So, you would like to get started on your streaming, podcasting or Youtube adventures? Then one of the first steps would be to invest in a good USB or XLR microphone, along with a proper microphone stand or boom arm. These will provide you with that extra crisp audio quality, strong noise reduction and full control. The boom arm will keep your setup clean and presentable, whilst offering extra flexibility for your mic.
If you are a gamer, you might already own a (gaming) headset. These headsets are great for gaming audio and even music, but the microphones are very limited. A standalone mic will offer a far clearer and richer sound and they are also able to minimize the background noise coming from your surroundings. Take the noise coming from your gaming PC or mechanical keyboard for example.
Nowadays there are lots of standalone options, some of which have very unique features and extras. We’ll help guide you through our recommendations that fit multiple different purposes and budgets. Both the Sensic SA-10 and SA-20 boom arms are compatible with all the microphones in this list.
Best all-round streaming microphone
Blue Yeti
Price estimation (as of March 2023): $100
Audio Patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional
Capsules: 3 Blue 14mm condenser capsules
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Size: 12x12x30cm
Connection Type: USB
Sensic SA-20: Best boom arm for Blue Yeti
Pros
- Great sound quality for an average price
- Very easy to set up
- Adjustable gain on the mic itself
Cons
- Larger and heavier than average, takes up a lot of space
The Blue Yeti has been one of the most popular microphones in the content creation world for a very long time. For good reason though, because the mic is incredibly easy to use and it offers a great audio quality. Both the gain levels and the audio patterns are adjustable, which make it a very flexible mic for all-around use. However, we would recommend replacing the original mic stand with a boom arm. The Yeti is relatively big so it would take up a good amount of space on the desk.
Best RGB microphone
HyperX QuadCast S
Price estimation (as of March 2023): $150
Audio Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional
Capsules: 3 x 14mm condenser capsules
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Size: 12x12x30cm
Connection Type: USB
Sensic SA-20: Best boom arm for HyperX QuadCast S
Pros
- Built-in pop filter and comes with a shock mount
- Clear sound
- Customizable LED lighting
Cons
- Can’t turn the LEDs off
- Short default mic stand
If you would like to add a bit more flair to your setup, the HyperX QuadCast S would be a great option for you. The built-in customizable lights will definitely be a great addition to your RGB gaming or streaming setup. The Ngenuity software allows you to customize the RGB lighting effects, adjust the volume and change the polar pattern. The audio recordings are very clear if you can position the mic properly, otherwise the proximity effect (unpleasant distortion due to the mic being too close) becomes noticeable. The default mic stand is very limited in positioning, so a boom arm would definitely be recommended for this microphone.
Best professional level microphone for streaming
Shure MV7
Price estimation (as of March 2023): $249
Audio Patterns: Cardioid
Type: Dynamic
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Size: 17x15x9cm
Connection Type: Micro-USB & XLR
Sensic SA-20: Best boom arm for Shure MV7
Pros
- Both micro-USB and XLR connections
- Great vocal clarity
- Versatility
- Excellent companion software
Cons
- No mic stand or boom arm included out of the box
- Expensive
The Shure MV7 is an excellent versatile choice for people who want to take their streaming to the next level. It does come at a cost, but it offers a professional-grade audio quality for minimal expertise and set-up. The mic comes with excellent user-friendly software that allows you to easily achieve a great audio quality. For the professionals there’s also a manual mode where you can adjust everything exactly to your liking. The XLR-input also means you could use this microphone with an external audio interface for maximum control. Luckily the mic comes with an excellent mounting accessory for mic stands, allowing it to freely move around its own axis.
Best budget streaming microphone
HyperX SoloCast
Price estimation (as of March 2023): $55
Audio Patterns: Cardioid
Type: Condenser
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Size: 6x6x12cm
Connection Type: USB-C
Sensic SA-10 & SA-20: Best boom arm for HyperX SoloCast
Pros
- Excellent sound quality for this price
- Very compact and portable
- Mute sensor (tap to mute)
Cons
- Limited features
- Short and weak stand
The HyperX SoloCast proves that you can get an excellent audio quality without spending a fortune. At an average price of $50 this microphone sits in the budget range, but its audio quality gets very close to the much more expensive HyperX QuadCast, costing $150. However, the SoloCast is less flashy in terms of aesthetics and features. There’s very little adjustability and the default mic stand feels flimsy. The tap-to-mute feature is a very nice bonus though, an unexpected one in this price range too. All in all the HyperX SoloCast would be a perfect option if you just want to get a good audio quality without spending too much.