Just because a gamer doesn’t need a studio-grade microphone doesn’t mean they can settle for just anything — you’ll have to keep certain things in mind when shopping around. Following this buying guide can help you find a great gaming microphone in 2023 to enhance your game.
Choosing a gaming microphone isn’t easy. Your preferred connectivity type is the first box to tick when looking for microphones for gaming and streaming.
An analog microphone has a 3.5mm output, and these are known to record clear sound with zero latency issues. If you use an analog mic, you’ll have to give up on your headphone port unless you have a computer that comes with separate ports for each.
The USB microphone, as the name suggests, features a USB output. A USB mic is a cheaper gaming microphone alternative that’s compatible with both laptops and computers. If your gaming setup is computer-based, a USB port will allow you to connect several microphones to a single PC and achieve a studio-grade effect.
The polarization pattern of a gaming microphone determines the directionality and pressure of the sound it picks up. The ideal gaming microphone will pick up sound from the front of the microphone and reject all other ambient sound plosives. There are four different polar pickup patterns, and different gaming microphones may offer one or all of them.
A gaming microphone with cardioid polar response will pick up the sound impulse sent directly at it thanks to increased sound sensitivity at a 0-degree angle. Such a microphone is perfect for voiceovers and streaming.
Bidirectional microphones are most receptive to sounds at polar opposite angles. These mics have sensitive sites at the front and back, and they’re ideal for podcasts and interviews.
Omnidirectional microphones are highly sensitive at all angles, making them great for conferences and group chats but not necessarily for gamers.
A stereo microphone helps the audience experience the orientation of audio signals in space. These mics are the preferred choice of ASMR artists.
Cheap or expensive, a gaming microphone should come with several important accessories to keep the experience hands-free and well-coordinated.
A boom arm is an excellent space-saving accessory that clips onto the desk and holds the gaming microphone at the perfect level. The boom arm does a great job of holding the mic and shifting it around horizontally.
If you’re a streamer with an audience to please, a shock mount can improve the quality of your content. A shock mount can prevent unnecessary sound signals, like thuds, breathing, and background noises, from messing up your recording. Shock mounts basically help your gaming microphone with noise-cancellation.
When gaming microphones channel all four polarization patterns at once, a sudden escape of air from your mouth can disrupt the sound production. A pop filter gets the job done for gaming mics with higher sound resolution and sensitivity — with the pop filter in place, thuds and plosives from your mouth will be filtered out before they’re registered by the mic.
Logitech’s Blue Yeti is a must-have gaming microphone for pro gamers and content creators. This sturdy microphone has a stable base that will stay put as communicate with teammates or record videos, and its sleek black look can add some style to your setup.
This gaming microphone has an easy-to-use control panel that can consistently offer you impressive audio. It picks up your voice via four different polar patterns to elevate sound quality (something that usually requires multiple microphones), and you can adjust this gaming microphone at various angles for better sound with zero latency. Thanks to its crisp, clear sound and easy-to-use design, this gaming microphone is our top pick.
The HyperX QuadCast Gaming Microphone is another excellent option that stands out thanks to its added features. The touch-sensitive mute option on top of the mic is a feature that both streamers and casual gamers can appreciate, and its LED indicator will let you know whether it’s muted or not. This gaming microphone’s built-in pop filter tackles harsh noises, resulting in smoother, clearer vocals, and its LED exterior can add some ambiance to your gaming setup.
This gaming microphone incorporates four polar patterns for a better, more customized sound that you can control, and there’s even a dial at the bottom that allows you to adjust its sensitivity. Not only is this a great choice for gaming, but if you live in a busy household and often find yourself on video calls for work, you can take advantage of this feature to make sure your voice is the only one that’s heard!
The TONOR Gaming Microphone is a great choice if you’re shopping on a budget. At a low cost, this mic comes with all the essentials, including a tripod, shock mount, and nylon pop filter. All these items can keep the mic high and steady for a job well done, and thanks to its plug-and-play design you can start using this gaming microphone right away.
This gaming microphone’s sound quality can measure up to the more expensive, premium options without making you break the bank. Even with only a cardioid polar pickup pattern, this microphone offers rich sound quality for in-game communication. If you’re venturing into the world of vlogging or podcasts, this gaming microphone is a beginner-friendly option that comes complete with all the accessories you’ll need at a low price.
Looking for a stylish, yet inexpensive sound upgrade? Check out the Razer Seiren X Gaming Microphone. This professional-grade mic can offer gamers and streamers lifelike sound reproduction for an upper hand in-game. This gaming microphone can add crispness to your vocals, eliminate ambient noise, and limit the sound of breathing, things that gamers know can disrupt streams and sessions. This mic is also a great choice for live streams thanks to the clear, lag-free sound it can produce.
With this USB condensing gaming microphone, you’ll get real-time audio that’s free from echoes and distortions. The high-quality shock absorbers on this mic will also soak up any vibrations to keep your stream uninterrupted and your focus on the game. As a nice bonus, this stand-alone gaming microphone is available in three different colors that can enhance the look of any gaming station.
The FIFINE Gaming Microphone is a great entry-level choice that can help you achieve high-quality gaming and streaming sound. This mic comes with a tripod stand, a foam windscreen, a boom arm, and a damping shock mount, and its unidirectional sound can enhance your communication during multiplayer games without costing you an arm and a leg.
This gaming microphone can catch your vocals crisp and clear thanks to its accompanying set of scissor arms and capsule covers. This mic’s low-profile design won’t take up a lot of space, something that comes in handy if you’re using it for video calls or steaming, and its versatile, durable design can offer you longevity for a low price — what’s not to like? If you’re looking to pick up your first gaming microphone, consider this one.
A: You can find a gaming microphone with fairly clear sound quality for just $50, but you’ll need to learn to identify and cut down on features you might not need. Advanced features, accessories, and additional controls will cause the price to go up.
A: The frequency range of a gaming microphone is the same as that of the human ear — between 20 to 20,000Hz.
A: There are a couple of simple steps to making a cheap gaming microphone sound like a professional one. Start by turning down all other surrounding noise sources, then speak loudly and clearly, directly at the mic.
A: For seamless in-game communication, an easy-to-access control panel, quick mute button, and angle adjustment are some desirable gaming microphone features. There are more parameters you can also consider, such as sound clarity and vibration-resistant recording.