Over the past few years, the industry has moved away from traditional microphones that can be connected to a 3.5 mm jack port. If we were to look back a decade ago, the only microphones that could be purchased for PC users had a 3.5 mm jack connector. Today we shifted away and started using USB. USB allows for less interference and better sound quality at least for PC and laptop users.
A lot of brands with a long tradition of making professional audio equipment now have premium USB microphones. There are so many different models that vary so much in pricing that it can be extremely difficult to actually choose one. Like with everything else it is clear that expensive models are better, but there are some hidden gems. We are talking about those rare models that come with a fair price and excellent recording capabilities.
Best USB Microphone in 2020
For our list, we attempted to find those hidden gems. 10 different USB microphones have been selected, and they come from all price ranges. Recording quality has been the main focus. With these things in mind let see what our list looks like. Here are the top 10 best USB microphones in 2020 reviews.
Last update on 2020-10-02 / Affiliate links / Price / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Fifine USB Microphone
Fifine is a relatively small brand that offers decent audio products. Their USB microphone is a great pick for the ones that have a limited budget yet wish for a decent model that can record clear audio.
The model is completely Plug & Play meaning that it works with pretty much any device without having to install any drivers. It has an elegant design with a chromed mesh and a white body. It is excellent for home audio recording, and it should work with most applications.
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9. Audio-Technica AT2020USB PLUS Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great USB microphone that fits into the premium range with the excellent build quality and crystal clear recording capabilities. It has an internal A/D converter and offers sampling rates of up to 48 kHz.
Inside the package, the manufacturers included a small adjustable stand, the USB cable, and a carrying pouch. It also comes with the headphone jack that makes it easy to monitor audio quality in real time. Also, it offers volumes adjustment signal boost.
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8. Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone
Rode NT-USB is considered a studio-quality microphone that comes with a compact design and superior recording. It has an ultra-low noise sensitivity with volume adjustments for the microphone and the jack audio output.
In terms of build quality, the microphone comes with its own filters and a metal mesh that prevents interference. It includes a tripod stand and a shield. As a bonus, a ring mount has been included in the kit. The ones that afford to buy it will not be disappointed.
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7. Audio-Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
Audio-Technica AT2020 is a mid-range USB microphone that has proven to be excellent for recording at home. It is capable of capturing crystal clear recordings while requiring minimal setup. The model does not need any kind of software to be installed.
According to the manufacturers, the model has been engineered with a low-mass diaphragm that extends its frequency response. It has a low self-noise and offers a natural sound. The microphone includes a small pouch and an adjustable tripod.
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6. CAD Audio U37SE-G U37 USB Cardioid Condenser Studio Recording Microphone
CAD Audio U37SE-G is a great option for the ones that are struggling with a limited budget. It is an inexpensive USB microphone that offers studio-quality recording.
The manufacturers included multiple technologies that improve the capture quality. It has a bass reduction and can tone down the room noise. The model comes with volume adjustment which will prove to be useful when its sensitivity needs to be increased.
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5. Razer Seiren Elite USB Digital Microphone
Razer is a popular brand among gamers. Recently they introduced their first and only microphone that was designed for gamers and streamers. The Seiren is a premium microphone that uses no less than 3 14mm custom capsules.
The model also comes with a 3.5 mm jack output and volume controls. It is a plug and play device which means it does not require any drivers to be installed and it works with most audio applications. It is worth mentioning that the microphone comes with its own stand and a protective sleeve.
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4. Tonor USB Professional Condenser Sound Podcast Studio Microphone
The Tonor USB microphone is the most affordable model in our list. It has a simple and basic design with no additional controls, yet its recording quality is superior when compared with regular microphones that use a 3.5 mm jack output.
Similar to other USB microphones the model is compatible with pretty much any PC or laptop. It works with most applications and requires a minimal setup. It includes a small tripod and a long 10 feet cable.
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3. Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
Audio-Technica ATR2500 is a great microphone for the ones that need something a bit more affordable yet do not want to make any compromises when it comes to quality. It is a simple microphone that comes with a long USB cable and a tripod.
According to the specifications, the model uses a side-address condenser with a USB output. It is capable of reducing room noise and bass. It provides a more natural recording that can be adjusted using the controls present on the microphone.
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2. Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone
Blue Microphones might be a brand with which not many are familiar. Their Yeti USB microphone is a great option for the ones that need some serious gear for their recordings. It can be used for pretty much any type of recording activity.
The model is completely Plug and play making it compatible with any device that has a USB port. It offers a multiple pattern selection along with gain controls, a mute switch and noise reduction. Like other microphones, it comes with a headphone output.
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1. Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone
Blue Microphones Snowball is an interesting device mostly due to its design and price tag. Surprisingly it is quite reliable for an entry-level USB microphone. The model comes in the shape of a chromed metal ball with black metal mesh.
In terms of technology, the microphone uses a dual capsule design. It allows for room noise reduction, volume control and it offers an excellent frequency response.
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USB microphones have proven to be significantly more reliable than classic ones. These days they are also quite affordable. High-performance models do not cost as much as some might think. One of the biggest advantages of going for a USB microphone is the fact that they are compatible with pretty much any laptop or PC. They do not require any setup and offer better control over the noise levels. Some of them even offer studio-quality recording capabilities while still being within an affordable range.
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