January 2025

Microphones: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of microphones rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.

Summary

On 3 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 92 microphone endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

71 microphones were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 3 Jan 2025, Blue Yeti takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed microphone with 3 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 3 recommended it as the '#1 microphone' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking microphones start at $25.55 (PowerDeWise Lavalier) and go up to $3199 (Neumann U87 Ai). Median microphone costs $179 (Rode NT1A).
$25.55
$3199

At a glance - January Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Microphone
IGN
PCMag
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
1
- $100
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers.
-
-
11
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
2
- $99
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
3
- $130
Elgato Wave 3
The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
8
-
-
-
-
-
1
3
-
-
4
+12 $249
Shure MV7 Plus
5
7
-
-
-
6
-
-
3
-
5
-1 Check price
Blue Yeti X
1
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
6
-1 $149
Shure MV6
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
4
-
7
-1 $300
SteelSeries Alias Pro
3
4
-
-
-
7
-
-
-
-
8
-1 $389
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.
-
-
10
12
8
-
-
-
-
-
9
-1 $50
Razer Seiren Mini
The Razer Seiren Mini microphone is praised for its sound quality, directionality, and compatibility, making it a highly recommended choice for clear and focused audio recording in various applications.
-
-
-
-
-
2
5
-
-
-
10
-1 $180
Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set is a USB microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and several useful features, making it a great choice for streamers, podcasters, and content creators.
-
3
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
14
- $100
HyperX QuadCast S
The HyperX QuadCast S is a versatile and reliable USB microphone suitable for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and vocal recording, with four polar patterns, built-in pop filter and noise reduction technology, and two connectivity options.
6
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
15
- $249
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options.
-
-
4
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
16
+1 Check price
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.
-
6
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
17
+1 $449
Electro-Voice RE20
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic broadcast microphone with exceptional sound quality, advanced noise reduction features, and a wide frequency range, making it a versatile and reliable choice for professional audio recording and broadcasting applications.
-
-
8
13
-
-
-
-
-
-
18
+1 $3199
Neumann U87 Ai
The Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that delivers warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound quality, making it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments in a sound-treated recording space.
-
-
13
-
11
-
-
-
-
-

Microphone
#9 $49.92 Razer Seiren Mini
#2 $99 Shure SM57
#1 $99.99 Blue Yeti
#14 $99.99 HyperX QuadCast S
#3 $129.99 Elgato Wave 3
#6 $149 Shure MV6
#10 $179.99 Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
#4 $249 Shure MV7 Plus
#15 $249 Shure MV7
#7 $299.99 SteelSeries Alias Pro
#8 $389 Shure SM7B
#17 $449 Electro-Voice RE20
#18 $3199 Neumann U87 Ai

We ranked Blue Yeti #1 in January 2025 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Blue Yeti as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 18 Jun 2023)
The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers.
Critic endorsements:
MusicTech

Go to ranking

CNN Underscored

Best overall microphone

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Shure SM57 #2 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Shure SM57 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 4 Nov 2023)
The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Radar

The best for loud guitar cabinets

Near indestructible
Inexpensive
Reliable

Not the most subtle

Go to ranking

PianoDreamers

The King of Versatility

Go to ranking

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 January 2025 ranking

We ranked Elgato Wave 3 #3 in January 2025 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Elgato Wave 3 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 19 Jun 2023)
The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
Critic endorsements:
IGN

Best Plug-In-Play Microphone for Streaming

Lots of on-mic controls
High audio resolution

Only cardioid polar pattern

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

The Best

Sound quality
WaveLink software
Build quality
Audio Clipguard

One recording pattern
De-emphasized bass

Go to ranking

CNN Underscored

Best microphone for streaming

Go to ranking

We ranked Shure MV7 Plus #4 in January 2025 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
IGN

Best Hybrid XLR/USB Microphone for Streaming

USB and XLR connections
Solid build

No on-mic gain or volume controls

Go to ranking

PCMag

Best for Vocals

Excellent clarity and warmth
XLR and USB-C support
Customizable LED meter
Built-in pop filter
Intuitive desktop and mobile apps

Stand costs extra
No separate gain or volume controls

Go to ranking

PC Gamer

The best podcast microphone

Fantastic sound straight out of the box
Straightforward and powerful software
Tank-like build quality
Customisable RGB light strip

Expensive
Mic stand sold separately

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best microphone for serious podcasting

Touch LED panel
USB-C and XLR connectors
Real-time denoiser and digital popper stopper

Expensive in comparison to other mics
Boom arm sold separately

Go to ranking

We ranked Blue Yeti X #5 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Blue Yeti X as #1.
Critic endorsements:
IGN

Best Microphone for Streaming

Knob offers controls for gain, mute, headphone volume, and blend
Four polar patterns

Uses micro-USB

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best for streaming / Editor's Choice

Great sound
Several pickup patterns
Flexible recording
On-mic levels display
Gain knob

Price
Size

Go to ranking

We ranked Shure MV6 #6 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Shure MV6 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
PC Gamer

The best microphone

Small form factor
Excellent software
Auto levelling works very well
Sturdy desk stand

Included cable is too short
Stand footprint is a little large
Noise reduction is quite aggressive

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

All the useful stuff in one box

Affordable
Easy setup, plug-and-play
Adaptable
Glorious sound quality

Desktop stand not adjustable
Pricier than other entry-level mics

Go to ranking

We ranked SteelSeries Alias Pro #7 in January 2025 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Shure SM7B #8 in January 2025 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 18 Jun 2023)
The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.
Critic endorsements:
MusicTech

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

PianoDreamers

Best known as MJ's Vocal Mic

Go to ranking

We ranked Razer Seiren Mini #9 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 3 Sep 2023)
The Razer Seiren Mini microphone is praised for its sound quality, directionality, and compatibility, making it a highly recommended choice for clear and focused audio recording in various applications.
Critic endorsements:
PC Gamer

The best budget mic

Pill-shaped design
Great sound

No mute button
Proprietary micro-USB

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Bang for your buck

Compact and portable
Easy to use
Sleek design

Odd height
Middling sound quality
Limited usability (one polar pattern)

Go to ranking

We ranked Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set #10 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 18 Jun 2023)
The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set is a USB microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and several useful features, making it a great choice for streamers, podcasters, and content creators.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked HyperX QuadCast S #11 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 18 Jun 2023)
The HyperX QuadCast S is a versatile and reliable USB microphone suitable for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and vocal recording, with four polar patterns, built-in pop filter and noise reduction technology, and two connectivity options.
Critic endorsements:
IGN

Best Microphone for Gaming

Customizable RGB lighting
Four pickup patterns

Easy to accidentally nudge levels

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Shure MV7 #12 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 19 Jun 2023)
The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options.
Critic endorsements:
MusicTech

Go to ranking

Music Radar

The best microphone for content creation

Dual output adds versatility
MOTIV app is genuinely useful

USB-C connection would have been preferable

Go to ranking

We ranked Rode NT1 #13 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 19 Jun 2023)
The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

Music Radar

The best affordable condenser mic for vocals

Low noise
Excellent sound quality
Integrated shock mount

No pad or low-cut buttons

Go to ranking

We ranked Electro-Voice RE20 #14 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 18 Jun 2023)
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic broadcast microphone with exceptional sound quality, advanced noise reduction features, and a wide frequency range, making it a versatile and reliable choice for professional audio recording and broadcasting applications.
Critic endorsements:
MusicTech

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Neumann U87 Ai #15 in January 2025 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 18 Jun 2023)
The Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that delivers warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound quality, making it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments in a sound-treated recording space.
Critic endorsements:
MusicTech

Go to ranking

PianoDreamers

The King of Microphones

Go to ranking