One of the best microphones for gaming, streaming, or podcasting is a must-have item for the modern gamer. Whether you aspire to stream your gameplay, engage in deep and meaningful Discord conversations with your friends, or finally record that podcast, these top-tier microphones will make you sound your best.
So which to buy? Well, the best microphone for gaming right now is the Shure MV6. It's a desktop USB mic with proper credentials from one of the most respected names in the audio industry, and it sounds great from a distance. If you're looking for something cheap but most definitely cheerful, our best budget microphone is the Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone. It's a surprisingly good little desktop mic for a very attractive price.
And as for podcasting? The Shure MV7+ is about as good as beginner-friendly microphones get without breaking the bank.
Achieving studio-quality sound with your audio gear doesn't require an advanced degree in sound engineering (though it might help). In most cases, all you need is a USB port, a great mic, and something interesting to say. To help you make an informed decision, we've gone the extra mile by recording test audio samples of all the microphones we've reviewed so far.
Andy's always been fascinated by sound. From his early days as a long-haired guitarist to his later years sitting on the opposite side of the glass, he's had the pleasure of using every type of audio equipment you can think of. He's also engineered and produced many a podcast—meaning that when it comes to the spoken word, he knows exactly which microphones to recommend, and which to leave well alone.
Updated August 03, 2026 to replace the old quick list with a new widget at the top for our picks, and to check over all our recommendations. All the entries here have been updated for 2026, and every pick represents the best gaming microphone we've tested for each category.
Updated November 05, 2025 to tidy up and trim the recommendations and added the HyperX SoloCast 2 into our Also Tested section. Our top picks remain the same, as these are still the best gaming microphones money can buy in 2025.
Updated July 31, 2025 to add the Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone in as our new best budget gaming microphone pick. It sounds brilliant for the money, and while it's light on features, you really can't argue with its sub-$30 MSRP.
The best microphone for gaming
✅ You're looking for excellent sound quality: Desktop microphones can struggle to pick up good sound, but the auto levelling here makes the MV6 much, much better than most.
✅ If you want something straightforward: Shure's Motiv Mix software is mercifully easy to use, and all the fancy features like noise reduction are enabled by default.
❌ If you're on a tight budget: It's reasonably priced for what you get, but there are cheaper mics available if you don't need to go quite as far with the sound.
❌ If you're limited on desk space: The MV6 is far more reasonably sized than the MV7+, but its chunky stand does take up a fair bit of room on your desk.
The Shure MV6 USB Gaming Microphone manages to pull off a very impressive party trick. We're massive fans of the professional-sounding Shure MV7+, but here Shure has managed to shrink down some excellent vocal-capturing ability into something more suited to shoving on your desktop.
Let's talk about form factor for a moment. While you'll get the best results with a good microphone up close to your lips on a boom arm or similar, it's not exactly the most practical setup for most gamers. The MV6, however, is designed to sit on your desk at a more reasonable distance—capturing excellent vocals without being too precious about how far you sit from it.
It achieves this via the Motiv Mix software, which features auto gain-levelling to constantly adjust the volume, making sure you can always be heard. While it's not magic—and we'd still recommend getting reasonably close—it does an admirable job of keeping your voice consistent from a decent distance away, meaning you can focus on what's on-screen instead of perfect mic technique.
While the microphone itself is reasonably sized, the stand has a fairly considerable footprint. It's pretty sizeable, so those looking for a more discrete solution might want to take a look at something truly tiny like the Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone.
While the little Amazon mic is great at what it does for its bargain basement price, it does get outclassed here in terms of pickup and overall audio tone. In fact, so do most mics compared to the MV6. To do better, you'll need to spend up and get one of Shure's more expensive units right up in your grill.
The Shure MV6 is the mic to go for if you want something desktop-based, easy to use, and with excellent sound—and at $149, it's also very reasonably priced. That makes it the best gaming microphone you can place on your desk and one that'll likely keep on trucking for many, many years to come.
Click through to read our full Shure MV6 USB Gaming Microphone review
The best budget microphone
Listen to the microphone in the test below:
✅ You don't want to spend a lot for good audio: Microphones don't come much cheaper than this, but thankfully the little Amazon Basics mic sounds remarkably good for the price.
✅ You're a fuss-free human being: No drivers, no software suite, no nothing. Just a mic, a stand, and a cable. Doesn't get much simpler than that.
❌ You'd like some audio-enhancing software: To put it simply, there isn't any. Software, I mean. Noise cancelling would be a lovely addition to this mic, but it's not included in the miniscule price tag here.
When it comes to picking a budget microphone, you're probably aiming somewhere in the $50 range. And, because we're all prone to a bit of brand snobbery, you'd probably turn your nose up at the Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone, available for around $26. That'd be a mistake, though—because as far as I'm concerned it's the best budget gaming microphone by far.
You don't get any fancy extras here. Just a well-built, reassuringly heavy little desktop mic with a tilting stand, and a USB Type-C to Type-A cable to connect it with. This mic is here to do one job, and that's to capture audio well from a desktop position with minimal fuss—and it performs that role with aplomb.
Sure, it's not going to be bothering many of the other microphones on this list when it comes to that shiny, studio-ready quality you might be searching for—but if all you need is something that picks up your vocals well for meetings, gaming, and perhaps even the odd podcast recording or two, the little Basics unit does just fine.
Speaking of podcasting, you can even unscrew the little mic from its "tilting at windmills" base and attach it to a boom arm with the 5/8 inch connection underneath. And while it's slightly plosive prone up close, it's still good enough for some tight, stream-ready audio capture with the right mic technique.
So, what's not to like? Well, there's no software on offer here, which means no noise cancelling. As a condenser mic, the Basics will capture audio from a fair distance away—whether you want it to or not. It's not particularly noise-prone, but it's worth bearing in mind if you want nothing but your voice on aural display.
And the cable it comes with is a bit short, so I'd buy a different one if you don't have a spare USB Type-C to Type-A cable to hand. Other than that, though, the little Amazon mic is a real winner, and makes for a very easy addition to this guide. Good sound and build quality for much less than the competition? Yep, I'll take three.
Click through to read our full Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone review.
The best mid-range microphone
Listen to the microphone in the test below:
✅ You want to sound more podcast-like: The full, rich sound that this cardioid mic delivers is reminiscent of some higher-end models.
✅ You want a large number of features: The NZXT Capsule Elite throws the kitchen sink at its software feature set, which gives you plenty of options for sound and lighting adjustment.
❌ You want premium build quality: The stand is ever so slightly off-kilter (although it's stable) and is fiddly to screw in. Plus, while the stand is metal, the body is plastic.
The NZXT Capsule Elite promises a lot for its price and surprisingly delivers almost across the board, which is why it's the best mid-range microphone. From noise rejection to adjustable settings, it's got more than enough features to compete with some higher-end options—but for a fraction of the cost.
To look at the thing, you'd think it was a retro-futuristic high-end mic, and in a sense, you'd be right—until you get close and realise the the body is made of plastic. But hey, there has to be some give, right? It's got design quirks that might split the room, but overall it's quite a handsome device, and its metal stand certainly helps with that, even if it is a little fiddly to screw in.
The mic itself is plug-and-play via a USB-C connection—it's great to see companies switching over to this smaller and newer USB format. The software's also easy to use, so you'll be configuring the Capsule Elite to your liking in no time.
And once you've got all that set up, boy does it deliver on the sound front. For a mic that comes in under $100, it's mighty impressive. You can hear what it sounds like above, and to my ears, that's a sound profile with plenty of clarity, depth, and richness. It's capable of capturing at a high bitrate, too, which is impressive at this price point.
For around $90, you get a smart-looking, great-sounding piece of kit, with an adjustable stand, colour-changing LED indicator, and even onboard monitoring via a 3.5 mm jack. The only major sacrifice you'll make here is that plastic body—which looks pretty good regardless, don't you think? Yeah, it's certainly a mid-range winner.
Click through to read our full NZXT Capsule Elite review.
The best USB microphone and boom arm bundle
✅ You'd like a boom arm package: A good boom arm, in combination with a great mic close up, is a superb way to capture the sort of vocal recording you'd hear on a really good podcast or stream. You get it all here.
✅ You want clean, crisp sound: The Sennheiser sounds simply great. Really, genuinely great. That'll do then.
❌ You want a software helping hand: Nope, you don't get any. Bit of a shame that. While good free versions of audio streaming and sound adjustment software do exist, they can be a bit fiddly, so an included solution would have been nice.
The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set gives you everything you need to start your podcasting or streaming journey with a great-sounding microphone and sturdy boom arm combo for less than $200. That makes it my top recommendation for the best USB microphone and boom bundle.
The Profile has two versions: the standalone microphone for $129/£129 or the Streaming Set for $199/£179. I'll take the latter, thanks, as it's a great deal for a full set that means you have everything you realistically need for great, studio-quality audio.
The volume and mix controls are well placed, and the dedicated mute button is one of those features you probably wouldn't care much about on paper but makes all the difference in practice. Having a physical button to ensure you're muted helps avoid any awkward streaming-related accidents. Look, Mum, I know dinner's ready. Can't you see I'm recording games for the internet over here?
More than that, the Profile is wonderfully warm in its audio quality, with a crisp level of clarity that just makes your voice sound great.
On the software front... there isn't any. That being said, the sound is good enough that you shouldn't need a lot, if any, software help to still sound great. It must be mentioned, however, that setting up a good stream can be a fiddly procedure—and if you'd rather have something that came with an interface and software package that made it easy, it'd be worth taking a look at the SteelSeries Alias Pro below.
The Alias Pro, however, doesn't come with a boom arm. This one does, thankfully, and it's as flexible and resilient as you like, so what you're getting here is something that you can use again and again, and probably again, too. Good boom arms can sometimes be expensive, but here, it's all part of the package.
Click through to read our full Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set review.
The best-looking microphone
✅ If you want RGB, and an entertaining aesthetic: The HyperX looks fantastic on camera and luckily doesn't sacrifice audio quality to do it.
✅ You want loud and clear audio: It might be an older spec capsule, but to be honest, there wasn't a whole lot wrong with the original. There are nicer sounding mics, sure, but there's nothing wrong with the audio quality here.
❌ The software package is light: It's got software, but it's mainly about adjusting the RGB (did you see what I did there?). Some more audio-wrangling settings would be nice, but what's there is functional, at least.
The gamer-centric HyperX Quadcast S is an excellent microphone for the gamer or streamer looking for an easy-to-use, clear-sounding mic, and it takes our top spot for the best looking. It might seem a bit strange to think about looks when buying a microphone, but if you've got your audio gear in shot, it'd be nice if it looked great, too.
More than just a looker, however, the Quadcast S has plenty of features that you usually end up paying more for in other mics. The built-in pop filter works well, and the top-mounted tap-to-mute button is capacitive, meaning there's no audible click when it's activated.
In terms of software, the Quadcast S makes use of HyperX's Ngenuity suite, and there are options to adjust the lighting, gain, and... not a whole lot else. It's straightforward at the very least, but if you're expecting a lot of bells and whistles, you'll come away disappointed.
When it comes to sound, the Quadcast S captures clear and crisp audio even on low gain settings, although it's a little plosive-prone. Still, the sound profile leans towards clarity without becoming harsh, which means it's a very good fit for anyone looking to do a bit of live streaming or amateur podcasting. If you want the full studio-like podcast sound, you'd do well to check out the Shure MV7+.
Should you pick the much cheaper HyperX mic, though, you'll still be very well-served. It's got a rare combination of streamer-friendly good looks and excellent audio for a reasonable price, and those looking for something both aesthetically and sonically pleasing are well-catered for here.
Click through to read our full HyperX Quadcast S review.
The best podcast microphone
✅ You want professional-sounding results without the hassle: Install the software, plug in the mic, and off you go. Studio-grade sound has never been easier.
✅ You want something built to last: Shure mics are as tough as they come, and this one feels no different.
❌ You don't want a microphone in your face: The Shure is really at its best when it's mounted close to your mouth, which means you'll need a boom arm (which costs extra) to get the most out of it.
❌ You're on a budget: There are cheaper mics on this list that'll still do a great job. It's well-priced for what it can achieve, but if decent audio on a budget is your goal, this may be more than you need.
When we heard the original Shure MV7 was being replaced, our hearts sank. That was a microphone that sat at the top of this guide for a very long time, until it was eventually replaced by the Shure MV6 as our top gaming mic. We needn't have worried, though: its replacement, the Shure MV7+ Podcast microphone, is even better than its predecessor.
The really astonishing thing about this mic is how easy it is to get a studio-quality sound. Simply install Shure's Motiv Mix software, plug it in via a Type-C USB connection with the included cable, and begin recording. Shure's software gets to work turning on all the bells and whistles from the get-go, including noise reduction, Auto Gain levelling, and a Digital Popper Stopper, from the moment you plug it in.
It sounds superb on its default settings, with a rich warmth, pin-point accurate vocal capture, and a lovely, crispy, "hot radio" kind of sound—with no fiddling required. The MV7+ simply gets up and goes, and as a result, you don't need to know anything about audio to get a professional result out of it.
That doesn't mean it's without caveats, however. You'll need to get it up close, like a proper pro podcaster or streamer, to get the most out of it, which will necessitate buying a boom arm. Sure, you can use it with a separate desktop stand (which costs extra) just fine, but it's right next to your face where you'll really hear the full benefits—and while Shure will sell you the appropriate stand/arm, it still doesn't come with either by default.
The other thing is the price. At $279/£269, this isn't a cheap bit of equipment. However, given just how easy it makes capturing a studio-grade result in your home, that's actually pretty fair, given that it's competing with proper professional microphones that can cost much, much more.
So why's the MV7+ not at the top of this guide as the best gaming mic? Well, the Shure MV6 is smaller, sits on your desk, and is substantially cheaper to boot. But if you don't mind getting a larger mic up close for the best possible sound—and opening your pocketbook a fair bit wider—this is the one to pick.
Click through to read our full Shure MV7+ Podcast Microphone review.
The best microphone for streaming
✅ You're looking for something more than a desktop microphone: The Alias Pro performs fine on a desk, but that included Stream Mixer brings quick switching to the party.
✅ If you want to start streaming without the fuss: Streaming audio can be a pain, but the Sonar software, in combination with the flexibility of the Stream Mixer, makes it easier than most.
❌ If you're not looking to spend a lot: That extra interface comes at a cost, and that cost is, err, money. Plus you'll really want a boom arm to get the most out of it. Cheap, this isn't.
❌ If you're not going to use it with an arm: The Alias Pro sounds about the same as the regular Alias on a desk, which is to say, pretty good. Still, it'd be a waste not to take advantage of its best qualities by getting it close up.
Setting up a stream with great audio is traditionally not easy, which is the reason we're sticking the SteelSeries Alias Pro in as our best microphone for streaming. It might be pricey, but what you're paying for here is really the Stream Mixer that comes with it, and all the streamer-friendly features that make it a fantastic buy, even if it is pricey at a $330/£330 MSRP.
That little two-dial, two-button unit contains a powerful preamp that can connect out to an XLR microphone with 48V phantom power, which means you can use this with just about any good XLR mic on the market. However, SteelSeries has provided you with one of its Alias units here, and thankfully, it's a bit of a peach.
Once you've booted up the Sonar software, you'll discover it takes away most of the strain of setting up a load of complicated inputs, outputs and audio gear. Drop-down menus and great hardware/software discovery mean that this package does its best to make all those confusing settings as straightforward as possible, and the RGB-lit buttons and dials on the front of the interface can be programmed in a variety of ways to make streaming control easy.
More than that, the included audio-adjustment settings are simple to use. There's a compressor, ClearCast AI-noise reduction and a straightforward EQ with plenty of useful presets, which means getting a good sound out of this setup is easy. However, there is a catch.
The microphone really, really appreciates being up close, and that means using a boom arm to get it right up to your face. That'd be all well and good, except SteelSeries doesn't provide one with the package, limiting you to a desk stand instead. My advice? By a cheap one, rather than the $100 version SteelSeries lists as an extra.
Streaming audio is difficult, and audio interfaces can be complicated beasts to wrangle. The SteelSeries Alias Pro takes as much hassle out of the process as it can, and that makes it the best microphone for streaming. Just make sure you price in an arm (or, given the cost, even a leg) to get the most out of it.
Click through to read our full SteelSeries Alias Pro review.
The best headset microphone
✅ You don't want a desk microphone: If you'd like a mic and a headset all in one without the fuss, then this combo delivers exceptional audio quality on all fronts.
❌ You're after a cheaper option: You could buy a gaming headset and the best budget microphone for less, although the quality on offer here is well worth considering regardless.
Desktop mics are all well and good, but if you're looking for the best headset microphone, it has to be the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x STS StreamSet. With this substantial piece of gear, not only are you getting a brilliant microphone, but a very good set of wired headphones all-in-one.
This headset features a proper, fully-fledged cardioid condenser mic. Don't let the relatively small size of that end capsule put you off—this unit is easily the best headset mic we've ever tested and is capable of capturing your vocals just as well as some of the other options on this list.
There's a lot to be said for having an excellent microphone built into a headset, too. For a start, you won't have to worry so much about volume changes when moving around, as once the mic distance has been set with the bendy arm, that's where it'll stay. That makes it perfect for those who don't want to think about their mic technique while gaming, as once you've got the distance right, you really don't have to think about much else.
With a range of sampling options, there's plenty of flexibility on offer. Plus, there's a monitor mode. Ordinarily, that can be pretty distracting, but we found that the version here was actually very useful for keeping an eye on your vocals while mid-stream.
There are a couple of downsides to consider. One is the lack of on-headset or on-wire buttons, which for some will be a bonus in terms of simplicity. A dedicated mute wouldn't go amiss, though. The other is the price. At $229/£169, the Audio Technica is on the pricey side for both a good mic and a good headset, although, of course, you're getting two in one. The ATH-M50xSTS really is good at two, often quite separate, roles. Together, combined, it really does excel at both.
Click through to read our full Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet review.
Gaming microphone FAQ
What is a polar pattern and which do I need for gaming?
A polar pattern determines how much and from which direction an audio signal will be picked up by a microphone. For gaming, you'll mostly want a pattern that picks up sound directly in front of the microphone (you) and not much else from anywhere else (the environment).
These are the most common polar patterns:
Cardioid: Records in front of the microphone. Perfect for voice-over, vocals, and streaming.
Bidirectional: Captures audio in front of and behind the mic. Ideal for one-on-one interviews.
Omnidirectional: Picks up sound from every direction. Perfect for round-table interviews, but not so much for gaming or streaming.
Do I need a microphone boom arm, shock mount, or pop filter?
Everyone’s desk and setup requirements are different, so a mic must perform well under a handful of different scenarios. Suppose a microphone sounds better than all the rest combined, but only when it’s on a suspended mic stand with a shock mount positioned precisely six inches away from your mouth? In that case, it’s not necessarily the best mic for those who simply want something to sit on their desk and pick up a reasonable sound.
Saying that, however, there are some valuable bits you might want to pick up if you're looking to clear away clutter or build a more professional setup.
A boom arm certainly helps achieve both of those things. These almost always clip onto the side of your desk and are super handy to keep your mic close to hand, saving precious real estate.
A pop filter will help reduce plosives (the sound of air escaping violently from your mouth and towards the mic) from making their way over to airwaves to your listeners' unfortunate ear holes. It'll also stop your microphone from getting grubby when you're up close and sounding sibilants.
A built-in shock mount is also worth looking out for, especially for desktop mics. These prevent vibrations from travelling through your microphone stand or boom arm and into the microphone, which can come through as rustle, thuds, or otherwise unwanted noise. If you're the type to slam your way through a match of Apex Legends, you might well benefit from a bit of shock-based protection.
What's is a good sample and bit rate for a microphone?
Sample rate is the number of audio samples recorded every second. 48 kHz is the most common sample rate you'll see on many microphones, and it shouldn't be any lower than that.
Bit rate is the speed at which a digital and audio file gets encoded. Without trekking too much into audiophile territory, 16-bit and above is considered a good bit rate.
What connector do I need? XLR or USB?
USB microphones are among the most prevalent for gaming and streaming fare, but you'll sometimes see the more widely used professional connection standard, XLR, make its way into high-end units. Hybrid USB/XLR can offer you the best of both worlds but tends to be more expensive.
USB is the simpler of the two, and if you're looking for plug-and-play ease, then it's your best bet. However, that simplicity comes at a cost. It's difficult to record more than one USB microphone simultaneously, and monitoring and adjusting the mix will be done digitally.
With the added complexity of XLR comes a great deal of flexibility that you otherwise wouldn't be able to access without even more complex digital mixing software on a USB mic. You can mix, adjust, and monitor an XLR mic before it ever touches your PC, and that's a massive boon if you're looking for a more complex setup.
The downside to XLR is that it will require additional equipment to connect to your PC. Pick USB if you want simplicity, or a hybrid system (or straight XLR with an appropriate audio interface) if you're looking for flexibility with an eye to studio-style recording.
How much should I spend on a microphone?
As PC gamers, we will, of course, always try to get the best we can for less. It’s easy to get lost in the deep, dark woods that are the world of audio and even easier to spend a ludicrous amount of time and money chasing the best possible setup. But we don’t necessarily need studio-ready equipment, so the price is essential when looking at how good a particular mic is.
Think about your use case; if you're only using a microphone to chat with your teammates, chances are you don't need a microphone with half a dozen polar patterns and a podcast studio level of quality. Don't spend money on features you don't need or use. Some $50 microphones are great for the odd Discord session, for example.
That being said, if you want truly studio-like sound for streaming or podcasting duties, it's worth spending up. Think about your use case carefully, but we'll stand behind any of the options above, no matter your budget.
