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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
RODE NT1 Signature Series Condenser Microphone
Very low self-noise.
Best for: Buyers who want very low self-noise.
Our take Check price for RODE NT1 Signature Series Condenser Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Capacitive Mute Control
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Microphone
A capacitive mute mute control.
Best for: Buyers who want a capacitive mute mute control.
Our take Check price for Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Multi-pattern Polar Pattern
HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone
A multi-pattern.
Best for: Buyers who want a multi-pattern.
Our take Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone
Undercutting the QuadCast 2 on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 the most complete package.
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-to-mute mute control with the QuadCast 2; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a capacitive mute 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 dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Multi-pattern (4)
- Mute control: Tap-to-mute
- 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 mut 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 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 mute control here, which sets it apart from the QuadCast 2 and its a tap-to-mute 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 dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB-C
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: Capacitive mute
- 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. 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-to-mute mute control with the QuadCast 2 S; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a capacitive mute 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 dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Multi-pattern
- Mute control: Tap-to-mute
- 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Audio-Technica's AT2020 is a cardioid XLR condenser that handles high sound pressure.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no onboard mut 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 dimensions & 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
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Controls
- We checked mute, gain and headphone monitoring.
- Connection
- We recorded USB, XLR or hybrid connections.
- Capsule and pattern
- We noted dynamic or condenser capsules and polar patterns.
- Mounting
- We noted stands, arms, shock mounts and pop filters in the box.
What to Look for in a Gaming Microphone Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
USB or XLR
USB mics plug straight into the PC. XLR mics need an interface but let you upgrade parts separately. Hybrid mics offer both.
Polar pattern
Cardioid rejects sound from behind and suits one voice. Multi-pattern mics add omni or figure-8 for groups or interviews.
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.
Software and processing
Some mics offer noise reduction, auto gain or limiters in software. Check it runs on your operating system.
Dynamic or condenser
Dynamic mics pick up less room noise and keyboard clatter, which suits untreated rooms. Condensers capture more detail and more of the room.
Mute and monitoring
Tap-to-mute and a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring matter on streams and calls.
How to Choose a Gaming Microphone Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want the most complete package | 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 mute control | Wave:3 MK.2 | A capacitive mute mute control |
| Buyers who want a multi-pattern | QuadCast 2 | A multi-pattern |
| Keeping the budget tight | AT2020 | Undercutting the QuadCast 2 on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuadCast 2 S | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern (4) | Tap-to-mute |
| NT1 Signature | XLR | Condenser | Cardioid | None |
| Wave:3 MK.2 | USB-C | Condenser | Cardioid | Capacitive mute |
| QuadCast 2 | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern | Tap-to-mute |
| AT2020 | XLR | Condenser | Cardioid | None |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least I can spend on one of these microphones?
That was the AT2020 at our last check; if you can stretch, the QuadCast 2 is the next step up and the QuadCast 2 S the priciest.
Do USB mics work on consoles?
Some do; check the product page for PS4, PS5 or Xbox support.
Do I need a pop filter?
It helps with plosive sounds such as P and B. Many mics include a foam cover or internal filter.
What interface do I need for XLR?
Any USB audio interface with an XLR input and enough gain. Condensers also need 48V phantom power.
How do I reduce keyboard noise?
Use a dynamic or cardioid mic, position it close to your mouth and pointed away from the keyboard, and consider a boom arm.
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 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.