8 Best Microphones for Gamers

1. RUNMUS Gaming Set W/ Attached Mic | Best Budget

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

My Best Budget mic goes to the RUNMUS K2 headset. It’s a good-looking product with an affordable price tag. Best of all is that the makers designed the K2 specifically for gaming enthusiasts.

• Best feature 1: Designed specifically for online gamers
• Best feature 2: Noise-cancelling
• Plus points: Ergonomic design, LED lights, surround sound, ON/OFF mic switch, excellent value
• Minus points: Wired, bulky, some static interference

RUNMUS Gaming Headset Feature Highlights

The hip, ergonomic design of this headset with its red LED lights, is worth mention. The retractable headband and breathable earpads ensure wearer comfort when playing for extended periods. The materials used feel a little cheap, but then this is a budget-end product. There are no reports that the plastics are fragile, it’s just that they feel that way.

The RUNMUS K2 has a lot of pro-gaming features for a low-cost headset-mic. Its fixed noise-canceling microphone does a decent job at filtering ambient sounds. That means you can chat with fellow gamers with crystal-clear clarity. The mic also has a switch to turn it OFF when not needed. The 7.1 surround sound enhances the experience and lets you know the exact direction of the audio.

Multiple Platform Compatible

Every gamer wants to know whether a headset-mic is compatible with their setup. The RUNMUS K2 has a 3.5mm audio jack. That makes it compatible with Windows PCs, Xbox One, PS4 controllers, and many smart devices. Interested buyers should contact the seller for a compatibility check if unsure. Buying incompatible equipment is a common newbie shopping blunder.

The Not So Good

This headset mic has a 7.22ft cable. That’s only a negative if you want the freedom of wire-free technology. The long cord may become irritating, depending on your setup. The headset is also quite bulky and may take inexperienced users some time to get used to. There’s a little noticeable static if you’re someone who moves around a lot. It’s not overbearing, but it’s there nonetheless.

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2. Blue Yeti Blackout Mic + Game Bundle | Best Value

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Best Value pick goes to the Blue Yeti Blackout USB plug-n-play microphone. This one is the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Bundle that offers excellent value for enthusiastic gamers.

• Best feature 1: Popular plug-n-play desktop gaming microphone
• Best feature 2: Top-selling brand
• Plus points: Multi-pattern, multi-use, excellent build, crystal-clear audio, on-body controls
• Minus points: Cheaply made dials, heft

Blue Yeti Blackout Bundle Feature Highlights

According to Blue, its Blackout Yeti has become the #1 Premium USB mic within the gaming industry. There’s no question that it’s a superb, well-built USB microphone that delivers on its promises. The mic boasts perfect depth and crystal-clear clarity to any Twitch stream. These are the qualities that today’s gamers demand. Consider the Yeti Blackout if you’re ready to move up to pro-level status.

Multi-Purpose Audio Tool

The Blue Yeti Blackout is a multi-purpose mic that offers plenty of flexibility. That’s brilliant news for those with recording interests other than gaming. The Yeti excels as a podcast mic, for YouTube presentations, music applications, and much more. It’s feature-packed too. It sports an on-body Volume Control for headphones, a Mute Button, and a 4-Pattern Selector Switch.

The Not So Good

The microphone is incredibly well-made, aside from its cheap Gain and Volume dials. They wiggle and feel inferior to the touch. Both knobs look okay and do the intended job, but they are still tacky. The Blue Yeti Blackout has some heft, and that includes both its size and weight. Thus, this mic needs space and is not very portable. That’s something to consider if you’re a mobile gamer.

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3. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Gaming Mic | Top Pick

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

My Top Pick is for Audio-Technica’s AT2020USB+. It’s a superb multi-use microphone and an excellent choice for gamers. It’s worth consideration if crystal-clear audio is vital to you.

• Best feature 1: Popular mic for gaming and live streaming
• Best feature 2: Quick to set up, easy to use
• Plus points: Crystal-clear audio, headphone jack, volume & mix controls, desktop stand
• Minus points: Rickety mic stand, potential Windows 10 issue

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Feature Highlights

The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is a popular mic for gaming and live streaming. It’s also a superb choice for vocals, instruments, podcasting, voiceovers, and other applications. There’s an on-body 3.5mm headphone jack with dedicated volume and mix controls. The latter is useful for users who need to blend the mic signal with pre-recorded audio.

You can use this mic right out of the box with any Windows or Mac computer. It comes with a mini desktop tripod, pivoting stand mount, and a protective storage pouch.

The Not So Good

The desktop tripod is a welcome extra, but only just. It does the job, but most gamers are sure to want something sturdier. The stand is too unsteady and doesn’t take much to knock over. The other negative is a potential issue with Windows 10. Not everyone has problems, and most complaints were from earlier purchases. Still, check with the seller for a compatibility update if you want this mic.

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4. Fifine K668 PnP Studio Gaming Microphone

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Meet the affordable Fifine USB Microphone. It’s a plug-n-play USB condenser type mic and an ideal choice for budding gamers. It’s the right size too and offers lots of features for its price.

• Best feature 1: Affordable entry-level mic for PS4 gaming
• Best feature 2: Versatile, multi-purpose microphone
• Plus points: Plug-n-play simplicity, omni pickup, impressive clarity, tripod stand
• Minus points: Fixed cable, cheap stand

Fifine PnP Home Studio Mic Feature Highlights

Fifine’s K668 has impressive clarity and rich sound for a product in its price category. It’s better than most of the mics found on gaming headsets despite the low cost. The K668 is perfect for first-time users who want to try out a desktop mic on a budget. That’s why it sells so well and receives lots of positive feedback from gaming enthusiasts.

This is also a multi-purpose microphone that works well for other applications. Some of those include chat, podcasts, and vocals. The Fifine comes with a tripod stand that has a 90° adjustable angle.

The Not So Good

It’s not fair to be too nitpicky considering the price of this affordable mic. However, there are a couple of negatives worth pointing out. One is the fixed cable. If you damage the built-in cord, it’s not replaceable, and so the mic becomes useless. Detachable cables also make storing easier. The other minor con is the lightweight stand that easily falls over if you accidentally knock it.

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5. Samson Go Portable USB Gaming Microphone

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Samson Go is a USB condenser microphone with surprisingly big sound from such a small product. Samson designed the Go mic with portability in mind without any compromise to quality.

• Best feature 1: Portable plug-n-play gaming mic
• Best feature 2: Small and incredibly versatile
• Plus points: Superb audio, swivel design, monitor clip, tripod thread, switchable pickups
• Minus points: Potentially weak hinge, long cable, plasticky casing

Samson Go Portable USB Mic Feature Highlights

The Samson Go portable microphone gets a big thumbs-up from gamers. Those who have moved on from built-in computer mics or gaming headsets seem amazed at the audio transformation. It’s not only for gaming, though. This versatile condenser mic works just as well out on the road as it does in the home studio. Other popular uses are to record music, podcasts, live streaming, and online chat.

Samson’s small Go mic has a fold-up swivel design and a clip that fixes on monitors. There’s a standard thread too that attaches to mic stands and regular tripods. Another neat feature is the switchable Cardioid and Omnidirectional polar patterns. And its -10dB pad is invaluable for recording overly loud sounds. The mic also has a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack for latency-free monitoring.

The Not So Good

Users need to be careful with the mic’s hinge. It should be okay with gentle treatment, but it may weaken over time with rough usage. Some people want more cable—others prefer short. The problem with this one is that there’s too much to fit into the storage case. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is a hassle for mobile gamers. Lastly, the mic is quite plasticky, although it seems sturdy enough.

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6. CAD Audio U37 USB Gaming and Studio Mic

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The CAD U37 is a popular USB condenser microphone with an attractive price tag. It’s ideal for speech, vocals, and instruments. This one is the red and white option, but other colors are available.

• Best feature 1: Popular mic for online gaming, media, and home studio
• Best feature 2: Large-condenser mic element
• Plus points: PnP, range of colors, desktop stand, LED indicator, 10dB protection, bass-reduction
• Minus points: Sensitive to background noise, plasticky build, cheap stand

CAD Audio U37 USB has a large-condenser element that produces warm, resonant recordings. The on-body LED shows ON and Record status, though some find it a little annoying. Its stylish design and ideal height make this mic an attractive addition to any gamer or recording artist’s setup.

There are two on-body controls, i.e., a 10dB overload-protection and bass-reduction switch. Extras include a long 10ft USB cable and a desktop tripod stand.

The Not So Good

Gamers should be mindful of their surrounds as this microphone is sensitive to ambient noise. The mic looks great and does a decent job for a product in its class. The plastic material feels quite flimsy and fragile, though, so it needs handling with care. The stand that comes with the CAD Audio U37 is just okay. Gamers will do better with a better-quality adjustable support.

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7. Samson G-Track Pro Multi-Purpose Gaming Mic

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The penultimate review goes to another Samson microphone. This one is the G-Track Pro Professional. It’s a plug-n-play condenser mic with its own audio interface and much more.

• Best feature 1: Pro-level, portable desktop microphone
• Best feature 2: Multi-pattern selector switch
• Plus points: Studio-quality sound, audio interface + mixer, headphone jack, mute button
• Minus points: Poor quality stock cable, no storage pouch or carry case

Samson G-Track Pro Mic Feature Highlights

Samson’s G-Track Pro is an all-in-one microphone that works well for a whole range of applications. It’s easily portable, which is excellent news for gamers and recording artists on the move. An on-body pickup switch lets you choose between Cardioid, Bidirectional, and omnidirectional polar patterns. Add the built-in audio interface and mixer, and you can see the mic’s wide-ranging appeal.

The G-Track Professional delivers studio-quality audio. It has a built-in headphone jack and volume control for zero-latency monitoring. Other welcome features include the onboard mute button and a ¼” instrument input for line-level devices and guitars, etc.

The Not So Good

Why Samson sends out such a cheap cable with its decent mic is anybody’s guess. Quite a few users have experienced issues with it. A better cable doesn’t cost much, so new owners may want to replace the stock one. It’s not a major negative considering the overall quality of the mic. Still, it’s a hassle buyers shouldn’t have to put up with. Another negative is that there’s no storage case included.

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8. HC GAMERLIFE DD Stereo Gaming Headphones

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Gamers who prefer to wear their mics may want to consider the HCG1 Headset. It’s a well-received product for PC, Xbox One, PS4, and modern mobile devices.

• Best feature 1: Impressive stereo sound quality
• Best feature 2: Inline volume control
• Plus points: Superb build, comfy fit, detachable, bendable mic, mute button, PC adapter
• Minus points: Short cable, no carry/storage pouch

HC GAMERLIFE DD Gaming Headphones Highlights

The HCG1 Gaming Headset looks hip and is comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. That’s thanks to the memory foam earcups and self-adjusting headband. The build quality is first-class and uses plenty of metal where it’s needed. The convenient inline controls for volume and mute functions are other welcome features. The GAMERLIFE DD delivers crystal-clear, cinematic-quality 3D audio.

The mic is both bendable and detachable. Most headsets fall short when it comes to microphone audio quality, but this one gets few complaints. In fact, its clarity is probably the best in this class.

The Not So Good

There aren’t any significant downsides to the HCG1 Gaming Headset. Some users may find the cord on the short side and need an extension. The product arrives in a quality box, but there isn’t a protective pouch included, which is disappointing. Other than that, it’s all good.

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