Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Microphones Under $150
Five microphones compared, from the AT2020 to the QuadCast 2 S, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $150 you can choose between a USB microphone that plugs straight into the PC and an XLR microphone that needs an interface. Every pick here was $150 or less at the time of writing.
We sorted these picks by connection, capsule and polar pattern, working from the makers' own data; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Premium Pick
HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB MicrophoneThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs.
Best for: Buyers who want more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs and can spend more than the NT1 Signature costs.
Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
RODE NT1 Signature Series Condenser MicrophoneVery low self-noise.
Best for: Buyers who want very low self-noise.
Check price for RODE NT1 Signature Series Condenser Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Capacitive Mute Control
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB MicrophoneA capacitive mute control.
Best for: Buyers who want a capacitive mute control.
Check price for Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Multi-pattern Polar Pattern
HyperX QuadCast 2 USB MicrophoneA multi-pattern.
Best for: Buyers who want a multi-pattern.
Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser MicrophoneUndercutting the QuadCast 2 on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $150.
Check price for Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone
HyperX's QuadCast 2 S adds more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs and a multifunction knob to the QuadCast 2.
Best for
- Buyers who want more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs and can spend more than the NT1 Signature costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the AT2020 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It offers four polar patterns. Over 100 addressable RGB LEDs can match stream colours, and a tap-to-mute sensor sits on top. It connects over USB.
Like the QuadCast 2, it has a USB connection, while the AT2020 uses an XLR connection. It is the only pick here with a multi-pattern (4); the NT1 Signature has a cardioid polar pattern instead. It shares a tap mute control with the QuadCast 2; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a capacitive mute control.
It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the NT1 Signature.
Key specs
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Multi-pattern (4)
- Mute control
- Tap
- Headphone monitoring
- Headphone jack
- In the box
- Stand with shock mount
Pros
- More than 100 addressable RGB LEDs
- Four polar patterns
- Multifunction knob
- Multi-pattern (4), the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the AT2020 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
RODE NT1 Signature Series Condenser Microphone
RODE's NT1 Signature is a condenser with very low self-noise, sold with a shock mount, pop filter and XLR cable.
Best for
- Buyers who want very low self-noise.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no onboard mute is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs phantom power. The NT1 is one of the quietest condenser mics in terms of self-noise, and its tight cardioid pattern focuses on the voice. Like the AT2020, it has an XLR connection, while the QuadCast 2 S uses a USB connection.
Like the Wave:3 MK.2 and AT2020, it has a cardioid polar pattern, while the QuadCast 2 S uses a multi-pattern (4). Like the AT2020, it has a via interface headphone monitoring, while the Wave:3 MK.2 uses a headphone jack headphone monitoring. XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included.
As a condenser it needs 48V phantom power from the interface. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Wave:3 MK.2 and the pricier QuadCast 2 S, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Connection
- XLR
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- None
- Headphone monitoring
- Via interface
- In the box
- Shock mount, pop filter, cable
Pros
- Very low self-noise
- Shock mount and pop filter included
- XLR cable in the box
Cons
- no onboard mute
- Costs more than the AT2020 at the time of writing
Capacitive Mute Control3 of 5
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Microphone
Elgato's Wave:3 MK.2 uses Clipguard 2.0 to prevent clipping and adds automatic gain.
Best for
- Buyers who want a capacitive mute control.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the AT2020, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C. It is the only pick here with a USB-C connection; the QuadCast 2 S has a USB connection instead. Like the NT1 Signature and AT2020, it has a cardioid polar pattern, while the QuadCast 2 S uses a multi-pattern (4).
You get a capacitive mute control here, which sets it apart from the QuadCast 2 and its a tap mute control. It also offers Clipguard 2.0 anti-distortion and onboard DSP. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. Its price falls between the QuadCast 2 and the NT1 Signature, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Connection
- USB-C
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- Capacitive
- Headphone monitoring
- Headphone jack
- In the box
- Desk stand
Pros
- Clipguard 2.0 anti-distortion
- Automatic gain
- Onboard DSP
- USB-C connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the AT2020 at the time of writing
Multi-pattern Polar Pattern4 of 5
HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone
HyperX's QuadCast 2 is a multi-pattern condenser with tap-to-mute and a 20Hz to 20kHz response.
Best for
- Buyers who want a multi-pattern.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the AT2020, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The cable is 9.84ft. It connects over USB with a 9.84ft cable and lists a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range. Like the QuadCast 2 S, it has a USB connection, while the Wave:3 MK.2 uses a USB-C connection.
No other pick in this guide offers a multi-pattern; compare the Wave:3 MK.2, which has a cardioid polar pattern. It shares a tap mute control with the QuadCast 2 S; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a capacitive mute control. You also get an internal shock mount.
It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper AT2020 and the pricier Wave:3 MK.2, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Multi-pattern
- Mute control
- Tap
- Headphone monitoring
- Headphone jack
- In the box
- Stand with shock mount
Pros
- 20Hz to 20kHz response
- 9.84ft cable
- Internal shock mount
- Multi-pattern, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the AT2020 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica's AT2020 is a cardioid XLR condenser that handles high sound pressure.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $150.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no onboard mute is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs 48V phantom power. It shares an XLR connection with the NT1 Signature; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a USB-C connection. It shares a cardioid polar pattern with the NT1 Signature and Wave:3 MK.2; the QuadCast 2 goes with a multi-pattern.
It shares a via interface headphone monitoring with the NT1 Signature; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a headphone jack headphone monitoring. You also get a studio condenser design. XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the QuadCast 2 the next step up.
Key specs
- Connection
- XLR
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- None
- Headphone monitoring
- Via interface
- In the box
- Stand mount
Pros
- High SPL handling
- Cardioid pattern
- Studio condenser design
- Stand mount in the box, the only one here
Cons
- no onboard mute
How We Chose These Gaming Microphones Under $150
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.
- What we compared
- We compared five microphones on connection, capsule, polar pattern and mute control, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 5 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the QuadCast 2 S to the AT2020, state connection, capsule and polar pattern and share Condenser capsule.
- Who each pick suits
- The QuadCast 2 S for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs; the NT1 Signature for very low self-noise; the Wave:3 MK.2 for a capacitive mute control.
- Price range
- From the AT2020 to the QuadCast 2 S, all sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Gaming Microphone Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Polar pattern
The QuadCast 2 S lists multi-pattern (4); the NT1 Signature, the Wave:3 MK.2 and the AT2020 list Cardioid; the QuadCast 2 lists multi-pattern. Settling polar pattern first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 1 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The Wave:3 MK.2: automatic gain. The QuadCast 2: a 9.84ft cable. The AT2020: a cardioid pattern.
A microphone on a short stand between two desktop speakers Where your budget lands
Price does little to separate these 5: the AT2020 through the QuadCast 2 S all landed in the $100 to $150 tier, which leaves features to decide it.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs and can spend more than the NT1 Signature costs: the QuadCast 2 S. Buyers who want a capacitive mute control: the Wave:3 MK.2. Buyers who want a multi-pattern: the QuadCast 2.
A microphone on a boom arm in front of a monitor Stand, arm and shock mount
A desk stand picks up bumps. A boom arm and shock mount put the mic closer to your mouth and away from the keyboard.
How to Choose a Gaming Microphone Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs and can spend more than the NT1 Signature costs | QuadCast 2 S | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs |
| Buyers who want very low self-noise | NT1 Signature | Very low self-noise |
| Buyers who want a capacitive mute control | Wave:3 MK.2 | A capacitive mute control |
| Buyers who want a multi-pattern | QuadCast 2 | A multi-pattern |
| Keeping the cost under $150 | AT2020 | Undercutting the QuadCast 2 on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The QuadCast 2 S, the NT1 Signature and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuadCast 2 S | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern (4) | Tap |
| NT1 Signature | XLR | Condenser | Cardioid | None |
| Wave:3 MK.2 | USB-C | Condenser | Cardioid | Capacitive |
| QuadCast 2 | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern | Tap |
| AT2020 | XLR | Condenser | Cardioid | None |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Wave:3 MK.2 the Capacitive Mute Control?
The label rests on a capacitive mute control. It suits anyone who wants a capacitive mute control.
Do the QuadCast 2 S and the NT1 Signature differ on connection?
The QuadCast 2 S and the QuadCast 2 use USB; the NT1 Signature and the AT2020 use XLR; the Wave:3 MK.2 uses USB-C.
Beyond the specs, what sets the QuadCast 2 S and the NT1 Signature apart?
The QuadCast 2 S: more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs. The NT1 Signature: very low self-noise. The Wave:3 MK.2: Clipguard 2.0 anti-distortion.
Who should choose the QuadCast 2?
The QuadCast 2 carries our Multi-pattern Polar Pattern label for a multi-pattern. It ranks fourth of 5 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a multi-pattern.
Should I pick the QuadCast 2 S or the AT2020?
The QuadCast 2 S suits buyers who want more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs and can spend more than the NT1 Signature costs; the AT2020 suits keeping the cost under $150.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the QuadCast 2 S, chosen for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs. Look at the NT1 Signature for very low self-noise, the Wave:3 MK.2 for a capacitive mute control and the QuadCast 2 for a multi-pattern if those matter more to you.
A cardioid pattern and a close mic position do more for voice chat than a pricier capsule.
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 Microphones Under $120
- 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 gearWebcam Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- 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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