We’re rounding up the best microphones for streaming available now from budget options to higher-end offerings.
The best microphones for streaming are intricately designed to deliver crystal clear audio while suiting any preference or budget you might already have in mind. There are tonnes of options currently available, but we’ve made your shopping significantly easier by compiling the highest quality and most affordable products.
There’s a lot to look for in a good mic, let alone one of the best. For streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, in particular, you’ll want a perfect microphone for content creation without taking up too much space and getting in the way of one of the best webcams or best gaming monitors.
To make the buying process more accessible, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the best mics for streaming, including budget-friendly options for those who want to make a start without sacrificing any quality, up to more premium options for well-versed streamers looking for an upgrade. You should also check out the best USB microphones for further options next.Best microphones for streaming in 2023
The Blue Yeti microphone is highly esteemed, and there’s a good reason why. For a new streamer, it’s straightforward to set up and requires no additional software once plugged in, but it’s reliable and high-quality for those who have been streaming for a while and aren’t necessarily searching for a significant upgrade. For its price, the Blue Yeti offers an excellent product and is worth considering for every streamer, regardless of how long you’ve spent exploring your options.
When looking for one of the best mics on the market, the predominant focus is on the audio quality a mic can offer. The Blue Yeti delivers a consistently high-quality performance while providing a number of features to make your life a lot easier while streaming, such as four different pickup patterns, similar to the three available on the Blue Snowball mic, and the ability to mount to any mic stand to ensure it’s always at the best position to stream your audio.
However, the Blue Yeti can fall victim to sensitivity and occasionally pick up any keyboard or environmental noise if you’re in a particularly loud environment. Thumps or movements on a desk are bound to be picked up, which can be pretty jarring, but given the price for what can only be considered a premium product, a few bumps won’t put you off. For $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.95, there’s a lot to admire, and you won’t be financially recovering before you begin your streaming journey.
Read more: Blue Yeti review
At first glance, It might be harder to tell the AKG Ara apart from other value USB microphones. However, the plug-in-and-play nature of the gear means it’s straightforward to set up and use straight out of the box without needing to download any external software to get it going. So for $99 / £69 / AU$120, you’re buying a solid microphone with clear audio delivery, ready to use the moment it arrives.
The main appeal of the AKG Ara is the price for the quality you’re getting compared to some similarly priced alternatives. The entire product hosts a slightly sturdier build to ensure it’s protected from any potential damage, meaning you aren’t going to be hearing any unwanted noise when you’re in the thick of it. The budget price tag is reflected in the fact that this microphone has a couple of minor issues with sensitivity.
