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The best streaming mics for starting a podcast or Twitch channel
Whether you're a podcast veteran or just starting out on Twitch, a dedicated microphone for streaming can elevate your audio for a more professional broadcast.
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There are two main types of microphones: USB and XLR. This refers to how they connect to your computer, with USB microphones working like other wired peripherals and XLR models requiring special modules, power sources, and adapters to work with your computer or interface.
Many streaming microphones feature multiple pickup patterns and onboard dials for switching between them on-the-fly.
Below are some of the best microphones for streaming from top brands like Blue, Shure, and Razer. Check out the listed features to help you decide which is best for your skill level and broadcast needs.
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- USB
- Plug-and-play for Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS
- Live mic monitoring
- Boom arm mounting requires a special adapter
- Top-down pickup is lacking
Blue Yeti specs: Connectivity: USB | Compatibility: Windows, Mac, ChromeOS | Pickup pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo | Pickup array: Dynamic capsule | Mic Monitoring: Yes
The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular choices among podcasters and streamers. It features USB connectivity and plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS devices. The on-board controls let you quickly and easily switch between the four pickup patterns, so you can transition from solo let's play streams to podcast interviews in a snap.
It also has a dedicated mute button, volume knob, and headphone jack for live monitoring. And if you download the Blue VO!CE software, you can create vocal effects to add more flair to your streams and recordings.
I love the way this mic picks up on audio, whether I'm recording vocals or a podcast episode. It pairs well with an inexpensive pop filter.
- Excellent audio quality
- Internal shock mount and shielding
- Boom arm mountable
- Expensive
- Requires preamp
Shure SM7B specs: Connectivity: XLR | Compatibility: Windows, Mac | Pickup pattern: Cardioid | Pickup array: Dynamic capsule | Mic Monitoring: No
If you're a professional streamer or podcaster, you'll want to invest in the Shure SM7B. This XLR microphone is built for broadcast quality audio to give you clean, crisp sound for live audiences or pre-recorded content.
The dynamic capsule cartridge is designed for close-capture, front-end input, so all your audience hears is you, instead of annoying background noise. It also has electromagnetic shielding to prevent interference from your computer, monitors, and other streaming equipment, as well as an internal shock mount to protect against bumps and vibrations that can distort your audio.
- Tons of audio input and output control
- Vocal effects
- Stream Deck compatible
- Boom arm mounting requires a special adapter
- The mixing app doesn't support multiple microphones yet
Elgato Wave:3 specs: Connectivity: USB-C | Compatibility: Windows, Mac | Pickup pattern: Cardioid | Pickup array: Condenser capsule | Mic Monitoring: Yes
The Elgato Wave:3 is the perfect microphone for streamers and podcasters who like to live to mix their audio for more dynamic broadcasts. The Wave Link app works with both Windows and Mac computers, giving you control over almost every aspect of your sound -- from input and output sources to game and chat balance.
You can also use the Wave:3 with thousands of vocal effect plug-ins and map them to your Elgato Stream Deck to change your voice on-the-fly. And you won't have to worry about clipping your chat audio with the built-in Clipguard feature that automatically adjusts input settings to prevent distortion and dead air.
- Plug-and-play
- Intuitive pattern and gain controls
- One-touch mute
- Boom arm mounting requires a special adapter
HyperX QuadCast specs: Connectivity: USB | Compatibility: Windows, Mac | Pickup pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo | Pickup array: Condenser capsule | Mic Monitoring: Yes
A USB microphone is an affordable, beginner-friendly way to get started on Twitch or YouTube Gaming, and the HyperX QuadCast is one of the best available. It connects to your Windows or Mac computer with a regular USB cable, which means you don't have to be an audio expert to set up your new mic. It also gets both power and audio transfer data through the USB connection, so you don't have to invest in expensive preamps, phantom power units, or mixing boards.
It features a built-in shock mount to protect against bumps and vibrations, as well as four pickup patterns to suit your streaming or recording setup. The QuadCast has a headphone jack for live monitoring, so you can catch issues before they ruin your broadcast; the intuitive gain control also makes it easy to change mic sensitivity on-the-fly. And if you want to add a bit more personal flair to your setup, you can always opt for the RGB-enabled QuadCast S to configure custom color schemes and lighting effects.
- Pop filter included
- Plug-and-play connectivity
- Use with computers, tablets, and smartphones
- Only two pickup patterns
- Joby tripod system feels clunky
Joby Wavo Pod specs: Connectivity: USB | Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Pickup pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional | Pickup array: Condenser capsule | Mic Monitoring: Yes
If you're looking for a budget-friendly microphone to get you started, the Joby Wavo Pod is a great choice. Its condenser capsule pickup and pattern flexibility make it great for both pre-recorded voiceovers and live podcasts. It connects to your PC via a USB cable, which means you won't need any expensive or fancy equipment: Just plug it in and start recording. It even can connect to your tablet or smartphone so you can record quality TikTok or YouTube Shorts videos. The Wavo Pod also includes a pop filter to give you clean, crisp audio. And with live mic monitoring, you can plug in a pair of headphones to check your gain, volume, and audio quality on-the-fly.
What's the best streaming mic?
The Blue Yeti is the best streaming mic. We compared mic features including price, connectivity, compatibility, pickup pattern, pickup array, usability, live mic monitoring, audio quality, and more to find the best overall streaming mic.
Best streaming mic | Pickup pattern | Pickup array | Mic monitoring |
Blue Yeti | Cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo | Dynamic capsule | Yes |
Shure SM7B | Cardioid | Dynamic capsule | No |
Elgato Wave:3 | Cardioid | Condenser capsule | Yes |
HyperX QuadCast | Cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo | Condenser capsule | Yes |
Joby Wavo Pod | Cardioid, Omnidirectional | Condenser capsule | Yes |
Which streaming mic is right for you?
That mostly depends on your skill level. If you're just starting out or don't have a ton of experience with streaming and recording, you'll want a USB mic with plug-and-play connectivity. If you're an old pro, an XLR mic with fancy preamps, phantom power units, and mixing boards will be more your speed.
Choose this streaming mic… | If you want the… |
Blue Yeti | Best streaming mic. This mic is sensitive to sound -- simply plug it in and use it with your Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS device. |
Shure SM7B | Best mic for professionals. It eliminates background noise and goes further by preventing interference from other pieces of streaming equipment. |
Elgato Wave:3 | Best mic for live mixing. The mic is compatible with thousands of vocal effect plug-ins, so you can dynamically stream. |
HyperX QuadCast | Best USB mic. This mic has a built-in shock mount so your audio isn't affected by any bumps in the road. It has a headphone jack, too. |
Joby Wavo Pod | Best budget streaming mic. At under $100, this mic gives you crisp audio and live monitoring capabilities. |
How did we choose these streaming mics?
Aside from price, we chose microphones that suit all skill levels and setups. We picked out both USB and XLR models so that both beginners and streaming vets can find the perfect microphone for their livestreams and recordings.
What type of mic is best for streaming?
It all depends on your experience level. If you're just starting out, you don't need an expensive, ultra-involved setup to get good audio. A plug-and-play USB mic with a decent condenser capsule and cardioid pickup pattern is more than enough to get started -- especially since most of the audio quality depends on what filters you have for compression.
Microphones with XLR connections are not only much more expensive, but they need more equipment to make them work. So not only will you be spending $300 or more on the microphone alone, you'll need to buy a preamp, a phantom power module, and maybe a mixing board to get the most out of your mic. The advantage XLR mics have over USB models is that they are better at isolating your voice from background noise for cleaner broadcasts.
Can you just use a headset?
You absolutely could, and there are headsets out there with really good microphones (like the HyperX Cloud Alpha S). The downside is that even the best headsets still won't give you the level of audio quality and control that a dedicated microphone will.
What's the difference between USB and XLR?
They are two different connection types, with USB being the most affordable and easiest to use. It works like any other wired USB peripheral. An XLR microphone has a special 3 to 7 pin connector that plugs into a power source or preamp module in order to be functional. Microphones with XLR connections are more commonly found in professional recording studios and radio stations, though there are plenty of models out there available to regular shoppers.
Are there alternative streaming mics worth considering?
There are tons of options, but here's a short list of other microphones that would be great choices:
This uniquely designed mic uses a cardioid pickup pattern to ensure that you'll be heard in every recording session or meeting.
The perfect mic for beginners! The Rode NT-USB is fully compatible with the free Rhode Connect podcasting software for Mac and PC, which makes getting set up a breeze.
The Shure MV7 has touch panel controls and a built-in headphone output for direct monitoring on your headphones while recording.