How to choose the right microphone

Streamers need great sound quality, visual appeal, and features like gain control and mute buttons.

• Best choice: USB condenser or dynamic microphone with boom arm
• Key features: Cardioid pattern, built-in controls, RGB (optional), low latency monitoring
• Budget: $100–300

Podcasters benefit from warm, detailed sound that's flattering to the voice over extended periods.

• Best choice: Dynamic microphone (for untreated rooms) or large-diaphragm condenser (for treated spaces)
• Key features: Warm tone, good off-axis rejection, shock mount compatibility
• Budget: $100–400

Gamers need quick, clear communication with teammates while maintaining situational awareness.

• Best choice: Gaming headset with quality mic or compact USB microphone
• Key features: Noise cancellation, flip-to-mute, comfortable for long sessions
• Budget: $80–200

Music production demands the highest audio fidelity with accurate frequency response and low self-noise.

• Best choice: XLR large-diaphragm condenser with audio interface
• Key features: Wide frequency response, low noise floor, detailed transient capture
• Budget: $200–1000+ (including interface)

Video creators need portable solutions that capture clean audio while staying out of frame.

• Best choice: Wireless lavalier system or shotgun microphone
• Key features: Compact, reliable wireless, good off-axis rejection
• Budget: $150–500

Measured in Hz (hertz), this tells you the lowest and highest frequencies the mic can reproduce.

• Human voice: 80Hz – 1,200Hz (fundamental frequencies)
• Full vocal range with harmonics: 80Hz – 14,000Hz
• Music/instruments: 20Hz – 20,000Hz (full audible range)

Tip: For voice, prioritize mics with a presence peak (boost around 3-6kHz) for clarity.

Measured in dB (decibels), typically shown as a negative number like -38dB or -42dB.

• Higher sensitivity (closer to 0): Picks up more detail but also more background noise
• Lower sensitivity: Requires more gain but better noise rejection

Tip: In noisy environments, lower sensitivity combined with close-mic technique works best.

• Cardioid: Picks up from the front, rejects sides and rear — best for most users
• Super/Hypercardioid: Tighter front pickup, some rear sensitivity — for noisy environments
• Omnidirectional: Equal pickup from all directions — for groups or room recording
• Bidirectional: Front and rear pickup — for face-to-face interviews

Tip: Most people should start with cardioid. Multi-pattern mics offer flexibility but cost more.

Measured in dB-A, lower is better. This is the "hiss" you hear when nothing is being recorded.

• Excellent: Below 10 dB-A (studio quality)
• Good: 10-15 dB-A (prosumer)
• Acceptable: 15-20 dB-A (budget mics)

If you can't treat your room acoustically, choose gear that minimizes these issues:

• Use a dynamic microphone — less sensitive, rejects room noise better
• Get close to the mic — 2-4 inches (5-10cm) for best results
• Use a boom arm — positions mic close without desk vibrations
• Consider software noise removal — RTX Voice, Krisp, or built-in filters

With good acoustics, you can take advantage of more sensitive condenser microphones:

• Condenser mics shine here — capture full detail and nuance
• Wider positioning options — can be further from mouth
• Consider large-diaphragm — richer, more detailed sound

Good for casual use, video calls, and getting started.

• Fifine K669B — solid USB mic for the price
• Sony PS5 Pulse headset — gaming with decent mic
• Logitech H390 — USB headset for calls

Expect: Basic quality, plastic build, limited features

Great quality for streaming, podcasting, and professional calls.

• Rode NT-USB Mini ($99) — compact, great sound
• Elgato Wave:1 ($99) — streamer-focused features
• Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ ($149) — studio quality
• HyperX QuadCast ($139) — gaming with style

Expect: Good quality, useful features, solid build

For serious creators who want the best USB experience or entry into XLR.

• Shure MV7 ($249) — USB/XLR hybrid, broadcast quality
• Elgato Wave:3 ($179) — premium USB with great software
• Rode PodMic + interface ($150+) — XLR starter kit
• Blue Yeti X ($169) — enhanced Yeti with better preamp

Expect: Excellent quality, premium build, advanced features

For professional podcasters, musicians, and broadcast studios.

• Shure SM7B ($399) — industry standard for broadcast
• Electro-Voice RE20 ($449) — radio station classic
• Rode NT1 + interface ($350+) — studio vocal recording
• Neumann TLM 102 ($699) — legendary German quality

Note: XLR mics require an audio interface ($100-300 additional)

• Boom arm / desk mount: Positions mic optimally, reduces desk vibrations ($25-100)
• Pop filter / windscreen: Reduces plosives (p, b sounds) and breath noise ($10-30)
• Shock mount: Isolates mic from vibrations and bumps ($20-80)
• Headphones: Essential for monitoring your audio in real-time ($50-200)
• Audio interface (for XLR): Converts analog to digital, provides preamp ($100-300)