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How about a microphone you simply plug into any USB port on your computer and you are ready to start recording or streaming?
Of course, microphones with USB connection are not exactly professional studio quality.
Still, you’ll be forgiven for thinking there aren’t any good USB mics that easily outperform studio-grade options.
USB microphones are very convenient.
Some of the best microphones with USB connectivity don’t even require software or drivers to run, simply plug-N-play.
They are also very versatile and easily fit the bill across a wide range of applications.
The options below are the best microphones with USB connection.
We found these to be popular options for avid gamers, podcasters, enthusiastic creatives, and even field recordings.
For a small review, you’ll be surprised how wide a range we’ve covered, cutting across considerations like portability, from-factor polar pick up pattern, and budget concerns.
Our Winner After Careful Research
Microphones with USB Connection – Comparison Table
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Product |
Specs |
Our Rating |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Rode NT-USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone |
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HyperX QuadCast |
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Samson Go Mic Portable USB condenser Mic |
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Audio-Technica AT2020 USB |
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5 Best Microphones with USB Connection
1. Rode NT-USB Cardioid Microphone
You are a serious podcaster.
You want a microphone that brings impeccable quality to your voice without having to pay a premium for it.
The Rode NT-USB does that for you while maintaining a reasonable price tag.
It mimics the looks -and even feels like- a studio-grade mic with the convenience of USB connectivity for Windows or iOS loyalists.
A Cardioid polar pattern coupled with a 20hz -20kHz frequency range and a premium pop filter promise a sound quality that goes above and beyond the competition.
You get a nifty desktop-size tripod stand to hold your mic in a comfortable position as you wow your loyal listeners.
This isn’t only a great option for podcasting, but also a good choice if you want to elevate the quality of your gaming, streaming, and voice overs a little further.
Pros
- Superb, studio-quality audio capture
- Side-address ideal for home studio recording and podcasting
- Convenient USB connectivity
- Windows and iOS ready
- Zero-latency monitoring from a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
- Premium pop shield included
Cons
- You’d expect better quality cable from Rode
2. HyperX QuadCast – USB Microphone
While the HyperX QuadCast USB Condenser Mic doesn’t quite match up to the Rode NT in sound quality, it produces a clear, high quality audio that makes it ideal for gaming and streaming.
Mostly, this mic has earned its reputation as the quintessential multi polar USB microphone for amateur recording.
Gamers appreciate how its straight forward gain controls and convenient tap-is-mute sensor help make it easy to operate; even in the heat of the moment.
It offers four polar pattern options; cardioid, Bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo to suite a wide range of audio capture scenarios.
The downside is that some users have found this mic to be susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
While this is a common issue with most USB connected microphones, you’d expect a mic of such quality and the QuadCast to do better in terms of noise cancelling.
That’s not to say it isn’t a viable streaming, podcasting, or gaming mic.
Recording quality remains.
Pros
- Multi polar patterns to optimize sound capture
- Compatible with multiple devices including PS4 and other gaming consoles
- Integrated anti-vib shock mount
- Easy gain control adjusting and tap-to-mute function
Cons
- Susceptible to electromagnetic interference
3. Samson Go Mic
The Go Mic USB Microphone by Samson is an excellent inexpensive solution for multimedia enthusiasts, gamers, and online communicators who want to enhance the quality of their recordings.
This is a compact, plug-and-play USB mic you’ll find handy if you are a content creator who’s always on the go.
There is a 3.5mm headphone output and a USB audio output for complete compatibility with Windows and Mac.
You don’t need to install any driver for computer-based use.
This simple operation makes it a versatile mic you cannot ignore as a gamer or creative.
You get two audio capture pattern settings to choose from; cardioid and omnidirectional.
The dual polar pattern capability makes it an ideal portable mic for field recording, web casting, voice over IP, and even podcasts.
This is hands down one of the best microphones with USB connection recommended for gaming, podcasting, laptop audio connoisseurs, and travelers in general.
Pros
- Folds into a small, leather case for compact storage
- Selectable dual pick up pattern
- USB and 1/8-inch headphone audio output
- Solid frequency response of 20 Hz – 18 kHz
- No drivers required, plug n play operation
- Clip right onto your laptop or sit modestly on desktop
Cons
- Lacks volume control for output
4. Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone
The AT2020USB+ is Audio-Technica’s mid-budget cardioid condenser USB microphone designed to digitally capture music and speech.
It is an excellent addition to any home studio.
It features a cardioid pickup pattern that’s ideal for music-focused recording.
Off-axis rejection is outstanding. Its 16-bit/44.1 or 48 kHz resolution with rock-hard sound reproduction meets the needs of home studio use, amateur documentary voice-overs, podcasts, and even field recordings.
A built-in headphone jack with thumb dial volume control allows for direct monitor of the audio output with no delay.
The mic has a built-in high-output headphone amplifier that delivers a clean sound with ample headroom to create full volume.
This isn’t a $30 USB mic, but it isn’t built cheap either.
Expect studio-quality performance from an easy-to-use cardioid condenser USB microphone.
Pros
- Highly focused cardioid audio capture
- High-quality A/D converter with 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz resolution
- Extended Frequency Response
- Easy thumb dial volume and mix controls
- Built-in headphone amplifier
- Zero-Latency monitoring
Cons
- Premium quality, albeit at a premium price
5. CAD Audio U37 Microphone
If you are looking for a budget-friendly microphone for your home studio and want to explore the USB mic options, the CAD U37 comes highly recommended.
Being a popular brand in the professional studio mic world, CAD really out did themselves with the U37 USB recording Microphone.
This is a large diaphragm condenser mic that will work great for recording vocals, speeches, and podcasting as well as capturing larger sounds from multiple instruments.
Its cardioid polar pattern allows for a more focused pick-up when you need to isolate the primary sound source.
This mic will come with a generous 10ft cable for easy placement.
There is also a neat little tripod stand included for easy setup on the desk.
You can adjust the height of the tripod to align with the level of your voice source for optimal audio capture.
You can also swivel the top of the mic on the stand to set it at a comfortable position for recording.
Pros
- Records studio-quality audio straight to PC
- Windows and Mac compatible; no software required
- Large Diaphragm microphone
- Cardioid pick-up pattern isolates the main sound source
- 10dB overload-protection and bass roll-off switch minimizes distortion and interference
- Smooth, extended frequency response ideal for recording vocals
Cons
- Too sensitive and will pick up unnecessary sounds in the room
Final Word
If it isn’t obvious yet, some of the best USB microphones rival professional studio mics.
The options we’ve recommended are popular choices among streamers, gamers, podcasters, and multimedia enthusiasts.
Looking for a comprehensive guide for everything microphones? Click here to read it now
If you are looking to record on the go without having to put up with the inferior quality built-in device mics.
