The battle of the best USB microphone brands can be seen below.
They are judged based on what their kits include, the sound quality they produce, and overall quality. At the end of the battle, the best USB microphone will be announced.
Table of Contents
Top USB Microphone Picks
The Best USB Mics – Our Reviews
Fifine USB Podcast Condenser Microphone
Here we have the Fifine USB Microphone. This computer microphone features a plug-and-play design that would definitely work well with Mac and Windows computers. The USB feature also eliminates the need for an external power that is phantom for approximately 48V.
- The volume control knob makes the output volume easily controlled. It has a mute, volume up, and volume down buttons.
- It also has a polar pattern that is cardioid to improve audio recording on any platform such as YouTube or other software used for recording such as Audacity – see recommended Audacity podcast editing settings here. The microphone is also sensitive enough to make out clear sounds.
- The sensitivity of its microphone makes it hard to really have an isolated sound.
- Although it has an excellent noise-cancelling feature, if the noise or another sound other than what you want to record is in full access to the microphone, it can still pick up those scattered noises.
Best USB Microphone for Vocals: Samson Q2U USB/XLR
This grey, die-cast, dynamic microphone features digital (USB) and analog (XLR) outputs, making it suitable for on-stage and in-studio applications.
It is compatible with PC, Mac, and even iPads and iPhones, as well as a wide range of digital audio workstation software.
In addition, it has an on and off switch, which conveniently allows simultaneous live setting performance and computer recording, as well as a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack with accessible volume control.
The Samson Q2U has a frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz and a sensitivity of -54dBV/Pa. It comes with a desktop stand, a mic clip, a 2.25m USB cable, a 3m XLR cable, Cakewalk Music Creator software, and a user manual.
Design: AMZtronics’s black and gold USB microphone has the most sophisticated look. It looks pretty much like a basic dynamic microphone. CAD GXL2400’s Microphone leaves nothing to be desired as well with its matte silver body, black shock-mount, and transparent USB cable.
Getting past the look of these microphones, there’s certainly something to love about the microphone’s 2-in-1 function. In this day and age of multi-purpose and compact gadgets, it certainly is ahead of the other two microphones.
Quality: As for audio quality, all microphones make great entry-level microphones at their price point. In fact, they prove to be better options compared to some of the more expensive USB mics available.
Worth mentioning is AMZtronics’s high sensitivity and ability to record aggressive vocals, CAD GXL2400’s great background cancellation capacity and great treble, and it’s overall good audio quality for either mobile recordings and on-stage performances.
Ease of use, assembly, or setup: Compared to AMZtronics Recording Condenser Microphone, it runs smoothly on both Mac and PC—even iPads and iPhones—and most computer-based audio workstations; while AMZtronics microphone is only Windows compatible. What sets it apart though is the headphone output that’s great for zero-latency monitoring.
Price: As for the price, it is the most expensive; CAD GXL2400, second; and AMZtronics USB Recording Condenser Microphone, the least expensive. It is approximately double the price of the two other brands’ options. But considering it’s 2-in-1 functionality, it’ safe to say they are on the same level.
Summary
Easily, Samson Q2U beats the other USB recording microphones. It looks pretty simple, but it’s ideal. It is compatible with most digital and analog applications. Plus you have easy access to volume and monitoring controls. For its features and audio recording quality, it’s still a bargain despite the price tag.
But if you don’t see yourself using the analog recording feature and paying extra for it, either CAD GXL2400 or AMZtronics Recording Condenser Microphone will be perfect for your needs. GXL2400 for either Mac or PC owners; and AMZtronics for PC users.
- It performs as well as or better than most microphones in its range. The frequency response is good.
- It is versatile. Because it has both XLR and USB outputs, you need not get separate mics for computer recordings and on-stage performances.
- The mic allows easy access to volume and monitoring control.
- The mic could have come with a windscreen or pop filter as well as a storage case.
- The stand cannot support well the weight of the mic. It is not stable and made of plastic.
- The headphone jack has quality issues.
Best USB Mics for Recording Music: Rode NT
This product from Rode comes with a tripod stand that looks sturdy. It also has a pop shield, and a ring mount to protect the microphone. One of its best features is its Aux port for the headset that helps when controlling input and output.
Rode is known to produce good quality microphones. The output of their products is always professional sounding with the right execution. There is no noticeable noise, and there are no plosives or popping sounds heard.
It follows industry standards in terms of measurements. This microphone model also has control knobs for ease in adjusting volume and reverb settings.
However, it could be suggested that the base of the stand be made wider to make it sturdier.
- Regulates plosives when used for speech recording
- Compatible even with iPad and other Apple tablet devices
- Has control knobs
- The microphone’s and its peripherals’ measurements and other features follow industry standards.
- Professional-quality output
- Has aux port for headset
- Possibility of toppling over
- Stand’s base is not foldable
SoLID (TM) Lavalier Lapel Microphone
First is we have the Lavalier Clip-on Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone by Aitesco. Unlike the other products on this list. This microphone has a USB Lapel Microphone. This product is compatible with Windows and Mac.
It comes with the clip-on microphone, a lapel clip, two wind muffs, and a deluxe microphone patch. It boasts about its smooth and flat frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz as it is perfect for recording speech and sounds of instruments.
It also effortlessly reproduces sound. The noise-cancelling feature is also good to some extent where this product can be used for chat, Skype, MSN, Yahoo Recording, YouTube Recording, and Google Voice Search.
The best thing about the Lavalier Microphone is its portability. You can practically take it anywhere, and plug it into any computer.
It even comes with a bag, so it was designed to be essential for travel.
It does, however, encounter some problems with noise cancellation. Since its microphone is that of a lapel, it is expected that the noise-cancelling aspect is not that accurate.
You still have to make a conscious effort to place it near the source of the sound. At the same time, as you have to pin the microphone to your clothes. The sound made, could be muffled.
Best USB Microphone for Podcasting & Gaming: CAD GXL2200
This was designed to compete with the best gaming mics, podcast recordings, and video calling, among others. It features an Akos™ capsule that offers a full range of sounds.
It also has a 20Hz to 18kHz frequency response. This plug and play USB studio microphone is compatible with PC and Mac computers and comes with a black shock mount, a desk tripod, and a translucent USB cable with silver braiding.
- It offers good value for its price. At par with, if not better than, some of the more expensive microphones. The sound is crisp and clean, and very little background noise is picked up. It also has great treble.
- It’s easy to setup and use.
- The microphone’s USB port is positioned at the base of the microphone, which leaves the USB cable bent uncomfortably.
- The stand is too small to support the microphone. You need to position it right to keep it from tipping.
Best USB Microphone for Live Streaming: NASUM Computer Microphone
Just like the rest, this one does not need an external power supply to work. It also comes with an adjustable stand and a filter to avoid spraying it with saliva and to minimize distracting sounds from outside the room.
One of the best things about it is that it comes with a Y-type audio splitter. This makes it usable on laptops or tablets and only has one audio port.
It is Windows and Mac compatible and is easy to set up and use. The filter has two layers to normalize popping sounds for voice recordings.
This filter’s distance from the microphone can also be adjusted to achieve the effect the user wants.
It is plug-and-play and is even compatible with unsupported operating systems such as Windows Vista and XP.
However, its user guide does not include any troubleshooting information, which is very important especially that the target market of this type of microphone is not really the professionals. It is also very sensitive to sounds, so it is necessary that the recording happens in a quiet space.
- No need for outside power input
- Windows and Mac compatible
- Sound is crisp and clear
- Easy to set up and use
- Comes with a Y-splitter
- No troubleshooting information
- Very sensitive
eBerry Cobblestone Microphone
It has a customized capsule that is condensed with a protracted response of frequency of about 38Hz-38KHz that would allow the mic to record and deliver clear and fine audio.
At the same time, it also has the usual USB plug which boasts compatibility for computers that are Windows and Mac.
It has a durable and exquisite design which only comes in color black. You set it up with its sturdy tripod. The tripod is convenient as it allows the microphone to be easily adjusted to the position that you want to set it to. It is also user-friendly as it has a mute button and light indicators.
It’s probably the cutest looking USB cable recording microphone in the market right now. But besides it exterior, this microphone stands out for its simplistic and easy to use functions.
Once you plug it in, your computer will detect it right away, and the installing process is very straightforward.
The product gets its bravado from the unique lotus design found at its back that allows the airflow to smoothly pass through the microphone for a clear and piercing sound. This feature makes this microphone optimal for recording covers, instruments, podcasts, see the best mics for voiceovers, games and chats.
It is great for recording, friendly with your computer and easy to use. But that is just it. There is nothing exceptional about the product.
And that is why it is dubbed as “perfect for beginners.” It just merely does its job. It does not improve nor lessen the quality of sound. Think of it as the plain Jane of the bunch.
Best USB Microphone for Singing: AMZtronics Condenser Microphone
AMZtronics offers one of the newest products on the market. It produces authentic speaking and singing vocals that sound professional to some people.
The recordings are crisp and clear, and there are no noticeable statics or other unnecessary sounds. It also has volume and echo adjustment knobs to help achieve the users’ desired effects.
This set includes a foldable mini tripod that perfectly holds the microphone. It also has a pop filter to minimize noise. All these are made of high-quality aluminium, making it durable and usable for many years to come. Everything fits perfectly together.
This microphone kit deserves every penny as it is really plug-and-play. There’s no need to install anything or to buy any other hardware. It is perfect for communicating online, and for recording both audio and video.
The only downside is if it’s going to be used on a laptop, notebook, or tablet, there needs to be a headset mic splitter cable since it usually only has one 3.5-mm port.
- Makes voice sound authentic
- Plug-and-play
- With Tripod and clip
- It has built-in volume and echo adjustment knobs.
- Good quality for the price
- Looks good and appears to be made of high-quality materials
- Needs separate ports for input and output, so a Y-splitter is required when it will be used on laptops and tablets
- Not compatible with Mac
Choosing The Best USB Microphone – Buyers Guide
Time and time again we purchase a lot of items that we get so excited about. But when we go home and plug it into our computer. Lo and behold! Our computer hates it. No matter how hard we try to fix the issue.
It just cannot be done. When the PC says, “Nope, not going to happen.” More often than not, it most definitely will not happen.
Now we are going to complicate things more by buying a recording microphone. It might even come to a point where we are scared of taking a leap and buying other equipment that would potentially fight with our computer. But do not fret as we have listed three pc friendly recording microphones!
Wait, what? That is possible?
Yes, it most definitely is. So read on until the end to find which recording microphone would most probably get along the best with your computer.
The ease of use of microphones has become too popular to ignore. Many manufacturers started producing USB microphones for all types of microphones.
CAD U37 USB Mic
The appearance of the Cad U37 is very similar to a studio analog microphone. It is an extremely cheap and high-quality microphone. It produces warm and rich recordings.
The cardioid pattern helps isolate the main sound source producing a nice sound. It has many features including a bass reduction switch that reduces room noise and an extended frequency response. It comes in multiple colors and is very easy to install and use.
Apogee USB Mic 96k
One of the more mobile and small USB mics on the market, the Apogee Mic 96k is capable of recording audio at 96khz. This is higher than some of the more expensive studio mics on the market.
The icebreaker with this mic, though, is that you can synchronize it to your phone and use your phone to record your singing. It works with all Apple devices including the Mac, iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. It does not require any battery or external power and is powered by connection to an Apple device.
Blue Snowflake USB Microphone
Another small and mobile microphone, the blue snowflake is a miniature version of the blue snowball. It comes equipped with a stand or a clip that attaches to your computer.
It is great for desktop recording and doing voice-overs. The casing also holds the USB cord. This allows for easy portability as the entire microphone can fit inside your pocket.
Blue Snowball USB Mic
One of the most popular microphones available today, the Blue Snowball is excellent for any vocal recording. It extremely lightweight and easy to carry around.
It is shaped like a ball and features a dual capsule design. Both cardioid elements and omnidirectional work together to provide a unique recording experience.
Understanding how microphones work, and if the USB connection will affect the sound quality, is a good place to start.
Ease of Use
One of the easiest microphones to use out of them all are plug and play. This means, all you have to do is plug your microphone into a USB jack on your computer and you are good to go – see the best of them here.
The drivers for your microphone usually will install automatically, otherwise, you may be given a disk with the installation on it. They are great for recording because they are newbie-friendly. Anyone can set them up and get started right away.
Other microphones might have multiple cords to plug into work. This can get confusing if you are not used to using microphones. There are cons to using these microphones though. Read our article on how USB microphones work here.
Lack of Control
Usually, the sample rate for USB microphones are fixed and cannot be changed. If you ever need a higher sample rate, you cannot get it with this kind of microphone. Analog microphones often give you multiple choices when it comes to customizing the quality.
Price
One of the main reasons that they are chosen over analog microphones is due to the price. You can find a one for much less than an analog microphone. This has to do more so with the specifications of USB microphones.
As discussed previously, there is little to no control over sound quality and sample rate for them. This lowers the price. Price is a relative number though.
Just because a microphone is expensive doesn’t mean it is a good microphone. You should always look over mic specs before ever purchasing.
Sound Quality
With a cheaper price comes cheaper quality. USB mics do not sound terrible; however, you can tell the difference between it and an analog microphone.
They are different than analog microphones in that they contain analog to digital converters or A/D converters. This affects the sound quality as the sound must go through another conversion.
When you use normal analog microphones, the sound goes straight to your PC as analog and thus, the sound is of higher quality.
Portability
One great thing about them is the ability to carry them around with you wherever you want to go. They work on any computer that has a USB port and you are not limited by the size or shape of it.
Most analog microphones don’t have this issue either, but you will find it much easier to use a USB microphone when doing a lot of moving.
The Verdict
Let’s look back on the three PC recording microphones that we mentioned. Note that all three are compatible with Windows and Mac computers. As well as laptops or netbooks. So there is no question that all three are compatible with your picky PC.
It would all still boil down to the usability, easy instalment process and the overall performance of the recording microphone. Which in all these aspects, there is a clear winner.
So, the recording microphone that would be the best fit for your PC is the Fifine USB Podcast Condenser Microphone.
The Fifine USB Podcast Condenser Microphone can look a little unbecoming for a powerhouse recording microphone. But what it lacks in appearance, it makes up for performance.
It automatically converts and enhances the sound that it records, to get that high-quality sound.
This recording microphone can produce sounds as impeccable as the ones produced by professional studio recording microphones. Which in this case, the former is definitely winning against the latter as it is compact and travel-friendly.
You would probably think, “Why would I invest in a bulky recording microphone when I can just purchase a USB cabled microphone that does the same job?”
And yes, you are asking the right question. The Fifine USB Podcast Condenser Microphone, when used properly, might even defeat some of the professional equipment for recording. The sound quality it captures and produces is that good.
The best thing about it is that you would never worry about incompatibility with your PC.
When you ask people how they usually communicate with their friends and loved ones, many would say “online” or “virtually”.
One of the main reasons for their popularity is because of people’s demand for a microphone that is better than what’s in their headsets, but not as expensive as professional microphones.
They can be used when doing online calls such as in Skype, Facebook Messenger, and Google Hangouts; hosting conference calls, don’t forget to grab the best headset for video conferencing; recording videos with narration for instructional and educational purposes; recording podcasts and broadcasts; for trying to have some fun by recording one own’s singing voice and musical performances.
This type of microphone connects to the computer for power supply via USB and transmits sound using a 3.5mm audio cable. It also normally comes with a mini stand or a clip.
This is considered to be the most basic type of microphone as it is not expected to be able to produce real professional audio recordings.
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.