7 Best USB Microphones For Under $200; Reviews

Join me today as I examine the best USB microphones under $200 for a look at what’s available online. There are many reasons to choose a USB-powered mic but the main advantage is their plug-and-play functionality and the convenience which comes with it.

The USB microphones combine top-quality recording with a simplicity that makes them easy to set up and use, even if you’ve never handled a dedicated mic before.

That said, here is a list of the top 7 USB microphones for under 200 dollars.

Best USB Microphone for Under $200

Comparison Table

1. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Microphone Specs:

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Diaphragm Size: .63″ (16mm)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Max SPL: 144dB SPL (1kHz at 1% THD)
• Connector: USB Type B (mic output), 1/8″ (headphones)
• Requirements – Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or later
• Requirements – PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
• Dimensions: 6.38″ x 2.05″
• Weight: .85 lbs.
• Included Accessories: Tripod Desk Stand, USB Cable, Mic Stand Adapter, Soft Pouch

The Audio Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser is one of the hottest microphones under 200 dollars on the market for podcasters streamers and gamers. Its deep, rich sounds with extended frequency response, make it the ideal microphone for vocal use. 

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.

On the mic itself are gain and volume controls, along with a headphone monitoring input and a monitoring level adjustment, all fitted around the middle of the USB microphone via thumbwheels.

This is a medium-diaphragm condenser with just a cardioid polar pattern available, so It’s designed as an all-rounder and performs wonderfully as such.

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.

Why We Recommend It

It’s a versatile microphone that you can use for vocals, speech, and instruments. It has also recently started gaining popularity as one of the best ASMR USB microphones under $200 because of its high-quality capabilities & high sensitivity.

Being an industry leader for podcasting, this USB microphone is going to be great for vocal/speech applications, including gaming, streaming, voice-overs for YouTube, and more.

Its Cardioid polar pattern makes it a great choice for recording instruments like the acoustic guitar, providing a level of depth that you would expect from studio condensers. 

This being a class-compliant device, you can expect both Windows and MacOS devices to recognize and start using the mic without the need for specific drivers.

Pros

• Sturdy build
• Crisp and clean sound
• Good frequency range
• Plug and play: easy to use
• Requires no additional equipment

Cons

• Tripod stand is a disappointment
• Just one polar pattern

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA4RvltO9e0

2. Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone

Microphone Specs:

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Mono/Stereo: Mono
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Diaphragm Size: 0.5″ (12.7mm)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Max SPL: 110 dB
• Connector: USB
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Included Accessories: Pop Shield, Stand Mount, Tripod, 6m USB Cable, Protective Zip Case

Rode NT-USB is one of the best USB mics in the ‘under $200’ range. It brings exceptional USB quality without the need for special drivers or any additional 3rd party equipment.

Rode NT-USB delivers quite a superb sound, thanks to a quality cardioid capsule set in a standard studio fashion, only the mic provides a USB interface. 

It sounds very natural, clear, and transparent, and does not suffer from those common effects such as popping and sibilance. 

The proximity effect is negligible, and it works from a number of angles. Its also less susceptible to vibration noise, even with the stock tripod.

Sleek and reassuringly solid thanks to its narrow metal body, the Rode NT-USB is a good-looking piece of kit. 

It also has the build quality to match. With a side-address and a cardioid polar pattern (which means it captures sound directly in front of it with a little ambient noise from the sides), it’s aggressively geared toward voiceover, singing, and instrumentals. 

Why We Recommend It

The Rode NT-USB delivers fantastic audio. It’s impressively sharp and is perhaps the best standard of sound on a USB microphone. It’s got a talent for filtering out background noise as well, and including a detachable pop filter only makes the NT-USB more enticing, of course.

Its plug-and-play nature makes it a supremely user-friendly device. It has two controls on the right side that are meant to monitor volume and the mic’s gain. 

Underneath, there is a standard 3.5 mm jack for headphones. The monitor is quite loud, especially on the highest setting, so you’ll have no problem hearing yourself during the recording.

The Rode NT-USB microphone is compatible with both PC & MacOS (and tablets, etc.), allowing you to bypass the need for a preamplifier & Phantom Power. 

This level of flexibility is perfect for both beginners in the music scene as well as gamers, streamers & podcasters.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality
• Extended response, crispiness
• Low noise
• Thoughtful design
• Free pop-shield, desk stand

Cons

• Only one polar pattern
• Picks up table knocks and keystrokes

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Related Articles:

• Best USB Microphone For Rapping & Recording Vocals; Reviews
• Best USB Dynamic Microphone; Reviews
• 7 Best USB Microphones For Under $150; Reviews

3. Razer Seiren Elite USB Microphone

Microphone Specs:

• Microphone Type: Dynamic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Max SPL: 120 dB
• Connector: USB
• Dimensions: 8.9 x 3.5 x 2.6 inches
• Weight: 1.7 lbs.
• Included Accessories: Desktop stand, windscreen, 3m braided cable

The Seiren Elite is a cardioid-pattern dynamic mic, with its long cylindrical body addressed at the top end. 

The included stand is among the best I have seen bundled with a USB mic in the under $200 price category as it has an excellent swivel range so that the vocalist can perfectly align the capsule with their mouth.

Moving up the Seiren Elite, you’ll find individual gain and volume knobs, a backlit mic mute button below these two dials, and a high-pass filter toggle switch at the bottom to round off the controls.

Internally, the Seiren Elite uses a dynamic capsule in a cardioid pattern, with a frequency range of 50Hz to 20kHz. The Seiren Elite records at either 44.1kHz or 48kHz, but maxes out at 16 bits.

the Seiren Elite is equipped with a High Pass Filter button—an often-crucial switch on many pro-level mics. 

The filter’s primary function is to eliminate background low-frequency rumbles that are much lower than the human voice

The Seiren Elite ships with a foam windscreen that fully covers the mic grille. This is helpful for outdoor use, and also for preventing plosives in vocals, as a pop filter would do. 

In terms of system compatibility, the Seiren Elite requires Mac OS 10.8 or higher or Windows 7, 8, or 10.

Why We Recommend It

The Seiren Elite sounds far more clear than a typical, cheaper USB mic for game streaming might. It gives a subtler and noticeably warm sound reproduction. 

On the bottom of the Seiren is a 3.5mm headphone jack, a switch for turning the logo illumination on or off, a threaded base that accepts a standard mic stand mount, and a USB Mini-A jack.

Setting up the Razer Seiren isn’t difficult, but it does require Razer’s Synapse software.

The Synapse software lets you adjust bit and sample rates. The bit rate can be set to either 16 or 24 bit, and sampling rates are 44.1, 48, 96, and 192 kHz. 

These options give the Seiren great flexibility when it comes to capturing sounds, with higher bit and sample rates allowing for more accurate and editable files.

Pros

• Clear, crisp signal with adjustable gain and subtle DSP.
• Includes a high-pass filter button.
• Zero-latency headphone monitoring.
• Solid build.

Cons

• Cardioid only
• No volume or gain indicators
• Dials feel cheap

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4. Blue Yeti X Professional USB Microphone

Microphone Specs:

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bi-directional
• Diaphragm Size: 4 x .55″ (14mm)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Max SPL: 122dB SPL
• Requirements – Mac: macOS 10.10 or higher
• Requirements – PC: Windows 7 or later
• Dimensions: 11.6″ x 4.9″
• Weight: 3.4 lbs. (with stand)

Available in a black-and-silver design, this one of the best USB mics under 200 dollars is a four-capsule condenser, side-address mic that ships with a sturdy built-in desktop stand. 

The top panel of the Yeti X is covered in a mesh metallic grille, behind which is the four 14mm capsule array. 

Below the grille, a multipurpose knob controls gain and headphone volume, with LEDs showing the levels for each. 

You can also use the knob to blend the level of computer audio and mic audio you hear in the headphones. 

The back panel houses the mic pattern button—tapping it switches between cardioid, figure-8, omnidirectional, and stereo patterns.

The Yeti X also ships with recording software, a new platform called BlueVoice that requires Logitech’s G Hub and/or Blue’s Sherpa software in order to operate. 

BlueVoice includes useful presets and vocal effects for Twitch streaming, podcasting, and music recording.

The Yeti X can record up to 48kHz/24-bit audio, with a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and the internal damping the Yeti X employs keeps plosives to a minimum. 

Why We Recommend It

One of Yeti X’s biggest selling points is that it’s fully customizable via Logitech’s G Hub software, from the microphone’s sound quality and voice modes to its array of LED lights. 

You can use G Hub to fiddle with Blue’s VO!CE software, allows you to enable a variety of vocal presets, or create your own by adjusting the low, medium, and high frequencies.

The mic even allows you to add a high-pass filter to cut out lower frequencies and a noise reduction toggle for blocking out background audio, ideal for those using a clicky mechanical keyboard when streaming.

You’ve even got a built-in equalizer for the audio output built into the microphone, allowing you to either tweak each sound band individually or apply presets like Bass Boost, Cinematic, and even game-dedicated modes for FPS and MOBAs.

Behind the shiny metallic microphone mesh, you’ll find a four-capsule condenser array, a slight jump from the three-capsule of the original and much more than the two-capsule array of the Yeti Nano, and that essentially means that the Yeti X records the audio impressively well.

While recording, you’ll find your voice to be crisp, clear, and loud, and that’s further enhanced by the presets available via the VO!CE software for PC. 

Pros

• Strong audio quality with four mic patterns, including cardioid and stereo.
• DSP-free.
• LED live metering.
• Recording software included.

Cons

• Big & bulky
• No pop filter or adapter for standard mic stand

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5. Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone

Microphone Specs:

• Microphone Type: Dynamic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Diaphragm Size: 1.1″ (28mm)
• Frequency Response: 40Hz-14kHz
• Max SPL: 115 dB SPL
• Requirements – Mac: OS X 10.9 or later
• Requirements – PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
• Dimensions: 8.46″ x 2.2″
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Included Accessories: Stand Mount, USB Cable

The Rode Podcaster is a dynamic USB mic that delivers all the benefits of USB connectivity with the performance of a dedicated speech mic.

The Podcaster comes in a familiar, broadcast-style shape, with a grille wrapping around the top end of the mic. It has a heavy 1.5-pound build with a glossy white exterior.

Internally, it employs a shock mount to keep the 28mm neodymium dynamic capsule from picking up vibrations, as well as an internal pop filter.

The cardioid-pattern Podcaster’s frequency range is from 40Hz to 14kHz, with a fixed 18-bit resolution and a sampling rate range of 8 to 48kHz—you can adjust it in your computer’s or software’s settings menu.

Form-wise, the Podcaster is an end-address mic, so you’ll need it pointing directly at you although I found the best results came speaking slightly off-axis to reduce plosives, even despite the built-in pop filter. 

Why We Recommend It

The Rode Podcaster delivers that silky smooth broadcast voice you’d expect, with nice pronunciation around the low and mid-ranges, and a nice sparkle around the top end.

From a distance of roughly four to five inches, it offers a solid, clear signal that sounds a bit less crisp and somewhat softer than some of the other mics I’ve tested. 

The internal pop filter really does some work—it sounds like the signal is coming through a windscreen. 

In short, it sounds a lot like a talk radio DJ’s mic, with a professional, controlled, and somewhat rich signal.

The Rode Podcaster is indeed one of the best dynamic USB microphones for under $200, and it represents superb value. It’s well made, nicely designed, and does a superb job of capturing a version of your voice that sounds great. 

Pros

• Provides a solid signal with rich low-mids, smooth mids, and crisp presence in the highs.
• Zero-latency headphone jack.
• No DSP.
• Internal pop filter and shock mount for the capsule.

Cons

• No Gain knob.
• No included mic stand.

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6. Tula Mics USB C Microphone

Microphone Specs:

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Mono/Stereo: Mono
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
• Frequency Response: 50Hz-20kHz
• Features: Built-in Recorder, Active Noise Cancellation
• Power Source: USB bus-powered, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
• Dimensions: 3.5″ x 2.1″ x 0.8″
• Weight: 0.40 lbs. (with stand)
• Included Accessories: Detachable Tabletop Stand, Mic Stand Adaptera

The Tula Mic is a portable USB microphone with dual capsules and a built-in standalone recorder. It features a collapsable stand, noise cancellation, and 8GB of storage for up to 12 hours of continuous recording. 

The Tula Mic is super compact and will easily fit within the grasp of your hands. It’s a microphone that can easily be placed in a jeans pocket or in a bag.

Adding to the portability is the collapsible stand, which sits flush with the microphone when not in use. Unfolding the flip stand provides an angled resting surface for the Tula Mic. 

You can also remove the stand and replace it with an included accessory that makes it easy to attach the mic to a full-sized microphone stand or microphone arm.

The build quality of the microphone is pretty decent,  and its mostly metal chassis should hold up reasonably well over time. 

Why We Recommend It

One of the things that makes this microphone so practical is that it can function in two primary ways. 

The Tula Mic can operate as a USB-C microphone. Simply connect the mic to your MacBook or iPad via a USB-C cable, and use it as a microphone input source and headphone output source.

The Tula Mic also works as a standalone audio recorder. Featuring a built-in 8GB of storage and the ability to record for up to 12 hours straight on a single charge, it’s a good option for recording while on the go.

It has a frequency response of 50Hz – 20kHz and records WAV format at 16bit 48kHz quality. Its uni and omnidirectional noise capsules make it versatile for use on singular sound sources (podcasting, conferences, studio settings) or the whole environment (band rehearsals, atmos recording, interviewing). 

Real-time monitoring is enabled via the 3.5mm headphones jack on the side of the capsule, which conveniently doubles up as a lavalier mic input. 

When it comes to audio quality, the Tula has an impressive sound with a fairly level midrange, satisfying low end without being ‘boomy’ and an open top-end without being too harsh. 

If you play it to its strengths the Tula sounds especially good when close-miking in cardioid mode.

Pros

• Fantastic build quality
• Excellent voice recording results
• Long battery life
• Large storage memory
• Functions standalone or with a computer or iOS device

Cons

• Onboard metering is basic
• No MP3 recording available yet
• Quite costly

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7. Elgato Wave:3 USB Condenser Microphone

Microphone Specs:

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 70Hz to 20kHz
• Features: Built-in Recorder, Active Noise Cancellation
• Power Source: USB bus-powered, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
• Dimensions: 8″ x 3.5″ x 4″
• Weight: 1.30 lbs. (with stand)

The Elgato Wave:3 is geared toward making your audio setup simpler. Setting it up is easy: just plug it into your computer and you’re ready to record. 

The cord that comes with the mic uses USB-A to connect to your PC, but the mic itself actually uses USB-C, so connecting it to those ports is straightforward too.

The Wave: 3 is a condenser mic with a black eggshell-like finish and a built-in stand with a circular weighted base. 

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 knob can be used to adjust mic gain, headphone volume, or the blend of low-latency audio from the mic and whatever audio is coming from the connected computer. 

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

Why We Recommend It

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

Under the hood, the Wave 3 uses a condenser capsule that’s been tuned for vocal capture. Condenser microphones are popular among streamers due to their wide frequency response and natural sound. 

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

The Wave: 3 delivers a hearty, clear signal with what sounds like some peak limiting here and there when things get loud. Interestingly, there’s no typical DSP (digital signal processing) in play, but there is something called Clipguard, an analog-digital hybrid that chooses between two analog mic signals if they peak, opting for the cleaner one.

From the recommended distance of roughly seven inches, the Wave: 3 delivers a clear, rich signal with crisp highs. 

Also, the built-in padding and protection behind the grille do an above-average job of tamping down plosives. 

Pros

• Compact & Durable
• USB / Plug-And-Play
• Wave Link Software
• Anti-distortion tech
• Built-in pop shield
• Great clarity

Cons

• Muted low end
• Mute is easy to touch accidentally
• Cardioid only

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USB Microphones Under $200: Buyers Guide

If you’re in the market for a USB microphone for under 200 dollars, you probably have a specific use in mind for it. Remember, not all USB mics are the same, which can make buying the right one for your needs a little tricky. That’s where this buying guide comes in.

What to Look for in a Good USB Microphone?

1. Polar Pattern

For most uses a cardioid polarity microphone is going to be well-suited it has a versatile pickup pattern and is good at keeping direct inputs isolated from background noise.

If you intend to use the microphone for interviews and cash is really tight then you might want to look for a bi-directional (omnidirectional) microphone that can record from directly in front and behind at the same time. 

A decent one can help eliminate the need to purchase 2 separate microphones.

Some USB microphones also have a stereo mode, which isn’t much better than cardioid for individual speech but can be good for recording music. 

Panel discussions also lend themselves well to stereo recording, as you’ll get an idea of where each speaker was positioned when you listen back.

2. Diaphragm Size

The diaphragm is like the eardrum in the human ear. A larger diaphragm of a microphone typically means more mass and doesn’t respond immediately to dynamic changes. Large-diaphragm gives warm and full vocals while smaller diaphragms produce brighter and livelier overall sound.

3. Microphone Controls

Make sure the mic you choose has easy-to-use controls for volume and mute. This makes it easier to adjust volume controls or mute during your recording.

You also need to check for additional features such as the pad control, monitor mix, low-cut filter, and EQ modes.

4. Computer Compatibility

While most USB mics are compatible with almost all computers and laptops, still make sure to check the specifications. Some mics require the latest OS while others have a certain minimum RAM requirement to function.

5. Included Accessories

Check what accessories come with your microphone as well. Depending on what and where you plan to record, you might need your own mic stand, pop filter, or perhaps even a shock mount. You can easily spend more than $100 on those three items alone. 

For some users, a mic that ships with its own stand and windscreen or pop filter will be the more reasonable choice. 

Conclusion

So this was my list of the 7 best USB microphones for under 200 dollars. To choose the most fitting USB mic for your needs, first, consider your intended use and then shortlist a few options accordingly, as you can see from this review, there are plenty of great USB mics out there to choose from when it comes to the ‘under $200’ category.

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