The internet is saturated with content creators, all gunning for the spotlight. If you want to stand out, you need to do things differently. One surefire way to level up your content is with professional-grade audio. Not only does it make your videos/streams sound better, but it also shows your viewers that you mean business.
In this guide, we will look at some of the best USB microphones for streaming, podcasting, vlogging, and whatever else you’re into.
Why Does Audio Quality Matters?
Having exceptional audio not only enhances the production value of your content but also plays a huge part in engaging with your audience. Clear and detailed sound lets your viewers fully immerse themselves in your content, whether it’s a podcast, live stream, or a vlog.
Professional-grade audio can also help you build credibility and establish yourself as one of the best content creators in your niche.
Things to Consider When Choosing A USB Mic
When buying a USB microphone, it’s important to consider its sound reproduction, features, price, and overall build. This ensures that you’re investing in the right device for your needs.
- Sound Quality – the best USB microphones offer high-resolution audio with minimal to no background noise and distortion.
- Compatibility – look for a microphone that is compatible with different software and platforms. Make sure it’s versatile and can adapt to different recording setups and environments.
- Portability – if you’re making vlogs, recording on the go, or need to move around while creating your content, consider having a microphone that is lightweight, easy to carry around, and wireless.
- Build Quality – check the microphone’s construction. Invest in a mic with durable construction that will withstand regular use.
- Price – besides choosing a mic that fits your needs, make sure that it fits your current budget as well.
1. Hollyland Lark M2
The Lark M2 is a portable wireless microphone designed for filmmakers, vloggers, and podcasters looking to record professional audio. It offers various wearing options. It can be attached with a magnet, clip on, or use a necklace.
2-Person Wireless Mini Button Microphone.
Reasons to Buy the Lark M2:
- Sound Quality – the Lark M2 features lossless sound reproduction and high-fidelity audio with a 48 kHz/24-bit depth
- Noise Cancellation – features ENC or Environmental Noise Cancellation technology to reduce noise across all frequencies, preserving original voices with clarity and richness.
- Battery Life – can be used to record up to 10 hours on a single charge and the case charges the button mic in one and a half hours.
- Transmission – uses high-gain LDS (Laser Direct Structuring) antenna for stable audio transmission up to 300m.
- Compatibility – supports Apple devices, Android phones, action cameras, and computers.
2. Apogee HypeMiC
The HypeMiC is popular for its amazing recording quality and ease of use. It’s the go-to choice of many professionals and hobbyists. The HypeMiC is a great USB microphone for anyone who wants to improve their audio recording capabilities.
Reasons to Buy the HypeMiC:
- Sound Quality – uses a cardioid condenser microphone capsule and a 24-bit/96kHz digital connection.
- Analog Compressor – features a built-in analog compressor with pre-tuned settings to balance audio dynamics for clear and sharp vocals.
- Portability – has a compact and portable design ideal for recording on the go.
- Compatibility – the HypeMiC is compatible with any audio software on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It supports Lightning, USB-C, and USB-A connections.
3. Sennheiser Professional Profile
Sennheiser’s Professional Profile USB mic features a cardioid condenser capsule designed for different recording applications. It’s a great mic for anyone looking to improve audio quality whether for gaming, streaming, podcasting, or conferencing.
Reasons to Buy the Sennheiser Profile:
- Sound Quality – delivers natural, warm sound that highlights human voice with a 24-bit/48kHz sampling rate.
- Plug-and-Play – plugs directly to your computer and can be used right away. No need for an interface or complex software.
- Physical Controls – Sennheiser Profile features physical knobs to adjust volume and mic levels.
- Price – with a price tag of around $130, the Sennheiser Profile is a great option to upgrade your audio without breaking your wallet.
4. Joby Wavo POD
The Wavo POD is a great USB microphone for streaming and podcasting. It uses a large diaphragm mic with omnidirectional and cardioid pickup patterns. It comes with a pop filter to achieve a clean broadcasting voice.
Reasons to Buy the Wavo POD:
- Sound Quality – the Wavo POD offers a 24-bit/48kHz sampling rate for high-quality audio recording. Sound reproduction is perfect for live streams but lacks the intricate sound of XLR microphones.
- Control and Function – features built-in volume, mute, and gain controls and a dedicated headphone port.
- Unique Mounting System – comes with a versatile and customizable mount. The desk stand is removable if you want to use a tripod for stability.
- Recording Angle – with an omnidirectional/cardioid pickup pattern, the Wavo POD can record audio coming from different directions.
5. SteelSeries Alias Pro
The Alias Pro is a studio-grade XLR microphone designed for gaming, podcasting, and broadcasting. It comes with a mixer that allows you to connect the mic to your computer via USB.
Reasons to Buy the Alias Pro:
- Sound Quality – produces crisp and clean audio with full-bodied resonance.
- Large Capsule – the Alias Pro can capture a wide vocal range with its big capsule that is 3x larger than normal microphones.
- Stream Mixer – the mixer/amplifier it comes with connects to PC via USB and features customizable controls and RGB.
- Integrated Software – comes with streaming software with features like audio mixing, drag-and-drop app routing, and AI noise cancellation.
6. MSI Immersive GV60
The GV60 from MSI is designed to deliver high-resolution digital audio. The microphone was developed with streamers in mind. It sets itself apart from the competition by offering everything a streamer needs, including a high sampling rate, versatile pickup patterns, and real-time monitoring.
Reasons to Buy the GV60:
- Sound Quality – the GV60 delivers high-resolution digital audio and can capture lossless recordings with a sampling rate of 24-bit/96kHz.
- Versatile Pickup Pattern – the GV60 can record audio from any angle with its stereo, unidirectional, bidirectional, and omnidirectional pickup patterns.
- Physical Controls – features dedicated dials to adjust mic volume, mute, headphone volume, and pattern.
- Plug-and-Play – the GV60 plugs directly into your computer via USB and can be used straight away on any platform.
7. JLab Talk Pro
The JLab Talk Pro is an amazing professional-grade USB mic designed for different recording applications. It delivers exceptional recording quality that can be adjusted for business calls, podcasts, and other use cases. It comes with physical knobs to control sound and a 10-foot USB cable for hassle-free connection.
Reasons to Buy the JLab Talk Pro:
- Sound Quality – offers a 192 kHz/24-bit resolution that ensures clear and detailed recordings.
- Quad Pickup Pattern – the Talk Pro has four directional pattern modes, including cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional.
- Physical Control – it comes with a physical gain control for adjusting sensitivity, loudness, and distortion.
- Real-time Monitor – the Talk Pro has a 3.5mm AUX input for real-time listening with zero latency.
8. Logitech Blue Yeti X
Whether you need a mic for streaming, gaming, podcasting, or making videos, the Logitech Blue Yeti X is an amazing microphone to consider. It delivers studio-quality sound and is versatile for any recording scenario.
Reasons to Buy the Blue Yeti X:
- Sound Quality – features 24-bit/192kHz resolution, ensuring clear and detailed sound reproduction, particularly for recording vocals.
- Quad Directional Pattern – the Blue Yeti X features a four-capsule array that allows for different pickup patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional.
- Customizable LED – the G HUB software supports the Blue Yeti X, allowing you to adjust its LED to match your on-stream aesthetics. The G HUB software also allows you to manage mic gain, headphone volume, and pickup patterns.
- Smart Knob Control – the smart knob features an 11-segment voice meter that allows you to check your voice level without the need for software.
9. Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 is widely used by many content creators for podcasting, streaming, and vocal recording. It’s a versatile mic that offers both USB and XLR connectivity, allowing it to fit in a wide range of setups and recording environments.
Reasons to Buy the Shure MV7:
- Sound Quality – it has a 16-bit/48kHz sampling rate and delivers clear and detailed sound, capturing vocals with clarity and warmth.
- Built-in Monitoring – the MV7 features a dedicated headphone output for real-time monitoring.
- Adjustable Sound – the MV7 features adjustable headphone volume, microphone gain, and touch panel controls for on-the-fly adjustments.
- Dual Connectivity – you can connect the MV7 via USB and XLR, making it ideal for computers and professional audio interfaces. It’s also compatible with a wide range of recording software and platforms.
10. Samson GO Mic
The Samson GO is a multi-pattern USB microphone made with podcasters, streamers, and musicians in mind. It’s a great microphone for anyone looking to improve their audio quality without breaking the bank.
Reasons to Buy the GO Mic:
- Sound Quality – for its price, the GO Mic still offers 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution, delivering clear and detailed recordings.
- Portability – the Samson GO Mic has a compact and lightweight design, making it great for content creators and anyone who needs to record audio on the go.
- Versatility – despite having a compact build, the Samson GO Mic features switchable pickup patterns, allowing you to choose between cardioid and omnidirectional.
- Affordable – compared to more expensive microphones, the Samson GO Mic delivers decent sound quality at a budget-friendly price point, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
11. DJI Mic
The DJI Mic is a compact, lightweight wireless microphone system that delivers studio-grade audio quality. Its transmitter provides clear sound reproduction with a maximum distance of 250 meters. It also has built-in storage for backup audio recording.
Reasons to Buy the DJI Mic:
- Sound Quality – the DJI Mic can elevate the audio of your content as it delivers studio-grade sound. It can record up to 250 meters, ensuring crystal-clear vocals and ambient sounds, even when you’re recording on the go.
- Convenience – unlike wired microphones, the DJI Mic comes with two wireless transmitters with built-in omnidirectional mics and a receiver with touchscreen controls, allowing you to explore different recording setups without having to move equipment.
- Intelligent Noise Canceling – the DJI Mic features noise-canceling technology that reduces environmental noise for clear and uninterrupted conversations.
- Internal Recording – the DJI Mic has a 32-bit float internal recording feature that allows you to record a second track at -6dB alongside the primary audio to protect you from unexpected audio spikes and interferences.
12. Movo UM700
The Movo UM700 is a versatile USB microphone that is a great option for creators looking for an affordable, quality, and versatile desktop mic. It features adjustable pickup patterns and broadcast-quality sound resolution.
Reasons to Buy the UM700:
- Sound Quality – the UM700 captures 16-bit/48kHz broadcast quality sound resolution.
- Versatile Pickup Patterns – features four adjustable microphone pickup patterns, including stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional.
- Plug-and-Play – the UM700 connects via USB and works with a wide range of software for both Windows and Mac.
- Solid Build Quality and Value – at around $100, the UM700 features a solid metal body. It also comes with gain control, headphone monitoring, a mute button, and a swivel stand. There’s also a removable foam windscreen that reduces noise.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a high-quality USB microphone is essential for content creators looking to elevate the value of their content and engage with their audience effectively. Whether you’re streaming, podcasting, or vlogging, having professional-grade audio can make a significant difference and can propel you to the pedestal of content creators in your niche.
