Best Microphones For YouTubers

When it comes to the best microphones, any serious YouTuber knows that the one built-in to your camera or a pair of AirPods won’t do the job.

Whether you are making vlogs on the move, recording a podcast, a how-to video, or doing voice-over work, sound clarity is something that can make or break a video. To ensure your YouTube video has crystal clear audio at all times, we compiled a list of the best microphones for YouTubers and vloggers.

If you’re in a rush, then I recommend the Rode Videomic Pro+. This is one of the handiest and most versatile microphones in a video maker’s toolkit. This microphone can be a reliable companion to any YouTuber, ensuring first-rate sound quality in any situation.

The Best microphones for YouTube at a glance:

Best Overall
Rode VideoMic Pro+
Rode VideoMic Pro+
9.7
  • Versatile
  • High dynamic range
  • Flexible power supply
Best Home Studio Mic
Blue Yeti X
Blue Yeti X
9.5
  • Smart knob
  • Live light metering
  • Recording software included
Best For Vlogging
Sennheiser MKE 200
Sennheiser MKE 200
9.1
  • Crystal sound
  • Compact design
  • Battery-free

Let’s take a deeper look at these mics as well as some other options if these don’t quite fit your needs.

7 Best Microphones For YouTubers

Best Overall
Rode VideoMic Pro+

Improving an already tried and tested piece of equipment, the Rode Videomic Pro+ is a microphone for everything.

This shotgun mic with a super-cardioid polar pattern can be attached to a DSLR, as well as any audio recorder via the 3.5mm jack. This makes the Videomic Pro + a versatile tool for any type of Youtube video, vlogging, interview style, tutorial voiceover, streaming setup, and pretty much everything else.

Whether you attach it to your camera and record on the move or set it up in your home studio, this microphone will deliver exquisite results in any situation.

Pros
  • Great for any scenario
  • Smart power mode
  • Great optimization with the two-stage highpass filter and three-stage gain control
Cons
  • Not for beginners
  • Delicate build
Best For Vlogging
Sennheiser MKE200

If you prefer to keep things on the go, you can’t go wrong with the Sennheiser MKE 200. Lightweight and compact, this microphone offers huge versatility because of the 3.5mm connector allowing you to plug it into any camera, smartphone, or tablet.

As a huge plus, the Sennheiser MKE 200 is powered up directly from the plug, meaning you won’t have to bother with any batteries and chargers.

This is a unidirectional condenser type microphone with a super-cardioid, making it the perfect companion you can attach to your camera. With an internal windshield and a deadcat included, you can once and for all say goodbye to the wind messing up your audio.

Pros
  • Excellent noise suppression
  • Huge compatibility with 3.5mm jack
  • Great bang for your buck
Cons
  • No gain control
  • Long-range audio needs improvement
Best Home Studio Mic
Blue Yeti X USB Microphone

As a desktop USB microphone, the Blue Yeti X packs quite the punch. It offers superb sound quality comparable even to some studio mics, just without the hassle of additional equipment and post-processing. 

The Blue Yeti X is a condenser-type microphone with four capsules inside, which offer great flexibility. Capable of switching between a cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, and stereo pattern with the tap of a button, this mic is one powerful and easy-to-use tool for any type of YouTuber.

Perfect for any kind of indoor recording, streamers, creators doing any kind of voice-over work, and podcasters on a budget will find great value in this mic.

Pros
  • Variety of recording patterns
  • Easy to use
  • Smart knob offers easy adjustments
Cons
  • No pop filter
  • Some compatibility issues with Mac devices
Best Mic On The Go
Rode SmartLav+ Lav Mic

One of the best choices for YouTubers always on the move, the Rode smartLav+ is an easy and simple to use Lavalier style microphone.

Featuring an omnidirectional condenser capsule, the smartLav+ connects easily to any smartphone or tablet via the TRRS jack on the end of a 1.2m cable. It works with either the dedicated Rode Rec app or just about any other audio recording app on your phone. You can even use it with any sound recorder or camera with the Rode SC3 adapter.

The Rode smartLav+ is not just an excellent companion for recording audio travel vlogs or interviews, it is a very handy backup option for any situation.

Pros
  • Highly portable
  • Extra durable Kevlar cable
  • Pop filter included 
Cons
  • Adapter needed to work with camera or recorder
  • The cable can be short in some situations 
For The Pros
Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone

If you want superior quality for a mid-range price, the Shure SM7B might be the mic for you. 

The Shure SM7B is a dynamic capsule microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. Featuring a built-in shock mount, pop filter, and foam cover, all unwanted noises are suppressed with maximum efficiency. Keep in mind that this is not your typical plug&play USB mic. It features an XLR connection and you will need to use a preamp with a USB interface for recording. 

This microphone can add great value by providing premium sound quality for serious voice-over artists, podcasters, musicians, and live streamers.

Pros
  • Professional sound quality
  • Exceptional noise elimination
  • Wide frequency response range
Cons
  • Not portable
  • Separate preamp required
Best Budget Option
Samson Go Mic

The Samson Go Mic is the most affordable pick on our list. It has also stood the test of time, still popular although it was released more than a decade ago. 

Featuring cardioid and omnidirectional recording patterns, it records the audio signals in 16bit, 44.1kHz, which isn’t the most premium sound quality, but it’s good enough.

While vloggers and podcasters might need something that packs a bigger punch, the Samson Go Mic is a great entry choice for voiceover content creators and gaming streamers.

Pros
  • Portable
  • Best value pick
  • Proven 
Cons
  • Noise filtering can be better
  • Compatibility issues on Mac
Beginner Friendly
Blue Snowball Mic

The Blue Snowball is a simple and reliable condenser USB microphone. All you need to do is plug it in and you’re ready to go.

It comes in two variants: Blue Snowball and the Blue Snowball iCE. The Blue Snowball iCE is the more simplistic model, featuring a single cardioid capsule and a fixed stand, while the first one has two capsules (cardioid and omnidirectional), an adjustable stand, and a slightly sturdier build.

Although the Blue Snowball microphone can hardly be compared to the higher-end microphones out there, it gets the job done. 

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Very affordable
  • Great design
Cons
  • LED light can be distracting
  • Limited features

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, when choosing the perfect microphone for your videos, there is no one mic to rule them all. Depending on the purpose, different microphones are suitable for different video styles.

With that said, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a very versatile microphone capable of tackling any situation, from a studio setup to outdoor run-and-gun recording conditions.

Best microphones for YouTubers

FAQs

What kind of microphone do I need for vlogging?

When it comes to vlog microphones, a vlogger’s best friend is an on-camera shotgun mic or a light and portable Lavalier.

What is the best microphone for making YouTube podcasts?

A dynamic capsule microphone will deliver the best quality when recording audio in a studio setup. However, USB microphones like the Blue Yeti X can achieve decent quality for a more affordable price.

What is the best cheap microphone for YouTube?

Sometimes you don’t need to break the bank for a decent microphone. The Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone is one of the best affordable solutions for improving your audio recordings.

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