Gear

Best USB Microphones for Streaming, Podcasting, and Calls

For streaming, podcasts, and video calls in an ordinary room, the best USB microphone is a dynamic one that plugs straight into your computer: the Shure MV7+, the Samson Q2U (stand and cables in the box), or the all-metal RØDE PodMic USB. All three can move to XLR later.

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The Picks in Detail

Top Pick

Shure MV7+

A dynamic podcast mic with USB-C and XLR, and built-in help for noisy, untreated rooms.

Who It's For
Podcasters and streamers in an ordinary room who want one mic they won't outgrow.
Skip It If
You're on a tight budget (see the Q2U). Or you want to record instruments or a group around one mic: a condenser suits that better.

Pros

  • Shure markets it for "imperfect rooms": a dynamic capsule, a real-time denoiser, and an Auto Level mode.
  • USB-C for a computer now, XLR for an interface or mixer later.
  • A touch panel with a mute button and a level meter, plus a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Cons

  • The most expensive pick here.
  • Podcastage found it sounds better over XLR than over USB.
  • The box has only a USB-C cable: no stand and no XLR cable.
Type
Dynamic, cardioid
Outputs
USB-C and XLR
USB Recording
Up to 24-bit / 48 kHz
Onboard Processing
Auto Level, denoiser, digital pop filter
Typical Price
$250–280 / £220–250 (approx.)

Note: The MV7+ replaced the original MV7 (micro-USB) in 2024, and the MV7X is an XLR-only model. Our button goes to the MV7+ in black.

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Budget Pick

Samson Q2U

The long-standing value pick: a dynamic USB and XLR mic with a stand and both cables in the box.

Who It's For
First-time podcasters, people on video calls, and anyone finding out whether they'll stick with it.
Skip It If
You want onboard noise reduction or 24-bit recording over USB (see the MV7+ or PodMic USB).

Pros

  • The Podcast Host calls it (with the ATR2100) the best-value USB mic.
  • USB and XLR, so it can move to an interface later.
  • A desk tripod, mic clip, windscreen, USB cable, and XLR cable come in the box.

Cons

  • USB recording is 16-bit only (fine for speech, less headroom for editing).
  • No onboard processing or noise reduction.
  • Older stock has an older USB socket (see the note).
Type
Dynamic, cardioid
Outputs
USB-C and XLR (current version)
USB Recording
16-bit / 44.1 or 48 kHz
Onboard Processing
None
Typical Price
$60–80 / £55–75 (approx.)

Note: Samson now lists the Q2U with a USB-C socket and cable. Older stock has a smaller, older USB socket, and most older reviews describe that version. Older spec sheets say mini USB; some reviews say micro USB. To check before you buy, look for "USB-C" in the listing's title or its list of what's in the box. The Amazon pages we link said USB-C when we checked. If a third-party seller's unit arrives with the older socket, it works the same with its own cable.

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Best Broadcast Sound

RØDE PodMic USB

A heavy, all-metal broadcast mic with onboard processing for a finished, radio-style sound.

Who It's For
Podcasters who want a pro look and sound on a boom arm, with room to add an interface later.
Skip It If
You want a mic that sits on the desk: it has no desk stand and needs a sturdy boom arm.

Pros

  • APHEX processing (compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, Aural Exciter, and Big Bottom), set up in RØDE's free apps.
  • USB-C and XLR, with a zero-latency headphone output and level control.
  • An integrated swing mount and an internal pop filter.

Cons

  • Heavy: RØDE lists 900 g, so it needs a sturdy boom arm.
  • No desk stand in the box.
  • The processing needs RØDE Central or UNIFY to set up.
Type
Dynamic, cardioid
Outputs
USB-C and XLR
USB Recording
24-bit / 48 kHz
Onboard Processing
APHEX compressor, gate, and more
Typical Price
$180–200 / £160–190 (approx.)

Note: The original PodMic is XLR only. Make sure you buy the PodMic USB.

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Compare the Picks

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

PickTypeOutputsUSB RecordingOnboard ProcessingTypical Price (approx.)
Shure MV7+Top PickDynamic, cardioidUSB-C and XLRUp to 24-bit / 48 kHzAuto Level, denoiser, digital pop filter$250–280
£220–250
Samson Q2UBudget PickDynamic, cardioidUSB-C and XLR (current version)16-bit / 44.1 or 48 kHzNone$60–80
£55–75
RØDE PodMic USBBest Broadcast SoundDynamic, cardioidUSB-C and XLR24-bit / 48 kHzAPHEX compressor, gate, and more$180–200
£160–190

Compare all 6 USB microphones side by side

Dynamic vs Condenser Mics

All three picks are dynamic microphones, and that's deliberate. A dynamic mic is less sensitive. It mostly hears what's right in front of it: your voice, a few inches away.

A condenser mic is more sensitive and picks up more detail. It also picks up more of the room: echo from bare walls, the fridge, traffic, and keyboard clicks.

In a normal bedroom, office, or living room, a dynamic mic usually sounds cleaner. A condenser suits a quiet, treated room. It also suits singing, instruments, ASMR, or a group around one mic. The tradeoff with a dynamic mic: stay close, about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) away.

USB vs XLR

A USB mic has its own converter built in. It plugs straight into a computer, and often a phone or tablet, with no other gear.

An XLR mic sends an analog signal, so it needs an audio interface or mixer. That costs more to set up. In return, you can record two people on separate tracks and upgrade one part at a time.

The Q2U, MV7+, and PodMic USB have both sockets. Start on USB, then move to XLR later without buying a new mic.

Dynamic mics don't need phantom power. The MV7+ and PodMic USB are fairly quiet over XLR, though. Pair them with an interface that has plenty of gain. Our audio interface guide explains what to look for.

Test Your New Mic

Once it's plugged in, test your new mic here with our free mic test. It shows which microphone your browser is using and how loud your input is. You can record 5 seconds and play it back. Nothing is uploaded.

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Questions

Do I need an audio interface for a USB microphone?+

No. A USB mic plugs straight into your computer. You only need an interface if you use the XLR output, for example to record two mics on separate tracks.

Which USB microphone is best for video calls and meetings?+

For one person at a desk, the Samson Q2U costs least and comes with a desk stand. The Shure MV7+ adds a denoiser and Auto Level for a noisy room. All three are cardioid dynamic mics that mostly hear the person in front, so for a group around one mic, a condenser suits better.

Is a dynamic or condenser mic better for streaming?+

In an ordinary, untreated room, a dynamic mic usually sounds cleaner. It picks up less room echo and background noise. A condenser suits a quiet, treated room.

Does the Samson Q2U have USB-C?+

The current version does, according to Samson. Older stock has an older, smaller USB socket. Check that the listing mentions USB-C, in its title or its list of what's in the box.

Can I use a USB microphone with an iPhone or Android phone?+

Often, yes. The MV7+ and PodMic USB have USB-C, and RØDE lists iOS and Android support for the PodMic USB. Older iPhones need an adapter, and some phones limit the power they supply, so check with the maker.

How do I check my microphone is working?+

Open our free mic test, choose the new mic, and record a 5-second clip. It shows your input level and helps you fix common problems.