How to Choose the Right Video Conference Microphone

Which Microphone Type Suits Video Calls Best?

In the realm of video conferencing microphones, there isn't a universal solution. The effectiveness of each type varies based on your specific environment and requirements.

VISSONIC offers dependable and professional services.

Ceiling Array Microphones

These arrays are designed to capture audio from multiple areas of a room, making them perfect for larger spaces like conference halls or classrooms. They provide expansive coverage and a low-profile design, though they can be difficult to set up and maintain.

Tabletop Microphones

A diverse collection of small microphones intended for placement on desks or meeting tables. However, not all of them are tailored for video conferencing, so selecting a microphone that can adequately capture voices from all areas of the room is crucial.

The best tabletop microphones for conference rooms usually include wireless capabilities and can capture sound from a 360-degree radius, ensuring optimal audio quality in medium to large environments.

Integrated Microphones

These all-in-one solutions are user-friendly and portable, ensuring high-quality sound does not come at the expense of convenience. There are excellent plug-and-play choices that combine the camera, speakers, and microphone into one cohesive unit.

This option excels in smaller meeting rooms where top-notch audio fidelity is essential, especially in scenarios requiring quick impromptu meetings.

Headset/Lapel Microphones

Headsets and lavalier microphones deliver outstanding sound quality along with mobility, making them ideal for spontaneous video calls or situations where minimizing background noise is critical. However, they may not be suitable for group interactions as they primarily record the voice of the person wearing them.

Handheld Microphones

While handheld microphones, whether wireless or wired, aren't typically recommended for video conference settings (due to limitations in multitasking because one hand is occupied), they do offer flexibility in larger spaces. Handheld wireless mics allow for freedom of movement, while wired options provide reliability and cost-effectiveness.

For those seeking to enhance their video conferencing experience, dedicated meeting room cameras provide a neater setup than handheld microphones and are less prone to interference, plus they do not require regular charging.

The finest microphones can significantly elevate the clarity of your voice for recordings, live streams, or professional calls. Many built-in microphones in laptops or PCs are of poor quality, so investing in a better microphone is essential if you seek high-quality sound.

Currently, the Blue Yeti is regarded as the top microphone on the market. Its simple USB connectivity and ease of use contribute to its standing as the industry benchmark. It delivers exceptional sound quality, consistently powering podcasts for years. For beginners, the Shure MV6 is a fantastic kit with everything needed to start recording.

Thanks to thorough testing by experts at Tom's Guide, as well as my own music recording experience, I’ve gathered insights into the microphones you should consider. After extensive evaluation, we’ve categorized the best options based on their intended use.

This summary provides a user-friendly overview for selecting the best microphone. A quick reference grid at the top outlines each microphone succinctly, while more detailed reviews are available as you scroll down.

The Quick List

Best Currently Available Microphones

You can trust Tom's Guide for reliable recommendations Our writers and editors dedicate themselves to in-depth analysis of products and services to assist you in making the best choices. Discover more about our testing methods.

Most Versatile Microphone Overall

Blue Yeti

(Image credit: Blue)

Reasons to Choose

Exceptional Recording Quality. The Yeti’s superior sound recording capabilities have made it a favorite among podcasters.
User-Friendliness. Its straightforward USB plug ensures hassle-free setup.
Durable Build. Constructed with robustness in mind, this mic can endure accidental drops.

Drawbacks

Ageing Design. The Yeti has been around for a while, and new competitors are emerging.
Sensitivity. It may pick up surrounding sounds and vibrations from surfaces.

As a long-time admirer of the Blue Yeti, I believe its quality justifies why it has maintained popularity over the years. Its design is smart, versatile, and reasonably priced, catering to both amateurs and professionals alike.

Essentially, the Blue Yeti is a high-performance condenser microphone equipped with a USB port and a built-in stand. Its flexibility comes from four selectable audio patterns, allowing tailored recording experiences.

You can choose from cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, or bidirectional modes to suit various recording needs, whether it's solo singing, capturing a group discussion, or any other audio scenario.

This unique feature gives the Blue Yeti an edge over many others, which typically limit to one fixed audio pattern. I've successfully recorded diverse events, adjusting modes seamlessly to accommodate different audio sources.

• Access the complete Blue Yeti review
  

Best Value Microphone

(Image credit: Future)

2. JLab Talk

Ideal Microphone Under $100

Reviewed by experts:

Specifications

Mic Type:

Condenser

Audio Patterns:

Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo

Size:

9.9 x 7.6 x 7.6 inches (with tripod extended)

Connection Type:

USB

Today's Best Deals

(Black)

Pros

Cons

Reasons to Choose

Incredible pricing. The JLab Talk is highly affordable, retailing under $100.
Fantastic sound. Its audio quality is commendable, making it a great choice.
Easy to use. A straightforward plug-in design allows for quick setup.

Potential Downsides

Background noise can occasionally disrupt recordings. It’s sensitive to external sounds.
Build quality is somewhat basic. The plastic feels less premium.

The JLab Talk is notable for delivering impressive audio fidelity while being budget-friendly. At just $99, it competes with more costly microphones, presenting an enticing value proposition.

With four modes similar to the Blue Yeti, it offers the flexibility necessary for various recording situations, demonstrating commendable performance for the price.

• Read our complete JLab Talk review

Best Microphone for Podcasters

(Image credit: Future)

Reasons to Choose

Outstanding audio. The Shure MV7+ boasts top-quality sound due to its innovative design.
Versatility. With numerous options to optimize your output.
Effective software support. The Shure app enables comprehensive mic customization.

Drawbacks

Higher price point. It falls on the expensive side, exceeding $200.
Complex for beginners. New users may find the numerous options overwhelming.

If you're a streamer, podcaster, or musician aiming to enhance your craft, the Shure MV7+ may be a sound investment. This omnidirectional microphone captures voice intricacies better than many, featuring effective noise-canceling capabilities. Additionally, an LED color-changing panel allows for quick muting with a simple touch.

Recording at 32-bit 48kHZ quality, voices convey depth and clarity akin to live conversations. Shure's software app offers tools for sound enhancement, accommodating a variety of needs. This microphone is well-suited for serious audio creators.

Despite its higher price, the quality and features justify the investment if you're committed to excellence.

Best for Beginners

(Image credit: Future)

Reasons to Choose

Complete starter kit. This microphone package includes everything necessary to commence audio recording.
Impressive sound. Its audio output exceeds expectations for its category.
User-friendly. The plug-and-play convenience ensures quick setup.

Drawbacks

Cost. Though cheaper than some high-end mics, it remains pricier compared to entry-level models.
Limited adjustability. The included stand is not height-adjustable.

The Shure MV6 stands out in its offerings to beginners—though it leans towards professional-grade, it minimizes complexity. A simple USB connection allows users to begin recording immediately.

Additionally, the MV6 excels with live editing features, providing real-time enhancements such as denoising. During testing, we observed outstanding performance in eliminating unwanted background noise.

However, this microphone retails at $149, which may not be feasible for all beginners seeking budget options. Nonetheless, it delivers an audio quality that rival higher-priced alternatives.

For novice content producers, the Shure MV6 is an impressive microphone that satisfies basic needs and more.

• Read our full Shure MV6 review

Best for Aesthetic Appeal

(Image credit: Future)

5. Cherry Ngale R

To learn more about our wireless conference room microphone solutions, feel free to reach out to us for expert advice!

The most stylish microphone available.

Expert Review:

Specifications

Mic Type:

Condenser

Audio Patterns:

Unidirectional

Size:

3.4 x 7.6 x 3.9 inches

Connection Type:

USB-C to USB

Today's Best Deals

(Black)

Pros

Cons

Reasons to Consider

Stylish appearance. The design recalls vintage microphones but enhances it with modern LED accents.
Solid sound. Records with clarity, capturing intricate details.
Affordable. Usually priced below $100.

Potential Drawbacks

Fixed position. No height adjustments available.
No additional software. Customization via software is not an option.

The Cherry XTRFY Ngale R is striking, delivering both an attractive design and impressive audio for content creators. This cardioid microphone is perfect for video streams, providing solid vocal clarity while minimizing background noise.

With a retail price of roughly $96, the Ngale R competes well in its category, producing top-quality recordings akin to more expensive options. While it lacks a pop filter, purchasing one could enhance its functionality for creators prone to plosives.

Best Alternative to Shure Microphones

(Image credit: Future)

6. Cherry Ngale X

An outstanding substitute for top Shure models.

Expert Review:

Specifications

Mic Type:

Condenser

Audio Patterns:

Unidirectional

Size:

5.9 x 3.6 x 8 inches

Connection Type:

USB-C, XLR

Today's Best Deals

(Black)

Pros

Cons

Reasons to Buy

Impressive audio quality. The Ngale X records with exceptional clarity.
Included stand. A robust desktop stand is included.
Versatile connectivity. Plug directly into computers or professional equipment seamlessly.

Cons

No accompanying app. Difficult to customize settings directly.
Can record ambient noise. Be aware of the noise level when recording.

If you’re a streamer, podcaster, or embarking on a content creation journey, the Cherry XTRFY Ngale X is an excellent choice at $149. In informal settings, it produces professional-sounding audio, achieving remarkable results even in untreated spaces.

This microphone's USB-C and XLR connectivity convenience suits both casual and professional settings. However, it lacks dedicated software for in-depth audio customization, requiring external tools if needed. Overall, it’s highly capable for any content creator eager to deliver quality sound.

Comparison of Specifications

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Header Cell - Column 0

Other Models Evaluated

Movo UM700: This model presents an economical alternative to the Blue Yeti, ideally for gaming and casual use. While the UM700 competes closely with the Yeti, it still performs admirably in a range of applications. Read our complete Movo UM700 review

HyperX Quadcast S: Those seeking an RGB-enhanced microphone should consider the colorful QuadCast S, which touts excellent recordings alongside convenient features like a built-in pop filter. Like others, it supports various recording modes for tailored experiences. Read our full HyperX QuadCast S review

Rode NT-USB Mini: This capable microphone delivers quality recordings with added features like an aux jack for headphones. Due to some gain issues, it may require adjustments in software. However, it remains a suitable option for novice creators. Read our full Rode NT-USB Mini review

Choosing the Right Microphone: Important Considerations

Setup: Your microphone choice heavily depends on your personalized setup. This guide explores a variety of microphones catering to different use cases. Identify the primary function of your microphone for optimal selection. While budget-friendly options exist, semi-professional quality usually comes at higher prices.

Research: Explore manufacturer websites to find resources detailing microphone qualities suitable for podcasting, gaming, or music. Generally, cardioid patterns are ideal for personal recordings, while other patterns work best for group settings.

Price Considerations: Price is a major factor during microphone selection. While premium brands often attract higher price tags, a cheap option may compromise quality. Timing your purchase during sales can yield significant savings.

Understanding Microphone Audio Patterns

Explaining Audio Patterns

Different microphones may offer varying audio patterns: Bidirectional, cardioid, omnidirectional, and stereo. The following outlines their functions:

Cardioid: Sensitive to sound from one direction, ideal for focused captures like meetings.

Bidirectional: Records sound from two sides, suitable for face-to-face conversations.

Omnidirectional: Picks up sound from all angles, making it ideal for group discussions.

Stereo: Captures audio in front and on the sides, perfect for musical performances or panels.

Explore More from Tom's Guide

As a leading provider, we are here to assist you with all your needs, including sonic view receivers. Our specialized staff will guide you in finding the right solution for your situation.