Communication is key and that’s especially true for gamers. There are people pushing from south east in Tilted Towers? Let your squad know. A team was just in a fight at Control Center and are medding up on the roof so now would be a good time to push? Tell your friends. To do this though, you need a gaming microphone that will properly get the message across. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of the five best ones around.
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Best Gaming Microphones for Communicating with Teammates on Amazon
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How to pick the best gaming microphone for you
- Consider use – Of course, these are gaming microphones, so no prizes awarded for knowing that they’ll be used for gaming. Perhaps though, you want to consider buying a higher end microphone that will work in case you ever want to stream. Streaming will require better audio quality, but if you’re just gaming with your friends on the weekends, you only need to be clear.
- Consider noise cancellation – If you have a setup and your own room dedicated to gaming, perhaps there won’t be a lot of background anyway, but if you game in your bedroom with a significant order, perhaps you want a microphone that goes out of its way to block out background noise or focuses on picking up your voice.
- Consider USB vs. XLR – Each type of microphone has its own benefits. USB mics are plug and play, so if you game on a PC or console, you can just plug them in and use them. While XLR mics require some extra hardware and need setting up, there’s also more control and higher sound quality on the table.
- Consider design – Some microphones go out of their way to be flashy and have an LED design, but some just do their job. If you’re a streamer, the design might matter a little more to you.
1. HyperX QuadCast
Amazon
Top Pick
The HyperX Quadcast is a popular microphone that actually made our list of the best microphones for gaming which you can check out here. It offers four different polar patterns; cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo. It’s a USB mic too, which means you can plug it in and get to using it straight away. A mount adaptor is included and it’s great for streaming as well as regular gaming. It’s worth noting that if you’re going to be gaming in a noisy environment or don’t want any sound other than your voice picked up, this mic is quite sensitive and will pick up small sounds.
Pros:
- Four polar patterns
- Plug and play
Cons:
- Too sensitive for some
2. Risea USB Gaming Microphone
Amazon
Easiest Option
This USB gaming microphone from Risea is an option for those on a budget. With its USB connector, its compatible with PCs, laptops and PlayStations, however it does not work with the Xbox. It also requires three AAA batteries, which could be a pain to keep replacing. The built-in sensitivity chip helps provide smooth sound and the mic has a metal structure and a matte finish which gives it a great look and makes it hard to leave smudges on.
Pros:
- Great look
- Comes with all necessary equipment
Cons:
- Requires batteries
- Not compatible with Xbox
3. Bonke USB Condensor Microphone
Amazon
Most Adjustability
This condenser mic from Bonke allows you to use it without having to download any software. You just plug it into your PlayStation or Mac or Windows PC and go. As you can see, the mic is held up with an arm that is made of steel. While it takes up more space, it does mean that you can adjust it to multiple heights and angles and get the right position for you. It comes with all the equipment you need to get started too. Do note that the volume scroll knob on the mic itself isn’t the most effective.
Pros:
- Arm is adjustable
- Plug and play
- Comes with all equipment
Cons:
- Does not work on Xbox
- Volume scroll doesn’t work well
4. Audio-Technica AT2020 XLR Microphone
Amazon
XLR Option
Of course, USB mics will be the go-to for the majority of gamers, but if you want an XLR microphone because you have the capability for it, then this Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great option. It’s a popular choice for those getting a home studio together because of its wide dynamic range and great quality recording. This mic is perhaps overqualified for most who don’t want to record gameplay or stream. Some have suggested that it could use a pop filter, so perhaps invest in that too. Unfortunately, one doesn’t come with it.
Pros:
- Wide dynamic range
- Professional quality
Cons:
- Requires more equipment to work
- Picks up distant sounds
5. JLab Talk Go USB Microphone
Amazon
Most Compact
Last but not least is a compact, portable option by JLab. The microphone, despite its size, offers a resolution of 96kHz/24BIT, which is a good, common quality. Also despite its size, it has great build quality and is sturdy enough that it can be moved around without feeling like its not well put together. It’s a particularly great choice for those that are travelling or don’t have a lot of space with their gaming setup. Do note that even if you use the cardioid polar pattern, it can pick up background and outside noise.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Good build quality
Cons:
- Picks up outside noise even with cardioid polar pattern
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