USB microphones prove to be useful as companies provide more work-from-home options, schools hold online classes, plus hobbies like music recording, vlogging, podcasting, and live and game streaming have become more popular. In these endeavors, a crystal-clear and amplified voice is essential.
These microphones are excellent plug-and-play devices since they don't require extra equipment to be used. Investing in USB microphones for singing and other hobbies will make a vast difference from relying on your earphones or desktop's mic. In this article, we created a buying guide, reviewed by sound engineer Jojo Ariola, and a list of the best USB microphones you can buy online.
Quick List - Top USB Microphones
XIAOKOA
Setting Up Clear Communication Towards Online Game Victories
Jojo Ariola has been working as a front-of-house live sound engineer for almost 20 years. He also has trained several students regarding the field. He has worked with famous local bands, and he has also worked as a DJ in bars and clubs around the metro. He is the audio engineer for music videos of artists like Miguel Escueta and Leanne & Naara. Lastly, he is also a vendor of sound and lights system rentals.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Both condenser and dynamic microphones do an excellent job of capturing high-quality audio without noise. Read further to know what they're best for and how they differ from each other.
The majority of USB microphones in the market are condensers. A condenser usually has a heart-shaped polar pattern, called the cardioid, and is suitable for personal recording. It can only capture sounds produced in front of it and can capture fewer sounds from the sides.
It is very sensitive and accurate at capturing sounds in a quiet room or a studio setting. It can record high frequencies and delicate sounds. Thus, it is recommended for recording vocals and is also the best option for beginners who plan to start a podcast.
Condenser microphones are used in the studio and during live performances. they can be used for vocals, string instruments, brass instruments, and overheads for drums.
Meanwhile, a dynamic microphone usually has an omnidirectional polar pattern. It's a great choice for recording with a band or group of people who use instruments to capture sounds from different directions.
It is also good for recording high sound pressure levels for live performances. This microphone usually comes with a USB port or a wireless USB receiver, allowing you to use it quickly and freely.
Dynamic microphones are best used with vocals and instruments with high frequencies.
Diving into specifications is the heart of this buying guide because the USB microphone's performance will depend on them. These specifications include directionality or polar pattern, sample rate, bit rate, latency, and pick-up range.
Microphones have several polar patterns or directionalities for different uses.
Note, however, that you may record unwanted sounds with omnidirectional and cardioid types since they don't focus on recording in one specific direction.
Piece of trivia: the term "bleeding" is used when you receive unwanted audio or sounds.
The consistency of the soundwaves that the microphone can capture depends on how high or low the frequency is. A microphone with a range of 20Hz to 20 kHz is recommended for any purpose, and 80Hz to 15kHz frequency response is enough if you’ll just use it for recording song covers or original songs.
Trivia: the normal frequency that we humans hear or feel is 20 Hertz, and the lowest is 12 Hertz.
The sample indicates the sound quality sent by the microphone. A microphone should have at least a 44.1 kHz sample rate. If it's higher, for instance, 96 kHz, then the microphone will most likely capture and produce high-quality sounds that are almost the same as your raw voice.
44.1kHz is indeed the best audio quality format for consumer audio.
You should also get a microphone that can capture sounds even from a distance. The pick-up range will determine how far the microphone detects and captures sound clearly. Recording sound from about 6-12 inches away is optimal. However, catching sounds at longer distances also means capturing unwanted noise, wind, or traffic.
This is where the polar pattern of the microphone is important to get quality audio and avoid audio bleeding.
For the format of the mic, you should determine which type is right for you. A lapel, handheld, or stand type are among the following you can choose from. A lapel or handheld one would be useful if the speaker needs to move around, whereas a stand type is preferable for talks that will just be recorded sitting down.
Fixed stands simply need to be put on top of your desk. It can be adjusted at your desired angle. Some stands, however, need to be mounted on a desk or wall using screws, which can take some time to be assembled.
When using wireless microphones, you should first check the best frequency that the wireless mic will use so that there will be no radio interference from other sources using the same frequency.
There are USB microphones that offer unique features that can improve your recording experience. Below are some features you might want to look for:
Pop filters are used to filter wind on the microphone. Proper equalization can also lessen the effects of wind on your recording.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MAONO USB Microphone Set|AU-A04TR | ![]() | Record Like a Pro with This USB Microphone Set | |
2 | Fifine USB Microphone|K678 | ![]() | Say Goodbye to White Noise With This Compact Mic | |
3 | Blue Yeti USB Microphone | ![]() | An All-Around Microphone From a Trusted Brand | |
4 | XIAOKOA Professional USB Gaming Microphone|G55 | ![]() | Setting Up Clear Communication Towards Online Game Victories | |
5 | MAONO USB Condenser Microphone|AU-902 | ![]() | Zero-Latency USB Microphone for Clear and Crisp Voice Recording | |
6 | Fifine USB Microphone|K669B | ![]() | Compact and High Quality USB Microphone for Aspiring Singers | |
7 | UHF USB Wireless Handheld Mic | ![]() | A Portable Mic for Teachers and Performers | |
8 | MovingMic USB Clip Microphone | ![]() | Lavalier USB Microphone Perfect for Interviews and Podcasts | |
9 | Razer Seiren Mini Microphone | ![]() | An Ultra Compact Microphone for Gamers and Streamers | |
10 | Blue Snowball iCE USB Microphone | ![]() | Record in Style With This Retro-Looking Mic |
Want to record a song like a pro? This USB microphone kit's got your back! Its sound chipset has a 192 kHz/24-bit sample rate to record raw voices perfectly. There will be no more unwanted sounds in your recordings because of its low-noise feature, which lets you have the clearest audio.
Its double-shielded cord makes the mic durable and long-lasting. Moreover, not only does it deliver great sound, but it also works well with any system so you can edit recordings directly through any software. It is adjustable to any angle and direction, allowing you to use the microphone in the most comfortable way possible.
If you want a more compact USB microphone, check this one out. You can easily adjust the angle by twisting the knobs on each side. It also has adjustable settings for both headphone volume and microphone input. Along with a quick mute function, these settings are available as buttons on the back for easy access.
Conveniently, it also has a light indicator when it detects sound, so you'll know if the mic is picking up your voice or not. Hitting or shaking your desk accidentally might be unavoidable, but this conveniently cancels out white noise while recording.
This microphone from Blue Yeti offers several features that make it one of the best. Its 3 condenser capsules make it reliable for recording in any situation. It also comes with many pattern selections such as stereo, cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional. You can expect incredible audio quality with this sleek-looking mic.
This also has buttons for directly controlling volume, pattern selection, mute, and gain for ease of use. You don't need to install drivers, either, making its setup smoother and less stressful. This is truly reliable not just because it's easy to use but also due to its compatibility, as this works for both Windows and Mac OS.
Ensure victory with your teammates using this USB gaming microphone. Its cool design adds style to your computer set-up - a built-in red LED light can be switched on and off, and the goose-neck hose can be adjusted to any angle where you feel most comfortable. It also has a USB cord with a pull-proof shield for durability.
The one-button silence feature is a reliable ally while playing games where you'll have to mute yourself to communicate with your teammates. As for its audio quality, it receives and delivers clear audio to your teammates without distortion, helping you win any game.
Maintain and monitor good audio quality with this zero-latency USB microphone from Maono. Expect no delays when listening to your voice from the microphone through your headphones. This one is worth every peso because it's able to capture your voice clearly and consistently!
The mic stand is detachable with a built-in thread, so there's no need for thread connectors if you need to put it on another microphone stand. The rubberized base also helps it to stay in place, preventing it from moving or sliding. Plus, it has a USB-C to USB-A cord, so you can plug it into any traditional USB outlet.
This USB microphone has only one knob for volume adjustment, but it does a good job of capturing clear sound with minimal room noise and wind-free audio - perfect for vocal or podcast recording. This comes with a 6-feet long cable, too, so you will have no problems placing this mic around the room.
This has a small, lightweight design with a matte black finish that adds to its modern look. It has a customized integrated circuit and a volume dial that allows fast shifting of loud and soft sounds. For compatibility, this works well with Twitch, OBS, and Discord, and its USB adaptor makes it compatible with iPhones and iPads.
This affordable mic with a classic look works for any setting including studios, karaokes, classes, and live performances. This is a wireless handheld mic that works within a wide 20-meter range, so you can freely move around a room. This is also powered via both USB charging and batteries.
With its UHF technology or ultra-high frequency of 268.85MHz, it can capture crystal-clear sounds from any instrument, making this a great choice for parties. This is able to transmit rich and full sounds despite its affordable price - a perfect gift for teachers and performers who just need a reliable and good-quality mic.
A lavalier USB microphone is ideal for interviews and chats. This provides you with excellent recordings of any performance because of its features. It is small but has a strong frequency response that captures audio at a high quality. It also includes a wind muff for protection from extraneous noise.
Compatible with Windows and Mac PC, it can also be used on your mobile phone using an OTG connector. It is also very user-friendly: just clip it on your clothes, plug it into your device, turn the recorder on, and you're all set to have clean and crisp recordings of your interviews and performances.
This compact microphone is pill-shaped, making it a great addition to your gaming desk. It doesn't just look adorable; it also packs power in capturing sound. It might be a smaller microphone, but it accurately records your voice and makes it sound crisp and clear.
Seiren Mini Microphone is a USB mic you can plug into your laptop as you record. It does a decent job of recording plosives, minimizing the pops you make as you speak. It also has an internal shock mount that minimizes vibrations from handling. This microphone is excellent for simple audio recordings and is also ideal for streamers.
This unique and stylish retro mic excels in both the audio and visual departments. It has a classic design accompanied by a cardioid pickup pattern and a custom condenser capsule, capturing sound clearly for meetings and streaming.
It also comes with an adjustable desktop stand that allows you to place the mic in the most optimal positions. You can make yourself heard loud and clear with this mic, especially on most conferencing apps, as this is Skype and Discord-certified.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by sound engineer Jojo Ariola.
To connect your USB microphone to an Android phone, you simply need to plug in an OTG adaptor to the USB and your phone. Make sure it's compatible with your Android by picking the appropriate type for your phone, whether it's micro-USB or Type C. For iPhone, you would need a Lightning-to-USB adaptor.
You will need adapters so that you can connect your USB microphone to your iPhone or android phone. Just make sure the device can provide 3.3 volts of power. You will need a lighting-to-audio USB for your iPhone and an Android phone OTG adaptor for an android phone—just make sure the OTG device is compatible with your android phone.
Immerse yourself in a comfortable desktop setup for a more enjoyable gaming and working experience. Complete your setup with the best items by reading our other articles below.
Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Re-editor: Beatrice Fajardo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: MAONO|USB Microphone Set|AU-A04TR
No. 2: Fifine|USB Microphone|K678
No. 3: Blue Yeti|USB Microphone
No. 4: XIAOKOA|Professional USB Gaming Microphone|G55
No. 5: MAONO|USB Condenser Microphone|AU-902
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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