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
-
Audio-Technica: 8 microphones
(#1 is Audio-Technica AT2020)
-
Rode: 6 microphones
(#1 is Rode PodMic)
-
Shure: 5 microphones
(#1 is Shure SM57)
-
HyperX: 3 microphones
(#1 is HyperX QuadCast S)
-
Neumann: 3 microphones
(#1 is Neumann U87 Ai)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| 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
|
- | $120 |
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 | $279 |
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 | $297 |
SteelSeries Alias Pro
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
-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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
-1 | $35 |
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 | $186 |
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
|
- | $119 |
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
|
- | $279 |
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 | $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 January 2025 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 January 2025 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 January 2025 ranking
IGN
PCMag
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
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.
IGN
Best Plug-In-Play Microphone for Streaming
|
Lots of on-mic controls
High audio resolution
|
Only cardioid polar pattern
|
SoundGuys
The Best
|
Sound quality
WaveLink software
Build quality
Audio Clipguard
|
One recording pattern
De-emphasized bass
|
We ranked Shure MV7 Plus #4 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
IGN
Best Hybrid XLR/USB Microphone for Streaming
|
USB and XLR connections
Solid build
|
No on-mic gain or volume controls
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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.
IGN
Best Microphone for Streaming
|
Knob offers controls for gain, mute, headphone volume, and blend
Four polar patterns
|
Uses micro-USB
|
SoundGuys
Best for streaming / Editor's Choice
|
Great sound
Several pickup patterns
Flexible recording
On-mic levels display
Gain knob
|
Price
Size
|
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.
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
|
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
|
We ranked SteelSeries Alias Pro #7 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Shure SM7B #8 in January 2025 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 #9 in January 2025 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 Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set #10 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked HyperX QuadCast S #11 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
IGN
Best Microphone for Gaming
|
Customizable RGB lighting
Four pickup patterns
|
Easy to accidentally nudge levels
|
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
|
We ranked Shure MV7 #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
Music Radar
The best microphone for content creation
|
Dual output adds versatility
MOTIV app is genuinely useful
|
USB-C connection would have been preferable
|
We ranked Rode NT1 #13 in January 2025 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 for vocals
|
Low noise
Excellent sound quality
Integrated shock mount
|
No pad or low-cut buttons
|
We ranked Electro-Voice RE20 #14 in January 2025 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 #15 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best microphones” rankings.
