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If you want to stream, podcast or record gaming videos for YouTube, then one of the first steps is picking up a good USB or XLR microphone. These mics can provide that extra bit of audio quality, noise reduction and control you need to be a successful content creator - things you won't often find on your standard gaming headset microphone. There are plenty of options on the market, so we tested the most popular USB and XLR mics available to find the best of the best.

We've split our picks into a few different categories: the best mics for streaming, the best for recording voiceovers or podcasts and the best cheap option. There's a separate category for XLR mics, as these are a different kettle of fish. We've also selected a handy attachable mic that trounces those built into most gaming headsets but remains just as convenient to use.

All of our choices retail for less than $200/£200, as we're focusing on affordable options for those new to content creation rather than truly professional-grade solutions which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Finally, we also picked runner-up options for a few categories to recognise good alternatives that may be preferred by some people.

Dec 31, 2019 A Quick Look at the Best Microphones for Gaming. For a quick glance at our selections for the best gaming mics, the table below shows our favorite options across a few different categories. We’ve selected the best gaming microphone overall, a runner-up pick, the best extreme microphone option for gamers, and the best budget microphone. Mar 09, 2020  Best Webcams for Mac iMore 2020 If you're looking for an external webcam to enhance your streaming, chatting, or conference call, we have the solution. Whether you want the best webcam that money can buy or prefer a low-cost option, we've rounded up some of the best webcams you can find for your Mac.

With that out of the way, let's get into the selections. We'll start with a brief summary of our five favourites. Click the links below to jump to that entry, or just scroll down to read our selections in full.

Best gaming microphones 2020

Best USB mic for streaming: HyperX QuadCast

• Unique gamer-friendly look with red backlighting
• Good audio quality with four recording patterns and internal pop filter
• Default stand includes shock mount but is a little short

The QuadCast is the best USB microphone we've found for streaming thanks to its excellent audio quality and its long list of well-implemented features. There are four recording modes on offer and a physical gain dial, allowing the mic to be adapted for one audio source or multiple voices with ease. Being able to mute your audio quickly can be indispensable, and the tap-to-mute system - accompanied by the entire microphone dimming - is the best implementation we've seen. Other handy features include an internal pop filter that ensures p and b sounds don't result in an annoying pop, a shock mount in the provided desk stand and lag-free audio monitoring. The only real drawbacks are that the LED lighting isn't optional and the default stand is a little short, so using a proper boom arm or another mount is recommended.

Runner-up: Blue Yeti Nano

The Blue Yeti Nano fulfills a similar niche to the QuadCast: a relatively portable USB mic with a short stand but good audio quality and a modern appearance. The Nano offers two recording patterns, a cardioid mode that suits a single voice and an omnidirectional mode ideal for capturing a group discussion with only a single mic. The mute functionality here is less obvious than on the QuadCast but better than that of the full-size Yeti, with a green or red ring around the mute button to signify when the mic's on or off. The Nano is cheaper than the Quadcast and has a more restrained appearance, which might make it a nice choice.

Best USB mic for recording and podcasting: Blue Yeti X

• Choice of four recording patterns to suit a wide range of scenarios
• Standout audio quality that requires little cleanup
• Useful LED volume metre and extensive software options
• Will pick up background noise like keyboards if gain is too high

When it comes to streaming and podcasting, the Blue Yeti series is perhaps the most popular microphone in the world. Whether plunked down on a desk to be held aloft by its chunky stand or held in place on a strong boom arm, the Yeti provides strong audio quality for a range of use cases thanks to its four different recording patterns: cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional and bidirectional. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack means you can also plug in headphones to monitor exactly what the mic is hearing.

The Yeti X is the latest edition and includes a new LED volume metre and multi-function control knob right up front, making it easy to adjust gain to dial in the perfect levels on the fly. On the software side of things, the Blue Vo!ce section in the Logitech G Hub includes plenty of options for adjusting tone and removing annoying sonic artefacts, including presets from popular streamers. The Yeti X is a solid improvement over the standard Yeti, but if you're working to a budget the original model is still worth considering.

Best XLR mic: Audio-Technica AT2020

• Warm, precise sound
• Professional, almost anonymous appearance
• Allows entry to the complex but powerful XLR ecosystem

The AT2020 is a popular entry-level XLR mic, offering the possibility of extremely clear audio if you're willing to put together the necessary equipment to get it running. All that comes in the box is the mic, a bag and a stand adapter, so you'll need to provide at least an XLR cable, a stand and an audio interface or mixer that provides at least 48V of phantom power. Once all of these components are in place, your reward is warm, crystal-clear audio that's ideal for recording podcasts or video voiceovers. It's worth noting that the AT2020 is fairly hefty and skews towards 'professional' rather than 'gamer' in the looks department, but that's no bad thing.

Runner-up: Blue Ember

The Blue Ember is a strong alternative pick, bringing the traditional audio quality of the Blue Yeti into a slimmer form factor that takes up less space. It's also half the price of the next-cheapest Blue XLR mic, the Spark, making a better option for content creators at the beginning of their journey. Like the AT2020, you'll need an audio interface that provides at least 48V of phantom power and a stand to get started - so here's one recommendation.

Best audio interface for streamers: TC-Helicon GoXLR / GoXLR Mini

• Simple all-in-one audio interface and mixing solution
• Convenient assortment of ports, faders and buttons
• Reasonably priced, but buying individual components can be cheaper

The GoXLR is the most convenient all-in-one audio interface we've tested for streamers, offering 48V of phantom power to XLR microphones and up to 70dB of gain to drive almost all mics on the market. While the GoXLR is more costly than a simpler audio interface of equal quality, the added convenience of the hardware controls like faders, buttons and knobs on this unit is substantial. Combined with the system performance benefits of accomplishing your mixing and routing via hardware rather than software, and you're left with a convincing package.

The impressive audio hardware and controls are backed up by a powerful - and even somewhat intuitive - software package that allows microphones to be dialled in and various processing to be done to keep your voice sounding just the way you want it. You can also adjust how audio is routed to any of the unit's multiple USB audio devices. For example, you can set your game to one audio device, your mic to another, your chat to another and so on. You can also set up various fun voice effects and samples, if that's your style. Finally, the lighting is also adjustable, which makes it a nice visual accessory as well.

While the original GoXLR is impressive, the smaller GoXLR Mini offers much better value to money. The ports and processing hardware remain unchanged on the Mini, although you do lose out on the sample and effects controls from the right hand side. Honestly, these are the least important parts of the unit, so they're a very acceptable sacrifice given the substantial difference in price.

Best headset mic: Antlion Audio ModMic USB

• Industry-leading audio quality, available in 3.5mm, USB or wireless versions
• Can be added to almost any gaming headset or headphones
• Requires a small amount of initial setup

The Antlion ModMic has long been recommended by tech insiders, and after testing out the ModMic Uni, ModMic USB and ModMic Wireless it's easy to see why - this family of mics sound better than pretty much every headset microphone on the market. Each can be installed on pretty much any set of headphones, using a small piece of adhesive. The bulk of the mic can be removed as needed, leaving just the small magnetic base you stuck on behind, and there are a couple of replacement bits of adhesive in the box if you want to move the mic to a new headset in the future.

Where the microphones differ is largely to do with how they connect to your PC or console. The ModMic Uni comes with a 3.5mm jack, like the ModMic 4 and ModMic 5 before it, while the ModMic wireless uses Bluetooth AptX Low Latency good for about twelve hours between recharges. The ModMic USB is the most advanced model, with a USB connection for PS4 and PC that allows Antlion to roll in their own sound processing to improve aural performance.

If you're on a budget, the lower cost ModMic Uni is the best choice, as it provides substantially better audio quality than any headset mic we've tested. We also recommend it for Xbox, or PC users with headphone amps or advanced sound cards. For PS4 or PCs with on-board audio, the better sonic performance of the ModMic USB makes it a worthy upgrade. Finally, the ModMic Wireless pairs best with wireless headsets, allowing you to recharge both headset and mic together while retaining a fully cable-free connection for gaming.

Best cheap USB mic: Blue Snowball Ice

• Excellent audio quality for the money
• Plug and play USB operation
• No physical controls or added features

If you've only got $50/£50 to put toward upgrading your recording setup, you'll get the most bang for your buck from the Blue Snowball Ice. This older desk mic provides surprisingly good audio quality, more than enough for recording voiceover for a video or starting your streaming career. It's also easy to use - just plug it in and hit record, with no software or additional equipment to install. However, you do lose out when it comes to features compared to the more expensive recommendations on this list, with only one recording pattern on the less expensive Ice model.

Frequently asked questions

What accessories are useful?

Rather than relying on the short stands included with many USB and XLR microphones, a proper adjustable arm makes it easier to position your microphone so that it picks up your voice without taking up too much of your screen (if you're playing a game) or your camera's point of view (if you're streaming). When adjusting your arm, take your microphone's style of address into account. Side-address microphones, like the Blue Yeti, work best when you're speaking into one side, while top address microphones should be pointed directly at your mouth. We used a Blue Compass arm and Radius 3 shock mount for testing these microphones, but there are many other options available at a range of price points.

Pop filters and wind shields are the next accessory you should consider, as they reduce the impact of plosives - sounds like p and b that are harsh on the ears if they are recorded by a bare microphone. Pop filters and wind shields are normally mounted onto your mic or boom arm, and need to be positioned between you and your mic to be effective.

For XLR mics, you'll also need an audio interface and an XLR male to female cable to hook up your microphone.

Is it better to use USB or XLR?

If you're just going to use your single mic at your PC, then a USB microphone is ideal - it's plug and play, with no extra equipment needed. XLR mics need to be connected via an audio interface, but these allow you to include other audio equipment like multiple microphones or mixers. If you're just starting out, USB is the way to go, while XLR may be a better choice for dedicated content creators that want room to grow into more advanced setups. You can also split the difference - pick up an XLR mic, but use a simple XLR to USB adapter until you bring in a proper audio interface.

Which platforms can I use these mics on?

The USB mics mentioned above will work pretty much out of the box on Windows, macOS and PS4, while XLR mics will need to be connected to an adapter or interface with a USB output to achieve the same goal. The Xbox One doesn't support USB mics, unfortunately.

BestUSB Microphone for MaciMore2020

When it comes to USB microphones for your Mac the best option when it comes to versatility and convenience is the Blue Yeti. Not only can it record in four different modes, but it's 16bit/48kHz recording sample rate always comes out sounding loud and clear.

Best Overall: Blue Yeti

The four different recording modes are where the Blue Yeti really shines because there's practically nothing you can't record with the Blue Yeti if it's set on the right mode. I'm not the only one on the iMore team that loves the Blue Yeti, Rene Ritchie, star of Vector on YouTube has been using his for years, and he loves how easy the Blue Yeti is to use.

'Blue Yeti is still my pick for best USB microphone — not just for the Mac but for anyone starting out doing anything, including podcasts, audiobooks, live streams, videos, and more. It plugs right into your device, no audio interface needed, sounds great out of the box, and has a few simple options if you need to adjust for particular circumstances, like two people sharing one mic. Of course, it can't beat a high-end XLR mic and interface, but at a tenth or less the price, it sounds so good you'll probably think twice, hard, before considering those higher-end purchases. It's the mic I used for years, still, travel with today, and always recommend to anyone who asks.' — Rene Ritchie, 10-year podcast veteran and host of iMore show, MacBreak Weekly, and VECTOR

Its basic cardioid mode is fantastic for capturing a single voice or instrument in front of the mic, making it perfect for game streaming, video calls, or vocals.

The omnidirectional mode allows the Blue Yeti to pick up sounds from all around it, meaning you can put it in the middle of a table and have multiple people speaking, and it won't miss a single word. This mode is great for podcasting with multiple hosts and guests, or for capturing the noise around you.

Bidirectional mode allows the Blue Yeti to be an interview microphone with minimal setup. Just put the microphone between you and the other person speaking and never touch it again.

Lastly, stereo recording mode allows the Blue Yeti to use the left and right channels to record in stereo and give your recordings a more realistic soundstage when there is more than one sound source in front of the microphone.

Pros:

• Headphone jack for live monitoring
• Manually gain adjustment
• Four record modes
• Great price

Best Overall

Blue Yeti

Most features for the best price

With four recording modes, plug-and-play functionality, and live monitoring, the Blue Yeti offers the most versatile experience for the best price.

Source: Rode

The Rode Podcaster is a fantastic microphone for anyone that wants to record their voice. Whether you're making Skype calls, podcasting, or recording yourself streaming, the Rode Podcaster has a tight cardioid pattern that rejects sound from the rear or too far away, making sure you have a clear recording with no unwanted noise coming from all around you.

The Rode Podcaster is a very simple, but elegant USB microphone that iMore managing editor Lory Gil has been using with great success for years.

'I use the Rode Podcaster bundle. It's easy to set up, sounds great, and the boom stand mounts to my desktop so I can swivel it into range when I need it. The Rode is specially designed for voice, so it has warm tones with even bass, and the cardioid pattern isolates my voice, so there isn't too much background noise being picked up.'* — Lory Gil, Managing Editor of iMore

Pros:

• Comes with stand
• Some with shock mount
• Excellent sound isolation

Excellent Sound Isolation

Rode Podcaster

Boom arm and shock mount included

The Rode Podcaster is a solid choice for anyone who wants to ensure that background noise is no issue when recording.

Source: Blue

Blue's newest USB microphone takes a lot of what people love about the Blue Yeti and shrinks it down (both in size and price) into a pretty compelling product. Both its cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns support sample rates up to 24-bit at 48Khz, and it's included stand keeps it stable while recording so you don't get any noise from the microphone moving around.

Cons:

• No manual gain control
• Only two recording patterns

Smaller Yeti

Blue Yeti Nano

A compact microphone that still offers a lot.

Both the cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns support sample rates up to 24-bit at 48Khz, which is slightly better than its larger version.

Great for Singer/Songwriters: Audio-Technica AT2020 USB

Functioning much like a traditional XLR microphone, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB is ideal for the singer/songwriter in you who loves to record digitally. Being a cardioid microphone, the AT2020 USB performs best when recording sound from a single source located in front of the microphone. What makes the AT2020 USB so great for musicians is its ability to easily fit into shock mounts and mic booms, allowing you to position the microphone perfectly in your space.

Pros:

• Shock mount compatible
• Live monitoring with the headphone jack
• Plug-and-play

Great for Singer/Songwriters

Audio-Technica AT2020USB

Perfect for instruments and vocals

The 16bit/48kHz recording sample rate and ability to fit in most shock mounts and mic stands makes it perfect for recording all sorts of instruments and vocals.

Source: Samson

Although the Meteor is only meant to capture a single sound source, it does record all of its audio at a 16 bit, 48kHz sample rate, which means you're getting great sounding audio every time you sit in front of it. It's lightweight and quite compact, allowing you to transport the Meteor anywhere you need to go, so you never have to worry about sounding bad when you're on the road.

Pros:

• Super compact and portable
• Plug-and-play
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Poor sound isolation
• Only one recording pattern

Budget Option

Samson Meteor

Perfectly portable to take anywhere

It's small and easy to carry around, meaning you can always bring it anywhere with your MacBook, and its price can't be beaten.

Bottom line

Much like Rene has said, the Blue Yeti is the best all-around microphone for most Mac users. It's four recording modes offer an incredible amount of versatility, meaning regardless of what you're trying to record, you should be able to get a high-quality recording.

I have personally used my Blue Yeti to record podcasts with multiple guests, record guitar and vocals on a musical track, and every day for multiple Skype and Google Hangouts over the past couple of years, and I have never been disappointed.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Luke Filipowicz is an iMore staff writer who has been using microphones to record podcasts and even his band on his Mac.

Lory Gil is the Managing Editor of iMore and knows her way around a microphone, as she records multiple podcasts every week.

Rene Ritchie is the foremost authority on all things Apple and has insider knowledge about the goings-on at the biggest tech company in the world. He uses microphones with his Mac every day to record videos, interviews, podcasts, and much more!

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