Increasing number of microphones available for purchase is making it more difficult for amateurs and professionals alike to decide where to stake their money.
There are lots of important factors to put into consideration when you want to purchase a microphone besides sound filtering. This includes the compatibility of the mic with different devices and operating systems and the resolution of the audio. Bearing these factors in mind, we present to you the best mic for gaming.
Review of the best mic for gaming in 2021
Audio resolution, selection patterns, and compatibility are some of the features that we compared to put up this list. We also can’t help but notice the unique design of some of these gaming microphones which also add to their performance. These microphones are best in different areas. You will find all of that information below.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone – Best overall
The Blue Yeti USB Microphone looks like a capsule held up by a silhouette. This makes it easy for you to mount it on your desk. However, you can remove the capsule from the stand and mount it on a suspension stand, shockmount or boom arm. The mute and volume controls are right in front of you giving you significant control of how your record your sound. It has 3 condenser capsules that can record almost any situation. It has four pattern selection namely cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo allowing you to decide the direction of the recording with a frequency response rate of 20Hz – 20 kHz.
This gaming microphone is compatible with Windows 7 and higher versions as well as Mac OS X 10.10 and higher versions. This product also comes with a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring. You don’t need to install any drivers because the Blue Yeti USB Microphone is plug and play. At 3.51 pounds, this microphone is heavier than most of the competing brands.
Pros
- Four recording pattern settings
- Plug-and-play and does not need any drivers to be installed
- Large mount option
- Works with Windows and Mac OS X
- Suitable for game streaming, podcasting, conference calls, and voiceovers
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Heavier than competing brands
Samson G-Track Pro – Best for audio resolution
If you need a mic that will give you a filtered high definition audio quality, Samson G-Track Pro will be your first choice. This professional all-in-one USB microphone with audio interface allows you to record your voice and instrument at the same time making it ideal for gaming, streaming, recording music, and podcasting. Right in front of this Pc mic, there are there are four controls including an instant mute button and volume control. There is also a knob for selecting between Mono or 2-Track recording modes as well as Direct Monitor On/Off.
The unique design of the stand which looks like wing bats is also hard to miss. It also has three selectable recording patterns namely cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional. It combines 24-bit, 96 kHz digital recording with ¼” audio input which allows you to maintain professional audio quality irrespective of the application. Like Blue Yeti, the Samson G-Track Pro is plug-and-play, requiring no driver installation—although the manufacturer did not provide information about its compatibility. Notwithstanding it weighs of 3.53 pounds, it is built tough for longer durability.
Pros
- High definition audio recording
- Large mount options
- Mic and instrument control are on front panel
- Plug-and-play with no need of driver installation
- Suitable for gaming, streaming, podcasting
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Only three selectable polar pickup patterns
- Heavier than competing brands
HyperX QuadCast – Best for compatibility
If you want a gaming microphone that is versatile and can work on Windows, Mac, PS4, Mumble, Skype, XSplit, and Open Broadcaster Software, HyperX QuadCast will easily be your top pick. The microphone is suspended with elastic ropes which suppress the sound of unintentional rumbles after mounting. The tap-to-mute functionality comes with a LED status indicator that tells you when the mic is active and when it is not. This helps to prevent audio accidents.
The four selectable polar patterns allows you to keep only your focus sound and filter out noise. It comes with a versatile adaptor that makes it possible for you to mount your mic on most mic stands or boom arms. Unlike other streamer mic, HyperX QuadCast has a dial at the bottom which you can use to adjust its sensitivity. HyperX QuadCast weighs 0.6 pounds making it one of the lightest microphone in the market.
Pros
- Highly compatible with different devices and software
- Four recording pattern settings
- Anti-bump protection
- LED mute status indicator tells you when mic is active
- Extremely lightweight and easy to handle
- Mic sensitivity adjustment
- Mount adapter for different stands
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Razer Seiren X – Best for stream
It is difficult to talk about the best streaming microphone without mentioning the Razer Seiren X. It features built-in shock mount to dampen vibrations, thus, protecting your stream from sound abnormalities if there should be a bump during your streaming session. This mic is most suitable for those that want to shield off all forms of background noise because it offers only cardioid pickup pattern. The tighter recording angle eliminates noise and keeps your voice as clear as possible.
The zero latency monitoring ability of this microphone makes it possible for you to hear what your audience is hearing without having to deal with the Echo effect. The compact design and lightweight of only 1.86 pounds makes it easy to carry along wherever you go. The transient frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz helps the mic to pick up different levels of sound.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight allows for easy handling
- Zero latency monitoring to monitor yourself
- Built-in shock mount for dampening vibration
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Offers only one selectable polar pattern
- Lacks a mute button
Blue Yeti Nano – Best with accessories
If you are planning to set up a gaming or recording studio and want the best mic for gaming that will be compatible with all your accessories, the Blue Yeti Nano will be a smart choice. It is perfect for game or Twitch streaming, YouTube, music recording or voiceover as well as Skype calls. It features no-latency headphone output, headphone volume control and mic mute which gives you total control over your recording session. It has a standard threading for Compass Boom Arm or Radius III Shock Mount.
Unlike the Yeti Blue, the only way to adjust the microphone gain with the Blue Yeti Nano is through the use of Blue Sherpa companion desktop app. The Blue Yeti Nano also offer two pickup pattern modes; cardioid and omnidirectional. The combination of 24-bit and 48kHz resolution gives this microphone a good audio quality. This gaming and streamer mic can be considered lightweight at 1.39 pound. This lightweight and compact nature makes it a great travel companion.
Pros
- Reaches up to 48KHz audio resolution
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X
- Offers multiple mounting option
- Zero latency headphone monitoring
- Plug-and-play with no need of driver installation
- Compact and lightweight for easy handling
Cons
- Offers only two polar pattern settings
- No shock mount for vibration dampening
- Microphone gain adjustment is only through desktop app
- Slightly expensive
USB Computer Microphone Plug & Play – Best low-budget gaming mic
Most times, what we desire doesn’t matter because only the size of our pockets will determine what we can have. If you are looking for the best mic for gaming that will not cost you more than 20 dollars, the USB Computer Microphone will be your best pick. The design is compact with adjustable neck so that you don’t have to struggle with moving it around all the time. It has a built-in CMTECK CCS2.0 SMART CHIP which effectively blocks background noise to keep your recording smooth and clear.
It does not require the installation of drivers and is compatible with Windows, Mac OS and PS4. It has a mute button with LED indicator to tell you the status of the microphone at each point in time. This microphone offers an omnidirectional recording pattern and has the ability to pick up sounds from a large range and wide angle. Weighing only 0.46 pounds, this PC mic is suitable for game streaming on Twitch, FaceTime, Skype, and YouTube.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and compact for easy handling
- LED indicator for determining microphone status
- Plug-and-play and require no driver installation
- Built-in background noise cancelling technology
- Highly affordable
Cons
- Offers only one direction polar pattern
- No shock mount for vibration dampening
- Lacks zero latency headphone monitoring capability
KLIM Voice Gaming USB Desk Microphone – Best low-budget for filtering
There is so much you can get from the KLIM voice gaming USB desk microphone at an amazingly low budget. Like most of the streaming microphones, it is plug-and-play and requires no special software installation. The best part of this gaming microphone is that it is highly sensitive and features a patented audio filter and anti-pop filter to eliminate background noise. This feature ensures a decent audio output all the time. It is compatible with all operating systems including Windows, Linus and OS X.
The KLIM voice gaming USB desk microphone can serve multiple purposes. Apart from being one of the best streaming microphone, it is ideal for gaming, Skype conversations, as well as speech recognition. To ensure it is durable, this product was made from reinforced plastic and metal interior. Other interesting features of this mic that will easily catch your attention are mute button, volume control switch, and two LED lights. The combination of adjustable neck and a weight of 0.44 pounds makes this microphone lightweight and easy to carry around.
Pros
- Plug-and-play requiring no special software installation
- Compatible with all operating system
- Patented audio filter to eliminate background noise
- Extremely lightweight
- Reinforced plastic and metal interior for durability
Cons
- Offers only one direction polar pattern
- No shock mount for vibration dampening
- Lacks zero latency headphone monitoring capability
Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB Cardioid Condenser – Best for mid budget
If your budget is somewhere in the middle of 100 dollars but you need a professional gaming microphone with high quality AD converter, Audio-Technica ATR2500 USB Cardioid Condenser will be your best bet. This PC mic is suitable for podcasting, field recording, voiceover, and home studio. It was crafted to work with your favorite recording software so that you won’t have to install another software. With this budget microphone you will get a headphone output with zero latency level control for monitoring.
Its cardioid recording polar pattern eliminates noise from the back and rear. One of the special features of this product is the tripod desk stand with folding legs for secure tabletop use. Its pivoting, threaded stand mount is also compatible with conventional microphone stand, thus, making it ideal for podcasting, field recording, home studio recording, and voiceover. It weighs only 1.5 pounds meaning you can easily tuck it into your bag and take it wherever you go. It is compatible with Windows and Mac.
Pros
- Plug-and-play requiring no special software installation
- Front panel knobs for better audio control
- Fairly lightweight and easy to handle
- Compatible with conventional microphone stand
- Zero latency headphone monitoring capability
Cons
- Offers only one direction polar pattern
- No shock mount for vibration dampening
Fifine USB Microphone with Metal Condenser – Best for voice recognition
With the rise in the use of artificial intelligence and assistance, it is important to consider the compatibility of your gaming microphone with software like Cortana, Discord, and other voice recognition systems. Fifine USB Microphone with metal condenser does the job well. Like other streamer mic, it is plug-and-play and comes with 5.9 foot USB Cable which gives you incredible working distance. The steady alignment of this microphone over a tripod stand makes it convenient for game live streams, YouTube and voiceovers.
This microphone makes use of cardioid polar pattern, shielding off noise from the side and back of the microphone. Furthermore, the volume control allows you to adjust the voice input. Fifine USB Microphone with metal condenser is compatible with Windows and Mac OS X. At 0.88 pounds, this microphone is sleek and portable enough to easily move around. It is also relatively cheap such that anyone can afford it.
Pros
- Compatible with voice recognition software
- Plug-and-play requiring no drive installation
- Comes with a tripod
- Long USB cable means flexible working distance
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Relatively cheap
Cons
- Offers only one direction polar pattern
- No shock mount for vibration dampening
- Not compatible with Xbox
- Lacks zero latency headphone monitoring capability
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser – Best for cardioid polar pattern
The Audio-Technica AT2020 stands tall among all the best mic for gaming with cardioid polar pattern. This is because it is more efficient in terms of isolating the desired sound while screening out the rest. Its unique design gives it a wide, dynamic range of audio capture which gives it unmatched versatility. The black speckles on the mic gives it a classy finish. The pivoting, threaded stand mount that comes with this microphone makes it compatible with classic microphone mounts.
Audio-Technica AT2020 has its own subtle problems. The first you will likely notice is that it doesn’t have volume control and mute buttons on the front panel. Also, other microphones in its price range offers three to four polar pattern settings. However in the case of Audio-Technica AT2020, you will only be getting the cardioid polar pattern. Irrespective of the shortfalls, this gaming microphone has a noise level of 20 dB and a weight of 1.32 pounds which gives it an edge over other products that offer cardioid polar pattern.
Pros
- Low noise level
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Compatible with all common microphone mounts
- Effective noise reduction system
- Classy black speckles finish
Cons
- Offers only one direction polar pattern
- No shock mount for vibration dampening
- Lacks zero latency headphone monitoring capability
- Absence of front panel controls
- Slightly expensive
Balance Between Budget and Performance
The idea of finding a complete set of recording instrument at a midrange budget might sound ambitious but we found a product that makes that dreams to become a reality. This product strikes the balance between budget and performance and we have included it as a bonus.
MAONO AU-A04 – Best for mid-range, full kit
If you have a mid-range budget but wants to get a complete studio set comprising of a gaming microphone, a pop filter and boom arm, the Maono AU-A04 should be your target. The professional sound chipset of this microphone allows it to deliver high resolution sampling rate. The microphone is plug-and-play and requires no driver installation. The ease of installation and the sound filtering quality of this microphone makes it a good choice for video calls, live stream, gaming and other forms of recording.
Thanks to the 16mm electret condenser transducer and magnet ring on this microphone, you will get a strong bass response. The magnet ring also has a strong anti-interference function which leads to an overall better sound feel. This budget mic is compatible with all operating system for PCs and mobile phones—although you will need an OTG adapter for the latter. What you will get when you purchase this product include condenser mic, metal shock mount, adjustable scissors arm stand, foam mic windscreen, pop filter, USB-B to USB-A cable, and table mounting clamp. You will hardly get a better deal. All these items have a combined weight of 2.95 pounds.
Pros
- Complete set of recording equipment at mid-budget
- High resolution sampling rate
- Compact and lightweight for easy handling
- Plug-and-play requiring no driver installation
- Electret condenser transducer and magnet for strong bass response
- Compatible with all devices and operating system
Cons
- Microphone offers only cardioid polar pickup pattern
- Lacks zero latency headphone monitoring capability
- Absence of front panel controls
Buying Guide For The Best Mic For Gaming
Searching for the best mic for gaming can be particularly confusing since it is largely dependent on how you intend to use it; the mounting options available, the compatibility of the microphone, the number of user, and how much you are willing to pay. To answer these questions, we have made a list of the features that you should pay attention to when you are ready to buy your gaming microphone.
Polar Pickup Pattern
There are four polar pickup patterns namely cardioid, bidirectional, stereo, and omnidirectional. Cardioid allows sound from the front and eliminates sound from all other directions. Bidirectional allows sound from the front and back. Stereo allows sound from the front and sides while omnidirectional allows sounds from all directions. If you will be doing solo recording every time, cardioid polar pickup pattern will be just fine. However, for one-on-one interviews or conferences, you will need a mic with bidirectional or omnidirectional polar pickup patterns respectively. Even among products that offer similar polar pickup pattern, some offer better sound filtering than the others.
Mute button
If you record in an environment where you are constantly interrupted, having a mute button will be a great asset. With the mute button you can easily silence the microphone temporarily until conditions become favorable. Also, if you are into long recordings and need temporary breaks, a mute button is a must.
LED Indicators
This might seem like a fancy option but it is easy to forget that you pressed the mute button. You don’t want to spend hours talking only to later discover that the microphone was on mute. The LED indicator allows you to keep track of the status of your mic at all times. Some of the best streaming microphones have different colored lights that tells you the state of the mic at each point in time.
Headphone Monitoring
This is one feature that you can ignore especially if you have been recording for a long time. However, for new recorders, this is a good inclusion. Headphone monitoring allows you to hear yourself the way your audience will hear you. This will help you to decide if you are sounding the way you want.
Compatibility
When you talk about compatibility in a microphone, the first question that should come to your mind should be, ‘Is this microphone compatible with my device?’ Some microphones are not compatible with some devices and operating system. You have to make sure that the microphone you are buying is compatible with your device and operating system or it will be a total waste of money.
Mount Options
Some microphones support only desktop mount while others will work with boom arm and all other common microphone mounts. Depending on how you want to use your microphone, paying attention to the mount option can be a serious consideration.
Price
As long as human wants remain unlimited and resources remain scarce, price will continue to be one of the major factors that will ultimately decide what you will buy. One thing we strongly advise is that you pay attention to the most important features you will need. If you can forfeit a few extra features for the core features that will be most useful for your project, don’t hesitate to do so. It is also important to note that buying a costly microphone doesn’t mean it will be suitable for your project. There are microphones that cost over $100 but only offer cardioid polar pickup pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a special software, driver, or sound card to use a gaming mic?
No, most gaming microphones are plug-and-play and will not require any special modifications to your device. They integrate with your recording software and start to work.
- What is the most important feature when buying a gaming microphone?
The polar pickup pattern, the sound filtering quality, and the audio resolution of the microphone are the two most important features to consider when you want to buy a gaming microphone.
- Does gaming microphone work with every device?
No, some microphones are compatible with only certain devices and operating systems. You should pay attention to this when you are making your purchase.
- Must I purchase a mount for my mic?
No, some microphones come with their own mount. If you will be using it on your computer desk you may not need a new mount. The option of purchasing a mount will depend on how and where you want to use your microphone.
- Does all microphone include headphone monitoring?
Not all microphone has headphone monitoring capability. Those that support this feature will have a headphone jack. This should be clearly stated on the product description.
- Where does the gaming mic get its power?
The power for your microphone will come from the device where it is connected.
Conclusion
Every streamer or podcaster that cares about the quality of their audio output needs a microphone. Considering that you may not always have control over your environment, you need a mic that will give you the advantage in terms of sound filtering and noise cancellation. We have highlighted the features that will help you to make a better choice when you are ready to buy in our guide. All the microphones on our list are best in different areas. If you missed this earlier, you can scroll up and read again.