8 Best PC Microphones

1. iUKUS Affordable PC Mic W/ Stand | Best Budget

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The affordable iUKUS PC microphone gets the Best Budget slot. It’s a good product for anyone who wants to escape the tinny mics built-in to their computer.

• Best feature 1: Excellent entry-level PC microphone
• Best feature 2: Multi-device compatible
• Plus points: Versatile uses, decent audio, adjustable stand, 3.5mm audio jack + adapter
• Minus points: Average everything

iUKUS PC Mic Feature Highlights

Friends and family are sure to notice the difference when you switch from the computer mic to the iUKUS. Desktop microphones don’t come much cheaper than this. Even so, this one punches well above its price tag and surprises most who buy it. It’s a step up from mics built into computers and other devices, and that’s the point. You can use the iUKUS for chat, recording, and gaming, etc.

You’re not restricted to PC usage either. The 3.5mm audio jack lets you plug it into most other modern devices. They include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and iPhones/iPads. The mic also comes with a handy headphone splitter adapter and a 180° adjustable mini tripod stand.

The Not So Good

The iUKUS PC mic is superior to most built-in microphones. Most new users are pleasantly surprised by its audio quality. But it’s still a cheap product, so nothing about it is going to blow you away. Therefore, it’s an excellent introduction for first-time users of external plug-n-play microphones.

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2. MAONO PC Podcast Condenser Mic | Best Value

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Maono makes the Best Value slot with its PC Podcast Microphone. There’s everything in the box for the home studio setup. The mic is plug-n-play, and so it’s ready to use right off the bat.

• Best feature 1: Excellent value PC microphone set
• Best feature 2: Plug-n-play simplicity
• Plus points: Full accessory kit, clear audio, low noise, multi-system compatible, multi-usage
• Minus points: Sensitive to ambient noise, no storage case

MAONO PC Mic Feature Highlights

MAONO’s A04 USB microphone is a stylish product that fits right in with a home studio setup. It’s multi-system compatible, which means it works with laptops, Widows PCs, and modern smartphones. Phone use needs an OTG adapter, though (not included). The set comes with a boom arm, shock mount, pop filter, and a foam windscreen. Use this mic for singing, gaming, voiceovers, and chat, etc.

The AO4 has a professional sound chipset and a cardioid pickup pattern. The audio quality gets a lot of positive feedback from users. MAONO’s A04 is as good as PC mic sets get within this price category.

The Not So Good

This mic does pick up some background noise included that of mechanical keyboards. That’s partly due to the default 100% volume setting. You don’t need it that loud. I found that around 50% volume or slightly less helps to reduce background interference. The other negative is that the kit doesn’t include a storage case to keep everything together when not in use.

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3. World’s #1 Blue Yeti USB PC Microphone | Top Pick

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The world-famous Blue Yeti USB PC Microphone makes the Top Pick. Anyone who’s owned or been researching PC mics would have come across this beauty. Let’s see why it’s such a favorite.

• Best feature 1: Seamless plug-n-play USB mic for PC & Mac computers
• Best feature 2: Multi-polar pattern selector switch
• Plus points: Made to last, heavy-duty stand, superb sound quality, useful on-body controls
• Minus points: Heft (also a pro), cheap Volume and Gain buttons

Blue Yeti PC Mic Feature Highlights

Blue’s Yeti is a highly popular, super-easy desktop microphone to use. It’s built like a brick outhouse, and that includes its heavy-duty stand. This mic doesn’t just look the part—it produces pro-level audio too. The suggested mic modes help users match the recording quality to the task in hand. And the 4-pickup patterns give even more user control and flexibility.

The on-body controls are nicely spaced out and easy to use. They include a Headphone Volume Dial, a Mic Mute Button, a Gain Knob, and a Pickup Selector Switch.

The Not So Good

The heft of the Blue Yeti is one of its strong points if you don’t have to move it. The size and weight of this thing are less appealing for those who need to travel with their mic. It’s a lot bigger than the ads portray, so interested buyers should check the dimensions before deciding. The on-body controls are welcome, though the Gain and Volume dials feel out of place due to cheap plastic and loose fitting.

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4. CMTECK Multi-Purpose PC USB Microphone

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Shortlist the CMTECK G006 if you want a low-cost improvement over your PC’s built-in microphone. This desktop mic has a compact design and an adjustable gooseneck for flexible positioning.

• Best feature 1: Affordable, PC mic with built-in stand and LED indicators
• Best feature 2: Flexible gooseneck
• Plus points: Plug-n-play, Win/Mac compatible, multi-use, decent sound quality, mute button
• Minus points: No physical controls, awkward shaped base, need to get close

CMTECK G006 PC USB Mic Feature Highlights

This handy microphone comes with its own stand and a flexible 9.5” 360° gooseneck. It’s a plug-n-play USB mic for computers, so that means it’s ready to use right away. The G006 works with both Windows PCs and Mac computers and produces clear audio for a product in its’ class. Consider this mic if you’re experimenting with podcasts, vocals, and YouTube presentations at the entry-level.

CMTECK’s G006 even has a mute button, and that’s always a welcome feature with external mics. The base has attractive colorful LED indicators that look cool and let you know the working status.

The Not So Good

There are no physical on-body controls other than the mute button. That means users must make any adjustments via a computer. It’s a minor nitpick considering the mic’s affordable price tag, though. The shape of the base is something you like, or you don’t. Round or rectangular bases are easier to place when desktop space is limited. Lastly, you need to get quite close to the mic to be clearly heard.

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5. Blue Snowball iCE PC Condenser Microphone

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Blue’s Snowball iCE is an exceptional entry-level PC USB microphone. Add this puppy to your shortlist if you want to move away from the PC’s tinny built-in mic without breaking the bank.

• Best feature 1: Excellent entry-level PC microphone
• Best feature 2: Plug-n-play simplicity
• Plus points: Broad device compatibility, crystal-clear audio, versatile, lightweight and portable
• Minus points: Potential issues with Windows 10, overly bright LED power light

Blue Snowball iCE PC Mic Feature Highlights

The Blue Snowball iCE is a quality plug-n-play (PnP) mic for computer and mobile device users. It’s one of the best condenser microphones in its price category. This mic is ideal for people who are starting to get serious about the quality of their recordings. It works well for vocals, instruments, podcasts, and streaming. It’s also perfect for folks who only want a mic that delivers crystal-clear audio for talk.

This mic even has Skype Certification for producing ultimate clarity on Skype calls. That’s no small detail. Snowball iCe comes with an adjustable tripod stand for those who want it on the desktop. It also has a standard thread on the base should you wish to mount the mic on a traditional stand.

The Not So Good

There are some complaints that the Blue Snowball doesn’t work—or work well—with Windows 10. Other users have no problems. But some PCs don’t recognize it, though it’s not clear why that is. Check with the seller for the latest Win 10 compatibility update if you want the Snowball. A lesser gripe is the always on LED power light. It can become annoying, especially when working in low-light.

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6. HyperX Cloud Flight Wireless PC Headset w/ Mic

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

HyperX is a well-known name in audio equipment and accessories. This product is its Cloud Flight PC Headset. It’s ideal for gamers who prefer a 100% wire-free setup and onboard controls.

• Best feature 1: Wireless PC headset w/ detachable mic
• Best feature 2: Exceptional immersive audio experience
• Plus points: Rotating ear cups, adjustable steel slider, onboard controls, long battery life
• Minus points: Average build quality, good—rather than exceptional—mic

HyperX Cloud Flight PC Mic/Headset Highlights

HyperX Cloud Flight gives users gaming-grade wireless connectivity. You can expect an incredible 30 hours battery life with optimal use, i.e., volume set at 50% and LEDs off. The headset has 90° rotating earcups and an adjustable steel slider for customized comfort. There’s a lot of positive feedback for audio quality and the immersive in-game experience with this product.

Another neat feature with the HyperX Cloud Flight is its intuitive onboard mic and audio controls. The microphone is detachable and takes a second to remove when you don’t need it.

The Not So Good

HyperX makes some decent audio equipment with impressive build quality. Unfortunately, its HyperX Cloud Flight headset falls short in that department. It’s quite an expensive product, so the finish and materials used should have been a lot better. The detachable mic does the job, but it’s good rather than exceptional. Thus, the product’s best feature is the impressive sound quality of its headset.

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7. HyperX QuadCast USB Gaming Mic for PC

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The penultimate review goes to another HyperX PC mic. This one is the company’s popular HyperX QuadCast. It’s primarily a USB gaming microphone for PC, PS4, and Mac computers.

• Best feature 1: PC gaming and multi-application USB mic
• Best feature 2: Multi-pickup patterns
• Plus points: Beautiful design, well made, shock mount, built-in pop filter, onboard controls
• Minus points: Only available in red, cannot turn the LED off, no volume control

QuadCast PC Gaming Mic Feature Highlights

The HyperX QuadCast is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but it’s more than a good-looking mic. It comes with four polar pickup patterns, selectable by via simple on-body switch. The options include Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, and Stereo. There’s also a Gain Control Knob at the base. Another unique feature is the onboard memory that lets users store up to 3 customizations.

The tap-to-mute sensor with an LED status indicator is invaluable for multiple applications. This USB mic comes with its own anti-vibration shock mount to protect it against movements and vibrations. It also has a built-in pop filter and a standard adapter should you want to mount it onto a boom arm. The built-in headphone jack is one more welcome aspect of this multi-purpose microphone.

There is a lot to explore with HyperX’s versatile, feature-packed QuadCast. Its multi-device, multi-use, and chat program compatibility makes it an excellent all-rounder. Some may find it a tad expensive, but it’s an excellent value microphone that’s built to last.

The Not So Good

Most agree that the HyperX QuadCast is a good-looking mic. The problem with the finish is that it’s only available in red, which is fine if that’s your preference. The bright LED is another cool feature, but it’d be even better if there were a way to turn it off on occasion. The mic is also missing a volume control. These are all minor gripes and unlikely to be deal-breakers for gamers and other users.

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8. Versatile Rode NT-USB PC Studio Microphone

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Last of the current line-up of favorite PC microphones is the versatile Rode NT-USB. It’s an excellent choice for budding or professional vocalist who need their voice to shine.

• Best feature 1: Versatile PC USB microphone
• Best feature 2: Quality, all-metal construction
• Plus points: Plug-n-play, exceptional sound quality, onboard controls, headphone jack, extras
• Minus points: Desktop stand not fit for purpose, picks up some background noise

Rode NT-USB PC Studio Mic Feature Highlights

The Rode NT-USB is a side-address PC condenser microphone with a rugged all-metal construction. It works harmoniously with all the mainstream recording applications. Consider the Rode NT-USB if you want to take your vocal performance to the next level. The mic delivers ultra-clear natural-sounding audio that can bring out the best in any singing voice.

There are just the right amount of convenient on-body controls to keep it clean and uncluttered. The only thing missing is a gain knob, which would have been welcome. Extras include a metal pop shield, desktop tripod stand, a ring mount, and a 19.6ft USB cable.

The Not So Good

The microphone sits top-heavy on the included stand and is easy to knock over. Desktop users are sure to want a sturdier tripod to support the mic. The Rode NT-USB works best in a quiet environment as it tends to pick up a fair bit of background noise. Those who have a dedicated space should consider acoustic treatment to get the best results out of this quality product.

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