Streaming Made Affordable: 7 Best Budget Microphones for Streaming (Tested and Reviewed)

Straight to the point – the best choice will vary based on your specific requirements and financial limitations. To determine the perfect fit, consider your intended use and streaming environment.

Luckily, in this review, we’ve gathered the 7 best affordable microphones for different streaming scenarios. You can bet they give tough competition to their expensive counterparts in value for money. But that’s not all!

Our review will also uncover what sets an affordable mic apart from an expensive one and how to transform your cheap mic into a professional powerhouse. So, get ready for the inside scoop!

Do you need a good mic to stream? Yes, a good mic will bring clarity and crispness to your vocals and reduce background noises to make the streaming experience enjoyable for your viewers.

Now, here’s an intriguing thought: “Which microphone is best for live streaming yet is cheap?” This very notion triggered us to unearth the answer to this query. We desperately wanted to find good microphones that blend unrivaled streaming prowess with an enticingly affordable price tag.

So, from online forums to subreddits like r/Microphones, r/Streaming, and r/Twitch, we collected wisdom from passionate audio enthusiasts, streamers, and content creators. We also consulted with our streamer friends, who shared their insights on budget-friendly options.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, we snagged mics during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and borrowed some from our generous streamer pals. As for testing, here’s a glimpse into our methodology:

1) Sound Quality – We focused on sound quality, seeking clear, accurate audio with natural tones and minimal distortion. Plus, we considered factors such as audio sensitivity and frequency response.

2) Background Noise Reduction – We also checked how well the microphones rejected background noise, ensuring they effectively filtered out unwanted distractions.

3) Ease of Use – We considered ease of use, favoring microphones with plug-and-play functionality, intuitive controls, and compatibility with Windows/Mac. Plus, we took into account the comfort during extended streaming sessions and additional features such as a pop filter and shockmount.

4) Value for Money – We also evaluated the value for money, finding options that delivered a good audio performance without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, we picked the top 7 contenders from 12 microphones. The result? Expert-reviewed budget microphones that won’t burden your wallet and will still elevate your streaming game. We’ve categorized each mic according to the best budget microphone for streaming games, podcasts, etc. So, look for yourself!

The Blue Yeti Nano takes the cake for the best affordable microphone for streaming setup. It offers a cardioid condenser design with a 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, -37dB sensitivity, and a 120 dB max SPL.

Add to that a high-quality 24-bit sound with a 32 to 48 kHz sampling rate and the Blue VO!CE vocal effects software which makes it ideal for professional streaming. You can switch between its cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns, which makes it suitable for various streaming scenarios like gaming, podcasting, music, Twitch, and YouTube.

An internal shock mount also protects its two capsules. What’s more, it features a headphone volume monitoring dial, adjustable gain, and volume through the Blue Sherpa app. You can also mute the microphone by pressing the headphone dial. In addition, it comes with a USB cable, desk mount, and a 1/4-inch to 5/8-inch adapter.

During testing, the Blue Yeti Nano hit the jackpot, amazed us with its exceptional audio quality. We found it clearly picked the nuances in vocals for podcasts and live streams where clear communication is crucial, even in situations with multiple speakers.

However, the mic’s body feels less sturdy, and the headphone volume knob lacks volume indicators. Despite being more expensive than other mics we reviewed, its versatility, features, and two polar patterns make it a worthwhile investment.

If you are a budget gamer, the FIFINE AmpliGame A6T is a must-have streaming mic. It boasts a unidirectional cardioid pattern, 60Hz-18kHz frequency response, and -40±3dB sensitivity. With a tap-to-mute button, your gameplay won’t be interrupted, and an easy-to-reach gain knob keeps your focus on game streaming.

And the icing on the cake? It comes with two-tone automatic RGB lights to match your gaming setup and is compatible with PS4 and PS5. Other features include an extendable boom arm, a built-in shock mount, and a pop filter.

In our tests, it delivered exceptional sound quality. The vocals were crisp and clear, and the pop filter effectively eliminated plosives and chewing sounds. In addition, the touch-to-mute button proved convenient for seamless game streaming, and we appreciated its adjustable boom arm for flexible positioning.

However, we felt its plastic body and boom arm need to be more durable. There were also occasional inconsistencies in voice clarity when leaning further away from the mic.

The TONOR TD510 microphone is one of the best value-for-money streaming mics. It has -54dB sensitivity and a sleek zinc alloy shell that looks classy and is durable. With its unidirectional cardioid pattern, it captures your voice beautifully, and the frequency response range of 50Hz-14kHz and 110 dB max SPL ensures natural vocals.

The TONOR TD510 has a built-in pop filter to eliminate plosives and noise reduction technology for pure sound and an enhanced podcasting experience. What’s more, you can monitor your voice in real-time with the 3.5 mm headphone jack and control the volume with the mute button.

It also offers both USB and XLR outputs for easy use with computers, audio interfaces, and mixers. During testing, the TONOR TD510 delivered excellent sound quality, capturing sounds accurately from all directions. Its metal body felt sturdy and had a nice weight.

However, we would have preferred a knob for volume control and noticed a slight tilting issue with the microphone arm. Close proximity required an extra pop filter to eliminate pops, but from a short distance, it worked well. Overall, with its affordability and USB/XLR options, the TD510 is a choice that won’t disappoint.

If you want to get rid of the cords and enjoy wireless freedom, the Bietrun microphone is one of the best microphones for streaming you can get your hands on. With a robust metal body, cardioid pattern, a 50Hz to 18kHz frequency range, and 130 dB receiver sensitivity, it delivers exceptional sound quality.

Enjoy disruption-free operation with 15 UHF channels and easily adjust volume with 5 levels. This mic works up to 160 feet away and pairs perfectly with speakers, amplifiers, mixers, and AP systems.

It features a rechargeable receiver that offers 4 hours of playtime on a 3-hour charge (need separate 2 AA batteries for the mic). Another notable function is its real-time display which indicates battery levels and signal strength.

During testing, the Bietrun wireless mic proved to be a surprise, punching above its price range with exceptional sound quality. We took it around, even outdoors, and without a hitch, it delivered crystal-clear audio, banishing background noise effortlessly.

But there are a couple of quirks: no MacBook or Bluetooth compatibility and no support for AUX input. Plus, the output goes mute after a few seconds of silence, and there’s a slight delay to watch out for. But overall, the Bietrun UHF is one of the best high-quality budget mics for content creators and streamers you can get on a budget.

The ZealSound K66 is one of the top-notch budget-friendly mics for Twitch streaming and other platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Zoom, and TikTok. It works well with Mac, Android, and Windows devices and is even compatible with PS4 and PS5.

A unidirectional cardioid pattern, 45db+-3db sensitivity, DSP noise cancellation chip, and 82Hz-20kHz frequency response deliver optimal sound quality. While a volume control, unmute button, and a mic gain knob enable you to cancel out background noise or fine-tune sensitivity for maximum impact.

It even rocks an adjustable echo function and an LED indicator to unmute. You can spin the mic 360 degrees to find a perfect position and plug in your headphones with the 3.5mm interface. The ZealSound K66 exceeded expectations in our tests, delivering professional-grade sound that elevates streaming content.

The noise cancellation feature impressed us, effectively blocking around 95% of background noise at an affordable price. While the adjustable echo control proved handy, particularly in an enclosed studio.

However, it’s worth noting that being too close to the mic may affect its performance, and it is more suitable for talking rather than streaming music. But considering its meager price, this mic is a worthwhile investment.

The Caattiilaa Mkf-2 stands tall among affordable streaming microphones under $30. It’s a condenser mic with a cardioid unidirectional polar pattern and an impressive 192KHZ/24Bit high sampling rate. What’s more, it features a -38dB ±2dB sensitivity and 100Hz-18kHz frequency response.

But here’s the best part. It comes with a desktop stand, clip, shock mount, pop filter, mic foam cover, and a USB cable, all included in this affordable package. Plus, its 180-degree flexible boom arm also makes everything steady and lets you adjust it at any angle you desire with adjustable tension knobs.

During our tests, the Caattiilaa Mkf-2 provided a decent sound quality that, while not mind-blowing, is still impressive for its price. The real highlight is the abundance of accessories included, like the pop filter with a windscreen, which elevates the streaming experience outside.

However, we did notice a downside with the plastic table mount, which could break if tightened too much. The clamp may also leave marks on your desk over time, so it’s important to be cautious. Additionally, the boom arm is a bit flimsy. But overall, this mic brings excellent value for the money.

If you’re a streaming nomad, the MAONO AU-UL10 microphone can be your ultimate companion. With a frequency range of 30Hz to 18kHz and -30dB +/-3dB sensitivity, it can capture speech up to 15 feet away, matching the wearer’s volume.

Its omnidirectional design ensures equal sound pickup from all directions, and you can easily hide its wire beneath your clothes. Plus, it’s compatible with all devices with a USB 2.0 port. Just plug the USB head into your laptop or computer, clip the mic on your collar, and you’re ready to stream.

During our hands-on experience, we could set up and use the MAONO AU-UL10 with minimum fuss. The sound quality surpassed our laptop’s built-in microphone, with no clipping or overwhelming audio. Moreover, the cord length was also sufficient to hide beneath the lapel discreetly.

It delivered a high gain and good noise reduction, making our voice stand out from the background. But there was still a faint presence of background noise that we could detect. We also noticed the metal clip had a tight grip that could potentially cause damage to clothing.

Cheap microphones differ from expensive ones in build quality, frequency response, and dynamic range. Also, expensive mics are packed with additional features, such as selectable polar patterns, low-cut filters, pad switches, etc.

1) Build Quality – Cheap microphones use lower-quality materials like metal diaphragms with moving coils and magnets. They may lack durability and are prone to physical damage.

Expensive microphones, however, are built with higher-quality materials, such as metal tubes and gold-sputtered diaphragms. They are designed to withstand rigorous use and are more robust and durable.

2) Frequency Response – When it comes to microphone specifications, you’ll often come across a frequency range mentioned, such as 20Hz-20kHz.

Typically, the range of human hearing falls between 20Hz and 20kHz. But expensive microphones are designed to capture those higher and lower frequencies more accurately than cheaper ones.

3) Dynamic Range – The dynamic range of a microphone is vital for streaming as it determines how well it can accurately capture both soft and loud sounds. Cheap microphones often have a limited dynamic range (80 dB or less).

This can result in distortion or clipping when streaming louder sounds, particularly in intense gaming or music scenarios. In contrast, expensive microphones typically offer a wider dynamic range (above 120 dB). This broader range allows them to capture a wide spectrum of sound levels without distortion, producing more precise audio.

4) Sensitivity – Cheap microphones have lower sensitivity, necessitating closer proximity to the sound source and making them susceptible to background noise.

Expensive microphones, on the other hand, with higher sensitivity, can capture sound from a greater distance (musical instruments) while maintaining desired audio levels. They also excel at capturing multiple vocals simultaneously and effectively reject unwanted background noise.

5) Additional Features – Cheap microphones have basic functionality and limited features, lacking selectable polar patterns, filters, and advanced controls. In contrast, expensive microphones offer a wider range of features.

They may come with selectable polar patterns, low-cut filters, internal shock mounts, XLR output, and pad switches. This provides greater versatility for various streaming scenarios.

Improving the sound quality of a cheap microphone to make it sound more professional can be a bit tough. But there are several ways to get better results. You can position the mic, adjust its settings, reduce background noise, use EQ, filters, and an external audio interface, and invest in a preamplifier. Here’s how:

1) Position the Mic Correctly – Pay attention to microphone placement. Experiment with different angles and keep it at a consistent distance from your mouth according to its polar pattern and sound focus.

For instance, if you’re using a microphone that can capture sound from both the front and back, position it upside down. This will reduce typing noise during streaming. A boom arm will also help you in mic positioning.

2) Reduce Background Noise – Find a quiet space with minimal background noise and echo and switch off anything that makes noises. You can incorporate soft surfaces like carpets, curtains, or acoustic foam panels to reduce echo and reverberation.

If possible, create a DIY vocal booth using blankets or cushions to isolate the microphone. Also, use a shock mount and a pop filter if your mic has none to reduce unwanted noises.

3) Adjust the Mic Settings – Experiment with the gain and volume settings on the microphone itself to find the optimal levels for your voice and environment.

In addition, apply a low-cut filter to reduce low-frequency rumble and use EQ to enhance your vocal frequencies. A good rule of thumb is to enhance the mid-range frequencies around 1-2 kHz for better vocal clarity.

4) Use a Noise Suppression Filter – To deal with background noise while streaming, you can utilize tools like a noise gate or noise suppression filter in your streaming software. For example, Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free, open-source tool you can use for Twitch or YouTube streaming.

It comes with a nose filter which effectively reduces unwanted ambient sounds, especially if you’re streaming in a noisy environment.

You can also add an EQ and compression plugin to OBS. There are many free plugins available such as TDR Nova, Reaper ReaEQ, and TDR Kotelnikov.

Yes, USB microphones are a good choice for budget-conscious streamers. You’ll find many top-notch USB microphones under $100 and even $50, offering numerous advantages. They’re plug-and-play, allowing for instant streaming without the need for configuring audio interfaces.

Many even deliver exceptional sound quality, rivaling pricier XLR counterparts. Plus, USB mics often boast handy features like multiple polar patterns, gain control, and headphone monitoring, making them versatile for various streaming needs.

Yes, Blue, Behringer, and Samson are among the most popular brands for producing quality budget microphones. Blue is recognized for its excellent sound quality and stylish design in mics.

The brand’s Yeti Nano is particularly well-regarded in the budget microphone category. Behringer’s XM8500 mic is also worth considering as an affordable option. Samson’s Q2U, with its USB and XLR connectivity options, is another budget microphone commonly used for podcasting, vocals, and instruments.

Yes, budget microphones usually come with a warranty and customer support, but the specifics vary by manufacturer and microphone model. The warranty typically covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions for a certain period, often 1 to 2 years.

While customer support assists with technical issues and queries via email, live chat, or phone. However, budget microphones may have more limited warranty and support compared to higher-end options.

Hopefully, our tried and tested review of the 7 budget microphones for streaming has been able to help you choose the best contender. While these mics may not boast the lavish price tags of their high-end counterparts, they certainly pack a punch in terms of performance and value.

So, whether you’re a budding game streamer or a podcasting aficionado on a budget, go ahead, and grab your affordable audio companion. Let your streaming prowess shine without breaking the bank!

About Eddie Randolph