The Best Budget Mic For Gaming In 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: TONOR Computer Cardioid Condenser PC Gaming Mic - TC-777
It is so convenient to use and install that you only need to unfold the three-legged stand directly, then adjust the position of the pop filter and plug in the power cord for it to work. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: HyperX QuadCast - USB Condenser Gaming Microphone
With an included mount adapter, you can conveniently adjust the microphone's gain control with a simple twist of the volume knob. Read Review
3. Best For Gamer: Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording, Streaming, Gaming
The included Blue VOICE software gives you easy audio controls to enhance your sound quality, and you can use the on-mic mix control to adjust the balance of game audio and voice chat. Read Review
4. Best Audio Performance: TONOR Cardioid Condenser Computer PC Mic - TC30
The TONOR Cardioid Condenser Computer PC Mic is a professional USB microphone that provides high-quality sound recording for YouTube, Twitch, or any other streaming service. Read Review
When you’re streaming, posting videos to social media, or recording for your personal use, your microphone will be a big part of how people view you. If you’re investing in your game to play it from the comfort of your home and not just in front of your computer at school, then having a good mic is essential. If you’re not precisely blowing away the views with your voice now, getting a good mic will help you a lot. Many gaming mics are overpriced and under-quality, but there are some great affordable options.
With so many different types of mics available on the market today, it can be hard to know which one is right for your needs. Whether you’re an aspiring YouTuber or streamer or just playing games casually with friends, this guide will help you choose the best budget mic for gaming that fits your budget and needs.
Our team spent about hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. TONOR Computer Cardioid Condenser PC Gaming Mic - TC-777 is the product that receives the highest award from us. According to our test, this model is equipped with Power Cord(1.5m) and a 1 x Foldable Mic Tripod. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which are equally deserving of your consideration, we have compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.
RELATED: We make a detailed review of best budget voice over microphone to help you stop confusing and save time and effort.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![TONOR Computer Cardioid Condenser PC Gaming Mic - TC-777]()
- What You Get: 1 x Microphone with Power Cord(1.5m), 1 x Foldable Mic Tripod, 1 x Mini Shock Mount, 1 x Pop Filter and 1 x Manual. (Note: It is not compatible with Xbox.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Convenient gain control adjustment
- Mount adapter included
- Anti-vibration shock mount
- Tap to mute sensor with LED indicator
- Four selectable polar patterns
- Multi device and chat program compatibility
TOP Choice #3
![Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording, Streaming, Gaming]()
- 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
- 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
- Plug 'n Play: Set up the computer microphone in seconds with the included desktop stand or connect directly to a mic stand or boom arm and instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
- Blue VO!CE 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
- What You Get: 1 x condenser microphone, 1 x shock mount, 1 x foldable mic tripod, 1 x pop filter, 1 x USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Cable, 1 x manual. Note: It is compatible with Macs, PCs, PS4 and iPad (an adapter is required), not compatible with Phones and Xbox.
- Exceptional Anti-vibration: The upgraded concealed shock mount can effectively reduce the noise caused by the mouse, keyboard, radiator or touch of the microphone.
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern: The mic has a cardioid pickup pattern and an excellent off-axis suppression function, allowing it to capture more natural sound and suppress unwanted background noise.
- Plug and Play: With a USB 2.0 data port, no additional driver is required. TC30 is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux. Ideal for gaming, podcasting, zoom meeting, streaming, Skype chatting, online conference.
- Easy to Install: Without any assembly, only need to attach the pop filter to the mic tripod, then it can be plug and play.
- Heavy-Duty Tilting Stand: Sitting on a sturdy support, the mic can be angled to find the perfect sweetspot for your voice. It can also be detached and mounted on a boom arm or mic stand that uses a standard 5,8-inch thread.
- Professional Recording Quality: With its 14mm condenser capsule and flat frequency response, the mic broadcasts your voice with stellar clarity that’s filled with crisp highs and deep lows.
- Connectivity technology: USB
- Ultra-Compact Build: Made for minimalist or smaller setups, it barely takes up any desk space and is discreet on-camera, putting more focus on you. Easy to bring along if you need take your streaming elsewhere.
- Ultra-Precise Supercardioid Pickup Pattern: The Razer Seiren Mini is tuned with a tighter pickup angle, so it can focus on your voice while ensuring that background noises like typing and mouse clicks don’t get picked up.
- Great Sound of Fidelity: Equipped with a 16mm large diaphragm, wide frequency response (20Hz to 20KHz) and professional sound chipset, Q9 microphone provides a perfect combination of clarity, warmth, extended dynamic range and high SPL capability. The cardioid condenser capsule enables the Q9 to capture pristine and accurate sound and cancel noise from surroundings, perfect for recording and communicating.
- Plug and Play: With USB A to B cable, TONOR Q9 microphone is easy to connect with both Mac and Windows computer, no need any extra driver software or sound card. It is perfect for podcasting, music/video recording, live streaming, gaming or online chatting. Note: This microphone is compatible with PS4, but not compatible with Xbox.
- Complete Mic Set: Package includes a condenser microphone, metal shock mount, adjustable suspension scissor arm stand, desk mount clamp, pop filter, foam mic cover, 1.8M USB A to B cable and manual. All premium accessories are contained in one package, which makes the TONOR Q9 to be your most secure choice!
- Durable Boom Stand: The Q9 microphone has a sturdy all-metal suspension scissor stand that extends vertically up to 27.5"/700mm, giving you an excellent range of motion. Maximum desk thickness: 1.7"/45mm.
- User-friendly Design: With a convenient volume button, TONOR Q9 recording microphone is much easier for you to use. In working status, short press for adjusting mic volume level, 3s long press for turning off the microphone.
7
![Razer Seiren X USB Streaming Microphone: Professional Grade]()
- Zero Latency Monitoring: Allows for real-time in-stream monitoring without confusing echos
- Built-In background Noise Reduction: Utilizes a supercardiod pickup microphone to eliminate distracting noises further away from the microphone for professional-grade stream audio
- Built-In Shock Mount: Dampens vibrations to help protect against bumps for smooth and uninterrupted audio
8
![HyperX SoloCast – USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC]()
- Multi-device and program compatibility: Get great sound whether you’re connecting to a PC, PS4, PS5 or Mac. SoloCast is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak, and works on major streaming platforms like Streamlabs OBS, OBS Studio, and XSplit.
- Tap-to-Mute sensor with LED status indicator: Simply tap the top of the mic to mute, and the signature LED indicator lets you immediately see whether or not you’re broadcasting.
- Plug N Play audio recording: Get quality audio recordings with this easy-to-use USB condenser microphone. The cardioid polar pattern prioritizes sound sources directly in front of the microphone.
- Boom arm and mic stand threading: Versatile microphone fits 3'8-inch and 5'8-inch threaded setups, making it compatible with most mic stands or boom arms.
- Flexible, adjustable stand: The easy-to-position stand swivels to support a variety of setups. You can even fit under a monitor if your setup is tight on space.
9
![Blue Yeti X USB Microphone for PC & Mac, Gaming, Podcast, Streaming]()
- Four-Capsule Array – Capture legendary Blue broadcast sound with greater focus and clarity than ever for professional streaming, podcasting and YouTube
- Multi-Function Smart Knob – Fine-tune your on-stream sound with easy-access controls for mic gain, mute, headphone volume and blend
- Blue VO!CE Software: Craft the perfect broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples. Advanced Blue VO!CE is compatible with Yeti, Yeti Nano and Yeti X. To access Blue VO!CE, please download Logitech’s free G HUB software.
- Logitech G HUB Integration – Manage mic gain, headphone volume, monitoring preferences and pickup pattern selection right from your desktop
- Customizable LED Lighting – Personalize the color of Yeti X’s LED lights to match your on-stream aesthetic
- High-Res LED Metering – Visualize your voice level at a glance and adjust up or down for powerful, broadcast quality sound
10
![MAONO Professional Condenser Computer Mic for Gaming]()
- 12-Month Warranty: MAONO provides a 12-month warranty and friendly tech support. What you get: 1x USB condenser microphone, 1x full metal arm stand, 1x shock mount, 1x metal pop filter, 1x table mounting clamp, 1x USB cable and 1x manual
- Excellent Sound Quality: The USB microphone has a built-in professional sound chipset, 192KHZ/24BIT high sampling rate, and smooth frequency response of 100Hz-18kHz, which captures the crystal clear sound when podcasting or gaming. Cardioid pickup pattern suppresses unwanted background noise and captures clear sound. It is perfect for recording, live streaming, zoom meetings, chatting, voice-over, twitch, YouTube video, etc
- Plug and Play: No need for the driver software or external devices. The computer microphone can be immediately recognized by Mac or Windows system and begin recording in less than one minute. It is a great choice for beginners to start recording or live streaming. NOTE: Not compatible with Xbox
- Flexible Mic Gain Knob: The gain button can increase the sensitivity of the pc microphone so that you can adjust the gain and volume easily and quickly. You can increase the gain appropriately when the volume of Youtube live streaming is low or the distance is far away, which will help you increase the volume without sound distortion
- Easy to Install: With a sturdy and durable arm stand set, you only need to install the arm stand on the table, which easily adjusts the microphone angle and height when podcasting or gaming. The arms stand set and pop filter is made of durable steel, which prolongs the use time of the microphone kit
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What to Look For in a best budget mic for gaming?
Connections
After you have chosen the mic type you prefer, it is time to think about how you will connect it to your system. There are two options: wireless or wired.
Traditional wired microphones transmit sound signals via a cable. They can be a hindrance to performers' movement, particularly during large productions. A wireless microphone is a good option if you need to be mobile. These wireless microphones use radio waves to transmit signals to the receiver.
Traditional wired microphones transmit sound signals via a cable. They can be a hindrance to performers' movement, particularly during large productions. A wireless microphone is a good option if you need to be mobile. These wireless microphones use radio waves to transmit signals to the receiver.
Type Of Microphone
The energy of sound waves is captured by microphones, which can then convert it into electricity in various ways. You can either use a condenser microphone or dynamic microphone to accomplish this.
Frequency Response
The frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that a microphone can detect, usually 20hz-20Khz. Knowing the frequency range is not enough. What you need is the microphone's responsiveness to certain frequencies. Before you choose a microphone, think about the recording you are going to do. A microphone with a higher frequency, such as a dynamic microphone, may be better suited for recording bass, drums, and other musical instruments.
Maximum Sound Pressure Level
This measurement is often expressed as decibels (dBs), and it is the highest volume the microphone can tolerate without distortion.
Response Flatness
Although it might seem that flat responses are the best, a treble lift is sometimes an advantage. This applies especially to vocals. This can cause the PA system to become more sensitive to howling. The signal from speakers often gets in the microphone, creating a hissing sound. Many dynamic microphones have a treble lift, which lends itself to many vocals.
Polar Pattern/Directionality
Directionality is the way a microphone picks up sounds from its surroundings. One microphone can detect sound in all directions simultaneously. Most other microphones can only pick up one direction at a time. This can be advantageous depending on the circumstances.
Attenuation Switch
Have you ever wondered what those switches at the back of Rode Videomic are for? Attenuation switches are the switches at the back. Attenuation switches on microphones reduce the output of the mic by a specific amount. This is usually between -10dB and -20dB. The microphone will become four to sixteen times more quiet than usual.
Impedance
This is measured in Ohms (symbol O) and refers to the microphone's ability to receive an audio signal or AC current. Mics with a low impedance (600O and lower) retain better audio quality when used on cables that are longer than 16 feet. High impedance signals that other microphone components may be of lower quality can sometimes indicate a low quality signal.
FAQs
What Is A Polar Plot And How Is It Used?
Polar plots, also known as beam patterns, show an angular dependence on the sound pressure measured by the microphone. A polar plot shows how sound pressure levels are affected by different angles of incidence. The typical angle of incidence is a 180-degree arc, with the microphone in the middle. As you move away from the centre, your pressure amplitude will decrease. The frequency dependence of measured sound pressure is not shown in polar plots. They are only obtained at one frequency. Because the pattern of the beam will vary at different frequencies, it is important to specify the measurement frequency with polar data.What Should I Do When My Miniature Microphone Gets Soaked In Water Or Sweat?
A microphone is best if it's not in contact with water. However, sweat can be a problem if the environment is professional. The microphone should be shaken to remove any water. It must then dry, perhaps near a heat source such as a radiator. Never use a hairdryer. After they have been sweat-filled, omni microphones should be rinsed in demineralized waters and dried.What Is The Noise Floor Of A Microphone?
The cartridge thermal noise specification defines the microphone's noise floor. Important to remember that preamplifier noise can have an impact on the mic and preamplifier combo's noise floor. You can also measure the sound pressure by limiting other components of the measurement chain like power supplies or data acquisition systems.How Do I Clean My Miniature Microphone Cable From Tape Remains?
Over time, residue from glue and tape can etch the cable making it less able to withstand braking. Organic oil can be used to clean the cable (e.g. Olive oil and lukewarm warm water can be used to clean the cable. Ecotech2 Multidegreaser by Finish Line has been reported to have good results.What Microphone Is Recommended For Determining The Direction Or Noise Source Location Of Sound?
Multiple free-field microphones, placed in predefined patterns and combined with appropriate software allow spatial transformations of complex sound pressure fields to be projected to map the acoustic energy flows. Because of their general value and matching phase specifications, array microphones make a great choice for large-channel count acoustic testing. Because they allow the user to identify specific microphones quickly and easily, Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS), are highly recommended.Which Levels Can The Microphone Handle?
A microphone's dynamic range is the difference between its lowest and highest levels.It is not just a function the microphone, but the preamplifier that goes with it. A microphone's dynamic range is directly related to its sensitivities.
Does The Size Of A Microphone Impact Its Frequency And Dynamic Range?
It is important to consider the size and sensitivity of your microphone. Microphones of smaller dimensions and higher sensitivity are more capable of measuring high amplitudes or frequencies. However, microphones with a larger diameter or more sensitive can measure higher frequencies and have lower noise floors.Which Microphone Is Recommended For Low Frequency Measurements?
Low frequency can be referred to as a relative term. The standard 1/2" condenser test microphones and the measurement grade microphones have an -3dB point between 1 Hz and 3 Hz. This is enough for most applications. Some specialty microphones can measure down to 0.1 Hz and exceed this limit.There are numerous points to pick from in general, but doing so well may help you be more convenient and save time! When selecting a best budget mic for gaming, pay close attention to the elements listed above, and don't forget to verify the safety.
Have you picked a product like that after reading our article on how to choose and top the best budget mic for gaming? Hopefully, the information provided will assist you in selecting the best option for you.
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