Buying Guide
The Best USB Microphones for Streaming
We weighed five microphones on connection and capsule, and the FDUCE M160 costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A USB mic is the simplest upgrade over a headset for streams. Every pick connects over USB, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects connection, capsule and polar pattern from maker specifications; we did not test these microphones ourselves, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
FDUCE M160 USB Gaming MicrophoneA lower price than the MRSDY and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MRSDY.
Check price for FDUCE M160 USB Gaming Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MRSDY USB Gaming MicrophoneNoise reduction.
Best for: Buyers who want noise reduction.
Check price for MRSDY USB Gaming Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Dynamic Capsule
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic MicrophoneA dynamic capsule.
Best for: Buyers who want a dynamic capsule.
Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Tap Mute Control
Elgato Wave Neo USB MicrophoneA tap mute control.
Best for: Buyers who want a tap mute control.
Check price for Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Logitech G Blue Yeti USB MicrophoneThe top of this price range, adding four polar patterns.
Best for: Spending more than the Wave Neo costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Logitech G Blue Yeti USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
FDUCE M160 USB Gaming Microphone
FDUCE's M160 adds a headphone monitoring jack to a budget cardioid USB mic.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MRSDY.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
A USB-C adapter is in the box. You get a USB (USB-C adapter) connection here, which sets it apart from the Blue Yeti and its a USB connection. Like the MRSDY and Wave Neo, it has a condenser capsule, while the FIFINE AM8 uses a dynamic capsule.
No other pick in this guide offers a tripod in the box; compare the Wave Neo, which has a high-rise stand in the box. It also offers RGB lighting. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MRSDY was closest.
Key specs
- Connection
- USB (USB-C adapter)
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- Button
- Headphone monitoring
- Headphone jack
- In the box
- Tripod
Pros
- Headphone monitoring jack
- Included USB-C adapter
- RGB lighting
- USB (USB-C adapter) connection, the only one here
Also Consider2 of 5
MRSDY USB Gaming Microphone
MRSDY's mic adds noise reduction, a gain control and a 3.5mm monitoring jack.
Best for
- Buyers who want noise reduction.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the FDUCE M160, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has RGB lighting. A 3.5mm headphone output gives latency-free monitoring of your own voice. Noise cancelling cuts typing and clicks, and the RGB lighting can be switched off.
It shares a USB connection with the Wave Neo and Blue Yeti; the FIFINE AM8 goes with a USB and XLR connection. Like the FDUCE M160 and Wave Neo, it has a condenser capsule, while the FIFINE AM8 uses a dynamic capsule. You get a 3.5mm jack headphone monitoring here, which sets it apart from the Blue Yeti and its a headphone jack headphone monitoring.
It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It was priced above the FDUCE M160 and below the FIFINE AM8 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- Button
- Headphone monitoring
- 3.5mm jack
- In the box
- Stand
Pros
- Noise reduction
- Gain control
- 3.5mm monitoring jack
Cons
- Costs more than the FDUCE M160 at the time of writing
Dynamic Capsule3 of 5
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone
FIFINE's AM8 is a dynamic mic with both USB and XLR outputs, a headphone jack and RGB.
Best for
- Buyers who want a dynamic capsule.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the FDUCE M160 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The XLR cable is not included. It has both USB and XLR outputs, a 50Hz to 16kHz response and a cardioid dynamic capsule that rejects room noise. The RGB ring has three modes.
A USB and XLR connection is unique to it among these picks, while the MRSDY uses a USB connection. No other pick in this guide offers a dynamic capsule; compare the Wave Neo, which has a condenser capsule. Like the MRSDY, it has a stand in the box, while the Wave Neo uses a high-rise stand in the box.
It also comes with an XLR output for later upgrades (XLR cable not included) and RGB lighting. It works over USB now and can move to an XLR interface later; an XLR cable may not be included. It was priced above the MRSDY and below the Wave Neo at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Connection
- USB and XLR
- Capsule
- Dynamic
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- Button
- Headphone monitoring
- Headphone jack
- In the box
- Stand
Pros
- 50Hz to 16kHz response
- XLR output for later upgrades (XLR cable not included)
- RGB lighting
- USB and XLR connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the FDUCE M160 at the time of writing
Tap Mute Control4 of 5
Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone
Elgato's Wave Neo stands on a high-rise stand that lifts it toward your mouth, with tap-to-mute and a headphone jack.
Best for
- Buyers who want a tap mute control.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the FDUCE M160 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is Elgato's entry USB mic. It is plug-and-play with PS5, iPad and iPhone as well as PCs, and a tap-to-mute sensor with an LED shows mic status. A headphone jack gives zero-delay monitoring.
It reduces the distortion common in headset mics. It shares a USB connection with the MRSDY and Blue Yeti; the FIFINE AM8 goes with a USB and XLR connection. Like the FDUCE M160 and MRSDY, it has a condenser capsule, while the FIFINE AM8 uses a dynamic capsule.
No other pick in this guide offers a tap mute control; compare the FIFINE AM8, which has a button mute control. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It was priced above the FIFINE AM8 and below the Blue Yeti at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- Tap
- Headphone monitoring
- Headphone jack
- In the box
- High-rise stand
Pros
- High-rise stand that lifts it toward your mouth
- Tap-to-mute
- Headphone jack
- Tap mute control, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the FDUCE M160 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Logitech G Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Blue's Yeti uses three capsules to offer four polar patterns, with onboard gain and mute.
Best for
- Spending more than the Wave Neo costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the FDUCE M160 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Blue VO!CE processing runs in G HUB. Its three-capsule array supports cardioid, omni, bidirectional and stereo patterns, and zero-latency monitoring runs through its headphone jack. Like the MRSDY and Wave Neo, it has a USB connection, while the FDUCE M160 uses a USB (USB-C adapter) connection.
You get a condenser (three capsules) here, which sets it apart from the Wave Neo and its a condenser capsule. A desk stand in the box is unique to it among these picks, while the MRSDY uses a stand in the box. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Wave Neo and the rest.
Key specs
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser (three capsules)
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid, omni, bidirectional, stereo
- Mute control
- Button
- Headphone monitoring
- Headphone jack
- In the box
- Desk stand
Pros
- Four polar patterns
- Onboard gain and mute controls
- Blue VO!CE processing in G HUB
- Condenser (three capsules), the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the FDUCE M160 at the time of writing
How We Chose These USB Microphones for Streaming
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five microphones on connection, capsule, polar pattern and mute control as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 5 picks.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the FDUCE M160 to the Blue Yeti, state connection, capsule and polar pattern.
- Who each pick suits
- The FDUCE M160 for a lower price than the MRSDY and the rest when we checked; the MRSDY for noise reduction; the FIFINE AM8 for a dynamic capsule.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the FDUCE M160 (under $50) to the Blue Yeti ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a USB Microphone for Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capsule
The FDUCE M160, the MRSDY and the Wave Neo list Condenser; the FIFINE AM8 lists dynamic; the Blue Yeti lists Condenser (three capsules). Settling capsule first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 1 or 1.
Mute control
The FDUCE M160, the MRSDY, the FIFINE AM8 and the Blue Yeti list button; the Wave Neo lists tap. Settling mute control first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.
A desk with two monitors, a lamp and a boom-arm microphone Extras that separate them
The FIFINE AM8: an XLR output for later upgrades (XLR cable not included). The Wave Neo: tap-to-mute. The Blue Yeti: onboard gain and mute controls.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the FDUCE M160 and the MRSDY; $50 to $100 buys the FIFINE AM8 and the Wave Neo; $100 to $150 buys the Blue Yeti at our last check.
A microphone on a boom arm in front of two monitors and an RGB keyboard Start from what matters most
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MRSDY: the FDUCE M160. Buyers who want a dynamic capsule: the FIFINE AM8. Buyers who want a tap mute control: the Wave Neo.
How to Choose a USB Microphone for Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MRSDY | FDUCE M160 | A lower price than the MRSDY and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want noise reduction | MRSDY | Noise reduction |
| Buyers who want a dynamic capsule | FIFINE AM8 | A dynamic capsule |
| Buyers who want a tap mute control | Wave Neo | A tap mute control |
| Spending more than the Wave Neo costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Blue Yeti | The top of this price range, adding four polar patterns |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The FDUCE M160, the MRSDY and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDUCE M160 | USB (USB-C adapter) | Condenser | Cardioid | Button |
| MRSDY | USB | Condenser | Cardioid | Button |
| FIFINE AM8 | USB and XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | Button |
| Wave Neo | USB | Condenser | Cardioid | Tap |
| Blue Yeti | USB | Condenser (three capsules) | Cardioid, omni, bidirectional, stereo | Button |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The FDUCE M160 was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Blue Yeti the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Microphones |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | FDUCE M160, MRSDY |
| About $50 to $100 | FIFINE AM8, Wave Neo |
| About $100 to $150 | Blue Yeti |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Wave Neo our Tap Mute Control pick?
The label rests on a tap mute control. The FDUCE M160, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who wants a tap mute control.
Do the FDUCE M160 and the MRSDY differ on connection?
The FDUCE M160 uses USB (USB-C adapter); the MRSDY, the Wave Neo and the Blue Yeti use USB; the FIFINE AM8 uses USB and XLR.
What extras do the FDUCE M160 and the MRSDY include?
The FDUCE M160: a headphone monitoring jack. The MRSDY: noise reduction. The FIFINE AM8: a 50Hz to 16kHz response.
Who should choose the FIFINE AM8?
The FIFINE AM8 carries our Dynamic Capsule label for a dynamic capsule. It ranks third of 5 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a dynamic capsule.
Should I pick the FDUCE M160 or the Blue Yeti?
The FDUCE M160 suits buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MRSDY; the Blue Yeti suits spending more than the Wave Neo costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the FDUCE M160, chosen for a lower price than the MRSDY and the rest when we checked. Look at the MRSDY for noise reduction, the FIFINE AM8 for a dynamic capsule and the Wave Neo for a tap mute control if those matter more to you.
Use a boom arm to keep the mic close.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Microphones for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best USB Microphones
- Related guideThe Best XLR Microphones for a PC Setup
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Microphones Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best Dynamic Gaming Microphones
- ExplainerUSB vs XLR microphones: what each needs and what each gives you
- ExplainerHow to Choose a USB Microphone for Your PC
- Also see: webcams and streaming gearHow to Choose a Webcam for Your PC
- Similar guideThe Best Microphones for a Gaming PC
- Topic hubAll microphones guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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