With so much of the population working remotely these days, it’s no wonder that the USB desktop microphone has become an essential part of so many people’s home computer audio setup.
So, whether you’re recording a voiceover, hosting conference calls from home, filming your latest YouTube vlog, recording a podcast, or live streaming your epic gameplay… our goal with this article is to help choose the best USB microphone in 2021!
Jump to a Section:
- The Best USB Microphones of 2021
- The Best Budget USB Microphones of 2021 (under $50)
- The Best Microphone Accessories to Complete Your Setup
Our choice for the Best USB Microphone in 2021:
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VOICE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Blue Yeti is my current USB microphone of choice, and for a number of reasons.
Price-wise, it’s a mid tier microphone… so yes, there are better and more expensive microphones available… but the ease of setup and use, as well as the quality made this a no brainer for me.
I use this plug and play microphone for zoom meetings, conference calls, vocals, and voice-over recording… and I’ve always been impressed with how great everything sounds.
The Blue Yeti has four available pattern settings: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo. Each of these settings is specifically designed for maximum quality under different recording scenarios. Yeti’s packaging is top of the line, and it comes with a nice sized adjustable stand that puts it at an ideal height for recording when sitting on your desk.
There are also a variety of colors available. I personally went with the Midnight Blue.
Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone
- Custom-tuned microphone capsule provides superior audio
- iOS and USB connectivity offers instant setup at home or on the go – no need for additional adapters or connection kits (Apple MFi certified)
- Record, edit, and share recordings from the free ShurePlus MOTIV iOS app
- Three onboard DSP preset modes quickly dial in the right sound, or use the free ShurePlus MOTIV mobile app for enhanced recording and editing control over EQ, compression and more
- Compatible with popular iOS audio and video apps
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A slightly cheaper, and more portable alternative to the Blue Yeti microphone (for those that value their shrinking desk space)…
The Shure MV5 Digital Condenser microphone is ideal for home audio recording, podcasting, video blogging, and desktop audio chats.
It has 3 DSP preset modes (voice, instrument, and flat), and can record up to 24-bit, 48kHz.
Additionally, it comes with USB Type C to C, and USB Type C to A cables, and a 3-year warranty.
HyperX QuadCast – USB Condenser Gaming Microphone
- Radiant red lighting with dynamic effects: Stunning red lighting and dynamic effects for an eye-catching shot of customizable style.
- Built-in anti-vibration shock mount: Isolate the mic and suppress the sound of unintentional rumbles and bumps with the elastic rope suspension.
- Tap-to-mute sensor with LED status indicator: Use the convenient tap-to-mute functionality to prevent an audio accident along with the help of the LED mic status indicator. If the light is on, the mic is active, if the light is off, the mic is muted.
- Four selectable polar patterns: Choose between four polar patterns (stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional) to optimize your broadcast setup and keep the focus on the sounds you want to be heard.
- Gain control adjustment: Easily adjust your mic sensitivity by turning the dial at the bottom of the QuadCast.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is one sharp looking USB gaming microphone. The HyperX QuadCast was definitely built with serious gamers and content creators in mind.
It comes with the same 4 polar pattern recording options as the Blue Yeti, and has similar quick touch features for gain control and muting. One plus over the Blue Yeti is that the HyperX QuadCast comes with it’s own anti vibration shock mount. This is the perfect mic for Twitch users, YouTube creators, and Podcasters.
Looking to get a whole package and stay within a theme?
HyperX is also well known for their wireless gaming headphones, mechanical RGB LED backlit keyboards, and wired RGB optical gaming mouse.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
- Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
- High quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
- Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay
- Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and prerecorded audio
- High output, the internal headphone amplifier delivers superior clarity and musical detail as well as more volume overall
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Audio-Technica is well known in the world of sound. In addition to professional microphones, they create highly sought after headphones.
That said, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ USB Microphone is ideal for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording and voiceover use. It has a high-quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate.
It also features a built-in headphone jack with volume control that allows you to directly monitor your microphone signal with no delay, and offers mix control that blends microphone and pre-recorded audio.
Audio-Technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure you’re getting a quality product.
The Best Budget USB Microphones in 2021 (under $50)
While we wouldn’t recommend these microphones if you’re planning on doing professional voice-over work or adding vocals to your latest pop hit… they are more than adequate, and will add significant quality to your podcasts, skype and zoom meetings, and YouTube vlog videos!
All of these mics are under $50 USD.
Our choice for the best budget USB Microphone:
Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic
- Custom Condenser Capsule: Powered By Blue’S Custom Condenser Capsule, Snowball Ice Microphone Delivers Crystal-Clear Audio Quality That’S Light-Years Ahead Of Your Built-In Computer Microphone
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern: Captures Your Voice With Clear, Focused Sound For Streaming, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Skype Calls And Zoom Meetings
- Stylish Retro Design: Record Or Stream In Style With A Classic Recording Equipment Design That Looks Great On Your Desktop And On Camera
- Adjustable Desktop Stand: Allows You To Position The Condenser Microphone In Relation To The Sound Source, Improving Sound Quality And Saving Space On Your Desktop For The Optimal Broadcast Setup
- Skype and Discord certified: Whether conducting interviews over Skype, streaming live gameplay on Twitch, or communicating across the globe, you’ll be heard loud and clear on leading VOIP platforms
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Coming in just under $50 (at the time of writing), the Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic is our choice for the best budget USB microphone in 2021.
The sleek and modern design combined with Blue’s crystal clear recording quality made this our choice.
This Skype and Discord certified USB condenser mic is super easy to set up on Mac or PC, and is available in black or white (though, for some reason, the white model isn’t always under $50).
TONOR USB Gaming Microphone
- Plug and Play: With a USB 2.0 data port, the TC-777 is plug and play, no any additional driver is required. Ideal for conference, distance learning, streaming, chatting, podcasting, recording, Zoom, Skype, YouTube video, etc.
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern: This mic has a cardioid pickup pattern that captures the clear, smooth and crisp sound in front of the microphone and suppresses unwanted background noise.
- Easy to Install: Without any assembly, only need to unfold the three-legged stand directly and adjust the position of the pop filter, then it can be plug and play.
- Versatility: The shock mount can be unscrewed and attached to a boom stand with 5/8” threaded insert directly. Note: If the threaded insert your stand comes with is 3/8”, then the 3/8” female to 5/8” male threaded screw adapter is needed (not included).
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The TONOR USB Gaming Microphone is a plug and play (no additional software or drivers required) condenser microphone that’s ideal for gaming, streaming, chatting, podcasting, recording, Skype, Voice-over, YouTube video, and more!
For extra versatility, the included shock mount can be unscrewed and attached to a boom stand with 5/8” threaded inserts directly (though you may need an adapter if the threaded insert your stand comes with is 3/8′).
Fifine Metal USB Condenser Microphone
- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to USB port for recording music, computer singing or podcast. The office microphone for computer is easy to use and install. (◆◆Incompatible with Xbox and Phones◆◆)
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube. Durable material extends the service life of the voice-over microphone.
- [Volume Knob] Gaming USB mic for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter output adjustment and is more sensitive. Your voice would be heard well enough through the zoom microphone USB when gaming, skyping or voice recording.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Plug the Fifine Metal USB Condenser Microphone into your Mac or PC, and away you go!
It’s solid sturdy metal construction design with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube.
The sound quality at this price point is top notch, and it does a good job at picking up vocals while minimizing background noise.
The Best Microphone Accessories to Complete Your Setup
For many people, choosing their ideal USB microphone is just a first step…
As with most things, there are additional tools/components that can help transform your home computer audio setup into a more convenient and professional studio-like environment.
Let’s take a look at a few microphone accessories that will take your setup to the next level!
InnoGear Adjustable Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Microphone Stand
- Shock Mount: Please noted the shock mount is not fit for Blue Yeti.It is made of high-quality material and can protect the microphone all-around with high rubber rope design which makes the microphone more convenient to install and prevent it from falling. The shock mount has a hole diameter of 52mm, which is slightly larger than others.
- Heavy-duty Structure Mic Stand: The extra strong spring of the boom arm prevents the microphone from accidental dropping, noise generation and shaking. It has a table mounting clamp and protective layers of sponge. An adjustable positioning screw can easily clip to any desktop with a thickness of 2″.
- Double Screen Pop Filters: The first screen blocks air blasts as any pop filter normally would. The gap in between then disperses any remaining air pressure, so by the time it passes the second screen, the blast is easily contained.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This InnoGear Microphone Desk Mount Stand is perfect for anyone trying to maximize their desk space… or just like the convenience of simply swiveling their microphone into position!
It comes with everything you’ll need (besides the actual microphone!) to get started… the suspension boom scissor arm, a dual layer pop filter, a high quality wind screen, cable ties, and a shock mount!
This heavy duty suspension boom scissor arm stand is compatible with most microphones – including the Blue Yeti, AT2020, NW800, and the Blue Spark.
*** Blue Yeti owners, one thing to note is that the included shock mount will not fit the Blue Yeti USB microphone.
Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield
- Includes all assembly and mounting hardware | Branding/Logo on Product May Differ
- Dual clamp mount attaches to mic stands or booms up to 1.25″ diameter.
- Features a standard 3/8″ microphone threaded mount and includes a 3/8″ to 5/8″ thread adapter
- Measures about 17.3″ x 15.4″ x 5.5″ when folded for storage
- Acoustic foam front and vented metal back plate. The two outer panels can be folded inward for storage or for creating a tighter acoustic isolation chamber.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Want clearer vocals, and less reflections from your room?
The Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield features a high density acoustic foam front and a vented metal back plate, which allows the microphone to “breathe” and prevents reflections within the arc of the shield. It comes with a standard 3/8″ microphone threaded mount, and includes a 3/8″ to 5/8″ thread adapter.
The two outer panels can be folded inward for storage or for creating a tighter acoustic isolation chamber.
Plus, it can be used in a normal upright orientation or it can be inverted… so that the microphone hangs down inside the chamber.
This simple shield will instantly enhance your vocal recordings.
Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter
- Double Layered Screen Pop Filters: The first screen blocks air blasts as any pop filter normally would; The gap in between then disperses any…
- Universally Compatible: Adjustable screw rotating clamp with scratch-proof gripper can secure variety tubular mounting booms or microphone stands….
- Adjustable Gooseneck: The steel metal gooseneck holder fully supports the filter’s weight and keep it in place. You can adjust the angle and distance…
- Functions: Banish the dreaded hissing and lisping sounds that come when pronouncing the letter “S” and blocks those ugly “plosives” that follows “B”…
- DRAW THEM IN – NOT TOO LOUD, NOT TOO QUIET- WHILE MOST Blue Yeti Microphone Filters are no better than DIY mesh pop filters, Surface Spacing acts like…
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you don’t have one of these, it should be your first mic accessory purchase.
The dual layered window pop screen will immediately soften the hissing on your “S” pronounciations, and block those horrible “plosives” following your “B” and “P” sounds.
The Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter has a swivel mount for easy installation, removal, and location adjustments. The flexible 360 degree arm makes it easy to get the filter where you want it, and the steel metal gooseneck holder fully supports the filter’s weight and keeps it nicely in place.
Final Thoughts
In this new post-COVID-19 world, with so many of us now working and collaborating remotely… it’s more important than ever to present ourselves in a professional manner – no matter where we are.
A quality microphone is a great step in putting your best voice forward. With this post, hopefully we helped narrow down your search for the best USB microphone in 2021.
Always remember to double check that your computer/laptop and operating system is compatible with whichever USB microphone you choose before purchasing.
How about you?
Did we miss your favorite USB desktop microphone? Let us know what you use in the comments!
2 comments
ferahtia.FS
Nice website thank you
JR
Great and informative article, thanks! Remember your accessories: cable management ties or velcro; usb extention cable (especially if you get that sweet scissor arm or have a sit stand desk with a desktop.) I’m ready to up my game!