Nothing is more essential to a gamer or streamer than having good peripherals like a capable microphone. This fact is all the more important if you are an avid gamer, a daily streamer, or a regular online talker. People prefer a dedicated microphone that allows them to speak to their audience clearly. Chances are your voice might not be as clear during online conversations. There are many headsets and microphones available that address this issue, but they can’t even hold a candle to the sound quality of an efficient plug-in microphone.
Nowadays, you can get quality gaming microphones for around or under $100. If you already have suitable peripherals, having the best gaming microphone should complete your armory for a great gaming or streaming experience.
What Are Gaming Microphones?
Gaming microphones are utilized by different people such as gamers, podcasters, streamers, and vloggers. These microphones are directly connected to your computer or gaming console. Also, it is a separate entity from your other peripherals such as gaming keyboards and gaming mouse models.
Features of an Efficient Gaming Microphone
Sound Quality
The best gaming microphones should produce excellent sound quality. Your voice should sound crisp and clear when you’re streaming a game or recording a new vlog entry. For example, a condenser or dynamic microphone picks up the intonations and intricacies of your voice, which results to perfect voice clarity and the elimination of delays.
Game Suitability
First, you need to consider what game you play. Most notably, online RTS, shooters and adventure games need gaming microphones that allow distinctive voice pick-up. As such, most of these games need you to speak clearly over the noises that happen naturally in the game. Thus, a good microphone allows your companions or audience to hear you with clarity.
Noise Cancellation Features
Furthermore, a microphone for gaming, vlogging, and streaming purposes should have noise cancelation. The tight and cardioid pattern of a microphone enables effective noise cancellation. In other words, you’ll need a good microphone with noise cancellation features to make sure that your audio is top-notch.
Convenient Set-Up
You don’t want a device that requires a long installation time. In reality, most studio microphones need additional segments and parts like preamplifiers, audio interfaces, phantom power supplies, and extra cables. If you want to be practical, you should opt for a desktop microphone that has a plug-and-play option.
Affordable and Cost-Efficient
Nowadays, you can find practical and budget-friendly microphones in the market. In fact, some options cost around $100 or less. Nonetheless, if you want a better microphone, you can also search for some that cost of about $200 upwards. Gamers and podcasters prefer gaming microphones that provide more features such as durability and voice quality. These features obviously come at a price, so pick your priorities when buying a gaming micc.
The Best Gaming Microphones
Now that we’ve identified the most important things to consider in a gaming microphone, here are the best products you can purchase in the market. These options have the most positive reviews and stars in various tech sites. Do note, however, that you can get all of these on Amazon right now.
This is currently one of the best gaming microphones available today. The Blue Yeti USB Mic garners the top spot with 4.5 stars and 16,994 ratings from satisfied customers. It can be used for streaming and recording on both Mac and PC. This product is available in a variety of colors as well.
Check out the Blue Yeti on Amazon today to get a great microphone for your streams.
Specifications:
- Four pick-up patterns
- Headphone output and volume control
- Mic gain control
- Adjustable stand
- Plug & Play features
- Tri-capsule array – three condenser capsules can record in almost any situation
- Multiple pattern selection features
- Great for recording vocals, music instruments, podcasts, and streaming
- Signal to noise: 100dB
- Compatible with Windows XP to 10 and Mac OS X
- 64 MB of RAM Required
The Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic has a rating of 4.5 stars with over 10,000 reviews. This cheap gaming microphone is used for both streaming and recording purposes. There are only a couple of colors available, black and white, but it does the job well.
Check out the Snowball iCE today to get a mic that is perfect for streaming games and podcasts.
Specifications:
- Features a Cardioid condenser capsule
- The stand can be adjusted to your liking
- Plug-and-play compatible with Mac or PC, doesn’t require drivers to install
- Great for online meetings, podcast recordings, and gaming with friends
- 40 –18 kHz Frequency Response
- USB 2.0 device, but also USB 3.0-compatible
- Sample/word rate of 44.1 kHz/16 bit
Another budget gaming microphone that made the list is the Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB Mic. This cheap gaming microphone has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 on Amazon and is utilized for both streaming and recording. The microphone is available in multiple color options: black, red onyx, vivid blue, Cubano gold, and shadow grey.
Check out the Yeti Nano on Amazon to get a gaming microphone that will more than meet your needs.
Specifications:
- Perfect for podcasting, game streaming, Skype calls, YouTube recording, or music production
- No-latency headphone output, volume, and mic mute
- Radius III Shock Mount and Compass Boom Arm features standard threading
- Plug-and-play ready
- Cardioid and Omni pick-up patterns
- Power Output (RMS): 130mW
The BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset is another favorite with its 4.3-star rating. Presently tagged as an Amazon’s Choice product, this device’s original list price is in fact under $70. You can personalize your headset as this is available in multiple colors and designs.
Check out the BENGOOO G9000 today to get a great gaming microphone from a good headset.
Specifications:
- Wired connection
- 3.5 mm Jack
- Multi-platform compatibility with computers and gaming consoles
- Surrounding stereo subwoofer
- 40mm magnetic neodymium driver
- Acoustic positioning precision
- Noise-isolating microphone
- Great humanized design
- Effortless volume control
The Logitech 981-000536 G430 Gaming Headset with Mic has a good rating of 3.9 stars on Amazon. It is also a member of Amazon’s current Best Gaming Microphone collection. This wired headset with a microphone is available in two colors, blue and black.
Check out this Logitech product today to get a microphone packaged as an awesome headset.
Specifications:
- Wired connection
- 3.5mm jack
- DTS headphone compatible with X and Dolby 7
- One surround sound: immersive 360-degree sound
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Folding noise-canceling boom microphone
- 32 ohms impedance
- Features a volume dial
- Compatible with Windows Vista to 10 and PlayStation 4
- 10.5 ft. cable length
- 20Hz-20KHz frequency response
- Cardioid (unidirectional) pickup patter
- 50-20khz microphone frequency response
- Sensitivity: 90dB SPL/mw
The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone is the perfect microphone whether you plan on recording songs, talking with friends, or hosting your very own podcast. This sleek microphone meant for gaming and studio recording is available in black.
Check out the AT2020 on Amazon today and have a clear voice when playing games or recording a podcast.
Specifications:
- Studio condenser microphone technology
- Ideal for home studios, playing games, and recording podcasts
- Noise level: 20 dB SPL
- High SPL handling
- Wide dynamic range
- Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Integral three-pin XLRM-type output
- R7 case included
The BENGOO Stereo Gaming Headset has an Amazon rating of 4.2 stars. Another cheap gaming microphone available in the market, this wired set comes in a camouflage pattern.
Check out this BENGOO product to enjoy a quality headset with a great microphone that doesn’t break the bank.
Specifications:
- 3.5mm jack wired connection
- Multi-platform compatibility support for computers and gaming consoles
- Surrounding stereo subwoofer
- Noise-isolating microphone
- Great humanized design
- Immersive sound experience
Another entry on our list is the Blue Snowball USB Microphone. It comes in three distinct colors: textured white, brushed aluminum, and gloss black. Dubbed as one of the best gaming microphones available, you can use this product on PC and Mac without any trouble.
Check out the Blue Snowball on Amazon to get a great microphone for desktop gaming.
Specifications:
- Plug-and-play ready
- Professional studio-quality performance
- Blue’s renowned circuit and unique two-capsule design
- Switchable microphone patterns
The MXL Mics 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is another great option. This microphone has 4.6 stars and 1,107 ratings on Amazon. The component comes in three colors: black, sky blue, and vintage white.
Check out the MXL Mics 770 on Amazon to get a microphone that’s perfect for gaming and streaming.
Specifications:
- Condenser microphone fit for different jobs
- Excellent for vocals and instruments
- Balanced bass response
- Low-frequency roll-off features
- Low noise FET preamp
- A balanced, transformer-less output
- Patented design
- Versatile for streaming and podcasting
Boasting a review score of 4.4 stars, the Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser is something that you should consider as your next gaming mic. This portable microphone connects to various devices, including iPhones and Android phones.
Check out this product on Amazon to get a gaming microphone that is compatible with mobile devices.
Specifications:
- Compact and portable design
- USB Output
- The design features a fold-up function
- Comes with an integral clip
- Switchable dual pick-up patterns (cardioid and omnidirectional)
- Great for online meetings, conferences, podcasts, and more
- Onboard headphone amplifier
- Computer-controlled analog input gain with peak LED
- Compatible with Mac and Windows OS
- Connect to an iOS device using an Apple Lightning to USB camera adapter.
- Compatible with Android devices using a host OTG Adapter
This is simply the best budget microphone for gaming that is available in the market today. Similar to Seiren Elite’s excellent features, this little microphone is available for under $100. It has an all-black color, but its neon green bits catches the attention. It also comes in quartz pink and mercury white if you aren’t feeling the usual Razor black-and-green. This tiny treasure is portable, perfect for mobile devices as well.
Check out the Razer Seiren X today to get a microphone that’s perfect for gaming and streaming.
Specifications:
- Sample rate of 48 KHz
- Bit rate: 16-bit
- Frequency response: 20 Hz20 KHz
- Electret condenser
- Super cardioid polar pattern
- The cable is 3.3 feet (1m) long
- USB Type-A connection
PROS
- Portable
- High-end production
- Competitive price
CONS
- Low mid-range and bass capability not the best
- Single polar pattern
- Includes keyboard clicks
Dubbed as the best budget microphone for gaming, the Corsair HS50 Pro V2 Stereo Gaming Headset is currently priced at under $85. Comparatively, this headset rivals more expensive gaming microphones with its specs. The microphone is made of top-quality materials that holds up to its competition. Its downside, however, is that it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity and 7.1 surround sound support features.
Check out the Corsair HS50 Pro V2 on Amazon today to enjoy a gaming microphone that you can also use for streaming.
Specifications:
- Wired Connectivity
- 50mm drivers
- Convenient on-ear volume and mute control features
- Multi-platform compatibility
PROS
- Excellent value
- Superb stereo surround
CONS
- Easily misplaced microphone
HyperX Quadcast easily takes the number one spot in the affordable gaming microphone market. Furthermore, it is one of the best gaming microphones presently available. It is a great pick for gamers and podcasters worldwide since this device produces excellent voice clarity.
One of the essential features of this gaming and streaming microphone is its convenience. Gamers do not have time to find unseen buttons, especially when they are in the middle of a battle game, so the fact that this microphone can be muted by merely tapping its top part, simultaneously switching off its light, is a godsend during a game’s most action-packed moments. The best part is that this gaming component is an effective streaming and podcasting tool as well. You can easily use it during live recordings irrespective of the environment.
Check out the Quadcast on Amazon today and start building your streaming dreams.
Specifications:
- A sample rate of 48 KHz
- 16-bit bit rate
- 20 Hz-20 KHz frequency response
- Electret condenser
- Cardioid, omnidirectional, bi-directional, and stereo polar patterns
- 9.8 feet (3m) cable length
- USB Type-A connection
PROS
- Superb sound clarity
- Four polar patterns
- Easy controls
- Excellent adapter and shock mount
CONS
- Expensive
- USB interface limits audio capacity (48 KHz/16-bit)
How to Use Gaming Microphones?
You can easily use your gaming microphone by simply plugging it into your device. Whether it’s a computer, a mobile phone, or a gaming console, your device should have ports that tell you where to connect your microphone.
How to Connect It to Your Computer
Connecting gaming microphones to your PC is dependent on device compatibility. Modern computers are now USB-capable, and most gaming microphones do not need various drivers or installers for you to set them up. However, you need to remember several points. Here are some things to remember when testing your gaming microphone in a particular PC game.
Visit your game’s sound settings and make sure that you turn on its “push-to-talk” feature. Next, turn off its VOIP (voice over IP) as well. Check if you can already communicate with your gaming friends through the mic. You can also use free apps like Discord that enable in-game voice communication.
Go to your computer’s sound settings. Then, search for Windows “Sound” settings. Next, switch on “Speaker.” Finally, go to the “Recording” tab, right-click the gaming microphone you see there and click on “Properties.”
Make sure that you placed your microphone cable in the correct port and that your computer detects your microphone.
How to Set It Up For Streaming?
Whenever you are streaming, it is important to have a gaming microphone that has many polar pattern capabilities. HyperX Quadcast employs four polar patterns. This feature makes it a perfect gaming microphone as it allows you to switch between gaming and streaming purposes.
Most microphones are plug-and-play capable. But at the same time, you can also add other components like an amplifier, audio interface, and phantom power supplies to improve the vocal quality it captures. Nonetheless, you can simply use the same tips given above for gaming. Whether you’re planning to stream via YouTube, Twitch, or Discord, you can simply follow the same steps given via the streaming app you’re using.
Why Should You Use Gaming Microphones?
It is essential to use gaming microphones moreover when you play games that need clear and concise communication. A lot of these games are typically noisy to say the least, so a superb gaming microphone will allow you to give clear instructions to your party or raid members.
Similarly, gaming microphones also help you make top quality streaming or vlogs. Opting for microphones with multiple polar pattern capabilities is great. It will allow you to switch between noise isolation and cancellation. For instance, you can enable noise cancellation when you need only your voice to be heard. Then, you can also switch to having your surroundings heard if you wish. A gaming microphone is a great option when you are attempting to record natural sounds.
Pros and Cons of Gaming Microphones
PROS
- Gaming and streaming suitability
- Easy installation and plug-and-play set-up
- Noise cancellation and isolation
- Frequency range
- Multiple polar pattern capabilities
CONS
- Inline monitoring
- Can be expensive
Get A Gaming Microphone Today!
There are different reasons why gaming microphones are a necessity. Many gamers and streamers need a microphone that allows them to record with clarity. However, ordinary headsets are still usable as long as you only talk with friends and colleagues online. With that, serious gamers, podcasters, and vloggers need better microphones for their audience to better understand them.
Get one of the items we listed above and see for yourself how it changes your gaming and vlogging experience!
