5 best microphones for streaming on YouTube and Twitch in 2023

5 best microphones for streaming
5 best microphones for streaming on YouTube and Twitch (Image via Sportskeeda)

Streaming has gained popularity as a means for gamers and content creators to display their skills and develop their own communities. Platforms such as YouTube and Twitch have made high-quality audio essential for broadcasters to improve their material. A decent microphone is needed for this since it may considerably enhance the viewing experience.

This article will list the five of them that are ideal for streaming on YouTube and Twitch in 2023.


AT2020, HyperX QuadCast S, and other top-tier streaming microphones

1) Audio Technica AT2020+ ($55)

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The Audio-Technica AT2020+ is a low-cost, easy-to-use condenser microphone. It has a cardioid polar pattern, which means this device picks up sound from the front and sides while rejecting it from the rear.

This microphone offers USB support, increasing its ease of use and negating the need for additional equipment. The AT2020+ offers a clear and natural sound perfect for streaming, and its compact size makes this device easy to mount on a boom arm or a mic stand.

Audio Technica AT2020+

Specifications
Microphone TypeCondenser
Polar PatternCardioid
Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity-37 dB (1.3 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Impedance100 ohms
Maximum SPL144 dB SPL (1 kHz at 1% THD)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio74 dB
Self-Noise20 dB SPL
ConnectorUSB
Power RequirementUSB bus-powered
Weight13.2 oz (374 g)
Dimensions (L x D)6.38" x 2.05" (162.0 mm x 52.0 mm)
Included AccessoriesPivoting stand mount, threaded adapter, storage pouch

2) HyperX QuadCast ($139)

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The HyperX QuadCast is a versatile and stylish microphone ideal for streamers who want high-quality sound without breaking the bank. It has a built-in shock mount to reduce vibrations and a pop filter to reduce plosives.

This entry also has a touch control for adjusting the volume and Mute and comes with four separate polar patterns to choose from; stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional.

The microphone ensures a clear and refined sound that is ideal for streaming and is also simple to set up and use right out of the box.

HyperX QuadCast

Specifications
Microphone TypeElectret condenser
Polar PatternCardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity-36 dBV/Pa (1V/Pa at 1kHz)
Impedance32 ohms
Maximum SPL120 dB SPL (THD≤1.0% at 1 kHz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio≥ 90 dB
Self-Noise≤ 10 dB SPL
ConnectorUSB
Power Requirement5V USB
Weight0.75 lbs (0.34 kg)
Dimensions (L x D)4.7" x 2.8" (120 mm x 70 mm)
Included AccessoriesShock mount, pop filter, adapter, stand

3) Elgato Wave:3 ($149)

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The Elgato Wave:3 is a professional-grade microphone designed specifically for streamers. It has a condenser capsule with a cardioid polar pattern, which makes this device ideal for picking up sound from the front while rejecting it from the rear. The Wave:3 also has a built-in pop filter and a shock mount to reduce unwanted sounds and vibrations, similar to HyperX's QuadCast.

It comes with a touch control that lets gamers adjust the volume and toggle Mute. Moreover, it provides a headphone output for monitoring audio in real-time. The microphone produces a warm and natural sound that is ideal for content creation, and it is compatible with a variety of applications as well as streaming platforms.

Elgato Wave:3

Specifications
Microphone TypeCondenser
Polar PatternCardioid
Frequency Response70 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity-25 dBFS/Pa @ 1kHz
Impedance7 kΩ
Maximum SPL120 dB SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio≥ 70 dB
Self-Noise≤ 25 dB
ConnectorUSB-C
Power Requirement5V USB
Weight1.34 lbs (610 g)
Dimensions (L x D)7.09" x 2.36" (180 mm x 60 mm)
Included AccessoriesDesktop stand, boom arm adapter, USB-C cable

4) Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set ($199)

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The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set is a complete solution for streamers who want a professional-grade microphone and headset. The former has a cardioid polar pattern, boom arm, and pop filter. The latter comes with a noise-canceling microphone.

The Streaming Set's microphone produces a clean, detailed sound and is easy to set up as well as use with the attached accessories. The headset is extremely comfortable to use for a long period of time, and its noise-cancelling microphone guarantees that your speech is heard clearly.

Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set

Specifications
Microphone TypeDynamic
Polar PatternCardioid
Frequency Response50 Hz - 16 kHz
Sensitivity-60 dBV/Pa
Impedance160 ohms
Maximum SPL140 dB SPL
Signal-to-Noise RatioNot specified
Self-NoiseNot specified
ConnectorXLR
Power RequirementPhantom power (+48V)
Weight0.9 lbs (408 g)
Dimensions (L x D)Not specified
Included Accessories
e835 microphone, MZQ 800 microphone clamp, XLR cable, XSW-D XLR base set, mobile device cable, USB-A adapter

5) Shure SM7B ($399)

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The Shure SM7B is a top-of-the-line microphone that has been a favorite among professional broadcasters and podcasters for years. It is a dynamic device that is meant to take only the sound in front of it. This is what makes it so perfect for streaming. It also has a built-in pop filter to reduce plosives and other unwanted sounds.

The SM7B requires a preamp or an audio interface to work properly, but it's performance is worth the investment.

The microphone has a smooth, warm sound that is perfect for streaming and its extremely versatile and making it a great choice for a wide range of content creators.

Shure SM7B

Specifications

Microphone TypeDynamic
Polar PatternCardioid
Frequency Response50 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity-59 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV/Pa)
Impedance150 ohms
Maximum SPL180 dB SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio75 dB (A-weighted)
Self-Noise39 dB SPL (A-weighted)
ConnectorXLR
Power RequirementNot required
Weight1.69 lbs (0.77 kg)
Dimensions (L x D)7.4" x 3.66" (188 mm x 93 mm)
Included AccessoriesSwitch cover plate, close-talk windscreen, standard
windscreen, locking yoke mount, captive stand nut

Conclusion

Choosing the correct microphone is critical for streamers who wish to ensure high-quality audio. The five items that have been discussed in this article are all excellent choices for streamers on YouTube and Twitch in 2023. Each of them has its own unique features and benefits.

The best microphone for streaming on YouTube and Twitch in 2023 will depend on your specific needs and budget. Whether you recently started creating content or are a professional streamer, there is a device on this list that will meet your requirements and help you provide your audience with high-quality audio.

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Edited by Soumyadyuti Ghosh
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