September 2024
Microphones: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of microphones rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2024.
Summary
On 4 Sep 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 95 microphone endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
73 microphones were endorsed in total, only 16 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 4 Sep 2024, 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
-
Audio-Technica: 8 microphones
(#1 is Audio-Technica AT2020)
-
Rode: 6 microphones
(#1 is Rode PodMic)
-
Shure: 4 microphones
(#1 is Shure SM57)
-
Blue: 3 microphones
(#1 is Blue Yeti)
-
HyperX: 3 microphones
(#1 is HyperX SoloCast)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Microphone |
Wirecutter
|
Tom's Guide
|
MusicTech
|
Music Radar
|
PianoDreamers
|
PC Gamer
|
SoundGuys
|
CNN Underscored
|
PCMag
|
IGN
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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.
|
-
|
1
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
+1 | $97 |
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
|
+1 | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
8
|
|
4
|
-2 | $250 |
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
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Blue Yeti X
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
6
|
- | $99 |
Rode PodMic
The Rode PodMic is a dynamic microphone with a well-balanced frequency response range, internal pop filter and damping features, cardioid polar pattern, XLR connectivity, and solid metal construction, making it a reliable and versatile choice for podcasters and content creators.
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $199 |
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.
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $277 |
SteelSeries Alias Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
|
9
|
+1 | $399 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
-1 | $73 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $50 |
HyperX SoloCast
The HyperX SoloCast is a high-quality USB microphone that delivers clear and detailed sound with a full, rich sound that is hard to match at its price point, making it an ideal choice for podcasters, streamers, and gamers who want a simple and effective way to record their voice without any unnecessary features or complications.
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
14
|
- | $130 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
15
|
New * | $279 |
Shure MV7 Plus
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
5
|
|
16
|
-1 | $249 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
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 | $3595 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Blue Yeti #1 in September 2024 because:
- 3 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
|
We ranked Shure SM57 #2 in September 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Shure SM57 as #1.
Music Radar
The best for loud guitar cabinets
|
Near indestructible
Inexpensive
Reliable
|
Not the most subtle
|
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 September 2024 ranking
Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
PCMag
IGN
We ranked Elgato Wave 3 #3 in September 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
|
Only cardioid polar pattern
|
We ranked Shure MV7 #4 in September 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Shure MV7 as #1.
Music Radar
The best microphone for content creation
|
Dual output adds versatility
MOTIV app is genuinely useful
|
USB-C connection would have been preferable
|
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
|
We ranked Blue Yeti X #5 in September 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 / Editor's Choice
|
Great sound
Several pickup patterns
Flexible recording
On-mic levels display
Gain knob
|
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 #6 in September 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 #7 in September 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked SteelSeries Alias Pro #8 in September 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 Shure SM7B #9 in September 2024 because:
- 3 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
|
We ranked Razer Seiren Mini #10 in September 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best budget mic
|
Pill-shaped design
Great sound
|
No mute button
Proprietary micro-USB
|
SoundGuys
Bang for your buck
|
Compact and portable
Easy to use
Sleek design
|
Odd height
Middling sound quality
Limited usability (one polar pattern)
|
We ranked HyperX SoloCast #11 in September 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best microphone on a budget
|
Very affordable
Good sound
Adjustable stand
Portable friendly
|
Limited controls
Cardioid pattern only
|
IGN
Best Ultra Cheap Microphone for Streaming
|
Beginner friendly
Compact
|
Only cardioid polar pattern
|
We ranked HyperX QuadCast S #12 in September 2024 because:
- 2 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
|
We ranked Shure MV7 Plus #13 in September 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
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
|
IGN
Best Hybrid XLR/USB Microphone for Streaming
|
USB and XLR connections
Solid build
|
No on-mic gain or volume controls
|
We ranked Rode NT1 #14 in September 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Music Radar
The best affordable condenser mic for vocals
|
Low noise
Excellent sound quality
Integrated shock mount
|
No pad or low-cut buttons
|
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
|
We ranked Electro-Voice RE20 #15 in September 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 Neumann U87 Ai #16 in September 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
