6 Best Streaming Microphones on the Market in 2024
Be it for gaming, podcasting, or basic video creation, you’d need a decent streaming microphone to get your vocals out there to your audience. However, just like every other streaming gadgets and related hardware, picking a microphone isn’t exactly easy; there are hundreds and thousands of options out there.
Likewise, there are also other important factors that you need to keep in mind.
Think: build quality, audio quality, recording patterns, supported ports, etc.
Buying a streaming microphone that’s compatible with devices you own is also crucial. You don’t want to buy a microphone that only works on a Windows and MAC computer but lacks Xbox or PS4 support. Then there’s the issue of pricing — how much you’re willing to spend.
Best Streaming Microphones You Could Buy
We know how daunting and overwhelming the whole microphone-hunting process can get. This is why we’ve concocted this list containing some of the best streaming microphones you can buy right now. Whatever your budget is, there’s something in here for you. Let’s dive right in.
1. Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB Mic for Recording and Streaming
Blue is a renowned designer and manufacturer of microphones, headphones, and other audio devices. And this product from the companies ‘Yeti’ series is one of the best streaming microphones out there that’s worth your money.
The Blue Yeti Nano boasts of two condensers which allow for better capturing and conversion of sound into mic signals. Compared to other streaming microphones with one condenser, the Blue Yeti Nano will produce louder output.
Another key feature of this streaming microphone is the supported recording options. The Yeti Nano has two recording modes: Cardioid and Omnidirectional. Since you need a streaming microphone, you’d mostly be using the Cardioid mode as it designed for audio recording and streaming. The omnidirectional mode, on the other hand, is a cherry on top; it automatically customizes the microphone’s audio pattern to capture crystal clear sound during conferencing.
The aesthetic of this microphone is also top-class and cannot be ignored. It is compact and sits on an adjustable desktop stand that sure as hell wouldn’t eat up too much of your desktop/tablespace. It’s also available in five different color variants: Cubano Gold, Blackout, Shadow Grey, Vivid Blue, and Red Onyx.
The Blue Yeti Nano supports headphone output (there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack on the base) and comes with a dedicated knob for adjusting headphone volume.
Pros
- Dedicated desktop app
- USB output (comes with a Micro USB cable out-of-the-box)
- Dedicated headphone volume and mute button
Cons
- No pop filter
Price
The Blue Yeti Nano streaming microphone retails for $99.99. It’s one of the best streaming microphones for gamers with a maximum budget of $100.
The device has about a thousand reviews with over 76% of 5-star ratings from buyers. You can purchase the Blue Yeti Nano streaming microphone from Amazon via this link.
2. FIFINE USB Streaming Microphone
If you are a little low on budget but still need a streaming microphone that gets the job done, this product is the one for you. Or perhaps, you’re new to the game streaming world and you’re in search of an affordable — yet durable— microphone to test the waters with, this product from FIFINE is highly recommended.
Speaking of durability, the device boast of a smooth, sturdy metallic finish and is available in two color options: Black and Rose Red. As a plus, you also get an adjustable metal tripod/desktop stand and a lengthy USB cable.
Segueing to microphone’s audio quality, it features only a single audio pattern (Cardioid) which is perfect for isolating your background noise from your voice during audio recording and streaming. You can also fine-tune output quality and strength using the dedicated volume knob.
Pros
- 5.9-Foot USB Cable (included in the box).
- Works with Cortana and other voice recognition software.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Not compatible with Xbox.
- No headphone support.
Price
The FIFINE streaming microphone will set you back by $34.99; the Rode Red color variant is slightly cheaper ($27.99). Given how affordable this device is, the lack of advanced features is excusable.
There are over 4,000 reviews for this microphone and over 70% of them are 5-star ratings. For beginners are people on a shoelace budget, the FIFINE microphone is one of the best streaming microphones out there to consider. You can purchase the microphone from Amazon via this link.
3. XIIVIO USB Gaming Condenser Microphone
This is another device that’s worthy of consideration for gamers looking for the best streaming microphones under $50. In terms of audio quality and production, the device’s Cardioid pattern and isolation pattern guarantees top-quality vocal that’s devoid of background noise.
Even better, the XIIVIO microphone comes with a foam filer and pop filter out-of-the-box, both of which further enhances noise reduction during usage.
The Mic is equipped with a tripod stand and makes it possible to adjust the angle of the microphone. This allows you to use the microphone easily in the most comfortable way possible. Other accessories include a tripod and a shock mount. There’s also a lengthy (1.5 m long) USB cable.
This microphone can be used on Windows, MAC, and Linux PCs and laptops. You can also hook it up to your PS4 console.
Pros
- Tripod with flexible steering and rotatable joint.
- Pop filter included.
Cons
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
Price
For $48.99, you can own a unit of the XIIVIO USB Gaming Condenser Microphone. The product has about 400 reviews on Amazon and over 87% of those are 5-star ratings.
Visit the product page on Amazon to buy and learn more about the streaming microphone.
4. Razer Seiren Elite
Razer is a household name in the gaming ecosystem and they manufacture some of the best gaming hardware out there. Speaking of gaming hardware, the Razer Seiren Elite is among the crème de la crèmes of streaming microphones to buy in 2022. Although the microphone’s design looks basic and simplistic, the entire body is made of anodized aluminum that gives it a premium and sturdy feel. It is available in Classic Black, Mercury White, and Quartz Pink.
Moving to its audio performance, you can expect the best from this microphone. It comes with a built-in pop filter and shock mount that helps to dampen distortion and background interference during recording. Additionally, there’s a high-pass filter that cleans out unwanted noise from your recordings.
Pros
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Volume adjustment knob
- Mute button
Cons
- Mount isn’t adjustable
Price
Razer hardware doesn’t come cheap. But considering the build, specs, and features that the Razer Seiren Elite microphone comes with, it is definitely worth the $199.99 price tag. Visit the product page on Amazon to purchase the device.
5. AmazonBasics Condenser Microphone
Amazon makes great and durable hardware, and this condenser microphone isn’t any different. It boasts of features that position it as one of the best streaming microphones to buy in 2022. For one, it comes with three (3) capsules that are able to receive audio signals in four different patterns:
- Cardioid: sound is received from the front of the microphone.
- Bi-directional: sound is received from both the front and rear of the microphone.
- Omni-directional: sound is received from all sides of the microphone.
- Stereo: the microphone picks up sound in stereo form.
Another thing to love about this AmazonBasics microphone is the OLED display. When powered on, the screen shows the volume level, gain level, and the input pattern that the microphone is set to. Below the OLED screen are the knobs for input settings, mic volume, and headphone volume.
Pros
- Full Metal Body Design
- Microphone mute button
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
Cons
- Doesn’t support Linux OS
Price
The AmazonBasics Condenser microphone is available in Black and White color variants and costs $125 0nly. Check out the product page on Amazon to buy and learn more about the device.
6. Audio-Technica AT2020
Last on this list is the Audio-Technica AT2020. Like the Razer and AmazonBasics microphones, this is another top-of-the-line microphone you should consider buying if you’d be frequently recording or streaming audio.
One cool thing about this device is the built-in mix control that lets users blend audio input with pre-recorded audio. The built-in amplifier then helps to boost the overall audio input received by the mic to deliver louder, clear, and crispier output that’s free of background noise and interference. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack with a dedicated controller that allows you to monitor the microphone’s volume in real-time.
Speaking of headphones, the Audio-Technica AT2020 comes out-of-the-box with one, so you don’t have to splurge on buying a headphone. In addition to that, there’s a tripod, studio boom arm (with 360-degree rotation), and a USB cable included in the box.
Pros
- Quality Aluminium Build
- Mix Control & Volume Control
Cons
- No dedicated mute button
Price
The Audio-Technica AT2020 sells for $199. This might seem a little over the edge but the extra accessories (headphone, shock mount, tripod, and USB cable) that ships with the microphone make it worthy of the price tag.
Buying a Streaming Microphone: Things to Lookout For
If you’d be buying a streaming microphone, you should invest in products from trusted and reliable brands. Additionally, you should look out for products with features that align perfectly with your needs. Audio quality is important, but it’s not everything. Listed below are some other factors that’ll help make your search for a streaming microphone easier.
1. Microphone Type
Streaming microphones are commonly divided into two types: Condenser and Dynamic microphones.
i. Dynamic Microphone
Price-wise, dynamic microphones are more affordable. Likewise, they are more durable and long-lasting – although this is subject to the type and quality of material used. With dynamic microphones, you don’t need to install acoustic foams on the walls of your studio/room to counter the effects of residual sound and reverberations. The capsule in these microphones boasts of a ‘Noise rejection’ mechanism which blocks out unwanted external noise as you stream audio.
Due to this, and other features, dynamic microphones generally use more power during operation. If you need a not-so-expensive streaming microphone to record audio in your room or workspace, a dynamic microphone is recommended.
ii. Condenser Microphones
You can think of condenser microphones a proper studio microphones. Generally, they cost more than condenser microphones and they are designed to be ultra-sensitive to sound. Consequently, they will pick up unwanted external noise and waves, particularly in rooms that aren’t adequately soundproofed. However, in a professional recording studio, you’d get the best audio quality from a condenser microphone.
2. Audio Recording/Input Pattern
If you’d be recording audio alone, a streaming microphone with a unidirectional cardioid audio pattern should suffice. On the other hand, microphones with multi-directional audio patterns are great for recording interviews or podcast sessions that involve two (2) or more participants. For context, the Bi-directional audio pattern will pick up sound from both sides while Omni-directional microphones will record sound from all directions.
Generally, how you intend to record as well as the number of people that’d be recorded plays an important role in the selection process when shopping for the best streaming microphone. Lastly, the higher directions a microphone can record audio from (i.e., the more audio patterns it supports), the higher its price.
3. Accessories
Some products ship with accessories (at zero added cost) that can help to improve the quality of audio you get from your streaming microphones. A pop filter, for example, will refine your recordings by eliminating unwanted plosives and pop sounds from your vocals.
Additionally, a tripod or desktop stand is a plus — see the AmazonBasics Condenser Microphone in #5.
Some products like the Audio-Technica AT2020 in #6 also ship with free recording headphones as an added perk. You should, however, note that the more the accessories in the box, the more expensive the microphone might be.
Conclusion
The products listed above are some of the best streaming microphones out there. They serve different purposes (gaming, podcasting, etc) and they have great reviews. If your budget allows, you should purchase any one of your choices from the above.
However, remember to check that you’re buying the best streaming microphone that suits your needs and budget. Examine the features, accompanying accessories, audio input patterns, and other vital information. Lastly, you want to buy a microphone is that is easy to clean and maintain. Use the comments section to reach out to us if you have any questions.