The 10 Best Microphones For Computers

Editor's Notes

September 04, 2020:

Blue and Rode continue to be heavy hitters in this category, with models like the Blue Yeti and the Rode NT-USB Condenser being among their top models. Each offers a durable build quality and a capable stand, but the Yeti has the edge for versatility where the Rode's frequency response might make it a better choice to brighten a voice when tracking vocals for a record or podcast.

Users more concerned with portability might look to options like the Blue Snowflake and the Amazon Basics Conference, the former of which conveniently clips onto a laptop screen or monitor, and the latter of which is designed with conferencing in mind. It's smaller in real life than it might seem at first, but it's important to remember that it's only a microphone — there's no speaker in it, which is a common mistake consumers make when merely looking at it.

Another model new to the ranking that makes a fine choice for gamers is the HyperX QuadCast. Not only will its bright red color blend in nicely with some of the more vibrant colors on gaming mice and keyboards, but its capacitive touch mute button allows you to quickly and easily cut the input without affecting the quality of the sound or interrupting your gaming experience for more than a moment.

November 06, 2018:

With a wide variety of options designed to plug into a computer, it seems that desktop condenser models were among the most high-quality options available, with some highly functional but lower-fidelity choices like the Amazon Basics unit climbing the list for their reliability. Companies like Rode, Blue, and Audio-Technica, as could be expected, dominate the selection for both quality and price.