Brandon SchockUSB microphones aren’t very different from your standard mic, except for the fact that they contain within them a dedicated preamp as well as an analog-to-digital converter. This makes them incredibly convenient, simple, and portable, as you only need one connection.
Historically, USB microphones haven’t proven to be the most suitable for serious audio recording. This is because sometimes the digital circuitry within the microphone may introduce noise or distortion to your recordings, especially when the signal being captured is at low volumes.
However, they cut out the need for an audio interface, preamps, and mic stands, which can save you a whole lot of money. This makes them fantastic choices for beginner producers, podcasters as well as casual demo recordings.
That being said, as technology has continued to improve, so has the viability of USB microphones contending in more professional recording applications. Let’s take a look at some of the best USB microphones for vocalists and recording artists.
Overall top picks
Overall, the Shure MV7 comes out as my top recommendation, offering USB as well as XLR makes it one of the most versatile choices on this list, as well as the most reliable.
A close runner-up would probably be the Blue Yeti, due both to its popularity as well as switchable polar patterns.
Lastly, for those on a tighter budget, the Audio-Technica AT2005USB offers flexibility and versatility at an extremely low price.
About the author
How I chose and tested
When selecting the best USB microphones for this list, I considered a few factors such as frequency response, recognition, versatility, as well as price. I tried to include a mix of classics as well as more affordable options that still offer solid performance.
Keep in mind that the best microphone ultimately depends on your own personal preference, voice, and the desired result.
To find out about how we test and rate microphones here at Higher Hz and why you can trust our reviews, check out the “Microphone reviews” page.
Here’re the USB microphones I recommend for vocals and music recording:
- Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
- Shure MV7
- Blue Yeti
- Earthworks Icon
- Rode Podcaster
- Rode NT-USB
- Audio-Technica AT2005USB
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
- Type: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- A/D resolution: 24-bit/96 kHz
- Output connector: USB-C
- Headphone jack: Yes, 1/8″ TRS
The AT2020USB-X is the slightly upgraded version of AT2020USB+, and while it may seem as if the only difference is in the slight alteration within the name, there is a huge difference.
The AT2020USB-X features a headphone jack with level control, as well as a dial to allow you to mix the incoming signal from pre-recorded audio with the microphone’s signal. The A/D converter is of higher quality as well, allowing you to record with virtually zero latency.
Ultimately, this is one of the best USB microphones you can buy for any sort of voice work. As a condenser, it is incredibly sensitive, and its sound quality is rather clear and transparent for the price. The microphone comes as an XLR version as well.
What I like
- Headphone jack with level control for real-time monitoring.
- High resolution A/D conversion.
- Great cost-to-value ratio.
What I don’t like
- Nothing to note so far.
Shure MV7
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 50 Hz – 16 kHz
- A/D resolution: 24-bit/48 kHz
- Output connector: Micro-USB, XLR
- Headphone jack: Yes, 1/8″ TRS
Shure’s MV7 microphone is interesting because it also offers both USB and XLR outputs, allowing you to record however you prefer. For this reason, this microphone is arguably the most practical choice on this list, at least as far as serious recording is concerned.
It’s particularly adept at rejecting unwanted background noise from your recording sessions, giving you a clean, dry signal.
The MV7 has earned its place as the microphone of choice for a great number of podcast hosts and content creators, and in all honesty, it’s probably the best USB microphone you can find on the market.
What I like
- Has both USB and XLR outputs, making it flexible for different setups.
- Rejects unwanted background noise.
What I don’t like
- Slightly pricier compared to other USB mics.
Blue Yeti
- Type: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- A/D resolution: 16-bit/48 kHz
- Output connector: Mini-USB
- Headphone jack: Yes, 1/8″ TRS
For just around $130, the Blue Yeti is well worth the price. The microphone can switch between four polar patterns: cardioid (front-facing), bidirectional (facing both front and back), omnidirectional (all angles), and stereo (right and left).
This added feature allows the Yeti to be extremely helpful in many recording situations. It has an extremely accurate quality in its sound, and it comes with a no-latency headphone jack and gain control.
What I like
- Flexible usage with four selectable polar patterns.
- Accurate sound quality.
What I don’t like
- Design is large and bulky, making it slightly less portable.
Earthworks Icon
- Type: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- A/D resolution: 16-bit/48 kHz
- Output connector: Micro-USB
- Headphone jack: Yes, 1/8″ TRS
The Icon is actually the first USB microphone ever offered by Earthworks, and I was rather impressed with the results. It offers an incredibly warm and rich performance for a USB microphone, and the resolution is phenomenal.
The microphone has a stainless steel body, making it durable as well as attractive to look at.
The only downside here is its price point. Even though it’s worth the money, I can definitely see this deterring many folks looking for a more affordable solution. Nevertheless, if you’re willing to invest, you won’t be disappointed.
What I like
- Amazing sound quality.
- Great A/D conversions.
- Durable.
What I don’t like
- Somewhat expensive.
Rode Podcaster
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 14 kHz
- A/D resolution: 24-bit/96 kHz
- Output connector: USB Type-B
- Headphone jack: Yes, 1/8″ TRS
The Rode Podcaster is a dynamic cardioid USB mic with a fairly flat frequency response, featuring a slight boost in higher ranges around 10 kHz. It’s incredibly durable too, so you won’t need to worry about dropping it by accident.
The microphone also comes with a headphone jack and mix control for an easy recording experience. This microphone is exceptional for podcasters, and for $230, it’s one of the better options for its price range.
What I like
- Flat frequency response.
- Headphone jack and mix control for ease of use.
- Durable design.
What I don’t like
- Slightly more expensive than other options.
Rode NT-USB
- Type: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- A/D resolution: 16-bit/48 kHz
- Output connector: USB-C
- Headphone jack: Yes, 1/8″ TRS
Rode’s NT-USB microphone is a really solid choice as far as USB microphones are concerned. Just as the AT2020USB-X, it features a headphone monitoring jack and a mix control for zero-latency recording.
Unlike the AT2020USB-X, however, the NT-USB comes with a handy pop filter that attaches directly to the base of the mic. It’s slightly more expensive than the Audio-Technica, priced at around $170 online but they’re both great microphones to consider.
What I like
- Solid sound quality.
- Pop filter included.
What I don’t like
- A tad more expensive than similar models.
Audio-Technica AT2005USB
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 50 Hz – 15 kHz
- A/D resolution: 24-bit/48 kHz
- Output connector: Mini-USB, XLR
- Headphone jack: Yes, 1/8″ TRS
The AT2005USB is a pretty great mic considering it’s priced at a mere $80. It’s capable of both USB and XLR connections, making recording a lot easier. The frequency response of this microphone is a bit lacking, but it’s really not a big deal for the price.
Thanks to its XLR output, the AT2005USB is fairly useful when recording guitars and acoustic instruments as well. I highly recommend this microphone for anybody with a limited budget, and who wants a bit more flexibility out of their mic.
What I like
- Offers both USB and XLR connections.
- Extremely affordable.
What I don’t like
- Sound quality isn’t as great as other mics listed.
Conclusion
There you have it, my recommendations for the best USB microphones for recording vocals and music in 2023.
There are hundreds of other microphones out there that may very well be perfect for you, but I just couldn’t cover all of them. Hopefully, though, you’ve been able to find some helpful information about what makes these microphones great.