Ensure your audio is crisp and clear with our top-rated picks for streaming mics ideal for gaming, social media content, work calls, and more.
Content creation is on the rise, and with more content comes higher standards. As the adage goes in content creation, audiences can forgive subpar writing and camera missteps, but « they won’t forgive bad sound. » Whether you’re a content creator, a gamer, or just want higher-quality calls, you need an exceptional streaming microphone–it immediately and substantially ups the production value and puts your work in a higher echelon of media. Fortunately, you no longer need to break the bank for studio-level recording equipment, as many reputable brands offer budget-friendly devices.
Beginners and smaller-audience creators will want to stick with a USB-powered microphone, which is typically quite easy to use. Seasoned streamers and vloggers will want an XLR mic for higher-quality audio and high-end production. I’ve tested a series of microphones from both camps to help creators pick the perfect device for their needs. What is the best streaming microphone right now?
Based on hands-on testing, I chose the Shure MV7 as my number one pick for the best streaming microphone due to its flexible USB and XLR connectivity, studio-quality output, and robust equalizer settings. Keep reading below to learn more about the Shure MV7 and my other picks for the best streaming microphones available.The best streaming microphones of 2025
The Shure MV7 is a quality microphone for live streaming and recording music or interviews. It features a similar build to its big brother, the Shure SM7B, which is a popular choice for experienced content creators, but the MV7 offers more flexibility and a gentler learning curve.
The Shure MV7 connects to your PC via USB for both power and audio (which is ideal for beginners) or XLR cable for more advanced audio setups. This allows the microphone to adapt to your changing needs as your audience grows. When I tested the MV7, I was very impressed by the broadcast quality output and the plug-and-play compatibility with both Windows and macOS computers.
Shure MV7 features – Type: Dynamic | Capsule: Single | Connectivity: Micro USB Type-C, XLR, 3.5mm AUX | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 50Hz – 16,000Hz | Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.6 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.21 pounds | RGB: No
Windows and Mac compatibility
USB and XLR connections
Broadcast quality output
Very heavy
XLR connection requires preamp and phantom power
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 is a quality microphone for live streaming and recording music or interviews. It features a similar build to its big brother, the Shure SM7B, which is a popular choice for experienced content creators, but the MV7 offers more flexibility and a gentler learning curve.
The Shure MV7 connects to your PC via USB for both power and audio (which is ideal for beginners) or XLR cable for more advanced audio setups. This allows the microphone to adapt to your changing needs as your audience grows. When I tested the MV7, I was very impressed by the broadcast quality output and the plug-and-play compatibility with both Windows and macOS computers.
Shure MV7 features – Type: Dynamic | Capsule: Single | Connectivity: Micro USB Type-C, XLR, 3.5mm AUX | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 50Hz – 16,000Hz | Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.6 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.21 pounds | RGB: No
SteelSeries tailor-made their Alias Pro XLR microphone for content creators. It comes packaged with an audio mixer base station that doubles as a preamp and phantom power, streamlining the setup for XLR newcomers and those recording audio in smaller spaces. The Alias Pro stands out from other XLR options with its ability to connect to two PCs at once, making it an excellent choice for established creators running dual PC streaming rigs.
The base station connects to your streaming PC and gaming PC via USB-C while the Sonar desktop app provides in-depth equalizing and live-mixing tools. Creators can separate individual programs into different mixer presets for unprecedented control over your input and stream output. The main dial and right mute buttons on the base station can also be programmed to control the volume on different peripherals and programs.
SteelSeries Alias Pro features – Type: Condenser | Capsule: 1-inch Clear Cast | Connectivity: XLR, 3.5mm AUX | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 50Hz – 20KHz | Dimensions: 4.3 x 501 x 9 inches | Weight: 169.5g without stand | RGB: Yes, base station only
Preamp/phantom power unit included
Packaged with XLR cable
Excellent audio output quality
Expensive
Sonar app has a bit of a learning curve
SteelSeries Alias Pro
SteelSeries tailor-made their Alias Pro XLR microphone for content creators. It comes packaged with an audio mixer base station that doubles as a preamp and phantom power, streamlining the setup for XLR newcomers and those recording audio in smaller spaces. The Alias Pro stands out from other XLR options with its ability to connect to two PCs at once, making it an excellent choice for established creators running dual PC streaming rigs.
The base station connects to your streaming PC and gaming PC via USB-C while the Sonar desktop app provides in-depth equalizing and live-mixing tools. Creators can separate individual programs into different mixer presets for unprecedented control over your input and stream output. The main dial and right mute buttons on the base station can also be programmed to control the volume on different peripherals and programs.
SteelSeries Alias Pro features – Type: Condenser | Capsule: 1-inch Clear Cast | Connectivity: XLR, 3.5mm AUX | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 50Hz – 20KHz | Dimensions: 4.3 x 501 x 9 inches | Weight: 169.5g without stand | RGB: Yes, base station only
The HyperX QuadCast S has been my go-to microphone for about 2 years. I personally use it primarily for Slack and Zoom, but the QuadCast S can easily switch between work and play.
