Top 5 USB Microphones for Streamers 2025
Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’ve personally used and tested every mic on this list, so they all have their own review articles in the mics section of this website. This list will continue to be updated throughout 2025.
Honorable Mention: Elgato Wave:1
The Elgato Wave:1 would be #5 on this list, but it was discontinued way back in 2022. Now Elgato only sells the Wave:3 which has the exact same condenser capsule resulting in the same audio quality. So, if you like what you hear in the audio samples above, you’ll love the Wave:3 as it’s ultimately the Wave:1 with more features.
This is a cardioid condenser mic with a 17 mm capsule. It has a frequency range of 70 Hz - 20 kHz. Its max bit rate is 24 bit, 48 kHz, and the Wave:3 is 24 bit, 96 kHz.
Why it’s great
Software. The Wave Link software continues to get better with features like “Voice Focus”, a 3-band equalizer, and a full audio mixing suite.
Crisp audio. Elgato partnered with Lewitt Audio to make the capsule on the Wave:1 (and Wave:3). While the low end is lacking, the clarity is outstanding.
What holds it back
(aside from the Wave:1 being discontinued of course…)
Reliance on extra hardware and software. The Wave:1 and Wave:3 is are very sensitive condenser mics, so they pick up a ton of background noise and common sounds while streaming like keyboard typing very loudly. They also distort easily from plosives.
To mitigate these weaknesses, Elgato sells their own pop filter and there are multiple noise reduction filter options available in Wave Link.Hollow low end. The bass in the Wave:1 and Wave:3 is very weak. Again, this can be circumvented with either EQ or utilizing the proximity effect as long as you have a pop filter to prevent distortion.
#5 Razer Seiren V3 Chroma
The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is a supercardioid condenser mic with a 16 mm capsule. It has a max bit rate of 24 bit, 96 KHz and a frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
Why it’s Great
RGB support. The RGB lighting effects on this are numerous and they can be controlled in Razer Synapse.
Software filters. They’re not the best or most numerous, but the “Radio Voice EQ” filter adds needed warmth to the sound.
Capacitive mute button.
Has both 5/8 and 3/8 inch threading.
What holds it back
Buggy software. With each update, Razer has been improving Synapse’s consistency, but it’s still not perfect.
No noise reduction filter. All the software has is a noise gate.
#4 HyperX QuadCast 2
The HyperX QuadCast 2 is a minor revision of the original QuadCast with some build upgrades to keep up with the times. It’s basically the same microphone and it even has the same three 14 mm condenser capsules inside.
It records at bit rate of 24 bit, 96 kHz and it has a frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
Why it’s great
Out the box sound. This is the best sounding microphone out the box on this list. No EQ needed, no filters, no external pop filter, and it even works in an untreated room.
Stylish. The lighting effects are limited, but the red is strikingly bold and the build is sleek. For even more lighting options, including full RGB, check out the QuadCast 2 S. The capacitive mute button on the top turns off the lighting.
Build. In addition to the sturdy metal stand, the QuadCast 2 comes with a shock mount already attached and a mesh pop filter underneath the grille. The shock mount has 3/8 and 5/8 inch threading.
Four polar patterns. The QuadCast 2’s name comes from the fact that it can record in cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo. But honestly, if you need to use anything outside of cardioid, you can get better audio with two separate, cheaper mics.
What holds it back
It’s still a condenser. While this rejects background sounds better than most condensers at this price point and lower, it’s still not great at it.
Limited software functionality. There is no noise reduction filter in NGENUITY currently and there are barely any lighting presets unless you’re using the 2 S.
#3 Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is a cardioid dynamic microphone with both a USB and XLR input. It’s the oldest of these mics (2004 release date), and it predates the gaming and streaming marketing fluff. This was made for podcasters and musicians.
When used USB, this has a bit rate of 16-bit, 48 kHz. This has a frequency range of 50 Hz - 15 kHz. Keep in mind, this uses the ancient USB mini-B port.
Why it’s great
Dynamic coil. This has the best passive background noise rejection of all the mics on this list. One of the reasons is because it’s a dynamic mic instead of a condenser.
Dual outputs. This can output both XLR and USB audio simultaneously without one affecting the other.
Build. Even though the stand sucks, the mic itself is made of durable metal. Mine’s going strong after over 5 years.
What holds it back
That’s the original stand. I lost it. Blue Yeti is on the left.
Stand. The included stand isn’t study enough to hold the mic’s weight. It tips over easily, and the microphone clip is extremely loose out the box. You need a screwdriver to tighten it to a useable resistance level.
Plosives. Even with the foam cap, the Q2U distorts from plosives very easily. Repositioning it slightly off axis is the only way to really deal with this.
#2 Logitech Yeti GX
Why it’s great
Incredible software. The amount of EQ controls and audio filters that you can apply in Logitech G Hub and Blue VO!CE are insane. The only problem is the software itself is buggy and sometimes the changes don’t stick.
Lighting. The lighting zones aren’t that big, but you can control the RGB on the logo and the bottom of the mic.
What holds it back
No 3.5 mm headphone port for low latency monitoring. The rest of the mics on this list have this.
#1 Shure MV6
Shure has been dabbling in the USB microphone space for a while, but they finally got this one completely right. Their audio quality has never been in question, but the MV7’s USB connection was finicky, and the MV7i and MV7+ are simply not worth the price when the SM7B exists.
The MV6 is a dynamic microphone with amazing audio quality and excellent software filters available in Motiv Mix. It has a frequency range of 50 Hz - 15 KHz and records at up to 24 bit, 48 KHz.
Why it’s great
Audio quality. This is the best sounding USB mic I’ve used. The detail is fantastic, the plosive rejection is decent, and the passive background noise cancellation is also good.
Software. For even better management of plosives and ambient sounds, there are multiple filters in Shure’s Motiv Mix app like the "Real-time Denoiser”, Popper Stopper, and high pass filter. You can even EQ the mic to be brighter or darker.
Build. The stand is made of metal and very sturdy. The yoke has 5/8 inch threading with great resistance.
What holds it back
Nothing. The Shure MV6 is one of the few 10/10 products I’ve used, and it’s been my main recording microphone since I bought it. This is currently the best USB microphone on the market.
