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10 Best Desktop Gaming Microphones 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone with Stand – OBS Certified, Enhanced Audio, LED Panel, USB-C & XLR Outputs, Auto Level Mode, Digital Pop Filter – for Podcasting, Streaming, and Recording, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,478
Polar Pattern
Connectivity
Build Quality

Most important from
3940 reviews

Polar Pattern
The cardioid pattern excels at isolating the speaker's voice, effectively blocking out background noise for clear recordings.
Connectivity
Versatile connectivity options with USB and XLR make it compatible with a wide range of devices and setups, ideal for podcasts, streaming, and voice-over content.
Build Quality
The build quality is impressive, with a solid and well-constructed design that ensures durability and longevity.
Additional Features
Touch panel controls allow for easy adjustments to gain and volume, enhancing user convenience without the need for additional software.

The Shure MV7+ is a dynamic microphone that excels in many areas, particularly for podcasters and streamers. Its unidirectional polar pattern is ideal for isolating the speaker's voice, reducing background noise. The microphone's frequency response and sensitivity are impressive, delivering clear and natural sound. The dual USB-C and XLR outputs offer versatile connectivity options, making it suitable for various recording setups, from simple home studios to professional environments.

The build quality is robust, with a durable metal construction that ensures longevity. One of the standout features is the multi-color LED touch panel, which not only adds a visual flair but also serves functional purposes like muting and audio level monitoring. The real-time denoiser and digital pop filter further enhance the audio quality by minimizing ambient noise and plosive sounds, respectively. The improved Auto Level Mode adjusts the gain based on distance and volume, which is particularly useful for maintaining consistent audio levels during dynamic recording sessions.

Additional features like onboard reverb settings and MOTIV Mix app integration provide more customization options, allowing users to tailor their microphone setup to their specific needs. However, the microphone is relatively heavy at 3.57 pounds, which might be a consideration for users looking for a more portable option. Additionally, while it is feature-rich, the price point might be higher than some entry-level alternatives, potentially making it less accessible for beginners. This microphone is best suited for serious podcasters, streamers, and gamers who are looking for high-quality audio and are willing to invest in a premium product.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,478
Polar Pattern
Connectivity
Build Quality

Most important from
3940 reviews

Polar Pattern
The cardioid pattern excels at isolating the speaker's voice, effectively blocking out background noise for clear recordings.
Connectivity
Versatile connectivity options with USB and XLR make it compatible with a wide range of devices and setups, ideal for podcasts, streaming, and voice-over content.
Build Quality
The build quality is impressive, with a solid and well-constructed design that ensures durability and longevity.
Additional Features
Touch panel controls allow for easy adjustments to gain and volume, enhancing user convenience without the need for additional software.
#2

Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone – XLR Studio Mic for Podcasting, Recording, Broadcasting, Streaming & Gaming – Smooth, Warm Sound, Rugged Build, Detachable Windscreen, Wide Frequency Range, Black

Rating
10.0
Microphone Type
Frequency Response
Build Quality and Design

Most important from
12562 reviews

Microphone Type
The Shure SM7B is everything the review sites say it is. Yes, it's expensive, but worth every penny for professional-quality audio.
Frequency Response
If you have a home studio that isn't properly treated acoustically, the SM7B is a great choice. It flatters vocals and avoids the harshness of some condenser microphones.
Build Quality and Design
The SM7B (and SM7dB) are built to last. Although they are expensive for dynamic microphones, the value is certainly there.
Additional Features
In a noisy environment, this microphone performs as required without the need for noise gates or fancy software.

The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that excels in various applications, making it a strong contender for those interested in desktop gaming, podcasting, and broadcasting. With its unidirectional polar pattern, it effectively captures sound from the front while minimizing background noise, which is particularly beneficial in a gaming setup where clarity is key. The frequency response is wide and flat, meaning it delivers natural sound reproduction, essential for both voice and music. This can enhance a gaming stream, ensuring that your audience hears you clearly without distractions.

One of the standout features is its rugged construction, designed to withstand heavy use, making it a durable choice for dedicated gamers and streamers. The included detachable windscreen helps reduce plosive sounds and breathiness when speaking close to the mic, further enhancing audio quality.

To utilize the SM7B fully, you'll need an audio interface with an XLR connection, which may require additional investment if you don't already have one. It performs best with at least 60dB of gain, which might not be achievable with all equipment, so ensure your setup can accommodate this. The bulkier design may not fit all desktop spaces comfortably compared to more compact USB microphones. The SM7B is versatile and renowned in studios, making it a professional-grade microphone that delivers quality sound for gaming and streaming while being built to last, provided you have the right accessories and setup.

Rating
10.0
Microphone Type
Frequency Response
Build Quality and Design

Most important from
12562 reviews

Microphone Type
The Shure SM7B is everything the review sites say it is. Yes, it's expensive, but worth every penny for professional-quality audio.
Frequency Response
If you have a home studio that isn't properly treated acoustically, the SM7B is a great choice. It flatters vocals and avoids the harshness of some condenser microphones.
Build Quality and Design
The SM7B (and SM7dB) are built to last. Although they are expensive for dynamic microphones, the value is certainly there.
Additional Features
In a noisy environment, this microphone performs as required without the need for noise gates or fancy software.
#3

Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone – OBS Certified, Enhanced Audio, LED Panel, USB-C & XLR Outputs, Auto Level Mode, Digital Pop Filter, Reverb Effects – For Podcasting, Streaming, Recording, Black

Rating
10.0
Microphone Type
Polar Pattern
Frequency Response

Most important from
3940 reviews

Microphone Type
Delivers professional, crystal-clear sound right out of the box, making recordings feel like they were done in a treated studio.
Polar Pattern
The microphone’s unidirectional cardioid pattern effectively isolates the voice and minimizes background noise, even in untreated rooms.
Frequency Response
The mic’s noise reduction capabilities reduce the need for extensive soundproofing or additional acoustic treatments.
Connectivity
Offers versatile connectivity with both USB and XLR options, allowing seamless use with computers or advanced audio interfaces.
Build Quality
Built with a sturdy metal frame, it feels durable yet lightweight compared to heavier competitors.
Additional Features
Auto Level Mode and noise gate features help maintain consistent volume and reduce unwanted sounds like keyboard clicks.

The Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone is a solid choice for gamers, streamers, and podcasters who want clear, professional-quality sound. It uses a unidirectional (or cardioid) pattern, which means it focuses on your voice while minimizing background noise — perfect for noisy gaming setups. The mic features both USB-C and XLR connections, making it versatile whether you’re just plugging into a computer or using more advanced audio equipment. Built from metal, it feels sturdy and durable, so it should last through long sessions. It also includes useful extras like an LED touch panel that you can customize and tap to mute quickly — handy during streams or calls. The mic automatically adjusts your volume with its Auto Level Mode, and it has a noise reduction feature that helps keep your voice clear even if your surroundings aren’t quiet. You can also add reverb effects to make your recordings sound richer, which is a nice bonus for those who want a bit of studio polish.

On the downside, while the mic is excellent for close-range vocal capture, it might not pick up sound well if you move far away. Also, its advanced features require using the Shure MOTIV MIX app, which means a bit of setup is needed to get the best out of the mic. The price tends to be higher than basic gaming mics, so it’s best suited for users who want more than just simple audio and are willing to invest in quality and extra features. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile mic that improves your streaming or recording quality with easy-to-use tech and solid build, the Shure MV7+ is a strong candidate.

Rating
10.0
Microphone Type
Polar Pattern
Frequency Response

Most important from
3940 reviews

Microphone Type
Delivers professional, crystal-clear sound right out of the box, making recordings feel like they were done in a treated studio.
Polar Pattern
The microphone’s unidirectional cardioid pattern effectively isolates the voice and minimizes background noise, even in untreated rooms.
Frequency Response
The mic’s noise reduction capabilities reduce the need for extensive soundproofing or additional acoustic treatments.
Connectivity
Offers versatile connectivity with both USB and XLR options, allowing seamless use with computers or advanced audio interfaces.
Build Quality
Built with a sturdy metal frame, it feels durable yet lightweight compared to heavier competitors.
Additional Features
Auto Level Mode and noise gate features help maintain consistent volume and reduce unwanted sounds like keyboard clicks.

Buying Guide for the Best Desktop Gaming Microphones

Choosing the right desktop gaming microphone can significantly enhance your gaming experience, especially if you engage in multiplayer games or streaming. A good microphone ensures clear communication with your teammates and provides high-quality audio for your audience. When selecting a microphone, consider the key specifications that will impact its performance and suitability for your needs.
Microphone TypeMicrophones come in various types, such as dynamic, condenser, and ribbon. For gaming, condenser microphones are often preferred due to their sensitivity and ability to capture detailed sound. Dynamic microphones are more durable and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them suitable for loud environments. Ribbon microphones are less common and typically used for studio recordings. Choose a condenser microphone if you want high-quality audio for streaming and communication, or a dynamic microphone if you need something robust for noisy settings.
Polar PatternThe polar pattern of a microphone determines the direction from which it picks up sound. Common patterns include cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. Cardioid microphones capture sound primarily from the front, reducing background noise, making them ideal for gaming. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from all directions, which can be useful in quieter environments or group settings. Bidirectional microphones capture sound from the front and back, suitable for interviews or dual commentary. For gaming, a cardioid pattern is usually the best choice to focus on your voice and minimize ambient noise.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response refers to the range of frequencies a microphone can accurately capture. A wider frequency response ensures more detailed and natural sound reproduction. For gaming, a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz is generally sufficient, as it covers the full range of human hearing. If you plan to use the microphone for other purposes like music recording, you might want a broader range. Choose a microphone with a frequency response that matches your intended use to ensure optimal audio quality.
SensitivitySensitivity indicates how well a microphone can pick up quiet sounds. Higher sensitivity means the microphone can capture softer sounds, but it may also pick up more background noise. Lower sensitivity is better for loud environments as it focuses on stronger sound sources. For gaming, moderate sensitivity is usually ideal, balancing clear voice capture with minimal background noise. Consider your gaming environment and choose a sensitivity level that ensures your voice is heard clearly without excessive background interference.
ConnectivityMicrophones can connect to your computer via USB or XLR. USB microphones are plug-and-play, making them convenient and easy to use, especially for gamers who want a straightforward setup. XLR microphones require an audio interface or mixer, offering more control over audio quality and settings, which can be beneficial for professional streaming or recording. If you prefer simplicity and ease of use, go for a USB microphone. If you want more control and potentially higher audio quality, consider an XLR microphone setup.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the durability and construction of the microphone. A well-built microphone will last longer and withstand regular use. Look for microphones made from sturdy materials like metal rather than plastic. Consider features like shock mounts and pop filters that can protect the microphone and improve audio quality. If you plan to use the microphone frequently or travel with it, invest in a model with robust build quality to ensure it remains reliable over time.
Additional FeaturesSome microphones come with additional features like mute buttons, volume controls, and RGB lighting. Mute buttons are useful for quickly silencing the microphone during gameplay. Volume controls allow you to adjust the input level directly on the microphone. RGB lighting can add a visual flair to your gaming setup. Consider which features are important to you and choose a microphone that offers the functionality you need to enhance your gaming experience.

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