Many professional gamers use a standalone microphone in their YouTube or Twitch setups.
That's because a cheap desktop microphone often sounds better than integrated "mics." This is a matter of physics, not price: Smaller microphones are stiffer and more susceptible to picking-up noise from the movement of electrons and circulating air molecules.
If you're buying a microphone for a streaming, podcasting or work-from-home setup, consider:
How many people will be speaking into the microphone?
How noisy is the recording environment? Where do the noises come from?
Must anything other than your voice be recorded while you're speaking?
The answers to these questions will help you choose a mic with the right "pickup pattern":
Omnidirectional - Records sound from every direction, including background noises like the click-clacking of a keyboard (we're looking at you, Cherry Blue).
Cardioid - Emphasizes sounds that are in front of the microphone (like voices), but still records some ambient sounds.
Supercardioid - Strongly emphasizes (and isolates) sounds that are in front of the mic.
Bidirectional - Records sounds from front and back (i.e. good for interviews).
Cardioid microphones are a popular choice for streaming setups because of their flexibility. Many are mounted on a desktop stand and some can be mounted on a swiveling boom arm (usually sold separately).
Dynamic Microphones vs. Condenser Microphones
Dynamic - This style of microphone is passive (i.e. non-powered) and has a low sensitivity. Dynamic mics are used to capture fluctuating sounds, like drums, but are also used for vocals in noisy environments.
Condenser - These are powered microphones with high sensitivity. Condenser microphones are used to capture vocals in a controlled environment (like a studio). Loud, fluctuating sounds may cause clipping.
How Much Does a Good Streaming Microphone Cost?
A good streaming microphone (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $40, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same desktop mics cost around $27 while on sale: an average discount of 32%. This data also suggests that B&H is the best place to buy a USB microphone online.
Price Volatility Alert: The price of some entry-level streaming microphones has increased by approximately 50%. However, the prices of professional gaming microphones (like the Fifine K678, Thronmax Mdrill One Pro, Rode NT-USB, Blue Yeti Nano and Razer Seiren X) have remained relatively stable during this time. Here are the inexpensive USB microphones for the money:
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1. Pyle USB PC Recording Condenser Microphone (PDMIUSB50)
Good Value: $56 | Great Deal: $50
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart
Pyle's plug-and-play USB microphone is durable, sensitive and clear, according to several online customers. Some reviewers warn that the mute button makes an audible pop; others wish the stand was more durable.
2. Fifine K669B USB Metal Condenser Recording Microphone
Good Value: $30 | Great Deal: $27
Check Current Price on: Amazon
This microphone is solidly constructed, has a strong and sturdy stand, and sounds great for the money, according to several online customers. Many customers (even happy ones) say this microphone is quieter than they hoped; others were disappointed that the mic's USB cable is integrated and non-removable.
3. Samson Q2U Dynamic USB Microphone
Good Value: $56 | Great Deal: $36
Check Current Price on: B&H | Adorama | Best Buy
Samson's Q2U microphone has great vocal clarity and good noise reduction, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this microphone has low sensitivity and must be placed close to the mouth.
4. Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone, Cardioid
Good Value: $47 | Great Deal: $35
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Target | Best Buy
Blue's Snowball iCE microphone is well-built and captures voices crisply and clearly, especially when used with a pop filter, according to several online customers. Many say this mic picks up background noise and needs to be positioned away from a keyboard; others were disappointed by the included stand.
5. Bietrun USB Condenser Cardioid Mic (UMKF01)
Good Value: $45 | Great Deal: $35
Check Current Price on: Amazon
This budget USB microphone has a tight pickup pattern that cancels background noise and reproduces voices clearly, according to several online customers who also praise this microphone's sturdy base and plug-and-play design. Many reviewers say this microphone feels fragile; others say that it has low sensitivity.
6. Insignia NS-CBM19 USB Microphone
Good Value: $40 | Great Deal: $25
Check Current Price on: Best Buy
Insignia's affordable USB mic has excellent sound quality and a simple, sturdy design, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the noise level is noticeably higher than a professional gaming mic.
7. Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone
Good Value: $55 | Great Deal: $31
Check Current Price on: Amazon | B&H | Best Buy
This metal cardioid-microphone is compact, sensitive and has an integrated stand, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish this mic had an onboard gain adjustment and was less sensitive to background noise. Others found the live-monitoring headphone jack to be more annoying than useful.
8. CMTECK USB Omnidirectional Microphone
Good Value: $17 | Great Deal: $13
Check Current Price on: Amazon
This plug-and-play microphone offers decent sound quality at a bargain price, according to several online customers (many of whom use their mic for simple voice calls). Some reviewers wish the stand wasn't so bulky; others were disappointed that the mute button makes a clicking noise.
9. Fifine K668 Home Studio USB Condenser Microphone
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $14
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Fifine's USB microphone is a solid upgrade from a gaming headset, according to several online customers. Some say this mic picks up interference; others wish the mic stand was sturdier and more adjustable.
10. Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone
Good Value: $32 | Great Deal: $18
Check Current Price on: Amazon | B&H | Walmart
Samson's Go Mic is small, portable and captures clean audio, according to several online customers. Some gamers complain that the microphone picks up ambient noise and is prone to clipping.
11. Insignia NS-PAUM50 USB Microphone
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $10
Check Current Price on: Best Buy
This inexpensive USB microphone has good sound quality relative to its size and price, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that this microphone is made from cheap, thin plastic; others say the microphone is prone to picking up electronic interference, which results in static or crackling noises.