The Ultimate Guide to Gaming Microphones: Top Picks for 2023

Gaming headsets are ideal for various situations, but if you're a gamer who wants to stream or have exceptional audio quality for Discord calls, a dedicated microphone is the way to go. While gaming headsets are designed to handle both audio output and input, the result is often better sound quality than mic quality. However, with a dedicated mic, this problem is eliminated as they are solely focused on producing excellent, and at times, studio-quality sound.

Top Gaming Headsets

When searching for a gaming microphone, it is important to consider a few factors to simplify the shopping process:

Polar Pattern: What polar pattern works best for different use cases?

Connectivity: Does the mic connect via USB or XLR?

Extra Features: What features does the microphone feature that make it unique or stand out from the rest?

Rode NT-USB+

Best Overall Gaming Microphone $149 at Sweetwater

Razer Seiren Mini

Best Budget-Friendly Gaming Microphone $37 at Amazon

Shure MV7 USB Microphone

Best Premium Gaming Microphone $249 at Amazon

Blue Yeti USB Mic

Most Versatile Gaming Microphone $100 at Best Buy

HyperX QuadCast S

Best Looking Gaming Microphone $120 at Amazon

Rode NT-USB+

Best Overall Gaming Microphone. Priced at $149 instead of $169, you can save $20 with this amazing deal. The NT-USB+ is the perfect choice for gamers who want both the convenience of a USB microphone and the exceptional audio quality of a professional condenser microphone. Its USB-C connector makes it incredibly easy to set up, and it includes all the necessary accessories for recording, such as a high-quality pop filter, a desktop stand, and a headphone output with separate volume and mix controls.

Brand: Rode

Type: Condenser

Pattern: Cardioid

Audio Sensitivity: 20Hz-20kHz

Connector: USB-C

Pros: Incredibly well-built

Excellent sound quality

USB-C Connector

Comes with stand and pop filter

Cons No on-mic gain controls

Clips quite easily with loud sound sources

$169 at Amazon $149 at Sweetwater

Look no further than the Rode NT-USB+ if you're a gamer in need of a hassle-free plug-and-play microphone with impressive features. As an upgraded version of the NT-USB, which was a dominating gaming mic in 2014, the NT-USB+ boasts the same robust construction but with enhancements like Rode's Revolution Preamp technology and a USB-C connector instead of micro-USB.

With everything necessary to start streaming or recording right away, the NT-USB+ includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, a metal pop filter, and a tripod stand. Although the included plastic stand may feel a bit flimsy, it generally keeps the microphone steady. Additionally, the NT-USB+ is equipped with a detachable ring for easy mounting on a different stand or a boom arm, reducing unwanted desktop noises during gaming.

The NT-USB+ is a side-address microphone that delivers optimal sound quality when the user speaks directly into the microphone's face instead of the top. When positioned correctly, it produces excellent vocal sound with rich details. Additionally, it features a 3.5mm audio jack that allows users to monitor their speaking levels in order to ensure they are neither too loud nor too quiet.

While the microphone is mostly plug-and-play, it does not have on-mic gain control. Gamers, however, can download the provided software to access this feature. Fortunately, Rode's software is user-friendly and provides noise-gate and high-pass filter options.

The NT-USB+ is unrivaled when it comes to microphone quality, boasting impeccable sound clarity, an exceptional design, and all the essentials required to begin recording or streaming immediately.

Razer Seiren Mini

Discover the ultimate gaming microphone that won't break the bank. Introducing the Razer Seiren Mini - a compact condenser mic that delivers top-notch audio quality without hurting your wallet. For just $37 (originally $50, saving you $13), this mic offers professional-grade performance at an unbeatable price. The Serien Mini boasts a tighter pickup angle, ensuring that it captures your voice perfectly while minimizing unwanted background noise. With its sleek design and impressive features, this microphone is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Specifications:

- Brand: Razer

- Type: Electret

- Pattern: Supercardioid

- Connector: USB-A

- Frequency Bandwidth: 20Hz- 20KHz

Pros:

- Extremely affordable, providing exceptional value for money.

Plug-and-play

Sounds excellent for streaming and gaming

Cons No headphone jack or onboard controls

The mic stand is too small to get ideal placement out of the box

At Amazon, you can find the Razer Serien Mini gaming microphone for $37, while Best Buy sells it for $40 and Razer's official website offers it for $50. Dedicated gaming microphones are highly beneficial, but finding affordable options becomes challenging, particularly those under $50. Often, lesser-known brands dominate this price range. However, the Razer Serien Mini eliminates the need for a karaoke microphone that connects via USB. It provides gamers with a hassle-free, plug-and-play experience while delivering excellent sound quality.

The Seiren Mini features a super-cardioid polar pattern, prioritizing sounds directly in front of the microphone while minimizing those from the sides or behind. As a result, it excels at reducing interference from mechanical keyboard typing or rapid clicking. However, the included stand does not facilitate achieving an optimal positioning for capturing the best sound quality.

In the case of most cardioid microphones, whether super or otherwise, it is generally recommended to place the microphone approximately 8 to 10 inches away from the user, directly facing their mouth. Due to the short length of this stand, the microphone needs to be placed further away to attain the necessary angle for proper alignment with the mouth. This issue can easily be remedied by either replacing the stand or utilizing a boom arm that can be screwed into the same mount as the stand, although this would incur additional cost.

Overall, the Shure MV7 USB Microphone is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious gamers aiming to enhance their audio. With a price that won't break the bank, this microphone offers exceptional quality. Moreover, its compact design ensures it won't clutter your desk, making it an ideal option for any gaming setup.

Shure MV7 USB Microphone

The Shure MV7 USB Microphone is a top-of-the-line gaming microphone designed specifically for podcasting and live streaming. Built with high-quality materials and featuring both USB and XLR connectivity, this microphone is perfect for those who want durability and flexibility. It is also compatible with other audio equipment, making it a great investment for future upgrades. With its impressive boom and built-in audio processing, the Shure MV7 ensures clear and professional vocal delivery. At only $249, it offers great value for its premium features.

PC and Mac compatible

Podcast/Studio quality sound

Cons Quite pricey

Doesn't come with a stand

$249 at Amazon, $249 at Sweetwater, and $250 at Best Buy are the prices for the Shure MV7 USB Microphone. It is an excellent option for gamers who want to enhance their current setup or have a clear upgrade path in the future. The MV7 is a hybrid microphone that can be connected via USB or XLR, allowing gamers who plan to use a full audio mixer in the future to improve their sound without needing to purchase a new microphone. However, it is worth noting that this microphone is considerably more expensive compared to the other options mentioned in this list and does not include a stand. Nonetheless, some kits may include a boom arm to simplify the setup process for individuals who do not already have one.

Gamers who utilize an audio mixer alongside the MV7 can make use of their board's EQ and filters to their full extent. USB users, on the other hand, need not worry as the ShurePlus Motiv app ensures they are not excluded. With this app, users can meticulously adjust the settings to achieve the highest quality sound from the MV7. Moreover, the app simplifies the process by providing guidance, making it ideal for those less familiar with manually configuring an EQ. They can effortlessly achieve exceptional sound using the auto-level feature with minimal hassle.

Which headsets do professionals prefer?

The MV7, once set up, offers exceptional sound quality at this price range. Its vocals are crisp and clear, effectively blocking out any unwanted background noise. Unlike virtual background noise removal software, the MV7 doesn't compromise on frequency reduction, ensuring gamers avoid a tinny voice effect. For gamers who are willing to invest a little extra in a durable microphone that will stand the test of time, the Shure MV7 is a guaranteed satisfaction.

The versatile Blue Yeti USB condenser microphone offers a wide range of recording options with its triple-capsule array, including cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo patterns. This microphone is perfect for solo streaming or group discussions, providing excellent sound quality. Its user-friendly features and convenient USB connectivity make it an easy choice for any gaming setup.

Brand: Blue

Type: Condenser

Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo

Connector: USB Mini-B, 1 x 1/8" (headphones)

Weight: 3.31 pounds

Frequency Bandwidth: 20Hz-20kHz

Dimensions: 4.92 x 4.72 x 11.61 inches

Pros: Easy to use

Well-built and feels sturdy

Able to switch between 4 polar patterns

Cons Sensitive to desk sounds and bumps

See at Amazon $100 at Best Buy

The Blue Yeti microphone is familiar to older gamers, having been in existence for a while. It has consistently proven its durability and reliability. Since its release in 2010, streamers, gamers, and podcasters have relied on this dedicated mic. Upgrading one's recording setup at a reasonable cost is made possible with the Yeti. Its versatile adjustable polar pattern ensures exceptional performance in any environment.

The Blue Yeti's distinct appearance, characterized by its pill-shaped body and sturdy built-in stand, allows for perfect positioning. The front of the microphone features a mute button and an in-line monitor volume knob. On the backside, there are controls for adjusting the gain and selecting the desired polar pattern: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, or stereo.

The Yeti microphone can be used by Windows and MacOS users as a plug-and-play device, providing exceptional sound quality. Most gamers and streamers prefer the cardioid pattern, which minimizes background noise and captures only the sound directly in front of the microphone. However, gamers who wish to stream a board game session with multiple participants can switch the microphone to an omnidirectional mode, allowing it to pick up sound from all sides. It's important to remember to switch back to the appropriate pattern before recording in a different setup if you frequently switch between patterns.

Discover the HyperX QuadCast S, the ultimate gaming microphone that combines exceptional sound quality with a visually stunning design. Priced at $120 (originally $160, saving you $40), this USB condenser microphone not only delivers remarkable audio performance but also adds a touch of style to your streaming setup with its magnificent RGB lighting. With its four selectable polar patterns, the QuadCast S is adaptable to any recording scenario, while the convenient gain control dial allows for easy adjustment of input sensitivity. Elevate your streaming experience with the HyperX QuadCast S.

The HyperX brand offers the HyperX Type Three microphone, equipped with advanced electret condenser capsules measuring 14mm. This microphone offers four different polar patterns to suit your needs, including stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional. It conveniently connects via USB-C and also features a 3.5mm headphone output. The microphone has an impressive frequency bandwidth of 20Hz to 20kHz. Additionally, it boasts a customizable RGB color scheme, allowing you to personalize the microphone's appearance according to your preferences.

Very good sound quality

Cons Mic can't be removed from the shock mount

Not very portable

$120 at Amazon $123 at Best Buy

The HyperX Quadcast S enhances the features of the Blue Yeti by incorporating RGB lighting effects in the microphone grill, making it a striking addition to any streaming setup. This USB microphone offers four adjustable polar patterns and is constructed entirely of metal, providing a solid and durable feel. Additionally, it includes a shock mount to reduce noise when handling or repositioning the microphone. Although the shock mount cannot be detached, it is not a significant inconvenience as most gamers prefer to keep the microphone stationary on their desk.

Conveniently, the Quadcast S is equipped with numerous on-mic controls, allowing for quick adjustments. Located on the top of the microphone, there is a touch-sensitive mute button, accompanied by the RGB lights turning off to visually indicate the microphone's mute and unmute status. Moreover, the bottom of the mic features a dial for adjusting the gain, eliminating the need to constantly open software to modify settings while recording or streaming.

The Hyper X Quadcast S is a superb choice for recording, delivering exceptional quality regardless of the polar pattern. However, it is important to note that using the omnidirectional setting in an untreated room might result in a noticeable echo. On the other hand, solo streamers will be delighted by the cardioid pattern, as it effectively captures vocals while maintaining a natural sound and eliminating unwanted plosive sounds when speaking closely to the microphone. Additionally, for gamers seeking a remarkable RGB microphone, the HyperX Quadcast S is the perfect choice.

How To Choose The Perfect Gaming Microphone

Polar Pattern

The initial aspect to consider when evaluating a gaming microphone is its polar pattern. The polar pattern pertains to the specific area around the microphone where it detects sound. While certain microphones, such as the Blue Yeti or the HyperX Quadcast S, provide multiple polar patterns, the majority of gaming microphones only furnish a single pattern. There exist three primary polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.

The cardioid polar pattern is commonly used for gaming microphones, ideal for capturing a single person's voice when positioned close to the mouth. Modulations of the cardioid pattern, like supercardioid or hypercardioid, further narrow the pattern.

The bidirectional pattern is most fitting for situations involving two individuals on opposite sides of the microphone, such as conducting an interview. This setting is not commonly utilized by gamers, and it is uncommon to find a gaming microphone specifically designed with a dedicated bidirectional polar pattern.

Connectivity

The omnidirectional pattern is the complete opposite of the cardioid pattern. It is specially designed to capture sounds from all sides of the microphone. For gamers who want to stream with multiple people using a single microphone, using the omnidirectional pattern ensures that everyone's voices are picked up. However, this also means that it may pick up a significant amount of background noise.

Connectivity is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a gaming microphone, with two primary options available: USB or XLR. USB microphones are preferred by most gamers due to their easy setup process, affordability, and competitive sound quality.

On the other hand, XLR microphones tend to be slightly more expensive. In order to use XLR microphones, gamers need to obtain an XLR interface to transmit the audio signal to their computer, which increases the overall cost. However, when properly configured, XLR microphones offer superior sound quality and are more reliable than USB connections. Furthermore, by opting for an audio mixing board, gamers have convenient access to all settings without the need for software.

Extra Features

The distinguishing attributes of a microphone are what set it apart from others. These can be features such as in-line monitoring, where users can connect headphones to the microphone for real-time level monitoring, RGB lighting, an accompanying stand, or controls directly on the microphone. A great way to consider it is the various conveniences a microphone can provide to enhance the overall user experience.

FAQ

Q: Why do streamers use condenser mics?

Condensers are often preferred by streamers due to their ability to capture high-quality sound, even in non-sound-treated environments. This is attributed to the narrow polar pattern of condenser microphones, as they only pick up noise from a very limited area.

Q: Why do streamers not use headset mics?

Gaming headsets are built more for enjoying content instead of creating content. Because of that, the microphones on them are usually not up to the quality that a dedicated microphone can produce.