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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Premium Pick
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X with Boom ArmThe top of this price range, adding 24-bit/96kHz recording.
Best for: Spending more than the QuadCast 2 S costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X with Boom Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB MicrophoneMore than 100 addressable RGB LEDs.
Best for: Buyers who want more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs.
Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 S 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)
Strong Alternative
Logitech G Yeti Nano USB MicrophoneTwo capsules.
Best for: Buyers who want two capsules.
Check price for Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone KitThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Yeti Nano the next step up.
Check price for MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone Kit on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X with Boom Arm
Audio-Technica's AT2020USB-X bundle records at 24-bit/96kHz and includes a boom arm.
Best for
- Spending more than the QuadCast 2 S costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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 control is unique to it among these picks, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap 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 specs
- Connection
- USB-C
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- Capacitive touch
- 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
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 mute control with the QuadCast 2; the MAONO DGM20S goes with a 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 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 MAONO DGM20S at the time of writing
Multi-pattern Polar Pattern3 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
- If budget leads, the MAONO DGM20S was cheaper at our last price check.
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. No other pick in this guide offers a multi-pattern; compare the AT2020USB-X, which has a cardioid polar pattern.
It shares a tap mute control with the QuadCast 2 S; the MAONO DGM20S goes with a 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 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 MAONO DGM20S at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone
Blue's Yeti Nano shrinks the Yeti to two capsules with cardioid and omni patterns.
Best for
- Buyers who want two capsules.
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 button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap 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 specs
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser (two capsules)
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid, omni
- Mute control
- 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
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, with the Yeti Nano the next step up.
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 button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 S uses a tap 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 specs
- Connection
- USB
- Capsule
- Condenser
- Polar pattern
- Cardioid
- Mute control
- 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
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 lined up five microphones on connection, capsule, polar pattern and mute control from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and all 6 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AT2020USB-X to the MAONO DGM20S, state connection, capsule and polar pattern.
- Who each pick suits
- The AT2020USB-X for the top of this price range, adding 24-bit/96kHz recording; the QuadCast 2 S for more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs; the QuadCast 2 for a multi-pattern.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MAONO DGM20S (under $50) to the AT2020USB-X ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a USB Condenser Microphone
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capsule
The AT2020USB-X, the QuadCast 2 S, the QuadCast 2 and the MAONO DGM20S list Condenser; the Yeti Nano lists Condenser (two capsules). Sort out capsule before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 4 and 1.
Mute control
The AT2020USB-X lists capacitive touch; the QuadCast 2 S and the QuadCast 2 list tap; the Yeti Nano and the MAONO DGM20S list button.
A microphone on a stand beside a laptop on a purple desk mat Features beyond the spec table
The QuadCast 2: a 9.84ft cable. The Yeti Nano: cardioid and omni patterns. The MAONO DGM20S: noise reduction.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the MAONO DGM20S; $50 to $100 buys the Yeti Nano; $100 to $150 buys the QuadCast 2 and the QuadCast 2 S; $150 to $250 buys the AT2020USB-X at our last check.
A microphone on a boom arm above two monitors Match the pick to your priority
Spending more than the QuadCast 2 S costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the AT2020USB-X. Buyers who want a multi-pattern: the QuadCast 2. Spending as little as possible, with the Yeti Nano the next step up: the MAONO DGM20S.
How to Choose a USB Condenser Microphone
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending more than the QuadCast 2 S costs for the fullest feature set in this group | 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 two capsules | Yeti Nano | Two capsules |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Yeti Nano the next step up | MAONO DGM20S | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AT2020USB-X, the QuadCast 2 S and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT2020USB-X | USB-C | Condenser | Cardioid | Capacitive touch |
| QuadCast 2 S | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern (4) | Tap |
| QuadCast 2 | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern | Tap |
| Yeti Nano | USB | Condenser (two capsules) | Cardioid, omni | Button |
| MAONO DGM20S | USB | Condenser | Cardioid | Button |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the MAONO DGM20S, sat in the under $50 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the AT2020USB-X at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| 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
What makes the QuadCast 2 the Multi-pattern Polar Pattern?
It earns the label for a multi-pattern. The MAONO DGM20S, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who wants a multi-pattern.
Do the AT2020USB-X and the QuadCast 2 S differ on connection?
The AT2020USB-X uses USB-C; the QuadCast 2 S, the QuadCast 2, the Yeti Nano and the MAONO DGM20S use USB.
Beyond the specs, what sets the AT2020USB-X and the QuadCast 2 S apart?
The AT2020USB-X: 24-bit/96kHz recording. The QuadCast 2 S: more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs. The QuadCast 2: a 20Hz to 20kHz response.
Should I pick the AT2020USB-X or the MAONO DGM20S?
The AT2020USB-X suits spending more than the QuadCast 2 S costs for the fullest feature set in this group; the MAONO DGM20S suits spending as little as possible, with the Yeti Nano the next step up.
What else do the Yeti Nano and the MAONO DGM20S offer?
The Yeti Nano: a smaller body than the Yeti. The MAONO DGM20S: a gain knob.
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 two capsules if those matter more to you.
Treat a bare room with soft furnishings; condensers pick up echo.
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 USB Microphones Under $50
- Similar guideThe Best USB Mics for Gaming and Streaming
- 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 Broadcast Microphones
- 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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