The 10 Best Microphones For Computers
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Whether you're recording a professional podcast or just catching up with family members over Skype, the built-in mic on your PC likely isn't good enough. The microphones for computers on our list will take your audio quality to the next level, and we've included models great for everyone from casual users and business people to musicians looking to track instruments and vocals. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Blue Yeti
2. Blue USB Snowball
3. Rode NT-USB Condenser
Editor's Notes
September 04, 2020:
Blue and Rode continue to be heavy hitters in this category, with models like the Blue Yeti and the Rode NT-USB Condenser being among their top models. Each offers a durable build quality and a capable stand, but the Yeti has the edge for versatility where the Rode's frequency response might make it a better choice to brighten a voice when tracking vocals for a record or podcast.
Users more concerned with portability might look to options like the Blue Snowflake and the Amazon Basics Conference, the former of which conveniently clips onto a laptop screen or monitor, and the latter of which is designed with conferencing in mind. It's smaller in real life than it might seem at first, but it's important to remember that it's only a microphone — there's no speaker in it, which is a common mistake consumers make when merely looking at it.
Another model new to the ranking that makes a fine choice for gamers is the HyperX QuadCast. Not only will its bright red color blend in nicely with some of the more vibrant colors on gaming mice and keyboards, but its capacitive touch mute button allows you to quickly and easily cut the input without affecting the quality of the sound or interrupting your gaming experience for more than a moment.
November 06, 2018:
With a wide variety of options designed to plug into a computer, it seems that desktop condenser models were among the most high-quality options available, with some highly functional but lower-fidelity choices like the Amazon Basics unit climbing the list for their reliability. Companies like Rode, Blue, and Audio-Technica, as could be expected, dominate the selection for both quality and price.
4. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser
5. Apogee Hype Mic
6. HyperX QuadCast
7. CAD U37 Studio
8. Blue Snowflake
9. Amazon Basics Conference
10. Audio-Technica AT2005USB Cardioid Dynamic
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).