April 2024
Microphones: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of microphones rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 6 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 110 microphone endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
79 microphones were endorsed in total, only 18 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 6 Apr 2024, Shure MV7 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed microphone with 6 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 microphone' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Rode: 8 microphones
(#1 is Rode PodMic)
-
Audio-Technica: 6 microphones
(#1 is Audio-Technica AT2020 USB)
-
Shure: 4 microphones
(#1 is Shure MV7)
-
Blue: 3 microphones
(#1 is Blue Yeti)
-
HyperX: 3 microphones
(#1 is HyperX QuadCast S)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Microphone |
CNN Underscored
|
SoundGuys
|
PC Gamer
|
PCMag
|
PianoDreamers
|
Music Radar
|
MusicTech
|
IGN
|
Tom's Guide
|
Just Creative
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | $249 |
Shure MV7
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
8
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
8
|
2
|
- | $87 |
Blue Yeti
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
1
|
5
|
3
|
- | $99 |
Shure SM57
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
- | $150 |
Elgato Wave 3
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
- | $399 |
Shure SM7B
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
11
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
6
|
- | Check price |
Blue Yeti X
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
- | $99 |
Rode PodMic
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
8
|
- | $173 |
Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
9
|
- | $297 |
SteelSeries Alias Pro
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
- | $38 |
Razer Seiren Mini
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
- | $117 |
HyperX QuadCast S
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
10
|
-
|
12
|
- | $30 |
Fifine K669B
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
15
|
- | $40 |
HyperX SoloCast
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
16
|
- | $219 |
Rode NT1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
- | $196 |
Sontronics Podcast Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
18
|
- | $449 |
Electro-Voice RE20
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
19
|
- | $228 |
Rode Procaster Dynamic
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
20
|
- | $3500 |
Neumann U87 Ai
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Shure MV7 #1 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Shure MV7 as #1.
PC Gamer
The best microphone
Excellent Vocals
USB/XLR combo
Versatile
Easy Use software
|
No mic stand included
Uses Micro-USB rather than Type-C
|
PCMag
Best for Vocals
Excellent dynamic mic for vocals
USB (digital) and XLR (analog) connections
Shure Motiv app provides real-time EQ and basic controls while recording
|
No included mic stand or mount
|
Music Radar
The best microphone for content creation
Dual output adds versatility
MOTIV app is genuinely useful
|
USB-C connection would have been preferable
|
IGN
Best Hybrid XLR/USB Microphone for Streaming
Both XLR and USB connections
48kHz sample rate and a 24-bit depth for superior sound
|
Expensive
|
Just Creative
The best USB microphone for podcasting
Good range and sound quality
Quite versatile
Comes with a direct to computer USB connection
|
Does not come with a mic stand included
|
We ranked Blue Yeti #2 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Blue Yeti as #1.
Tom's Guide
Editor's Choice / The best microphone overall
Versatile
Reasonably priced
Great sound quality
|
Not as precise as specialized mics
So-so mount
|
Just Creative
The best portable microphone
Affordable
Great audio quality
Easily portable
Great sound reproduction
|
Gain can only be adjusted through the Sherpa app
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend microphones.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of microphones, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for April 2024 ranking
We ranked Elgato Wave 3 #4 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Elgato Wave 3 as #1.
SoundGuys
The Best
Sound quality
WaveLink software
Build quality
Audio Clipguard
|
One recording pattern
De-emphasized bass
|
IGN
Best Plug-In-Play Microphone for Streaming
Lots of on-mic controls
High audio resolution with a 96kHz sample rate and 24-bit depth
|
Only cardioid polar pattern
|
We ranked Shure SM7B #5 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Music Radar
The best for recording vocals in untreated rooms
Peerless sound quality for a dynamic
Excellent noise rejection
A joy to use in untreated rooms
Built-in pop filter, electromagnetic shielding, suspension and windscreen
|
Requires oodles of clean gain
|
Just Creative
The best high-end microphone
Outstanding sound quality
Solid and rugged build
Easy to use
Great sound reproduction
|
Must be used along with a mixer
|
We ranked Blue Yeti X #6 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Blue Yeti X as #1.
SoundGuys
Best for streaming/ Editors' Choice
Great sound
Several pickup patterns
Flexible recording
|
Price
Size
|
IGN
Best Microphone for Streaming
Knob offers controls for gain, mute, headphone volume, and blend
Four polar patterns
|
Uses micro-USB
|
We ranked Rode PodMic #7 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Rode PodMic as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best microphone for serious podcasting
Fantastic sound
High build quality
Low price
Internal pop filter
|
Not ideal for newcomers
Stand not included
|
We ranked Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set #8 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best USB microphone and boom arm bundle
Good build quality
Great value
Clean, crisp sound
|
Lack of desk stand in streaming kit
Cardioid only
|
PCMag
Best All-In-One Package / Editors' Choice
Quality vocal mic with transparent signal
Onboard gain, mix, and headphone controls
Sturdy boom arm
Long cable
|
Lacks software with effects and presets
Doesn't include pop filter
|
Tom's Guide
A great USB mic in a professional package
Simulates the studio setup
Easy plug-and-play setup
Visible indicator for hot signals and plosives
|
No pop filter
|
We ranked SteelSeries Alias Pro #9 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best microphone for streaming
Capable of studio-like sound capture
Stream mixer is discreet and powerful
Sonar software makes audio setup simple
Superb build quality
|
You really need a boom arm to get the most out of it
The SteelSeries Boom Arm (sold separately) is expensive
Expensive all-round
|
PCMag
Best XLR Mic for Beginners/ Editors' Choice
Excellent sound, clear signal
Powerful streaming software with multiple audio sources, outputs
Parametric EQ for both mic and outputs
Easy to set up
|
Pricey
Single-port mixer won't accommodate additional microphones
|
IGN
Best High-End Microphone for Streaming
XLR mic that includes the necessary interface
Two USB ports to connect multiple PCs
|
More of a learning curve than USB mics
|
We ranked Razer Seiren Mini #10 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
SoundGuys
Bang for your buck
Compact and portable
Easy to use
Sleek design
|
Odd height
Middling sound quality
Limited usability (one polar pattern)
|
PC Gamer
The best budget mic
Pill-shaped design
Great sound
|
No mute button
Proprietary micro-USB
|
IGN
Best Microphone for Beginner Streamers
Budget-friendly
Plug and play
|
No on-mic gain control
|
We ranked HyperX QuadCast S #11 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best microphone with RGB lighting
Easy to set use
Touch-sensitive mute button
Built-in Shockmount
Cool RGB lighting
|
RGB is not for everyone...
and costly
|
IGN
Best Microphone for Gaming
Customizable RGB lighting
Four pickup patterns
|
Easy to accidentally nudge levels
|
Tom's Guide
A gaming microphone with customizable lighting
High sound quality
Customizable lighting
Built-in shock mount and pop filter
|
Standard QuadCast is cheaper
|
We ranked Fifine K669B #12 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Just Creative
The best budget-friendly USB microphone
Affordable price
Solid build
Good audio quality and versatile range
Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS
|
The cable could be better quality
|
We ranked HyperX SoloCast #13 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
IGN
Best Ultra Cheap Microphone for Streaming
Beginner friendly
Compact
|
Only cardioid polar pattern
|
Tom's Guide
The best microphone on a budget
Very affordable
Good sound
Adjustable stand
Portable friendly
|
Limited controls
Cardioid pattern only
|
We ranked Rode NT1 #14 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
PCMag
Best for USB and XLR Inputs
Features both XLR and USB inputs
Solid digital signal processing options for USB mode
Up to 192kHz, 32-bit float audio quality
Box includes shock mount, cables, and pop filter
|
Not all processing options are available for every audio quality setting
Lacks physical gain and volume knobs
No headphone jack
|
Music Radar
The best affordable condenser mic
Low noise
Sound quality
Integrated shock mount
USB interface
|
No minimal latency monitoring facility
Doesn't support 44.1kHz sample rate
|
We ranked Sontronics Podcast Pro #15 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Just Creative
The best-looking podcast microphone
Good for recording speech and podcasts
Great unique design
Comes with an internal shock mount
Good price
|
Can have issues rejecting ambient noise when multiple sounds are being recorded
|
We ranked Electro-Voice RE20 #16 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Music Radar
The dynamic mic that thinks it’s a condenser
No proximity effect
No off-axis colouration
Superb rejection of unwanted sounds
Legendary for voice, but great for vocals and some instruments too
|
Needs a lot of clean gain
|
We ranked Rode Procaster Dynamic #17 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Just Creative
The best microphone that’s built to work
Clear and focused audio
Solid build
Handles ambient noise extremely well
Comes with stand mount and a zip pouch
|
A bit pricey
|