Good content starts at the source. If you want to sound your best for coworkers, fans, or teammates, the mic you have built into your headphones, laptop, tablet, or smartphone likely won’t do the job. I’ve spent close to a decade with various USB microphones for podcasting, gaming, and even music recording, and I have to say up front: We’re living in a golden age of easy-to-use options. These days it’s not hard to find a great microphone with simple software for very little money. So we’ve rounded them up! These are the best USB microphones around.
While you’re at it, be sure to check out our guides on How to Start a Podcast and How to Upgrade Your Home Audio, as well as our lists of the Best Home Office Gear to kit out your space further.
Updated May 2024: We’ve added new mics from AKG, Audio-Technica, and Steelseries.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
%20top%20art%201%20SOURCE%20Walmart.jpg "Get (or Gift) 2 Years of Spectacular Shaves for Right Now")
