly embodied in this compact USB microphone.

Unlike the vast majority of its USB counterparts, the FOX offers high quality 96 kHz/24-bit recording, which is an impressive feat for a microphone that can simply be plugged in via USB and started recording. You may not use this extra quality on platforms that compress audio and video, such as YouTube or Twitch, but if you’re into podcasting or music production, you’ll be glad to be able to go beyond 44kHz/16-bit CD quality.

The microphone itself has mixing and volume controls, as well as a mini headphone jack for built-in monitoring. However, the preamp that outputs this monitor signal heats up a bit, distorting the sound long before the microphone itself does; however, it is still a useful feature when the gain drops off.

There is also a mute button on the top and a high/low gain switch (essentially a pad) on the back of the microphone. Beyerdynamic adds a sturdy metal pop shield that attaches without having to unscrew anything, and you can tilt the mic on its stand. 9The 0003

Beyerdynamic FOX is packed with features, but ultimately it’s the recording quality and ease of use that make the FOX our choice for home gaming studios.

Blue Snowball Ice

Another best game microphone

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Microphone type
Patterna: Patterna Size: 254 x 124 x 124 mm
Type of connection: USB

Plus

Inexpensive

easily configure

, has a stand

2 minuses

not suitable for high -production applications
features

Spent your entire budget on a gaming PC? Don’t worry — you can still buy Blue Snowball Ice. This round USB microphone pretty much copies its Blue counterparts in terms of ease of connection and stand-mountability, for example.

Sound quality is decent, though not quite as good as Yeti or Jlab Talk, and cardioid clipping isn’t a problem for gaming. Many other microphones offer bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo recording schemes, but for gaming in particular, you’ll only be recording yourself. So a cardioid is all you need.

7

HyperX QuadCast S

Best RGB gaming mic for spectacular streaming

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Microphone type: condenser
Audio Templates: Builded, Cardiide, Stereo
Size: 254 x 127 mm
Type of connection: USE 9000 US

Pros

High sound quality

Adjustable lighting

Built-in damper and pop filter

Cons

Standard QuadCast is cheaper

Gaming gear is flooded with RGB lighting, from the finest gaming keyboards to modest RAM modules. RGB mics aren’t as common, but if you want to match your mic’s color to your PC’s other custom lighting, the HyperX QuadCast S is the best gaming mic for that. With this microphone, you will look great while streaming.

The entire grille can glow in any hue you choose, and this brightness is maintained with high performance. The QuadCast S sounds great even without any special tuning and includes a built-in pop filter and shock absorber. The latter prevents loud, annoying noises from accidental impacts, so it can be handy if you keep the microphone near your mouse and keyboard.

8

Audio-Technica AT202020USB

The best game microphone for podcasts

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Type of Microphone: Condenseric Combatures: Carec
Size: 52 x 162 x 52 mm
Connection type: USB

Pros

Easy monitoring without delay

Provides pleasant sound in a room from a distance

Cons

Doesn’t quite match the sound quality of Beyerdynamic FOX

Picks up keyboard clicks

Like Beyerdynamic, Audio-Technica is highly respected in the professional audio industry. AT2020USB+ combines many years of experience. It’s a mid-diaphragm condenser mic with only a cardioid pickup pattern, making it somewhat specialized for solo vocals, but thankfully that’s where it excels.

In head-to-head combat with the Beyerdynamic FOX, the AT2020UBS+ comes incredibly close to the warmth and detail of the FOX, but falls a little short. However, Audio-Technica’s special characteristics — really nice high frequencies — make it ideal for spoken vocals.

However, we recommend a couple of optional purchases for this microphone: a pop guard and a stem. We’re surprised the former aren’t included, but they’re inexpensive to buy on your own. As for this boom arm, the tripod design felt a little wobbly, so we recommend setting it above you on a good, solid boom before hitting the record button.

9,0003

Elgato Wave 3

The best game microphone for streamers

Microphone type: Condenser
Audio Patterns: Cardiode
X 66 x 41 mm 9000. Pros

Built for streaming

Intuitive setup

Simple design

Cons

No outstanding features

Sensitive to background noise

Wave: 3 is more of a streamer’s tool than a general-purpose gaming mic. It is built to integrate with the Elgato Stream Deck controller and uses the Wave Link desktop app to control various audio sources. Perhaps these are not the features that you would use if you were just playing with the webcam turned off.

But even if you don’t stream, many of the Wave:3’s other qualities are well suited for everyday use. First off, it sounds great, and it’s ultimately just another handy USB mic rather than some professional XLR mic. Just be sure to position it correctly, as the cardioid recording pattern can pick up background noise such as mechanical keyboard clicks.

10

Blue Yeti Nano

The best compact game microphone

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Condenser
Sound: Sound Temples: Sound.
Size: 211 x 97 x 109 mm
Connection type: USB

Pros

Great sound

Cheaper than Blue Yeti

Cons

No stereo mode

Falling somewhere between the standard Blue Yeti and Blue Snowball Ice, the Blue Yeti Nano aims to offer the same recording quality in a smaller package and at a lower price.

Of course, the Blue Yeti Nano sounds great and remains attractively affordable. The JLab Talk provides slightly better sound, a couple of extra polar patterns, and an adjustable stand, but the Nano is still a decent alternative. Cardioid recording works well for gaming and streaming, while its omnidirectional mode is suitable for multi-speaker podcasts.

Read more: Blue Yeti Nano review microphone

11

Epos b20

High and beautiful game microphone

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Microphone type: Microphone type condenser
Audio patterns: bidirectional, cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo
0002 pluses

Clear design

Strong metal structure

many controls

2 Bessions

expensive

No indicators 3, B20 positions itself as a streaming microphone. It has it all: a useful array of buttons and dials, easy setup via USB, and optional EPOS Gaming Suite software for more advanced setups. It’s worth a try if you want to dig into the noise reduction and reverb controls. 9The 0003
B20 is also one of the more conservative adult gaming mics on this list, which you might like if you find the likes of the QuadCast S a bit too flashy. However, it is relatively expensive and the sound quality is good, but not the best.

How to choose the best gaming microphone

A few simple tips based on our experience to help you make the right choice.

Sound quality

The most important aspect of a gaming microphone is sound quality. A separate microphone would have to be much better than the headset microphones to be worth the extra investment.

Functionality

When choosing a gaming microphone, you should pay attention to which features you need and which you should not overpay for. For example, games most likely will not need the option to receive sound from several people at the same time, as is the case when recording podcasts. But it may be relevant to protect against the sound of keyboard and mouse clicks.

Usability

Usability is important too, but frankly, all the mics on this list are very easy to set up and use. When choosing, pay attention to both the way the microphone is mounted on a table or boom, and the ease of use of the included software.

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KP top 10 rating

Popular content platforms like Youtube, Twitch, Mixer or WASD. TV have turned into full-fledged tools in recent years, with the help of which almost anyone can earn money on their own talent, unique knowledge, acting or gaming skills.

But if earlier it was enough for recording what is at hand — and many did without additional equipment at all — today the competition is already too high. The content you create has a chance of success if it is not only interesting and original, but also well-made.

This time we take a look at the sonic aspect of the perfect video, podcast, livestream or stream while playing — and find out what the best gaming microphones of 2022 are, how they differ and what opportunities open up for you depending on your work scenarios with these gadgets.

KP Top 10 Ranking

Editor’s Choice

1. Razer Seiren Emote

Razer Seiren. Photo: Razer

The Razer Seiren Emote is a plug&play USB condenser microphone that, in addition to the high-quality technical component that transmits the tonality of the voice and at the same time «turns off» background noise, can also interact with the audience thanks to the 8-bit emoticon display on the back microphone — the latter responds to various emotional triggers during your stream. Among other things, we highlight the microphone power button and the volume control wheel on the front side, plus vibration protection to muffle noise in particularly intense gaming moments.

2. HyperX QuadCast

HyperX QuadCast. Photo: HyperX

The main difference between the QuadCast microphone and the previous one is the variability in the choice of the directivity pattern. There are four of them here — from ordinary gaming sessions with friends to recording vocals, interviews or full-fledged «streaming». Other benefits include bright RGB lighting, a headphone jack for real-time output monitoring, a touch-sensitive microphone power button with sensitivity adjustment, and a built-in pop filter to smooth out plosive sounds.

3. Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. Photo: Audio-Technica

A feature of the model is the ability to work from different connection methods. At home, you can connect it to a USB cable, and if you need a live performance, the microphone can be safely connected to the mixing console with an XLR cable. In technical terms, it is a dynamic cardioid microphone, which is ideal for individual recording, as it practically does not pick up sounds from the sides and rear.

Other gaming mics to consider

4. AKG Lyra

AKG Lyra. Photo: AKG

The microphone has four different diagrams, but the versatility of the microphone does not end there, because in addition to being able to connect to a PC, the device can be connected to devices based on Android or iOS. Lyra also boasts Ultra-HD (24-bit/192kHz) recording and vintage styling for timeless classic lovers. Among other advantages, there is a connector for monitoring sound recording, a record mute button and microphone sensitivity adjustment.

5. OMEN Mindframe

OMEN Mindframe. Photo: HP

The world’s first headset with built-in active cooling that

removes heat from the ears. This is due to the operation of thermoelectric converters built into the headphones — they cool the aluminum mesh-speakers and remove heat from the acoustic chamber to the outside. The volume control is brought to one of the ear cushions to do it as quickly as possible, the sound in the “ears” is according to the 7.1 system, and the key link, the microphone, in this model can be turned off if you point it up, and also filters out extraneous sounds due to the noise reduction function .

6. Acer Nitro NHW820

Acer Nitro NHW820. Photo: Acer

One of the attractive nuances of this headset, in addition to a good ability to reproduce and record sound for its price category, is its compactness and relatively light weight, which allows you to use the headset for a long time without feeling tired. The headphone microphone is omnidirectional and noise-canceling for clear voice in game audio chat.

7. Corsair HS60 Surround

Corsair HS60 Surround. Photo: Corsair

Another 7.1 audio system, which is positioned by Corsair as a gaming solution that provides 100% immersion in the gaming process. The main features of the HS60 Surround are 50 mm neodymium drivers, ear pads filled with memory foam, and multi-platform, allowing you to connect headphones not only to PCs, but also to consoles and mobile devices. The microphone itself here is unidirectional, has noise-canceling technology and is Discord certified to guarantee the purity and quality of the output signal. If necessary, the microphone can be completely disconnected from the headset.

8. Logitech G PRO X

Logitech G PRO X. Photo: Logitech

The microphone in this model is built on BLUE VO!CE technology — it allows you to apply various voice filters in real time. With their help, you can give your voice a clearer, richer and more professional sound, reducing background noise, reducing the dynamic range and eliminating the accompanying hiss. The speakers in the headphones support 7.1 sound format. High-fidelity sound, improved bass reproduction, and sound source zoom-in and zoom-out effects allow you to estimate the distance to the sound source in order to more accurately calculate enemy positions in games, for example.

9. Sennheiser GSP 670

Sennheiser GSP 670. Photo: Sennheiser

This is the heavy artillery of the gaming microphone world. The Sennheiser GSP 670 premium wireless gaming headphones bring your gaming experience to life with a closed-back design, comfortable ear cushions and up to 20 hours of active use. The headset microphone has noise-canceling technology and broadcast-quality recording. In particular, the headset can record two volume controls, for example, for chatting and playing, fast charging (2 hours of operation with 7 minutes of charging) and low latency when connected via USB-Bluetooth receiver.

10. Defender Scrapper 500

Defender Scrapper 500. Photo: Defender

Finally, let’s talk about the budget gaming headset from Defender. Scrapper 500 is a closed-back headset that allows you to comfortably play games on PC, consoles and mobile devices at a low price. The body of the headset is made mainly in matte plastic and black and red tones, and you can also add a cable in a fabric braid and a volume control built into one of the ear cups to the practicality of the device. The microphone here is of a directional type, providing relatively good voice recording quality for this price category.

How to choose a gaming microphone

The best gaming microphones in the same price range usually have similar characteristics — in this case everything is relative, but it is worth remembering that, like the importance of light for a good shot, the quality of the recording depends on external factors. Therefore, it is worth being puzzled by the arrangement of the room for the sake of high-quality sound — this is a whole science. However, if your goal is not to create content, then this item is not critical, and then you should pay attention to other nuances. For example, on the radiation pattern — unidirectional microphones are ideal here, which will be focused only on the player and will practically not pick up extraneous sounds, for example, the sound of a mechanical keyboard.

Expert opinion

Alexander s1mple Kostylev, Natus Vincere CS:GO esports team player:

“If we are talking about a gaming headset with a microphone, then it is important that the latter has noise cancellation. People play over the Internet in different rooms: a motorcycle passes by someone’s window, a dog barks, something falls in the next room. The players are different, the cases are different. If we play in a team, I have to be sure that I will hear every word of a fellow teammate — this is what a good noise reduction system is for. It is also desirable that the microphone be on a flexible leg, and it can be customized. My personal preference: removable form factor or hardware shutdown button — not all words are meant for other people’s ears.

The streamer microphone is a completely different device. For streaming, it is important that the sound quality is equal to or even better than the picture quality. Therefore, a streamer microphone is often a separate professional-level gadget. You can mess around with the XLR connectors, but it will take a lot of time and will be very expensive. There is an easier option — high-quality USB microphones. There is no need to save money here, because the popularity of the streamer and the number of his subscribers depend on the quality of content delivery. And which one to choose — capacitor or dynamic — depends on your financial capabilities. However, there are already headsets on the market with professional-grade microphones that are almost as good as condenser and dynamic ones.”

Top 7 Best Gaming Microphones of 2022

If you spend too much time on your computer, chances are you are playing at least one multiplayer game. So you definitely need a decent microphone to coordinate with your teammates.

When choosing the best gaming mics of 2022, we prioritized plug-and-play USB devices because they are the easiest to use and ensure your voice is always heard clearly by the rest of the participants, even in the most intense multiplayer games.

Features:

Condenser.

Sound patterns: 4 basic (bidirectional, cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo).

Connection: USB.

operating range;

excellent sound quality.

no stand height adjustment.

JLab Talk

If you can’t or don’t want to spend quite a bit on the Blue Yeti, JLab Talk is a good alternative. It picks up speech with all the nuances of the voice and works quite well even on a normal USB connection, although a little extra amplification can’t hurt.

The tripod stand can be manipulated to provide the desired height adjustment, which the Blue Yeti does not. This stand requires a bit more desk space, so keep that in mind when positioning the microphone in front of the keyboard.

Features:

Condenser.

Sound patterns: 4 basic.

Connection: USB.

excellent sound quality;

perfect price-quality ratio;

versatility.

captures background noise;

bidirectional circuit is not very good.

Blue Yeti X

Blue devices are always in the top of the best gaming microphones. The Blue Yeti X is a hybrid model of the Nano and the original Yeti, bringing together the best features of both. Despite the introduction of new microphones, the Yeti X continues to be a solid reference for those looking for a great-sounding microphone.

The model has a front panel with LED backlight, with which it is convenient to control the volume level. Smart Knob lets you adjust gain, headphone levels (when using the built-in 3.5mm jack), and layer modes on the go.

Features:

Condenser.

Sound patterns: 4 basic.

Connection: USB.

same sound quality as Blue Yeti;

extended controls;

The

is flexible (thanks to the Blue Voice software) and easy to use.

low microphone stand;

price.

HyperX QuadCast S

This is a good gaming microphone for PC with RGB lighting. The device can glow in any shade, and this brightness is backed up by high performance.

The QuadCast S sounds great even without any special tuning and includes a built-in pop filter and damper. The latter prevents loud annoying noises from being created for those who are listening, so it can be handy if you keep the microphone close to your mouse and keyboard.

Features:

Condenser.

Sound patterns: 4 basic.

Connection: USB.

high sound quality;

backlight;

integrated shock absorber and pop filter.

RGB lighting may not be for everyone;

and… expensive.

Rode NT-USB-Mini

No list of the best gaming mics is complete without Rode products. This compact device is a solid-sounding microphone, despite its tendency to pick up background noise.

The device has a built-in pop filter and a neat little removable magnetic stand. The Rode Connect digital mixer lets you connect up to four Minis (and only Minis) to your PC.

Features:

Condenser.

Sound patterns: cardioid only.

Connection: USB.

Features: Zero latency monitoring, headphone and volume control.

great sound;

simple compact design;

decent software.

software only works with NT Mini;

captures background noise.

Elgato Wave 3

Elgato’s debut microphone is designed for streamers who want to add quality sound with minimal effort. The Wave 3 is a 96kHz multifunctional that sounds incredible. Easy to use and compatible with most tabletop tripods.

The single cardioid pickup pattern limits the Wave 3’s versatility somewhat, but it’s a decent option if you’re looking for an easy-to-use yet good quality PC gaming mic.

Features:

Condenser.

Sound patterns: cardioid only.

Connection: USB.

Features: capacitive mute, volume and gain control.

pure sound;

digital mixer;

easy assembly.

no outstanding features;

susceptible to background noise.

EPOS B20

B20 sounds as good as it looks. This multifunctional condenser microphone gives any microphone connected to it access to the EPOS EQ preset and surround sound. The only drawback is that the stand is a little flimsy, so vibrations can occur during recording.

The microphone sounds great in most cases, but is sensitive to background noise. With a useful set of buttons and dials, easy setup via USB, and optional EPOS Gaming Suite software for more advanced setups, this is a product worth checking out if you want to experiment with noise gate and reverb controls.

Features:

Condenser.

Sound patterns: 4 basic.

Connection: USB.

Features: EPOS game suite software, gain and volume controls.

built-in controls and autoplay;

great sound out of the box;

nice design;

robust metal construction.

slight background hiss;

stand transmits vibration noise;

is quite expensive.

So what’s the bottom line? Our choice is Blue Yeti. However, any gamer will try to get the best for less money. Before choosing a gaming microphone for your computer, think about your use case: if you only need a device to communicate with teammates, it is most likely not worth buying a microphone with different polar patterns and studio quality.