MyStreamSetup Compare the current USB microphones, including the ones that also have an XLR output, by capsule, pickup pattern, connectors and what comes in the box. Each plugs straight into a computer.
Updated October 17, 2026 · 27 models
Shure MV6 is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; Elgato Wave Neo is a condenser, which suits a quiet room. Shure MV6 comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable; Elgato Wave Neo with a USB-C to USB-A cable. Match it to your computer’s ports.
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| Specs | Elgato Wave Neo | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 | Shure MV6 | Shure MV7+ | RØDE PodMic USB (Black) | RØDE NT-USB+ | Razer Seiren V3 Pro | Samson Q2U | HyperX QuadCast 2 S | Logitech G Yeti | Logitech G Yeti GX | Logitech G Yeti Orb | Logitech G Snowball iCE | FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 | HyperX SoloCast 2 | Samson Q9U | RØDE NT-USB Mini | RØDE NT1 5th Generation | Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X | HyperX QuadCast S | FIFINE AmpliTank K688 | FIFINE K669B | Razer Seiren V3 Mini | Razer Seiren V3 Chroma | TONOR TC-777 | HyperX DuoCast | Razer Seiren V2 X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Connection | USB | USB | USB | USB/XLR | USB/XLR | USB | USB/XLR | USB/XLR | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB/XLR | USB | USB/XLR | USB | USB/XLR | USB | USB | USB/XLR | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Capsule | Condenser | Condenser | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Condenser | Dynamic | Dynamic | Condenser (three 14 mm electret capsules) | Condenser (three 14 mm capsules) | Dynamic | Condenser | Condenser | Dynamic | Condenser (one 14 mm electret capsule) | Dynamic (humbucking coil) | Condenser (electret) | Condenser (1-inch capsule) | Condenser | Condenser (three 14 mm electret capsules) | Dynamic | Condenser | Condenser | Condenser | Condenser | Condenser (two electret capsules) | Condenser |
| Pickup pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid end-address | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid; Omnidirectional; Bidirectional; Stereo | Cardioid; Bidirectional; Omnidirectional; Stereo | Supercardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid; side-address | Cardioid | Stereo; Omnidirectional; Cardioid; Bidirectional | Cardioid | Cardioid | Supercardioid | Supercardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid; Omnidirectional | Supercardioid |
| Preamp gain needed (dB, more than) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Headphone monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz-20 kHz | 70 Hz-20 kHz | 50 Hz-15 kHz | 50 Hz-16 kHz | 20 Hz-20 kHz | 20 Hz-20 kHz | 50 Hz-16 kHz | 50 Hz–15 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 60 Hz – 18.5 kHz | 70 Hz – 20 kHz | 40 Hz – 18 kHz | 50 Hz – 16 kHz | Not confirmed | 50 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 50 Hz – 16 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Not confirmed | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -23 dBFS minimum gain; +7 dBFS maximum gain | -20 dBFS | Not confirmed | XLR: -55 dBV/Pa; USB: -33 dBFS/Pa | -57 dBV/Pa | Not confirmed | -50 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) | -54 dBV/Pa | -8 dBFS ±4 dB (94 dB SPL at 1 kHz, default volume) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | -50 ±3 dB | -7.8 ±3 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) | XLR -57 dBV/Pa; USB -16 dBFS/Pa | Not confirmed | -32 dB re 1 V/Pa (25 mV at 94 dB SPL) | Not confirmed | -36 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) | -50 ±3 dBV | -43 ±3 dB at 1 kHz | -36 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) | -34 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) | Not confirmed | -6 dBFS (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) | -34 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) |
| Sample rate | 48 kHz; 96 kHz | Not confirmed | 44.1 kHz; 48 kHz | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | 48 kHz; 96 kHz | 44.1 kHz; 48 kHz | Not confirmed | 48 kHz | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | 44.1 kHz | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | 48 kHz | Not confirmed | 44.1 kHz; 48 kHz; 88.2 kHz; 96 kHz | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | 96 kHz | 96 kHz | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | 96 kHz |
| Connectors | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C | USB-C | USB | USB; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C | USB-C; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | 3-pin XLR; USB-C | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB; 3-pin XLR; 3.5 mm headphone | USB | USB-C on the microphone; USB-A to USB-C cable | USB-C on the microphone; USB-A to USB-C cable; 3.5 mm headphone socket | USB, 1.5 m cable | USB-C; 3.5 mm headphone | USB-C on the microphone; 3.5 mm headphone; USB-A to USB-C cable |
| Software | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Works with | Windows 11+; macOS 14.2+; iPadOS 17+; Android 10+ | Windows 11+; macOS 14.2+ | Most Windows and macOS computers; Most Android and iOS mobile devices | Windows 10 and higher; macOS 12 and higher; iOS 16 and higher; Android 12 and higher | Windows 10+; macOS 10.15+; iOS; Android | Windows 10+; macOS 11+; iOS; Android | Windows for 32-bit float through Razer Synapse | Mac; PC; Chromebook | PC; Mac | Windows 10 or later; macOS 10.14 or later | Windows or Mac with a USB 1.1 port or newer | Windows or Mac with a USB 1.1 port or newer | Windows 10 or later; macOS 10.14 or later | Not confirmed | PC | Not confirmed | macOS 10.12 or later; Windows 10 | macOS 11 or later (for RØDE Central); Windows 10 version 1803 or later (for RØDE Central) | Windows 8.1, 10 and 11; macOS Catalina, Big Sur and Monterey | PC; Mac; PS5; PS4 | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | PC; Mac; PS5; PS4 | Not confirmed |
| Size and mounting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mount | 1/4-inch; 5/8-inch adapter; 3/8-inch adapter | 1/4-inch thread; 5/8-inch adapter; 3/8-inch adapter | 5/8-27 thread | 5/8-27 thread | Integrated swing mount | Not confirmed | 5/8-27 thread; Adjustable arm mount; Removable desktop stand | Mic clip; Desktop tripod stand with extension | Detachable shock mount on a desk stand; 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads on the shock mount joint | Desktop stand, removable; Boom arm once the stand is removed | Removable desktop stand; Boom arm or mic stand with the included 5/8-inch and 3/8-inch adapter | Removable desktop stand; Any 1/4-inch-20 threaded mount | Desktop stand | Metal desk stand; 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads | Built-in tilting desk stand; 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads for a mic arm | Integrated yoke mount for a boom arm or mic stand | Detachable magnetic desk stand; Thread mount adaptor for a stand or arm | Not confirmed | AT8702 desk stand; 3/8-16 to 5/8-27 threaded adapter | Anti-vibration shock mount; Mount adapter for a boom arm (arm not included) | Not confirmed | Tripod desk stand; Pivot mount with a standard thread | Tilting desk stand with built-in shock absorber; Stand base removes for a boom arm with a 5/8-inch thread | Desk stand base with built-in shock absorber; Stand base removes for a boom arm with a 5/8-inch thread | Foldable tripod; Mini shock mount with a 5/8-inch thread for a boom stand | Shock mount and desk stand; Mount adapter for a boom arm, 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads (arm not included) | Desk stand base; Thread mount for a boom arm (thread size not stated) |
| In the box | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Included parts | Wave Neo; Desktop stand; 10 cm riser; Pop filter; USB-C to USB-A cable | Wave:3 MK.2; Desk stand; USB-C cable, 250 cm; 5/8-inch and 3/8-inch thread adapters | MV6 microphone; 1 m USB-C to USB-C cable; 12 cm round-base desktop stand | Shure MV7+ microphone; 3 m USB-C-to-USB-C cable; Black foam windscreen; 5/8-inch-to-3/8-inch thread adapter | PodMic USB; External pop filter | NT-USB+; Desktop stand; Detachable pop filter | Razer Seiren V3 Pro microphone with adjustable arm mount; Removable desktop stand; Removable pop filter; USB cable | Q2U microphone; Mic clip; Tripod stand; Tripod stand extension; Foam windscreen; USB cable (2.25 m); XLR cable (3 m) | HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone; Shock mount and desk stand, attached; 3 m USB-C to USB-C cable; USB-C to USB-A adapter; Quick Start Guide | Yeti USB microphone with desktop stand; USB cable; User documentation | Yeti GX USB microphone; Removable desktop stand; Adapter for 5/8-inch and 3/8-inch boom arms and mic stands; 2 m USB-C to USB-A cable; User documentation | Yeti Orb USB microphone; Removable desktop stand; 2 m USB-C to USB-A cable; User documentation | Snowball iCE USB microphone; Desktop stand; USB cable | AM8 microphone; Metal desk stand; USB cable | SoloCast 2 microphone with built-in tilting desk stand and pop filter; USB-C to USB-A cable; Quick Start Guide | Q9U microphone with integrated yoke; 2 m USB-C to USB-C cable; USB-C to USB-A cable; Foam windscreen | NT-USB Mini with detachable magnetic desk stand; USB-C to USB-A cable; Thread mount adaptor | NT1 5th Generation microphone; SM6 shock mount with pop filter; SC29 USB-C cable; XLR-6 XLR cable | AT2020USB-X microphone; AT8702 desk stand; 3/8-16 to 5/8-27 threaded adapter; 2 m USB-C to USB-A cable; USB-A to USB-C adapter | QuadCast S microphone; USB cable; Mount adapter; Quick Start Guide | Not confirmed | K669B microphone; Tripod stand | Razer Seiren V3 Mini; Support rod; Desk stand base; USB-A to USB-C cable; Important Product Information Guide | Razer Seiren V3 Chroma; Desk stand base; USB-A to USB-C cable; Important Product Information Guide | Microphone with 1.5 m USB cable; Foldable tripod; Mini shock mount; Pop filter; Manual | DuoCast microphone with shock mount and stand; 2 m USB-C to USB-A cable; Mount adapter (3/8-inch and 5/8-inch threads); Quick Start Guide | Razer Seiren V2 X; Support rod; Desk stand base; USB-A to USB-C cable; Important Product Information Guide |
| Before you choose it | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Main check | Choose it for one direct USB speaking position and use its headphone jack to monitor your voice. For two separately controlled speakers, plan two microphones and an interface with two inputs. | Choose the MK.2 as your audio device and set up its processing before adding it to OBS; guides for the first Wave:3 describe different processing. | Use it directly over USB. Choose an XLR or hybrid microphone instead if you intend to move the same mic onto a standalone analog mixer. | Use USB for the microphone’s DSP and headphone features. On XLR, plan processing and monitoring at the interface; those USB features do not follow the analog cable. | Choose a mount that supports the microphone’s documented weight. Use USB for its onboard processing, or plan processing and monitoring separately on the XLR route. | Use the direct USB route and place the microphone close enough for a clear voice before treating room reflections with processing. Choose another microphone if an XLR mixer connection is required. | Use USB when you want the microphone’s software processing. On XLR, add an interface and do the processing there; the USB features don’t carry over to the XLR output. | Its USB audio is 16-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz. On the XLR route it needs an interface with a microphone preamp. | For one voice, use the cardioid pattern and keep it close: the omnidirectional and stereo patterns take in the whole room by design. | Its USB audio tops out at 16-bit, 48 kHz, and as a condenser it hears the room: use the cardioid pattern for one voice and speak from close in. The other three patterns take in more of the room by design. | A supercardioid dynamic hears little beyond what is right in front of it, so keep it a short distance from your mouth and pointed at you. It connects over USB only; there is no XLR output for a later interface. | A condenser with one cardioid pattern: it suits a quiet room and a voice close to the front. Its mount thread is 1/4-inch-20, the camera size; a boom arm with a 5/8-inch thread needs an adapter. | It records 16-bit at 44.1 kHz and Logitech lists no headphone socket or gain control on it, so you set the level in the computer and hear yourself through software. | The mute, gain, headphone and lighting controls work over USB only; on XLR it is a plain microphone and the interface does that job. No XLR cable comes in the box. | HyperX lists it for PC and names no headphone socket, so you hear yourself through the computer. As a condenser it suits a quiet room. | It has no desk stand: plan a boom arm or mic stand. On the XLR route add a cable and an interface; its mute button works on both outputs. | A condenser for a quiet room: it hears keyboard and fan noise more than a dynamic microphone would. It has no on-microphone mute. | Very sensitive and side-address: speak into its side, in a quiet, treated room. On the XLR route the interface must supply 48 V phantom power. | USB only: unlike the XLR AT2020 it cannot move to an interface later. It is a condenser, so a quiet room matters. | For one voice use cardioid and stay close; the stereo and omnidirectional patterns hear the whole room. HyperX’s newer QuadCast 2 S records at a higher resolution. | All its controls work over USB only; on XLR the interface sets gain and monitoring. No XLR cable comes with it, and FIFINE asks for a 2 to 6 inch speaking distance. | FIFINE lists a gain knob but no headphone socket, so you hear yourself through the computer. A condenser: it suits a quiet room, 6 to 12 inches from your mouth. | USB only, and Razer lists no headphone socket on it. A boom arm and any 5/8-to-3/8-inch thread adapter are extra. | USB only, with no XLR output. A boom arm, and any 5/8-to-3/8-inch thread adapter it needs, are extra; its lighting and stream mix are set in Razer Synapse. | TONOR lists no headphone socket, gain knob or sample rate for it. A 3/8-inch boom thread needs an adapter, and TONOR says it does not work on Xbox. | It has two pickup patterns, cardioid and omnidirectional; for one voice stay on cardioid and close, because omnidirectional hears the whole room. HyperX lists it for PC, Mac, PS5 and PS4, not Xbox. | USB only. Its high-pass filter, gain limiter and Stream Mixer live in Razer Synapse, which Razer lists for Windows 10 64-bit or later; a boom arm is extra. |
On the makers’ own sites:
Start with a dynamic microphone: MV6, MV7+, PodMic USB, Seiren V3 Pro and Q2U. Samson describes its dynamic Q2U as less sensitive to background noise and suited to untreated rooms. The condensers here (Wave Neo, Wave:3 MK.2, NT-USB+ and QuadCast 2 S) suit a quiet room.
MV7+, PodMic USB, Seiren V3 Pro and Q2U also have an XLR output, so the same microphone can move to an audio interface or mixer. The USB-only models cannot.
QuadCast 2 S, Yeti and QuadCast S offer omnidirectional and bidirectional patterns as well as cardioid. For two separately controlled voices, two microphones and an interface with two inputs work better.
18 of these 27 microphones have a 3.5 mm headphone socket for monitoring straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay. For the rest we haven’t confirmed one: check the maker’s page, or monitor through your computer.
The cable in the box differs: some are USB-C at both ends, some end in USB-A, and some are not listed. Each profile’s What else you need says which, and what to add.
Elgato Wave Neo
Choose it for one direct USB speaking position and use its headphone jack to monitor your voice. For two separately controlled speakers, plan two microphones and an interface with two inputs.
Connections & full profile →Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
Choose the MK.2 as your audio device and set up its processing before adding it to OBS; guides for the first Wave:3 describe different processing.
Connections & full profile →Shure MV6
Use it directly over USB. Choose an XLR or hybrid microphone instead if you intend to move the same mic onto a standalone analog mixer.
Connections & full profile →Shure MV7+
Use USB for the microphone’s DSP and headphone features. On XLR, plan processing and monitoring at the interface; those USB features do not follow the analog cable.
Connections & full profile →RØDE PodMic USB (Black)
Choose a mount that supports the microphone’s documented weight. Use USB for its onboard processing, or plan processing and monitoring separately on the XLR route.
Connections & full profile →RØDE NT-USB+
Use the direct USB route and place the microphone close enough for a clear voice before treating room reflections with processing. Choose another microphone if an XLR mixer connection is required.
Connections & full profile →Razer Seiren V3 Pro
Use USB when you want the microphone’s software processing. On XLR, add an interface and do the processing there; the USB features don’t carry over to the XLR output.
Connections & full profile →Samson Q2U
Its USB audio is 16-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz. On the XLR route it needs an interface with a microphone preamp.
Connections & full profile →View at Samson ↗HyperX QuadCast 2 S
For one voice, use the cardioid pattern and keep it close: the omnidirectional and stereo patterns take in the whole room by design.
Connections & full profile →View at HyperX ↗Logitech G Yeti
Its USB audio tops out at 16-bit, 48 kHz, and as a condenser it hears the room: use the cardioid pattern for one voice and speak from close in. The other three patterns take in more of the room by design.
Connections & full profile →View at Logitech G ↗Logitech G Yeti GX
A supercardioid dynamic hears little beyond what is right in front of it, so keep it a short distance from your mouth and pointed at you. It connects over USB only; there is no XLR output for a later interface.
Connections & full profile →View at Logitech G ↗Logitech G Yeti Orb
A condenser with one cardioid pattern: it suits a quiet room and a voice close to the front. Its mount thread is 1/4-inch-20, the camera size; a boom arm with a 5/8-inch thread needs an adapter.
Connections & full profile →View at Logitech G ↗Logitech G Snowball iCE
It records 16-bit at 44.1 kHz and Logitech lists no headphone socket or gain control on it, so you set the level in the computer and hear yourself through software.
Connections & full profile →View at Logitech G ↗FIFINE AmpliGame AM8
The mute, gain, headphone and lighting controls work over USB only; on XLR it is a plain microphone and the interface does that job. No XLR cable comes in the box.
Connections & full profile →View at FIFINE ↗HyperX SoloCast 2
HyperX lists it for PC and names no headphone socket, so you hear yourself through the computer. As a condenser it suits a quiet room.
Connections & full profile →View at HyperX ↗Samson Q9U
It has no desk stand: plan a boom arm or mic stand. On the XLR route add a cable and an interface; its mute button works on both outputs.
Connections & full profile →View at Samson ↗RØDE NT-USB Mini
A condenser for a quiet room: it hears keyboard and fan noise more than a dynamic microphone would. It has no on-microphone mute.
Connections & full profile →View at RØDE ↗RØDE NT1 5th Generation
Very sensitive and side-address: speak into its side, in a quiet, treated room. On the XLR route the interface must supply 48 V phantom power.
Connections & full profile →View at RØDE ↗Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
USB only: unlike the XLR AT2020 it cannot move to an interface later. It is a condenser, so a quiet room matters.
Connections & full profile →View at Audio-Technica ↗HyperX QuadCast S
For one voice use cardioid and stay close; the stereo and omnidirectional patterns hear the whole room. HyperX’s newer QuadCast 2 S records at a higher resolution.
Connections & full profile →View at HyperX ↗FIFINE AmpliTank K688
All its controls work over USB only; on XLR the interface sets gain and monitoring. No XLR cable comes with it, and FIFINE asks for a 2 to 6 inch speaking distance.
Connections & full profile →View at FIFINE ↗FIFINE K669B
FIFINE lists a gain knob but no headphone socket, so you hear yourself through the computer. A condenser: it suits a quiet room, 6 to 12 inches from your mouth.
Connections & full profile →View at FIFINE ↗Razer Seiren V3 Mini
USB only, and Razer lists no headphone socket on it. A boom arm and any 5/8-to-3/8-inch thread adapter are extra.
Connections & full profile →View at Razer ↗Razer Seiren V3 Chroma
USB only, with no XLR output. A boom arm, and any 5/8-to-3/8-inch thread adapter it needs, are extra; its lighting and stream mix are set in Razer Synapse.
Connections & full profile →View at Razer ↗TONOR TC-777
TONOR lists no headphone socket, gain knob or sample rate for it. A 3/8-inch boom thread needs an adapter, and TONOR says it does not work on Xbox.
Connections & full profile →View at TONOR ↗HyperX DuoCast
It has two pickup patterns, cardioid and omnidirectional; for one voice stay on cardioid and close, because omnidirectional hears the whole room. HyperX lists it for PC, Mac, PS5 and PS4, not Xbox.
Connections & full profile →View at HyperX ↗Razer Seiren V2 X
USB only. Its high-pass filter, gain limiter and Stream Mixer live in Razer Synapse, which Razer lists for Windows 10 64-bit or later; a boom arm is extra.
Connections & full profile →View at Razer ↗This table lists models you can buy now. An older model you already own can still do the job: add it in the setup builder and test it. Different colors of one model are not listed separately, and a newer version can need different ports or software from the one before it.
Once a microphone is plugged in, check its level and hear yourself back in the microphone test.