10 Best Mic for YouTube [December, 2023]

Creating YouTube videos requires quality audio that engages viewers. Choosing the right microphone can take your content to the next level. This guide reviews the top-rated microphones for YouTube based on user reviews and expert testing. We’ve selected the most recommended products for vocals, interviews, gaming, mobility and budget options.

How to Choose the Best Mic for YouTube

When selecting a microphone for YouTube, consider these key factors:

• Type of microphone (USB, XLR, lavalier, shotgun)
• Sound quality and pickup patterns
• Extra features like gain control, shock mount, etc.
• Budget

The best mics for YouTube provide clear, professional audio quality while matching your recording needs and budget.

Best USB Microphones for YouTube

USB microphones provide plug-and-play convenience ideal for beginners. They connect directly to your PC without an interface for quick, easy setup and excellent sound.

Blue Yeti

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• Rating: 4.3/5
• Reviews: 75,000+
• Features: Tri-capsule array, 4 pickup patterns, gain control, zero latency monitoring
• Expert Opinion: With its broadcast-quality sound in a plug-and-play form factor, the Blue Yeti is one of the best all-around USB mics for YouTube. The multiple pickup patterns make it versatile for single or multi-person recordings.

Razer Seiren Mini

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• Rating: 4.4/5
• Reviews: 3,000+
• Features: Ultra-compact size, built-in shock mount, heavy base
• Expert Opinion: Despite its portable size, the Seiren Mini delivers clear, detailed audio perfect for travel vloggers and mobile creators. It captures quality vocals and intensifies ASMR sounds thanks to its crisp clarity.

Shure MV7

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• Rating: 4.8/5
• Reviews: 5,000+
• Features: Hybrid USB/XLR connectivity, voice isolation technology, touch panel controls
• Expert Opinion: With its broadcast-ready sound, intuitive controls and flexibility, the Shure MV7 is a top choice for YouTubers wanting superior vocals and versatility. The tone shaping presets optimize your voice for exceptional YouTube sound.

Best Lavalier Microphones for YouTube

Lavalier or lapel microphones easily attach to clothing for hands-free audio during interviews, vlogging, and videos on the move.

Sony ECMCS3

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• Rating: 4.5/5
• Reviews: 25,000+
• Features: Omnidirectional pickup, windscreen, clip and long 9.8’ cable included
• Expert Opinion: For only ₹2500, the ECMCS3 provides great omnidirectional audio quality even in loud environments thanks to its noise rejection abilities. The included windscreen significantly cuts down on distracting wind noise when filming outdoors.

Shure MV88

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• Rating: 4.6/5
• Reviews: 1,400+
• Features: Adjustable polar patterns, seamless iPhone/iPad connectivity, EQ controls via app
• Expert Opinion: With its compact design, direct smartphone connection, and crisp audio pickup, the Shure MV88 makes it easy to record quality audio for YouTube videos on the move. The mid-side architecture provides flexibility to optimize sound depending on your needs.

Best Shotgun Microphones for YouTube

Shotgun microphones excel at picking up focused, directional audio from a distance, perfect for interviews, travel vlogging and boosting sound in noisy environments.

Shure VP83

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• Rating: 4.9/5
• Reviews: 700+
• Features: Supercardioid polar pattern, integrated shock mount, camera or external powering
• Expert Opinion: The VP83 clamps right onto your DSLR to dramatically improve YouTube audio over weak built-in camera mics. Its tight super cardioid pickup pattern excels at isolating speech and minimizing distracting ambient noise.

Rode VideoMic Pro+

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• Rating: 4.7/5
• Reviews: 1,500+
• Features: Integrated shock mount, built-in rechargeable battery, multiple gain controls
• Expert Opinion: With its broadcast sound quality, versatile controls and integrated features, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ excels for recording YouTube interviews, travel vlogs and amplifying sound on noisy shoot locations.

Best Wireless Systems for YouTube

Wireless microphone systems allow free movement and flexibility for recording crystal clear audio from a distance for YouTube interviews, vlogging and videos on the go.

Rode Wireless GO II

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• Rating: 4.8/5
• Reviews: 1,300+
• Features: Ultra compact dual channel transmitters, extended 200m range, onboard recording
• Expert Opinion: The Rode Wireless GO II delivers excellent wireless performance in a tiny, convenient package perfect for vlogging and videos on the move. The dual channel design provides flexibility while the long range coverage and onboard recording ensure reliable, quality audio.

Sennheiser EW 100 G4

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• Rating: 4.8/5
• Reviews: 700+
• Features: Rugged metal construction, wide tuning bandwidth, 8 hours battery life
• Expert Opinion: Sennheiser’s professional EW 100 G4 wireless system is a top choice for interference-free, broadcast-quality audio for YouTube. With rock-solid reliability and superb sound, it excels for interviews, travel vlogs and flexible recording setups.

Best Budget Microphones for YouTube

You don’t need to spend a lot for decent YouTube audio. Here are great mics under ₹10000.

FIFINE K670

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• Rating: 4.5/5
• Reviews: 30,000+
• Features: USB connectivity, sturdy metal build, volume and gain controls
• Expert Opinion: For only ₹3000, the FIFINE K670 USB condenser mic provides excellent value for YouTube, with its sturdy build quality that withstands abuse, smooth frequency response and handy gain control dial.

Boya BY-M1

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• Rating: 4.0/5
• Reviews: 75,000+
• Features: Omnidirectional condenser mic, 20ft cable, smartphone/DSLR compatible
• Expert Opinion: This inexpensive lavalier mic delivers quality audio for YouTube interviews, vlogs and videos with smartphones and DSLRs. The long cable provides flexibility and omnidirectional pattern picks up natural sound.

Microphone Comparison

Types of Microphones for YouTube

There are several main types of microphones commonly used for YouTube:

USB Microphones – Convenient plug-and-play setup. Great sound quality without extra equipment. Ideal for beginners.

XLR Microphones – Require an audio interface but provide the highest sound quality. Better for advanced creators.

Lavalier/Lapel Mics – Clip-on mics perfect for interviews and vlogging on the move.

Shotgun Mics – Directional mics that focus on audio from a distance. Excellent for interviews.

Wireless Systems – Allow free movement while recording. Useful for vlogs, travel videos, and interviews.

Microphone Usage and Care Tips

• Position the mic close to your mouth, about 3-5 inches away for best sound.
• Use a pop filter to prevent plosives and sibilance.
• Reduce background noise and echo by recording in a quiet space with sound dampening.
• Shock mounts reduce vibration and handling noise.
• Store mics safely in cases and away from moisture to prevent damage.
• Clean mics with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid moisture.
• Use a windscreen on lavalier mics to reduce wind noise when outdoors.
• Turn off phantom power when not in use to extend condenser mic lifespan.
• Check connections and cables regularly for secure fit and no damage.
• Replace batteries regularly on wireless systems. Bring spares when recording on location.

FAQ

Q. What is the best microphone for starting YouTube?

The Blue Yeti is one of the best beginner mics for YouTube. It provides great sound quality right out of the box with its easy USB connectivity. The multiple pickup pattern options allow flexibility to record vocals, interviews and more.

Q. What mic do professional YouTubers use?

Many popular YouTubers use high-end XLR condenser microphones like the Shure SM7B or Neumann TLM 103 paired with an audio interface for professional studio sound. The Shure MV7 and Rode NT USB are also popular choices. USB mics like the Blue Yeti and HyperX QuadCast are common among amateur YouTubers.

Q. How can I improve my YouTube microphone sound?

Use a pop filter, adjust your mic gain properly, record in a quiet space, position the mic close to your mouth but not directly on it, use a shock mount to reduce vibrations, and EQ in post-production to optimize vocals. Getting a better mic like a condenser will improve audio quality.

Q. What microphones work best for YouTube gaming?

The Blue Yeti Nano and HyperX QuadCast S are great choices for gaming on YouTube thanks to their crisp cardioid pickup patterns that isolate your voice. The Shure MV7 has excellent vocal reproduction. Condensers like the AT2020 capture natural sound well for ASMR. The Rode NT USB works great for streaming.

Q. Can I use a lavalier mic for YouTube?

Yes, lavalier or lapel mics work well for YouTube videos when you need hands-free operation. They easily clip onto clothing for vlogging, interviews, doing demos/tutorials and other videos on the move. Just ensure you have a windscreen on the lav mic when outdoors to reduce noise.

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