The 12 Best USB Microphones of 2021

Dive into a superb selection of 12 winning USB microphones, covering podcasting, vocals, streaming, and so much more.

Looking for the best USB microphone for your home studio? With many of us creating from our desktops these days, it’s never been a better time to explore the wonders of the USB mic and the ease at which it can bring professionalism to your streams, music recordings, and even the home office.

One of the key benefits of the USB microphone is its simplicity: plug it into your computer and the setup is done. But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve seriously impressive results. So without further ado, let’s check out the best USB microphones that 2021 has to offer.

Razer Seirēn X

Razer is the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers. Operating out of California and Singapore, they have designed and built the largest gamer-focused ecosystem of hardware, software, and services. So it was only a matter of time before they released a signature USB microphone.

Designed with an ultra-precise pickup pattern for the voice, Razer Seirēn X is a compact mic developed to “elevate streaming to professional heights”. Whether you’re a streamer looking to produce quality content or someone who requires a solid video call setup for remote work meetings, Razer wants you to “say it loud and clear” with the Razer Seirēn X.

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Sennheiser MK4 Digital

This year saw the German audio tech company Sennheiser turn 75. They are world-renowned for the enhanced sonic experiences they have created, especially in the fields of headphones and microphones. When they released the MK4 Digital, it became popular for its fine resolution and outstanding sound quality.

The Sennheiser MK4 Digital USB offers a similar high-resolution sound as a true condenser mic with customary simplicity and finesse. It’s specifically designed for increasing the resolution of voices, singing and acoustic instruments, imparting Sennheiser’s signature warmth on any signal that passes through it.

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Earthworks Icon

Earthworks Audio are known for their premium omnidirectional microphones, often found mounted around drum kits and other instrumental sessions. However, it’s only recently that Earthworks have dipped their foot into the massive pond of affordable home recording, with their latest microphone, the Icon, being the most affordable model yet.

Arguably the most visually stunning microphone on the list, the Earthworks Icon features vintage styling and a simple silver steel colour scheme, looking like something you would expect a 1950s radio host to have used. However, what lies underneath its beautiful shell is what truly makes this microphone an icon.

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Antelope Audio Axino Synergy Core

Antelope Audio has just released their latest in modelling mics with the Axino Synergy Core. A company known for their audio equipment manufacturing, they are dedicated to achieving high-definition sound for professionals and audiophiles alike.

Beyond its hybrid preamp design and gold-spluttered diaphragm, its modelling engine enables access to 18 emulations of other legendary microphones, from dynamic designs to classic condensers.

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RØDE Podcaster

The RØDE Podcaster can be set apart from the NT-USB as its slightly more expensive, high-quality cousin is about as sophisticated and intuitive as a USB microphone can get, specially designed for broadcasters.

This dynamic microphone blends the sophistication of broadcast-quality audio with the simplicity of USB connectivity, enabling straight-to-computer recording without the need for any audio interface. Along with a built-in pop filter, it captures those nasty plosives that can overload the microphone and distort the audio output.

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Mackie EM-91CU

Based on the much-loved EM-91C condenser mic, the EM-91CU is Mackie’s answer to your home recording challenges, offering the same studio-worthy warmth and clarity with the simplicity of USB connectivity. Perfect for remote work, podcasting and live streaming, this microphone is providing incredible tone without the fuss.

Described as a ‘jack of all trades microphone’, the EM-91CU has your sonic waves accentuated through subtle low-frequency harmonics, ensuring depth and power.

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Tula Microphone

Tula has designed a high-quality USB mic that is ideal for podcasting, video calls, creating YouTube videos and more. The Tula’s range of polar patterns allows you to record anything from intimate interviews to large ensembles. And with its own internal memory and battery, the Tula can also record on its own without a computer — a standout feature for recording on the go.

Tula was designed in collaboration with the Russian-based Soyuz microphones, which have become well-known for their handmade, boutique studio microphones. A revolutionary noise-reducing algorithm has been installed in the Tula mic’s firmware, meaning invasive sounds can be eliminated with a single button.

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AKG Lyra Ultra-HD Multimide USB Microphone

The AKG Lyra’s four-capsule “Adaptive Array” offers a range of recording options — Front (for solo recordings), Front and Back (for band recordings), Tight Stereo (for solo instrument recordings) and Wide Stereo (for recordings with ambience).

AKG has installed its cutting-edge Internal Element Overload Prevention and built-in sound diffuser for noise reduction and improved signal levels for optimal performance. The AKG Lyra can be used with your PC, MAC, iOS and Android and is a powerful recording tool for professional sound in an affordable, easy to use package.

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Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

AT2020USB+ is an easy plug and play recording device, that is excellent for both the first-timers and more seasoned users who want a light and easy setup. Presented in a slick, all-metal construction, the AT2020USB+ was released in 2020 in a silver-chromed edition, if that’s more your style. But how does it sound?

It has an extended frequency response, which makes it perfect to capture all the details of podcasts, home studio recordings, field recordings and voiceovers. With a built-in analogue to digital converter sampling 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz, the AT2020USB+ aims to be a one-stop-shop for no compromises desktop recording.

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Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition USB Microphone

When the Blue Yeti USB microphone made its debut, Wired said it made “other lesser USB mics look downright abominable”. And that’s a pretty huge claim. This year, Blue released a WOW edition for gamers and streamers to create audio like never before.

Made in conjunction with Blizzard Entertainment, you can transform the sound of your voice using new advanced voice modulation effects with Warcraft character presets. There’s a wide range of legendary WOW character presets to choose from or you can create a custom voice tailor-made for your character. Non-gamers will have just as much fun with these extra features.

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Samson Go Mic

Samson has become leaders in the wireless field and their USB microphones are industry standards. They actually introduced the first professional USB microphones to be used by musicians, broadcasters and podcasters way back in 2005.

The Go Mic’s range of functionality extends beyond typical USB microphones. It’s a multi-pattern, portable USB microphone for podcasters, streamers, musicians or anyone looking to improve the quality of their digital audio. What’s more, you don’t even need a mic stand — it comes with an integrated clip design that allows you to mount the microphone directly onto your laptop! Oh yeah, and it fits right in your pocket with a unique fold-up design.

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Shure MV5

Before Elvis left the building, he not only brought rock ‘n’ roll to the masses but gave the Shure 55SH Series II worldwide acclaim. The MV5 is a fun, modern take on that classic mic, packing the clarity of almost a century of audio experience into a super-portable microphone that Elvis would be singing into today in the halls of Graceland.

This digital condenser microphone records high-quality audio and is supported by the ShurePlus MOTIV app to enable mixing on iOS platforms. It includes a headphone output for audio monitoring, 3 DSP presets to tweak gain, EQ, compression, and a desktop stand. It’s great for both vocal recordings and brings out the warmth and clarity of an acoustic guitar, for example. Thank ya very much.

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