If you are planning on creating your own podcast, recording conversations, stream your content, create audio content or have long chats with your friends and family, then you need the best computer microphone to deliver great sound quality, which is why investing in a high-quality computer microphone is a good idea.
In our round-up review, we have picked out the top 10 computer microphones on the market and reviewed them for you so that you can choose the one that’s best suited to your needs.
Table of Contents
Top Microphone Picks for Computers, Laptops & Mac
Best Personal Computer Microphones – Reviews
Blue Yeti USB Mic
The Blue Yeti mic is one of the best computer microphones on my review. It has excellent features and sound quality for the price.
The mic is equipped with tri-capsule technology and 4 pattern settings – omnidirectional, bi-directional, stereo or cardioid that allows you to get high-quality recording quality, making it excellent for podcasts, voiceovers, gaming, music recording, YouTube videos, Hangout and Skype calls.
The Blue Yeti is very adaptable and versatile and you can adjust, pivot or fold it. It needs 64 MB RAM, which means that it is compatible with pretty much any PC and it is compatible with Mac OS (10.4.11 or higher) and Windows (XP and higher).
The Blue Yeti is available in some cool color options and you can choose one that you like best.
You can plug in the headphones, adjust the volume and also change the sensitivity of the mic.
And, the Blue Yeti mic comes with a sturdy base that lets you adjust the position of the mic on the desktop. The Blue Yeti is a great microphone for both hobbyists, as well as professionals and versatility and super-clear audio quality makes it among the top computer microphones.
Samson Go Mic
The Samson Go Mic is truly a plug-and-play microphone, one of the top studio microphones for computers. You can simply insert it into the USB port of your Mac or PC and start using it immediately, without the requirement for drivers.
The mic is very compact and is a great option if you want it to sit snugly on your desk or carry it along while you travel and record on the go.
The mic has two polar patterns to choose from and you can use the Samson Go Mic for recording podcasts, music and vocals, Skype and video calls and practically anything else except for professional recordings, which makes the mic quite capable and versatile.
The mic has a 16-bit resolution and a frequency of 20Hz – 18kHz that delivers excellent audio features along with a compact and functional design.
Razer Seiren USB Digital Microphone
If you’re looking for a microphone that allows good-quality recording and streaming in various surroundings and situations, then you could take a look at the Razer Seiren Elite.
The mic is equipped with 3 custom-tuned condenser capsules that let you use 4 polar recording patterns that offers an excellent audio experience with richer, warmer and clearer sounds.
The mic has a stabilizing base made of aluminum and this along with the shock mount helps to minimize the noise and improves the longevity of the mic.
The Razer Seiren Elite microphone is equipped with an in-built headphone amplifier zero latency output. The mic has a high recording resolution of 24-bit and 192 kHz, which makes it one of the best computer microphones on our review that delivers excellent audio quality.
The sturdy and rugged Razer Seiren Elite mic offers clear audio quality, making it a very good option for gaming.
The mic is quite popular in the gaming accessories market due to its versatility, USB connectivity, in-built stand and plug-and-play use. In short, if you have the budget, then the Razer Seiren Elite mic is definitely worth the investment.
Floureon BM-800 Condenser Microphone
Floureon BM-800 is a regular condenser microphone that is equipped with a shock mount that reduces extra noise and noise vibration.
The low self-noise and cardioid pattern make the mic ideal for broadcasting, recording acoustic instruments, VoIP calls and chats. The microphone has a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and a sensitivity of 45 dB (+/- 1dB) that will get your job done.
The Floureon BM-800 mic is excellent for sound isolation and so there is very little noise from the outside as the mic comes along with a foam cover that is removable, which protects the source from any interference.
The less than $100 cost of the Floureon BM-800 makes it one of the best computer microphones if you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive solution that can save you some money.
Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone
If you’re on the lookout for a good quality USB condenser mic that is very versatile and can record instruments, podcasts, audio, video chatting, etc., then the Shure MV5 is an excellent choice.
Not only is the microphone a good computer mic, but it is also Apple MFi Certified, which means that you can connect it to any iOS device without the requirement for an adapter, it comes with both a USB, as well as a lightning cable that allows easy connectivity and you do not have to buy another separate cable.
The mic is also compatible with both Mac and Windows computers.
The Shure MV5 comes with 3 DSP modes, instrument, voice and flat and 2 colors. The mic has a resolution of 24-bit and 48 kHz that delivers top-quality recording.
It also comes with headphone monitoring options and a convenient removable stand, which you can remove and use the mic lying on your table or desk and this also makes the mic extremely portable.
The Shure MV5 is priced a bit lesser compared to the Yeti and so, if you’re looking for a different option with similar quality and build while saving money, then this mic is an excellent choice.
The cool design, excellent sound quality and inexpensive price tag make the Shure MV5 a great pick.
Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic
Next on our list of best computer microphones is Blue Snowball Ice.
The budget-friendly mic is powered by a cardioid condenser that delivers good sound quality for smaller voiceover work, chats, podcasts and gaming.
The mic has a 44.1 kHz/16 bit sample rate and 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response that ensures that you get the required range.
The recording quality of the microphone is quite efficient and it also eliminates ambient noises and surrounding sounds and delivers your emotions and messages reliably.
The Blue Ice microphone has a unique look and comes along with a convenient desk stand. The only drawbacks of this mic are that the unit does not have any controls and the polar patterns of the mic are not interchangeable.
If you’re looking to save money, then the compact, small-sized, self-sustaining and reliable USB Blue Ice condenser mic is an excellent option.
PC Goose Neck Microphone
If you’re looking for a simple microphone without any bells and whistles to carry sound into your PC, then you could consider the Syba CL-ME-606.
The omnidirectional condenser mic is extremely easy to use and is a simple plug and play, which means that you do not need to download any extra software or drivers to use the mic with different devices. The microphone is very sleek and durable.
The Syba CL-ME-606 microphone is equipped with a 3.5 mm stereo plug that is suitable for most PCs and laptops.
The microphone has a frequency range of 100 Hz to 16,000 Hz and a sensitivity of -38 dB (+/- 2 dB).
In short, the Syba CL-ME-606 is a very simple mic that does what it is meant to do. You can just connect it to your computer and record sounds and let others hear them.
Samson Meteor USB Studio Condenser Microphone
If you’re on the lookout for a good quality computer mic that is not too expensive, then Samson Meteor is a very good option. The mic can be used with any Mac or PC.
The microphone features a 25 mm diaphragm, which is the biggest among all USB microphones available on the market.
The mic has a cardioid pickup pattern, 44.1/48 kHz bit sample rate and 44.1 Hz to 48 kHz clean frequency response that ensures quite a professional recording quality.
The plug-and-play mic comes with a USB cable that allows you to use it with any device just out of the box. The unit has volume control in the front that is extremely convenient.
The mid-priced mic has a very good build and quality and offers excellent value for the price.
Overall, the Samson Meteor mic is a very versatile and all-inclusive condenser mic that has plenty of features making it one of the best computer microphones on our review.
TONOR PC Microphone
If you’re on a strict budget, then you’re sure to love the Tonor TN12326.
The plug-and-play microphone comes with a 3.5 mm stereo plug that fits most computers and laptops.
The mic has a cardioid pickup pattern and the clear frequency response delivers great recording sound quality for various applications such as podcasts, interviews, Skype chat, voice chat, etc.
The mic features a small head that is very flexible and turns around 360 degrees and tilts up to 900 degrees, which is extremely useful for certain applications.
The mic also comes with a mini tripod that makes it very convenient and easy to use. The mic has a black plastic handle that allows you to pick it up and hold it very easily.
The only drawback of the Tonor TN12326 is that it does not have USB connectivity; however, the inexpensive price tag of the mic lets you save your money.
Overall, the Tonor TN12326 is an excellent alternative to all high-end mics that are available on the market.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (2nd Gen)
And, the final product on our best computer microphone list is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio. This package is perfect if you need an audio interface and headphones along with your microphone.
When you set it up, the Scarlett 2i2 Studio consistently delivers high-clarity recordings of chats, vocals and instruments.
The Scarlett 2i2 has very attractive looks and has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a bit sample rate of 192 kHz/ 24-bit, low latency and Novation bass station AU and VST plug-in synthesizer.
The Scarlett 2i2 Studio is a great option for beginners, starting on their studio work. Now, you can boast about your high-quality recordings with the Scarlett 2i2 Studio.
Today, computer mics are extremely popular with YouTubers, podcasters, people having home studios, etc.
While they are not quite at the same level as professional mics, yet they are worth buying if you’re looking to add a mic to your studio setup.
Choosing The Best Computer Microphone for All Budgets (Buyers Guide)
How to Pick the Best Microphone for Your Computer
When purchasing a microphone for your computer, there are a few factors that you must consider such as:
Type of Microphone
There are different types of mics that are most commonly used along with computers. The most common types that are used for computers are USB mics, low-end condenser mics and 3.5 mm standard mics.
PC or Mac
Both Mac, as well as PCs and operating systems, support the common type of connectivity, i.e. a USB port. The other types of microphones are also quite versatile when it comes to connectivity with a Mac or PC and so it does not really matter whether you have a Mac or a PC that you want to connect the mic to.
Proposed Use
The type of mic you buy depends on what you’re planning to use it for. The most popular computer mic applications are group calls, podcasting, gaming, streaming, online chats, vlogging, voiceovers, recording or producing music or vocals.
Budget
Computer mics are not very expensive and there is a wide range of mics available, right from budget-friendly models to high-end microphones (which are not too expensive either). So, the cost of the computer microphone is obviously an important factor to consider while deciding the one that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which microphone is best for PC?
Below is the list of the top ten best microphones for your personal computer or laptop.
• Blue Yeti USB Mic
• Samson Go Mic
• Razer Seiren USB Digital Microphone
• Floureon BM-800 Condenser Microphone
• Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone
• Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic
• PC Goose Neck Microphone
• Samson Meteor USB Studio Condenser Microphone
• TONOR PC Microphone
• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (2nd Gen)
What is a computer microphone?
A microphone is a device that converts your voice into electric waves so that it can be stored, processed, and transported easily. Microphones were invented in 1877 by Emile Berliner.
When the era of laptops started, the main input devices were the keyboard and the trackpad. There was no way to record sound or save anything in an audio format. However, as technology developed, the need to have voice recordings (especially in the music industry) grew and PC manufacturers introduced in-built microphones into their laptops to facilitate this need.
However, in-built microphones are less powerful than their external peers. That’s why microphone manufacturers introduced many new models meant specifically for PCs. Brands like Shure, Samson, and Blue Yeti have created powerful mics for this market segment, especially for YouTubers, bloggers, and singers.
Do desktop computers have built-in microphones?
Usually, no, desktops don’t have in-built microphones. However, most laptops do. To get a microphone on a desktop, you can buy a monitor with a built-in mic or buy an external mic.
What is the purpose of a computer microphone?
Just like any other microphone, the purpose of a computer microphone is to record voice. In the case of a computer, that voice is immediately converted into a digital format so that the computer can understand and record it.
Today, there are multitudes of computer mics applications: gaming, making video calls, online chatting, recording songs, podcasting, etc.
What should I look for in a computer microphone?
There are three basic things that you should look for:
Compatibility: Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS (on Apple computers). All mics are not compatible with all operating systems, so look out for compatibility with your machine before buying.
Usage: Will you be using the mic just for casual online chatting? Are you a gamer? Is the mic meant for recording your music? Each type of usage brings its specific requirements, which you must look for in the mic
Budget: If money were infinite, we would all buy the moon. But unfortunately, high-end mics can be costly, and not everyone can afford them. So look for the one that fits in your budget and meets the above two criteria as well.
Best Studio Mics was started by a husband and wife team who love the sound and the technicals behind recording it. Both are professional theatre artists, one with a stage management background and one more on stage. One also has experience in film and television work and the different audio requirements of that arena.