10 Best Mic For Gaming 2023 – Streamers & Gamers

So you’re currently searching around looking for a new mic? If you are, you will have already figured out that there is so much to consider. However, if you can’t find the right microphone, don’t worry because you have come to the right place. The website is run by gamers for gamers.

In this post, I will explain everything, and by the end of you will be able to find the best mic for gaming perfect for you whatever the budget.

Since I started working for 25PC.com 2 years ago, I have covered the microphones used by every big gaming YouTuber, and I am an expert when it comes to this kind of thing, so you can trust me.

What Do I Need to Know About Gaming Microphones?

It’s crucial to know what you’re looking for in a gaming microphone before you buy one. If you’re not establishing a music recording studio or a streaming setup, the most critical goal is straightforward communication. The best gaming microphones place emphasis on the mids and highs in ways that aren’t always correct but are intended to make voices sound clear.

If you’re setting up a streaming station, it might be worth it to invest in something with more studio-quality sound. There are numerous factors to consider in this regard, such as the type of microphone you’d like to use and the type of audio recording setting you’ll require.

You’ll need to determine exactly what kind of microphone you want based on your requirements. A gaming mic with a cardioid or hyper-cardioid pickup pattern is typically optimal if you’re seated at a desk playing games. The best gaming microphone performs well when the object being recorded is placed immediately in front of the mic.

Your requirements will vary depending on the type of setup you have. For example, the best USB mic is definitely your best bet if you’re gaming on a PC. On the other hand, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on XLR mics and audio interfaces. In the end, it’s better to keep things simple.

Things get a little tricky if you’re playing on a console. Both 3.5mm and USB options are supported by the Playstation 4. The USB microphones will only operate while the console is docked. There are the specifics of your setup to consider. A detachable wired USB mic might not be the best option if your preferred console is located across a den or living room.

Physical switches are extremely beneficial. Keep an eye out for the many types of buttons and switches that mics offer. Almost everything is managed from your computer or console, but it’s always quicker to reach over and flip a mute switch than to alt-tab and look for the menu option.

The difference between this guide and the other ones…

Often with these sorts of guides, the authors will just put a product at number 1 purely because it’s expensive, and they get paid a bigger commission (shocking, I know). I’m not like the other guys, I promise! In this post, I will show you 10 different microphones perfect for gamers and give you an honest overview of each one.

What is the best mic for gaming?

Best Mic For Gaming 

1. Blue Yeti Blackout USB Microphone

If you have spent even just 1 hour watching some big Gaming YouTubers or any Twitch Streamers, then you will most likely have listened to their voice thanks to the Blue Yeti.

The Youtuber Leafy used a version of this microphone to build his semi-successful Youtube career. Even though his channel has dropped slightly in popularity now, he can still credit the blue yeti for helping record his videos and for earning big bucks from his millions of views.

It is by far the best budget microphone for gamers, and choosing something from blue microphones is a wise choice based on their solid history and countless 5-star reviews.

2. Audio Technica AT2020 XLR Microphone

You might be thinking, didn’t I already cover this gaming microphone? The answer is no I covered the Audio Technica AT2035, which is pretty much the hotter younger sister microphone to the Audio Technica AT2020. If you like the 2035 but want to save some money, the AT2020 is an option as it still almost produces the same recording capabilities.

3. Rode NT-USB Condenser Recording Microphone

This USB microphone comes from Australian audio company Rode, and although they have other microphones, this is their only microphone featured in this guide. The reason for that is because this, for a lot of people, is regarded as the best mic for gaming.

4. V-Moda Boom Pro Cheap Microphone

If you don’t want a super-expensive studio audio quality mic and are looking for something really small and discreet, you should try a clip-on mic. You can attach one onto your headphones easily, and even though they are super small, you can still get a great recording out of them.

One of my favorite audio companies, V-Moda, has created one especially for gamers. V-Moda is known for its super durable products, and its products are used by the top DJs in the world, which surely says a lot.

Now that you’ve got your mic, you’ll also want to get mixing and mastering services to improve your sound quality.

5. Razer Sieren X USB Microphone

It’s one of the few USB microphones for gaming in our list that’s specifically designed for gamers, which is something we’ll certainly see a lot more of in the future. However, I have to say that this is the best microphone that probably looks a lot better than it sounds, and it’s for the kind of people buying a gaming headset so that they can listen to music (it’s dumb).

I am including the Razer Sieren X in this list because, Hey…. maybe you’re the type of person who wants a cool-looking microphone or just a huge Razer fanboy.

6. Zalman ZM-MIC1 Cheap Clip-On Mic

I’m going to suggest the Zalman gaming microphone to you. If you’re looking for the cheapest option out there, then this is for sure one of them. Salman is a South Korean company, and they also make computer tower cases.

It is the best gaming microphone from Zalman that will clip onto clothing like a t-shirt, for example, or a pair of headphones. It comes with a super long cable which can be good for some people and a bit too much for others.

7. Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

It is by far the highest quality best microphone for gaming on the list, and if you use this, you’re going to be able to sound similar to the likes of Joe Rogan if you edit the post audio correctly. There are even rumors Michael Jackson used this for a song which, if true gives owners of this mic some serious bragging rights.

8. Shure PGA27 Vocal Microphone

If you’ve got a large audience and the budget, then the Shure PGA27 is the microphone for you. It is the best mic for gaming that will make you sound so good, and I am serious. It can give your voice that deep, low-move trailer voice-over-man sound.

It is the best gaming microphone that has been used by the likes of Markiplier, who has over 18 million YouTube subscribers and Jacksepticeye, who has over 16 million for gaming.

9. Antlion Audio Mod Clip-On Mic

A big mistake gamers sometimes make is buying an expensive gaming headset expecting the microphone to be amazing when most of the time they are not. Antlion Audio, a 6-year-old American-based company, has created a low-cost, high-quality solution by making a clip-on mic attachable to a pair of headphones.

10. Audio Technica AT2035 Cardioid Mic

Coming in at number 4 is the slightly less popular Audio Technica AT2035. Let me tell you something, though, this is one of the best microphones for gaming and is underrated, in my opinion, and I would put it in at number 1 if it were slightly cheaper. It is a definite upgrade to the Blue Yeti and used by captainsparlklez, the big-time Minecraft Youtuber.

What to Look for in the Best Mic for Gaming

1. Polar Pattern

The polar pattern of the best microphone for gaming describes the area in which it picks up noise. Some gaming microphones come with various polar patterns, while others have one.

a) Cardioid

The most popular polar pattern is cardioid because it’s optimal for capturing a single vocal. Cardioid polar pattern microphones generate a small cone around one side of the microphone, allowing it to listen to a very specific area while blocking out the rest.

Variations, such as super-cardioid or hyper-cardioid narrow the cardioid polar pattern even further, taking up audio from a small area.

b) Bidirectional

Bidirectional or figure-8 mics create two polarity fields, one on each side of the mic, as the name implies. Consider taping two hyper-cardioid mics together and facing them in opposite directions. It’s great for concurrently recording two vocals, one on either side of the mic. When recording many voices, it’s always ideal to utilize separate mics if at all possible.

c) Omnidirectional

Omnidirectional microphones are the polar opposite of hyper-cardioid microphones in that they listen in all directions, from all angles, front and rear. As a result, room noise and ambient noises, such as crowd chatter or reverb from a loud instrument or drumkit, are best captured using it. Of course, it’s less useful in a gaming scenario, but you can utilize an omnidirectional mode mic to record multiple vocals in close proximity.

d) Stereo

Stereo is ideal for recording ASMR. Look up ‘ASMR’ on YouTube because I couldn’t do it justice here if you want the best example.

2. USB Gaming Mic vs. Studio Mic

a) USB gaming mics

These use a USB connection to connect your gaming PC and have an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the analog microphone signal to digital data. They’re simple to set up, don’t normally require special drivers, and often have background noise dampening built-in.

b) Studio Mics or Condenser microphones

Because a studio mic connects to your computer through XLR, you’ll need a sound card with XLR input connectors. Studio microphones range in price from $100 to tens of thousands of dollars and are exclusively available in recording studios. Unfortunately, they don’t have noise reduction built-in like gaming mics because they don’t have an ADC or a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

The best gaming mics are USB-based, but they’re only one of two options for the streamer, competitive gamer, or home recording enthusiast who also enjoys playing PUBG. XLR-based studio mics, on the other hand, necessitate the use of an audio interface. These mics, when utilized appropriately, can provide higher-quality and more adaptable recordings.

Condenser mics are chosen by artists who record and require top-notch quality. You’ll also need phantom power, an additional device that powers the mic because USB microphones obtain their power from your computer. A few other pieces of equipment like mic stands and pop filters. USB mics have these built-in or come with them in the box.

3. Online Monitoring

It might be quite useful to hear the direct input signal while recording. Many gaming mics have a headphone jack, which means that you’ll hear the raw audio without any compression or enhancements done to the file when you plugin.

4. Range of Frequency Response

The frequency response range is an important point on the spec sheet since it indicates the lowest and highest-pitched sounds that the mic membrane can take up. Because the extremes are also the boundaries of human hearing, the baseline range is 20 Hz-20 kHz.The larger the range of frequency response, the better.

The best gaming microphones have a wider frequency response range. You can’t hear the extra detail they pick up, so it may seem pointless, but you can ‘feel’ subharmonics inside the low-end frequencies. The same is true at the opposite end of the frequency response range. Unless you’re a Dalmatian, you won’t be able to hear 22 KHz, but you’ll be able to feel the extra harmonic detail it provides to the high-end tones your ear does pick up.

5. Money

A budget will always guide us in a certain path, especially if you’re looking for a straightforward solution with few bells and whistles. In this article, we identified a variety of gaming microphones ranging in price, as shown above.

What are the Most Useful Accessories for Mics?

A genuine adjustable arm, rather than the short stands included with many USB and XLR microphones. It makes it easy to position the best microphone for gaming so that it picks up your voice without taking up too much of your screen; if you’re gaming or your camera’s point of view if you’re streaming.

Consider the address style of your gaming microphone when adjusting your arm. When speaking into one side, side-address microphones, such as the Blue Yeti, perform best. Top-address microphones should be pointed directly at your lips.

The second device you should consider is pop filters and windshields. They lessen the impact of plosives, which are sounds like p and b that are harsh on the ears when recorded with a raw microphone.

Pop filters and windshields are usually fixed on your mic or boom arm, and they must be placed between you and your mic to work. To connect your XLR microphone, you’ll also need a high-quality audio interface and an XLR male-to-female connection.

1. XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable

The zinc alloy design of the three-pin male to female XLR microphone cable ensures a secure, uninterrupted audio supply. Outside noise interference is reduced by the cable’s all-copper conductors and strengthened inner copper spiral shielding.

The microphone cable features a flexible 6.0mm PVC jacket and a sturdy metal housing for consistent performance. With XLR-compatible PA systems or equipment, the cable provides plug-and-play convenience.

2. RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm

The PSA1 is a studio boom arm used in radio, broadcast, studios, and at home. The PSA1 mic arm has an 820mm horizontal reach, 840mm vertical reach, and 360-degree rotation. For adaptable mounting in desks up to 55mm thick clamp or 70mm thick insert, it comes with velcro cable wraps and both desk-clamp and desk-insert style attachments.

When paired with a shock mount, the PSA1 supports most microphones weighing between 700g (1.5lb) and 1.1kg (2.4lb) when used with the RDE Procaster and Podcaster. The PSM1 shock mount is available for purchase separately.

3. Dragonpad USA Microphone Pop Filter, for Blue Yeti, Blue Snowball

It is the best gaming microphone studio pop filter with a high-quality, low-cost solution for anyone who wishes to record crystal clear audio in fewer takes. This pop filter is ideal for recreational and professional recording and live streaming on YouTube and Twitch, and recording podcasts and dubbing. Available in various colors and combinations to allow you to personalize your studio precisely how you want it!

Dual layers of nylon mesh with an air gap work together to decrease and eliminate popping and lisping without sacrificing clarity in your recordings. It works by capturing and dispersing the air bursts created by specific letters and sounds, preventing them from reaching your microphone. Other advantages include the elimination of “lisping” from some “s” sounds and reducing errant breath noise. The screen additionally protects the best gaming microphone from saliva and moisture.

The windscreen is attached to a 13″ metal gooseneck that is flexible and sturdy. You may bend the articulated arm up, over, and around your stand to position the pop filter precisely where you want it. The pop filter is attached to most microphones and stands with a metal c-clamp and thumbscrew fastener, while the soft cushioning protects the finish of anything you set it on. The pop filter can be fitted to nearly any microphone or stand, thanks to its unique mounting angle and tension screw.

4. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools

If you want to start recording, Focus rite’s second-generation Scarlett solo is ideal, and it’s now much better, faster, and easier than ever. Regardless of its small size and ease of use, it has the same class-leading sound quality and digital conversion as the rest of the Scarlett family.

It has a single Scarlett mic preamp with a natural sound, a newly-designed instrument input, and super-low latency. Take it anywhere, connect it to a computer with a single USB cable, plug your microphone and instrument right in, and record studio-quality audio with ease. Focus rite is the ideal complement to Pro Tools.

Scarlett solo now comes with an exclusive version of Pro Tools. First focus rite creative bundle and able ton, Live Lite, to commemorate the occasion. It works with all major DAWs on both Mac and PC. Super-low roundtrip latency is measured at 2. 74ms while working at 96kHz with a 32-sample buffer in Logic Pro x on a Mac Pro running OS 10. 11.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. Why Would I Choose a Standalone Microphone Over a Headset?

There are numerous reasons why you would want to use a solitary microphone. First, the excellent audio quality of a standalone mic is always superior to that of headphones or even a boom mic. It can help your live streams or YouTube broadcasts look more professional or make it easier for your colleagues to understand you.

Furthermore, a standalone mic is preferable to a headset in terms of appearance or feel. Some people dislike having a boom microphone right in front of their mouth because it is distracting, and others enjoy the look of a solitary microphone in their recordings.

2. How Do You Set Up a Gaming Microphone?

Right-click on the sound icon in the taskbar and select Properties. It will allow you to access the sound options. First, select the sound control panel from the drop-down menu. Now you may select the recording tab from the drop-down menu. You can choose the output parameters and the best gaming microphone options under the recording tab. Next, open the properties window and check the checkbox. It will open the settings and switch on your microphone.

3. Is it Better to Use a USB or an XLR Connector?

USB mics are the most common for gaming and streaming. However, the more widely used professional connection standard, XLR, can occasionally be found in high-end equipment. Hybrid USB/XLR connectors combine the best of both worlds, but they’re more expensive.

USB is the easier of the two, and it’s your best pick if you’re seeking plug-and-play convenience. That simplicity, though, comes at a price. For example, it will be difficult to record more than one USB microphone simultaneously, and the mix will be monitored and adjusted digitally.

With the increased complexity of XLR comes a lot of flexibility that you wouldn’t be able to get with a USB mic without even a more complicated digital audio mixer. If you’re searching for a more complex setup, you can mix, tune, and monitor an XLR mic before it even touches your PC, which is a huge plus.

The disadvantage of XLR is that they require additional hardware to connect to your computer. Instead, it’s simply a way to connect a microphone to a computer, such as the many devices with that name, which frequently have mixing capabilities.

4. How Much Should I Pay for the Best Gaming Microphone?

We’ll always want to obtain the greatest deal possible as PC gamers. It’s easy to get lost in the audio world’s deep dark forests and even simpler to waste a ridiculous amount of time and money trying to find the greatest possible setup. However, because we don’t require studio-ready gear, the price is the most important factor to consider when determining the quality of a microphone.

Consider your use. If you’re just using a microphone for in-game voice chat, you probably don’t need a high-end gaming microphone with a half-dozen polar patterns and quality comparable to a podcast studio. It’s a waste of money to spend on features you don’t need or use. The best gaming microphone can cost $100 or less. If you need some help, we’ve compiled a list of the best gaming microphones available this year.

The End!

So there we have it… a list of 10 of the best microphones for gaming. Everything from the lowest to the highest price point, XLR microphones and USB gaming microphones, fancy and minimalist. No matter what type of gamer you are, there is definitely a gaming mic here in this list that is just perfect for you. Now it’s your job to choose it and give it a new home.