Best budget microphone for streaming

Finally, having a decent budget microphone for your podcast or livestream isn't going to force you to max out your credit cards. The best budget microphone gives the budding content creator everything they need to get started for under $100

It's no question that any serious streamer needs a microphone. Though, if you're just starting out, you might be experiencing some sticker shock at some of the prices for the best microphones for streaming, some of which can cost up to $300.

Even though some of these budget microphones may be lacking features like volume and gain controls (and in some cases even a mute button), they make up for it by sounding just as good as their pricier counterparts. Though this does mean you'll have to rely on third-party broadcast software like OBS and xSplit if you want to fine-tune your sound. But the best budget microphones are designed to deliver the same great sound recording as the more expensive mics, but also to be as easy as possible to use out of the box.

We still follow the same criteria when adding the mics to this list; all we did was add a limit of $100. We still want the best sound quality, adaptability, and form factor. There are tons of budget mics in the $50-$100 range out there from brands you've never heard of, so it's easy to feel a little paralyzed by choice. Thankfully, we've picked out a handful that stands heads and shoulders above the rest. 

Best budget microphone for streaming

1. HyperX SoloCast

Polar patterns: Unidirectional Cardioid Polar Pattern | Connectivity: USB | Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz | Recording Sample Rate: 48kHz | Features: Tap-to-mute sensor

The HyperX SoloCast is a budget microphone that sounds just as, if not, better than microphones double the price. It's less flashy than HyperX's other mic offerings, and I won't lie; I miss the RGB lighting. The sound quality on this mic for $60 is just incredible. It more than makes up for losing out on some of the quality of life features.

While the JLab Audio Talk GO and Razer Seiren Mini all offering great sound, the HyperX SoloCast still reigns as the king of budget microphones, essentially giving us the audio chops of its pricier QuadCast S compatriot but for a fraction of the price. 

2. Razer Seiren Mini

Polar patterns: Supercardioid | Recording Sample Rate: 48kHz | Connectivity: USB | Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz | Features: Tap-to-mute sensor

The Razer Seiren Mini is one of those obnoxiously adorable pieces of hardware I instantly I want to put on my desk. It's stylish pill-shaped design and color variety gives the Mini the personality that is lacking in some of our other choices on this list. And it sounds incredible, to boot.

Remember earlier we mentioned that in order to keep costs down and sound great some of these microphones had to sacrifice some features? Yeah, well the Seiren Mini pretty gives up everything. Some people won't care because you're getting a killer mic for $50. Some people simply won't get over the fact that there's no mute button. 

3. Blue Yeti Nano

Specs: Power: 5V | Polar patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional | Connectivity: USB | Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz | Features: zero-latency monitoring, mute & headphone volume controls | Recording Sample Rate: 48kHz

This miniature version of the classic Blue Yeti is the perfect microphone for those just starting with streaming. It has an excellent sound quality for a product under $100. Simultaneously, its tiny size and lightweight metal build make it easy to transport (this is at least 40 percent smaller than its cousin). The Yeti Nano sits as an outlier as the most 'expensive' budget mic on the list but offers more than the cheaper mics regarding features. 

The difference its 24bit / 48khz recording sample rates make is noticeable, too; putting audio from the Nano and original Yeti side by side reveals that the former is superior by quite a margin. It’s only got two polar patterns (cardioid and omnidirectional), but the Yeti Nano more than makes up for it with everything else.

4. JLab Audio Talk GO

Polar patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional | Connectivity: USB | Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz | Recording Sample Rate: 96kHz | Features: Tripod

The JLab Audio Talk GO does a great job providing a decent sounding microphone for podcasters and streamers on a budget. The Talk GO's small stature and companion stand are perfect for anyone looking for a microphone that travels well and doesn't take up much space on your desk. Even though the GO only has a pair of Condensers, the sound of my voice still came out better than expected, although a bit tinnier than I would like. You may not be recording the next hit single on this microphone, but it is great if you're dipping your toes into the whole streaming or podcasting scene.

I've tested a few different mics from JLab Audio. Given its history in the affordable audio space, it's no surprise the Talk GO was the USB microphone that impressed me more than its more expensive offerings, the Talk and Talk Pro. The Talk GO is a great affordable microphone without sounding or feeling cheap.

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How we test microphones

These are the most common polar patterns:

Cardioid: Records in front of the microphone. Perfect for voice-over, vocals, and streaming.

Bidirectional: Captures audio in front of and behind the mic. Ideal for one-on-one interviews.

Omnidirectional: Picks up sound from every direction. Perfect for round-table interviews.

Stereo: Perfect for ASMR recordings. YouTube 'ASMR' if you want the best example because I couldn't do it just justice.

Recording quality

I say that audio quality isn’t everything, but it’s still the most important factor when testing a microphone. The point is, after all, to find a mic that makes you sound good. We tested multiple microphones with different mic settings. We usually just with the Cardioid polar pattern since that's how these mics are used most of the time gaming and live streaming. 

Adaptability

Everyone’s desk and setup requirements are different, so a mic must perform well under a handful of different scenarios. If a microphone sounds better than all the rest combined but only when it’s on a suspended mic stand with a shock mount, positioned precisely six inches away from your mouth, it’s not necessarily a reliable option to recommend. You need a mic that sounds great under any circumstance and can adapt to; however, you need to use it so you can play your games comfortably and still look great.

Form factor

This isn't a fashion show, but the form factor is still something that matters. In the case of a standing mic, you'll be staring at it every time you're sitting at your desk—and attachable mics need to make sure they aren't too distracting either. A mic's form factor can also play a role in how adaptable it is, as you'll need to make space for it. We used every mic in multiple settings with different PCs, keyboards, and monitors, getting a feel for how they looked and performed in each environment. As a streamer, your mic will also be in view for your audience, so its appearance is relevant.

Price

And as PC gamers, we will, of course, always try to get the best we can for less. It’s easy to get lost in the deep dark woods that is the world of audio, and even easier to spend a ludicrous amount of time and money chasing the best possible setup. But we don’t need studio-ready equipment, so the price is an essential factor when looking at how good a particular mic is. You can keep working your way up the food chain, finding better and better quality at a higher and higher price, so made sure to keep it in a gamer’s budget. Price is also vital in comparing what one option can offer over another. Think about your use case, if you're only using a microphone to chat with your teammates, chances are,  you don't need a microphone with half a dozen polar patterns. Don't spend money on features you don't need or use.