10 Best Mics for Streaming on Twitch or Making YouTube Videos

Best Mics for Streaming

Platforms like Twitch have given way to a massive rise in video game streaming. It’s now not just a hobby for some, but a full-time, professional career for many. To start off on the right foot, you need great equipment. 

Today, we’re going to reveal what we believe is the best mic for streaming on Twitch and other stream-based sites.



Best Mic for Streaming


A good mic is a necessity for streaming. You want your viewers to be able to hear you clearly without any input lag or low-quality audio issues.

Today, we’re going to be looking at a variety of streaming mics from companies like:

Blue Microphones Razer Rode Audio-Technica SamsonTurtle Beach…and more

We’re going to start off by highlighting the models that we believe are the absolute best to use for Twitch streaming, YouTube, and other similar sites. Then, we’re going to outline streaming microphones based on a few different budgets, and also discuss what to look for in a quality mic for streaming.


Quick Picks: Our Top 3 Choices for Best Streaming Microphone


For those of you that don’t have the time to read our entire streaming mic buyer’s guide below, here’s a brief summary of the three mics we recommend most…

The Blue Yeti USB Microphone is the go-to mic for pretty much every Twitch streamer these days – and for good reason. It’s a high-quality, well-made microphone with superb audio, easy-to-use functionality, and stylish good looks.

For gamers with a slightly higher budget, we highly recommend checking out the Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Microphone. This mic features a unique and sexy appearance, unmatched audio that’s good enough for even professional voice-over work, and it works well with PC, Mac, or iOS-based mobile devices.

The Rode NT USB Condenser Microphone is another excellent choice for Twitch streaming. This is a studio-quality mic with background-noise elimination, onboard volume controls, a handy tripod, plus bonus accessories such as an included pop-filter and ring mount.


Our Streaming Microphone Reviews


Down below we reveal what we believe are the 10 best mics for streaming overall. Our picks were made based on audio quality, ease of use, overall build construction, and, of course, price.

In this section, we also provide a more in-depth overview of our top 3 choices mentioned above. For each microphone, we provide a description, a list of pros and cons, and other important details.


#1 Blue Yeti USB Microphone


Blue Yeti USB Microphone

The Blue Yeti USB Microphone has essentially become the gold standard among gamers when it comes to Twitch streaming mics. It’s also used heavily among YouTube gaming personalities. In our honest opinion, this is the best mic for streaming – period.

The mic itself is incredibly simple to set up and use. It can pick up voices very well, provides a crystal-clear audio output, and looks fantastic on a desk as well. The Yeti is one of the pricier USB streaming microphones, but the quality most definitely justifies the price. 

Best Attributes Fantastic audio quality quick and easy set-up multiple sound patterns compatible with PC and Mac On-board volume and mute controls available in multiple colors where it Could Improve A bit pricey, not ideal for a mobile user. 


#2 Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Mic


Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Mic

Gamers looking for the ultimate streaming microphone may want to consider the Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Mic. This mic has superb audio clarity, takes just a couple of minutes to set up, and is perfect for Twitch streaming, game commentating, YouTube gaming videos, and more.

The Raspberry is on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of price, but its studio-quality sound, premium construction, and mobile potential make it a wise investment for a serious streamer.


Best Attributes Rich, the high-quality audio effortless setup works with PC, Mac, iPhone, and iPad built-in microphone stand easy-access controls located on mic where it Could Improve Expensive Only come in one color. 


#3 Rode NT USB Condenser Mic


Rode NT USB Condenser Mic

The Rode NT USB Condenser Mic rounds out our top three picks for the best mic for streaming. This is a professional-grade mic that’s received a lot of praise from streamers on Twitch, YouTube personalities, and a slew of others including pro voice actors and media professionals.

This particular model also comes with an included tripod stand, a pop filter that fits it perfectly, and a ring mount. So, essentially, you’re getting everything you need in one package rather than having to buy the accessories individually in addition to the mic itself.


Best Attributes Great vocal audio quality fast and simple set-up compatible with PC, Mac, and iPad includes pop filer and stand2-year warranty (must register to get it)Where it Could ImproveHeadphone jack doesn’t give great audio-only comes in black.

#4 Audio-Technica ATR2500 USB Condenser Mic


Audio-Technica ATR2500 USB Condenser Mic

Up next is the Audio Technica ATR2500 USB Mic – another fantastic microphone for streaming, podcasts, voice-over work, or any other audio need. One of the best features is the built-in headphone jack that allows you to gauge your voice output as you go.

Audio Technica includes a tripod stand, USB cable, and a stand mount with the ATR2500. The plug-and-play design means you can un-box the mic, connect it to your PC, and be up and running in just a couple of minutes. The price isn’t too shabby either which makes it a great choice for Twitch streaming for gamers that don’t want to spend a ton of cash on a good mic.


Best Attributes Superb voice audio great for streaming, videos, and more volume controls on the front of mic works with PC and Mac computers good price where it Could ImproveDoesn’t pick up vocals well if too far away catches background noise a bit more than we’d like to.


#5 Samson Meteor USB Studio Microphone


Samson Meteor USB Studio Microphone

Coming in at number 5 on our list of best Twitch microphones is the Samson Meteor USB Studio Mic. This is one of the sleekest looking mics you’ll come across. The chrome finish gives it major sex appeal. But, more importantly, it rocks killer audio output and great vocal clarity.

If chrome isn’t your thing – don’t worry – it’s available in brushed nickel or titanium black color scheme as well. The mic has a built-in stand but also features an adapter that accommodates third-party microphone stands as well. Overall, a solid Twitch streaming mic at a great price.

Best Attributes Incredible sound quality durable and strong build design looks absolutely amazing easy-access mute button on mic Great price for what you get here it Could ImproveIntegrated stand is a bit short included USB cable is cheaply made.

#6 Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone


Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone

For quality Twitch streaming audio on a mid-range budget, we highly recommend checking out the Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone. The Blue brand has secured multiple spots on our list for a reason – they make an excellent mic for streaming. Snowball is another winner in our books.

The Snowball is moderately priced, well-constructed, and provides streamers with fantastic audio quality for the price. Coupled with a good pop filter and a decent stand, this is a great choice for the beginner or intermediate Twitch streamers.

Best attributes deal for the beginner or intermediate streamersVery easy to set up and use great build quality comes with a tripod stand available in black or white were it Could Improve no onboard mute button needs a pop filter and a better mic stand too.


#7 Razer Seiren Elite USB Digital Mic


Razer Seiren Elite USB Digital Mic

Razer is a company that makes a lot of higher-end pieces of gaming equipment. The Razer Seiren Elite USB Digital Mic is one of them. This is a decent choice for a streaming microphone. It has good audio quality, a very durable metal-body build, and a stylish appearance as well.

The Seiren is a bit more expensive than we’d like it to be, but it’s specifically tailored to gamers and Razer’s customer support is stellar, too. If you’re a big Razer fan you’ll definitely appreciate it. Some of the lower-priced models listed above do outperform it in terms of audio, though – something to keep in mind.


Best attributes good audio output relatively easy to use very sensitive microphone4 recording patterns (cardioid, Omni-directional, bi-directional, stereo)Convenient volume knobsPlug ‘n PlayWhere it Could ImproveMore expensive than it should definitely require a pop filter to reduce background hiss.


#8 Samson Go Portable USB Condenser Mic


Samson Go Portable USB Condenser Mic

The Samson Go Portable USB Condenser Mic is a surprisingly good option for streamers that need a good mic on a lower-end budget. This mic is compact, sets up in minutes, and has much better audio quality than you’d expect at this price point.

It’s obviously not the best mic for streaming that money can buy, but if you’re just getting started or aren’t ready to invest in a higher-end microphone – the Samson Go is most definitely a mic that you should consider.


Best Attributes Decent quality audio perfect for on-the-go usePlug and Play Designworks with PC and Mac (no extra drivers needed)Cardioid and omnidirectional patterns come with travel case very affordable where it Could ImproveNot the best-attached case (plastic and flimsy)Included USB cable is too short.


#9 Fifine Plug & Play Home Studio USB Mic


Fifine Plug & Play Home Studio USB Mic

For Twitch streamers looking for one of the most inexpensive options available, there’s the Fifine Plug & Play Home Studio USB Mic. This is a very basic, cardioid-pickup pattern microphone. It’s a decent mic, but don’t expect it to give you professional-grade audio.

This may not be the best mic for streaming, but it’s a great starter microphone for beginners or very casual gamers. The sound quality isn’t terrible, but it lacks bass depth and it picks up room sounds quite a bit. Nevertheless, it’s great if you want to build your streaming setup on the cheap.


Best Attributes Moderate audio quality plus ‘n Play for fast setup includes a mic stand compatible with PC and Mac No extra software or drivers to install super affordable where it Could ImproveMic stand isn’t too study picks up a lot of background noise doesn't handle low voices well.


#10 KLIM Desktop USB Microphone


KLIM Desktop USB Microphone

Finally, we come to the end of our list of best Twitch streaming mics. Our final pick for the top 10 is the KLIM Desktop USB Microphone. It’s a nifty-looking mic with better-than-you’d-expect audio quality that’s ideal for gamers that are just getting into streaming or YouTube.

The KLIM has its own integrated stand, a mute button, independent volume controls, and even an adjustable neck. If that isn’t enough for you – well, it can even hold your cell phone for you while you game. It may be more gimmick than a mic, but it’s actually not a bad choice for beginners.


Best Attributes Moderate vocal audio quality simple to use and fast to set up features an integrated mic stand works with both PC and MacOn-board volume and mute controls available in red or blue budget-priced where it Could ImproveSound quality is nothing to write home aboutMic picks out background noise a lot.

Recommended Mic Accessories

While some of the streaming microphones we listed above come with things like stands, mounts, and pop filters, not all of them do. And some come with very cheap, flimsy accessories that will break after a short while.

For many gamers – these are not optional accessories, they’re must-haves.

The good news is that most of these extra pieces are relatively inexpensive.


Pop Filter


Pop Filter

This is essential for pretty much any microphone you buy. While some mics are definitely better than others at blocking the sound of wind and pops, none are perfect.

Pop Filter Attached to Streaming Microphone

To ensure you don’t get these obnoxious sounds while recording or streaming it’s highly recommended that you get what is called a pop filter or windscreen. It’s a simple piece that is placed in front of the mic to help filter out pops and blowing wind coming through the mic input.


Mic Stand or Boom Arm


Mic Stand

Only a select few of the models we listed above in our picks for the best mic of streaming include a stand for the microphone. And even the ones that do, don’t have a sturdy or reliable one.

A good stand or boom arm is another core necessity for any aspiring Twitch streamer.

Blue Streaming Mic on Boom Arm

Which one you should use really comes down to personal preference. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

A mic stand, for example, is subject to vibrations created from typing or even just putting down your headset or controller, moving your mouse around, etc on your desk.


Shock Mount


If you plan to keep your streaming mic on a boom arm or a stand you’re also going to need a little gadget called a shock mount.


Shock Mount

This is a special enclosure that is used to significantly decrease audio interference created by vibrations. In other words – your mic won’t produce booms, clicks, or pops whenever the stand or arm is hit, moved, or even if someone stomps on the floor nearby, sending shockwaves through whatever is holding your microphone.

This is an essential accessory for many streamers due to most people using gaming chairs that roll around on the floor, throwing controllers around, typing on keyboards located on the same desk as the mic, and so on.

Even the best Twitch streaming mic isn’t capable of blocking out 100% of the sound caused by vibrations. Using a shock mount will greatly reduce the chances of having your audio affected by it, though.


Why Invest in a Streaming Mic?


If you plan to make a career or even a part-time job out of streaming or making videos in gaming you need to have good equipment to produce quality content. One of the most important pieces is your microphone.

Viewers want to be able to hear a streamer or YouTuber without having to jack up their volume or struggle to decipher words between pops and hissing. If your viewers encounter these problems – they may bounce right off your channel to the next guy or gal.

To avoid this embarrassing issue you NEED to get a good mic for streaming.

A good microphone gives you the ability to stream without having to worry about your viewers complaining about the audio quality while you’re playing games or even chatting with your fans directly.

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