The best gaming microphones
So you're getting into gaming, or you've decided to up your gaming gear – in particular you're looking to do some streaming or multiplayer gaming and the voice chat or audio is critical.
That's when you start to look at getting a gaming microphone, something that can sit dedicated with your gaming rig for great performance.
What to look for in a gaming microphone
It's important to note that for the most part a gaming headset with built-in microphone is your best bet for in-game chat. However, for some people they might be using or own headphones that are perfect for that, so are looking to add a microphone for that purpose.
If that's the case, you probably need to worry less about quality and more about positioning and performance. For those, opt for something with an easy mute button, and an audio pattern that will pick up your voice if you're sitting back immersed in a game, or leaned in for the action.
For most people though their gaming microphone will be for their "streams". Broadcasting your gameplay live online for others to watch along. This is where you need to think about the quality of the audio as well as the presentation too – as you're probably going to be on camera.
Audio quality is a slippery slope to slide on, you get what you pay for and when it comes to microphones some will opt for a $700 microphone but in reality for what they are being used for it is most likely overkill.
Below I've got a list of great options, starting with one of the very latest and best, down to something that will tick a lot of boxes on a budget.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Top 5 gaming microphones
Pricey, but outstanding.
RodeX XDM-100
Price: $358.95
You will absolutely struggle to find anything better than this new product from RODE.
Made in Australia, this is one of the first of two products from the new RODE X family of "gaming" specific products.
The only negative I can suggest here is that despite it coming with those awesome looking and extremely practical shock mounts for the mic, you will still need a mic arm to hang this one off. The Rode PSA1+ is ideal, but anything similar will work.
Rode's XDM-100 produces broadcast quality audio that is fit for not just streaming or even podcasting, but for radio or voice recording too.
Its USB connection means you can hook it up to any computer, and the UNIFY software that comes with it allows for some amazingly complex audio routing so you can choose what audio you hear, your audience hears and what your in-game partners here and even what's recorded. It's wild!
Pricey, but outstanding.
Popular choice
Blue Yeti (black)
Price: $345
A trusty soldier, the Blue Yeti has been around a long while, but is still popular because it just works.
Again using a USB connection, this impressive looking mic will work freestanding on your desk, and has three audio patterns so it can be adjusted for a single person, duo or whole of room recording.
I find it really is at its best when set on unidirectional mode, as it can pickup a lot around you – but it's also not my go-to in a room where others might be working away.
Remember too, these microphones are also great for video conferences like Zoom calls at work.
All of the lights
Hyper X DuoCast
Price: $159
Likely to be the key choice on this list for many for one simple reason – Lights baby!
A simple customisable RGB colour ring means you can theme this mic to your stream, and for many HyperX's products have excelled for that reason with other models featuring lights right through the microphone.
The HyperX tap to mute feature is another standout feature meaning you don't need to find the dial or button, you just tap the top of the microphone to mute your stream or gameplay outbound chat audio.
It's a small unit, and on a desk I worry about sound leakage from any knocks or bumps, but you can also pair it with a microphone arm for the best results.
Impressive sound
AKG ARA
Price: $140.82
At this price point it's hard to argue with the quality of the AKG ARA. AKG is one of the oldest and most established brands in broadcast audio, so getting into desktop microphones was a no brainer.
Though you'd have to say the biggest negative is that it kinda looks "old school", but that for some might be its core asset.
If you're not after shining lights, but something more classic, but still with phenomenal sound quality then this is fantastic.
Unlike the HyperX Duocast the AGK ARA can be used on a desk for recording a two-person chat front and back if you're also using this for more than just gaming.
Overall though, the sound is impressive and in reality, that's the most important thing.
A great deal
Neewer USB microphone kit
Price: $53.99
With all the above at my disposal, no I wouldn't opt for this Neewer microphone kit. But, if I was really looking for my first gaming setup, this could be absolutely ideal.
Neewer isn't a brand you're going to find at major retail stores, however I've bought a few of their things and despite the price they really do work great – in particular their lighting gear.
That said, this kit also comes with EVERYTHING, from the microphone stand to the pop filter and mounting bracket and the microphone itself.
Expect it only to really suffer when you get over excited and really push its upper limits. Otherwise, what a great deal!
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