8 Best Microphones for Apple Macs

1. TONOR TC-1020 Desktop Mic for Mac | Best Budget

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The Best Budget microphone for Macs goes to the TONOR TC-1020. It’s a smart condenser type mic that simply plugs into your computer and is ready to use.

• Best feature 1: Modern upright style with a chic finish
• Best feature 2: Ultra-bright, clear sound
• Plus points: Plug-n-play, metal build, long USB cable, headphone port, volume control, value
• Minus points: Non-detachable cable, sensitive to background noise

TONOR TC-1020 Mic Highlights

Microphone Compatibility: Windows and Mac computers, iPad, iPhone w/ Lightning to USB adapter.

The TONOR TC-1020 is a slick microphone of vertical design with a clean white finish. It takes up little space on the desktop and comes with a 5.5ft cable for easy positioning. This mic uses solid aluminum alloy in its build, which makes it both durable and resistant to knocks. There’s an on-body 3.5mm port for headphones and a volume dial. That gives real-time latency-free monitoring for those who need it.

This mic provides audio quality that far surpasses that of any built-in microphone. Consider the TC-1020 by TONOR if you want to enhance your audio. It’s perfect for online chat, podcasting, streaming, recording, and streaming, etc.

The Not So Good

The cable is connected permanently, so the microphone becomes defunct if you damage it. TONOR’s TC-1020 is also quite sensitive and may pick up some background room interference. That’s something to be mindful of if you want to isolate the mic from ambient sounds. That’s less of a problem with the volume set at 50% and by speaking a little closer to the diaphragm.

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2. Shure MV5 USB Digital Mic for Mac | Best Value

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Shure makes the Best Value slot with its MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone. It comes with a USB and Lightning cable for use with most modern Apple devices.

• Best feature 1: Auto audio optimization controls
• Best feature 2: Three DSP preset modes
• Plus points: Clear sound, wide compatibility, PnP, 2 styles, stand, portable, headphone port
• Minus points: Small size, tiny LEDs, short Lightning cable

Shure MV5 USB Microphone Highlights

Microphone Compatibility: Windows PC, Mac computers, Apple iPhone, iPod, and iPad (no need for additional conversion kits or adapters).

This mic has a unique design with a full rounded head that adds to its aesthetic appeal. You can position it upright with the included stand if that’s your preference. Or, you can use it unattached for even easier placement and convenient portability. It’s what you might call an anytime, anywhere mic. You can choose the MV5 in two colors, i.e., black with contrasting red foam, or gray with black foam.

There’s plenty to appreciate with Shure’s MV5, like its convenient design and plug-n-play easiness. It produces beautiful crisp sound for speech, vocals, and some musical instruments.

Recording Made Easy

The mic’s 3 DSP Preset Modes make recording a cinch whatever your level. You simply choose between Vocal Mode, Flat, and Instrument, and you’re good to go. Another standout feature is the automatic functions that remove the need for manual adjustments. They include auto Gain, auto EQ, auto Compression, and Limiting. There’s also a headphone jack and volume dial for low-latency monitoring.

The Not So Good

The MV5 is smaller than it looks in the ads and even tinier when detached from its stand. That’s convenient, but it also means you need to lean in for the best results. Also, the mic’s little LED indicators are not easy to see. Some complain that the 3ft Lightning cable is too short, though that depends on individual use. The last con is the mute button, which is at the rear of the mic.

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3. HyperX QuadCast Gaming Mic for Mac | Top Pick

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Mac microphone Top pick goes to the HyperX QuadCast. It’s a USB condenser mic with a distinct red and black finish with dynamic backlighting. It looks classy on any desktop, but that’s not all.

• Best feature 1: Anti-vibration shockmount and built-in pop filter
• Best feature 2: Four switchable polar patterns
• Plus points: PnP, tap-to-mute, bright LED, on-body gain dial, headphone jack
• Minus points: One finish only, cannot turn off the LED, no headphone volume

HyperX QuadCast USB Mic Highlights

Mic Compatibility: Mac computers, Windows PCs w/ Win 10, 8, and 7 OS. It also works seamlessly with PS4, XSplit, Skype, Mumble (VOIP), and other compatible applications.

The HyperX QuadCast offers USB PnP simplicity and needs no drivers or complex set up. It’s compact design with a detachable stand and removable USB cord makes it ultra-portable. The mute function works with a simple tap to the top of the body. A second tap un-mutes it. The bright LED backlight shuts off so that you can see when the mic is live and in mute status.

QuadCast’s 4 Polar Patterns

One of the mic’s bestselling features is its 4 switchable polar patterns. They include stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional (omni), and bidirectional. But why does it matter how the mic picks up sound as long as it does? Because different recording applications benefit from different polar patterns.

1. Cardioid pickup: a popular choice for solo speakers and vocalists
2. Omni pickup: perfect for recording ambiance and group discussions, etc.
3. Stereo pickup: ideal for some vocal and instrument applications
4. Bidirectional (figure-8): best choice for performing duets and 2-person chats

On/Off Body Features

The all-metal frame and desktop stand adds to the QuadCast’s strength and slick finish. The built-in anti-vibration shockmount looks fantastic. It does a sterling job at vibration and mechanical shock isolation too. And a built-in p-pop filter improves voice clarity by reducing plosives sounds and muffles. Real-time monitoring is also possible thanks to the mic’s 3.5mm headphone jack.

There’s a large, silky smooth gain dial located at the bottom of the body with status markers. Lastly, the mic comes with a 3/8” to 5/8” stand adapter. That’s handy if you want to attach it to a boom arm. The HyperX QuadCast here is currently one of the best multipurpose microphones for Apple fans.

The Not So Good

There are no other colors to choose from if the red and black finish doesn’t appeal to your taste. The red color comes from the LED backlight, and you can’t turn it off while the mic’s active. It looks cool, but it can also be a distraction when working in low light. The final con is that there’s no separate on-body volume control for the headphones. That’s a surprise considering the price of this model.

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4. Movo M1 USB Lavalier Microphone for Mac

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Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

Meet the Movo M1. It’s a highly affordable lavalier clip-on type microphone for Mac and PC. It comes with a long 20ft cable that give users plenty of freedom to move as they record.

• Best feature 1: Exceptional sound quality for a mic in its class
• Best feature 2: Ultra-long mic cable
• Plus points: PnP, discreet design, clear audio, sturdy aluminum clip, windscreens, value
• Minus points: Skinny cord, picks up background noise

Movo M1 Lavalier Mic Highlights

USB lavalier mics have come a long way in recent times with regards to reliability and audio quality. This one sounds fantastic despite its small, discreet design and affordable price. It’s a plug-n-play (PnP) mic, so it’s ready to go once it’s attached to a computer’s USB port. The small aluminum lapel clip grips well to most types of fabric without sliding.

Consider the Movo M1 if you need an ultra-portable, no fuss microphone that you can take anywhere. It’s way better than the one built into any computer in terms of audio quality and flexibility. There’s a couple of windscreens (mic hats) to protect it against spit and wind noise when recording outdoors.

The Not So Good

The 20ft cord length is welcome, but it’s skinny and seems overly fragile, so needs handling with care. The mic’s omnidirectional polar pattern makes it prone to picking up lots of ambient noise. That’s not unusual for omni mics, but it does mean the wearer should be extra vigilant. Some ambiance makes a recording more ‘real.’ Other noises like clicking keyboards and whirling fans are less welcome.

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5. Samson Meteor USB Studio Mic for Mac

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The Samson Meteor Mic has a futuristic look that you either love or loathe. It has plenty of bling for an entry-level desktop mic, along with a bunch of impressive features to boot.

• Best feature 1: Lightweight and portable
• Best feature 2: Foldable legs
• Plus points: PnP, attaches to mic stands, large-diaphragm, headphone jack, volume dial, mute
• Minus points: Cheap volume dial, legs block USB port

Samson Meteor USB Microphone Highlights

Microphone Compatibility: MAC OS, Windows PC (10, Win 7, and VISTA), and most other computing platforms that recognize USB audio devices.

The tripod legs of the Samson Meteor microphone fold up flush to the side of its body. That makes this small mic even smaller, and thus easy to store or carry around if you’re mobile. And if you want to mount it onto a conventional mic stand, you can do that too. Inside the capsule is a large-diaphragm. It’s bigger than most diaphragms found in USB mics and contributes to the smooth, ultra-clean audio.

This mic has a built-in jack for headphones to give users zero-latency monitoring. There’s also a volume control and a mute switch. Samson’s Meteor Mic is an incredibly versatile audio tool, compatible across many computing platforms. That includes some tablets and smartphones.

The Not So Good

The volume dial tends to be a tad resistant and plasticky. New buyers may get lucky with the former, but you’re stuck with the latter. It’s quite common—for some unknown reason—to find cheap dials on otherwise solid mic bodies. Another annoyance is that you must unfold the mic’s legs to access its USB port. A detachable arrangement would have been a better design.

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6. Logitech C922x Pro Webcam w/ Mic for Macs

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

The C922x is a mic with a difference. It comes attached to a Pro Stream Webcam with a 1080p HD camera. It’s primarily a tool for live video streaming on entertainment and social media websites.

• Best feature 1: Microphone and quality webcam combined
• Best feature 2: Background replacement technology
• Plus points: Easy to set up, quality build, tripod mount, clear video, low-light performance
• Minus points: Average audio, short cable

Logitech C922x Webcam/Mic Highlights

Logitech C922x is the new and updated version of its C920. The latter is still available and offers excellent value at around 60 dollars—a saving of about $20. The build is good and has a quality finish. The built-in mics of both models provide comparable stereophonic audio. However, there are better mic options out there if you don’t need the camera/mic combination (see below).

However, the C922x is a handy portable device for Mac users who want a full webcam/mic system. The newer C922x also boasts 720p @ 60fps (frames per second) and has a better low-light sensor. It can also put a virtual background onto your live stream. Both these Logitech webcams have their critics, though. Despite that, they sell incredibly well, and that tells us something.

The Not So Good

The audio is an acceptable average, but it won’t blow you away. If your focus is audio quality above video, then choose another microphone. Or, put the C922x on your shortlist if you want a convenient all-in-one webcam for social gaming and to live stream. The pre-attached cable that comes in the box is only 5ft (1.5m), so some users will need an extension.

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7. Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Macs

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Blue Yeti is a success story when it comes to desktop condenser microphones. Even those who don’t favor its style still admire the quality and performance of this beauty.

• Best feature 1: Plug-n-Play for Mac and PC
• Best feature 2: Four polar pickup patterns
• Plus points: Broadcast-quality sound, on-body audio controls, positional design, superb value
• Minus points: Big and heavy, cheap, tacky gain and volume dials

Blue Yeti USB Mic Feature Highlights

Shortlist the Blue Yeti USB if it’s within budget and you want a mic that lives at home. Microphones come and go, but the first version of these series came out in 2009. That alone tells us plenty about the success of this beauty, and it continues to sell well. The Yeti USB offers plug-n-play simplicity with any Mac OS or Windows PC. That’s it—the mic’s ready to record and stream right off the bat.

The rich, broadcast-quality studio sound is about as good as it gets with a USB type microphone. That’s thanks to several factors, but especially the Yeti’s proprietary tri-capsule technology.

Blue Yeti’s On-body Controls

This is a big mic, and that means there’s lots of space to accommodate its on-body audio controls. There’s a 3.5mm headphone jack and a headset volume dial for latency-free monitoring. Other manual controls include a polar pattern selector (see next), a mute button, and a microphone gain knob. These things combined put the user in total control, and it’s so easy to use.

Polar Pattern Selector Switch

The polar pattern selector is priceless for those who do more than solo recordings. The pickup patterns determine the angle that the mic becomes most sensitive to sound. Here’s a quick breakdown of how polar patterns benefit different recording applications:

Away from the Desktop

The Blue Yeti comes with a sturdy, preinstalled desktop stand. The angle of the microphone is easy to change with its adjustable pivot. You’re not restricted to the stand either. There’s a standard thread at the base that allows you to connect the Yeti to regular mic supports if you prefer. Or, you can attach it to Blue’s Radius Microphone Shock Mount (sold separately).

The Not So Good

One of the Blue Yeti’s attractions is its solid build and large size. Some prefer lightweight portability over heft, and this mic doesn’t offer any of that. It’s not the kind of device you can throw into a small bag and take with you. It’s a beast, and better off with a permanent home. The last con is the cheap, tacky on-body Volume and Gain dials. They seem so out of place on an otherwise high-quality body.

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8. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Mic Studio Bundle for Mac

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The last Mac microphone review goes to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio. It includes the CM25 Mk III condenser mic, a 3rd Generation USB audio interface, and a few other items.

• Best feature 1: Full recording solution for Mac and PC
• Best feature 2: Decent condenser microphone
• Plus points: Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface, XLR cable, recording software, headphones
• Minus points: No shockmount, no pop filter, low-average headset

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Mic Bundle Highlights

Microphone Compatibility: Apple Mac OS X 10.10 or higher, Windows PC OS Win 7 or higher.

The CM25 MkIII electret condenser microphone is one of the kit’s main attractions. It has a 2mm capsule, a 16mm diaphragm, and a fixed cardioid pickup pattern. The mic has substantial heft and seems highly durable. That includes its mesh grill. The CM25 MkIII comes with a stand mount and a 3/8” to 5/8” thread adapter. The sound quality is crystal clear and void of any muddiness.

Bundle Contents

The cost of this bundle is hard to beat, considering what’s in it. It’s not quite the all-in-one solution advertised, but it is close. There’s the Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface, a 10ft XLR cable, and some free software upon registration. That includes programs from Focusrite, Ableton, Avid, Softube, Splice, and XLN. You also get a pair of closed-back HP60 MkIII headphones. More on those next.

The Not So Good

There’s no shockmount included in the bundle, which is a surprise as it needs one. You can find decent isolation mounts for only a few dollars, but a bundle at this price should have included one.

This package would be close to perfect if it weren’t for the headphones. Luckily, they’re not the main selling product, so it’s not a deal-breaker. Even so, the headset has a weak, plastic construction and is not built to last. They also make the ears sweat after a few minutes of wearing. The sound quality is average, i.e., not bad, not good. The only plus is that they’re ultra-lightweight.

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