Best Microphones for Streaming, Gaming, and Podcasting
USB and XLR microphones that make your voice sound clear on stream, in Discord and on podcasts: the Shure MV7+, Elgato Wave:3 MK.2, HyperX QuadCast 2 S, RODE PodMic USB, and a budget pick.
5 picks · Published
Top picks at a glance
Shure MV7+
Check pricefor Shure MV7+ (opens in a new tab)
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
Check pricefor Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 (opens in a new tab)
HyperX QuadCast 2 S
Check pricefor HyperX QuadCast 2 S (opens in a new tab)
RODE PodMic USB
Check pricefor RODE PodMic USB (opens in a new tab)
FIFINE K669B USB Microphone
Check pricefor FIFINE K669B USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)Compare specs
| Product | #1Shure MV7+Best overall | #2Elgato Wave:3 MK.2Best for streamers | #3HyperX QuadCast 2 SBest RGB mic | #4RODE PodMic USBBest dynamic USB mic | #5FIFINE K669B USB MicrophoneBest budget mic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $ |
| Connection | USB-C and XLR | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C and XLR | USB |
| Type | Dynamic | Condenser | Condenser | Dynamic | Condenser |
| Best for | Streaming and podcasting | Twitch and YouTube streaming | Gaming setups and Discord | Noisy rooms and podcasts | Discord and first streams on a budget |
| Buy | Check pricefor Shure MV7+ (opens in a new tab) | Check pricefor Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 (opens in a new tab) | Check pricefor HyperX QuadCast 2 S (opens in a new tab) | Check pricefor RODE PodMic USB (opens in a new tab) | Check pricefor FIFINE K669B USB Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
The picks in detail
ShureShure MV7+
A broadcast-style dynamic mic with both USB-C and XLR, so it works plugged straight into a PC now and with an audio interface later.
Pros
- USB-C and XLR in one mic
- Dynamic capsule rejects room noise
- Great voice tone
Cons
- Expensive
- Best on a mic arm
- Connection
- USB-C and XLR
- Type
- Dynamic
- Best for
- Streaming and podcasting
ElgatoElgato Wave:3 MK.2
A USB condenser mic with clipguard that prevents distortion when you shout, and software that mixes game and mic audio for stream.
Pros
- Clipguard prevents distortion
- Wave Link mixing software
- Clean, clear sound
Cons
- Condenser picks up room noise
- Needs software for best results
- Connection
- USB-C
- Type
- Condenser
- Best for
- Twitch and YouTube streaming
HyperXHyperX QuadCast 2 S
A plug-and-play USB mic with built-in shock mount, tap-to-mute and RGB lighting that looks great on camera.
Pros
- Tap-to-mute with LED indicator
- Built-in shock mount and pop filter
- RGB looks great on camera
Cons
- Picks up keyboard noise
- Heavy for some arms
- Connection
- USB-C
- Type
- Condenser
- Best for
- Gaming setups and Discord
RODERODE PodMic USB
A solid metal dynamic mic with USB-C and XLR, built for voice and great at ignoring keyboard clicks and room echo.
Pros
- Rejects background noise well
- USB-C and XLR
- Built like a tank
Cons
- Heavy, needs a sturdy arm
- Connection
- USB-C and XLR
- Type
- Dynamic
- Best for
- Noisy rooms and podcasts
FIFINEFIFINE K669B USB Microphone
A cheap metal USB mic that sounds far better than a headset mic, for Discord and first streams.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Plug and play
- Big upgrade over headset mics
Cons
- Picks up room noise
- Basic stand
- Connection
- USB
- Type
- Condenser
- Best for
- Discord and first streams on a budget
Dynamic or condenser?
Dynamic mics (Shure MV7+, RODE PodMic USB) mostly hear what’s right in front of them, so they ignore keyboard clicks, fans and room echo. Best for untreated rooms and loud keyboards.
Condenser mics (Elgato Wave:3 MK.2, HyperX QuadCast 2 S) capture more detail but also more of the room. Best in quiet, soft-furnished rooms.
USB or XLR?
USB mics plug straight into your PC. XLR needs an audio interface but gives you room to upgrade. The Shure MV7+ and RODE PodMic USB have both, so you can start with USB and move to XLR later.
Get it off the desk
Put your mic on a boom arm: it brings the mic close to your mouth (better sound) and away from desk bumps and keyboard vibration. Pair it with good gaming headsets so you can hear yourself without echo.
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