No matter the content of your channel, there are microphones for YouTube perfect for you.
Creating content for YouTube is an essential part of the modern media landscape, and having a high-quality microphone is key to success. Having good sound quality can make a massive difference in the audio quality of your videos. Because it can give them a more professional and enjoyable experience for viewers. With the right microphone, you can ensure your YouTube videos have top-notch video and sound quality that will captivate your audience.
Choosing the best microphone for YouTube depends on the type of videos you are creating. To ensure you are prepared for any situation, it may be beneficial to have more than one microphone. We have highlighted the top 7 YouTube mics to make it easier to decide which option best suits your needs.
7 Best Microphones For YouTube
Blue Yeti X
It offers four different polar patterns, allowing you to record audio in various situations, and it also features an LED meter that displays your recording levels in real-time. The Blue Yeti X is also compatible with Mac and Windows, making it very user-friendly. Additionally, it comes with Blue’s advanced Blue VO!CE software provides a range of customizable voice effects and presets, enabling you to enhance your audio quality further. |
Shure SM7B
Additionally, it has a shock mount and pop filter to minimize unwanted noise and vibration. The SM7B is built to last with rugged construction that can withstand heavy use, making it a reliable choice for YouTubers who need a high-quality mic for their content. |
Rode VideoMic
Additionally, it can be easily mounted onto a camera or stand for versatile positioning. Plus, it has a frequency response optimized for speech, making it ideal for vloggers, YouTubers, and content creators who want to capture clear and crisp audio for their videos. Lastly, it’s relatively affordable compared to high-end microphones, making it a popular choice among content creators. |
Audio-Technica AT2020
Additionally, its rugged construction provides a high maximum sound pressure level, making it suitable for recording various sources. This microphone is ideal for use with tablets, Mac, and Windows without additional interfaces or converters for recording. |
HyperX QuadCast
It is a versatile microphone for YouTube streaming, with four polar pattern options and additional accessories for professional-grade results. Its shock mount and pop filter protect against long-term wear and tear, and the included rubber ear pads and carrying case provide extra durability and convenience. Additionally, it is compatible with multiple devices and software, making it easy to use for both beginners and experienced creators. |
Rode SmartLav+
The omnidirectional mic capsule prevents you from constantly adjusting the mic depending on your subject’s movements. Plus, its low noise level ensures that background noise won’t interfere with your audio recordings. It also features an accompanying app that allows users to adjust the microphone’s settings and monitor audio levels. |
Elgato Wave3
Furthermore, the USB port also provides computer audio to the microphone, which can track your voice via the 3.5mm headphone jack. The blend between your live vocal and the computer and the gain control for the microphone and headphone volume can be adjusted using the knob with the accompanying LED indicators. |
It’s not unexpected that the Blue Yeti is favoured amongst YouTubers since it provides exceptional sound quality and abundant features at a reasonable cost. Thanks to its exceptional sound quality, versatility, and ease of use. 
The Shure SM7B has to be on the list of the best mics for YouTube because of its exceptional audio quality, versatility, and durability. It has a dynamic cardioid polar pattern which picks up sound from in front of the mic and rejects sound from the sides and back, making it ideal for capturing clear audio in noisy environments. It also has a switchable bass roll-off and mid-range boost to tailor the sound to the user’s preference. 
The Rode VideoMic is renowned for its high-quality audio recording capabilities and ease of use. Its directional design can pick up sound from its pointed direction while minimizing background noise. The microphone is also compact and lightweight, making it easy for vlogging or other on-the-go content creation. 
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is an outstanding condenser microphone renowned for its excellent sound quality. Featuring a low-mass diaphragm, the AT2020 has a broad frequency response, capturing every nuance of sound. It also has a superb transient response, accurately capturing the fast vibrations of instruments like the guitar. Moreover, you can plug in your headphones to the headphone jack and monitor your audio instantly. 
The HyperX QuadCast has quickly become a popular condenser microphone choice for content creators. Thanks to its eye-catching design, featuring integrated lighting effects that can add a unique flair to your recordings. 
Rode SmartLav+ is an ideal choice for those looking for exceptional sound quality for their online meetings, podcasts, interviews, and even vocal recordings. Additionally, it is suitable for mobile recordings due to its compatibility with smart devices. 
Elgato Wave3 is among the USB microphones designed for content creators, streamers, and gamers. It features a unique design with a built-in digital mixer that allows users to control their audio levels and effects in real time. The Wave3 also comes with various advanced features, such as a clip guard to prevent distortion, a mute button, and a headphone jack for monitoring. Choose the Best Microphone for Youtube Content
When selecting the best microphone for YouTube videos, you should consider your budget, recording environment, desired features, and the type of microphone that best meets your recording needs. Our guide provides advice on how to make an informed decision.
Types Of Microphones
- USB Mic – Many YouTubers and Vloggers favour USB microphones due to their ability to connect to a variety of devices, such as computers, webcams, and external cameras. Furthermore, they are often used in tandem with a tripod to record video footage.
- XLR mic – XLR mics are the go-to for filmmakers, musicians, radio stations, podcasters, and anyone else who works with audio. Although phantom power can be a useful resource, it can be inconvenient to manage on a set, as you’ll have to buy equipment such as a power source, mixer, audio interface, adapter, etc.
- Dynamic Mic – Dynamic microphones are ideal for recording louder noises and rejecting unwanted sounds. Though some of the finer nuances of the audio may be lost, background noise can be minimized.
- Condenser Mic – Condenser mics have excellent sound clarity and capture subtle nuances in vocal performances, making them ideal for studio recording. Additionally, content creators often use them for voice overs, vlogs, and podcasts.
- Lavalier Mic – Lavalier mics, also known as Lapel mics, are small hand-sized microphones which can be clipped onto clothing to be barely noticeable. They are often used for interviews, seminars, and performances as they are not intrusive.
- Shotgun Mic – A Shotgun microphone is a type of microphone that is typically attached to a DSLR or mirrorless camera and extends outwards towards the subject. It is especially useful for vloggers who are filming outdoors or away from their computer setup.
The Type Of Content You’re Producing
The best microphone for YouTube videos varies depending on the type of content being recorded and the equipment used to shoot it. Consequently, there is no definitive “best” microphone for everyone and every filming scenario.
Your Recording Environment
Where you plan on recording your YouTube videos should be considered when selecting the best microphone. Are you looking for a microphone that works best in a controlled environment or features that help you record in busy or windy conditions? Can you regulate the volume levels of your recording?
Shotgun mics are ideal for studio recordings but may not be the best choice for a YouTube video recorded outside of a studio. Conversely, lavalier mics are incredibly portable and convenient for on-the-go recordings. Albeit with a lower sound quality than a shotgun mic in a studio setting.
Having a variety of microphones on hand may be beneficial. As even the best microphones for YouTube may not produce the desired results when used in an unsuitable recording environment.
Microphone Polar Patterns
The polar pattern of a microphone is a measure of its sensitivity to sound from different angles or directions. In other words, it indicates how well the microphone can pick up sound from different directions.
- Omnidirectional mics can gather sound evenly from any direction, making them perfect for capturing background noise or recording with a large group.
- Cardioids pick up sound primarily from the front and reject sound behind the mic. This is why YouTubers often use them, as it helps to reduce background noise.
- Bi-directional mics can pick up sound from both the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides.
A popular pattern used for Youtube microphones is cardioid. This is a practical choice due to its ease of positioning and superior ability to reject off-axis sound.
Choose The Best Microphones For Youtube & Enhance Your Content
Before starting a podcast, make sure you have a plan of what you will discuss and a location to record your YouTube videos. It’s best to use an external microphone to capture audio without noise or sound waves.
It is crucial to consider factors such as sound quality, directionality, and compatibility with your recording setup. Don’t spend too much time deliberating on which microphones for YouTube to buy, as this will prevent you from progressing with creating great videos. Take the plunge and get started with your microphone! Make a commitment and start recording.
