If you live stream for fun or want to become a professional, TechTrends recommends the best streaming microphones in 2022. Although it may appear convenient to take an all-in-one approach to this, it will not be as good as one of the best microphones for streaming in 2022.
The streaming is on the rise, not only for fun but also for a professional career; therefore, there is a growing need for microphones. There are a variety of microphones available on the market suitable for any budget. You can save some time by only checking out our article on the best streaming microphones in 2022 to find out which best suits your requirements and needs. Streamers are well aware that quality is key to a successful live stream. However, it is not just about image quality or overlays. Audio plays a crucial role in professional streams as well as some may even only listen to streams compared with watching them. How can you boost audio quality? By having one of the best streaming mics of 2022. A lot of famous companies are making incredible mics, but there are pros and cons to all of them. With out further ado, let’s get into this review.
Best Streaming Microphones in 2022
The quality that stand-alone microphones can provide cannot be compared with that of best phones and gaming headsets. Although the little mics that are built in can get the job done when you want to video call or talk to someone during a game, they do not have all the features the best streaming microphones in 2022 posses. Keep reading to find the one that you need.
- Blue Yeti: The best streaming microphone overall
- JLab Talk: The best streaming microphone for value
- Blue Yeti X: The best premium streaming microphone
- Elgato Wave 3: The best streaming microphone for advanced setups
- HyperX QuadCast S: The best RGB microphone for streaming
- Movo UM700: The best streaming microphone for beginners
- Blue Yeti Nano: The most portable streaming microphone
- EPOS B20: An effective streaming microphone with a software boost
- Razer Seiren Mini: Best Budget Gaming Microphone
1. Blue Yeti
Specifications:
- Mic type: Condenser
- Audio patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 6 x 4.9 x 4.7 inches
- Connection type: USB
The first one on the list of the best streaming microphones in 2022 is Blue Yeti, which has both class-leading performance and a spectacular, easy-to-use design. In addition, this microphone is not very expensive, so it can be suitable for both streamers and those who are first time owners of microphones. Not only does it have a cardioid mode that proves useful when you want to record yourself, but it also has bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo recording patters. Therefore, it acquires great flexibility for those who stream podcast recordings and interviews compared to games and commentary. Check this out as it is the best streaming microphone overall.
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2. JLab Talk
Specifications:
- Mic type: Condenser
- Audio patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 9 x 7.6 x 7.6 inches (with tripod extended)
- Connection type: USB
You have to believe us when we say the JLab Talk is actually a cheaper version of the first one on the list, Blue Yeti. This compact USB microphone is one of the best streaming microphones in 2022 at has four recording patters, just like the Yeti. Moreover, not only is the recording quality bass-rich but also detailed, making this mic a professional one for streaming. In addition, it has proven to be quite practical, as it has a tripod stand with adjustability options, a light-up gain indicator as well as 3.5mm jack for mic monitoring. The best mics out there can still be improved when a boom arm is added to them; however, the tripod can give some high adjustment. We strongly recommend this to those who need a cheaper version of the Yeti.
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3. Blue Yeti X
Specifications:
- Mic type: Condenser
- Audio patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 4 x 4.3 x 4.8 inches
- Connection type: USB
For those willing to spend a little more, then it might be wise to splash it on the Blue Yeti X. It can help your sound to become dramatically better compared with the standard Yeti, and it also improves on the control scheme. For example, the LED displays allow you to check the volume levels at a glance. However, the gain switch has been moved to the front and therefore, it is easier to access. Notwithstanding there being some extra whistles and bells, the Yeti X does keep the simplicity that first resulted in the Yeti’s great success as a microphone. It is not a complicated microphone and it is still plug-and-play via a USB connection. Blue Yeti X is one of the best streaming microphones in 2022.
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4. Elgato Wave: 3
Specification:
- Mic type: Condenser
- Audio patterns: Cardioid
- Size: 0 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches
- Connection type: USB
The next one of the best streaming microphones in 2022 is the Wave: 3, with its work with the Legato Steam Deck being its party trick. When you set them up together, the mic input volume can be controlled easily. Moreover, you can mix audio the Wave: 3 and other sources, which are all easy to do with a push of a button. It appears to be a perfect option for those who want to host an entertaining stream as a control scheme can come in handy. If you do not want the Stream Deck, it is still a great microphone with many features. The quality of recording is great and it has high resistance to background noises and pops. In addition, the onboard controls can be very helpful when you want to make adjustments. Elgato Wave: 3 is among the best microphones for live streaming in 2022.
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5. HyperX QuadCast S
Specifications:
- Mic type: Condenser
- Audio patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 10 x 5 x 5 inches
- Connection type: USB
Your microphone, as an unlikely source, can help you add some visual flair when you need to appear on camera while streaming. HyperX QuadCast S, as one of the best streaming microphones in 2022, has completely customizable RGB lighting. Therefore, it is a great match for the other light-up gaming devices. It has a gorgeous design and its cardioid pattern for recording sound makes it perfect for professional streamers at is clean and clear. You can avoid bumping sounds with its shock mount that is built in, when you need to change its place. However, the QuadCast S costs more than the RGB-less QuadCast, yet when it comes to illuminated options, it is among the bests.
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6. Movo UM700
Specification:
- Mic type: Condenser
- Audio patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 6 x 4.4 x 3.8 inches
- Connection type: USB
Just like the second one on the list, JLab Talk, Movo UM700 tries to replicate the Blue Yeti with a cheaper price. When it comes to mathematical basis, it actually does a great job. It is a lot less expensive and in order to drop the price and make it more affordable, it does not sacrifice quality. It offers cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional as well as stereo recording modes. However, the sound quality is not as great as the Yeti, so for those looking for a microphone with the most professional stream sound, buy the latter. However, the UM700 still provides users with a lot of clarity for amateur streams. Therefore, you do not want to miss it if you need a more budget option as it is worth considering and is one of the best streaming microphones in 2022.
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7. Blue Yeti Nano
Specifications:
- Mic type: Condenser
- Audio patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
- Size: 3 x 3.8 x 4.3 inches
- Connection type: USB
Do you need a Blue Yeti with a smaller size? Blue Yeti Nano is exactly that. As one of the best streaming microphones in 2022, and a usual for the Blue brand, it is quite easy to use and set up. Moreover, since the size is smaller, it can be more suitable for your desk space and easier if you need to pack it up every now and then. In addition, the Blue Yeti Nato is less expensive than the standard Blue Yeti; however, the JLab Talk is better when it comes to sound if you want to bargain hunt. It also only supports cardioid and omnidirectional as recording patterns, but keep in mind that cardioid is needed when you want to record yourself only. It is worth considering this microphone as one of the best streaming mics in 2022.
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8. EPOS B20
Specifications:
- Mic type: Condenser
- Audio patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Size: 4 x 4.1 x 4.1 inches
- Connection type: USB
The next one that works mostly as a streaming aid is the EPOS B20. However, while the Elgato Wave: 3 works better when a hardware is added, this one is at its best when a software named the EPOS Gaming Suite is added to it. It enables access to a lot of audio settings that the microphone alone is not able to control. In addition, B20, one of the best streaming microphones in 2022, has great sound quality. If the price was lower, then it could be a real competitor for the Blue Yeti, money-wise. However, even at this price, it is worth looking into should you need to fine-tune your stream audio with the help of a paired software.
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9. Razer Seiren Mini
Specifications:
- Sample rate: 48 kHz
- Bit rate: 16-bit
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz
- Condenser Type: Electret
- Polar patterns: Supercardioid
- Cable length: 3 feet (1m)
- Connectivity: USB Type-A
Not everyone is in need of a lot of cardioid patterns and too many features. If you want a great budget microphone, the Razer Seiren Mini is a perfect choice as it comes in a variety of colors and it is fun for your setup. It is worth only $50, with a good sound quality that is dry and flat. It might be pleasing for those who want less artifice sounding output. Keep in mind that you will only get a supercardioid polar pattern only, while the other best streaming microphones in 2022 on the list provide wider options. In addition, there is no mute button or headphone jack. It is still very cute, portable and offers simple quality for sound.
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How to choose the best streaming microphone in 2022
The most important aspect you should consider in a microphone when you need one is the sound quality. It might be easy to ignore dull looks and poor adjustable stands in a microphone; however, when it sounds weak and does not have details, it will hurt your whole stream. Therefore, make sure that you read all the reviews in this article before making a decision on which one of the best streaming microphones in 2022 you want.
A lot of mics have various recording patterns including cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional or stereo. When you need to record more than one speaker with only one microphone, Bidirectional and Omnidirectional will come in handy as recording patterns. For those running a gaming stream, on the other hand, when there is only one being recorded, all you need is cardioid. This pattern only records the space in front of the microphone and it is great for blocking background noise.
You do not need to spend more than $200 if you need a decent microphone; however, do not spend less than $50. It is a whole other world to need a mic for zoom calls and whole other when it comes to quality stream. For this reason, if you choose a very cheap one, you will not get the quality you seek. In addition, we have stuck with USB microphones because setting them up on your laptop or PC is way easier. If you would like, you can get microphones that have XLR connection, but they will cost more and need additional hardware in order to be set up. Streamers can use that extra budget for computer hardware as apposed to podcasters.