Whether you’re on a PC or Mac, the question of what is the best computer microphone leaves you with a few options to take into consideration. It all depends on your budget, microphone type, and intended use. We chose about 10 to provide for you today because we know there may be those whose personal preferences may fall outside of the average user looking for a top microphone for their computer. Let’s get into the reviews and comparisons of the top 10 best computer microphones below.
Picking the Best Microphone for Your Computer
- Your budget – Computer microphones aren’t too expensive, and the range between the best budget-friendly models and the higher-end mics isn’t too bad either. This will be your obvious first factor in deciding which mic is best for you, so keep in mind not only how much money you have saved up to invest but how much you may want to save up after reading our guide.
- Microphone type – There are a few different types of microphones most commonly paired up with computers. The most common type of microphone for computers is USB, 3.5 mm standard, as well as various condenser mics (lower-end). Which type do you prefer? We include a lot of USB microphones in here, but give a few others for some options as well.
- Mac or PC? Luckily, both computer types and operating systems have a very common form of connectivity: a USB port. In that case, and paired up with the fact that technology is continuing to advance, we are getting some solid quality that wasn’t once available with USB mics. The other types of mics are also pretty versatile when it comes to PC or Mac — so to answer your question, it honestly doesn’t matter what type of computer you have. If there is a difference in compatibility with one of the computer microphones listed below, we’ll let you know.
- Your intended use – The term ‘computer mic’ is pretty subjective — what are you actually using this for? Some popular computer microphone applications include podcasting, vlogging, gaming, streaming, online chats, group calls, voice-overs, music\vocal and instrument producing\recording (although we ultimately recommend some professional condenser microphones for that, you may be able to get away with some of these mics in here if you’re a beginner).
The Top 10 Best Computer Microphones
Blue Yeti
This microphone will create some near-studio recording quality due to its tri-capsule technology and 4 available pattern settings (you also get some customizing with these settings). These features make it the best computer microphone because you can easily and flexibly record music, vocals, podcasts, interviews — easily adapting to individual needs with this single mic. It comes with controls for pattern selection, headphone volume, microphone gain and instant mute all on the front of the unit for some easy access.
The Blue Yeti can also be folded, pivoted and adjusted – it is really versatile and adaptable. It requires 64 MB of RAM (so you’re good for pretty much any computer these days) and is compatible with Windows (XP and higher) and Mac OS X (10.4.11 or higher). You’re also getting some color options to choose your style. It’s often included in many microphone best-of’s, including Gizmodo’s best budget USB microphone article. The Blue Yeti is considered by us as one of the best microphones for computers thanks to its versatility and super clear audio quality.
Samson Go Mic
This is a plug and play mic, which means you can merely attach it to a PC or Mac (assuming they have a USB port of course) and start using it immediately – no drivers needed. You can use it for recording vocals, music and podcasts, Skype calls, or really anything (aside from perhaps professional music recording) which really makes it a versatile and capable microphone for a lot our readers. The 16-bit resolution with a frequency response from 20Hz to 18 kHz covers the spectrum and delivers some great (but not necessarily professional) audio features in a functional and compact design.
We’d consider it one of the best microphones for your computer if you intended on traveling a lot, or if you merely want a snug mic to sit at the corner of your desk conveniently. It’s also a bit cheaper than the Yeti so if you’re willing to sacrifice customizing options as well as some audio quality, check this one out. Samson is another one of our top picks when it comes mic brands, so it is no wonder that the Samson Go Mic is often declared as one of the best computer microphone options for a wide array of users.
Razer Seiren X
In terms of the mic build, it comes with an aluminum stabilizing base which is excellent for recording and streaming in different situations and surroundings — it definitely won’t be breaking on you easily (if you take care of it, of course). Like the Yeti, the Seiren X allows you to use four different polar pattern recording configurations thanks to three custom tuned condenser capsules inside of the unit. It comes with exceptionally high recording resolution of 192 kHz and 24-bit (the highest audio resolution in this guide), which makes it the best microphone for computers if you were concerned with the audio quality it’ll give you. It also comes with a built-in headphone amplifier and zero latency output. Paired up with the base, there is also a shock mount feature to minimize the noise and further improve the longevity of your investment.
If you have the budget, this rugged mic will bring your computer a very nice build and some super clear audio quality. The Razer Seiren X is one of the best computer microphones out there, especially when it comes to gaming. This is because Razer is an obvious heavy-hitter in the gaming gear market, but also due to its ability at covering our recommended necessities computer mics: versatility when it comes to uses, great audio quality, USB connectivity, stable build. and a built-in stand for out-of-the-box usage.
Shure MV5
This mic is a great choice if you are looking for a high-quality USB condenser microphone that has the versatility to record audio, instruments, podcasting, video chatting and more. As read in our Shure MV5 review, it is the best microphone for computers due to its versatility, i.e. it can work with personal computers, Mac, and more. It comes with three DSP modes, two color choices as well as headphone monitoring options. As seen in the photo, there is also a convenient stand, and the box also comes with lightning and USB cables for easy connectivity in different settings. It comes with a max sample rate of 24-bit 48 kHz, which means that your recording will be of quality that’s up there vs. competitors (the same as the Yeti and Seiren Elite).
Shure microphones won’t disappoint. It’s a little cheaper than the Yeti, so if you wanted a different option yet similar build and quality while saving a few bucks on top of it, this is a great option to consider. The Shure MV5 is still pretty fresh in the market and we were very excited when they first come out with this. It has some excellent sound quality packed in a cool classic design as yet another great pick to be the best computer microphone for the money.
Blue iCE
Aside from the previously listed Go Mic, we’d choose this as one of our top picks for best budget-friendly computer mics in the market today. It’s powered by a cardioid condenser capsule and will deliver some suitable quality of sound in different settings – smaller voice-over uses, podcasts, chats and even gaming. A frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz and sample rate of 44.1 kHz/16 bit ensures your needed range for a mic, and the recording quality paired up with some omitting surrounding noise does an efficient job at portraying what you want to convey to others.
What stands out about this one is the size, included desk-stand as well unique look. It doesn’t have any control on the unit and the polar patterns aren’t interchangeable, but if you can get by that, you can save some money here. As you can tell, we’re big fans of Blue Microphones. The Blue iCE is another one of the best computer microphones by Blue, and it’s a great option if you are looking for a reliable, smaller-sized and self-sustaining USB condenser computer microphone.
Syba CL-ME-606
We couldn’t bring ourselves to include a cheap $5 stick mic for your computer, so this will suffice as a great option for those who didn’t want anything more than a simple solution to convey some sound into their computer. The Syba CL-ME-606 is considered the best option thanks to its ability to do only what we want and also offer a sleek and durable design. This omnidirectional condenser microphone is portable and simple to use; it comes with a convenient plug and play feature, which means you can use it on different devices without the need to download any additional drivers or software.
It comes with a 3.5 mm stereo plug that is appropriate for the majority of laptops and PCs. With -38 dB +/- 2 dB sensitivity and a frequency range of 100 Hz – 16000 Hz, the Syba CL-Me-606 does just what a simple microphone should do — hook up to our computers easily and record\portray some sound to others.
Samson Meteor
This model comes with one of the biggest diaphragms (25 mm) of all USB microphones in the market. The Meteor mic has a clean frequency response, cardioid pickup pattern, and 44.1 – 48 kHz resolution, which ensures some clear recording quality. In the box, you’re getting a USB cable and a plug and play feature, which means you can use it anywhere and on every IOS, Android and Mac device. The front of the unit also has a volume control, which is super convenient as many would agree.
Samson is great for middle-priced mics with great builds and quality. It made it into our best USB microphone under $100 for a reason. The Samson Meteor is a versatile and all-encompassing condenser microphone with a number of excellent features that make it one of the best microphones for computers for some.
Tonor TN12326
Here we have another fan-favorite for mics that appeal to those on a strict budget. It comes with a simple plug and play option and a 3.5 mm stereo plug that fits the majority of laptops and computers. You’re not getting USB connectivity with this one, but if you were able to use a 3.5 mm instead, it’s going to help you save a few bucks. The cardioid pickup pattern and clear frequency response will deliver excellent quality of recording sound in a variety of settings, such as voice calls, Skype chat, etc.
The TN12326 also comes with a small and flexible head that turns around 360 degrees and tilts up to 90 degrees which is convenient for those who think it’ll be a need in their intended application. There is also a convenient mini tripod for added ease of use. The Tonor TN12326 is a portable condenser microphone that is easy and convenient to use. Just a microphone for computer here that gives you the raw essentials without much pizzazz.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio
This is an obvious package that may be perfect if you’re in need of some headphones and an audio interface alongside your microphone (audio interfaces help provide external power and additional ins\outs for your headphones and other audio gear). It will reliably and with high clarity record voice, instrumental, and chats. Although we still recommend browsing our other guides if you’re into music production and recording, this is a solid options for beginners and starters. Thanks to it’s incredibly low latency and 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response, you will discover that the sound quality can be significantly better many others in here (for good reason — it’s a bit more expensive).
Who knows, this may inspire you to grab a new pair of headphones, start that music career or merely make you stand out from the others in your additional computer microphone applications. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio gives us a big change of pace in regards to comparing this option to the others in here, but we wanted to put it second to last just in case it appealed to you.
Floureon BM-800
This is an excellent condenser microphone that will actually exceed the needs of an average user if you were looking to save some cash in your search for the best microphone for your computer. It is a condenser mic that comes with a shock mount (helps to reduce mic vibration and extra noise) in the package. It comes with very low self-noise and nifty cardioid pattern, which makes it an ideal choice for acoustic instrument recording, online chats, broadcasting, and VoIP. With 20 Hz – 20 kHz and a sensitivity of 45 dB plus\minus 1 dB, it won’t be bringing you professional or even semi-pro recordings but at least the essential needs of these specific specs.
This one’s great for sound isolation, so there will be little outside noise and because it also comes with a foam cover that can be removed, it will do a great job at protecting your source from surrounding wind interference noise. Up next, the Floureon BM-800 is one of the best computer microphones if you were looking for a cheap solution to save some money.