Top 10 Best Microphones For YouTube In 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

Everyone is well-aware at the surging popularity of YouTube-based videos. Ranging from man-on-the-street interviews to video documentaries, from news commentary to live streams – YouTube is the largest collection of audio and video files in the world.

A whole lot of people are getting involved by making their own YouTube channel and creating videos. But, the one big problem faced by most YouTube creators, whether they are new to the game or not, is which microphone is the right one.

It is not easy folks, and there are tons of options to sort through.

Thankfully, we have put together a list of the Best Microphones for YouTube to make your decision that much easier.

If you are ready, let’s do this thing…

Top 10 Best Microphones For YouTube In 2023 Reviews

1 Rode NT1-A Anniversary Vocal Cardioid Condenser Microphone Package

The Rode NT1-A is a cardioid condenser microphone that has quickly become a standard-bearer for YouTube podcasts, news commentary, and voice-overs. This sleek condenser mic offers warmth, an extended dynamic range, and high Sound Pressure Level (SPL) capability.

SPL is important when using a microphone for voice recording purposes, like YouTube live streaming, podcasts, and commentary videos.

Microphones that offer high Sound Pressure Levels can handle hard and loud sounds without the microphone distorting. A high SPL also helps to balance the sound so that there is enough low-end in the signal, while not having to dampen the high-end response.

A high SPL mic means you can speak in your own voice at your normal level while close to the mic and won’t need to worry about signal distortion. A pretty nice feature when you are doing a YouTube live stream, and your voice starts getting excited by the topic or the conversation.

As a cardioid condenser microphone, the Rode NT1-A is well suited to capturing vocals close to the microphone. This is because the cardioid polar pattern focuses on a limited area in front of the mic. This helps to reduce and even eliminate background noise and ensures your voice is heard loud and clear.

The Rode NT1-A is described as the quietest studio condenser microphone thanks to the high SPL capacity, wide dynamic response levels, and self-noise level of 5dB. This microphone uses XLR connections; this provides a balanced signal. So there is no signal inference picked up from any internal or external sources.

Making sure your voice is heard clearly and accurately, even during lively debates where you may need to raise your voice over another person’s. The Rode NT1-A captures a clear and precise signal that lets your natural tone and volume shine through.

The Rode NT1-A Anniversary Package is all you need for a complete home studio geared to voice capture in every type of YouTube video or audio recording.

The Anniversary package comes with a studio-grade pop filter that integrated into the shock mount system. There is a microphone dust cover, an incredibly long 20-foot XLR cable, and an instructional DVD. It also comes with a 10-year warranty when you register the product through the Rode website.

With all of this, get ready to outfit your home studio with one of the best microphones for YouTube. And for recording generally. Not only can the Rode NT1-A condenser microphone capture outstanding vocals. But it is also designed to handle recording percussion instruments and acoustic guitars in your home studio as well.

A sturdy design and construction paired with great vocal capture and reproduction capabilities. It is no wonder the Rode NT1-A has earned its place as an industry standard.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

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2 Blue Yeti USB Microphone – Silver

The Blue Yeti USB Microphone is being hailed as “The Mic of the Internet.” This is because of the Blue Yeti’s wide popularity among YouTube vloggers, live streamers, and video creators. It has a sophisticated look and is super easy to use.

For anyone who is looking to improve the sound quality of their YouTube videos, the Blue Yeti offers simplicity and style, along with pretty good sound capture and reproduction.

Plug it directly into your computer…

The reason why the Blue Yeti is so popular among YouTubers is that it uses a USB connector. This type of connector lets you plug the Blue Yeti directly into your computer or laptop, making it convenient and easy to use. It can quickly and easily be connected and set up using Windows operating systems and iOS operating systems. All it requires is 64 MB of RAM.

It’s a cardioid condenser microphone that uses the USB connection to power the mic. The USB connection eliminates the need for phantom power to operate, which reduces the number of cables and wires you need to get nice, accurate vocal captures.

The Blue Yeti is quite versatile, which also a big help for those who are new to making YouTube videos. And, it’s actually a Tri-Capsule condenser microphone.

It means that there are three different capsules with different polar patterns. It has cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional condenser capsules. The cardioid capsule is a simple and straightforward (literally) unidirectional polar pattern that works to eliminate background noise by focusing all the mic’s attention right in the front. Great for up-close speaking.

The bidirectional capsule, also known as figure-of-eight, allows you to record from the front and the back at the same time. It’s kind of like having two mics facing away from each other in a single unit. This makes the Blue Yeti a nice option for when you are recording a two-person conversation.

And finally the omnidirectional capsule, which picks up all of the sounds from around the microphone. Basically 360 degrees of recording. So dancing around the mic, while ranting or raving about whatever topic you are working on won’t be a problem.

The tri-capsule feature is further enhanced with real-time control functions. There is a gain control knob that you can adjust when recording in a noisy setting. The instant mute switch lets you cut the signal seamlessly and without any signal coloration.

There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can listen to your recording in real-time. And there is a headphone volume control knob so you can easily set the level to your liking.

The Blue Yeti USB Microphone comes with its own mount stand that sits on your desk or table. Unfortunately, the stand is built-in, so this mic cannot be attached to normal microphone stands.

It delivers quality voice capture and reproduction. But it does tend to lose some of the low-end and can make your voice sound a little thin when speaking farther away from the mic.

The ease-of-use, sturdy design and construction, and USB connector make the Blue Yeti one of the best microphones for youtube recording.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

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3 Apogee MIC PLUS – Best USB Microphone For Music

The Apogee MIC PLUS is a highly-versatile microphone that works well in a variety of recording settings. This microphone delivers studio quality vocal capture and reproduction thanks to its high-sensitivity and high gain level. And it has 48dB of preamp gain that is digitally-controlled for excellent precision and accuracy.

The Apogee MIC PLUS features a cardioid polar pattern that works to capture sound in front of the mic. This is ideal for YouTube voice-overs and live streaming, but it is also a great mic for recording acoustic instruments.

The Apogee MIC PLUS uses a USB connector which allows you to plug-and-play with computers, laptops, tablets, and any digital device with a standard USB port. And, there are no configuration or software drivers that need installing. So the Apogee MIC PLUS is highly-portable and very versatile.

The USB connector means you don’t need phantom power to operate the microphone. Another reason why people say it is the best USB microphone for music is that it produces a sound like a top-end studio condenser going through a quality preamp.

If you are making your own music in a home studio, the Apogee MIC PLUS delivers professional-sounding voice and instrument capture and reproduction.

The 3.5mm headphone output comes with a blend feature for zero-latency recording. This means you can listen to your recording in real-time and can adjust the level while you are recording and not experience any signal distortion or delay.

A great USB condenser microphone that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. The Apogee MIC PLUS includes a Lightning iOS cable, a USB cable, a desktop tripod stand, a microphone stand adapter, and a users guide.

Our rating: (3.9 / 5)

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4 Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface And Recording Bundle

Musicians and YouTube creators take note. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio has everything you need to start making high-quality videos and audio creations right in your own home. This is the complete package for home recording with professional sound quality without the need for a full recording studio.

The Scarlett Solo USB audio interface is a natural-sounding preamp that works with Windows and iOS systems and can plug directly into your computer via a USB connector. The audio interface has an XLR input port for high-quality microphone capture and reproduction. This package includes a 10-foot XLR cable that is strong and durable.

There is also an instrument Line or quarter-inch input, so you can plug your guitar or bass directly into the USB audio interface. The Scarlett Solo was designed to handle hot guitar pickups, so your sound is clear and articulate.

Both the XLR input and the Line input have independent gain/volume control knobs. This allows you to blend vocal and instrument signals at the same time. It also has a headphone input and a monitor control knob for when you are listening to your recordings. The monitor option can be turned on or off.

This interface is also able to provide 48V of phantom power for any XLR connected condenser microphone.

Also included in the package is Pro Tools and Ableton Live Lite software, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, and 2 GB of Loopmasters samples. All of which gives tons of option for recording and sound shaping.

The package includes the Focusrite condenser microphone that has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz. This is excellent for singing and close-speaking applications like podcasting or live streaming on YouTube. It is sensitive and offers smooth, clear vocal reproductions. It comes with a mic stand clip that can mount to most microphone stands.

Last, but not least, are the headphones made by Focusrite. Full-size ear covers eliminate external noise and allow you to listen along as you play.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo Package is the best cheap microphone for youtube. Whether you are making music, live streaming, or making commentary videos, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo can satisfy all of your audio needs.

Our rating: (4.1 / 5)

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5 Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The Rode NT-USB microphone is a highly versatile, high-quality microphone that is ideal for vocal recordings of any kind. This is a studio-quality microphone that can be used by anyone due to its convenient USB connection.

You don’t need to be an audio expert to appreciate the simplicity and superb sound quality of this microphone. And it is compatible with any standard USB 2.0 or higher input port. Plug it into your computer or laptop, or even an Apple iPad. And the Rode NT-USB will work with most recording software and recording units with a USB port.

It is a shotgun-style cardioid polar pattern condenser microphone that is fantastic for podcasts, YouTube videos, voice-overs, and live streaming. As a condenser microphone with USB connectivity, it does not require phantom power like condenser microphones with XLR connectors. The USB cable provides all the power this mic needs to operate smoothly, and efficiently.

The frequency response range is 20Hz to 20,000Hz with a maximum SPL level of +110dB. That is an amazing amount of response and sound fidelity that won’t ever distort. This makes it ideal for voice capture when your voice level moves up and down as you emphasize certain words, or when you use exaggerated body movements while talking.

Whether you are up close or leaning away from the mic, speaking loudly or softly, the Rode NT-USB microphone will catch every last sound out of your mouth. And it will do so without any background noise interference.

Mix it any way you like…

The microphone features a direct mix control knob that allows you to effectively manage the balance between the mic’s input volume and the output source volume. You can listen to your recording in real-time with zero latency. The Rode NT-USB also features a 3.5mm headphone input which also has its own dedicated volume level control knob.

Included with the microphone is a premium pop filter that is not just some weak nylon sock over a hanger. No, this pop filter is a high-grade metal mesh that is contoured to the shape of the microphone. It attaches snugly and securely to ensure your voice is free from any plosive voice “pops.”

There is also a sturdy and strong tripod desk stand, a storage pouch, a ring mount, and a 20-foot USB cable.

Chances are you have seen this microphone in tons of YouTube videos. It is hugely popular for podcasts and live streams as well as news commentaries. Rode has been making super high-quality audio capture devices for decades. The NT-USB just goes to show that Rode has most definitely kept up with modern digital and YouTube age.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

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6 Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Bundle

Next up, we have the Audio-Technica AT2035. Which offers a very smooth and natural sound that is also very low noise thanks to its large diaphragm. When we say ‘large,’ we mean very large since the diameter is 0.96-inches. This large diaphragm makes it an ideal mic for not only for voice capture but also for recording singing and acoustic instruments.

The Audio-Technica is a cardioid polar pattern microphone that eliminates noise from the sides and back. This dramatically improves the sound source isolation, so your voice is heard loud and clear.

This also makes the AT2035 a great little mic for recording percussion and guitars. The balanced response and good SPL levels can really make your toms snap and boom, true and defined. And, as a unidirectional condenser microphone, the AT2035 is great for YouTube podcasts and live streams, along with video voice-overs and interviews.

The Audio-Technica AT2035 features an XLR connector and includes a 10-foot XLR cable. You can easily plug the microphone into any mixer or audio interface. Do remember that you will need phantom power to operate the AT2035, so make sure your mixer or interface can deliver 48V.

Included with the AT2035 condenser microphone is a study shock mount that can be attached to most microphone stands. There is also a double mesh pop filter that attaches firmly to the mic clip and gets rid of annoying plosive sounds.

Audio-Technica has been producing durable, reliable, and great sounding microphones since the 70s. The AT2035 condenser microphone continues this tradition and is a great choice for up and coming musical artists and for YouTube video content creators.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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7 AKG Pro Audio C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The AKG Pro Audio C214 condenser microphone has been engineered to deliver excellent lead vocal and solo instruments recordings, whether in the studio or on the stage. It’s a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that offers a very dynamic range.

The 1-inch diaphragm diameter delivers a highly-detailed, full-bodied sound that captures all the nuances of any voice or instrument. This large diaphragm is also capable of accurately recording up-close high pressure sounds like drums and even high-end bass amplifiers.

It has a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of 156dB, which is ideal for recording high-output audio sources like lead vocal or instrument solos. The switchable 20dB attenuator and bass-cut filter further enhance the AKG C214 microphone’s ability to handle close-up recording and works to reduce the proximity effect.

While designed for vocals and instrument solo recording, it has become a popular microphone for YouTube videos and podcasts. One of the reasons why it is growing in popularity among YouTubers is because of this microphone’s full-bodied sound and clarity when speaking closely into the mic.

Many of the most popular microphones used by YouTube creators tend to lose the low-end, and the sound comes out flat. A microphone that is built for recording vocals in a studio rounds-out the voice of podcasters and video voice-overs. And, it helps to add a sense of professionalism to your YouTube projects.

In terms of durability, it boasts an all-metal, die-cast housing that is rugged and strong.

The AKG C214 uses an XLR connection that requires phantom power for the condenser capsule. And it comes with a pop filter cover, a shock mount mic stand attachment and a sturdy hard-shell carrying case.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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8 Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone, Cardioid – Black

The Blue Snowball microphone is the perfect microphone for those who are just starting out making YouTube videos. It’s a custom condenser microphone that delivers clear audio capture and reproduction. It works very well for video conference calls, Skype calls, online calls, and video voice-overs that don’t require high-definition, high-fidelity vocal captures.

Featuring USB connectivity, it is remarkably simple to set up and use. It can work with any computer, laptop, or audio interface with a USB 2.0 or higher input port. This makes the Blue Snowball a natural first microphone for YouTube podcasting, live streaming, and video commentary. You don’t need to know much about microphones or worry about phantom power.

Because there is no additional software that needs to be installed.

It also offers a frequency response range of 40Hz to 18,000Hz. This range is the natural vocal range for most people when speaking. Speaking evenly will give you a clear and crisp sound. However, this frequency range will not do well with loud up-close vocals, nor will it be good at capturing sound sources far away from the mic.

The sensitivity is set low on this microphone because it intended for use in soft-spoken close proximity situations.

The benefit is that the Blue Snowball is unlikely to experience massive distortion, but at the same time lacks fullness in the overall sound. You will, therefore, need to be right up on the Blue Snowball to get the best voice capture results.

It comes with a sturdy little tripod desk stand, and it is a pretty darn tough little condenser microphone.

The Blue Snowball is a great little microphone to get you headed in the right direction as you develop your presence on YouTube and other video hosting platforms.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

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9 Audio-Technica AT4053B Hyper-cardioid Condenser Microphone

The Audio-Technica AT4053-B is a hyper-cardioid condenser microphone. And has been specifically engineered to meet the grueling acoustic standards for professional recording. The hyper-cardioid polar pattern is similar to the cardioid we have discussed at length in this review. But being ‘Hyper,’ it is even narrower in its audio focus.

This eliminates even more sounds from the rear and sides and focuses squarely on the isolating the sound source. This produces a response that is flat, clear, and sharp. It also makes it highly responsive, working fantastically as a boom mic, whether indoors or outdoors.

The Audio-Technica AT4053-B condenser microphone is a unidirectional mic. This makes it ideal for recording instruments and for use as a direct overhead mic. It is as a shotgun mounted microphone that is excellent when used with DSLR cameras and video camcorders.

It uses an XLR connection. And features transformer-less circuitry that basically gets rid of all low-frequency distortion and delivers accurate, uncolored, and defined sound capture.

Primarily a studio microphone for use in music recording, the AT4053-B is also an awesome broadcast microphone. Thanks to its focused sound capture and high sound pressures levels, this mic can deliver high-quality vocal reproduction for video and documentary voice-overs and narration.

For YouTube creators who are more skilled in the audio and microphone department. This mic offers a broadcast-quality sound that adds a real sense of professionalism to your videos.

The Audio-Technica AT4053-B comes with a versatile and sturdy mic clip that attaches to most mic stands. It also comes with a windscreen cover and a leather carrying case with molded foam interior padding.

Our rating: (4.8 / 5)

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10 Shure VP83F LensHopper Camera-Mounted Condenser Microphone

The Shure LensHopper Condenser Microphone is a powerful and rugged shotgun camera-mounted microphone. And can be easily mounted onto any DSLR or video camera with a flash clip/standard quarter-inch shoe mount. It offers detailed, high-definition audio capture and reproduction. The low-end is full and responsive, which means the vocals are natural and rounded.

This microphone features a super-cardioid/lobar polar pattern that completely rejects noise from the sides and back ensuring that the sound source is captured with detailed accuracy without any interference. It is a high sensitivity condenser mic that offers a wide frequency response range for exceptionally natural and clear audio capture.

Use it anywhere…

The Shure LensHopper is ideal for in the field, on-the-scene reporting and journalism.

It has a digital display that monitors battery life, microphone gain, headphone volume, track information, recording time, and audio metering. This microphone also features an integrated, custom-designed Lyre shock mount that delivers superb vibrational and mechanical noise rejection.

The LensHopper connects directly to your DSLR or video camera via a detachable, gold-plated 3.5mm audio cable. And it features superior RF immunity, so it is protected from interference from unwanted external audio signals like mobile phones, radios, and other RF devices.

With regards to power, it uses two AA batteries to power its operation for up to 10 hours of uninterrupted recording.

This microphone also features integrated digital flash recording of up to 32 GB and uses uncompressed WAV file capture at 24-bit/48Ghz. While the all-metal construction design is durable, strong, and meets the highest standards of Shure products.

As a broadcaster microphone, the Shure LensHopper is tough to beat, but it is also a nice option for recording YouTube video narration and voice-overs.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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Best Microphones For YouTube Buyers Guide

Now that we have gone over the best microphones for YouTube, we would like to offer a few more thoughts.

For those who are just getting started making YouTube videos, simplicity, and value are very important. Without much experience in audio capture and reproduction, YouTube newbies are going to be better served with a USB-connector microphone.

USB-connector microphones are super easy to use and set up, and they tend to cost a lot less than XLR and 3.5mm connection mics.

Also, take into consideration if you are going to be recording while sitting down or moving around. 3.5mm connection mics are great for recording on the move since they can very often plug directly into a mobile device. An XLR connection is more suited to recording indoors and while sitting in the same place.

So, What’s The Best Microphone For YouTube?

We have come to the end, and it is time to announce our choice for the Best Microphone for YouTube. It was a tough choice because all of the mics listed here have their own specialties.

But, the Best Microphone for YouTube is the…

We can’t say enough about how easy this microphone is to use and how great the sound quality is. Rode knows how to do audio capture and reproduction the right way. Since it features a USB-connector that works with computers, laptops, tablets, and audio interfaces, it is perfect for anyone who is new to making videos on YouTube.

The Rode NT-USB Microphone is also very affordable. It actually costs LESS than some other USB-connector mics that do not offer anywhere close to the same kind of sound quality. This microphone is poised to take-over the whole podcasting and live streaming industry, mark our words.

We certainly hope you found this article helpful. We also want to wish you good luck on your YouTube video projects and wish you a fun and fruitful experience with your new microphone.