Best Gaming Microphones (2023 Update) • GamePro

No matter whether for gaming, streaming or podcasting, the quality of your audio microphone will make or break your production. Investing in one of the best gaming microphones, albeit a little expensive upfront, will absolutely take the front and centre of your technology. There’s nothing greater than crisp audio and our shortlist of the best gaming mics will certainly deliver this for you.

Despite some of the best budget gaming headsets delivering high-quality microphones, the primary investment from headset manufacturers is not to optimise your voice. Rather, the majority of the development budget goes into investing in playback sound. So, for anybody looking to stream or deliver clear comms during gaming, upgrading your setup to a professional gaming microphone will always be the superior option.

So, without further ado, enjoy our shortlist of the best gaming budgets to suit all budgets and experiences. When you’re done, don’t forget to submit a comment with any tips or tricks for improving microphone quality.

Before we delve into reviewing each of the gaming microphones on our shortlist, here’s a quick snapshot of our experts’ top 5 microphones for gaming or streaming.

Each one of these will deliver a superb experience no matter what you are using the microphone to achieve. However, some features are better suited to certain types of applications which we will dig into further below. Nevertheless, all 5 microphones are the cream of the crop when it comes to gaming and content production.

Audio-Technica AT2020 – Best Podcast Microphone

Brand: Audio Technica
Price: Starts at $139.00

Let’s face it, headsets are superb for audio sound, but will always be lacking in the microphone department. Fortunately, you do not need to take out a bank loan to get a microphone that will withstand just as much demand as your audio setup.

The Audio Technica AT2020 is an entry-level microphone that has been receiving tons of compliments due to its exceptional recording options, unmatched versatility, and surprisingly affordable price. At present, it retails for about $139.00, making it suitable for most budgets when creating a home studio.

Unlike basic audio condensers in this list, the AT2020 is an XLR microphone with an all-metal build. It offers excellent value for money through not only recording but also its durability. Some of the components inside can easily be replaced when needed too so your upfront investment will stand the test of time. Compared to some of the best USB gaming microphones, an XLR microphone is also better in the sense that you can use it not just on your PC but with other audio interfaces/mixers as well.

Not limited to gamers and live streamers, the AT2020 is also an ideal microphone for musicians. Since it uses a different type of cable, it can continuously provide a higher-than-average audio signal with suppressed background noise. The only downside here is that it does not have a mute button right on its body.

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Blue Yeti X – Best Professional Gaming Microphone

Brand: Blue Microphones
Price: Starts at $300

If you have been on the lookout for the most recommended USB gaming microphones out there, chances are high that someone might have introduced you to the Blue Yeti. While there are tons of other brands, the peripherals under the Yeti line remain to be one of the most impressive ones due to their simple design and outstanding audio brilliance.

With four polar patterns perfect for a wide range of scenarios, the Yeti X is a professional-sounding USB microphone perfect for literally anyone! It’s priced affordably and offers easy-to-navigate adjustments to find that vocal sound you are aiming for. You can easily connect it to the Blue VO!CE software to tweak even the minute details before you go live. There are also tons of presets within the software to easily record with a signature sound. This makes it a flexible device perfect not just for gamers and streamers but also for those looking to create content for ASMR or narration.

While it does not have excessive RGB lighting as many gaming microphones do, the Yeti X has a small multipurpose knob with LEDs that show volume and gain levels. The knob also doubles as a button for muting and un-muting the microphone. The lights can sit right at home on your PC as you can easily customize the colours through another software, Logitech G Hub.

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HyperX QuadCast S – Best All Round Microphone

Brand: Kingston Technology
Price: Starts at $194.00

For anyone who loves RGB and high-quality microphones, the HyperX released in 2019 its first all-inclusive condenser microphone line known as the QuadCast. Since its release, it has continued to grow a large fan base of streamers and casters with the Quadcasts budget-friendly offering, gamer appeal, and impressively crisp sound quality. The whole range is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak, which means that it is guaranteed to help you keep your voice heard during your sessions.

Learn More – Read HyperX Quadcast Review

HyperX’s most notable microphone to date is the QuadCast S due to its dynamic RGB lithing effects that will fit right easily into your current setup. By simply connecting it to the Ngenuity Software, users will be able to customize the colors and effects for an even better light show. Out of the box, it also comes with an anti-vibration shock mount, a built-in pop filter, and a mount adapter.

In terms of performance, the HyperX QuadCast S delivers stellar sound quality, making it an ideal tool both for gamers, content creators, students, and even work from home professionals. What makes it extra interesting is that it is designed with convenience in mind. At the top part, you can find the tap-to-mute area to quickly cut off when needed. At the lower part, you can also adjust the sensitivity through the gain control dial and even choose which polar pattern you would like to record in.

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Razer Seiren Mini – Best Budget Gaming Microphone

Brand: Razer
Price: Starts at $75.00

Whenever we think about gaming peripherals, Razer is one of the top names in the industry. From high-quality gaming chairs such as the Razer Iskur to budget headphones like the Razer Nari Essential, you cannot go wrong with Razer technology. It is without question one of the best gaming microphones for under $100.

One of their top-selling gaming microphones to date is the Serien Mini which is a compact condenser mic that offers professional-grade audio despite the cheap price. As one of the best budget gaming microphones, take your recording on the go with a portable microphone that is packed full of features to perfect your voice sound.

From the name itself, the pill-shaped Seiren Mini is indeed much smaller than any of the other microphones listed in this post. This allows the unit to easily fit in anywhere without getting in the way of anything. In fact, the whole capsule can also be unscrewed from the stand, which means that you can attach it to any boom arm with at least a 5/8 inch thread.

In terms of aesthetics, the Seiren is something that anyone will be delighted to add to their setup. While it does not have RGB lighting, it comes in three exciting colours: classic black, quartz pink, and mercury white. This can indeed be the best gift for new gamers and students looking to upgrade their audio systems.

However, before you add to your carts, you should know one downside to the Razer Seiren. Given its ultra-compact design, Razer could not include a mute button on the body of the unit. The absence of such a critical button could make things difficult for live streamers to pause sounds whenever they need to.

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Elgato Wave 3 – Best Streaming Microphone

Brand: Elgato
Price: Starts at $210.00

With an integrated eight-channel mixer, the Elgato Wave 3 is a clear winner amongst all other budget-friendly USB microphones on the market today when it comes to streaming. The Wave 3 microphone and software combo is so popular that it has been featured numerous times and won countless awards due to its impeccable audio capabilities tailored for content creators, gamers, and even budding musicians.

To put it simply, you are getting the complete audio solution for just $149.99. The Elgato Wave 3 is one of the best gaming microphones for streamers.

Out of the box, you will instantly notice the Wave 3’s heavy-duty build. Thanks to its refined steel grille at the main head, the inner capsule will be protected against splashes, dust, and sudden bumps. It also has a built-in noise shield to prevent plosives and ensure vocal precision. It also comes with a heavy-duty U-mount with a padded base to ensure that you can easily angle the mic where you want it to be.

Aesthetically speaking, it looks sleek and can easily fit your gaming and workstation. While it does not have the usual RGB light shows that we are used to, it has a simple white and red light to help you check the gain level, status, and headphone volume. The major selling point of the Elgato Wave 3 is that users can easily equip channels and add VST plugins to customize the sound quality as if they are in a real recording studio. You can manipulate everything by using it alongside the Wave Link software.

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Other Notable Budget Mics For Gaming

As much as we have shortlisted our 5 most favourite microphones, there are literally hundreds of high-quality gaming mics ready to be snapped up online. If you feel that our five most recommended mics are not enough, we invite you to go over these other notable solutions below. Perfect for streaming, gaming, and content production, discover your latest peripheral with GamePro.

• Blue Snowball USB Microphone
• JLabs AudioTalk Go
• Rode NT-USB Mini
• HyperX SoloCast
• Roccat Torch

Best Budget Microphones For Gaming Roundup

Gone are the days when we think that “cheap” microphones will only offer miserable recording quality. Even some of the best gaming microphones can now be purchased with a bank loan.

With a huge demand for low to mid-range peripherals, manufacturers are scrambling to release better options at a more affordable price. So, as long as you are not spending less than $100, you are almost guaranteed to receive a quality gaming microphone.

As you noticed above, newly released gaming microphones are now more adaptable and come equipped with features that will somewhat rival what expensive versions offer. If you want to further increase the sound quality, we highly recommend that you also invest in microphone accessories. Some of those include pop filters, windshields, a microphone boom arm, and a USB audio interface. If you are using an XLR mic, you might also want to purchase an adapter and mixer so that you can maximize its use for more advanced setups.

Know of any other quality gaming microphones that deserve a mention? 

Tell us more about it in the comments or enjoy these other related posts:

• Best Budget Gaming Mouse
• Razer Kiyo Pro Webcam Review
• Best Controllers For PC
• Logitech G915 Tenkeyless Review.
• Best Budget Gaming Keyboard.
• Best Webcams For Streaming
• Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review

Best Mic For Gaming FAQs

Regardless of whether you just want a microphone for clear comms with your squad, or are on the march for something that will seamlessly work with your stream, no doubt you have some pressing questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about the best gaming microphones from fans just like you.

Is it worth getting a separate microphone?

Depending on your use, getting a separate microphone is definitely worth it. For streaming, video production or conferencing, a standalone microphone will be far superior to built-in microphones that come with gaming headsets. However, for just chatting with your squad, a separate gaming microphone might be a little too much.

How much does a good microphone cost?

Although microphones can cost between $5 to $600, a good microphone will cost you between $100 to $500. For simply chatting with your squad over party chat, you may not even need to spend $100. However, for streaming or audio recording, the minimum amount you should spend is around $100 to ensure the best quality. Take into account why you need a microphone and go searching for one that delivers those specific needs.

Do you need a mic to stream on Twitch?

Technically, no, you do not need a microphone to stream on Twitch. However, your stream will not be very welcoming to anybody who watches and you may find that building an audience becomes extremely difficult. Streams are popular because of the streamer and not because of the gameplay.

Why do streamers use a separate mic?

Fans of streamers are often there because of the streamers personality rather than the gameplay. As such, the reason why streamers use a separate microphone is to provide the best quality commentary over the video game. Additionally, a separate microphone also enables streamers much greater sound control over game sound vs their own voice. Not to mention there are some things they might want to mute on stream but still say within the party channel!

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Content Disclaimer: This handpicked shortlist of the best microphones for gaming has been independently written. We have not been commissioned by any manufacturers featured on this list, nor have we received any royalties for this article. This includes financial reimbursement, free advertising or free gifts.

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