The 10 Best Microphone For Streaming In 2021

Nowadays, Quality audio streaming has become a part and parcel of online activities such as gaming, artistic voiceovers, singing, podcast, etc.

Needless to say, the market is full of options but do we know which one is the best for us?

That takes separating the wheat from the chaff based on many technical and non-technical aspects.

Keeping that in mind, we have created perfect buyers guide for you.

By the time you finish reading this one, you will be in a position to select the best microphone for streaming for yourself with ease.

Let’s get started!

How To Choose a Perfect Mic For Streaming?

Here are some essential things to look for in a microphone and some tech terms to easily understand the credibility of the product.

Types

There are four different types of microphones- Dynamic Condenser, Ribbon, and USB type.

Let’s have a brief idea of all.

Dynamic

With a Dynamic mic in hands, it feels like a speaker in reverse. It has a moving induction coil suspended inside a magnetic field to handle transient loud sounds of drum kits or guitar from close. Thus, it is best if we are talking about recording a single performer.

Condenser

On the other hand, condenser microphones are best for studio performance. Now, the Condenser microphone has two subcategories- Large Diaphram and Small Diaphram. Large ones are for big studio situations and small ones are for recording acoustic or classical melodies. Either way, with a capacitor tuned output, it is ideal for quiet or extremely dynamic sources.

Ribbon

Coming to Ribbon type, you can get into the nostalgia of 80’s melodies. As the name suggests, the warm and vintage tone is the price of their ribbon type thin metal receptor for improved sensitivity to higher frequencies.

USB

Lastly, a USB mic is your ideal plug and play microphone to make a high-quality recording with ease. You can connect it to your Pc, Mac, or iPad and start recording instantly. It is mostly used by solo vloggers on YouTube and other similar platforms.

Polar Patterns

In simple terms, Polar Pattern refers to the microphone’s ability to hear the sound coming from any direction. There are three common types – Omnidirectional, Cardioid, and Supercardiod.

Cardioid

The Cardioid type is sensitive to sounds coming from front while rejecting from behind.

Omnidirectional

On the other hand, Omnidirectional mics are sensitive to sound from all directions. They are perfect when a multiperson podcast is on the menu.

Supercardiod

These mics have narrow rear pick up with greater rejection of ambient sound. That’s why they are used in the environment where you need to pick up a particular sound rejecting all other background noises.

Nowadays, some advanced microphones are using figure-8 or bidirectional pickup pattern where a mic picks up sound from front and back while rejecting vibrations from rest two directions.

Frequency Response

If you know how to read a frequency response chart, you know what you’re buying. It shows how a mic responds under variable audio frequency. They go through a pink noise test in the audible range for human i.e. 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Their performance is measured in a spectrum analyzer that produces the output in the form of a frequency chart. The horizontal line denotes frequencies whereas the vertical lines represent the relative response of mics in dB (Decibels).

So, while buying a microphone, go through its catalog and look for its fundamental frequency response range. Ideally, it should lie in the range between 150Hz to 250 Hz.

Signal to Noise Ratio

As the name implies, it is the measure of noise at any particular signal level, denoted as SNR in short.

It is measured under a quiet and anechoic environment under the human hearing range. While comparing the SNR of different microphones, make sure they are presented using the same weighting and bandwidth.

Otherwise, an SNR score under narrow bandwidth may appear better as compared to the opposite. The data is also used to measure output noise level with respect to the microphone’s input- expressed as Equivalent Input Noise (EIN). 

Diaphragm Sizes

Under “Types”, we’ve already discussed two types of condenser mics- Large and Small diaphragm. But there is one more to it – medium diaphragm type.

If you’re holding a condenser or dynamic mic of 5/8″ to 3/4″ in diameter, it’s probably medium diaphragm type.

It has blending characteristics of Large and Small type. Thus it can capture high-frequency audio like small-diaphragm would while producing a slightly fuller and warmer sound like a larger one.

Power Supply Rejection Ratio

Noise can enter to signal from power supply pins. When they do, the microphone rejects it. The phenomenon is called Power Supply Rejection and the degree of the same is called Power Supply Rejection Ratio.

List Of The Best Microphones For Streaming

1. Audio-Technica AT2020

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a budget-friendly condenser microphone delivering crystal clear audio for podcasting, audio streaming, and voiceover.

Plus, the AT2020 runs on XLR cable and a 48V phantom power. The mic carries a simple and minimalist look, but it will surely captivate you with its impeccable sound quality.

It also comes with a cardioid polar pattern, best suited for personal podcasts and streaming.

Also, the lower noise level of 20 dB enables you to broadcast clear voice quality with minimum noise interference.

However, AT2020 is not your usual plug and play mic as setting it up requires some professional knowledge.

Hence, if you are a newbie in the whole streaming process, then scroll ahead for our other recommendations.

Highlighted features

• Studio-grade cardioid polar pattern
• Low self-noise
• Low-price

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 40-20,000 Hz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 71 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Dynamic Range: 113 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
• Compatible Device: Any Recording Programs, Audio Interfaces with XLR inputs
• Connector Type: XLR Connector
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: –48 dB (3.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
• Impedance: 100 ohms

2. Blue Yeti USB Mic

If you want an all-in-one microphone, then the Blue Yeti USB Mic is something worth checking out.

The microphone comes with three condenser capsules as well as allows you to select between cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo polar patterns.

Hence, you can use this microphone for streaming, one on one interviews, conference calls, field recordings, etc.

The Blue Yeti USB Mic comes with a sturdy and sleek metal body with a large table stand.

Besides, the built-in gain dial allows you to adjust your gain right on the spot. As a result, you don’t have to spend additional time in post sound processing.

Furthermore, it includes a volume knob, a mute button, and a patter switching button. 

Overall, the Blue Yeti USB mic is the best microphone for streaming as well as for all other professional-level recording tasks.

Highlighted features

• Multiple polar patterns
• Simple plug n play mic
• Total value for money

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid/Omni/Figure-8/Stereo
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Dynamic Range: 120 dB
• Compatible Device: Windows 7/8/XP/Vista
• Connector Type: USB 1.1 / 2.0
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: 4.5 mV/ Pa (1 KHz)
• Impedance: >6 ohms

3. Samson G-Track Pro

The Samson G-track pro is a multipattern USB condenser microphone that offers studio-quality broadcasting features. The easy to use USB mic includes a built-in headphone amp, desk stand, and a 1-mega ohm instrument input.

Also, the three knobs in the mic allow you to easily control the mic gain, monitor volume, and instrument gain.

Moreover, the tricolor LED indicators easily identify the current mode of the mic as power, mute, and clip.

With a 120-dB noise level, the mic can easily record low noise vocals to heavy instruments.

The mic also supports up to 48 kHz frequency response, making you record instrumental sound without any adjustment from the source.

Overall, the Samson G-track pro serves as an ideal studio mic for both beginners and professionals.

Highlighted Features

• Support cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional pickup pattern
• Easy to setup
• Solid built

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid/Omni/Bi-directional
• Frequency Response: Cardioid: 80Hz–18kHz; Omni: 20Hz–20kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 71 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Dynamic Range: 120dB SPL
• Compatible Device: Any Recording Programs, Audio Interfaces with XLR inputs
• Connector Type: USB output
• Bit Depth/Sample Rate: 16 or 24-bit/ Up to 96kHz
• Impedance: 16 ohms

4. Razer Seiren Emote  

The Razer Seiren Emote is a professional streaming microphone that comes with a solid body with various exciting features.

Firstly, the hyper-cardioid polar pattern in the mic makes it a great device for broadcasting clear sound with minimum noise interruption.

Secondly, it features a full 8-bit led display to make your conversation more interactive and interesting.

Moreover, the Razer’s streamer companion App automatically links the mic with your twitch/mixer account.

As a result, the LED screen identifies current events and display graphics on the screen accordingly. Besides, you can also use the app to create custom gifs and display them while streaming.

Coming to manufacturing, the microphone consists mostly of a plastic body. Meanwhile, the tilt-adjustable stand and the capsule protection grill is made from durable metal.

The best part about the mic is that it doesn’t compress the sound while broadcasting. Meaning, you can broadcast a natural and fuller sound to your audiences.

To summarize, the Emote is an ideal entry-level microphone for streaming and live chatting.

Highlighted Features

• Unique 8-bit LED display  
• Easy setup and companion app configuration
• Hyper-cardioid polar pattern

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
• Frequency Response: 100 Hz – 20 kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: >100 dB
• Max SPL: 110 dB (THD < 1% at 1 kHz)
• Compatible Device: Windows 7, 8, 10
• Bit Rate: 16 bit
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: 20 mV / Pa (1 kHz)
• Impedance: >16 ohms

5. HyperX QuadCast

The HyperX QuadCast is undoubtedly the best microphone for twitch streaming, podcasting, and other streaming activities.

The mic boasts of three integrated diaphragms, four polar patterns with built-in gain controls, and a plug n play USB port.

The mic comes with a shock mount and a desktop stand, which keeps the device, suspended above the surface.

Hence, the mic does not pick any accidental bumping noise that usually happens while playing games.

Furthermore, the dedicated boom stand also helps in keeping the keyboard noise to the minimum.

Apart from a sturdy built, the QuadCast also features a mute and an interesting volume button that allows you to increase/decrease the sound level by rotating the mic’s body.

Overall, a great value microphone that does what it promises.

Highlighted features:

• Four polar pattern
• Shock mount and boom stand included
• Excellent sound clarity

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: > 90dB (1kHZ, RL = infinity)
• THD: < 0.05% (1kHz/0dBFS)
• Compatible Device: PC Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, PS4, Mac, and XSplit
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: -36dB (1V/Pa at 1kHz)
• Impedance: 32 ohms

6. Rode NT-USB V

The Rode NT-USB microphone comprises a side-address cardioid polar pattern, best suited to record all types of vocals.

It also comes with a zero-latency 3.5 mm headphone jack that allows you to listen to your vocal accuracy when addressing your audiences while streaming.

The front part of the mic includes two LED indicators to know whether you are connected through Mic or zero-latency monitoring mode.

Moreover, the mic also includes a pop filter allowing you to eliminate the popping sounds coming from your speech.

On top of that, it also features a sturdy tripod desk stand, and a ring mount offering full stability while recording and broadcasting.

Highlighted Features:

• Plug n play USB connectivity
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Compatible with Apple iPad

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 71 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Dynamic Range: 96 dB
• Maximum SPL: 110 dB SPL
• Connector Type: USB
• Bit Rate: 16 bit
• Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient

7. Samson Go

The Samson Go Mic is a compact USB microphone that boasts of a unique foldable design and exceptional sound output.

Furthermore, the microphone includes two switchable cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns that make it ideal for streaming and conference.

It also comes with a headphone amplifier that empowers you to listen to your recording directly and channel the sound output through speakers.

In terms of performance, the mic provides phenomenal sound clarity. For that, we should thank its spectacular frequency response and resolution.

To sum it up, if you need the best portable microphone at an affordable price, then the Samson Go Mic can help you establish a clearer and personal online interaction.

Highlighted Features

• Excellent sound clarity
• Sturdy and portable design
• Dual polar pattern

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid and Omnidirectional
• Frequency Response: Cardioid 80Hz – 18kHZ / Omnidirectional 20Hz – 20kHZ
• Sensitivity: -47 +/- 2 dB/Pa
• Sampling Rate: 44.1kHz / 48kHz
• Maximum SPL: 121 dB
• Compatible Device: Laptop, PC, Camera
• Connector Type: USB
• Bit Rate: 16 bit

8. Fifine USB Microphone

The Fifine USB microphone is the best budget microphone for streaming under 50. However, it’s not just the price but also the features that will surprises you the most.

Firstly, the Fifine USB microphone features a robust metal body with a sturdy tripod stand.

Secondly, it comes with a 5.9-foot USB cable with a cardioid polar pattern, which perfectly captures your voice and isolates source sound from background noises.  

The mic offers full compatibility with all recording/streaming software and streaming platforms. As a result, you don’t have to buy or use any special drivers or tools.

To conclude, the finite USB microphone offers a clear and crisp recording quality at a very low price.

If you need an entry-level mic, then you can blindly go for it.

Highlighted Features

• USB connectivity
• Dedicated volume knob
• Low-price

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
• Type:   Condenser 
• Sensitivity: -34d±30% (at 1kHz)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 78dB
• Power Supply: 5V USB power
• Connector type: USB 2.0
• Compatible Device: Laptop, Gaming Console, PC

9. Razer Seiren Elite

If you are looking for quality without any budget constraint, then we highly suggest you have a look at the Razer Seiren Elite microphone

The USB microphone comes with a flagship high pass filter button and DSP support.

The button helps in offsetting the proximity effect during close recording vocals and eliminates the low-frequency rumbles from the background.

As a result, the mic can easily tamp down heavy thumping noises from subwoofers as well as the whirring noises of air conditioners and other electronics.

Besides, the DSP features help in eliminating plenty of dynamics and prevent sound distortions.

The mic comprises of a strong cylindrical body with a dedicated gain control knob and a headphone volume knob.

Moreover, with the mute button, you can easily pause in between streaming just by your fingertips.

If quality and performance is your only concern, then we can conclude the Razer Seiren Elite as the best microphone for streaming.

Highlighted Feature

• High-pass filter button with subtle DSP
• Crisp and clear sound
• Zero-latency headphone monitoring

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 114 dB
• Dynamic Range: 120 dB Max SPL
• Compatible Device: Any Recording Programs, Audio Interfaces with XLR inputs
• Connector Type: USB
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: 12.5mV/Pa (1kHz)
• Sample rate: 192kHz
• Bit rate: 24bit

10. AmazonBasics USB Condenser Microphone 

The AmazonBasics professional condenser mic is a mid-range microphone best suited for voice streaming, podcasting, conference, vocal recording, and one-on-one interviews.

The mic comes with a rugged body infused with metal-constructed grill housing, and stand.

The mic also comes with a LED display and a built-in headphone amplifier facilitating zero-latency monitoring.

For easy accessibility, the mic also features dedicated controllers for volume, gain, and pattern selection.

If that wasn’t enough, it also includes three high-end condenser capsules with four switchable polar pattern as cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo.

Overall, the AmazonBasics professional contains everything you need for professional-grade recording experience.

Highlighted Features

• Easy USB connectivity
• Long cable
• Four recording patterns

Technical Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, and Stereo
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Type: Condenser Capsule
• Sensitivity: -45 dB+/-3dB (1 kHz)
• Connection: Micro USB to USB-A
• Mic Sample Rate: 96 KHz at 24 bit
• Headphone Sample Rate: 48 kHz at 16 bit
• Compatible Device: Windows 7/8/10 and Mac OS X

FAQ’s

End Thoughts

Got everything you’re looking for? If not, let us know in the comment section below. We will leave no stone unturned to make your microphone purchase hassle-free.