The Best Gaming Microphones
For many video games, a microphone is essential. And with free platforms like Twitch and YouTube, anyone can be a video game streamer. All you need to share your mad skills and witticisms with the world is a computer, a video game, and a microphone. If your computer comes with a built-in mic, you’ve probably already decided that it’s not going to cut it. That's why we decided to scour the market for the best of the best microphones for gamers. Read on to find your new favorite mic.
What to Look For
We want to recommend only the best options on the market, so we used three main questions to guide our search: Does it offer high-quality sound capture? Does it offer the ability to tweak the EQ, direction, and other settings? Is the price fair for the quality? We found several picks that gamers of all walks can enjoy. Our favorite came from Fifine, since their reliable condenser microphone blows away the other competition in this pricerange. However, its directional pickup pattern has a tendency to record unwanted background noise. So for those with a bigger budget, we recommend checking out Shure’s SM7B cardioid mic, since this beauty is built for professional quality and control. Read on for more of our in-depth reviews.
Fifine Metal Condenser
A mic for all occasions
For those of us that aren’t willing to pay an arm and a leg for a microphone, Fifine offers a metal mic that might be right up your alley. Considering its high-quality audio and rugged metal construction, it’s hard to believe that it’s about as pricey as a couple of pizzas. Fantastic for beginners and hobbyists, the Fifine Metal Condenser Microphone will automatically install all the necessary drivers as soon as you plug it in. The audio quality is crisp, clear, and free of the static that plagues most USB mics in this price range. That being said, if you’re planning on streaming in an extra-noisy environment, you may want to look into options in a higher price range, as this cardioid microphone can pick up unwanted ambient noise. Nonetheless, considering the extreme value, this pick wins our top spot by a landslide.
Pros:
- The sound quality is truly impressive and seems to rival microphones that cost twice as much.
- We love that the Fifine is small and compact in design. This is especially useful for dorm rooms and small apartments.
Cons:
- It picks up ambient noise, so it may be worth investing in some soundproof wall panels.
Shure SM7B Cardioid
Let's go pro
It’s certainly not a plug-and-play USB mic, and it does have additional costs involved, such as a boom arm and an audio interface. However, once you set it up, you’ll quickly realize why the Shure SM7B is the top choice for professional streamers, podcasters, and recording artists. This mic captures a wide range of frequencies, from the highs to the lows, with astonishing accuracy and true-to-life clarity. Ideal for streaming, the SM7B features electromagnetic hum rejection to eliminate the interference and buzzing that computer hardware can emit. Plus, for added protection against mechanical noise and breath sounds, it uses an internal suspension system and features a state-of-the-art pop filter. While most microphones fail to capture the natural resonance of the human voice, this professional mic is an industry standard for its ability to capture lifelike vocals.
Pros:
- For us heavy breathers, this included windscreen is a godsend.
- Podcasters and streamers take note. We found that the natural sound this mic gives off is perfect for vocal-centric work.
Cons:
- You will need additional hardware to truly make this mic shine.
Samson G-Track Professional Condenser
Pitch perfect
The Samson G-Track does it all. It’s tough, made out of a die-cast metal construction. It’s high-definition, with a 24-bit resolution of 96kHz. It’s versatile, with a front-facing panel to mix your microphone, secondary input, and headphone volume. Best of all, it’s switchable, with your choice of three pickup patterns. Switch it to the unidirectional mode for when you’re streaming alone or the bidirectional mode when you’re facing a friend. It even does complete omnidirectional, so you can stream with as many voices as you can fit in the room. And for those of you not yet convinced of its versatility, the Samson G-Track even has a ¼-inch second input jack, so you can plug a guitar or a second mic right into the unit.
Pros:
- The included audio interface is user-intuitive, even for newbies.
- We were impressed by the microphone’s bidirectional mode; it was sensitive enough for interviews or if you’re streaming with a friend.
Cons:
- We wish it came with a compatible shock mount.
Razer Seiren Emote
A mic that emotes
If you’re looking for a way to raise the production value of your stream, you may want to consider the Razer Seiren Emote. Besides being a quality microphone, it also features an 8-bit LED display that can express over 100 emoticons right on the face (ahem) of the unit. Although it may seem gimmicky at first, this feature offers endless possibilities, as it can be customized via an included software editor. Plus, through a companion app, the display can be triggered by the audience, reacting to their shoutouts, messages, and alerts so your viewers can feel engaged and included. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend it solely on its ability to express Emojis. The microphone itself is designed for streamers, capturing CD-quality audio through a hypercardioid pickup system that dynamically adjusts its range to isolate your voice.
Pros:
- While this is a wonderfully easy plug-in-play mic, we were pleasantly surprised by its robust user settings.
- This Razer filters out background noise much better than your computer mic.
Cons:
- Some people may find the Emoji feature a tad gimmicky.
Our Tips and Tricks
It’s easy for any Regular Joe to be a video game streamer, but not just anyone can build a significant following. People generally watch streams to be entertained and to feel that they are a part of a community. The first step to building that community is to make sure your content is not only engaging but also feels inclusive. This starts with having real conversations with the people that are watching your streams. Instead of shamelessly promoting yourself, let others promote you instead by developing a relationship with your followers.
Another important element is production value. You don’t need to spend gratuitous amounts of money on the most expensive gear you can find, but investing in a quality microphone and webcam can make a big difference. If you are streaming video, make sure the space within the video feed is neat, clean, and simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of USB microphones versus other types of microphones?
Although USB microphones have historically been considered a cheap piece of equipment, their desirability and quality have risen in recent years due to a heightened demand in the growing streaming community. They are easy to use, as many don’t even require setup or the installation of drivers. Microphones that are “plug-and-play” will install all the necessary drivers upon their first connection to the computer. Plus, unlike XLR microphones, they don’t require an audio interface or a preamp to work. Instead, they are powered by a USB connection to the computer. This powered connection, while convenient, was a problem for early iterations of such microphones, as the electrical power could create a static buzzing sound. However, new technologies in recent years have mostly eliminated these phantom mechanical sounds, and many feature a dynamic range output that isolates the user’s voice.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.