Buying Guide
The Best USB Condenser Microphones
From the MAONO DGM20S to the AT2020USB-X: five microphones ranked on connection and capsule, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
USB condenser microphones capture detail and plug straight into a PC, but they also hear more of the room. Every pick is a USB condenser mic.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: connection, capsule and polar pattern come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X with Boom Arm
The top of this price range, adding 24-bit/96kHz recording.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X with Boom Arm (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone
More than 100 addressable RGB LEDs.
Best for: Buyers who want more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs.
Our take Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 S 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)
Desk Stand In the Box
Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone
A desk stand in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want a desk stand in the box.
Our take Check price for Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone Kit
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone Kit (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X with Boom Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Audio-Technica's AT2020USB-X bundle records at 24-bit/96kHz and includes a boom arm.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the MAONO DGM20S cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Mute is a capacitive touch pad. No other pick in this guide offers a USB-C connection; compare the Yeti Nano, which has a USB connection. Like the MAONO DGM20S, it has a cardioid polar pattern, while the QuadCast 2 S uses a multi-pattern (4).
A capacitive touch mute mute control is unique to it among these picks, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap-to-mute mute control. 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 QuadCast 2 S and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB-C
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: Capacitive touch mute
- Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
- In the box: Boom arm
Pros
- 24-bit/96kHz recording
- Capacitive touch mute
- Boom arm in the bundle
- USB-C connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the MAONO DGM20S at the time of writing
Also Consider2 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 more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MAONO DGM20S, which 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.
It is the only pick here with a multi-pattern (4); the MAONO DGM20S has a cardioid polar pattern instead. It shares a tap-to-mute mute control with the QuadCast 2; the MAONO DGM20S goes with a mute button mute control. It shares a stand with shock mount in the box with the QuadCast 2; the Yeti Nano goes with a desk stand in the box.
It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. Its price falls between the QuadCast 2 and the AT2020USB-X, based on our last check.
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 MAONO DGM20S at the time of writing
Multi-pattern Polar Pattern3 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
- If budget leads, the MAONO DGM20S was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The cable is 9.84ft. No other pick in this guide offers a multi-pattern; compare the AT2020USB-X, which has a cardioid polar pattern. It shares a tap-to-mute mute control with the QuadCast 2 S; the MAONO DGM20S goes with a mute button mute control.
It shares a stand with shock mount in the box with the QuadCast 2 S; the Yeti Nano goes with a desk stand in the box. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Yeti Nano and the pricier QuadCast 2 S, 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 MAONO DGM20S at the time of writing
Desk Stand In the Box4 of 5
Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Blue's Yeti Nano shrinks the Yeti to two capsules with cardioid and omni patterns.
Best for
- Buyers who want a desk stand in the box.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the MAONO DGM20S cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It keeps a headphone output. Cardioid and omni patterns cover solo and group recording, and onboard controls handle headphone volume, mute and pattern. Blue VO!CE software adds broadcast effects.
No other pick in this guide offers a condenser (two capsules); compare the QuadCast 2, which has a condenser capsule. Like the MAONO DGM20S, it has a mute button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap-to-mute mute control. It is the only pick here with a desk stand in the box; the AT2020USB-X has a boom arm in the box instead.
You also get a smaller body than the Yeti. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It was priced above the MAONO DGM20S and below the QuadCast 2 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser (two capsules)
- Polar pattern: Cardioid, omni
- Mute control: Mute button
- Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
- In the box: Desk stand
Pros
- Two capsules
- Cardioid and omni patterns
- Smaller body than the Yeti
- Condenser (two capsules), the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the MAONO DGM20S at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone Kit on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MAONO's DGM20S kit includes a boom arm, shock mount and pop filter with noise reduction and a gain knob.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no headphone jack listed.
Why we like it
It is the most complete cheap kit here. It comes with a metal boom arm and shock mount, works with PC, Mac and PS5 without drivers, and has controllable RGB. It shares a cardioid polar pattern with the AT2020USB-X; the QuadCast 2 goes with a multi-pattern.
Like the Yeti Nano, it has a mute button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 S uses a tap-to-mute mute control. You get a none stated headphone monitoring here, which sets it apart from the Yeti Nano and its a headphone jack headphone monitoring. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Yeti Nano the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: Mute button
- Headphone monitoring: None stated
- In the box: Boom arm, shock mount, pop filter
Pros
- Boom arm, shock mount and pop filter
- Noise reduction
- Gain knob
- None stated headphone monitoring, the only one here
Cons
- No headphone jack listed
How We Chose These USB Condenser Microphones
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connection
- We recorded USB, XLR or hybrid connections.
- Controls
- We checked mute, gain and headphone monitoring.
- Mounting
- We noted stands, arms, shock mounts and pop filters in the box.
- Capsule and pattern
- We noted dynamic or condenser capsules and polar patterns.
What to Look for in a USB Condenser Microphone
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.
Mute and monitoring
Tap-to-mute and a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring matter on streams and calls.
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.
How to Choose a USB Condenser Microphone
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | AT2020USB-X | The top of this price range, adding 24-bit/96kHz recording |
| Buyers who want more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs | QuadCast 2 S | More than 100 addressable RGB LEDs |
| Buyers who want a multi-pattern | QuadCast 2 | A multi-pattern |
| Buyers who want a desk stand in the box | Yeti Nano | A desk stand in the box |
| Spending as little as possible | MAONO DGM20S | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT2020USB-X | USB-C | Condenser | Cardioid | Capacitive touch mute |
| QuadCast 2 S | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern (4) | Tap-to-mute |
| QuadCast 2 | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern | Tap-to-mute |
| Yeti Nano | USB | Condenser (two capsules) | Cardioid, omni | Mute button |
| MAONO DGM20S | USB | Condenser | Cardioid | Mute button |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Microphones |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | MAONO DGM20S |
| About $50 to $100 | Yeti Nano |
| About $100 to $150 | QuadCast 2, QuadCast 2 S |
| About $150 to $250 | AT2020USB-X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick costs the least here?
That was the MAONO DGM20S at our last check; if you can stretch, the Yeti Nano is the next step up and the AT2020USB-X the priciest.
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.
How far should I sit from the mic?
About a hand's width to 15cm for most voice mics; dynamic mics often want to be closer.
Do USB mics work on consoles?
Some do; check the product page for PS4, PS5 or Xbox support.
Is a separate mic better than a headset mic?
Usually, yes: a desk mic has a larger capsule and sits in a fixed position. Placement still matters more than price.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AT2020USB-X, chosen for the top of this price range, adding 24-bit/96kHz recording. Look at the QuadCast 2 S for more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs, the QuadCast 2 for a multi-pattern and the Yeti Nano for a desk stand in the box if those matter more to you.
Treat a bare room with soft furnishings; condensers pick up echo.