Good audio quality can make or break a stream or video. Viewers can tolerate a slightly blurry webcam, but if your mic sounds terrible, they’ll bounce fast. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to sound professional. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade, this guide will break down the best microphones for streaming and content creation, covering both USB and XLR options, plus the must-have accessories that take your audio to the next level.
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USB vs. XLR Microphones: Which One Should You Get?
Before we jump into recommendations, let’s talk about USB vs. XLR mics.
- USB Microphones are plug-and-play, making them the best choice for beginners. They’re simple, sound great, and don’t require extra gear.
- XLR Microphones will give you even better sound quality, but they require an audio interface or mixer to function. They’re the go-to choice for professional streamers and podcasters but come with a higher cost and a more involved setup.
If you’re just starting out, USB is the way to go. But if you’re serious about long-term content creation and want the best audio possible, XLR mics are worth considering once you’re ready to invest.
Best USB Microphones for Streaming
1. Blue Snowball – Best Budget USB Mic
If you want an affordable, easy-to-use mic that still sounds great, the Blue Snowball is where you start. It’s got solid audio quality for the price, and since it’s a USB mic, there’s no extra setup required—just plug it in and go. While it doesn’t have all the fancy features of more expensive mics, it’s a huge step up from a headset mic and gets the job done for new streamers and content creators.
🔹 Why It’s Great: Affordable, easy to set up, solid sound quality for the price.
🔹 Potential Downsides: Picks up some background noise, lacks advanced controls.
2. Blue Yeti – Best Mid-Range USB Mic
The Blue Yeti is the next step up and one of the most popular streaming microphones out there. It offers multiple pickup patterns, meaning you can adjust how it captures sound depending on your setup. It’s got great clarity, a built-in gain control, and it’s still simple to use. If you’re sticking with USB, this is an excellent long-term choice.
🔹 Why It’s Great: Excellent sound quality, easy to use, built-in controls.
🔹 Potential Downsides: Bulky design, picks up background noise without proper positioning.
3. Shure MV6 – Best High-End USB Mic
If you’re looking for a USB mic that gets as close to XLR quality as possible, the Shure MV6 is a fantastic pick. It delivers warm, professional-grade sound, and because it’s a Shure mic, it’s built like a tank. It’s a great option if you want high-quality audio but aren’t ready to dive into XLR just yet.
🔹 Why It’s Great: High-quality sound for a USB mic, durable, great for serious content creators.
🔹 Potential Downsides: More expensive than other USB options.
Best XLR Microphones for Streaming
If you’re ready to level up your audio, these XLR microphones will give you studio-quality sound—but remember, you’ll need an audio interface or mixer to use them.
1. Shure SM58 – Best Budget XLR Mic
The Shure SM58 is a legendary microphone. Originally designed for live performances, it delivers clean, natural sound and fantastic background noise rejection. If you’re looking for an affordable way to step into the XLR world, this is a solid pick.
🔹 Why It’s Great: Extremely durable, excellent background noise rejection, affordable for an XLR mic.
🔹 Potential Downsides: Not as crisp as higher-end options.
2. Shure MV7+ – Best Mid-Range XLR Mic
If you want something better than the SM58 but aren’t quite ready to drop money on an SM7B, the Shure MV7+ is the perfect in-between. It builds on the success of the original MV7 with improved DSP processing and enhanced clarity. It works as both a USB and XLR mic, making it super versatile. It has great sound, built-in controls, and a more modern design compared to the SM58.
🔹 Why It’s Great: USB/XLR combo, improved DSP for even better sound quality, built-in controls.
🔹 Potential Downsides: More expensive than beginner mics, but worth it for long-term use.
3. Shure SM7B – Best High-End XLR Mic
This is the mic for professional streamers, podcasters, and content creators. The Shure SM7B is studio-grade, offering incredibly rich and clear sound with top-tier background noise rejection. If you want the best of the best, this is it. But keep in mind—you’ll need a good audio interface and possibly a cloudlifter to get the best performance.
🔹 Why It’s Great: Studio-quality sound, amazing noise rejection, industry standard for pros.
🔹 Potential Downsides: Expensive, requires additional equipment.
Best Audio Interfaces for XLR Mics
If you’re going with an XLR microphone, you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to your PC. Here are two great options depending on your budget:
- Arturia MiniFuse 1 – A solid, affordable choice for beginners. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers clean audio without breaking the bank.
- Elgato Wave XLR – A step up from the MiniFuse 1, offering better controls, built-in processing, and a sleek design that fits perfectly in a streaming setup.
Must-Have Mic Accessories
A good mic is just one part of the equation. If you want even better audio quality, these accessories are 100% worth getting:
- Boom Arm: Keeps your mic in the right position and off your desk, reducing vibrations.
- Shock Mount: Isolates the mic from bumps and movement, cutting down unwanted noise.
- Pop Filter: Helps reduce harsh sounds like “P” and “B” noises, making your voice sound smoother.
- Recommended Kit: The InnoGear bundle includes all three for a great price and is definitely worth picking up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out, grab a Blue Snowball or Blue Yeti—they’ll serve you well. If you want next-level audio, the Shure MV7+ is a fantastic choice, and if you’re going all-in, the SM7B is king.
No matter which mic you choose, getting a boom arm, shock mount, and pop filter will make a noticeable difference in sound quality. Invest where it counts, and your audience will thank you.
Looking for more streaming gear? Check out our Recommended Gear page—it’s designed specifically for beginners looking for a solid starting setup!
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