10 Best Microphones for Gaming
Sound has always been an integral part of the video gaming experience, and this is true now more than ever before. In the past, audio in games was limited to sound effects and theme music, but in the modern era, many games actually demand audio input from the actual player. In almost any team-based, multiplayer online game, communication is key.
Whether it’s a Battle Royale game like Fortnite, a MOBA like DOTA 2, an FPS like Overwatch, or something else altogether, being able to talk to your teammates and provide them with important information about enemy locations and possibly game-winning strategies is vital. In addition, gaming has become a highly social experience in recent years, so being able to talk to your friends and fellow gamers is a big part of playing games as a whole. If you like to stream or record your gameplay sessions, a good gaming microphone is a must-have device.
Experienced, hardcore gamers all agree that a good mic can quite literally be the difference between life and death in a virtual space, and the quality really does count. Bad microphones offer muffled sound quality and can take ages to set up, sometimes being totally incompatible with other pieces of hardware or software.
Using a bad mic can be like trying to talk to someone on a bad cell phone with barely any signal. The audio is low quality, your voice keeps cutting out, and you’re constantly having to adjust settings just to help the audio get through. In a high-paced video game, that sort of low quality simply isn’t good enough. If you’re trying to tell your team about an enemy camping around the corner or asking someone to switch their hero to counter an opposition pick but they can barely hear you, your whole team will suffer.
A good gaming microphone, on the other hand, will provide top levels of audio quality that really make it feel like you’re sitting in the same room as your buddies, all able to enjoy the game together with effective communication and no audio issues. Good mics will also usually be very easy to install and may offer additional features like compatibility with multiple devices, volume switches, easy volume adjustment, and more.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Samson Go |
| 4.3/5.0 |
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 44.1 kHz/16-bit |
| Samson Go is the ideal companion for busy streamers on a budget. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Blue Yeti |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 48 kHz/16-bit |
| Blue Yeti remains one of the best mics money can buy. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Samson G-Track Pro |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 96kHz/24-bit |
| Crystal clear audio quality and professional-grade gaming. |
| Check Amazon |
Gaming Microphone Buying Guide
When buying a new gaming microphone, there are a few key things to focus on: price, connectivity, and features.
Price
Connectivity
Features
With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the very best gaming microphones money can buy right now. The table below shows a simple head-to-head comparison of our favorite devices to help you choose the right mic for you.
Microphones for Gaming Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Connectivity | Compatibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Yeti | USB | Mac + PC + PS4 | Check Price |
| Blue Yeti Pro | USB + XLR | Mac + PC + PS4 | Check Price |
| Razer Seiren Elite | USB | Mac + PC + PS4 | Check Price |
| Samson Go | USB | Mac + PC + PS4 + Xbox | Check Price |
| Audio-Technica 2020 | USB | Mac + PC | Check Price |
| Audio-Technica 2500 | USB | Mac + PC | Check Price |
| Antlion ModMic 5 | 3.5mm + USB + Y | Mac + PC + PS4 + Xbox + Smartphones/Tablets | Check Price |
| Blue Snowball | USB | Mac + PC + PS4 + Xbox | Check Price |
| FIFINE 669 | USB | Mac + PC | Check Price |
| Samson G-Track Pro | USB | Mac + PC | Check Price |
1. Blue Yeti
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
No gaming microphone guide can be complete without including the Blue Yeti. This is arguably the most well-known and beloved gaming microphone out there and has been a big hitter in the gaming audio world for several years now. With countless rave reviews and satisfied users all over the world, the Blue Yeti offers everything you could ask for in a USB gaming mic.
Part of what makes the Yeti such a popular pick with gamers of all kinds is its impeccable sound capture and quality. This gaming microphone comes fitted out with four different capture pattern modes: stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. That might all sound a little complicated to beginners, but it essentially means that the Yeti is capable of recording audio in every direction and can be adjusted to focus on one or more specific areas as needed. In short, this is a gaming microphone that adapts to you, rather than you needing to adapt to it.
Since it’s such a good all-rounder, it’s hard to recommend the Blue Yeti to any one kind of gamer. Streamers and podcasters will make the most of the Yeti’s features and audio quality, but it’s a great match for people who simply want to play with their friends on PC, Mac, or PS4 without any issues. Easy to set-up and providing crystal clear audio, the Yeti lets you communicate with other players with ease.
The final key advantage of the Blue Yeti is its price. This device has stood the test of time and consistently proven itself as one of the better gaming mics out there. You can pick it up for a reasonable price since it’s not new. With a stylish design and maximum recording resolution of 16-bit/48 kHz, the Yeti is one of the best value gaming mics money can buy.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 48 kHz/16-bit |
| Weight: 3.51 pounds |
| Dimensions: 4.9 x 4.7 x 11.6 inches |
| Features: Stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional modes. Mute button. Hinge design for pivoting and adjustments. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC, PS4 |
| Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Incredible audio quality |
| Great value |
| Multiple capture modes |
| Ideal all-rounder |
| Plug and play installation |
| Good build quality |
| Stylish design |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Picks up some background noise like mouse clicks |
| Base padding not strong enough for sound insulation |
| Extremely high sound sensitivity |
2. Blue Yeti Pro
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
From the standard Blue Yeti, we move on to the Blue Yeti Pro. As the name indicates, the Pro is essentially the Blue Yeti taken to the next level. Building on the great foundation laid by the regular Yeti, the Pro cranks things up a notch with additional features like XLR output, precise audio controls, stronger audio quality, and an improved custom base. Basically, if you like the Yeti and crave that same design at an even higher production standard, the Yeti Pro is the microphone for you.
This top-class gaming microphone does cost quite a lot more than its simpler predecessor, but that price hike is justified when you look at some of the features included. The improved technology and XLR compatibility allows for the Yeti Pro to provide a maximum recording resolution of 192 kHz/24-bit, so if you’re someone who wants to record gameplays, stream live sessions, or make your own podcasts, the Blue Yeti Pro is one of the top gaming microphones to choose for PC, Mac, and PS4 users.
This is also a great gaming microphone for people who are prepared to spend a little more in search of the best levels of quality. If you’re an audiophile, you’ll simply fall in love with this device. The Yeti Pro features both USB and XLR connectivity to cater to different types of user, with the XLR mode really offering the best results. Meanwhile, the same Tri-Capsule Array and four directional pattern settings as the standard Yeti are included to provide crystal clear audio in any situation.
There are plenty of similarities between the standard Yeti and the Yeti Pro, but one clear advantage of the Pro is its base. The base padding in the regular Yeti has been criticized for doing too little to cut out ambient sounds, but the solid base of the Pro is a big improvement. The differences between the Yeti and Yeti Pro might be negligible for casual gamers, but for streamers and YouTubers, the Pro is worthy of its bigger price tag.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB and XLR |
| Maximum recording resolution: 192 kHz/24-bit |
| Weight: 2.2 pounds |
| Dimensions: 11.6 x 4.7 x 4.9 inches |
| Features: Stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional modes. Custom base. Built-in headphone amplifier. Volume and mute buttons. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC, PS4 |
| Frequency response: 15 Hz – 22 kHz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Exceptional audio quality |
| XLR and USB connectivity offers more options |
| Superior featureset when compared to standard Yeti |
| Four capture modes |
| Easy to set-up |
| Several buttons and dials for precision audio control |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Relatively high price |
| Installation can take time as multiple drivers may be needed |
3. Razer Seiren Elite
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
When it comes to gaming hardware, Razer is one of the biggest and best brands in the business. This company specializes in high-end equipment for hardcore gamers and the Seiren Elite is a perfect example of everything that makes Razer such a well-respected brand. Boasting exceptional build quality and an instantly eye-catching design, the Seiren Elite is beautiful to look to and even better to use.
Aesthetics are rarely a major concern when it comes to gaming microphones, but many gamers like their set-ups to look good and the sleek black Seiren Elite will fit snugly alongside the rest of your gaming rig. This USB gaming microphone is made of top quality materials both inside and outside, providing a solid long-term investment for a relatively high but fair price.
The Seiren Elite features a high-pass filter to eliminate ambient low-frequency sounds like passing traffic or air conditioning units. This means that you and your listeners are guaranteed clean, high fidelity audio every time with a maximum recording resolution of 16-bit/48kHZ. Strongly favored by streamers, YouTubers, and podcast creators, the Seiren X offers truly professional levels of audio quality and the zero-latency monitoring feature allows you to hear your voice in real time, ideal for seamless streaming sessions.
Another great feature of this device is its digital/analog limiter, allowing you to adjust volume and gain with ease and provide the perfect settings to suit your voice. In the heat of gaming action, the tone and pitch of your voice may vary, but the Seiren Elite can adapt to every condition and features four unique capture patterns to cope with anything you can throw at it. You might need to adjust the dials a little to suit your voice and recording environment, but once you get the settings right, the Seiren Elite is a breeze to use.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 16-bit/48kHZ |
| Weight: 2.1 pounds |
| Dimensions: 8.9 x 3.5 x 2.7 inches |
| Features: Stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional modes. High-Pass Filter. Digital/analog vocal limiter. |
| Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4 |
| Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Good audio quality with minimal ambient noise |
| High-Pass Filter works well to eliminate unwanted sounds |
| Four recording patterns |
| Vocal limiter works well to cope with changing voice volume |
| Plug and play easy installation |
| Stylish design |
| The Cons |
|---|
| High price |
| Can take some time to configure |
| Some background noise is picked up, even with the filter |
4. Samson Go
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
Highly affordable but still offering great audio quality, the Samson Go condenser USB microphone is one of the best value picks in the gaming microphone market right now. This is a highly lightweight, portable device that comes with its own little clip stand that can be snapped onto a wide variety of surfaces like tables, desks, and even a laptop screen.
This gaming microphone can most fervently be recommended for gamers who tend to move around a lot and like to game in different locations, perhaps on a high-end gaming laptop or consoles. The portable nature of the Samson Go can prove highly useful in many different situations. If you’re someone with a busy lifestyle who likes to game and stream while on-the-move, for instance at airports, on trains, or simply in different rooms around your own home, the Samson Go is a super selection.
This gaming microphone is also ideal for people with small budgets. It’s one of the cheapest entries on this list but offers a lot of value for such a relatively small fee. Many cheap gaming mics offer poor sound quality and various problems, but the Samson Go can provide the same sound resolution and audio quality as many more expensive models with a maximum resolution of 16 bit/44.1 kHz and flat frequency response of 20 Hz to 18 kHz.
This versatile gaming microphone is a great choice for gamers of all kinds and it can work well for streaming and recording too. There’s some pretty powerful tech hidden under the hood of the Samson Go and its portability is definitely its strongest advantage.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 16 bit/44.1 kHz |
| Weight: 14.1 ounces |
| Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 5.8 inches |
| Features: Clip stand. Cardioid and omnidirectional patterns. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC, PS4, Xbox |
| Frequency response: 20 Hz to 18 kHz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Low price, high value |
| Plug and play installation |
| Highly portable |
| Very versatile |
| Lightweight |
| Decent audio quality for the price |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can’t compete with more expensive devices |
| Looks cheap |
| Lack of features |
5. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
This condenser microphone is another big hit with gamers of all kinds, widely admired for its extensive set of features, strong build quality, and impressive audio recording fidelity. This cardioid condenser microphone offers some unique features like an A/D converter and internal headphone amplifier. If you’re looking for a solid overall gaming microphone that doesn’t compromise on quality or come with an extortionate price tag, this is one of the best options out there.
It’s not the best looking gaming microphone out there, but it has a simple, clean style and is cheaper than many of its high-end rivals, offering plenty of value. The microphone itself features some impressive sensitivity levels and can record some truly crystal clear audio, perfect for hardcore gamers who want to enjoy all the benefits of clear communication with their teammates and friends.
This is a unidirectional microphone with a cardioid sensitivity pattern, so it doesn’t offer the same versatility as something like the Blue Yeti Pro, but once you get it set up properly and aligned in the right position, it’s very easy to use. It can be connected to your computer via USB and comes equipped with mix and volume control buttons.
Boasting a recording resolution of 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz and a solid frequency response level of 20 – 20,000 Hz, the AT2020USB+ is very impressive in the technical department and also comes equipped with a tripod stand for maximum stability on your desk or table. It’s a great all-round device for a great price, and that’s exactly what most gamers are looking for.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz |
| Weight: 2.2 pounds |
| Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.6 inches |
| Features: Tripod stand. Cardioid pattern. A/D converter. Internal headphone amplifier. Mix and volume buttons. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC |
| Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Versatile |
| Good audio quality |
| Tripod stand offers stability |
| Useful for gamers, streamers, YouTubers, and more |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Limited to cardioid pattern |
| Relatively simple aesthetics |
| Picks up some background noises |
6. Audio-Technica 2500
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
Sticking with Audio-Technica, this time we’re looking at the ATR2500-USB cardioid condenser microphone. This gaming microphone features a side-address condenser system and is well-suited for podcasting, streaming, and recording of other kinds. It offers impressive audio quality at a relatively low cost and can compete with more expensive models in most areas.
This PC and Mac microphone features a built-in headphone jack to help you keep track of your audio, as well as easy-to-use volume control buttons on the device’s face. Out of all the devices on our list, this is one of the easiest when it comes to setup and installation, so if you want a gaming mic that can simply be plugged into a USB outlet without any fuss or issues, the ATR2500 is a solid choice.
If we had to mention one major drawback of this device, it’s the absence of a stand or mount included with the base purchase. Gaming microphones need stands for ease of use, so you’ll have to add the cost of a stand or other kind of mounting system onto the initial cost of this particular microphone.
Fortunately, the Audio-Technica 2500 is a very fairly-priced device. It’s one of the best budget options out there right now, offering professional standards of audio fidelity without an intimidating price tag added on. So if you’re working with a budget and just looking to do some good quality streaming and gaming with your pals, this is a solid microphone to select.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz |
| Weight: 13 ounces |
| Dimensions: 6.6 x 2.4 x 10.1 inches |
| Features: Cardioid pattern. Headphone jack. Volume control. AD convertor. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC |
| Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Low cost |
| Great value |
| Easy to use |
| Excellent build quality |
| Useful headphone jack |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Limited to cardioid pattern |
| No stand |
| Audio quality could be better |
7. Antlion ModMic 5
Editor’s Rating: 4/5
This list has been exclusively comprised of standing microphones but not everyone wants or needs a full standing mic. Maybe you prefer not to pay the high prices that many standing microphones often come with or perhaps your desk or gaming space just doesn’t have room for a standing mic. Either way, if you’re looking for a small attachable microphone, the AntLion ModMic 5 is the best device in this category, offering both cardioid and omnidirectional patterns that can be switched out on the fly.
Many gamers tend to buy headsets that often come with their own attached mics, but while the audio quality in your ears might be excellent with these headsets, the output via the microphone is often lacking. This is where the ModMic 5 comes in. It might not be able to match standing mics in terms of quality, but it’s a major upgrade of almost any headset mic you could buy.
Small and lightweight, the ModMic is perfect for gamers with busy, active lifestyles who do a lot of moving around and gaming on multiple devices. The ModMic can be connected by 3.5mm but also comes with a USB adapter and a Y adapter for gaming consoles and other devices like smartphones and tablets. It can slot seamlessly into many different devices, offering more versatility than the majority of standing mics.
The ModMic’s modular design is also a cool advantage. The device comes with different modules like a 1m cable, 2m cable, and mute switch module which can all be attached or detached as needed, helping you customize the mic however you like. Overall, if you’re on the lookout for a compact gaming microphone that can provide good levels of audio quality for a very attractive price, you won’t find anything better than the Antlion ModMic.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB, Y, 3.5mm |
| Weight: 3.53 ounces |
| Dimensions: 7.8 x 0.79 x 2.83 inches |
| Features: 1m and 2m cables. Mute switch module. 3.5mm jack. Modular design. Cardioid and omnidirectional patterns. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Frequency response: 30 Hz-17.5 kHz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Compatible with many devices including consoles and smartphones |
| Low cost |
| Modular design for customization |
| Two recording patterns |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can’t provide the same quality as standing mics |
| Picks up background noise |
| Lack of features |
| Basic construction and material quality |
8. Blue Snowball
Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5
The Blue Snowball is one of the easiest gaming microphones to use and comes highly recommended to gamers investing in their first mic. It’s low cost and high value, providing very impressive audio quality levels for the fraction of the cost of many other microphones.
Available in a surprisingly wide variety of colors from bold tones of green and orange to more subdued shades like silver and black, the first thing that really stands out about the Snowball is its unique appearance. A little metallic orb sitting on a tripod stand, the Snowball really stands out when put alongside many other gaming microphones and will be particularly appreciated by gamers who like their equipment to look a little different.
Offering both omnidirectional and cardioid recording patterns, Blue’s Snowball doesn’t have as much versatility as the Yeti or Yeti Pro, but is ideal for gamers getting started with streaming and recording. Audio quality levels are decent and if you’re looking to make your own podcasts or YouTube clips, this mic offers a super starting point.
The Blue Snowball is fully compatible with both consoles and computers and is really easy to start using. You simply plug it in and can be recording audio and chatting with your friends and family in a matter of seconds. For convenience, cost, and clarity, the Blue Snowball is an all-round winner.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 44.1 kHz/16 bit |
| Weight: 2.5 pounds |
| Dimensions: 4.9 x 7.9 x 10 inches |
| Features: Tripod stand. Cardioid and omnidirectional patterns. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Frequency response: 40 –18 kHz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Unique style |
| Impressive audio quality |
| Tripod stand for stability |
| Compatible with many devices |
| Very easy to use |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Lack of features and buttons |
| Cardioid and omnidirectional modes only |
| Unique aesthetic may not appeal to everyone |
| Sound quality not as strong as more expensive mics |
9. Fifine 669
Editor’s Rating: 4/5
If price is your primary concern, the Fifine 669 could be the ideal gaming microphone for you. Designed for streaming and video recording, this mic comes at a really low price and delivers some pleasantly surprising results for such a small investment. It’s a great starter point for gamers who just want to play with their friends without any communication issues and start up their own streaming channels.
With a plug and play USB system, it’s really easy to get the 669 up and running in a matter of minutes and the device can be installed with ease on both Macs and PCs. A useful volume knob gives you control over your audio and the device has been optimized to work with all the services games tend to love like Discord and Skype.
This device uses a cardioid recording pattern, so it could be criticized for lacking other options like omnidirectional or bidirectional recording, but if you’re willing to sacrifice those extra features in order to save some cash, this is a top quality gaming microphone and has received hundreds of positive reviews on major online marketplaces like Amazon.
The Fifine 669 can’t match up to gaming microphones like the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica 2500 in terms of features and audio quality, but if you’re a gamer in need of a reliable, functional device to record audio and chat with other players, it’s a sound selection.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB |
| Weight: 1.15 pounds |
| Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.9 x 2.6 inches |
| Features: Tripod stand. Cardioid pattern. Volume button. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC |
| Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Highly affordable |
| Plug and play |
| Tripod stand offers stability |
| Great for beginners |
| Lightweight |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Cardioid pattern only |
| Basic design |
| Lack of features |
| Audio quality can’t match more expensive microphones |
| No mute button |
10. Samson G-Track Pro
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
For professional-grade audio in a gaming microphone, look no further than the Samson G-Track Pro. This USB condenser microphone wouldn’t look out of place in a recording studio, it’s just that good. Offering the highest level of recording resolution of all devices on this list, the G-Track Pro is one of the best gaming microphones audiophiles can hope to buy.
It comes at a high price, but it does more than enough to justify its cost with a wealth of features and fantastic build quality. You only need to take one look at this mic to know that it has a lot to offer. Various jacks and dials all around show off the G-Track Pro’s wide range of options and features, with the device even featuring the possibility to be hooked up to various instruments and audio systems.
It’s the heaviest mic on the list and features a chunky stand which might not be to everyone’s taste, but the G-Track Pro isn’t about aesthetics, it’s about performance. When it comes to audio performance, there are few devices better than this one. Fully compatible with both PCs and Macs, this microphone can seem a little daunting at first and can take a little while to get fully setup, but once it’s all working, it offers better audio clarity than almost any other device on the list.
With a 24-bit recording resolution and large frequency response, as well as three different recording patterns, the G-Track Pro has some impressive tech specs to go along with its high price tag. If you’re serious about streaming and want to provide pitch-perfect audio clarity in all of your gaming sessions, this is the mic to choose.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB |
| Maximum recording resolution: 24-bit, 96kHz |
| Weight: 5 pounds |
| Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Features: Cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional patterns. Mute button. Instrument input. Headphone output. Multiple dials and buttons for precision control. |
| Compatibility: Mac, PC |
| Frequency response: 50Hz-20kHz |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Professional-grade audio quality |
| Precise controls |
| Compatible with instruments |
| Versatility |
| Effective filtering of background noise |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Bulky, heavy design |
| Expensive |
| Can seem quite complex for inexperienced users |
| Configuration may take some time |
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