The Best Microphones for YouTube: 2022 Edition

YouTube has gained more and more popularity in recent years, and suddenly, we all want to take part in it. Let’s face it. The platform is excellent for building an audience, drawing attention to your business and skills, especially if you’re working as a freelancer. Not to mention it’s also super fun. In short, YouTube today is one of the most obvious ways to market yourself. 

Of course, the path to fame is long and winding, and many people think they can pick up their phones, press record, and produce watchable content. While that was true in 2008, today, we expect to watch 4K videos paired with crisp and clear sound. YouTube’s algorithm is designed to recommend videos with better audio and visual quality, so the wallet-shrinking truth is that YouTube can become an investment. 

While many people think having a great camera is all you need to become a YouTube sensation, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While you need passion, a good sense of aesthetics, and a subscription to Adobe Suite, you also need the right sound equipment. There’s nothing that can put people off more than horrible popping sounds and plosives. So let’s have a look at the best microphones for YouTube that are guaranteed to aid you on the path to becoming a famous YouTuber!

The Rise of YouTubers: Why You Need a Good Mic in Building a YouTube Influencer Career

More and more people create YouTube channels featuring their art, music, and business promotions every day. Everyone knows that YouTube no longer pays the money it used to, so why the sudden interest in the platform? The answer is simple. YouTube reaches a lot more people than an average paid promotion on Facebook, for example, and it’s doing that in a very personal way.

YouTube is a window into the life and personality of the content creator. Your charm or knowledge of a particular area can get people interested in what you’re talking about. However, sometimes, even the most exciting and fun content (think Critical Role and PewDiePie in their early days) can quickly lose followers if not matched with the right equipment. 

People stop and click on your video thumbnail because it looks good, but they stick around because it sounds good, too. I can’t tell you the number of times I have clicked away from a video because the audio was almost literally making my ears bleed. I’m sure you have done it, too.

Thankfully, most content creators are aware of these hurdles and study their behavior when watching videos. That is why if you’re a rising YouTuber yourself, assuming you have a decent camera already, you might want to start investing in a good microphone for YouTube, too.

There are tons of microphones out there, and some are too expensive for a beginner YouTuber. Where do you start? Do you get a brand-new professional, studio-quality mic for YouTube videos? Or should you go for a lavalier mic because it’s cheaper? Wait, you don’t know what a lavalier mic is? Don’t worry. We’ll answer all these questions and more by the time you finish this article. Just make sure to scroll and read the section that answers what you should consider before purchasing a mic for YouTube.

Don’t stress. You won’t need a degree in Music Engineering to get your shopping right. Our top ten best microphones for YouTube are here to suit everyone according to their preference. You won’t have to sell your soul to the devil to afford one. Whether you’re a rookie YouTuber or a veteran content creator, I’m sure you’ll find the best microphone for recording YouTube videos below!

Best Microphones for YouTube at a Glance

Top Pick

The Shure SM7B is a reliable, professional-sounding microphone for everyday use. You’ll hardly find a decent competitor within its price range and functionality. The Shure brand sets the golden standard for microphones, so it’s no surprise the SM7B has made it to the top of our list!

1. Best Studio-Quality Microphone for YouTube – Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone for Broadcasting and Recording
2. Best Shotgun Camera Microphone for YouTube – Rode Video Mic Pro+ Compact Directional On-Camera Microphone
3. Best Microphone for YouTube Streaming – Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone
4. Best YouTube Microphone for Editing in Post – Zoom H4N Pro All Black 4-Track Portable Recorder
5. Best On-the-Go YouTube Recording – Instamic Pro Wearable Wireless Waterproof Mic  
6. Best Budget Microphone for YouTube – Blue Snowball Ice Plug ‘n Play USB Microphone for Recording, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Twitch Game Streaming
7. Best Microphone for YouTube Gaming – El Gato Wave 3, Premium USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixing Solution 
8. Best Microphone for YouTube Singing – Sennheiser MD421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic
9. Best Lapel Microphone for YouTube – Rode SmartLav + Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
10. Best Premium Microphone for YouTube – Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone

Top 10 Best YouTube Microphones – Review Section

Here are the top ten YouTube microphones hot on the market today!

1. Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone for Broadcasting and Recording – Best Studio-Quality Microphone for YouTube

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Shure SM7B is a unique broadcast microphone ideal for podcasts, streaming, and YouTube videos. If you’re aiming for professional content, you’re shooting at home or in a studio, and you need a mic that sounds great, make sure to have a look at the SM7B. 

Not only is it highly sturdy with an all-metal body, but you also don’t need to buy a shock mount for this microphone. The inbuilt air suspension system is designed to take care of unwanted noise and accidental bumps. 

This studio microphone has a cardioid polar pattern with incredible off-axis noise reduction. Expect natural sound and true-to-life sound reproduction. You have the option to adjust the tone of the mic through the two switches on the back: the low-cut filter and mid-boost. The mic also has a 5/8 to 3/8 adapter, so you can attach it to a stand, as well as an XLR port so you can plug in your mic.

The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone, naturally making it a little quieter than other mics. With that, you might need to drive your amp up and boost the gain so you can get your desired volume. On the bright side, this microphone is perfect for recording electric guitar and can deal well with very high frequencies.

The only downside to this mic is the price. For what you’re getting, however, believe me, you’ll be glad not to have to think about buying a mic in the next ten years. Likewise, you’ll have solid, durable gear in your hands!

2. Rode Video Mic Pro+ Compact Directional On-Camera Microphone – Best Shotgun Camera Microphone for YouTube

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for a microphone that you can attach straight to your camera? It’s called the Rode Videomic Pro+, and it’s one of the best microphones for YouTube videos. All you need to connect it is an aux cable which you can insert into the 3.5mm jack on your camera and start recording! This is a killer feature that you’ll rarely find in other mic equipment. It’s called the Automatic “On” feature. One of the worst things in life is setting up your scene and composition, recording the perfect take, and realizing you forgot to switch on your microphone.

If you’re a YouTuber or a travel vlogger, you’ll love this mic. It’s excellent for recording selfies, work, and ambient noise, but try not to get too far. The proximity effect isn’t significant if you’re further than 5–6 feet from the microphone. My advice is to try to stay close if you want clean and crisp audio.

The Rode VideoMic Pro+ has a high-pass filter. If you haven’t heard of the term before, it’s a tool that helps get rid of low-frequency noise, such as traffic or a subtle air conditioner working in the background while at the same time bringing out your vocals.

The Rode VideoMic also comes with a gain control feature, which a lot of shotgun mics lack. This gives you the option to turn the audio down to -10 or +20 dB, further reducing background noise. You can cleverly use this feature if you have to go further away from the camera and still want your voice to sound loud and clear. All in all, this is an impressive microphone if you’re on the go. It’s also packed with incredible features that are worth your money!

3. Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone – Best Microphone for YouTube Streaming

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We have talked about the Blue Yeti before, but not the Blue Yeti X. This Blue Yeti X version is well-built, with an all-metal body and a melt mesh grille. The design is simplistic. You’ll find a single button in the middle of the mic body, which functions as a multi-use control dial. It allows you to set the gain, volume, and blend between computer and mic. All you need to do to switch between these functions is hold down the button for a second. You can also press the button if you want to mute yourself at some point.

Take a look at the back of the Blue Yeti microphone. You’ll find a single button, allowing you to switch between the four available polar patterns: stereo, bidirectional, omnidirectional, switching without, and cardioid. Finally, at the bottom of the Blue Yeti mic, you’ll find a 3.5mm jack for your headphones, a 5/8-inch thread for connecting to a mic stand, and a USB port to connect with your computer.

The Blue Yeti X is a simple, user-friendly mic for YouTube, packed with many features, providing outstanding audio quality. Here’s a little tip if you’re planning on using the Blue Yeti microphone for streaming and spoken-word recording. Set your mic to the cardioid pattern (the one that looks like a bit of butt). It will isolate your voice from the background beautifully.

Not much comes in the box. The Blue Yeti mic is attached to a desktop stand, a USB cable, and some information on starting up your recording. If you’re plugging this USB microphone into a Windows PC, know that you will have to go through software installation to run it. Weirdly enough, the plug-and-play feature is only available for Mac. If you want the best microphone for YouTube from the Yeti series, the Blue Yeti X is straightforward.

4. Zoom H4N Pro All Black 4-Track Portable Recorder – Best YouTube Microphone for Editing In Post

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If this is your first time coming across a Zoom mic, strap in as it’s one to remember. Does the brand have anything to do with the Zoom app for video calls? Not one bit! The Zoom brand is a lot older and often used by professional filmmakers and podcasters. The mics may be small and fit in a pocket, but they are powerful and portable options worth checking out.

The Zoom H4N Pro has two XLR ports on the back and a 3.5 mm jack. The design of this microphone is rugged, and it’s built to be sturdy. Thus, even if you’re not too careful around it, you can still expect durability. The Zoom H4N Pro has a backlit LCD – great if you’re recording in low light.

The Zoom mic is perfect if you’re recording loud voiceovers, loud sound effects, and music in terms of sound quality. It lacks a bit when it comes to recording quiet ambient sounds, though. Even though this Zoom mic doesn’t have any internal storage, you can easily plug in an SD or SDHC card up to 32GB and record directly onto them. This is a lot of space for your recording, even if you decide to record at 96kHz.

If you’re recording at the 24bit/48kHz setting, which most mics record on, you will technically get 2000 minutes of recording, which is 33 hours. It’s no wonder people love this mic – it’s portable, sturdy, has a fantastic battery life, and is excellent for podcasters and YouTubers, vloggers, and journalists.

5. Instamic Pro Wearable Wireless Waterproof Mic – Best On-the-Go YouTube Recording

I recently came across this fantastic mini microphone, perfect for adventurous types. The Instamic Pro is only 1.5 inches tall and can easily fit in your pocket. It’s highly durable and resistant to dust and water. You can also take it with you underwater for more extreme recording.

The microphone is exceptionally user-friendly. It only has one button, which controls the on and off switch. The Instamic Pro also offers 14 hours of recording time and has 8 GB of internal storage. The designers thought about functionality. You can monitor your battery level through the three lights at the front of the mic.

You can download the free Instamic Remote App, which will allow you to monitor your audio levels and recording settings wherever you go. You can also save your recording straight to your phone!

You might be thinking that this is a fantastic microphone, but how do I attach it to anything? The Instamic is an excellent and affordable recording solution for people who aren’t bothered about having a thousand different recording settings and modes. It’s also perfect for beginners! The Instamic Pro can be attached with velcro, tape, or magnetic clips (included with the purchase), or you could use the tight clip at the back of the microphone.

6. Blue Snowball Ice Plug ‘n Play USB Microphone for Recording, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Twitch Game Streaming – Best Budget Microphone for YouTube

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do you need а condenser mic for YouTube with a low price point? The Blue Snowball Ice will cost you under $50 and provide superb audio for your upcoming YouTube video. Condenser mics are perfect for picking up delicate sounds and high frequencies. The Snowball Ice is considered one of the best mics for YouTube, mainly due to its price and functionality.

The Blue Snowball Ice has only one polar pattern – the cardioid pattern, which explains the price. You might wonder why we recommend a mic with such little functionality. The Ice may not be packed with functions and may do one thing well. It provides fantastic sound quality. Not to mention the regular snowball may have an omnidirectional polar pattern, but it’s not very good and not worth spending twice the money for below-average functionality.

The Blue Snowball Ice is made of plastic and has a metal grille. You can use it with the small tripod included when purchasing and transporting it like a Poke ball. It’s light, and it doesn’t take up too much space in your bag. Thus, it’s an excellent mic to take with you if you happen to record on-the-go YouTube videos outside of your studio or home. It’s a great entry-level mic for Youtube, so if you’re low on cash, you’ll love this mic.

7. El Gato Wave 3, Premium USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixing Solution – Best Microphone for YouTube Gaming

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Elgato Wave 3 is an excellent mic for YouTube gaming, so if you like to start a live stream, you can use this mic without a problem. The Elgato Wave 3 comes with free software that truly allows you to get the maximum out of this YouTube gaming mic. It’s very intuitive and gives you a multitude of versatile settings to play around with. It’s where you’ll be able to add a high-pass filter, turn off a clip guard, set your gain, and do other nifty functions.

One of the main things I think you’ll enjoy about this YouTube gaming mic is that if you get excited when playing a game, the clip guard does its job to neutralize the high frequencies. Your sound quality is impressive, and your listeners’ ears are safe!

This USB microphone has two options for mounting – ⅝- and ⅜-inch adapters so that you can attach it to a mic stand or boom arm. It’s perfect if you’re not an audio expert and don’t have to worry. You can understand the basics of audio editing through the software.

The Elgato Wave 3 is packed with features and is difficult to fault. The only thing you can point out is the build quality. The Audio-Technica AT2020 costs less and is a lot sturdier and cheaper in comparison but lacks the multitude of functionality that this USB microphone offers! It looks and feels more like a toy.

8. Sennheiser MD421 II Cardioid Dynamic Mic – Best Microphone for YouTube Singing

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for an industry-standard microphone, the Sennheiser MD421 II is a fantastic choice. You won’t have to worry about building quality like with the Elgato Wave 3, despite having an all-plastic body. At the back of the mic, you’ll be able to find a high-pass switch with five settings, as well as the XLR port.

The Sennheiser MD421 II is very different from other dynamic microphones. It offers a lot more detail in the audio. It sounds fantastic on acoustic guitar and electric guitar, which is rare to find all in one mic. This versatility makes it one of the best microphones for singing, but it won’t disappoint when you’re making YouTube videos either. I do recommend you get a windscreen when using it for spoken word, as it’s pretty sensitive to plosives, and it doesn’t come with an internal pop filter.

If you mainly use this microphone for vocal recording, expect to hear some fantastic, rich audio with clarity and detail. It also really shines when recording instruments, especially drums and bass guitar. If you’re planning on taking this microphone to your studio, you should know it’s on the list of the best microphones for drum recording. Despite having to pay a lot of money for this mic, by now, you should be able to understand that it’s a significant investment and an all-around microphone.

9. Rode SmartLav + Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone – Best Lapel Microphone for YouTube

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Rode SmartLav + is a fantastic lavalier microphone that you can instantly plug into your phone, like the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 plus, through the 3.5mm jack. When you unbox your lavalier mic, you’ll be happy to know it comes with a small windscreen, mic clip, and small carrying pouch.

As far as the specs go, the Rode SmartLav is an omnidirectional polar pattern mic. You can take it with you anywhere you go and practically have the functionality of a wireless mic without the risk of interference. You don’t have to worry about the quality of this mic. Rode microphones are incredibly sturdy and durable. The Rode SmartLav + has excellent broadcast quality sound, in line with other professional-grade equipment.

The microphone is very discreet and doesn’t need to charge. All you have to do is plug it into your headphone jack, which is the downside. If you’re upgrading your phone, you need to ensure you have the compatible headphone jack or an adapter that plugs into your lightning port. Overall, the Rode Smartlav is a unique lavalier microphone that offers professional audio. It’s completely hassle-free, portable, and reliable. What more can you want from lavalier mics?

10. Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone – Best Premium Microphone for YouTube

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Let’s start this with a disclaimer. The Neumann TLM 102 is one of the most expensive microphones you’ll ever use if you choose to purchase it. However, don’t let that discourage you. The Neumann TLM 102 is a piece of art. It not only looks beautiful, but it’s also sturdy with an all-metal body and a metal grille construction. It’s made to last and provides you with a wonderfully crisp sound.

Suppose you’re looking for a multipurpose microphone that sounds great while recording your voice. In that case, instruments like an electric guitar or acoustic instruments expect the sound quality to be as smooth as butter.

I wouldn’t recommend this condenser microphone for beginner YouTubers primarily due to the price. However, if you’re a musician YouTuber and want to upgrade your gear, this will be a match made in heaven for you. The same goes for anyone who wants to run a studio from their home. If you’re a voice actor, you’ll honestly love this microphone.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Mic for YouTube?

Now that you know the top ten, it’s time to look at a few key points that can help you choose the best YouTube mic.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is essential, so what makes a mic sound “bad”? The easiest way to explain the untrained ear is to look out for popping, clipping, and plosives. Popping and plosives usually occur when the microphone is sensitive and can’t handle the sounds from consonants. You can quickly get around that by getting a pop filter or windshield. They aren’t expensive, and you can easily find them on Amazon, sometimes as a bundle with your microphone.

Clipping occurs when you get excited and you reach high frequencies that your microphone can’t handle. Sadly, there isn’t much that you can do if you don’t have a high-pass filter on your mic. You can try adding a clip guard through your music editing software, which can tame the clips a little bit.

Location of Filming or Recording

Another hugely important aspect of the sound recording is the location. Are you recording in a studio? Are you at home? If so, you shouldn’t have too many problems when recording, especially if you’re using a cardioid setting.

The wind is your greatest enemy when you’re out in the wild! However, if you’re outside and on the move, you’ll find it a lot more complicated. Look for mics with a low-pass filter and some good background noise reduction, as well as a wind muff.

Budget

There is no point in buying an ultra-expensive mic for YouTube unless you really want to upgrade and progress. If you’re a newbie YouTuber, a mic between $50 and $150 will do just fine and won’t be extremely sensitive and mind-boggling to set up. 

Type of Microphone

Consider having proper settings within reach, such as gain, headphone volume, mute, and polar pattern settings. A minimalistic mic with no features on the mic body typically means you’ll need to adjust the audio through a mixer or software. Those mics are usually XLRs and tend to be a lot more complex but can produce goosebump-worthy sound.

USB microphones are cheaper, easier to set up, and offer a lot of functionality. You can practically plug and play a USB mic. They tend to come with an in-built shock mount and desktop stand. USB microphones have plenty of polar patterns to choose from and excellent audio quality.

There are many types of microphones out there: dynamic mics, large-diaphragm condenser microphones, small-diaphragm condenser microphones, etc. If you want to get familiar with each type, take a look at our microphone types guide to learn the ins and outs of microphones. Meanwhile, if I had to recommend the best microphone for YouTube, I’d say go for a condenser mic. Not only is the audio quality outstanding, but a condenser microphone can do a much better job at picking up the fine details of your voice. You’ll often find they are the go-to choice for studio recording.

Before You Head Out

If you’ve had enough of the best microphones for Youtube, check out some of the best podcasting microphones or the best portable microphone review we wrote!

Best Selling Microphones for Youtube

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

myspeechclass.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate, we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.