In this review we feature the best microphones for streaming and gaming that you should get for live streaming. These microphones are designed to capture your voice with crystal clear clarity and make your vocals sound “radio-ready” without the need for external plugins or extra processing.
When it comes to choosing a live streaming microphone, it helps to get a mic that is USB compatible so that you can easily plug it into the PC or computer and get started immediately without an audio interface. Streaming microphones that use XLR connectivity will require an audio interface which you may have to factor in with the setup cost.
Some of these streaming mics like the legendary Shure MV7 also come with ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop Application which allows you to tweak the EQ and sound settings in real time, which can really help to increase the quality of your live streams. If you are not sure what streaming microphone to get and want to invest in a good quality mic, I highly recommend the Shure MV7 as it has been around for a long time and is a well-established live streaming mic.
Here are some of the best microphones for streaming that I highly recommend…
1. Shure MV7 USB Microphone
The legendary streaming microphone with the best sound performance…
The Shure MV7 USB Microphone is hands down the best microphone for streaming that you can find. It is essentially a dynamic mic with a cardioid pattern and is designed to handle a maximum of 132dB and offers 24-bit audio resolution. It features dual USB/XLR connections for digital or analog recording and a robust all-metal construction. The microphone is equipped with an intuitive touch panel for easy control over various settings like gain and headphone volume. Additionally, it has a built-in headphone output for direct monitoring. If you want to record quality live streams, I highly recommend getting the Shure MV7 USB Mic – you simply cannot go wrong with this microphone.
In terms of sound performance, the MV7 delivers rich and natural vocal reproduction with a warm low-end response that enhances both vocal and instrument sounds. The microphone’s design efficiently rejects room and background noise, making it suitable for less-than-ideal acoustic environments. I really like the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop Application which allows for precise audio adjustments and tweaking the EQ with the ability to save custom presets. This app gives you way more customizable options than other streaming mics on the market.
The MV7’s sound quality is silky smooth and very “radio-like”. It has a sensitivity of 1.8mV/Pa, which is comparable to the Shure SM57. It offers a refined sound profile, effectively managing high-frequency sounds which makes it great for capturing natural vocal tones. The tight pickup pattern of the MV7 is similar to that of the SM7b, which is great for isolating your voice from background noise.
Compared to other streaming mics, the MV7 stands out due to its high SPL rating which makes it ideal for capturing dynamic vocal performances. Its dual USB/XLR output, rugged construction, and advanced software support make it a more versatile choice compared to similar microphones in the market. These features are particularly useful for achieving a ‘radio-ready’ sound without needing external plugins or hardware processors.
I highly recommend the Shure MV7 USB microphone for streaming due to its easy setup, excellent sound quality and the ability to perform well in various recording environments. It has hands down one of the best sound quality for streaming vocals with the ability to adjust the sound and EQ settings using the desktop app which makes it really convenient and versatile.
2. FIFINE K658 USB Streaming Microphone
An affordable and really good streaming mic…
The FIFINE K658 USB Gaming Microphone is a dynamic cardioid microphone that is designed for live streaming and gaming. This microphone operates with a 16-bit, 48kHz sampling rate and has a frequency response range of 70Hz to 15kHz. The signal-to-noise ratio is ≥-70dBA, and it can handle a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 110 dB. The sensitivity of the microphone is -50±3dB at 1kHz, and it exhibits an equivalent noise level of -77dB. The cardioid pattern effectively minimizes ambient noise from the sides and back, focusing on sound directly in front of the microphone and blocking ambient noises from being recorded. The microphone has a solid metal body and a dual-layer pop filter for added durability and sound clarity. It includes a metal tripod for vertical adjustments and a plastic shock mount that effectively reduces handling noise, though it’s not as effective as more expensive metal options.
I like how versatile the FIFINE K658 is – it is very easy to setup and is compatible with multiple devices including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. It comes with a USB Type-C port for power and a headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring. The microphone features a gain control dial and a touch-sensitive mute button. It also includes rainbow-colored RGB lighting although there is no software provided for light customization. One of the downsides witih this mic is the lack of additional recording patterns and the absence of software for audio fine-tuning. Compared to some other budget microphones like the HyperX QuadCast S or Blue Yeti, the K658 lacks features like multiple recording patterns and software support.
Having said that, the FIFINE K658 excels in terms of its sound quality and robust build. Its dynamic nature makes it quieter which is typical for dynamic microphones, but it does not require an external preamp. The K658 excels in high-end clarity which makes your voice sound extremely clear during live streams. It also includes a convenient tap-to-mute button and an onboard gain adjustment knob.
I really like the crisp sound quality of the FIFINE K658 microphone and its ease of use. Its cardioid pattern effectively captures voice while minimizing background noise, making it suitable for streaming environments. It’s a practical and affordable microphone for those who do not have the budget for the Shure MV7 USB Mic but want a good quality streaming microphone.
3. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
One of the most popular streaming mics…
The Blue Yeti USB Microphone is one of the most popular streaming microphones that delivers broadcast-quality sound with its custom three-capsule array. This technology ensures clear and powerful broadcast-quality sound, making it suitable for a range of applications like YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings and music recording. The Blue VOICE software enhances the sound quality by providing clear broadcast vocal sound and enabling you to entertain their audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation, and HD audio samples. Additionally, the microphone’s four pickup patterns—cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo—allow for a variety of recording setups, which would typically require multiple microphones. This feature is particularly beneficial if you need to tweak the polar pattern when recording in a different environment or studio.
I really like the sound quality of the Blue Yeti USB Mic. The sound is always crisp and well-defined, and gives a “radio” feel to the vocals. This microphone includes onboard audio controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain which makes it easy to manage every aspect of the recording and streaming process. The positionable design of the microphone allows the mic to pivot in relation to the sound source for cleaner audio recordings. Additionally, the no-latency monitoring feature enables real-time voice tracking which is great for live streaming and recording.
Compared to similar models like the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ or the Rode NT-USB, the Blue Yeti offers more versatility with its multiple pattern options. The AT2020USB+ and Rode NT-USB, while providing excellent sound quality, are limited to a cardioid pickup pattern, making them less flexible for various recording scenarios. Moreover, the Blue Yeti’s plug ‘n play feature allows for quick setup on both Mac and PC, along with the option to connect directly to a mic stand or boom arm. This makes the Blue Yeti USB Microphone very easy and convenient to use.
I highly recommend the Blue Yeti USB Microphone for live streaming and it is one of the most recognizable brands in the recording industry – you simply will not go wrong with this microphone. The microphone delivers clear, broadcast-quality sound with the ability to switch between different pickup patterns, making it a great choice for streamers who require adaptability and reliability in their equipment. The Blue VOICE software also provides the ability to enhance vocal quality and add effects which is really convenient for live streams.
4. HyperX Quadcast S Condenser Mic
The best streaming microphone for gaming…
The HyperX QuadCast S Condenser Microphone is a versatile USB microphone that caters to various content creation needs, including gaming, streaming, podcasting, and recording. It features four selectable polar patterns: stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional, allowing you to optimize the broadcast setup according to your needs. The microphone is equipped with a gain control adjustment and includes a mount adapter, a built-in pop filter, and a headphone jack. The standout feature is its RGB lighting, which can be customized using HyperX Ngenuity software and it adds a stylish element to any streaming or gaming setup.
In terms of sound performance, the HyperX QuadCast S delivers crystal clear vocals and very crisp highs with its broadcast-quality sound performance. Your voice will sound really natural and pristine on this microphone. The physical gain control on the microphone assists in fine-tuning the audio input level to suit various voice types and recording environments. This level of control, coupled with the different polar patterns, ensures that the microphone can adapt to different recording conditions while minimizing background noise and providing clearer vocal pickup.
When compared to other streaming microphones, such as those from the Blue microphone range or Rode’s USB offerings, the HyperX QuadCast S stands out for its additional control features and customizable RGB lighting. While some competing microphones may come at a lower price point and without the fancy lights, the QuadCast S provides more nuanced control, which is crucial in environments that are not acoustically optimized such as home gaming setups.
For live streaming, the HyperX QuadCast S comes highly recommended due to its combination of sound quality, adaptability, and aesthetic design. The additional controls for managing audio input and the customizable RGB lighting make it a suitable option for streamers who want a balance between performance and style. It also delivers crystal clear vocals and silk smooth live streams during gaming sessions, making it a really good streaming mic for gaming.
5. Razer Seiren V2 Pro
A versatile dynamic mic for streaming and gaming…
The Razer Seiren V2 Pro USB Microphone is a really compact streaming microphone designed with a dynamic 30mm drive and a cardioid polar pattern. It features a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz and a sensitivity of -34dB. The microphone has a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 120dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 105dB. It is compatible with Razer Synapse 3 for various adjustments.
In terms of sound performance, the microphone delivers clear audio quality with really crisp and nice vocals. It is equipped with a high-pass filter and a digital analog limiter to prevent clipping and peaking. The built-in shock absorber and windsock help minimize noise from knocks and bumps, and the microphone supports real-time monitoring via a headset. This makes the Seiren V2 Pro a really good option for those who want an essentially “plug and play” microphone.
Compared to other streaming microphones like the HyperX QuadCast, which offers RGB lighting, and the Shure MV7, which provides both USB and XLR ports, the Razer Seiren V2 Pro stands out with its clear audio and practical features for streaming. Its design is simple and suitable for a professional streaming setup. The microphone features a high pass filter that eliminates any background humming and buzzing, and a digital analogue limiter that automatically prevents clipping and peaking, ensuring that the voice does not break up or sound noisy while streaming. The mic monitoring feature allows you to hear themselves speak, making it convenient for maintaining optimal mic audio levels.
The Razer Seiren V2 Pro comes highly recommended for live streaming due to its dynamic microphone which has a really nice low-end that gives your voice a deep warm quality. It’s clear sound output, combined with the convenience of gain control, mute button, and real-time monitoring, make it a versatile option for streamers who require a reliable and efficient microphone for gaming.
6. SteelSeries Alias USB Microphone
A streaming mic designed specifically for gamers…
The SteelSeries Alias USB Microphone is designed with a focus on gaming and streaming and is equipped with a condenser type capsule that is notably larger (1″/25mm ClearCast) than many competing microphones. This larger capsule size helps in capturing a wider vocal range, enhancing the depth and resonance of the voice. The microphone connects via USB-C, and for real-time audio monitoring, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack. It’s equipped with LED levels to display audio levels and mute status, and it features a shock-mount to reduce unwanted vibrations for clearer sound. Additionally, the microphone includes customizable RGB downlighting for an enhanced streaming ambiance, making it a really nice microphone to use during gaming live streams and for Twitch.
In terms of sound performance, the SteelSeries Alias delivers excellent audio quality, with the condenser mic capturing detailed and clear voice audio. Its design focuses on usability and comes with simple controls like gain and headphone volume adjustments, and a tap-to-mute feature that doesn’t add noise to recordings. The microphone’s design also includes a five-element LED meter to visually monitor audio levels.
When comparing the SteelSeries Alias with other streaming microphones, the microphone stands out for its much larger capsule and ability to capture a wider range of vocals. For instance, while the Elgato Wave 3 offers similar features, the SteelSeries Alias stands out with its larger capsule and straightforward controls. The microphone is particularly user-friendly due to its plug-and-play nature and the inclusion of the Sonar software, which provides a powerful mixer for audio routing and mixing and noise cancellation to filter out background noises.
I really like the SteelSeries Alias USB Microphone – it delivers pristine sound quality and can really capture the nuance in your vocals for live streams, which makes it a really good choice for gaming. It also provides added noise cancellation and RGB lighting with special effects and looks pretty cool on any gaming desk.
7. BEACN Dynamic USB Microphone
If you are looking for a USB-C streaming microphone for PC…
The BEACN Dynamic USB Microphone is a USB-C microphone tailored for streamers, gamers, and content creators, with really nice sound quality and customizable software. This microphone connects via USB-C and provides a straightforward setup without the need for an external audio interface. It features on-board digital signal processing (DSP) which allows for in-depth audio adjustments like gain and compression directly on the microphone.
In terms of sound performance, the BEACN Dynamic USB Microphone offers superior sound quality with a wide frequency response and natural sound profile. It employs real-time noise suppression technology to minimize background noises, ensuring your voice is the main focus and also effectively captures nuance in the vocals. The cardioid pickup pattern further enhances this by concentrating on sounds from the front and minimizing noise from the sides and rear.
When compared to other streaming microphones, the BEACN Dynamic USB Microphone stands out for its combination of sound quality and user-friendly features. It allows a lot of customizable with the BEACN software which allows you to adjust the stream to sound like a professional broadcaster, or turn up the microphone to capture louder vocals if required. The BEACN is a dynamic broadcast microphone which provides clear and rich sound performance with good durability. It also comes with customizable RGB lighting which makes it stand out and looks really nice on any gaming desk.
Overall, the BEACN Dynamic USB Microphone comes highly recommended for live streaming due to its exceptional sound quality and practical design. It’s especially suitable for streamers looking for a high-quality, durable microphone that can deliver professional-level audio with minimal setup. The added benefit of its real-time noise suppression and on-board DSP features make it a versatile choice for various streaming and recording scenarios.
8. MAONO PD200X USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone
A really good streaming microphone to get if you’re on a budget…
The MAONO PD200X USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone is a versatile dynamic microphone suitable for a range of applications including streaming, podcasting, and gaming. It is equipped with a custom dynamic capsule designed to capture a wide range of audio frequencies, ensuring crystal-clear and clean sound reproduction. The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern effectively rejects unwanted background noise and allows it to focus on the primary sound source.
In terms of sound performance, the PD200X offers an ultra-wide frequency response of 40Hz-16kHz, which allows it to capture all the details in your voice and subtle nuances. Its sensitivity of -52dB is relatively high for a dynamic microphone, which is a significant advantage as it can be driven even by less powerful pre-amps. The microphone produces a fuller sound compared to internal computer microphones and performs well in both XLR and USB modes, with a slight difference in tonal quality between the two. The USB mode tends to capture fewer low-end frequencies, reducing background noise like PC fans, but it might pick up more plosives compared to XLR mode.
While the HyperX Quadcast offers smoother and quieter sound compared to the MAONO PD200X, the PD200X is a much easier microphone to setup and use, especially for those new to content creation or streaming. Its dual USB and XLR connectivity makes it a flexible option for various recording setups, and it includes features like adjustable RGB lighting, real-time monitoring, and a mute button.
I highly recommend the MAONO PD200X for live streaming due to its superb audio quality, high sensitivity and simple design. Its durable metal construction and the inclusion of a shock mount and pop filter make it very easy to setup without any additional equipment required. While it may not be the best fit for recording very quiet or nuanced sounds due to some self-noise, it delivers pretty clean and engaging live streams. Its user-friendly features, such as the combined gain/volume dial and the Maono Link software for additional control make it a very versatile streaming microphone.
9. Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Another superb streaming microphone with a warm vocal tone…
The Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a variant of the renowned SM7B microphone which is widely known for its warm tone and versatility. This updated version includes a built-in preamp, offering up to +28 dB of clean gain. This preamp is a significant addition, as it addresses the original SM7B’s low output which often requires an external preamp or gain booster, especially for softer vocals. The preamp can be switched off if not needed, reverting the microphone to the traditional SM7B output level.
In terms of sound performance, the SM7dB maintains the classic tonal characteristics of the SM7B. It features the same dynamic cartridge and frequency range of 50 to 20,000Hz, ensuring detailed recordings across the audio spectrum. Its cardioid polar pattern offers excellent rear-rejection, isolating the voice or instrument from background noise. This microphone is particularly adept in studio settings for vocals, guitar cabinets, or snare drums, and its long grille is effective at mitigating plosives without the need for an additional pop filter.
When compared with other microphones, the SM7dB stands out for its built-in preamp, which provides considerable clean gain and silky smooth vocals during live streams. This feature distinguishes it from microphones like the Audio-Technica AT2020 or the Rode NT1-A, which do not have built-in preamps. While the AT2020 and NT1-A are condenser microphones known for their detailed sound, the SM7dB, being a dynamic mic, offers a different kind of warmth and durability, making it a favorite in broadcasting and studio applications.
The Shure SM7dB is a highly recommended mic for live streaming and podcasting due to its enhanced functionality with the built-in preamp, delivering high-quality audio without the need for external gain boosting equipment. This dynamic streaming microphone excels in capturing natural, warm vocal tones in various recording environments and can capture subtle nuances in your voice.
10. PreSonus Revelator USB Condenser Microphone
A dedicated microphone for streaming and broadcasting…
The PreSonus Revelator USB Condenser Microphone is a really good microphone for streaming and comes with 8 professionally crafted and easy presets. This allows you to change the sound quality between broadcast, radio, standard reverb and female vocals so that you can create your own unique sounds during live streams.
The PreSonus Revelator features a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz which provides a broad range of sound capture. It is equipped with three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, figure-of-eight, and omnidirectional, catering to various recording scenarios. The microphone’s sensitivity is rated at 1mV/Pa with a maximum SPL of 110 dB at less than 3% THD and it can handle loud voice sources without distortion.
In terms of sound performance, the PreSonus Revelator delivers really good clarity and balance in the vocals. The sound performance is punchy with a good representation of low-end frequencies, making it a solid choice for voice-overs and live streams. This microphone also comes with built-in voice effects with a loopback mixer for gaming and creating interesting streaming mixes.
I like the fact that this microphone comes with PreSonus’s Universal Control software. This software enhances the microphone’s utility with a range of audio interface settings, preset controls, and effects like high-pass filters, noise gates, compressors, and EQs. This provides multiple customization options and is much better compared with other USB streaming mics which often lack such comprehensive digital control.
I highly recommend the PreSonus Revelator microphone for live streaming due to its high-quality condenser design, ease of use, and the versatility offered by its software integration and multiple polar patterns. It also comes with included DAW software including Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite which provides really versatile customization options. The PreSonus Revelator also comes with onboard controls including volume, mic gain, mute and preset switching which makes it very convenient to adjust the microphone during live streams.
Next Steps
If you are starting out with your home recording studio or looking for microphones for podcasting, be sure to check out our guides below:
