Best Gaming Microphones
Top gaming microphones ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Elgato Wave 3
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Clipguard anti-distortion technology
- Clipguard prevents distortion
- Clipguard prevents audio clipping
Cons
- Cardioid pattern only
- Condenser picks up room noise
- Requires Elgato software for full features
Don't buy this if…
- Wave Link virtual mixing software is Windows-only and Mac users miss out on the advanced routing features.
- As a condenser microphone this will pick up keyboard clicks, room echo, and background noise in untreated spaces.
- The full feature set requires Wave Link software running on your PC — without it, Clipguard and multi-track routing are unavailable.
- Wave Link software is essential for the full feature set; without it, the mic works but loses its mixing and routing capabilities.
- Wave Link software is essential for the full feature set; without it, the mic works but loses its mixing and routing capabilities.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Four selectable polar patterns
- Four pickup pattern options
- Four selectable pickup patterns
Cons
- Heavy and large on desk
- Heavy and requires a sturdy arm
- Picks up keyboard and background noise
Don't buy this if…
- The cardioid pattern is very sensitive and will pick up keyboard clicks, mouse sounds, and room echo.
- The heavy weight requires a boom arm rated for at least 2 lbs as budget arms will sag under its weight.
- Condenser microphones pick up everything — use a boom arm to position it close to your mouth and away from your keyboard.
- The stock desk stand transmits vibrations from typing; a boom arm or shock mount is strongly recommended for best results.
- The stock desk stand transmits vibrations from typing; a boom arm or shock mount is strongly recommended for best results.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Stunning RGB lighting effects
- Built-in shock mount and pop filter
- Tap-to-mute is instant and intuitive
Cons
- RGB may be distracting
- RGB may be distracting on camera
- RGB may be distracting for some
Don't buy this if…
- The tap-to-mute sensor is extremely sensitive and can accidentally mute the mic from nearby desk vibrations.
- The RGB lighting can create unwanted reflections on eyeglasses and screens during video recording.
- The gain knob is located on the bottom of the mic — adjust it before mounting on a boom arm, as it is difficult to reach once mounted.
- The RGB lighting is visible on camera and can create reflections; disable the LEDs in software during video recordings if this is a concern.
- The RGB lighting is visible on camera and can create reflections; disable the LEDs in software during video recordings if this is a concern.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Built-in pop filter
- Ultra-compact form factor
- Broadcast-quality audio in compact form
Cons
- No gain knob on mic
- Fixed cardioid pattern only
- Single cardioid pattern only
Don't buy this if…
- Gain must be adjusted through software or your computer's audio settings as there is no physical knob on the mic.
- There is no physical gain control on the microphone so all level adjustments must be made in software.
- There is no physical mute button — you must mute through software, which means an accidental unmute is more likely during streams.
- Gain must be adjusted in software since there is no physical knob; set levels before your recording session begins.
- Gain must be adjusted in software since there is no physical knob; set levels before your recording session begins.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- USB and XLR dual connectivity
- Dynamic capsule rejects background noise
- SM7B-inspired professional sound
Cons
- Heavy at 570g
- Requires close mic technique
- Premium pricing
Don't buy this if…
- The touch panel can be accidentally activated during recording if you gesture near the microphone while speaking.
- Dynamic microphones need to be very close to your mouth (2–4 inches) — if you prefer sitting back from your desk, consider a condenser instead.
- At nearly 1.2 pounds, the MV7+ needs a robust boom arm; lightweight arms may sag or droop under its weight.
- At nearly 1.2 pounds, the MV7+ needs a robust boom arm; lightweight arms may sag or droop under its weight.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- AT2020 legendary audio quality
- Legendary AT2020 condenser capsule
- Legendary AT2020 condenser capsule
Cons
- No mute button
- Sensitive to room reflections
- Sensitive to room reflections
Don't buy this if…
- This is a sensitive condenser microphone — you will pick up room echo, AC noise, and keyboard sounds without acoustic treatment.
- As a condenser microphone, it picks up room echo and background noise; use in a quiet space or add acoustic treatment.
- As a condenser microphone, it picks up room echo and background noise; use in a quiet space or add acoustic treatment.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Ultra-compact disappears behind webcam
- Tap-to-mute functionality
- Very affordable for the quality
Cons
- Limited frequency response vs. larger mics
- No headphone monitoring output
Don't buy this if…
- The small capsule has a narrower sweet spot — position it carefully and consistently for the best audio quality.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Supercardioid pattern rejects noise precisely
- Broadcast-quality audio without room treatment
- Stunning industrial design
Cons
- Requires XLR audio interface
- Very expensive
Don't buy this if…
- This is an XLR-only microphone — you need a separate audio interface like the GoXLR or Focusrite Scarlett, adding to the total cost.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
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