Top 10 Best Microphone for Gaming In 2022

The right gaming headset, preferably a Discord-certified gaming headset in case you’re at it for a few hours straight every day, can help with the Discord part of it. But what about audio recording?

Most gaming microphones today are supposed to help gamers in streaming and podcasting other than base multiplayer comms.

There are a lot of things to consider but above all, think about the vocal audio clarity you want to share with your audience, that’s what will determine your budget, other than add-on features.

So, if you want the best gaming microphone, decide on whether you want to just chat your way through MMOs or if you need something serious to handle streaming and podcasting.

Either way, we have you covered!

But before, let’s check out common FAQs about gaming microphones and how to get the right one for you.

Is a Condenser Mic Good for Gaming?

The best gaming microphone is ideally a condenser mic unless you have phantom power and an XLR microphone lying around!

You have to consider both sides of the audio interface between you and the game. And we can easily say that you’re more interested in multiplayer if you’re looking for the best gaming microphones.

From COD to PUBG or any other online multiplayer genre, you can consider this list of the best gaming headsets.

But when it comes to relaying your vocal audio to others in-game or on-stream, you need additional hardware support, i.e., a dedicated microphone.

Better vocal quality demands condenser mics. Nowadays, you can even get USB mics with condensers for easy plug-and-play.

If you want even better audio, use studio condenser mics for perfect vocals and enhanced noise cancellation.

But know that studio-grade mics will need an XLR connection, phantom power, a mic stand, even an external or internal pop filter for optimal usage.

So, you need to balance between audio recording quality and utility for your condenser gaming microphone. Find your most suitable mic from these top 10 best condenser mics for gaming in 2022.

Best Gaming Mics: Buyer’s Guide

Pickup/Polar Patterns

A gaming microphone must come with a cardioid pickup pattern, which means the mic will catch audio upfront and avoid any audio input from other sides of the mic.

Gaming generally includes vocal input from only one individual, which is just why a cardioid polar pattern is a must.

Also, know that condenser mics are the best when it comes to cardioid pickup patterns.

However, if you intend to use the mic with other individuals pitching in as well, you should choose gaming microphones that come with multiple polar patterns.

Vocal Clarity

Clear vocals are the most important USP of a gaming mic. Two common issues you will face while using gaming mics for vocal audio include background noise and in-game audio.

Mics are highly sensitive and often tend to catch unwanted audio like that of an AC, whirring PC fan, keyboard presses, etc.

So, try to opt for gaming mics that come with a high pass filter. Also, know that your vocals recorded on the mic will relay to others along with the in-game audio.

In most cases, the audio from the mic is lower than the in-game sounds.

So, look for gain knobs or audio blending options on the mic. Or you may even opt for a shotgun mic for better recording volume.

Ease of Use

Any USB microphone is always easier to use. You can simply plug it in via USB-C port and enjoy. However, you may face connectivity issues if you have a Mac. You know why.

So, make sure to purchase an adapter as a mic user. But if you want better recording quality without hampering the plug-and-play utility, go for XLR mics for studio-grade vocal recordings.

Also, check out for additional software support or ease of usage as far as tweaking audio settings are concerned. Plug and plays should always be first-choice unless you prefer to take an hour and set things up.

List Of The Best Microphone For Gaming

1. Samson Go Mic Portable USB Mic

Best USB Mic for Portability

As a dual pattern mic for under $50, this is a budget-friendly option for gamers who need satisfactory audio quality and utility.

Aptly branded as the Go Mic, the ergonomic design is a big plus. The attachment clip neatly houses the mic when folded in, making it easy to carry and simpler to use.

Just clip it onto your laptop or desktop monitor and you are ready to go.

Recording quality is unexpectedly crisp and precise. Vocal output can be compared to that of other higher-end models, especially at mid-range frequencies.

A noticeable downside is the lack of a gain knob. You can set the mic to -10 dB via the switch on the left side of the pad for better audio sensitivity.

But to increase gain, you are better off with dedicated recording software. This is a USB mic with a micro USB port placed just under the 3.5 mm direct audio jack.

For a gamer, there is arguably nothing better in the market from a leading manufacturer at this price.

With auto noise cancellation, this mic can record crisp audio and negate unwanted noise, to a certain extent, limited by design and recording patterns.

A gain knob could make it perfect but perhaps this mic already is without it. This is one of the best condenser mics for gaming for under $50.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 227 grams | Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 5 inches | Audio Output: 16-bit | Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 18 kHz | Maximum SPL: 121 dB

2. Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid

Best Desktop Microphone from Audio Technica

Although an entry-level model from Audio-Technica, the technology trickle-down is evident with the AT2020.

This is a serious mic for music amateurs on a tight budget but perhaps better suited for gamers, delivering on utility and, more importantly, on sheer sound quality.

It is built to last with a rugged metal grille and an internal framework under it to further minimize damage.

You do not get switches or filters, but you do get a second layer of finer mesh around the sound-capturing diaphragm to reduce vocal pops.

Performance is above-par with the Audio Technica AT2020 scoring better than most other mics on this list. There is a slight dip at the low-mid range and some extra presence at lower ranges when it catches unwanted noise.

But this mic has a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 144 dB, a surprising feature at this budget, which means it can manage high octane vocals or other high-decibel instruments with aplomb.

Audio output is mature with plenty of air and space as well as clarity. This is a cardioid mic and you truly get next-to-nil sound catching from other directions.

The AT2020 may be the best microphone for gaming on a budget. It is an XLR mic and you will need phantom power to run it.

But for the clarity it offers along with a handy boom arm bundled in, you get a gaming microphone that works splendidly well on vocals and is built for longevity.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 343 grams | Dimensions: 6.38 x 2.05 (max diameter) inches | Audio Output: 16-bit | Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Maximum SPL: 144 dB

3. Blue Yeti USB Mic

Best Mic for Streaming and Podcasting

Popularly considered as the microphone which has bridged the gap between high-end pros and entry-level gadgets, the Blue Yeti is popularly rated as the best gaming microphone around.

As a USB condenser mic, the Yeti can produce crystal clear audio at gradients close to that of a professional mic setup thanks to not 1 but 3 condensers inside.

It is a high-sensitive mic, so, preferably best for only studio or closed environments. But it does come with a gain switch.

The Blue Yeti also has 4 polar patterns including omnidirectional, bi-directional, cardioid, and stereo – suited for capturing audio as and how need be.

The mute button also comes in handy. This is a USB microphone so unlike with other mics, you do not need a digital audio mixer and phantom power to run it. Plug it into your PC and enjoy. Or perhaps go ahead with music recording.

Sound quality is exceptionally good, and this is one of the first USB mics to get THX certification.

The Blue Yeti is popularly considered a benchmark USB condenser mic. A headphone out along with volume control is nifty add-ons that make this a great sound package.

It does have some shortcomings. Most shock mounts do not fit in with the Yeti so you may record audio from your keyboard while typing if you place the mic on the table.

As with most condenser mics, there is little noise cancellation to offer although speech quality and clarity are crystal.

However, this is one of the best USB microphones for gaming considering the sound quality delivered and the no-frills installation procedure.

The Blue Yeti is worth a buy as it is easy to use and will not leave you much to complain about, perfect for a streaming setup or a Zoom call.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 550 grams | Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.92 x 11.61 inches (with stand) | Audio Output: 16-bit audio | Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 22 kHz | Maximum SPL: 120 dB

4. Razer Seiren Emote Mic

Best Mic for Recording Podcasts and Streaming

A condenser mic targeted towards streamers, the Razer Seiren Emote comes with a quirky add-on. What sets this mic apart from the rest is its 8×8 RGB LED grid.

Set it up with the Razer Synapse 3, a custom software for Razer mics, and interact with your audience on Twitch and Streamlabs or other streaming sites while enjoying emojis displayed on the LED programmed with specific audio responses.

Worth mentioning, the software does not offer the easiest experience. Plus, you will need another software (Streamer Companion app) to get going with a stream, making the whole process sufficiently arduous.

As for audio performance, one of the highlights is the shock mount to reduce noise and vibration.

Razer has upgraded to a hyper-cardioid polar pattern from the super-cardioid in its previous-gen Seiren X.

Results are satisfactory, offering rich vocals but also capturing etcetera noise if within range. Noise cancellation works out nicely but not as consistently as it should.

You do get volume control and a mute button although no gain control.

In short, you can go for this mic if you are into streaming, beyond just multiplayer gaming.

At around $130, it still is one of the best condenser mics for gaming. But, with fun LED as the highlight, it is a unique product suited only for unique needs.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 750 grams | Dimensions: 3.86 x 7.6 x 3.86 inches | Audio Output: 16-bit | Frequency Response: 100 Hz – 20 kHz | Maximum SPL:110 dB

5. HyperX QuadCast USB Condenser Gaming Mic

Best Streaming Microphone with Multiple Pickup Patterns

If you want to go for the best microphone for gaming on a comfortable budget, consider this USB condenser mic.

The HyperX QuadCast is not the cheapest condenser mic you will find, but it ticks all the boxes and delivers a few extras as well.

Firstly, the QuadCast looks stunning and there is a serious afterthought as well as utility provided to each design element. Plug it in and you will find it glowing warm sunny red.

Mic mutes were never placed better, right on top as a touch button, for easy mute/unmute.

The rubber touch gain dial is placed at the bottom for easy access and use. You can change the pickup pattern physically via a dedicated knob.

The HyperX QuadCast is one of the few USB microphones for gaming which can compete with audio-centric XLR microphones. XLR typically has an upper hand over USBs but this mic is an exception.

Under the metal grille, HyperX has cleverly added a foam layer to reduce audio pops and it works so well.

And so does the quad-pattern mic, offering stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid and bidirectional pickup patterns. Add this to the next-gen shock mount and you get a USB condenser mic using every single trick of the trade.

Results are clean and crisp with noticeably reduced background noise. This mic scores nearly at par with XLR studio condensers in noise-canceling despite the USB connection.

In short, this is a desktop gaming microphone you should buy if you have around $150 to spend.

Out-of-the-box sound quality is great but you need to tinker around with the audio software for the best results.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 618 grams (with stand) | Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 9.8 inches (with stand) | Audio Output: 16-bit | Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

6. Fifine USB Condenser Mic

Budget Streaming USB Mic

This condenser mic is priced as an entry-level upgrade over your laptop or desktop mic. Fifine is targeting a fast-growing market with value-for-money and this product is perhaps the best in their line-up.

At under $50, you get a USB condenser mic with a metal chassis, a pivot mount, and a tripod other than a USB cable.

The general notion is to be skeptical about this product because it is just too cheap. But that is just a surprise.

This is perhaps one of the simplest plug-and-play USB mics available. No drivers or software are required.

At this price, you should not expect more than the single cardioid pickup pattern although you do get a volume knob.

Coming to audio recording, it delivers well beyond expectations. Cardioid-only performance and noise cancellation are at par with mics priced twice more (which rarely come with a setup kit unlike this mic).

The circuitry sits inside a metal grille and is well shielded by probably a dampening layer to reduce pop.

Overall, this mic offers close to as much sound quality as the exceptional Blue Yeti, and that is a measure of how well Fifine has done with this mic.

So, if you find reviews suggesting this is the best microphone for gaming, you know it is the truth.

The Fifine USB condenser mic is arguably one of the best budget gaming microphone units you can get now.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 400 grams (Full kit) | Dimensions: 4.88 x 2.6 x 7.28 inches (with stand) | Audio Output: 16-bit | Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

7. Razer Seiren Elite

Best Dynamic Microphone for Gaming

This is the best Razer’s gaming microphone line-up, an upgrade from the Razer Seiren Emote and Seiren Mini.

The Razer Elite is a purely audio-only mic meant for quality recording outputs, popularly rated as essential pro-grade gaming hardware.

Straight up, what sets this mic apart from quite a few other mics for gaming is the High Pass Filter button.

A High Pass Filter allows in higher frequency sounds and negates lower frequency inputs based on a specified threshold.

So typically, it should reduce common low-frequency noise like AC humming, background bass, keyboard presses, etc.

Other than this, the Seiren Elite covers all the basics – physical controls for gain, volume, and mute along with an LED peak indicator to adjust vocal quality, a useful addition.

It has a foam windscreen to reduce audio pop other than a shock mount. Overall, the recording quality does not leave room to complain.

But the high-pass filter should have set this mic apart, which it does not, and there are a few more downsides as well.

This is a dynamic mic and not a condenser. Also, it’s cardioid-only, without additional pickup patterns.

Although it manages the proximity effect satisfactorily, getting some distance from the mic may cause loss of input, not something which should happen with a dynamic mic.

The Elite is not as remarkable as it should be, considering a price tag hovering just under the $200 mark.

It has a peak-ish performance but lacks in consistency and adaptability, just where other cheaper gaming microphones can deliver.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 785 grams (including stand) | Dimensions: 8.84 x 2.3 inches (diameter; with stand) | Audio Output: 16-bit | Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz | Maximum SPL: 120 dB

8. Beyerdynamic FOX USB Condenser Mic

Best Standalone Microphone

If you want to amp up to crispier and deeper vocals without splashing the cash, you can consider this mic from German audio giant Beyerdynamic.

Although the FOX USB condenser is assembled in Asia and not from their factory in Heilbronn, Germany, you still get the typical Deutsche quality and finesse, and then a few unique drawbacks.

The FOX looks the part, a metal grille, and body along with a rubberized bottom. The finish is inspiring and ergonomic.

Upfront, you will find the mix and gain knobs as well as the mute button, other than a headphone jack.

A winning add-on, the mix knob allows blending computer and mic outputs, handy to adjust mic input and audio output from the PC.

So far, the FOX hits just the right notes.

Coming to sound quality, unlike most other mics, the FOX delivers 24-bit sound instead of 16-bit.

The difference is substantial, and you will immediately enjoy the better details on highs and lows, especially if you have used a 16-bit mic before.

It is a cardioid-only condenser, but you do get a larger diaphragm for better input recognition and flexible usage.

Plus, the package includes a slip-on pop filter, a handy addition that makes an already good product better.

Now comes the drawbacks. If you have not come across a gain knob yet, there is none.

Instead, you have a gain ‘switch’ placed at the rear which only allows you to toggle between high and low gain.

Also, you should consider purchasing a separate shock mount for this mic – noise cancellation is not its forte.

So, priced right between amateur-grade high-end and entry-level gaming microphones, the FOX is a great buy barring these two negatives.

At under $150, this is a cheap mic for gaming considering the beautiful 24-bit audio quality.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 453 grams | Dimensions: 7.3 x 2.1 x 4.1 inches | Audio Output: 24-bit | Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz | Maximum SPL: 97.5 dB

9. AmazonBasics Professional USB Condenser Mic

Best Budget Standalone Mic

This USB condenser from AmazonBasics resembles the Blue Yeti in more ways than one but with a lower price tag.

The likeliness is apparent starting from the metal grille, the horizontal swivel stand, and a wide base. But there are some additions and omissions.

Like the Yeti, this USB mic brings 4 pickup patterns – omnidirectional, cardioid, bi-directional and stereo. You can change between them easily with the dial placed at the front of the mic.

There is also a gain knob other than a headphone volume knob. An extra is an OLED display that comes in handy too, showing details of the mic setup and changes in real-time.

This is also one of the cheapest condenser microphones that deliver 24-bit audio outputs. Quality is satisfactory with crisp and clear vocals.

But where this condenser mic lacks is in sensitivity. When other condensers are at fault for being too sensitive and at picking up unwanted noise, this gaming microphone misses out on low baritones.

It needs proximity and may limit the flexibility of use.

What makes this among the best gaming microphones is its price-to-performance. This is one of the best gaming microphones under $100.

Coming from AmazonBasics, you are also better guaranteed against faulty units. If you want a no-frills condenser mic to start off, you can put this in the top 3 slots of your budget mic bucket list.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 1043 grams | Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.3 x 11.2 inches (with stand) | Audio Output: 24-bit | Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Maximum SPL: 85 dB

10. Rode NTG2

Best High-End Gaming Microphone

This is perhaps as premium as you should go for a gaming microphone unless you want to stream with an acoustic guitar occasionally as well.

The NTG series has a strict fan following, including gamers and artists. Rode is one of the leading audio houses in the industry, at par with the likes of Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, among others, guaranteed to deliver great sound and the best microphones.

This mic tends towards studio-grade sound quality but with enough simplicity and utility for a gamer as well.

It is a shotgun condenser – a long, all-metal body and built to last. There are no buttons, knobs, or physical controls, and this mic delivers without them.

The Rode NTG2 comes with a two-step high-pass filter. Add that to the pop filter you receive on purchase and you get reduced background noise and audio pop instantly.

As stated by the manufacturer, this condenser mic can provide broadcast grade sound quality, better than most other mics you have come across in this top 10 best gaming microphone list.

You might find the lack of gain and volume options a downside. This is a multi-power mic with options between phantom power or AA battery.

Also, this is an XLR mic. But, even considering a price tag hovering around $250, this is perhaps the best microphone for gaming you can buy simply for quality audio.

You can also check out the Rode NT USB Mini for a more budget option on Amazon.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 161 grams | Dimensions: 0.88 x 0.88 x 11 inches (with stand) | Audio Output: 24-bit | Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Maximum SPL: 131 dB

Which is the Best Condenser Microphone for Gaming for You?

Gaming does not mandate studio-grade audio clarity. Instead, a gamer needs a mic setup that is easy to use and works well enough to deliver clear vocals.

Utility and budget are the most important determinants to make a choice. It is perhaps better for a gamer to stay tight on the mic budget and instead save up for the best gaming GPUs this Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

So, if you are looking for the best gaming microphones under $100, we can recommend either the Samson Go Mic or the AT2020.

You can go even easier on the bank with the Fifine USB condenser. Or, you can extend a little for the Blue Yeti or even the HyperX QuadCast for a substantial leap in sound quality.

But, in case you are into streaming and need professional hardware, choose between either the Rode NTG2 or the Beyerdynamic FOX for consistently clear audio quality and reduced background noise.

The best gaming microphone for you will depend on whether you’re gaming or streaming, or both.

Worth mentioning, check for the power requirements and make sure you know the body specs as well in case you need a boom arm or other extensions. Also, make sure to check out the warranty and beware of fake products!