10 Best Microphones for Streaming: Tested and Reviewed [2023]

There’s seemingly a never-ending supply of streaming microphones in the market, and picking the right mic has become harder than ever.

But there’s no cause for concern, as that’s exactly what we have been up to lately! Our team has been busy researching, sampling, and testing dozens of streaming mics for the past several months.

At long last, we now finally have enough data to pick the top 10 best microphones for streaming and podcasting.

TL;DR – Top Streaming Mics 2022

1. Shure MV7: The best dynamic microphone for streaming. This is an XLR-USB hybrid microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. Overall, a great microphone for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

2. Shure SM7B: The best microphone for streaming and podcasting with a cult following, and for good reasons. A remarkable microphone that can be used in a wide range of situations, especially podcasting.

3. Audio-Technica AT2020 (USB+): The best microphone for PS5 streaming and Xbox Series X and PC. This cardioid condenser microphone has a wide 20 to 20 kHz frequency range and great game streaming capabilities.

4. Rode NT1-A: A great microphone for live music and vocals music streaming. The mic is built like a tank and should last quite a long time.

5. HyperX QuadCast S: The best microphone for streaming on Twitch and YouTube. The mic has RGB lighting effects as well to complement the look of your RGB gaming PC.

6. Blue Yeti Nano: The best cheap microphone for streaming under $100. For the price, it checks a lot of boxes.

7. Tonor TW820: Best wireless microphone for streaming and karaoke. Each package comes with dual wireless microphones as well as a dedicated receiver.

8. Thornmax MDrill One Pro: Our top pick for Mac users. Comes standard with a USB-C output for seamless connectivity with modern Macs.

9. Samson Go Mic: A compact, stylish, well-built microphone that’s great for travelers with sensitive dual electret condenser mics.

10. Rode SmartLav+: An affordable yet highly capable lavalier microphone for podcasting. The mic uses a standard 3.5mm audio jack, so you can use it in all situations.

Is Your Mic Important for Streaming?

Yes. A stand-alone, dedicated XLR or USB microphone is crucial for streaming and podcasting. Pre-built microphones in laptops, smartphones, and tablets are often too weak and sound weird on a live stream.

What Type of Microphone Is Best for Streaming?

A dynamic or condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern is most suitable for streaming. The cardioid polar pattern captures audio just from the front of the microphone and suppresses (if not outright cancels) the residual audio from the sides and the back of the microphone.

With that in mind, what is the best streaming microphone in 2022?

Best Microphones for Streaming [2022 Reviewed!]

To comb through hundreds of microphones without having to buy and test each and every single one of them (which would’ve taken us years), we looked for the best microphone for streaming on Reddit.

We asked the knowledgeable Reddit user base of various SubReddits, including r/Audiophile, r/AudioEngineering, r/Podcasting, and r/LiveSound (to name a few), for their opinions on the best streaming/podcasting microphones.

After weeks of research on Reddit, other forums, and social media platforms, we finally narrowed our list to 25! microphones we deem the best for podcasters and live streamers.

Our Testing Methodology:

After finally getting our hands on just over two dozen microphones, we put them through their paces and tested them under various scenarios. For this review, we used our standard gaming PC (i5-12400F + RTX 3060Ti), hooked up with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Generation).

For those unaware, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a stereo dual-channel, USB audio interface that supports up to 48V of phantom power. We chose it because of its great audio quality and the fact that it’s a popular choice among podcasters and streamers alike.

9.4

• Pro performance with the finest pre-amps – Achieve a brighter and a more open recording thanks to the best performing mic pre-amps the Scarlett range has ever seen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Scarlett 2i2.
• Get the perfect guitar and vocal take – There’s no need to sacrifice your tone with two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice with clarity and your instruments in all their glory without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos.
• Low-noise for crystal clear listening – Two low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback. Hear all the details and nuances of your own track or music from Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. Plug-in your own headphones via the output for private listening in high-fidelity.

Next, we tested and monitored the microphones’ gain levels, number of audio channels, echo cancellation, audio input latency, noise suppression, distortion, sample size/rate, and impedance.

After multiple test runs under various scenarios and careful consideration, we narrowed down our list to 10 best microphones for streaming and podcasting.

 Without any further ado, let’s get straight to the reviews.

1. Shure MV7 (USB/XLR Hybrid) – Best Streaming Microphone Overall

Shure MV7 is a great streaming microphone for professionals, content creators, and casual users, all thanks to its USB/XLR hybrid nature.

MV7 is a hybrid, dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency range of up to 20 kHz. The bit depth is 28-bit with a sample rate of 48 kHz and a maximum sound pressure of 132 decibels.

As is the case with most Shure microphones, the MV7 is built like a tank sporting a solid, durable metal construction. Even the grille under the pre-installed windshield is made of metal.

In terms of input/output, the microphone has a USB port at the bottom, along with the standard XLR connector. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack also allows zero-latency monitoring via a headset.

The quick access mute button is located at the side of the microphone. The mute button is accompanied by a capacitive touch slider for volume control. And lastly, besides the touch slider is the microphone gain selector button, which doubles as the headphone volume selector button. Both are controlled via a touch slider.

In our testing, we were very pleased by MV7’s performance, both in XLR and USB modes. The low end was very controlled, while the mids sounded a bit boosted, but still great overall. To nitpick, the highs were just a little bit tamer than condenser mics. But for streaming, that’s a non-issue.

9.4

• USB OR XLR CONNECTIONS: Dual USB;XLR output allows digital or analog recording
• CLOSE MIC APPLICATIONS: Great for podcasting, recording, live streaming, and more
• INTUITIVE TOUCH PANEL CONTROLS: Intuitive touch panel for control over gain, monitoring volume, headphone mix, and mic muting

2. Shure SM7B – Best Microphone for Streaming Podcasts

Shure SM7B needs no introduction. It’s gained a cult status over the years, and for very good reasons. This is a flexible, versatile microphone that’s great for podcasting as well as streaming.

The SM7B is a dynamic cardioid microphone with a wide frequency range of 5 Hz to 20 kHz. The sensitivity is set at -59 decibels which is very quiet. Lastly, the impedance is between 150 to 300 Ohms.

In terms of build quality, the Shure SM7B is one of the best mics out there. Just like the MV7, it’s very well built with solid metallic construction. This microphone also feels positively weighty at 765.4 grams.

The cardioid polar pattern of the SM7B is extremely sensitive from the front yet muffles all residual background noise coming from the top and back of the microphone. Even our mechanical keyboard with loud Cherry MX Blue Switches was almost completely muffled while recording.

However, there’s one minor caveat. The SM7B is an XLR mic. While not exactly a criticism, it’s not particularly suited to beginners. You will need either a preamp or an audio interface to make the most out of this microphone.

9.4

• ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING – Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting and Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters and Streamers.
• STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING – The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean and Natural Reproduction Of Both Music and Speech.
• PODCAST and BROADCAST – Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation and Pop Filter Eliminate Both Mechanical Noise And Breathiness. So Words Get Through And The Rest Stays Out Of The Mix.

3. Audio-Technica AT2020 (USB+) – Best Microphone for Streaming PC and Console Games

Audio-Technica AT2020 (USB+) is a great desktop microphone for streaming on PC, as well as PS5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles. Unlike the standard variant, which is XLR only, the USB+ edition comes with—you guessed it—a USB connector.

Specs-wise, the AT2020 is a cardioid condenser microphone. The frequency range is between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. The impedance of the microphone is 100 Ohms with a 124-decibel dynamic range and a -37 decibels sensitivity.

The Audio-Technica AT2020 has solid build quality with an all-metal construction. It feels nice to the touch and weighs positively substantial at 345 grams. Overall, this mic should serve you a really long time.

Unlike the spartan XLR variant, the USB+ variant has some additional bells and whistles. One of them is the built-in mic gain knob. There’s another knob to adjust the output of the headset. Lastly, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting the headset for zero-latency monitoring.

In testing, the mic sounded great with fantastic sound suppression. We also had no issues connecting the microphone with our PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. Both consoles detected the microphone right away with zero hiccups. In short, the AT2020 is the best microphone for streaming on Xbox and PS.

9.4

• Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
• High quality AD converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
• Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay

4. Rode NT1-A – Best Mic for Streaming Music

There’s a very good reason why Rode NT1-A has gained so much fame in the past decade. This is a professional-grade XLR condenser microphone that’s great for live music and vocals music streaming, as well as live mixing and DJ streaming.

The mic’s sensitivity is just -32 decibels with an impedance of 100 Ohms. The frequency range is also very wide at 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Lastly, the polar pattern is cardioid, and the mic requires phantom power of either 24 or 48V.

As for build quality, the Rode NT1-A didn’t disappoint. The mic has a durable, all-metal construction with a built-in shock mount. Overall, the mic feels nice in hand, with a weight of only 326 grams.

In our testing, the Rode NT1-A performed admirably. Our recorded sessions sounded excellent. Acoustic guitars and pianos sounded absolutely brilliant with a lively top end, all thanks to the mic’s sensitive condenser transducer and large diaphragm.

All in all, the Rode NT1-A proved itself to be the best microphone for streaming and singing.

9.4

• Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic with Shockmount
• Pop Shield
• Dust Cover
• XLR Cable

5. HyperX QuadCast S – Best Microphone for Beginner YouTubers and Twitch Streamers

Beginners looking for a cheap, budget microphone should definitely consider the HyperX QuadCast S.

In terms of specs, the microphone has triple 14mm condenser transducers with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. There are four polar patterns to choose from: Stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional. The sensitivity is set at -36 decibels, and the overall weight of the microphone is just 255 grams.

At the back of the QuadCast S there is a USB-C port. Besides the USB-C port is a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency audio monitoring. There’s also a four-way switch to choose a different polar pattern.

Being a USB microphone, there’s also a microphone gain knob which you can adjust on the fly. The microphone also comes standard with a shock mount.

In testing, the QuadCast S proved to be highly versatile and extremely beginner friendly. The microphone is a simple plug-and-play device; since it is a USB piece of tech, there’s no need for preamps or other audio equipment. The sound quality was also good, with decent high levels and minimal plosives.

Overall, it’s a great product for beginners.

9.4

• Radiant RGB lighting with dynamic effects: Personalize stunning RGB lighting and dynamic effects for an eye-catching shot of customizable style.
• Built-in anti-vibration shock mount: Isolate the mic and suppress the sound of unintentional rumbles and bumps with the elastic rope suspension.
• Tap-to-mute sensor with LED status indicator: Use the convenient tap-to-mute functionality to prevent an audio accident along with the help of the LED mic status indicator. If the light is on, the mic is active, if the light is off, the mic is muted.

6. Blue Yeti Nano – Best Budget Microphone for Streaming Under $100

Wondering what is the best budget streaming microphone under $100? The simple answer would be Blue Yeti Nano.

The Blue Yeti Nano is a budget cardioid condenser USB mic. The frequency range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a sensitivity of -37 decibels. The bit depth goes up to 24 bits with a sampling rate of 32 to 48 kHz. Great specs for the price!

Unfortunately, the budget nature of the microphone makes itself apparent in the build quality, which is rather lackluster. The body feels a little plasticky. Fortunately, the grille surrounding the condenser transducer is made of metal.

Being a USB microphone, the Blue Yeti Nano has an onboard microphone gain control dial and a dedicated mute button. At the back of the microphone is a polar pattern selector switch, and you can switch between cardioid and omnidirectional on the fly.

In our testing, the Yeti Nano punched well above its weight with remarkable highs, as is the case with most condenser mics. Unfortunately, we found the lows to be a bit lackluster, while mids were flat and just about average.

9.4

• Perfect For Podcasting, Game Streaming, Skype Calls, Youtube Or Music
• No-Latency Headphone Output, Headphone Volume And Mic Mute
• Standard Threading For Radius Iii Shock Mount And/Or Compass Boom Arm
• Plug ‘N Play-Mac And Pc Compatible

7. Tonor TW820 – Best Wireless Microphone for Streaming

Tonor TW820 is a checks all the boxes for streaming. Each package comes with two wireless TW820 microphones, as well as an audio receiver. For the price, this is an excellent wireless microphone combo for streaming.

In terms of specs, the Tonor TW820 has a maximum frequency range of 50 Hz to 15 kHz. The base receiver works on UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) ranging between 902.8 to 926.8 MHz. Lastly, the microphone has a cardioid polar pattern with a range of up to 200 feet or 60 meters.

Both mics look and feel well-built, and the receiver feels sturdy as well. The receiver has a very simple, minimalistic design with just a power button at the front, along with two independent microphone gain control knobs for each microphone channel.

At the rear of the receiver are two XLR outputs, one for each channel and a socket for the 12V power adapter. And lastly, the mics themselves are powered by two AA batteries.

For wireless connectivity, each microphone has a dedicated button to change the transmitting frequency in case there’s too much distortion.

The Tonor TW820 performed pretty well for a wireless microphone. At short ranges with minimal interference, the audio quality was surprisingly good. However, it struggled at long distances.

9.4

• Clear and Pristine Sound Quality: With professional cardioid dynamic capsule, the system can reproduce more excellent, clear, pure and full sound and eliminate background noise and howling. Ideal for Karaoke, Home KTV, Big party, DJ, Wedding, Class use.
• Enhanced Signal Stability: With 15 adjustable frequencies per UHF mic and long transmission range(60 m) in open space, ensuring that up to 15 sets can be used simultaneously without worrying about interferences.
• Sturdy and Durable Material: The all metal mic with steel mesh grille is particularly resistant to impact and corrosion. The receiver box has separate volume control for each wireless mic.

8. Thornmax MDrill One Pro – Best Mac-Compatible Microphone for Streaming

People familiar with Apple must be well aware that the company has abandoned full-sized USB-A ports in favor of USB Type-C. Hence, we have chosen the Thornmax MDrill One Pro for Mac users, which comes standard with USB-C.

The Thornmax MDrill One Pro has a 24-bit bit rate with a sample rate of 96 kHz. The frequency response is pretty high at 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The microphone has four polar patterns: Cardioid, Stereo, 360 Bi-Directional, and lastly, Omni-Directional, making it a very versatile microphone.

The MDrill One Pro comes standard with a desk stand. There’s a small LED display at the front that shows microphone gain levels. At the bottom of the microphone is a USB-C for connectivity, as well as a 3.5mm jack for zero-latency monitoring.

Also at the bottom, there is an RGB strip, and you can choose between 7 different colors. The RGB lights are optional, and you can turn them off if needed. Lastly, there’s a volume knob at the side, accompanied by another knob for microphone gain adjustment.

We tested all four polar patterns, and our top pick for streaming is undoubtedly the standard cardioid mode. As for the sound quality, the microphone performed great in our testing phase with minimal noise and a great top end, thanks to condenser transducers.

9.4

• Are you looking for a microphone for perfect, crystal-clear recording in studio quality? Then you’ve come to the right place! The Thonmax M2 Mdrill One offers best recording quality / sound quality and a very simple “plug and play” installation. Background noise is suppressed, resulting in high-quality recording.
• The formats for recording are cardioid (cardioid), omnidirectional (omnidirectional), bidirectional (bidirectional) and stereo (adjustable directly on the microphone) and can be connected to the condenser microphone almost anywhere, as it only requires a USB connection. Thus, it is compatible with Windows PC, MAC, Linux, PS4 Playstation 4, Laptop, Macbook and much more.
• Chic, stylish and compact in one. The micro also impresses with its great look and real great feel. Make yourself an impression, it is worth it!

9. Samson Go Mic – Best Mic for Streaming While Traveling

Even though the Samson Go Mic is almost a decade old, it remains a solid option for outdoorsy people looking for a durable, compact microphone that they can easily carry around on their adventures!

For starters, there are dual electret condensers in the tiny chassis with a frequency range of 80 Hz to 18 kHz. The bit depth is 16-bit with a sampling rate of 44.1 to 48 kHz. The maximum sound pressure level is 121 decibels, good enough for a loud rock concert.

The most surprising part is the fact that this microphone is packing so much punch in a compact package with dimensions of just 2.8 x 1.7 x 0.9 inches. It’s not heavy either at just 0.23 lbs or a hair under 105 grams.

The build quality is also surprisingly decent, given the budget price tag of the mic. The construction is metallic; the 10mm dual internal mics are shock isolated. Lastly, there’s a dual-stage grille windscreen for protection from wind noise and plosives.

The Samson Go Mic performed great in our test as well. While not quite up to par with the heavy hitters in this test, it punched well above its weight with good audio clarity and decent highs and lows. Overall, a potent little microphone.

9.4

• Portable USB condenser microphone
• Plug and Play Mac and PC compatible, no drivers required
• Custom compact design that clips to a laptop or sits on a desk

10. Rode SmartLav+ – Best Lavalier Mic for Streaming

Rode SmartLav+ is a tiny, affordable, lavalier microphone you can clip on your shirt. This is an omnidirectional microphone, meaning it picks up sound from all directions.

At the end of the microphone is a 3.5mm TRRS headphone jack. You won’t see any USB or XLR connectivity here. While not necessarily a bad thing, the major downside is the fact that the sound quality will vary depending on your PC’s sound card.

In terms of weight, the microphone is extremely lightweight at just 6 grams. It comes with a small windshield, which is good enough for indoors recording. Unfortunately, the microphone picks up a lot of environmental noise while outdoors—a consequence of its omnidirectional nature.

Being a microphone with a 3.5mm headphone jack, you can easily connect this microphone to your PC, as well as your Android or Apple smartphone. For this purpose, you can download the Rode Reporter app from either Apple AppStore or Google’s PlayStore.

The app itself worked well enough on our iPhone 14 Pro. However, for some reason, it kept crashing on our Google Pixel smartphone, running the latest Android 13 OS. Hopefully, the issue will be fixed in a future update.

In our test, the Rode SmartLav+ absolutely shined. We were pleasantly surprised by this little microphone’s audio quality and performance. Our only gripe is the poor outdoor performance. Hence why we can’t recommend this microphone for outdoor vlogging. Having said that, it’s a great little microphone for indoor streaming.

9.4

• Lavalier Microphone f Smartphones Tablets with Foam Pop Shield Mounting Clip

Comparing Top Streaming Microphones 2022

How to Position Your Microphone for Streaming

For streaming, your microphone should be ideally placed at a distance of 4 to 8 inches from your mouth.

A mic that’s too close to your mouth will pick a lot of low frequencies, adding unwanted bass and plosives to your recorded voice.

On the other hand, a mic that’s placed too far away from your mouth will struggle to capture your voice’s low and high frequencies, focusing only on the mids. As a result, your recorded voice will sound tinny and flat.

What to Look for in a Streaming Microphone

There are 5 things one must consider before picking a microphone.

1. Polar Pattern

Polar pattern determines how well the microphone picks sound from any given direction. Polar pattern comes in many forms: Standard cardioid, Supercardioid, Hypercardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, and ‘Shotgun’.

Cardioid should be your priority for streaming as it offers better vocal clarity than other polar patterns.

2. Capsule Type

A mic’s capsule is basically a transducer responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals. They come in three major types: Condenser, Dynamic, and Ribbon.

1.      Dynamic mics offer great low and mid-level frequency response at the cost of slightly poorer high ends.

2.      Condenser mics offer flat frequency curves with superior high-ends than dynamic microphones.

3.      Ribbon mics offer a better frequency dynamic range than either condenser or dynamic mics. However, they tend to be extremely fragile.

3. Sample Rate

The frequency at which snapshots of an analog signal of a microphone are captured by the preamp or PC is called the sample rate.

 For streaming, a sample rate of either 44 or 48 kHz is more than sufficient.

4. Bit Depth

Audio bit depth refers to the amount of amplitude that may be recorded for each audio sample rate (Hz). A higher bit depth can capture more audio detail with superior dynamic range.

Most streamers prefer 24-bit depth with an amplitude of 144 dB.

5. Frequency Range

The range of sound frequencies a mic’s transducer can capture is determined by its frequency range. For reference, the human ear is capable of detecting sound frequencies in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Even cheap, budget microphones support a sample rate of 48 kHz with a frequency response of up to 24 kHz. However, a higher frequency range will offer you more leeway in post-process sound editing.

What Other Gear Do You Need for Streaming?

The following gear is crucial for any streaming setup:

1. Pop Filter: A pop filter is basically a ring-shaped piece of soft, flexible fabric that’s placed on your microphone. As the name suggests, pop filters help minimize your voice’s bassy, low-frequency ‘pops’ and plosives.

2. Boom Arm: A microphone boom arm can make it easier to position a microphone above or around an item, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, headset wires, etc., that might otherwise get in the way of a standard microphone stand or a tripod.

3. Preamplifier: A preamp is a specialized audio amplifier designed to boost weak audio signals before transmitting them to further gain stages, mixers, or other audio equipment, including a PC. However, they are only required for XLR microphones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Streaming Mics

Why Do Streamers Have 2 Mics?

Streamers often use two separate microphones. One is reserved for their live stream audience while the other one is reserved for the in-game chat, to communicate with other players.

Do Streamers Use Dynamic or Condenser Mics?

The majority of streamers use dynamic mics, with others opting for the more sensitive condenser mics. Top Twitch Streamers, namely Ninja, Auronplay, Rubius, and Tfue (to name a few), use cardioid dynamic mics.

Are Ribbon Microphones Good for Streaming?

No. Ribbon microphones are too fragile to be used for video game streaming. They are very sensitive to sound and even a gust of wind or a plosive from your mouth can permanently damage the delicate ribbon element inside them.

Is It Better to Stream with a Mic or a Headset?

A standalone microphone should always be your preference for streaming. While most headsets do come with integrated mics, their sound quality generally leaves a lot to be desired.

What Small Mic Does Pewdipie Use?

PewDiePie uses a Sennheiser EW 100 Lavalier Microphone. It is a wireless microphone with a 100m range and an 8-hour battery life.

Do Wired Mics Sound Better Than Wireless?

Yes. Electromagnetic radio waves are susceptible to environmental interferences, which can add unwanted noise to the audio signal.

For studio recording and streaming, wired microphones should always be your number one preference.

What is the Difference Between XLR and USB Mics?

USB microphones connect directly to your PC. They’re easy-to-use, plug-and-play devices. Hence, USB mics are highly recommended for beginners.

XLR microphones, on the other hand, require a pre-amplifier or an audio recording interface. As a result, they’re better suited to more experienced streamers.

Do XLR Mics Sound Better Than USB Mics?

In general, yes. USB microphones have to rely on small, integrated preamps and A/D converters to convert analog transducer signal into digital.

In terms of sound quality, these components often fall well short of dedicated, external preamps or audio interfaces XLR microphones require.

How Much Does a Good Quality Streaming Mic Cost?

Good quality, premium microphones for streaming cost in the range of $250 to $400. 

Conclusion

This finally concludes our review of the top 10 best microphones for streamers, as well as gamers. To summarize, Shure MV7, SM7B, and Audio-Technica AT2020 are our top picks—as well as personal favorites—and for very good reasons. They’re great all-around microphones that are as good for streaming as they’re for studio recording.

Good luck with your stream!