USB microphones are great, convenient pieces of gear that allow you to plug directly into your computer without any need for an audio interface. This makes them amazing for getting into recording quickly and cost-effectively.
This article will break down some of the best USB microphones for a wide variety of applications — including singing, podcasting, gaming, and taking Zoom calls.
Table Of Contents
Best USB Mics For Singers
| Image | Pros | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Behringer BIGFOOT USB Studio Condenser Microphone
| 9.5 | View Price |
 | Rode NT-USB Mini USB Condenser Microphone
| 9.5 | View Price |
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| 9.5 | View Price |
1. Behringer BIGFOOT USB Studio Condenser Microphone
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Behringer’s BIGFOOT microphone is an excellent microphone for the price and what it offers. It is a condenser mic, meaning it is better geared for lower-gain recordings like vocals. It’s main feature is that it has multi-pattern pickups, meaning you can change the direction that the mic receives audio (from the front, sides, or all directions).
This makes it extremely versatile. It also comes with a built-in desk stand that will allow you to record high-quality vocals right on your desk.
See It In Action
Key Specs
| Mic Type: | Condenser |
| Connection: | Mini-USB |
| Color: | Black |
| Diaphragm Size: | 0.55” (small) |
| Warranty: | No |
| Special Features: | Four different pickups |
| Accessories: | Built-in desk stand |
| Dimensions: | 8.94 in. W x 4.33 in. D x 4.33 in. H (227.1mm x 109.22mm x 109.22mm) |
| Weight: | 3.75 lb. (1.7kg) |
2. Rode NT-USB Mini USB Condenser Microphone
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The Rode NT-USB Mini is an efficient, practical microphone that is the very definition of ‘plug and play.’ It is a condenser microphone and will work great for vocals upon immediately connecting it to your computer. It also comes with a few great features like a built-in pop filter and desk stand that is both magnetic and removable.
It also includes a headphone jack so you can monitor your vocals directly. This is a perfect low-cost option for a home studio, especially if you need a quick recording or are traveling.
See It In Action
Key Specs
| Mic Type: | Condenser |
| Connection: | USB-C |
| Color: | Black |
| Diaphragm Size: | 0.5” (small) |
| Warranty: | No |
| Special Features: | Built-in pop filter and headphone jack |
| Accessories: | Magnetic desk stand |
| Dimensions: | 5.59 in. W x 3.52 in. D x 2.15 in. H (141.9mm x 89.4mm x 54.61mm) |
| Weight: | 1.21 lb. (0.55kg) |
3. Apogee HypeMic
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In quality and price, the Apogee Hypemic is a step above the previous USB mics. It is an elegant looking condenser microphone that has some awesome features and would be great for any home studio. Inside the mic is both an analog compressor and preamp.
This means you have configured, studio-quality vocals as soon as you plug it in to your computer. It also comes with a bevy of accessories such as a pop filter, tripod, carrying case and two different cables. This mic is a great value for $349.00.
See It In Action
Key Specs
| Mic Type: | Condenser |
| Connection: | USB Micro-B |
| Color: | Black and champagne |
| Diaphragm Size: | 0.5” (small) |
| Warranty: | No |
| Special Features: | Built-in compressor and preamp |
| Accessories: | Pop filter, tripod, carrying case, USB cable, lightning cable |
| Dimensions: | 4.88 in. W x 1.5 in. D x 1.5 in. H (123.9mm x 38.1mm x 38.1mm) |
| Weight: | 0.45 lb. (0.2 kg) |
Best USB Mics For Instruments
| Image | Pros | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Condenser Microphone
| 9.5 | View Price |
 | Samson G-Track Pro USB Condenser Microphone
| 9.5 | View Price |
4. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Condenser Microphone
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The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a very well known microphone and the AT2020USB+ is as you’d expect, a very similar product but in USB form. This condenser mic is known for its clear sound quality, making it ideal for acoustic guitar, piano or other low-gain instruments.
It is in the middle of the typical USB price range at $149.00 and comes with a desk tripod, USB cable, stand adapter and even a soft carrying pouch.
See It In Action
Key Specs
| Mic Type: | Condenser |
| Connection: | USB Type-B |
| Color: | Black |
| Diaphragm Size: | 0.63” (medium) |
| Warranty: | No |
| Special Features: | Built-in headphone jack and mix controls |
| Accessories: | Tripod, USB cable, mic stand adapter, soft pouch |
| Dimensions: | 6.38 in. W x 2.05 in. D x 2.05 in. H (162.1mm x 52.07mm x 52.07mm) |
| Weight: | 0.85 lb. (0.39 kg) |
5. Samson G-Track Pro USB Condenser Microphone
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The Samson G-Track may be the perfect USB mic for recording instruments. It contains a ¼” line input built into the mic, essentially making it both a microphone and audio interface. You can record both from the microphone and line input simultaneously.
It is an excellent USB mic for a singer-songwriter and just about anyone who needs to record via microphone, line level or both. It also has several control knobs and even a master mute switch as well.
See It In Action
Key Specs
| Mic Type: | Condenser |
| Connection: | USB Type-B |
| Color: | Black |
| Diaphragm Size: | 1” (large) |
| Warranty: | No |
| Special Features: | DI (¼”) input, mix controls, master mute button |
| Accessories: | Desktop base, USB cable |
| Dimensions: | 6.38 in. W x 2.05 in. D x 2.05 in. H (162.1mm x 52.07mm x 52.07mm) |
| Weight: | 3.72 lb. (1.68 kg) |
Best USB Mics For Gaming, Podcasts, And Zoom Calls
| Image | Pros | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 9.5 | View Price |
 | Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone
| 9.5 | View Price |
6. Blue Snowball USB Microphone
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The Blue Snowball is an iconic microphone and is by far the best USB microphone for podcasting, gaming or work/social calls for under $100. The quality of sound you get for such a low price is truly absurd. It is extremely simple to operate and even easier to set up.
It also comes with a desktop mic stand that is more than adequate. This highly portable condenser microphone will not let you down.
See It In Action
Key Specs
| Mic Type: | Condenser |
| Connection: | Mini-USB |
| Color: | Black |
| Diaphragm Size: | 0.5” (small) |
| Warranty: | No |
| Special Features: | Iconic spherical shape |
| Accessories: | Mic stand |
| Dimensions: | 10.6 in. W x 9.1 in. D x 5.5 in. H (269.24mm x 231.14mm x 139.7mm) |
| Weight: | 1.01 lb. (0.46 kg) |
7. Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone
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Just as iconic to podcasting as the Blue Snowball is the Shure MV7. It is a dynamic mic specifically designed for podcasting and content creation that does not disappoint.
It boasts a durable, all-metal design as well as containing both USB and XLR outputs. It also has external controls that let you adjust gain and monitor level directly on the mic. The MV7 will perform amazingly well in any setting that speaking is required.
See It In Action
Key Specs
| Mic Type: | Dynamic |
| Connection: | USB Micro-B, XLR |
| Color: | Black |
| Diaphragm Size: | N/A |
| Warranty: | No |
| Special Features: | Both USB and XLR outputs, all metal design |
| Accessories: | USB cable, mic yoke |
| Dimensions: | 12.3 in. W x 5 in. D x 4.3 in. H (312.42mm x 127mm x 109.22mm) |
| Weight: | 1.21 lb. (0.55 kg) |
