Buying Guide
The Best USB Mics for Gaming and Streaming
We weighed five microphones on connection and capsule, and the FDUCE M160 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A USB microphone plugs in with no interface and suits most streamers. Every pick connects over USB only, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these microphones on connection, capsule and polar pattern using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these microphones ourselves, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
FDUCE M160 USB Gaming Microphone
A lower price than the MRSDY and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for FDUCE M160 USB Gaming Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Stand In the Box
MRSDY USB Gaming Microphone
A stand in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want a stand in the box.
Our take Check price for MRSDY USB Gaming Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone
Two capsules.
Best for: Buyers who want two capsules.
Our take Check price for Logitech G Yeti Nano 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)
Premium Pick
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Microphone
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Clipguard 2.0 anti-distortion.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
FDUCE M160 USB Gaming Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FDUCE's M160 adds a headphone monitoring jack to a budget cardioid USB mic.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
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. A USB (USB-C adapter) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Yeti Nano uses a USB connection. It shares a cardioid polar pattern with the MRSDY and Wave:3 MK.2; the QuadCast 2 goes with a multi-pattern.
Like the MRSDY and Yeti Nano, it has a mute button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap-to-mute mute control. It also comes with RGB lighting. 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 MRSDY the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB (USB-C adapter)
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: Mute 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
Stand In the Box2 of 5
MRSDY USB Gaming Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MRSDY's mic adds noise reduction, a gain control and a 3.5mm monitoring jack.
Best for
- Buyers who want a stand in the box.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the FDUCE M160 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 Yeti Nano and QuadCast 2; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a USB-C connection. It shares a cardioid polar pattern with the FDUCE M160 and Wave:3 MK.2; the QuadCast 2 goes with a multi-pattern. Like the FDUCE M160 and Yeti Nano, it has a mute button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap-to-mute mute control.
It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. When we checked, only the FDUCE M160 cost less, and the Yeti Nano cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: Mute button
- Headphone monitoring: 3.5mm jack
- In the box: Stand
Pros
- Noise reduction
- Gain control
- 3.5mm monitoring jack
- Stand in the box, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the FDUCE M160 at the time of writing
Also Consider3 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 two capsules.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the FDUCE M160 was cheaper at our last price check.
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.
Like the MRSDY and QuadCast 2, it has a USB connection, while the FDUCE M160 uses a USB (USB-C adapter) connection. A condenser (two capsules) is unique to it among these picks, while the MRSDY uses a condenser capsule. It shares a mute button mute control with the FDUCE M160 and MRSDY; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a capacitive mute mute control.
It also comes with a smaller body than the Yeti. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. Its price falls between the MRSDY and the QuadCast 2, based on our last check.
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 FDUCE M160 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
- Skip it if price comes first: the FDUCE M160 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. It shares a USB connection with the MRSDY and Yeti Nano; the Wave:3 MK.2 goes with a USB-C connection.
A multi-pattern is unique to it among these picks, while the Wave:3 MK.2 uses a cardioid polar pattern. It is the only pick here with a tap-to-mute mute control; the FDUCE M160 has a mute button mute control instead. You also get an internal shock mount.
It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. When we checked, only the Yeti Nano and cheaper picks cost less, and the Wave:3 MK.2 cost more.
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 FDUCE M160 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 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 the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the FDUCE M160 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C. A USB-C connection is unique to it among these picks, while the MRSDY uses a USB connection. It shares a cardioid polar pattern with the FDUCE M160 and MRSDY; the QuadCast 2 goes with a multi-pattern.
No other pick in this guide offers a capacitive mute mute control; compare the Yeti Nano, which has a mute button mute control. It also offers Clipguard 2.0 anti-distortion and onboard DSP. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. Only the QuadCast 2 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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 FDUCE M160 at the time of writing
How We Chose These USB Mics for Gaming and Streaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five microphones on connection, capsule, polar pattern and mute control as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the FDUCE M160 to the Wave:3 MK.2, 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 a stand in the box; the Yeti Nano for two capsules.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the FDUCE M160 (under $50) to the Wave:3 MK.2 ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a USB Mic for Gaming and Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capsule
The FDUCE M160, the MRSDY, the QuadCast 2 and the Wave:3 MK.2 list Condenser; the Yeti Nano lists Condenser (two capsules).
Mute control
The FDUCE M160, the MRSDY and the Yeti Nano list mute button; the QuadCast 2 lists tap-to-mute; the Wave:3 MK.2 lists capacitive mute. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Extras that separate them
The Yeti Nano: cardioid and omni patterns. The QuadCast 2: a 9.84ft cable. The Wave:3 MK.2: automatic gain.
Budget
Under $50 buys the FDUCE M160 and the MRSDY; $50 to $100 buys the Yeti Nano; $100 to $150 buys the QuadCast 2 and the Wave:3 MK.2 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build: the FDUCE M160. Buyers who want a stand in the box: the MRSDY. Buyers who want a multi-pattern: the QuadCast 2.
How to Choose a USB Mic for Gaming and Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | FDUCE M160 | A lower price than the MRSDY and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a stand in the box | MRSDY | A stand in the box |
| Buyers who want two capsules | Yeti Nano | Two capsules |
| Buyers who want a multi-pattern | QuadCast 2 | A multi-pattern |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Wave:3 MK.2 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Clipguard 2.0 anti-distortion |
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 | Mute button |
| MRSDY | USB | Condenser | Cardioid | Mute button |
| Yeti Nano | USB | Condenser (two capsules) | Cardioid, omni | Mute button |
| QuadCast 2 | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern | Tap-to-mute |
| Wave:3 MK.2 | USB-C | Condenser | Cardioid | Capacitive mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The FDUCE M160 was the lowest-priced pick and the Wave:3 MK.2 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Microphones |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | FDUCE M160, MRSDY |
| About $50 to $100 | Yeti Nano |
| About $100 to $150 | QuadCast 2, Wave:3 MK.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the QuadCast 2 our Multi-pattern Polar Pattern pick?
It earns the label for a multi-pattern. It suits anyone who wants a multi-pattern.
Do the FDUCE M160 and the MRSDY differ on connection?
The FDUCE M160 uses USB (USB-C adapter); the MRSDY, the Yeti Nano and the QuadCast 2 use USB; the Wave:3 MK.2 uses USB-C.
What extras do the FDUCE M160 and the MRSDY include?
The FDUCE M160: a headphone monitoring jack. The MRSDY: noise reduction. The Yeti Nano: two capsules.
Who should choose the MRSDY?
The MRSDY carries our Stand In the Box label for a stand in the box. It ranks second of 5 here.
Should I pick the FDUCE M160 or the Wave:3 MK.2?
The FDUCE M160 suits buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build; the Wave:3 MK.2 suits buyers who want the most complete package.
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 a stand in the box, the Yeti Nano for two capsules and the QuadCast 2 for a multi-pattern if those matter more to you.
Place the mic 10 to 15cm from your mouth.