Choosing the best microphone for streaming is one of the decisions that has the greatest impact on the quality of your live streams. No matter how good your content is, if your voice sounds muffled, echoes, or has background noise, viewers will notice it right away and are likely to leave the stream. In this guide, you\u2019ll find everything you need to make the right purchase, from the basics to specific recommendations based on your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it's for Twitch, YouTube Live, Kick, or any other streaming platform, the microphone is the one thing that makes the biggest difference between a beginner streamer and one who sounds professional. Let\u2019s take a look at the different types of microphones available, which connection is best for you (USB or XLR), which features really matter and which are just marketing hype, and which specific models to buy based on your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if, in addition to streaming, you record content away from home or on your phone, here's a guide on best wireless microphone for a cell phone<\/a> You might also be interested in this to improve the audio in your videos while on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TL;DR:<\/strong> The best microphone for streaming depends on your budget and whether you plan to expand your setup in the future. If you're just starting out, a USB microphone like the Fifine AmpliGame A8<\/strong> or the HyperX SoloCast<\/strong> It gives you professional-grade quality for less than 60\u20ac. If you want broadcast-quality sound and plan to add more equipment, an XLR microphone like the Shure SM7B<\/strong> Using an audio interface is the best option.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Before buying a microphone for streaming, there are four key factors you need to understand. You don't need to be an audio expert, but you do need to know enough to avoid wasting money on something that doesn't meet your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most important decision and the one that has the greatest impact on your purchase. A USB microphone<\/strong> It connects directly to your computer, works with plug-and-play, and doesn't require any additional equipment. It's the simplest option, and the one I recommend for most beginner streamers. Its main advantage is that it doesn't require any setup\u2014just plug it in and it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A XLR microphone<\/strong> It requires an audio interface or mixer to connect to the computer. This makes the setup more expensive (the interface costs an additional \u20ac100 to \u20ac300), but it offers significant advantages: better sound quality, more control over gain, the ability to use external audio processing, and the flexibility to switch microphones without changing the entire audio chain. If you\u2019re planning to stream long-term and want professional-grade sound, XLR is the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short: if you're just starting out and want something that works right away, go with USB. If you want broadcast-quality sound and are willing to invest in an audio interface, go with XLR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The polar pattern determines the directions from which the microphone picks up sound. For streaming, the most useful pattern is the cardioid<\/strong>, which picks up sound coming from the front and blocks out sound coming from behind and the sides. This means your voice is picked up clearly, while noise from a mechanical keyboard, PC fans, or street noise is drastically reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some microphones offer multiple polar patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional). For streaming, you'll use the cardioid pattern 99% of the time. Multiple polar patterns are useful if you also record podcasts with guests in the same room, but they aren\u2019t necessary for streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The diaphragm is the part of the microphone that picks up sound. Microphones with large diaphragm<\/strong> (usually 25 mm or larger) pick up more bass and produce a warmer, fuller sound, which is ideal for vocals. Those with small diaphragm<\/strong> They are more precise in the high frequencies and transients, but they sound thinner. For streaming, a large diaphragm usually yields better results because it provides that \u00abradio-like\u00bb sound that many streamers are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A microphone arm<\/strong> (boom arm) lets you position the microphone exactly where you want it and keeps it off the desk when you're not using it. It\u2019s highly recommended for streaming because it frees up space on your desk and lets you position the microphone at the correct distance (10\u201315 cm from your mouth, slightly below your line of sight so it doesn\u2019t block your face on camera). A desk stand works, but it takes up space and is less flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n USB microphones are the most popular choice for streaming because they offer excellent value for the price and don't require any additional equipment. Here are the best options, sorted by price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Fifine AmpliGame A8<\/strong> It's probably the best microphone for streaming for under 50\u20ac. It has a cardioid polar pattern, a large 25mm diaphragm, a USB-C connection, and a built-in pop filter. It comes with a basic desk mount and a pop filter, making it an all-in-one solution for getting started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sound quality is surprisingly good for the price, with a clear, present voice that sounds much better than you'd expect from a microphone in this price range. The only downside is that the included boom arm is a bit basic, but it gets the job done. If you're on a tight budget, this is the microphone you should buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximate price:<\/strong> 40-50\u20ac<\/p>\n\n\n\n The HyperX SoloCast<\/strong> It is one of the most popular USB microphones among streamers because of its excellent value for the price. It features a cardioid polar pattern, a USB-C connection, and a compact design that doesn't take up much space on your desk. It includes a desk stand with a magnetic base and is compatible with standard microphone arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sound quality is excellent for streaming, with a clear, crisp voice that\u2019s a step above what most gaming headsets with built-in microphones offer. The touch-sensitive mute button on top is very handy during streams. It\u2019s one of the best options if you\u2019re looking for something compact and easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximate price:<\/strong> 50-60\u20ac<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rode NT-USB Mini<\/strong> It is a USB condenser microphone with sound quality that rivals that of much more expensive microphones. Rode is a leading brand in professional audio, and this model delivers that quality in a compact and affordable package. It includes a magnetic desk mount and a pop filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its sound is warmer and more natural than that of the HyperX SoloCast, with less treble boost. It's ideal if you want a more \u00abstudio-like\u00bb sound without breaking the bank. The only downside is that it doesn't have a physical mute button, although you can mute it through the software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximate price:<\/strong> 60-70\u20ac<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Blue Yeti X<\/strong> It is one of the best-known and most widely used USB microphones for streaming. It offers four polar patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo), making it versatile if, in addition to streaming, you host podcasts with guests or record ASMR. It features a gain dial on the front, an LED level meter, and a touch-sensitive mute button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sound quality is very good, although since it\u2019s a large-diaphragm microphone and picks up some ambient noise, you\u2019ll need to be in a relatively quiet room or get very close to the microphone. It\u2019s one of the best options if you\u2019re looking for versatility and not just streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximate price:<\/strong> 120-140\u20ac<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to make the leap to professional-grade quality and are willing to invest in an audio interface, XLR microphones offer sound quality that USB microphones simply can't match. Here are the best options for streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Shure SM7B<\/strong> It's the microphone used by most professional streamers and successful podcasters. It\u2019s not the most expensive or the newest, but it\u2019s the gold standard for a reason: its sound is warm, clear, and professional, and it exceptionally effectively blocks out ambient noise thanks to its cardioid polar pattern and electromagnetically shielded design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The SM7B is a dynamic microphone, which means it needs to be close to your mouth (5\u201310 cm) to pick up your voice clearly, but in return it blocks out almost all background noise. It requires a lot of gain, so it\u2019s recommended to use it with an audio interface like the GoXLR, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen), or a preamp like the Cloudlifter CL-1 to give it the boost it needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you watch professional streamers on Twitch or YouTube, most of them use this microphone or its bigger brother, the Shure SM7dB. It's the ultimate buy for streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximate price:<\/strong> 350\u2013400\u20ac (not including the interface)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rode PodMic<\/strong> It is an XLR dynamic microphone designed specifically for podcasting and streaming. It offers a warm, professional sound very similar to that of the Shure SM7B, but at a fraction of the price. It features a cardioid polar pattern, a built-in pop filter, and a sturdy metal design that feels premium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It requires an audio interface to work, but when paired with a Focusrite Scarlett Solo or a GoXLR, it delivers sound quality that rivals much more expensive setups. It\u2019s the best option if you want to get into the world of XLR without spending as much as an SM7B costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximate price:<\/strong> 130\u2013160\u20ac (not including the interface)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Shure MV7<\/strong> It's a more affordable version of the SM7B that offers both USB and XLR connectivity. This means you can start by using it via USB without buying an audio interface, and when you're ready to upgrade, you can connect it via XLR to an audio interface for even better sound quality. It\u2019s the perfect microphone if you want to start out with USB but haven\u2019t ruled out making the switch to XLR in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its sound is very similar to that of the SM7B, with that characteristic warm Shure tone. It includes ShurePlus software that lets you adjust EQ, compression, and other settings. It's probably the most versatile microphone on the market for content creators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximate price:<\/strong> 230-270\u20ac<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What to Consider When Choosing a Microphone for Streaming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
USB or XLR: Which Connection to Choose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Polar pattern: what the microphone picks up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Aperture Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Table leg or base<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Best USB Microphones for Streaming (by Budget)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fifine AmpliGame A8: The Best Budget Microphone for Streaming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
HyperX SoloCast: Compact and with Great Sound Quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rode NT-USB Mini: Studio-Quality Sound in a Compact Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Blue Yeti X: The Most Versatile USB Microphone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Best XLR Microphones for Streaming (Professional Grade)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shure SM7B: The Industry Standard for Streaming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rode PodMic: XLR quality at an affordable price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Shure MV7: The USB + XLR Hybrid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Comparison: Which Microphone Should You Choose for Streaming?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n