7 Best USB Microphones For Under $150; Reviews

7 Best USB Microphones For Under $150; Reviews

Today we are going to show you some of the best USB microphones under $150 because we know that getting started in streaming, gaming, podcasting, or music recording and production can be very tedious, especially if you are running on a tight budget. That is why having good, affordable options matters a lot.

When selecting our picks for the best USB microphones for under 150 dollars, we look for models that offer easy setup, great quality, and a fair price, as well as flexibility with voice types and volumes.

Best USB Microphones Under $150

Comparison Table

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1. Blue Yeti USB Microphone

Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording, Streaming, Gaming, Podcasting on PC and Mac
  • Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
  • Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
  • Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
  • Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
  • Plug n P
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Microphone Specs:

Blue Yeti is a simple plug-and-play USB-only desktop microphone, meaning that there is no need for the user to establish a separate audio interface. All you need to start recording with Blue Yeti is to connect the mic to your laptop or PC through a USB port.

Blue uses a proprietary tri-capsule microphone array that allows you to switch between 4 different polar patterns (Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, and Stereo), customizing how the Yeti picks up sound.

The front of the mic has a mute button and a volume knob for easy access and adjustment. On the back, there’s a gain knob and a switch for four directional pattern modes.

This is one of the best USB microphones for under $150 which is good for not only podcasts but gaming, streaming, voiceovers, and musical recording as well. 

You can swivel the mic in its stand to reposition it, but for greater flexibility, the Yeti unscrews from its base and can be mounted to a standard microphone stand or boom arm.

Why We Recommend It

Blue Yeti sounds surprisingly rich for its cost. It is a sensitive mic so be prepared that it will be picking up both wanted and unwanted sounds alike. 

However, proper positioning along with the right picking pattern can help to achieve a good level of noise cancellation.

Blue Yeti is made to handle things like podcasting & voiceovers, working great for any conference calls, and of course, singing and playing instruments. 

You’ll get all that with near professional quality and the simplest possible setup. Unlike other studio mics, you won’t need any special equipment like preamplifiers, etc. 

That makes it very easy to use with any computer or even laptop, as all you have to do is just plug it on and you’re ready to go.

Blue Yeti has two ports. The first one is of course USB which powers the device and sends the digital signal to the computer. 

This model has a standard sampling rate of 16 bit at 48 kHz. The USB cable of around 6 feet long is also included in the package. The other output port is a 3.5 mm headphones jack, allowing you to hear exactly what’s being captured.

Pros

Cons


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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXHI-IiBL0Q

2. Razer Seiren V2 Pro USB Mic

Razer Seiren V2 Pro USB Microphone for Streaming, Gaming, Recording, Podcasting on PC, Twitch, YouTube
  • Dynamic Microphone: Has an incredible low end that gives your voice a deep, warm quality that sounds full and clear thanks to greater noise suppression compared to traditional cardioid mics - speak directly into the top of the mic for optimal performance
  • High Pass Filter: Activated via Razer Synapse, the mic’s high pass filter eliminates any background humming and buzzing so your voice can be captured as if inside a soundproof studio
  • Digital Analogue Limiter: The Razer Seiren V2 Pro is programmed to automatically prevent clipping and peaking so theres no reason to worry about your voice breaking up or sounding noisy while streaming
  • Built-In Shock Absorber and Mic Windsock
  • Gain Control and Mute But
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Microphone Specs:

The Serien V2 Pro is a 30mm Dynamic microphone that promises a rich, warm, and clean sound up to 96kHz sampling rate. 

It works fine whether you are on PC or Mac though to get the most out of it, you’ll need a Windows machine with Razer Synapse. 

Putting together the V2 Pro isn’t difficult, as the mic’s placed on a swivel arm that mounts to a reassuringly heavy metal stand. 

Physical controls are minimal: mic gain, volume for monitoring (with a 3.5mm input at the back), and a backlit mute button. At the base is a thread for direct boom arm attachment, covered with a rubberized guard. 

For those not using a boom arm and pop shield, a foam cover is provided which slips over the capsule grille. 

With a single cardioid polar pattern here, the Seiren V2 Pro works best with the audio source nice and close to the mic. 

Even a foot away, there’s unpleasant roominess to recordings that you’d want to eradicate after the fact with plugins.

Why We Recommend It

Razer Synapse is where all the magic happens with the V2 Pro, so it is absolutely necessary to have it installed if you want to use the mic to its full potential.

Razer’s Synapse application has been updated to include some fun features. First, you can control the functions found on the Seiren V2 Pro directly in the software, but you can also adjust the sample rate between 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz. 

You can also toggle the high pass filter and analog gain limiter on and off.

In the stream mixer, you can select any combination of audio sources and mix them into a single output for your stream or recording software of choice. 

Using the app volume and device settings, you can send an application to any of the ten mixer destinations and also use a submix, controlling the levels going to the stream and those going to your headphones.

The Razer Seiren V2 Pro is undoubtedly one of the best USB mics for under 150 dollars with powerful software. It has superior build quality and is a rare offering of a dynamic USB mic since most are condenser microphones. 

It’s an ideal solution for any serious content creator and affordable enough to be worth considering as your first investment.

Pros

Cons


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3. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone, With Built-In Headphone Jack & Volume Control
  • Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
  • High quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
  • Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay
  • Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and prerecorded audio
  • High output, the internal headphone amplifier delivers superior clarity and musical detail as well as more volume overall
  • Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac O
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Microphone Specs:

AT2020USB+ produces crisp and clean sound… compared to a number of models in the same price range. The mic has a steady frequency response that makes it more musical.

The ease of use makes it an ideal choice for home studio and field recording. Not only does it perfectly suit tasks like podcasting or voiceovers, but it also achieves quite a professional performance with vocals and even instruments.

The body of AT2020USB+ is apparently made of rugged metal intended for durable performance, and indeed, it seems it can survive a good amount of abuse. 

This USB microphone utilizes a tripod desktop stand, perfect for desktop use with podcasts, streams, and gaming. 

It utilizes a medium-weight diaphragm with a permanent cardioid polarization to offer a massive amount of flexibility. 

This well-rounded USB microphone offers both deep, rich lows with crisp highs to give your vocals that extra boost on both ends for a professional experience.

Why We Recommend It

When recording spoken vocals, it has a warmth and clarity when you’re right up to the diaphragm, and doesn’t start to sound roomy until you’re about four feet away. 

With a 44KHz sample rate and 16-bit depth, it falls in line with the specs of most other mics on the market, offering CD-quality audio as the audio signal is converted to digital.

The Audio Technica AT2020USB+ comes packed with a few great features. The first one is their headphone preamp, offering a latency-free monitoring experience. 

They also offer mix control for blending your microphone signal and pre-recorded audio. 

Lastly, volume control is another essential, as every situation is different and this allows you to bypass the need for an intermediary device or preamplifier.

This microphone is compatible with an iPad, a Mac, and a PC. On a PC or a Mac, you just plug the USB cable into an available USB port (or USB adapter).

Pros

Cons


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4. Samson G-Track Pro USB Condenser Mic

Samson Technologies Samson G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone with Audio Interface
  • All-in-one: Professional USB microphone with audio interface. Record your voice and instrument at the same time.
  • The right mic: Ideal for streaming, gaming, podcasting, and recording music
  • At your fingers: Front panel mixer with microphone level, instrument level and headphone volume controls. Selectable Mono or 2-Track recording modes and Direct Monitor on/off.
  • Built for the studio: Dual 1 (25 millimeter) condenser capsules with three selectable pick up patterns - Cardioid (unidirectional), bidirectional and omnidirectional
  • High Definition Audio: 24-bit, 96kHz resolution. Plug-and-play, no driver installation required
  • Connect: 1/4 instrument input for connecting guitars or line level devices
  • Listen: 1/8 stereo headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring
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Microphone Specs:

The all-black G-Track Pro ships connected to its desktop swivel-mount stand, which is weighted for more stability. 

Behind its sturdy grille, there’s a layer of windscreen foam protecting the dual 1-inch capsules that combine for the various mic patterns.

G-Track Pro is a full-size, multipattern studio mic with a dual-diaphragm, 1-inch capsule offering cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight pickup patterns. 

It has a built-in headphone amp and desk stand and also has a built-in 1 megohm instrument input. It provides recording up to 24-bit/96 kHz, unlike most USB mics, which offer 48 kHz recording, often at a depth of just 16 bits.

Connection-wise, you get a 3.5mm headphone jack to connect your headphones and a cable that has a USB-A end to connect to your PC or laptop. 

You also get a 1/4inch mono instrument input, which you can use for electric and bass guitars, or line signals for keyboards, drum machines, and mixers.

Why We Recommend It

When I tested the mic within a quiet room, the audio was crystal clear, rich across bass, mids, and highs and all in all could easily pass for close to studio quality to the untrained ear. There were hardly any popping sounds if held a reasonable distance away. 

When it’s positioned closer they do occur, so getting an additional pop-filter could be worth your while if this is a concern.

Even at a distance of four or five feet, the G-Track does an admirable job of faithfully recording vocals, and instrument recordings through the 1/4″ rear input sound crystal clear. 

The inclusion of that 1/4″ input means that the G-Track also functions as an audio interface and allows you to choose between recording a single mix of both mic and instrument input or recording them individually as discrete tracks.

It’s also an incredibly well-constructed mic. The base and mic chassis are made from die-cast zinc, and you can tell as soon as you pick it up – this is a heavy, very solid mic

Pros

Cons

 


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5. HyperX QuadCast S

HyperX QuadCast S – RGB USB Condenser Microphone for PC, PS4, PS5 and Mac, Anti-Vibration Shock Mount, 4 Polar Patterns, Pop Filter, Gain Control, Gaming, Streaming, Podcasts, Twitch, YouTube, Discord
  • Radiant RGB lighting with dynamic effects: Personalize stunning RGB lighting and dynamic effects for an eye-catching shot of customizable style.
  • Built-in anti-vibration shock mount: Isolate the mic and suppress the sound of unintentional rumbles and bumps with the elastic rope suspension.
  • Tap-to-mute sensor with LED status indicator
  • 4 selectable polar patterns: Choose between four polar patterns (stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional) to optimize your broadcast setup and keep the focus on the sounds you want to be heard.
  • Customizable via HyperX Ngenuity Software
  • Mount adapter, pop filter, and headphone jack: Versatile adapter fits 38-inch and 58-inch threaded setups, compatible with most mic stands or boom arms. The internal pop filter helps block plosive sounds from hitting the mic, and you can monitor the mic via the headphone jack.
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Microphone Specs:

The HyperX QuadCast S is a very fun, sleek, clear-sounding USB microphone with rainbow LEDs color the microphone beneath its grille. The mic is long and cylindrical, and it has a durable all-metal casing. 

The microphone comes bolted onto a shock mount, which prevents handling noise and external vibrations from affecting your recording. 

The bottom of the QuadCast S houses a matte dial so you can adjust the gain, and the top is a touch-sensitive mute button. 

The back of the microphone houses a USB-C input for plugging in the provided 3-meter USB-C to USB cable. 

Above the USB-C input is a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can directly monitor your recording or live stream.

The HyperX QuadCast S comes with four polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. 

Why We Recommend It

For all its great design, though, it’s the QuadCast S’ sound quality that justifies its price tag. It offers a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz and bit rate of 16-bit, also featuring three 14mm condensers that allow it to operate in four distinct directional patterns. 

On the software side of things, the HyperX Quadcast S uses its proprietary Ngenuity software to handle all things RGB, and that’s pretty much it.

The software lets you do other things like adjusting volume, monitoring headphone volume, and indicating which polar pattern is selected.

The HyperX QuadCast S records clear audio and boasts a neutral-leaning frequency response with slightly de-emphasized bass notes to mitigate the proximity effect. 

This mic costs less than 150 dollars and covers the full range of human hearing and has a noise floor so low I essentially couldn’t find it. 

Recording on my own, the mic was remarkably quiet at any gain setting I would reasonably use in the real world.

All four pickup patterns delivered excellent results, with clearly differentiated imaging in stereo mode and great sound rejection around the room in cardioid mode.

Pros

Cons


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6. Elgato Wave:3 USB Condenser Mic

Elgato Wave:3 Premium USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer for Streaming, Recording, Podcasting – Clipguard, Capacitive Mute, Plug & Play for PC / Mac
  • Condenser capsule with a tight cardioid polar pattern captures speech with precision
  • Use the Wave Link app to control Wave: 3 and up to seven other audio sources, plus create two independent mixes
  • Up to 24-bit / 96kHz analog to digital conversion delivers lush detail
  • Proprietary Clipguard technology makes distortion virtually impossible
  • Superior circuitry ensures seamless audio signal transmiss
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Microphone Specs:

The Elgato Wave 3 is an unassuming microphone. It’s fairly small and trimmed almost entirely in black.

Despite its small size, it feels sturdy enough. The grill surrounding the capsule is a rigid metal with very little flex even when squeezed.

Behind the flat, rectangular grille, a 17mm electret capsule delivers a cardioid pattern with a frequency range of 70Hz to 20kHz. It has a 24 bit depth and a maximum sample rate of 96kHz, both solid stats for this price range.

The front panel, beneath the grille, houses a single knob/button, with LEDs for observing signal level. 

The back panel houses a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port for the included USB-C-to-USB-A cable.

It has a cardioid polar pattern, so it records in a heart shape around the microphone—that is, it picks up sound mainly around the front and sides, and less in the back.

The mute button on the top of the mic for silencing the microphone input. For the type of mic sensitivity and detailed audio capture that the Wave:3 provides, the mic fits a lot into a small frame.

Why We Recommend It

The Wave:3 is plug-and-play compatible with Windows 10 machines and MacOS 10.15 or higher. It includes a USB-C to USB-A cable for connecting to a computer.

With a frequency response of 70Hz-20kHz and analog-to-digital audio conversion up to 24-bit/96kHz, the Elgato Wave:3 captures higher-res audio than many other popular USB microphones for recording, gaming, and streaming.

These figures indicate the resolution the microphone is able to record at, similar to how a monitor might be rated for 1080p or 4K.

The mic uses a tight cardioid polar pattern, which targets sounds in front of the capsule and deadens most sounds from the back and sides. 

There’s a built-in compressor inside the mic, which Elgato calls ClipGuard, so if you get loud on your stream, it will automatically stop you from peaking and distorting your audio. 

It has a built-in pop filter that actually works and is enhanced by ClipGuard preventing distortions from your plosives. 

It even has a hardware-based low-cut filter (turned on with the software) to cut down on any boominess in your voice.

Pros

Cons


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7. Rode NT-USB-Mini USB Microphone

Rode NT-USB-Mini USB Microphone with Detachable Magnetic Stand, Built-in Pop Filter and Headphone Amplifier
  • RODE NT-USB MINI: The NT-USB Mini is a compact, studio-quality USB microphone designed for recording direct to a computer or tablet.
  • EASY SET-UP: It features a class-compliant USB output for direct recording to a computer or tablet. No drivers or software are needed, and no external power required to operate.
  • IDEAL FOR: Delivers professional-sounding audio in any application, from recording vocals and instruments, to podcasting and voiceovers, to gaming and live streaming.
  • DESK STAND, ZERO LATENCY MONITORING
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Microphone Specs:

Rode NT-USB is a no-nonsense USB mic for under $150 that is also a compact, and easy-to-operate desktop model. 

Its fixed cardioid pattern is useful for recording vocals or instruments and is also suitable for gaming, podcasting, and business calls.

On its front panel, there’s a headphone volume knob, as well as two LEDs that tell you when the mic is powered via USB or when you’re in zero-latency monitoring mode—pressing the volume knob turns the zero-latency mode on or off.

The back panel houses the connections for the included USB-C-to-USB cable, as well as the 3.5mm headphone jack. 

The top portion of both front and back panels is covered in a metallic grille, behind which is a built-in pop filter and a condenser capsule with a fixed cardioid pattern, delivering a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz.

The NT-USB Mini delivers a depth of 24 bits and a 48kHz sample rate. It’s compatible with macOS 10.12 and Windows 10.

Why We Recommend It

The audio I recorded on the Rode NT-USB Mini was fantastic. I have a vocal range that goes from low rumble to high pitched falsetto, and the NT-USB caught all of it with depth and a rich warmth many USB mics miss.  

My recordings were reproduced with crystal clarity, with the mic capturing all the subtle timbre of my voice. 

The Mini has a built-in pop filter to deal with your plosives and a neat little detachable magnetic stand that makes for easy traveling.

What makes Rode NT-USB Mini special is its ability to hook up multiple microphones to one computer or laptop without using a USB audio interface of some kind.

Rode Connect is the company’s digital audio mixer which allows multiple NT-USB Minis to be plugged into one computer. 

Ideally, this makes for a pretty convenient mobile podcasting studio so long as your laptop or computer has the USB ports to spare.

Pros

Cons


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Best USB Microphones For Under $150; Buying Guide

Our picks for best USB microphones work well with a wide variety of voices, but to find a mic that fits your voice just that much more, keep these factors in mind.

Things to Look for in a Good USB Mic

1. Polar Pattern

A polar pattern determines how much and from which direction an audio signal will be picked up by a microphone. 

These are the most common polar patterns: 

Cardioid: Records in front of the microphone. Perfect for voice-over, vocals, and streaming.

Bidirectional: Captures audio in front of and behind the mic. Ideal for one-on-one interviews.

Omnidirectional: Picks up sound from every direction. Perfect for round-table interviews, but not so much for gaming or streaming.

Stereo: Perfect for ASMR recordings. YouTube ‘ASMR’ if you want the best example because I couldn’t do it just justice.

2. Build quality

The build quality of a microphone affects more than just how the device holds up with use—it also has an impact on audio performance. 

The better the materials, the better quality of vocal performance. The capsule type, housing around it, and any shielding placed between you and the capsule (to tamp down unwanted noises) all influence the mic’s output.

3. Software Controls

For a USB microphone, you’ll do all your audio processing—that is, tweaking the audio that comes through the mic—in a desktop PC program. 

Ideally, this companion software should be easy to use, easy to navigate and allow you to tune the audio output. 

The best software also lets you configure the routing of other audio sources (e.g., the game, chat from programs like Discord, and music from Spotify). You can choose what gets pulled in and how that’s directed out.

4. PC & Mac Compatibility

You can always plug a USB microphone into a computer so long as the USB type is compatible between the microphone and your laptop. 

Let’s say the microphone terminates in a USB-A plug, but your computer only has a USB-C input. If that’s the case, you’ll need to purchase a USB-A to USB-C adapter, but then you shouldn’t run into any recording issues.

Compatibility issues arise with USB microphones when you address software though. Oftentimes, the specifications (online or on the box) will inform you of a specific product’s compatibility, and this mainly pertains to its software.

5. Headphone Monitoring Capability

Many USB mics have headphone jacks with built-in volume control. You can perform zero-latency monitoring using headphones and hear your voice in real-time as you record. 

If your mic doesn’t have a headphone jack, your voice has to travel from the microphone into your computer, through your recording software, and then through your headphones. 

This could cause a delay and echo effect that makes it difficult to listen to and monitor your recording as you go. 

6. Microphone Features and Controls 

When considering which USB mic for under $150 will work best for you, pay attention to the different features and controls of each microphone. 

A mute button is handy if you want to quickly cut the signal of a mic during a recording. Other microphone controls include EQ mode switching ability and pad control. 

Make sure that the USB mic has a good frequency response and can capture the full range of human hearing from 20 to 20,000hz. 

Pop filters are another feature to keep an eye out for – a microphone with a built-in pop filter will pick up much less background noise and produce a cleaner recording.

Conclusion

By now, you should have an idea of the best microphone for under 150 dollars. As you’ve read, we take a lot of factors into consideration to help make sure you’re getting the very best option for your money. 

Many microphones offer different directional recording patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, or stereo. 

Bidirectional or omnidirectional modes are very useful for recording multiple speakers with a single mic, but for most applications — cardioid is all you need. This only records the space directly in front of the mic so is perfect for minimizing background noise.

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