Best Microphones for Streaming, Gaming and Live Chats in 2022

Once upon a time, we all thought a simple headset with a tiny mic was enough for gaming with our friends. 

“Going A!!” and “Planting!!” we shouted.

There was no thought in our heads about getting a better-quality mic for streaming and gaming – which is fair enough. 

Back in the day, good-quality mics seemed like a luxury, and if PewDiePie could go on for so long without buying one, why should we? 

Nowadays, with online games such as Among Us, Destiny, Rainbow Six, and Borderlands gaining more and more popularity, it’s essential to get a decent microphone for streaming. Even D&D, which has been considered basement-level gaming for years, has made its way into the online mainstream – trust me, this requires clear communication. It seems people have started posting their Dungeons and Dragons campaigns live on Twitch more and more, and there’s no better time than the present to invest in a mic. 

Of course, gaming might not be up your street, but what about all the Zoom and Teams calls you’ve been taking recently? Enough of the “Krzhhh… Thank you for… Krzhhh. And have a… Krzhh… day!” I say, “enough!” *slams down staff.*

Microphones for streaming, gaming, and live chats have become an essential part of a decent PC setup. However, with such a massive variety of choices, how do you know what is worth spending your money on? 

Well, that’s what I’m here for. Allow me to introduce you to the ten best microphones for streaming, gaming, and live chats!

Why Does Having a Good Streaming Microphone Matter?

It doesn’t matter if you’re recording in a room you soundproofed with your old duvets or if you decided to rent a recording studio. The fact of the matter is that if you want good-quality audio, you’ll need a good microphone.

In streaming, many people tend to focus on the quality of the video instead of the audio. I can’t tell you the number of times I have clicked away from something I was watching just because it had awful audio quality. I’m sure you’ve done it, too.

When you’re in the zone streaming live, and suddenly you start screaming at the microphone and can’t toggle your gain, it’s a literal pain in the ears. 

Having a decent microphone bumps up your views and can make your audience grow. Most of the time, when we’re listening to someone online, we don’t think about the sound until it’s noticeably bad, and that’s when the flood of comments will wash you away. 

When your stream chat is filled with opinions on your audio, it takes away from what you’re doing. After all, the whole point is to enjoy yourself and get people to feel a part of something, right?

Good-quality microphones also come in handy in other instances. If you’re a musician and want people to hear the total capacity of your voice, there are great streaming microphones that can give you that expert sound you’re after. You can also record instruments with some of the microphones on this list, such as the SM7B. 

Some people also like to use their microphones for podcast recording, but I recommend you check out the thorough review we did on the best mics for podcast recording if that’s what you’re into. Knowing you’re not here for that and you are probably dying to know the top ten quality mics for streaming, let’s jump straight in!

Best Microphones for Streaming at a Glance

If you’re in a rush, here are the top ten microphones for streaming in 2022:

1. Top Pick – Yeti Professional USB Microphone for Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Gaming
2. Best Cheap Microphone for Streaming – JLab Audio Talk Microphone PC USB Connection, Plug, and Play
3. Best Streaming Microphone for Mac – Elgato Wave: 3
4. Best Microphone for Game Streaming – HyperX QuadCast S
5. Best Beginner Streaming Microphone – Razer Seiren Elite
6. Perfect Microphone for Streaming on Twitch – Movo UM700 Desktop USB Microphone
7. Best Condenser Mic for Streaming – Rode NT-USB-Mini
8. Best Microphone for Streaming on PS4 – Epos B20
9. Best XLR Microphone for Streaming – Shure SM7B Microphone
10. Best Streaming Microphone Under $100 – Audio-Technica AT2020+

10 Best Microphones for Streaming – Review Section

The time has come to give you our kick-ass reviews on the best microphones for streaming. We have also prepared a buyer’s guide at the end of this article, which covers some in-depth technical specifications you should be aware of when buying a mic. 

1. Yeti Professional USB Microphone for Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Gaming – Top Pick

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you read our best podcasting microphone review, you’ll probably recognize this unique USB microphone from the get-go. We couldn’t help but include it here, too. After all, it’s been a number one choice for podcasters and YouTubers for years. 

It’s incredibly affordable and not a complete eyesore, unlike many mics currently sold on the market. It comes in various colors, so if you find that important, the Blue Yeti doesn’t necessarily have to be blue. For those who couldn’t care less about the visual appeal of their mic, you can save some cash by choosing a cheaper finish. 

The Blue Yeti is a USB mic, making it extremely easy to plug into your computer, whether that’s a PC or Mac. Just make sure you have Mac OS 10.13 or higher or Windows 10 or higher! It won’t prompt you to install any software if you want to run it straight away. 

Perhaps the only con of this mic is the large size. It stands at almost a foot tall, and it’s pretty heavy. However, it gives you the feeling of a sturdy device that isn’t designed like a toy. It has an all-metal body and can be detached from its desktop stand and mounted on a boom arm or mic stand. 

What’s great about this mic is that you can toggle your sensitivity by adjusting the gain button at the back of the device. You have greater control over other settings from your mic’s body, like different recording patterns (omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo, and cardioid). Thus, you can customize your audio ASAP. The Blue Yeti is a fantastic mic for both beginners and professionals, proving great Yetis do exist.

2. JLab Audio Talk Microphone PC USB Connection, Plug, and Play – Best Cheap Microphone for Streaming

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Looking at the mic and the available specs on Amazon, even an inexperienced eye can spot this mic as a pretty good deal. 

First off, its most obvious benefit is its tiny price tag. For this price, it’s a smashing deal! The next thing you can easily spot is the fantastic tripod desk stand included in the price, saving you some money on purchasing a separate stand for your desktop. 

When it comes to building quality, of course, you can’t expect a tank for this price, but it compensates with other features. There’s a sneaky little mute button at the bottom of the microphone, which is easy to access, as well as a switch between pickup patterns. 

There are two polar patterns to choose from. The cardioid will make it light up in blue, while the omnidirectional will make it light up in bright green light. It’s a great competitor to the Blue Snowball mic series and makes an excellent choice for a compact streaming mic that sounds velvety-great. 

If you want to take a look at some of the best portable microphones, it’s a shame not to look at our detailed review!

3. Elgato Wave: 3 – Best Streaming Microphone for Mac

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Despite this being an almost 100% plastic mic, there is still a pretty good feel. This beauty has a metal desktop stand, ensuring your mic is kept in place. 

The Elgato Wave 3 is extremely user-friendly and doesn’t require you to install any software. You can even plug it into a Mac and have it working instantly. Once you do that and have it switched on, you can check the front of the mic and notice the three light indicators. 

You can easily adjust your microphone gain, headphone volume and mix between mic level and computer playback. There is a lot to like about this microphone. The only flaw I can point out is the plastic design. However, this microphone doesn’t feel like a toy and is an excellent mic for streaming games or other content! The microphone won’t clip if you get excited while streaming and playing a game, which is super important for people who are streaming and don’t have the option to fix their audio in post.

4. HyperX QuadCast S – Best Microphone for Game Streaming

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

I have been so hyped to review the HyperX QuadCast S microphone for quite some time now. Let me introduce you to a state-of-the-art streaming mic that not only does the job but looks deliciously good while using it! 

When you unbox your very own HyperX, you’ll find it comes with a built-in shock mount that’s ready to go, as well as a desktop stand which you can easily remove and replace with a microphone stand. 

This microphone for streaming has easy-access gain control at the bottom, which you can rotate sideways if you want it adjusted. At the top, you can find a huge mute button, which will instantly switch off the radiant light coming from your mic. 

The HyperX mic has latency-free monitoring, but if you’d like to turn it off for any reason, you won’t be able to do that, which is the only drawback with this streaming mic. 

You’re not just buying a streaming mic. You’re choosing a solid piece of equipment that you can use for anything, all depending on your imagination! The microphone has four pick-up patterns: stereo, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and cardioid polar patterns for all of your upcoming endeavors.

5. Razer Seiren Elite – Best Beginner Streaming Microphone

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you want an instrumental microphone that’s also beginner-friendly, the Razer Seiren Elite will genuinely step up your audio game. It serves as an excellent microphone for streaming modeled after the Shure SM7B – but comes twice as cheap! 

While streaming, you can use the easy-access volume and gain buttons on the mic body, so you can make your necessary corrections as you go along. Another incredible feature of the Razer Elite is the built-in high-pass filter, which includes ultra-clean recording. You don’t have to worry about high-pitched sounds or trying to level your excitement during streaming. 

There is no additional software necessary to install this device, making it extremely easy to set up. It’s one of the best microphones for streaming because it has excellent background noise rejection, which is needed when gaming, tapping on a keyboard, and clicking your mouse.

6. Movo UM700 Desktop USB Microphone – Perfect Microphone for Streaming on Twitch

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for an incredibly affordable high-performance mic that goes on for cheaper than the Blue Yeti and looks pretty similar, you can save some cash by getting the Movo UM700. 

When you first open the mic, you’ll notice it’s attached to a base. There’s no need to worry because that desktop stand is easy to remove. I love this mic for streaming mainly because of the accessibility of the settings.

On the front, you have a volume dial and mute button. At the back, just within reach, you can control the gain of your microphone for streaming, as well as the omnidirectional, bidirectional, cardioid, and stereo pickup patterns. This is an excellent feature if you’d like to include more people in your conversation all around or have someone chat in front of you, so don’t feel like you can only use this microphone for streaming. 

The Movo UM700 Desktop USB microphone has a lot more potential. The UM700 not only looks great, but it also feels and sounds good, which is an absolute bargain!

7. Rode NT-USB-Mini – Best Mini Condenser Microphone For Streaming

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Looking for the best mini condenser mic that won’t take up too much space but will work as a professional mic? Believe it or not, it exists, and it’s called the Rode NT-USB Mini! It has a metal and nylon body and a metal grille and comes attached to a mic mount with a 360-degree rotation. 

The Rode NT Mini is a USB-C mic that you can also attach to a mic stand. All you have to do is remove the rubber band and attach a ⅝ threading ring and voila – you have the option to put it on a mic stand, too! At the front of the mic, you can find the headphone volume control that doubles as an on and off button for zero-latency monitoring. 

What is remarkable is that this is a fantastic competitor to other condenser mics on the market, such as the Blue Yeti. The sound quality is better, and it even has zero-latency monitoring, which the Blue Yeti doesn’t have for the same price. 

You can use the Rode NT USB on Windows, Mac, or even a tablet as soon as you plug it in! The Rode NT isn’t packed with tons of different settings. Instead, it’s simple and does one thing with great perfection – it delivers incredible-quality sound!

8. Epos B20 – Best Microphone For Streaming On PS5 and PS4

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The PS5 came out recently, so you’re probably already looking for the best streaming mic to pair it with. Stop your search right now. Say hello to the Epos B20, a beautiful USB-C type microphone with a modern design that came out in 2021. It’s fresh out of the oven! I’ve got your back.

For such a short amount of time, it managed to score 4.4 out of 5 stars with users, which is incredible! You can mount it on a stand with the ⅜ adapter or use the minimalistic desktop stand. 

The mic is handy for streamers because it has many valuable settings within arm’s reach, so you don’t have to interrupt your gaming to access your audio software and fix your audio internally. 

You have your volume knob and mute button on one side and the gain and pickup pattern on the other. This streaming microphone has four pickup settings: stereo, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and cardioid, so you aren’t tied to using it as a streaming mic exclusively. It’s a great purchase, especially for PS5 and PS4 enthusiasts. All you have to do is plug and play!

9. Shure SM7B Microphone – Best XLR Mic For Streaming

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Who says you need separate microphones for everything? The Shure SM7B is a great multifunctional mic, perfect for podcasting, home recording, and professional broadcasting. It is also one of the best microphones for streaming. What makes it so good? 

Many professionals use this microphone and tend to say the Shure SM7B sets the gold standard for a streaming and broadcasting mic. In terms of the build, this is an all-metal mic with a good amount of weight. 

The back of the microphone has two toggles. One is a low-cut switch, and the other a mid-boost button. Both are neatly protected by a cap that comes in the box. Aside from the cap, you also get a few other accessories, such as a more oversized windscreen filter, which protects against plosives and high frequencies. 

Sadly, this mic doesn’t come with a desktop stand, so you will need to purchase a boom arm or mic stand as well. 

This is a professional-grade microphone for recording almost anything. This includes your voice, instruments, and more, so you’re investing in a durable and solid piece of equipment.

10. Audio-Technica AT2020+ – Best Streaming Microphone Under 100 Dollars

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Audio-Technica AT2020 may have come out in 2004, but it’s so famous for its durability and affordable price that it remains one of the best budget microphones for streaming. Bear in mind the AT2020 is a cheaper XLR version, so if you’ve decided you want to step up your mic game and want something user-friendly, there is a USB version of this mic for anyone who can’t invest in a mixing console straight away. 

The USB version of AT2020 is a bit more expensive, and all that’s different is that it comes with a USB output cable which you can unplug at any point and switch to the XLR version of this microphone. The AT2020 is a sensitive condenser mic that will pick up high and low frequencies. While giving volume to your voice, you might want to add a windscreen or pop filter to your cart to minimize the plosives in your recording. 

This version allows you to upgrade in the future if you want, while at the same time having an excellent-quality microphone. There are also two handy buttons on the front – one is your headphone volume control, and the other is a mix control. Both buttons allow you to blend between prerecorded audio and your mic signal. Isn’t that nifty?

Choosing the Best Microphone for Streaming – Buyer’s Guide

Here are some basic streaming microphone 101s that every buyer should be aware of before purchasing a mic. After you go through this section, there will be little you don’t know about mics!

Connection Method

When buying a microphone for streaming, make sure you know what to look for. Do you want to connect it straight to your computer or laptop – get a USB mic? They are made to be plugged in and played and won’t cost you any additional money. 

The XLR mic, on the other hand, will need a few more accessories to operate and won’t be plugged straight into your computer. This will cost you a bit more money and can take a while to get used to, but it produces amazing-quality sound! You can also plug them through a mixing board so that you can control every tiny element of your sound directly on the mixer.

If you want to learn the ins and outs of XLRs and USB mics and their difference, check our in-depth article on the best podcasting mics. We go in-depth about the different mic connections and how they influence the quality of your audio!

Frequency Response

Frequency response describes how your headphones or microphone responds to different-level frequencies, high or low. Note that some frequency responses in certain microphones will be tailored to expect a specific frequency. That’s how you can spot a mic made to record drums, for example. 

The mic will automatically flatten the frequency response because it’s expecting a certain level of decibels coming through. Most mics are tailored to our voices, but if you have a high-pitched voice and tend to scream into your mic during gaming, make sure your mic can handle those decibels! So when you’re screaming in your mic during a game, and you hear that annoying clipping sound, that’s when you know your mic can’t handle high-frequencies. 

Polar Pattern

There are three common types of pick up patterns around the head of your mic, which determine how the mic will perceive your voice depending on where you’re standing:

• Omnidirectional – This means the entire area around the mic will be picked up when recording.
• Unidirectional – As you might have guessed, unidirectional mics only pick up sounds from a single (“uni”-one) direction at full level, while the sound received from all other directions of this axis is significantly reduced. 
• Bidirectional – It is also called “Figure-8.” It picks up the front and back of the mic but muffles the sides, perfectly capturing a conversation with two people without using multiple mics. 
• Cardioid – The front of the mic is the most sensitive, while the sides gradually drown out the voice. You practically only use 180 out of the total 360-degree range of the mic, and your voice is being picked up on the front and sides, while the back is practically switched off. 

Type of Streaming

There are so many different types of streaming. I hardly know where to start. Usually, if you have been looking for the best microphone for streaming, you’re probably planning on making your live streams from the comfort of your home to either YouTube, Twitch, or another platform. 

Live streams are now compatible with TVs, computers, tablets, and various kinds of gaming consoles. Often, apps aren’t even necessary! All you need is a fast Internet connection and apps that you can install. 

Location

The location of your podcast isn’t hugely important if you have the right microphone and tools (which you do now that you’ve read this article), but you can’t go wrong by doing some soundproofing here and there. If you’re experiencing an echo in your room, try putting a carpet underneath where you’re recording to isolate the sound. Acoustic foam works too. In reality, not everyone can cover an entire room in their homes in foam, so acoustic panels might be a better option. You can always rent a studio if that’s your thing, and that could be an excellent investment!

Before You Go…

I hope this article has given you a good idea of the pros and cons of the best microphones for streaming! If you want to look at more options, for example, the best microphones for YouTube and the best microphone stands, feel free to browse around!

Best Selling Microphones for Streaming

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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