The Best Budget Microphone for Streaming
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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Many professional gamers use a standalone microphone in their YouTube or Twitch setups. (See also: ring lights, webcams and green screens.) That’s because a cheap desktop microphone often sounds better than the integrated “mics” in even the best gaming headsets. This is a matter of physics, not price: Smaller microphones are stiffer and more susceptible to picking-up noise from the movement of electrons and circulating air molecules. If you’re buying a microphone for a streaming, podcasting or work-from-home setup, consider:
- How many people will be speaking into the microphone?
- How noisy is the recording environment? Where do the noises come from?
- Must anything other than your voice be recorded while you’re speaking?
Your answers to these questions will help you choose a mic with the right “pickup pattern.” Here are the most common:
- Omnidirectional — Records sound from every direction, including background noises like the click-clacking of a keyboard (we’re looking at you, Cherry Blue).
- Cardioid — Emphasizes sounds that are in front of the microphone (like voices), but still records some ambient sounds.
- Supercardioid — Strongly emphasizes (and isolates) sounds that are in front of the mic.
- Bidirectional — Records sounds from front and back (i.e. good for interviews).
Cardioid microphones are a popular choice for streaming setups because of their flexibility. Many are mounted on a desktop stand and some can be mounted on a swiveling boom arm (usually sold separately).
Dynamic Microphones vs. Condenser Microphones
- Dynamic — This style of microphone is passive (i.e. non-powered) and has a low sensitivity. Dynamic mics are used to capture fluctuating sounds, like drums, but are also used for vocals in noisy environments.
- Condenser — These are powered microphones with high sensitivity. Condenser microphones are used to capture vocals in a controlled environment (like a studio). Loud, fluctuating sounds may cause clipping.
How Much Does a Good Streaming Microphone Cost?
A good streaming microphone (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $40, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same desktop mics cost around $27 while on sale: an average discount of 32%. This data also suggests that B&H is the best place to buy a USB microphone online. Here are the inexpensive USB microphones:
Price Volatility Alert: Since shelter-at-home orders went into effect, the price of entry-level streaming microphones has increased by approximately 50%. However, the prices of professional gaming microphones (like the Fifine K678, Samson C01U Pro, Thronmax Mdrill One Pro, Rode NT-USB, Blue Yeti Nano and Razer Seiren X) have remained relatively stable during this time.
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find streaming microphones with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any mic with a price above the mid-point.
To find USB microphones with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Mics with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 15% of the analyzed products remain.
Pyle USB PC Recording Condenser Microphone (PDMIUSB50)
Good Value: $56 | Great Deal: $50
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Pyle’s plug-and-play USB microphone is durable, sensitive and clear, according to several online customers. Some reviewers warn that the mute button makes an audible pop; others wish the stand was more durable.
Fifine K669B USB Metal Condenser Recording Microphone
Good Value: $30 | Great Deal: $27
This microphone is solidly constructed, has a strong and sturdy stand, and sounds great for the money, according to several online customers. Many customers (even happy ones) say this microphone is quieter than they hoped; others were disappointed that the mic’s USB cable is integrated and non-removable.
Samson Q2U Dynamic USB Microphone
Good Value: $56 | Great Deal: $36
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Samson’s Q2U microphone has great vocal clarity and good noise reduction, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this microphone has low sensitivity and must be placed close to the mouth.
Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone, Cardioid
Good Value: $47 | Great Deal: $35
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Blue’s Snowball iCE microphone is well-built and captures voices crisply and clearly, especially when used with a pop filter, according to several online customers. Many say this mic picks up background noise and needs to be positioned away from a keyboard; others were disappointed by the included stand.
Bietrun USB Condenser Cardioid Mic (UMKF01)
Good Value: $45 | Great Deal: $35
This budget USB microphone has a tight pickup pattern that cancels background noise and reproduces voices clearly, according to several online customers who also praise this microphone’s sturdy base and plug-and-play design. Many reviewers say this microphone feels fragile; others say that it has low sensitivity.
Insignia NS-CBM19 USB Microphone
Good Value: $40 | Great Deal: $25
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Insignia’s affordable USB mic has excellent sound quality and a simple, sturdy design, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the noise level is noticeably higher than a professional gaming mic.
Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone
Good Value: $55 | Great Deal: $31
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This metal cardioid-microphone is compact, sensitive and has an integrated stand, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish this mic had an onboard gain adjustment and was less sensitive to background noise. Others found the live-monitoring headphone jack to be more annoying than useful.
CMTECK USB Omnidirectional Microphone
Good Value: $17 | Great Deal: $13
This plug-and-play microphone offers decent sound quality at a bargain price, according to several online customers (many of whom use their mic for simple voice calls). Some reviewers wish the stand wasn’t so bulky; others were disappointed that the mute button makes a clicking noise.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Cyber Monday.
Fifine K668 Home Studio USB Condenser Microphone
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $14
Fifine’s USB microphone is a solid upgrade from a gaming headset, according to several online customers. Some say this mic picks up interference; others wish the mic stand was sturdier and more adjustable.
Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone
Good Value: $32 | Great Deal: $18
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Samson’s Go Mic is small, portable and captures clean audio, according to several online customers. Some gamers complain that the microphone picks up ambient noise and is prone to clipping.
Insignia NS-PAUM50 USB Microphone
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $10
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This inexpensive USB microphone has good sound quality relative to its size and price, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that this microphone is made from cheap, thin plastic; others say the microphone is prone to picking up electronic interference, which results in static or crackling noises.
About the Author: John DeFeo is a one-time A/V salesman and a graduate of NYU film school. He spent many days and nights in recording studios doing voice-over and foley work. He was also the head of editorial insights for brands such as Tom’s Guide, Anandtech and Tom’s Hardware.
