The 13 Best Microphones for YouTube

Looking for the best microphones for YouTube? If you want to be big on YouTube, you need pristine audio. A high quality mic can make all of the difference. In this guide, we review the top microphones for YouTubers and offer some guidance on choosing the right one for you.

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The 13 Best Microphones for YouTube

Let’s dive into our recommendations for the best microphones for YouTube or any other type of content you create. Here you’ll find some of the best budget microphones, microphones for streamers, and more.

1. Rode NT-USB

The Rode NT-USB microphone stands out for YouTube videos due to its strong audio quality, ease of use, and durable build. Its cardioid polar pattern minimizes background noise, ensuring clear recordings in different settings. Its simplicity, with plug-and-play functionality and a built-in pop filter, suits both beginners and experienced YouTubers. The microphone also includes a headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring. Its robust metal construction ensures longevity without a hefty price tag, making it a practical choice for improving YouTube audio quality.

2. Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti microphone is one of the best microphones for YouTube videos due to its versatility and audio quality. This budget microphone offers multiple pickup patterns, including cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional, offer flexibility in capturing various audio sources. This adaptability suits a wide range of video scenarios.

The Blue Yeti’s plug-and-play simplicity makes it accessible for creators at all skill levels (as opposed to more complex setups with interfaces or XLR setups). The microphone’s built-in gain control and headphone monitoring jack enhance the recording process by allowing real-time adjustments and monitoring. It’s a competitively priced option with solid audio quality. 

3. Blue Snowball

The Blue Snowball microphone is an excellent choice for YouTube videos due to its simplicity and affordable price. It offers a plug-and-play setup, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced content creators. The cardioid pickup pattern minimizes background noise and its compact and portable design is ideal for vloggers and YouTubers on the go. 

While it may not have the advanced features of more expensive microphones, the Blue Snowball delivers reliable audio quality, making it a practical and budget-friendly option for improving audio in YouTube videos.

4. Audio-Technica AT2035

The Audio-Technica AT2035 is an excellent microphone for YouTube videos due to its excellent audio quality and versatility. Its large diaphragm condenser design captures rich and detailed sound, ideal for enhancing video content.

The cardioid polar pattern of this affordable USB microphone reduces unwanted background noise, ensuring clear recordings. It features a high SPL handling capability, making it suitable for high-quality recording scenarios. While it’s a bit pricier than some alternatives, the AT2035’s durability and strong recording quality make it a dependable choice for YouTubers.

5. Rode Procaster

The Rode Procaster is a valuable microphone for YouTube videos due to its broadcast-quality audio output and rugged build. Its dynamic cardioid pickup pattern excels at noise rejection, ensuring clear sound in varied recording environments. 

The Procaster’s robust construction enhances durability, suitable for long-term use. While it may require an external audio interface, it offers professional-level audio quality, making it an excellent choice for YouTubers aiming for top-notch sound reproduction in their videos. 

6. Shure SM7B

The Shure SM7B microphone is one of the best microphones for YouTube videos due to its distortion-free recording, exceptional versatility and broadcast-quality sound. Its dynamic cardioid pickup pattern excels at noise rejection, ensuring clear audio even in less controlled environments.

It’s a preferred choice for many YouTubers, podcasters, and musicians seeking a reliable and professional-grade microphone. Its durability, adjustable features, and reputation for top-tier sound make it a solid investment.

7. Rode SmartLav+

The Rode SmartLav+ is a suitable microphone for YouTube videos, especially for vloggers and creators on the move. Its compact and discreet lavalier design allows for inconspicuous recording, ideal for capturing clear audio in various situations. It’s suitable for both outdoor recording and desktop recording.

While it may not match the professional sound quality of larger microphones, it offers convenience and versatility for on-the-go content creation. Its affordability makes it an accessible option for YouTubers looking to improve audio quality without investing in more expensive setups.

Learn more about this microphone in our detailed Rode SmartLav+ review.

8. Rode VideoMic Pro+

The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a valuable choice for YouTube videos because of its directional shotgun microphone design. This allows it to capture clear audio from the subject in front of the camera while minimizing background noise. Its portability and simple attachment to cameras make it convenient for video creators. 

Additionally, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ offers features like adjustable gain and a rechargeable battery, enhancing flexibility during recording. It’s pricier than some alternatives, but it provides reliable audio quality, making it suitable for YouTube videos.

9. Shure VP83F

The Shure VP83F is a great choice for YouTube videos due to its shotgun microphone design. This allows it to capture focused audio while reducing background noise. Its compact and mountable design makes it convenient for use with cameras and recording equipment. Moreover, it offers additional features like a built-in flash recorder and an integrated headphone jack for monitoring, enhancing its functionality. 

10. HyperX Quadcast

The HyperX Quadcast is a suitable microphone for YouTube videos due to its ease of use and versatile features. Its built-in shock mount minimizes vibrations and handling noise, ensuring clean audio recordings. The selectable polar patterns, including cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional, accommodate various recording scenarios. The tap-to-mute sensor is convenient for quick silencing during live streams or recordings. 

11. Elgato Wave 3

The Elgato Wave 3 is one of the best microphones for YouTube videos due to its excellent audio quality and user-friendly features. Its cardioid pickup pattern reduces background noise while capturing clear and detailed sound from the front. The built-in pop filter and capacitive mute button enhance convenience during recording, making it a great microphone for streaming. 

It also features a multi-function dial for easy volume control and mixing. While it’s priced slightly higher than some alternatives, the Wave 3 offers reliable audio performance and user-friendly design, making it suitable for YouTube content creators.

12. Samson Go Mic

The Samson Go Mic is a practical choice for YouTube videos, especially for creators on a budget or those needing portability. Its compact size and USB connectivity make it easy to use with laptops or mobile devices. It provides decent sound for voice overs or casual videos. Its affordability and versatility, with both cardioid and omnidirectional settings, make it an accessible option for YouTubers starting out.

13. Movo UM700 USB

The Movo UM700 USB microphone is a good choice for YouTube videos due to its straightforward USB connectivity and affordability. It offers ease of use with plug-and-play functionality, suitable for both beginners and experienced content creators. It provides decent audio quality for voice overs and basic video recording. Its budget-friendly price point makes it accessible, serving as a practical option for YouTubers without investing heavily in equipment.

How to Choose the Best Microphones for YouTube

Choosing the right microphone for your YouTube channel is crucial for achieving high-quality audio in your videos. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose the perfect microphone with the key features you need:

Determine Your Budget

Before you start looking for microphones, decide on your price range. Microphones come in a wide range of prices, and your budget will help narrow down your options. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get one of the best microphones for YouTube, but if you are serious about creating amazing content, don’t be afraid to invest a little bit.

Understand Microphone Types

There are several kinds of microphones commonly used for YouTube content creation:

USB Microphones: These are easy to use, plug-and-play microphones that connect directly to your computer via USB. They’re suitable for beginners and those on a budget. See our full guide on the best USB microphones.

XLR Microphones: These provide higher audio quality and are often used by professional YouTubers and podcasters. However, XLR setup mics require an audio interface and additional equipment. Check out our XLR microphone reviews.

Lavalier Microphones: These are small, clip-on microphones that attach to your clothing. They’re great for on-the-go recording but may not offer the same audio quality as larger microphones. We have a full guide on lavalier mics for you.

Shotgun Microphones: These are highly directional microphones commonly used for outdoor or on-location shooting. Shotgun mics excel at capturing sound from a specific direction while minimizing background noise.

Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones: Dynamic microphones are more rugged and less sensitive to ambient noise, making them suitable for recording in noisy environments. Condenser microphones offer better audio quality but may pick up more background noise. Learn more in our microphone setup guide.

Mics for streaming: Technically this isn’t its own category. There’s nothing special about a streaming mic that versus a mic used for video creation, voice recording, or other purposes. All of the items on our list would make a suitable microphone for streamers.

Consider Your Recording Environment

Your recording environment plays a significant role in microphone selection. If you have a quiet, controlled studio space, a condenser microphone might be ideal. If you’re recording on-the-go or in a noisy environment, a dynamic microphone or a shotgun microphone with good noise rejection might be a better choice.

Evaluate Sound Quality

Listen to audio samples recorded with different microphones to get an idea of their sound quality. Pay attention to factors like clarity, depth, and how they handle different frequencies (bass, mids, treble). Reading reviews and watching YouTube comparisons can also be helpful.

Consider Connectivity

If you’re choosing an XLR microphone, make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as an audio interface, XLR cables, and possibly a microphone stand or boom arm. USB microphones are more straightforward in terms of connectivity.

Look for Additional Features

Some microphones come with features like built-in pop filters, shock mounts, noise gate, or gain control. These can be helpful for improving audio quality and convenience during recording.

Read User Reviews

Read reviews from other YouTubers and content creators who have used the microphone you’re considering. They can provide valuable insights and real-world experiences.

Test and Compare

If possible, visit a store or borrow microphones from friends to test them out and compare the sound quality before making a final decision. Use the microphone to record some sample audio and then publish it to YouTube so you understand what the final result will sound like.

Warranty and Support

Consider the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support. A good warranty can provide peace of mind in case of any issues with your microphone.

Accessories with Microphones

Don’t forget to budget for any other bits of audio equipment like a shock mount, pop filter (unless your mic comes with an internal pop filter), windscreen, or boom arm/boom pole to improve your recording setup. Many microphones are also available as a kit that comes with important accessories that are worth the extra cost.

You should also consider acoustic treatments for your recording space if you record in a louder environment. Having a well-crafted recording space is key to producing natural sound with unwanted ambient sounds.

Best Microphones for YouTube FAQs

Finding the right microphone for your needs can be a complex process, especially if you’re a new YouTube creator. Here are some questions people ask about the best microphones for YouTube.

How much does a good mic cost for YouTube?

A good microphone for YouTube typically costs between $50 to $200. In this price range, you can find microphones that offer decent audio quality and features suitable for most content creators. However, the exact cost can vary based on your specific needs.

If you have a tight budget, don’t be afraid to pick up a cheap microphone and upgrade later. It’s better to start producing content now than wait until you have the perfect setup.

Are condenser microphones good for YouTube?

Yes, condenser microphones are often a good choice for YouTube due to their sensitivity and ability to capture clear and detailed audio. They are particularly well-suited for a studio setup or controlled recording environments where unwanted noise can be minimized. 

What’s the best microphone for YouTube?

The ideal microphone depends on your needs and budget. Popular options include the Blue Yeti for versatility and the Rode NT-USB for clear audio. That said, don’t buy a mic just because it’s a popular choice. Choose the one that’s right for you.

Do I need an expensive microphone for YouTube?

No, you can find budget-friendly microphones that offer decent audio quality. However, pricier models may provide better sound and features.

Are USB microphones good for YouTube?

Yes, USB microphones are convenient and suitable for many YouTubers. They offer plug-and-play simplicity and can deliver excellent audio quality.

What’s the difference between condenser and dynamic microphones?

Condenser mics capture more detail and are great for controlled environments, while dynamic mics are rugged and excel at noise rejection in less controlled settings.

How do I reduce background noise in my YouTube videos?

Use a directional microphone like a cardioid condenser, position it close to your mouth, and reduce ambient sounds in your recording space. You can eliminate most unwanted background noise with even the most basic microphones.

Should I use an XLR or USB microphone for YouTube?

USB microphones are simpler for beginners, while XLR mics offer higher quality and more flexibility but require additional equipment like an audio interface. There are several versatile microphones on our list that offer both connection options.

Do I need a pop filter for my YouTube microphone?

A pop filter helps reduce plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” sounds) and improves audio quality, but it’s not always necessary, especially with built-in pop filters on some microphones.