Ben grew up on a healthy diet of Nintendo, Xbox, and PC Games. He founded High Ground Gaming in 2014.
Reviewed by Benjamin Barr
There are numerous reasons why the best microphones for gaming continue to grow in popularity. Most gamers drop the extra dough on a nice microphone to improve communication with their squadmates. But the best mics also help with streaming, recording game commentary, and providing viewers with top-notch audio.
Whether you’re trying to grow your Twitch following or simply chat with the homies on Discord, don’t let poor audio quality plague your existence.
Zoom Out: A Comparison Table of the 10 Best Gaming Microphones
These microphones are sorted by price ascending. For a closer look at each model, head to our Zoom In section below.
| Image | Microphone | Connectivity | Patterns | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Zalman Zm-Mic1 | 3.5mm | Cardioid | 100 Hz - 16,000 Hz |  |
 | AntLion ModMic 4 | 3.5mm, USB Adapter | Unidirectional | 100 Hz - 10,000 Hz | |
 | MXL Tempo KR & SK | USB | Cardioid | 40 Hz - 18,000 Hz | |
 | Samson Meteor | USB | Cardioid | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | |
 | Blue Snowball iCE | USB | Cardioid | 40 Hz - 18,000 Hz | |
 | Samson G-Track | USB | Super-Cardioid | 50 Hz - 20,000 Hz | |
 | Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB | USB | Cardioid | 20 Hz - 15,000 Hz | |
 | Blue Yeti | USB | Cardiod, Stereo, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | |
 | Audio-Technica AT2020-USBi | USB, Lightning | Cardioid | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | |
 | Blue 1967 Yeti Pro | USB | Cardiod, Stereo, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional | 15 Hz - 22,000 Hz | |
Zoom In: A Closer Look at the Top 10 Best Gaming Microphones
Next, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 best gaming microphones on the market. If you’re ready to upgrade to the best microphone for gaming, read on!
If you’re just starting out and you don’t have the cash to spend on a USB mic, then the Zalman ZM-Mic1 High Sensitivity Headphone Microphone is one of the best clip on mics you can get for under $10.
The Zalman plugs right into your gaming headphones, or the stereo jack on your PC or Mac, and it offers relatively decent sound. It’s great for video voice-overs, live-streaming your gameplay, or trying to get the new guy in the lobby to keep from shooting hostages in Grand Theft Auto. It has a long cord that clips on to your headphones cable, and it’s quick and easy to set up.
However, be warned that any other ambient noise in the room will likely be picked up as well. But if your teammates don’t mind your background music or the neighbor’s dog outside, this mic is perfect.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: 3.5mm
- Patterns: Cardioid
- Frequency: 100hz – 16,000hz
- Compatibility: Universal
Making room for a standing microphone can be a difficult task, and it’s often not worth taking up the desk real estate. That’s why the Antlion ModMic 4 is a great option. It’s an attachable mic that hugs the side of your headphones (just like a built-in headset mic would) with the built-in magnet.
The big bonus is that the audio quality is much, much better than what most headset manufacturers slap on their products. Lots of those mics are an afterthought, whereas AntLion has put a ton of effort into the development of this small mic.
Is the quality as good as Blue Yeti or AT? Unfortunately, if you want that sort of sound quality, you’ve got to pony up the extra cash. Nevertheless, it’s going to beat out nearly all stock headset mics and is perfect for Skyping or gaming, even in noisy rooms. The adjustable boo is exceptionally versatile, and the unit is easy to swivel away when no longer wanted. It may not be up to par for some streamers, but if you’re just getting into the streaming game, it will probably suffice.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: 3.5mm or USB
- Patterns: Unidirectional
- Frequency: 100hz – 10,000hz
- Compatibility: Universal
3. MXL TEMPO KR
The MXL Tempo KR is another lower-priced option for the frugal streamer. Coming in just under $60, this smart-looking plug and play alternative has everything you’ll need to keep your voice clear and crisp. It’s also got a subtle gray finish with a fresh red mesh that will give your set up a pop of color, as well as a headphone jack to use for playback.
The Tempo captures sound with 16-bit resolution and a 44.1-48 kHz sampling rate. Moreover, it offers an exceptional frequency response and excellent noise cancellation compared to other USB gaming mics. Still, while it’s a vast improvement over a headset mic or a cheap clip-on mic, it’s not going to offer the same caliber sound as a Yeti or an AT2020.
Do note that there are multiple versions of the Tempo. Namely, there’s the Tempo SK and the Tempo WR. The SK features a nice silver and black finish, while the WR features a bright white and red palette. Each mic is identical on the inside, but the price varies a bit depending on the model you choose.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: USB
- Patterns: Cardioid
- Frequency: 40hz – 18,000hz
- Compatibility: Windows & Mac
Next on our list of best gaming mics is Samson’s Meteor. Samson microphones are for the buyer on a budget, and The Meteor stays true, coming in under $100. The Meteor stays with the standard “studio mic” look that most USB gaming microphones have, and it’s a reliable little device about the size of a light bulb.
Unlike most of its competitors, the Meteor has built-in tripod legs that swing out and give it a nice little stand for setting on your desk or table. It also has a screw mount that lets you attach it to a separate mic stand or arm. Do note, however, that you’ll have to keep it open a bit to do so. This is unfortunate because the Meteor looks really cool when the legs are folded up, with its polished silver exterior.
The Meteor is a condenser mic as well, so like all condenser mics, you’ll have to sit fairly close to the front of it when you’re speaking. Speaking of which, the spec clock in at the usual 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz resolution, with a flat frequency response of 20 Hz–20 kHz. It also has a stereo headphone jack that monitors (with zero latency) and a nice carrying case, to boot! It’s a solid little mic that doesn’t feel cheaply made.
That said, it’s not the best at picking up high-range sounds, and leaves voices a little flat. It also tends to malfunction, losing its connection randomly with your Mac or PC. There is no gain adjusts on the mic itself, and there have been reports of issues regarding the USB port loosening and coming apart. Overall, a good option for a lower-priced USB microphone for streaming, but if you can swing it, there are better options for another $50.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: USB
- Patterns: Cardioid
- Frequency: 20hz – 20,000hz
- Compatibility: Windows & Mac
Like the AT2500, there is a budget Blue Yeti USB microphone called the Snowball iCE. The Snowball is a steal at around $50 and covers all your quick and easy audio needs if you don’t have the cash to throw down for a studio mic.
Unlike its more expensive cousins, the Snowball lacks multiple sound patterns, but it is still a great condenser microphone. It has a pressure gradient transducer with a USB digital output that captures your voice with 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution and 40-18 kHz frequency response. It lacks the headphone jack and volume buttons of the competition’s AT2500, but you simply can’t beat $50 for a quality USB mic like this one.
The Snowball also lets you switch between omnidirectional and cardioid (unidirectional) recording. It’s a much lower-priced alternative than the Yeti and Yeti Pro.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: USB
- Patterns: Cardioid
- Frequency: 40hz – 18,000hz
- Compatibility: Windows & Mac
The next USB microphone on our list is the Samson G-Track, which is currently on sale for under $100. The G-Track is a step up from the Meteor as far as sound, and it has a large 19mm diaphragm condenser, which means it picks up a better range.
Large-diaphragm mics like the G-Track and the AT2020 are studio staples because they shine when it comes to loud sources. Not only that, but they’re also incredibly versatile when recording anything from a bass drum to a screaming electric guitar. The G-Track looks like its custom made for musicians, and it’s one of the best mics you can get for under $100.
The G-Track has amazing functionality built into its unassuming gray body and comes with enough cables and adapters to put the competition to shame. On the bottom, it has three ports— one for USB, one for headphones, and a 3.5mm input jack that lets you connect an instrument or any other audio source to the mic itself.
As far as switches go, there’s an input toggle for mono or stereo instruments and a direct monitor switch for CPU playback in stereo or mono. The G-Track also sports three dials for volume, input volume, and gain. Another handy feature is the LED light that goes red if your input is too hot. Sound resolution is relatively standard at 16-bit and 48 kHz, but with the large-diaphragm and amount of level adjustment built-in, the G-Track is near unbeatable for its price range.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: USB
- Patterns: Super-Cardioid
- Frequency: 50hz – 20,000hz
- Compatibility: Windows & Mac
The ATR2500 is a side-address cardioid condenser USB mic that also has a built-in headphone jack ideal for streaming and gaming. The specs are just about the same as the 2020USB+, with a 16-bit depth, a 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate, and a low-mass diaphragm for an excellent frequency response of 30Hz–15 kHz.
More of a plug-and-play version of its more expensive cousins, the AT-2500 is still an excellent mic for streaming and a fine choice for all your audio needs. That said, the lower price tag comes with a few cons— including the fact that it’s quiet at a distance and is meant to be as close to your mouth as possible. Customers have also complained that the LED power light is exceptionally bright, and most people end up putting a piece of tape over it. At $75 for a near studio-quality mic, though, I’m guessing most people won’t mind.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: USB
- Patterns: Cardioid
- Frequency: 20hz – 15,000hz
- Compatibility: Windows & Mac
8. Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti might not have the clarity of the AT2020 series, but its versatility and $129 price tag are major selling points.
Right out of the box, the Yeti has a large gain dial and a pattern switch on the front for great versatility. The Yeti also features a mute and volume button on the backside for quick and easy recording. And that’s on top of the audio and headphones jack found right on the bottom of the mic. One of the cooler features is that you can order it in seven different colors, including Blackout, Whiteout, Platinum, Vintage White, Silver, Midnight Blue, and Space Gray.
The Yeti is made of a tri-capsule array, and its three condenser capsules shine in almost any indoor situation you can dream up. You can choose cardioid to pick up sound from the front of the mic, bi-directional to give your two-person interviews a pop, or omnidirectional to take in 360 degree sound from the whole room. Oh, and then there’s stereo for when you feel like recording with both right and left channels. Set up is simple; there’s no extra software to install, and the Yeti captures audio with a frequency response of 20 Hz-20 kHz and 16-bit/48 kHz resolution.
The Yeti’s gain control and sound pattern adjustment provide the kind of flexibility that more than makes up for any faults it might have. In fact, the only real complaints about this unyielding little mic have to do with its build and ambient noise. The small adjustable stand that it comes with, and the fact that it looks like R2-D2, can make placement a pain. The Yeti has a low profile when it’s set down on a desk, and some users might have to bend over it to get a well-isolated voice pickup. However, spend a few more dollars, and you can pick up a boom arm and pop filter for security and crystal clear voice input.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: USB
- Patterns: Cardiod, Stereo, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional
- Frequency: 20hz – 20,000hz
- Compatibility: Windows & Mac
For condenser mics, ambient noise can be a serious issue. These types of mics tend to pick up keyboard clicks, room noise, computer fans, and if not tuned right, even the neighbor’s dog barking at the mailman.
And that’s where Audio-Technica has competition like Blue and Samson beat. I’ve seen review after review where correct positioning and pop cover can almost completely cut out any extra noise you don’t want with the AT2020s.
Given its price and performance, the best mic for PC gaming and the best streaming microphone on the market is the Audio Technica AT2020+. The USB version (the 2020USB+) isn’t just the best mic for streaming and gaming; it’s easily the best USB microphone in its price range.
With a frequency response of 20 Hz-20 kHz, the USB+ has a 16-bit depth and 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate. The 2020 is a cardioid condenser mic that also comes with a headphone jack; just make sure you’ve got it pointed toward you while you talk.
Simply put, the AT2020 is a beautiful sounding microphone for live streaming, as it’s compatible with all operating systems above Windows 7, Mac 10.6, and iOS 7.02. It can also function as a gaming mic, thanks to the built-in headphone jack with separate volume control.
The 2020USB+ is a steal for around $149, and you can grab different versions for a few dollars more, or less, depending on the options you want. It comes with a little tripod pivoting stand, a USB cable, and a protective pouch, but Amazon also has adjustable boom stands for $12 that would get this perfect little mic up off the desk.
If the optional headphone jack isn’t your thing and you’re looking for the best microphone for live streaming, you can pay another $50 and get the AT2020USBi. For $199, the 2020USBi has the same frequency response as its cheaper counterpart. However, with 24-bit audio processing up to 96 kHz, the sample rate is double that of the USB+. The USBi also comes with a lightning cable so you can plug it into all the most recent iPhones and iPads.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: USB & Lightning
- Patterns: Cardioid
- Frequency: 20hz – 20,000hz
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and iOS
10. Blue Yeti Pro
The Blue Yeti Pro is as much an upgrade as the AT2020USBi is to its competitor. At just about double the price, the Yeti Pro doubles the sound quality of its baby brother. With an added XLR connector for high-definition studio sound, the Yeti Pro is one of the best USB condenser microphones you can buy. While the sound pattern settings and volume control are identical to the cheaper version, the Yeti Pro brings you a whopping 24-bit/192 kHz sound resolution with even better frequency response.
If you can run an XLR connector to an external audio unit or soundcard, there’s no beating the Yeti Pro in any studio voice setting. While it might not capture the same lushness of tone as a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the tri-capsule array of the Yeti series give a natural, detailed sound image. This is important when it comes to the preciseness of spoken word over the range needed for a singing voice.
High Ground View:
- Connectivity: USB
- Patterns: Cardiod, Stereo, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional
- Frequency: 15hz – 22,000hz
- Compatibility: Windows & Mac
Microphone Guide Part I: General Thoughts on Microphones for Gaming and Streaming
Compare their specific features and give some thought to your gaming environment.
- Are you a streamer? Do your income and livelihood depend on quality production?
- Is the room already relatively soundproof, or do you hear outside noise all the time?
- Is your microphone picking up the voices of other players in the room?
- Do you want to pick up the ambient sound?
- Are you on a tight budget, or ready to splurge?
Gaming these days is no longer a solitary sport. Whether you and friends are trying to capture the enemy’s last post in Battlefield 1, spamming the Pacific Standard Bank heist in Grand Theft Auto Online, or camping a low-sec gate in Eve Online— the simple fact is that you won’t get very far without communication.
Online games have changed the way people game, as well as the games themselves. By introducing communication, teamwork, co-op play, and streaming, there is an entirely new social component to modern games. Even most mobile games have some sort of chat window worked into their builds.
Whether you’re a console kid, a mobile gamer, or a card-carrying member of the PC elite— if you play online games, chances are you’ve been in a situation where you needed a microphone.
Over the last few years, platforms like YouTube and Twitch have made streaming video games almost as popular as sitting down and playing them. If you don’t believe me, look at the numbers. Amazon bought Twitch for $970 million in 2014 and has since brought its income up over a billion dollars a year. That’s a billion dollars worth of people watching other people play video games. It’s become so popular that Twitch has even started a service called IRL that allows broadcasters to stream videos of their real lives.
As the technology gets better and the platforms more widely accessible, streamers especially need one of the best USB microphones for vocal clarity. After all, there is nothing more annoying than trying to get game tips on your iPhone and finding out the guy or gal on the other end is talking into a cheap gaming mic. While streamers do need to save money where they can, crystal-clear audio isn’t something that needs to break the bank anymore.
Whether you’re playing co-op video games and you need a clip on mic for gaming, or running your own Twitch channel or Patreon page and require a good streaming microphone, one of the most important parts of your game setup is how you capture voice.
Microphone Guide Part II: What to Look for in the Best Microphone for You
What kind of microphone you should buy depends on a few things. The most important being what you need it for, what kind of set up you already have, and how much you’re willing to spend. For the sake of argument, let’s assume your budget is somewhere between a cheap USB microphone and a high-quality stand mic.
The first question to settle out of the gate is whether you plan to use a USB microphone or an XLR for high-definition sound. If you go with the latter, keep in mind you’ll at least need a compatible sound card for your PC (or an external audio unit for your console). Neither of these are a problem, as both the Xbox One and the PS4 have optical audio outputs you can use with a compatible soundboard. If going professional is your thing, XLR is the way to go. That said, there are a lot of cool things happening with USB microphones these days.
Some other things to consider when choosing a new gaming mic are:
- Wide Frequency Response Range. Microphones tend to brag about their tremendous range. The truth is, we only hear a range of 20Hz through 20kHz—that’s shallow bass through high treble.
- Plug and Play Simplicity. The microphone must work seamlessly with your system.
- Suitability for Your Environment.
– Omnidirectional mics can pick up your voice if you are not directly in front of them.
– Lavalier microphones can clip onto your clothing and reduce ambient noise.
– Unidirectional microphones only capture sound coming from a specific side. If it’s aimed at you, it will not pick up other voices in the room. - Manufacturer’s Warranty. If you’re investing in a good gaming microphone, a one- or two-year warranty should be a priority.
Microphone Guide Part III: How to Record Gaming Commentaries
In this ‘how to record gaming commentaries’ section, Ben from Subreel chips in and provides some helpful info about the recording process:
In recent years, gaming has become a social activity in pretty much every way conceivable. Gone are the days of adding a wired controller to your console so that your friend could join in with your game. We can now play on massive servers with friends and strangers alike!
On top of this, a whole social world surrounds the games we love, with forums, online communities, and, of course, YouTube. Many gamers have seen themselves turn to creating gaming videos such as commentaries to share among friends or even make money from!
In order to create gaming commentaries, both the audio and video must be good quality. Knowing the basics of video editing and audio recording is enough to get started, and you can start creating game commentaries in no time. Most gamers have a way of recording video through capture cards (and even the gaming capture capacities built-in to your console or PC) but recording audio is something people tend to struggle with. But— getting professional audio sound doesn’t have to be costly or difficult.
Types of Gaming Commentary
If you have ambitions to create gaming videos, they will probably fall into one of the categories below:
- Lets Plays – Screenshots and gaming footage, effectively a ‘playthrough’ accompanied by commentary.
- Reviews – A gaming review in audio format, accompanied by footage or screenshots from the game.
- Walkthroughs – Similar to Lets Plays but with more of a ‘tutorial’ focus. These are more informative and designed to help other gamers progress through the gameplay.
- Reactions – These are great for things like unboxings and buying expansion packs and in-game items. Effectively you’re just recording yourself reacting in reel time!
- Best of Lists – These require a bit more planning but can be very good for growing a following.
The Recording Process – Microphones
If you are serious about your videos, the microphone from your headset is not going to cut it. You’ll need to purchase a mic that can do a better job. But, you probably don’t want to go through the expense of setting up an audio interface required for recording with a traditional ‘studio’ microphone (these have XLR cable connections). So, the simplest option is a USB microphone or a mic that can plug straight into your capture card.
For instance, the Elgato HD capture card has the capacity to plug a USB mic into it. This way the audio is synchronized with the captured footage, and that’s great for reaction videos and playthrough videos.
Even if you’re going to record your audio separately (probably the case for reviews and other similar videos), USB mics are still a great option.
Recommended Model: Blue Yeti
Blue Microphones have pushed the boundaries when it comes to USB technology. The Blue Yeti (and Blue Snowball) are both excellent USB mics with plug-and-play technology, making life very easy for recording.
The Yeti has high quality audio capture, and a host of additional features. This includes gain control, which allows you to set the ‘gain’ or sensitivity of the microphone to suit the volume of your voice.
It also includes three different microphone ‘pickup patterns’ which allow you to record in different scenarios, effectively syncing the mic to your environment. With zero latency output built-in, you can also monitor your recording while you speak, if you so wish. It is also easy to mount on a stand or boom arm, as most YouTubers do to avoid incidental noises such as things moving around on the table.
Software Options
If recording straight onto your capture card, this will cover your software. The Elgato, for instance, has its own software to capture video and audio. The fact that the audio has already been synchronized makes life easier.
If not, recording audio can be done with free software such as Audacity. Audacity has some amazing features for freeware. You can easily select your USB microphone as the input and record high-quality audio on either Mac or Windows computers.
If you already have music software such as Reaper, FruityLoops, Logic, ProTools or others, recording audio is a pretty basic feature. Plus, with most audio software, there is the capacity to import your video and sync up the audio.
You can do things the other way around, too. Even basic video editing software like Windows Movie Maker or iMovie have the ability to import and chop up audio.
Once you have captured it in Audacity, simply import the MP3 and combine with your footage!
Everyone tends to find their own way to edit, and it is largely down to what works best for you. Fortunately, there are tons of videos and articles online specific to your choice of software, and they can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Sharing Your Video
Once you’ve finished your video and exported in the highest quality possible, it is time to upload and share. It can feel like a huge uphill struggle to get anyone to pay attention to your video, but following a few simple steps can help a lot:
- Upload the video to as many platforms as possible. YouTube, Vimeo, and even Twitch if it’s appropriate.
- Give the video proper tags and a full description wherever you upload it to ensure it shows up for as many searches as possible.
- Utilize other social networks to try and get your video kick-started. If you have a following on Twitter or Facebook, even sharing among your friends can be an excellent way to get those difficult first viewers to your video.
- Find appropriate forums to share. These might be on Reddit or other gaming forums. Don’t spam, but if your video is generally helpful and interesting, they should be well received.
Gaming commentaries can be a great way to share your hobbies and even make some money out of your love of gaming.
Microphone Guide Part IV: Is an Expensive Gaming Microphone Really Worth It?
There’s one more factor you may want to consider before you review our top choices. And it is an important one: price. The market is filled with studio-quality microphones for several hundred dollars. Are you recording music or voice-overs for high-quality videos? Then the more expensive microphones are definitely for you.
But if you’re gaming and you don’t need that level of perfection, there’s no reason to spend that much. Just decide which features are most important to you, as this will narrow down your choices and determine the price range.
If you’re a gamer, it doesn’t matter how much of a team player you are. If your team can’t hear what you’re saying, you lose. Why let a poor quality, built-in microphone cost you one more game? If you’ve invested in a quality gaming setup, you’re going to want the best microphone for gaming. A great microphone will improve your gaming experience.
Microphone Guide Part V: Top Microphone Brands
Which microphone brand should you go with? Here we’ll go through 6 of the top audio accessory firms on the market.
Antlion Audio
Antlion Audio was started in 2011 by inventor Jimmy Console. The ModMic is one of their only products, and it has gone through a total of 5 iterations throughout the years. The ModMic 5 was launched in 2016 and is fully modular.
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica has been in the sound business for over 50 years. Originally established to make phonograph cartridges for vinyl records, Audio-Technica has won countless industry awards for its vast line of audio accessories. This includes headphones, microphones, mixers, wireless systems, and more.
Fun fact? Audio-Technical has provided flawless audio coverage of every event ranging from World Cups to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
Blue Designs
Next in line, and a favorite among streamers, gamers, and audiophiles, is Blue Microphones. Founded in 1995 by a session musician and a sound engineer, Blue has since grown to be the number one selling brand of USB microphones. They’re easy to set up, they’re adaptable, and they’re priced a bit lower than the competition.
MXL
With its roots in electrical engineering, MXL began producing microphones in 1998. They produce professional, studio-grade microphones as well as low-priced, high-quality gaming microphones.
Samson Technologies
Samson started as a two-person wireless microphone company in 1980. Now they’re a worldwide operation.
Their Samson Meteor Mic is a cardioid (unidirectional) microphone. This comes in handy for gaming because it won’t pick up the voices of other people in the room. Their G-Track model costs more, but it delivers better reduction of background noise.
Zalman
When Zalman was founded in 1999, its premiere product was a silent cooling fan. The price of the Zalman is no mistake. It’s a small, clip-on microphone that makes almost every top ten list. It comes with a long cable so you can move around the room, and it delivers great sound quality.
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