September 2023

Microphones: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of microphones rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.

Summary

On 2 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 108 microphone endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

83 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 2 Sep 2023, 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
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking microphones start at $29.99 (Fifine K669) and go up to $3295 (Neumann U87 Ai). Median microphone costs $179 (Rode NT1A).
$29.99
$3295

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Microphone
Music Radar
PCMag
PianoDreamers
MusicTech
Tom's Guide
Music Grotto
CNN Underscored
Just Creative
IGN
PC Gamer
1
- $245
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.
6
7
-
4
-
-
-
8
4
1
2
- $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
5
-
-
3
- $397
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
-
8
10
-
-
-
6
-
-
4
- $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.
-
-
-
1
3
-
-
-
-
-
5
- $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.
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
-
5
5
6
- $30
Fifine K669
The Fifine K669 USB microphone is a budget-friendly option with a cardioid pickup pattern that reduces background noise and focuses on vocals, making it ideal for podcasters, live streamers, and radio broadcasters who want clarity focused on vocals.
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
2
-
-
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.
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
8
- $40
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.
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
3
-
15
New * $40
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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
2
16
-1 $150
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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
7
-
17
-1 $269
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.
4
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
18
-1 $203
Sontronics Podcast Pro
The Sontronics Podcast Pro microphone is a reliable and high-quality option for podcasters, streamers, and other content creators who prioritize sound quality, with a super-cardioid pickup pattern that minimizes background noise and compatibility with any device that has an XLR input.
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
15
-
-
19
-1 $233
Aston Origin
The Aston Origin microphone is a versatile and reliable option for recording vocals and acoustic instruments in a studio setting, delivering clear and natural sound with built-in pop filter and shock isolation.
7
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
20
-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.
11
-
-
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
21
-1 $229
Rode Procaster Dynamic
The Rode Procaster Dynamic microphone is a broadcast-quality, cardioid polar pattern microphone that delivers clear and professional sounding vocals, making it an ideal choice for podcasters, broadcasters, and musicians who require a durable and reliable microphone for their professional needs.
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
17
-
-
22
-1 $3295
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.
-
-
11
13
-
-
-
-
-
-

; ; ;
#6 $29.99 Fifine K669
#8 $39.97 HyperX SoloCast
#15 $39.99 Razer Seiren Mini
#4 $99 Rode PodMic
#2 $99.99 Blue Yeti
#5 $129.99 HyperX QuadCast S
#16 $149.99 Elgato Wave 3
#7 $199 Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
#18 $202.82 Sontronics Podcast Pro
#21 $229 Rode Procaster Dynamic
#19 $232.99 Aston Origin
#1 $244.99 Shure MV7
#17 $269 Rode NT1
#3 $396.99 Shure SM7B
#20 $449 Electro-Voice RE20
#22 $3295 Neumann U87 Ai

We ranked Shure MV7 #1 in September 2023 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Shure MV7 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
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

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

Go to ranking

MusicTech

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

IGN

Best Higher-End Microphone for Streaming

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Blue Yeti #2 in September 2023 because:

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

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

CNN Underscored

Best overall microphone

Go to ranking

Just Creative

The best portable microphone

Affordable
Great audio quality
Easily portable
Great sound reproduction

Gain can only be adjusted through the Sherpa app

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 September 2023 ranking

We ranked Shure SM7B #3 in September 2023 because:

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

MusicTech

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Rode PodMic #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Rode PodMic as #1.
Critic endorsements:
MusicTech

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked HyperX QuadCast S #5 in September 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

IGN

Best Microphone for Gaming

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 Fifine K669 #6 in September 2023 because:

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

Best budget microphone

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set #7 in September 2023 because:

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

Best All-In-One Package

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 SoloCast #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Tom's Guide

The best microphone on a budget

Very affordable
Good sound
Adjustable stand
Portable friendly

Limited controls
Cardioid pattern only

Go to ranking

IGN

Best Ultra Cheap Microphone for Streaming

Go to ranking

We ranked Razer Seiren Mini #9 in September 2023 because:

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

Best Microphone for Beginner Streamers

Go to ranking

PC Gamer

The best budget mic

Pill-shaped design
Great sound

No mute button
Proprietary micro-USB

Go to ranking

We ranked Elgato Wave 3 #10 in September 2023 because:

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

Best microphone for streaming

Go to ranking

IGN

Best Plug-In-Play Microphone for Streaming

Go to ranking

We ranked Rode NT1 #11 in September 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

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

We ranked Sontronics Podcast Pro #12 in September 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Aston Origin #13 in September 2023 because:

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

The best low-priced condenser mic

Fantastic price
Boutique appearance

Very few

Go to ranking

Music Grotto

Versatile for most voices
127 dB max SPL
Custom, mountable end caps
Built-in shock isolation adds a layer of durability

No shock mount included
Low-cut filter doesn’t lend to dynamic vocals

Go to ranking

We ranked Electro-Voice RE20 #14 in September 2023 because:

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

MusicTech

Go to ranking

We ranked Rode Procaster Dynamic #15 in September 2023 because:

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

More than just a podcasting mic

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Neumann U87 Ai #16 in September 2023 because:

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

The King of Microphones

Go to ranking

MusicTech

Go to ranking