Best USB Microphones - ­ Quality Sound With Great Functionality

Last Updated: December-11-2018 In our most recent refresh, we made a few tweaks to our chart on the best USB mics, removing the Aitesco Lavalier and adding one of the best-selling USB mics in the world, the Blue Yeti USB. We also changed some of the content in the article to ensure it was up to date as we approached 2019!

In the not-too-distant past, if you needed a mic for your computer, you would have had to rely on a cheap desktop mic or USB headset designed mainly for gaming or Skype. Thankfully, things are very different these days as USB microphones have evolved to incorporate the same features and core performance you would expect from a fully-fledged condenser microphone. Whether you are a podcaster, streamer, YouTuber or voiceover artist, you’re in luck! In today’s article we are going to highlight our favorite USB microphones on the market, before taking a look at what you need to consider when buying one. Let’s get started by looking at the chart!

Top 6 Best USB Microphones

What are the Benefits of Using a USB Microphone?

These days, USB microphones are incredibly popular and prove an excellent alternative to both condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. While USB mics may never replace these two in terms of delivering the most authentic audio or being easier to use in a larger studio environment, they certainly have their advantages. To start, USB microphones can be used for many applications, although their prime use is to capture vocals, which is why they are so popular with podcasters, streamers, gamers, YouTubers, voiceover artists and other computer-based applications. Why are they so popular? Firstly, they offer the pinnacle of convenience. You don’t need a full recording studio setup – instead, simply plug the USB lead directly into the USB port of your computer, smartphone or tablet and you are ready to record. More often than not, you don’t even need to install extra software or drivers, just plug n’ play! Another advantage is that USB mics are very affordable, while offering other financial benefits. For example, if you want to build a recording setup in your house, a condenser or a dynamic microphone may offer you great tone, but they also require an audio interface to convert the analog signals into a digital signal that your computer can read. In other words, just buying the mic won’t be any good. With USB mics, you don’t have to fork out for an extra device, as the A/D converters are built into the mic itself. USB mics are also unique in the fact that they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. You can find good old-fashioned full-sized condenser mics as well as tiny pocket-size models that offer great freedom of movement and are perfect for recording on the fly. Instead of having to drag a microphone, laptop, preamp and power supplies around with you, all you technically need with these devices is a smartphone and your USB mic. Talk about convenience!

Finding the Right USB Mic for You

The first thing you need to define is the purpose of the microphone. What are you going to use it for? Skype? Podcasting? Singing? Recording instruments? Without this key piece of information, you are pretty much swinging in the dark. By establishing your intended application, you will be able to determine some of the features you will need. For example, if you plan to record instruments at higher volumes (such as an acoustic guitar), then you will require a mic with a higher max Sound Pressure Level (SPL) to cope with the added oomph coming its way. If you need to capture singing, a USB mic with a condenser capsule may be best for you as these tend to offer the best sound quality. If you are simply using your mic for casual gaming or Skype, chances are you won’t need to go for a higher-end condenser model. The next important consideration is your budget. Some people are fortunate enough that they can afford high-end gear, but most of us aren’t! The key piece of advice here is to go for the best microphone your money can buy, as it will usually last longer, deliver a better overall performance and will stop you having to buy twice. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people go cheap, then regret it a few months later when they’ve outgrown their mic. Once you have defined the intended application and your budget, the rest of the equation should fall into place. Are you planning to travel with it? If so, consider the size and portability. Do you need accessories such as a shock mount, pop filter, mic stand or boom arm? Some mics come with these, others don’t. If the model you are interested in doesn’t come with one, you need to add that to your overall budget.

The Final Word

As you have probably gathered by now, we are big advocates of USB microphones! While they may fall a little short compared to the performance of a fully-fledged condenser mic, they are so convenient for computer-based vocal applications. We hope our chart has given you a little inspiration as to what is out there and – most importantly – what is a worthwhile option. Whatever your budget, intended application and ultimate ambition, we wish you the best of luck in your hunt for the perfect USB mic!

If you need more help with setting up your studio, check out the related buying guides for recording gear: Studio Monitors Studio Headphones Audio Interfaces Microphones: Condenser|Dynamic Laptops For Music Production MIDI Controllers DAW Software