This article contains affiliate links to relevant products at no extra cost to readers.
You’re looking to start creating content on YouTube and wondering which mic you should buy.
Let’s look through our 7 best microphone picks and why we like them.
Our best YouTube mic picks
- SHURE SM7B – Best professional YouTube microphone
- BLUE YETI – Best microphone for YouTube
- RODE NT1 – 2nd best microphone for YouTube
- AUDIO-TECHNICA AT2020 – Best budget microphone for YouTube
- SENNHEISER MKH 416 – Best YouTube mic for outdoor recording
- ELECTRO-VOICE RE20 – Best YouTube mic for deep voices
- RODE SMARTLAV+ – Best clip-on mic for YouTube
3 things to look for in a YouTube microphone:
Clear sound:
You need audio clarity when creating content for YouTube.
YouTube users expect nothing less than impeccable sound. Audio plays a pivotal role in engaging viewers and conveying professionalism. Whether you’re streaming, podcasting or performing music, users need to be able to connect on some level with your voice. Poor sound quality will deter viewers. If they struggle even a tiny amount to comprehend dialogue, they will simply leave your channel or video.
Investing in a microphone for its superior sound reproduction ensures that you can deliver captivating audio experiences. These will elevate the overall quality of your content, attracting viewer retention and subscribers.
Recording versatility:
Most YouTube content creation is a multifaceted craft.
Creators often produce diverse genres of videos requiring different recording setups. Having a microphone with versatile purposes allows you to seamlessly perform across content genres.
Versatile microphones empower creators to experiment with different content formats and creative techniques, expanding their audience reach. Compatibility across recording devices such as cameras, smartphones, and computers is also admirable.
Longevity:
Your microphone needs to be able to withstand consistent use.
Mics are not cheap and YouTube mics are no different. If you’re investing in a mic you should expect it to last for years. The frustration from microphones that deteriorate due to poor quality hinders content creation.
You should look for your YouTube mic to be made from durable materials backed by reputable manufacturers.
1. Best microphone for YouTube: BLUE YETI
Price when reviewed:
From $130
We like:
Choice of polar patterns on mic
Plug in and play USB
Volume control on mic
We do not like:
Might be too large for your YouTube desk
Famous Blue Yeti users:
Features:
- USB connectivity
- Four selectable polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
- Built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring
- Gain control knob
- Mute button
- Threaded stand mount
- Adjustable stand with foldable legs
Specifications:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Bit Depth: 16-bit
- Sample Rate: 48 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 120 dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
- Headphone Impedance: 16 ohms
- Dimensions (microphone): 11.61 inches (29.49 cm) x 4.92 inches (12.50 cm) x 4.72 inches (11.99 cm)
- Weight (microphone): 1.2 lbs (0.55 kg)
- Cable Length: 9.84 ft (3 m)
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
2. 2nd best microphone for YouTube - RODE NT1
Price when reviewed:
From $250
We like:
Cardioid pattern
Comes with steady shock mount
We do not like:
Needs phantom power to operate
Famous Rode users:
Features:
- Large-diaphragm condenser microphone
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Gold-plated output connector
- Internal capsule shock mounting system
- Ultra-low noise transformerless circuitry
- Satin nickel-plated body
- Includes shock mount and pop shield
Specifications:
- Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Output Impedance: 100Ω
- Maximum SPL: 132dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
- Maximum Output Level: 8.0dBu (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
- Sensitivity: -29.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (35.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
- Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted): 4dB-A
- Power Options: +24V phantom power or +48V phantom power
- Weight: 395g
- Dimensions (microphone): 187mm x 50mm x 50mm
- Output: 3-pin XLR Output
- Connector: XLR Output
- Included Accessories: RM2 Microphone Ring-Mount, WS2 Foam Windshield
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
3. Best budget microphone for YouTube: Audio-Technica AT2020
Price when reviewed:
From $99
We like:
Great size for content desk
Will likely outlast you
Cardioid directionality
We do not like:
XLR input – not USB
Needs phantom power
Features:
- Condenser microphone
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Wide dynamic range and high SPL handling capability
- Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern for reduced pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
- Pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone
Specifications:
- Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Sensitivity: -37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
- Impedance: 100 ohms
- Maximum Input Sound Level: 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
- Dynamic Range: 124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
- Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 2 mA typical
- Weight: 12.1 oz (345 g)
- Dimensions (microphone): Length: 6.38 inches (162.0 mm), Maximum Body Diameter: 2.05 inches (52.0 mm)
- Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
- Accessories Furnished: Stand mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
4. Best professional YouTube microphone: Shure SM7B
Price when reviewed:
From $399
We like:
Leading model for YouTubers
Great at isolating voice from room noise
Will last ages
Ideal for capturing narration content
We do not like:
Requires additional equipment
Not USB powered
Features
- Compact size, studio-quality sound
- Bluetooth for wireless music
- Class D amps for power and fidelity
- DSP for optimal positioning
- Linear, uncolored frequency response
- Smooth high-frequency extension
- Clear midrange reproduction
- Deep bass down to 55Hz
- Mic stand mountable
- RCA and aux inputs
- Durable, portable design
Specifications
- 50 watts total power, bi-amped design
- 2 x 25 watt Class D power amplifiers
- Frequency response: 55Hz–25kHz ± 3dB
- 3/4″ silk dome tweeter
- 3″ composite material woofer
- Front-firing bass reflex port
- Built-in DSP for EQ optimization
- 120° dispersion angle
- Max SPL 104dB
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.5 x 7.1 inches
- Weight: 3.8 pounds each
- Inputs: Stereo RCA, 1/8″ aux
- Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
5. Best YouTube mic for outdoor recording: Sennheiser MKH 416
Price when reviewed:
From $970
We like:
Exceptional off-axis noise rejection
Incredible detail capture
Rugged and durable
We do not like:
Requires phantom power
Supercardioid pattern could be limiting
Features:
- Shotgun microphone design
- Super-cardioid/lobar polar pattern
- High sensitivity and low self-noise
- Excellent off-axis rejection
- All-metal housing for durability
- Suitable for outdoor recording
- Phantom power required (48V)
Specifications:
- Transducer Principle: RF condenser microphone
- Polar Pattern: Super-cardioid/lobar
- Frequency Response: 40Hz – 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 25 mV/Pa ± 1 dB
- Nominal Impedance: 25 ohms
- Minimum Terminating Impedance: 800 ohms
- Equivalent Noise Level: 13 dB(A)
- Maximum SPL: 130 dB SPL
- Phantom Powering: 48V ± 4V (P48, IEC 61938)
- Current Consumption: 2 mA
- Dimensions (microphone): Length: 9.84 inches (250 mm), Diameter: 0.74 inches (19 mm)
- Weight (microphone): 5.82 oz (165 g)
Where to buy?
Check price here
6. Best YouTube mic for deep voices: Electro-Voice RE20
Price when reviewed:
From $299
We like:
Broadcast quality low-end
Able to withstand high volumes
We do not like:
Needs extra equipment
No USB connection
Features:
- Dynamic cardioid microphone
- Variable-D™ design reduces proximity effect
- Internal pop filter minimizes plosives and wind noise
- Humbucking coil reduces electromagnetic interference
- Bass roll-off switch for tailored low-frequency response
- Mid-boost switch enhances vocal presence
- Includes shock mount
Specifications:
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 45Hz – 18kHz
- Impedance: 150 ohms
- Sensitivity: 1.5 mV/Pascal
- Maximum SPL: 160dB
- Connector: 3-pin XLR
- Dimensions (microphone): 8.53 inches (216.7 mm) x 2.08 inches (52.8 mm) diameter
- Weight (microphone): 24.5 oz (695 g)
- Included Accessories: Shock mount, stand adapter
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
7. Best clip-on mic for YouTube: Rode SmartLav+
Price when reviewed:
From $55
We like:
Small yet powerful
Accompanying smartphone app is easy to use
Omnidirectional pickup pattern
We do not like:
Short range which could be limiting
Features:
- Omnidirectional condenser microphone
- Compatible with smartphones and tablets
- TRRS connector for easy plug-and-play operation
- Includes foam pop shield and durable mounting clip
- Discreet and compact design for easy concealment
- 3.5mm headphone jack for real-time monitoring
Specifications:
- Acoustic Principle: Pressure gradient
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 60Hz – 18kHz
- Output Impedance: 300Ω
- Maximum SPL: 110dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
- Sensitivity: -35.0dB re 1V/Pa (17.8mV @ 94dB SPL) ± 2dB @ 1kHz
- Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted): 27dB-A
- Connector: 3.5mm TRRS
- Cable Length: 1.2m
- Weight: 6g
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
Is it necessary to have a microphone for YouTube?
It is not required, some creators use small iPhone microphones or clip-on mics. Having a great microphone can make a big difference in how your videos sound. Using a microphone will improve the quality of your audio, making it more engaging. With a microphone, your voice will be more crisp and natural, and background noise will be reduced. This can help keep your viewers engaged and make your videos more enjoyable to watch. So, while you can still make videos without a microphone, having one can take your content to the next level!
Why do you see YouTubers use big microphones?
YouTubers use big microphones to make sure their videos sound great. Big microphones can capture sound well, so viewers can hear everything clearly. When YouTubers talk or sing, big mics have big diaphragms which capture every detail of those sounds. This helps make the videos more enjoyable to watch and listen to. Plus, big microphones look cool and professional, which can make viewers trust the YouTuber more. So, using big microphones is a smart choice for YouTubers who want their videos to stand out and sound awesome!
What equipment do you need to start a YouTube channel?
To start a YouTube channel, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. The most important thing is a camera, like your smartphone or a basic digital camera, to record your videos. You’ll also need good lighting, which can be natural sunlight or inexpensive LED lights, to make sure your videos look clear and bright. While not essential, having a microphone can improve your audio quality, making it easier for your viewers to hear you. Finally, you’ll need a laptop for recording or a smartphone to edit your videos and upload them to YouTube. you may also need a pair of top studio headphones to edit your audio properly.
Is a phone mic good enough for YouTube?
Yes, a phone mic can be good enough for YouTube, especially when you’re just starting out. Most smartphones have built-in microphones that can record decent audio for your videos. While they may not be as professional as some standalone microphones, phone mics can still capture your voice and sounds pretty well. Just make sure you’re recording in a quiet place with minimal background noise, and your phone mic should do the job just fine. As you grow your channel, you can always consider upgrading to a better microphone for even better audio quality. But for now, using your phone mic is a great way to get started on YouTube without needing extra equipment.
How much does it pay to be a YouTuber?
According to Forbes, MrBeast was the highest earner in 2021 earning $54 million. Only a few others followed him in the 10s of millions.
On average, YouTubers earn around $0.018 per view, which translates to $18 per 1,000 views.
The amount of money you can make as a YouTuber can vary. Some YouTubers earn a little money, while others can make a lot. It all depends on how many views your videos get, how many subscribers you have, and what kind of ads you run on your videos. Some YouTubers also make money from sponsorships, merchandise sales, or other ways. Making a living as a YouTuber is not guaranteed, and often takes a lot of hard work to build up your channel to get views.
Are YouTubers paid by views or subscribers?
YouTubers can get paid in different ways, but it’s mostly based on views, not subscribers.
When people watch ads on a YouTuber’s videos, the YouTuber can earn money. So, the more views their videos get, the more money they can make. Subscribers are important too because they’re the ones who watch the videos regularly and help get more views. But even if a YouTuber has lots of subscribers, they won’t make money unless people watch their videos and see the ads. So, while subscribers are great for building a fanbase, views are what count when it comes to earning money on YouTube.
Browse around our website for more detailed information on our online mixing and mastering service.
We offer a variety of different mix options as well as customized selections so you can specify exactly what you need for your tracks.
Give life to your music with MixButton!