Gaming is now a collaborative activity and because the communication isn’t happening in person, the microphone plays a big part of the experience. A bad mic will often mean a bad player. In this article, expert gaming writer Mark will reveal which affordable gaming microphones are best on the market.
Skip to the end to see which gaming microphone I use. Believe it or not, I my one costs under $50.
Mark’s Definition of a Gaming Microphone
A gaming microphone is a mic built to capture the gamers voice clearly (while blocking out noise during gameplay, team chat, and streaming).
The three most critical components of a gaming microphone (in my bloody opinion) are the microphone type (usually condenser for detail or dynamic for noise rejection), pickup pattern (cardioid is best for solo voice focus), and connectivity (USB or 3.5mm plug-and-play for budget setups). These elements determine clarity, background noise control, and how easily a gamer can set it up and use it mid-game.
In this article, I’ll be focusing on the factors listed above, but also price and affordability, with a maximum budget under $120. And so even though I love the Antelope Audio Edge Go, it costs over $1000 and will not qualify to be on this list.
1. Logitech Blue Yeti
The Logitech Blue Yeti is the best microphone on my list for affordable gaming mics, and for good reason. It is a condenser mic which means that tit will be crisp and pick up details even during intense game-play. That being said, it may pick up too much and so only use it if you’re not playing in a noisy area.
It has four different pickup modes, which is helpful for different types of recording. In other words, you can use the mic for playing, recording, and also group recording. Most gamers won’t care, but the ones who will, will be glad.
One of the most attractive parts of the Yeti is the ease of setup. It literally just plugs into the USB and starts working. For the stupid and slow gamers, this is a lifesaver.
In short, the reason why this mic gets my top pick for now is because its affordable and a solid device. Additionally, its the most popular gaming mic on Amazon and the online reviews are actually really positive.
Shop for Logitech Blue Yeti on Amazon.
PS The name Blue Yeti is cool. And so they were pushed ahead of the HyperX. That should be a lesson to all mic designers to pick cool names.
2. HyperX QuadCast 2 Gaming Microphone
The HyperX QuadCast 2 is an incredible gaming microphone, so much so, that I’ve considered getting it for my own gaming needs. Before I tell you its specs, I do need to let you know that this microphone is among the more expensive among the list of affordable options. So be warned, before you fall in love.
This mic is a condenser mic, which means that it has a freaking awesome crisp audio. You’ll be heard and as sharp as a blade. That being said, so will the angry driver honking his horn down the road. Which is the reason that you’ll need to make sure that your environment is suited to awesome condenser mic. To be fair, the QuadCast 2, has great features to mitigate bad background noise, but there is a threshold until you need to accept that you’ll need a dynamic mic.
The pickup pattern has multiple options, and so you can literally change the setting to suit your needs on the fly. Most of the other affordable mics will not have this many options.
Regarding, connectivity, this device is a USB homerun.
Important Note: If this microphone is out of your budget, it’s younger brother the HyperX SoloCast 2 is half the price, and is also a very solid option, in my not-so-very humble opinion.
Shop for HyperX QuadCast 2 on Amazon.
Did I mention that this gaming mic looks amazing? I’m a fan. And for most of the gamers reading this, I recommend something to look good in your life…
3. Razer Seiren Mini
Anyone that follows my gaming blog knows that I’m a massive fan of Razer, not just because they’re stuff looks awesome (and they do) but also because the quality is far ahead of the competition. In fact, the headset that I use for gaming (and pretty much everything else) is a Razer Headset.
The Razer Seiren Mini is no exception. Its a great condenser gaming mic, and its price is at one of the most affordable positions on this list.
The pickup pattern of the microphone is supercardioid, which means that its designed for gaming and its great for isolating the users voice without taking in too much extra noise. That said, it doesn’t have any other options, which means that this mic will be great for 1-player gaming, but not for much else. So the mic will not work for your break-out podcast or for your new single…
The connectivity is great, as are most of the microphones that I’ve selected for this list, and its basically a plug-and-play.
Shop for Razer Seiren Mini on Amazon.
4. MAONO AU-A04 USB Mic – Full Kit
One of the obvious advantages to the Maono Gaming Mic (if you’re not blind and stupid) is that it comes with a whole kit that props it up in the air. Is it necessary? No, it bloody not. But people love stupid stuff and here is it is…
That being said, its actually a great gaming mic. It’s a condenser mic and so your audience are going to hear your neighbors throwing plates at each other. But it will capture your voice and it will be really clean. Additionally, the cardioid pickup pattern will be much better for solo gamers than for team capture. Just warning.
Obviously to make it on my list, the mic either has to be incredible or have super easy connectivity. This mic has great integration. It’s pretty much plug in the USB, and then wait a few seconds. And then you’re done.
Shop for MAONO AU-A04 Kit on Amazon. And btw, the price is basically unbelievable for getting a whole mic plus the kit!
5. TONOR TC777 Pro Gaming Microphone
The TONOR TC777 Pro is probably one of the nicest looking microphones on this list, it also has funky LED lighting all around which is a fun touch. The person who designed it probably needs a raise. Its also a condenser mic, with cardioid pickup patterns.
I also like it’s muting capabilities. They clearly had gamers in mind, who are streaming for hours, but then want to quickly mute themselves when their mother walks into the basement. Very thoughtful of Tonor to put in that feature.
It’s plug-and-play and USB so its a homerun in that department.
As a matter of transparency though, there are quite a lot of online reviews that are slamming the mic. Not enough, that you need to worry, but just expect that there’s a chance that something could go wrong. Again, Amazon are awesome at returns so I wouldn’t be concerned. And most of the users seem thrilled.
Shop for TONOR TC777 Pro on Amazon. The price is stupid cheap. So that’s good news.
6. ROCCAT Torch Aimo
The ROCCAT Torch Aimo mic will make you feel like you’re in a recording studio and for $50 that’s pretty impressive. It has buttons and lights and a studio sized input area. It’s also condenser mic, but for this device it actually looks the part. It also has 24-bit/48 kHz sampling quality, not too shabby for a very affordable gaming mic.
The LED lights look great, and unlike most of the mics on this list you can change the pickup patterns directly (and physically) from the mic itself. Nice touch.
Between the USB plug-and-play connectivity and the mixer-style controls on a base the ROCCAT is quite a compelling option.
Shop for ROCCAT Torch on Amazon.
7. AUDIOPRO USB Microphone
The AUDIOPRO microphone seems like a more solid piece than the rest and so if you’re worried about the gaming mic getting a few bumps, then this may be the mic that you’ll want to buy. I haven’t tested it personally, but it has good vibes and the reviews seem to corroborate it.
Like the rest, it’s a condenser mic, but it also has some dials on the mic that are helpful for quick action adjustments.
Honestly, this mic isn’t my style, but I think many of the more mellow gamers or gamers with little kids will like this microphone. And the price is ridiculously low as well. So that’s a bonus!
Shop for AUDIOPRO on Amazon.
8. ZealSound
With the provided adapters, the ZealSound USB gaming microphone may be easily connected to your computer, laptop, PS4/PS5, or smartphone. Its precise mic gain control lets you change volume and sensitivity for best recording sound.
The microphone produces crisp, well-balanced sound for presentations, podcasts, meetings, streaming, and gaming. Live monitoring, a 360-degree top-addressed design, a strong stand, wires, adapters, windscreen, and user manual are all included.
Shop for ZealSound on Amazon.
11. Elgato Wave 3
Content creators and streamers use the tiny and powerful Elgato Wave 3 USB gaming microphone. With its condenser capsule and cardioid polar pattern, it produces professional-grade audio. For easy control, the microphone has a capacitive mute button with an LED indicator and a multipurpose dial for exact microphone volume, input gain, and audio blending.
The Elgato Wave 3 delivers an immersive audio experience for content creation, gaming, and streaming with zero-latency monitoring and compatibility with major streaming applications.
Shop for Elgato Wave 3 on Amazon.
12. CMTECK G009
With a cardioid pattern condenser, active noise-canceling technology, and a pop filter, the USB microphones from CMTECK are known for providing exceptional audio quality. These microphones are user-friendly because they have a mute button and an LED indicator, and they may be used without the installation of any drivers. The small form factor and flexible gooseneck offer a wide range of positioning options while taking up minimal room on your desk. The CMTECK USB microphones are great for various uses, including dictation, online lectures, podcasting, and more, and are compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and the PS4.
Shop for CMTECK G009 on Amazon.
Please note that this is not a baseball bat. Do not use this device as a baseball bat.
13. Neewer (NW-8000-USB)
Neewer (NW-8000-USB) is a professional USB condenser microphone that offers high-resolution audio with a sampling rate of 192kHz/24bit. It has a smooth frequency response of 30Hz-16kHz and is compatible with most laptops and PCs. The microphone is plug-and-play, requiring no additional drivers, and features a 16mm electret condenser transducer for clear sound reproduction. With its included accessories and strong anti-interference capabilities, the Neewer (NW-8000-USB) microphone is an ideal choice for vocals, instruments, podcasts, and personal recordings.
Shop for Neewer (NW-8000-USB) on Amazon.
14. VeGue VM30 Gaming Microphone
The VeGue VM30 USB Gaming Microphone is multifunctional. Its lag-free monitoring, quick mute button, volume control, and indicator lights make it worth buying. Plug-and-play VM30s don’t need drivers or hubs. Mac, PS4, PS5, Windows PC, laptops, and desktops work. Gaming, recording, live-streaming, YouTube, podcasting, conference calls, and more use the microphone. An explosion-proof sound filter, shock mount, 2-in-1 USB connection, and additional tripod improve sound pickup and ease. Cardioid pickup eliminates background noise and produces clear sound. The VM30 comprises the condenser microphone, shock mount, tripod stand, pop filter, USB-C to USB A/C connection (2m), and instructions for convenience and peace of mind.
Shop for VeGue VM30 on Amazon.
15. NZXT Capsule Mini
The 24-bit depth and 48kHz sample rate of the NZXT Capsule Mini USB microphone provide crystal-clear audio recording of your voice. The cardioid polar pattern and integrated pop filter effectively eliminate ambient noise for crystal-clear recording. With the NZXT CAM software, you can tweak the microphone’s parameters, including volume mixing and mic monitoring. Thanks to its tiltable stand and compatibility with boom arms and supports, it may be placed in a variety of configurations. The NZXT Capsule Mini is a compact, professional-grade video conferencing, streaming, and podcasting solution.
Shop for NZXT Capsule Mini on Amazon.
Final Thoughts & My Personal Choice
Now we’re up to the part of the article everyone is waiting for. What mic does Mark use? The answer is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.
Fine. Wow. I have two mics. One for live computer recording and one for non-live off-computer recording. For the live recording I use the Q2U Samson Mic. It’s cheap and gets the job done. For non-live and off-computer recording, I prefer to use a mic that goes into the phone. It makes life 1000x easier, and I connect it to the phone. I use the Ecomxia Phone Recording. It has two clip-on recording pieces, and the quality is shockingly good.
In short.
These affordable options will let you hear your voice even during long gaming sessions. Whether you play with friends, stream, or play esports, these affordable mics will improve your gaming experience and teamwork. Get one of these affordable mics for lag-free, crystal-clear gaming chatter.
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