Staff’s Choice
Introduction
Clear communication is critical in competitive games. Whether you’re calling the shots in VALORANT or coordinating in CS2, your voice needs to cut through without distortion or background noise. If gaming is the only thing you do, a quality headset mic will suffice. However, if you also spend time having conversations with other people or you want to dive into content creation, it’s a good idea to invest in a good external microphone.
A dedicated mic simply offers better clarity, delivers your voice a lot more naturally and (usually) has more customization options to tweak the sound output. No matter how good a headset mic is, it will never sound as good as a quality external mic.
Obviously, mics can get extremely expensive, and there are a lot of options out there. That’s why, in this guide, we’ve picked five of the best external mics for competitive gamers. These aren’t overpriced studio models: they’re practical, high-performance mics used by streamers, pros, and serious players who care about communication quality.
Why Use an External Microphone?
Headset microphones are built for convenience, not performance. Because of their small size and limited components, they simply can’t match the sound quality of a dedicated external microphone. A headset mic has to be small enough to not weigh down the headset or obstruct the view, which limits the size of the diaphragm and restricts how well it can capture detail in your voice.
Even with these size limitations, small mics can get pretty darn impressive, but most gamers don’t really care about having a broadcast-grade microphone on their gaming headsets. It would only drive up the price and, if you’re only using your headset for game-related communication, you simply don’t need great sound quality.
External microphones, on the other hand, are designed with sound quality as the main focus. They use larger capsules and better components to produce clearer, more natural audio. This can make a real difference in situations where vocal clarity matters more, like when you’re streaming, recording content, or having long calls with friends or colleagues.
NZXT Capsule Elite
The NZXT Capsule Elite is the perfect example of the fact that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to drastically improve your setup. With an MSRP of just $89.99, you’re getting a ton of bang for your buck.
You get a straightforward design with some on-board controls in the form of a mic gain wheel that doubles as a mute button, and a headphone volume wheel. Both feel a little loose compared to higher-end options, but they get the job done. Beyond that, everything else about this external microphone feels quality.
The Capsule Elite doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel with flashy features or outlandish designs, but it does really nail the basics. Your voice will come through with plenty of clarity, and the built-in filters (pop filter and de-esser) do a really solid job right out of the box. If you want to dial things in further, NZXT’s CAM software gives you access to EQ settings and advanced tuning options for the filters.
The stand that it comes with is also great. It’s sturdy and tilts, pivots, and swivels, which allows you to position the mic exactly how you want it.
If you want a truly audiophile-grade microphone, you might want to look at other (more expensive) options, but if you want a huge audio upgrade for your setup all while spending less than $100, this is a fantastic choice.
NZXT Capsule Elite
Used by 1 player ()-
Fragstube
The NZXT Capsule Elite is an affordable microphone that has everything you need if you’re looking for a substantial upgrade to your gaming audio setup.
Pros
- Nice, warm sound
- Pleasing, relatively compact design
- Sturdy build quality
- LED indicators for mute, mic volume, and headphones volume are very handy
- Sound can be adjusted via software EQ
Cons
- Button on the front feels a little loose
- RGB strip at the back seems a little pointless
HyperX QuadCast S
The HyperX QuadCast S stands out due to its lava lamp-like RGB lighting. But there’s definitely more than meets the eye here, as it also delivers great performances.
For one, the built-in shock mount helps isolate the mic from desk vibrations. For gamers, that’s definitely not a gimmick: heavy typing, big swipes, and plain ol’ gamer rage can cause vibrations on your desk, which can disturb the audio quality. And in those moments where you don’t want anyone to hear you, you can simply tap the top of the mic to mute it.
Additionally, you also get gain control right on the mic and selectable polar patterns, which makes it an extremely versatile product. For solo gaming sessions, you can select the cardioid pattern, and if you’re recording multiple people (for a podcast or family call, for instance) you can set it to omni-directional.
The sound quality is very nice, as the mic delivers natural and warm tones. With the built-in gain dial, you can also set it to match your personal circumstances quite easily. On the flipside, the built-in pop filter isn’t all that good and the software is rather underwhelming, as there aren’t a ton of options to further customize the mic’s sound.
All in all though, the QuadCast S is a great option for people who want a reliable external mic that also looks the part, and for people who want a multi-functional external mic.
HyperX Quadcast S
Used by 6 players ()-
s1mple
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Peterbot
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Malibuca
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Xand
The Quadcast S has really impressed me. I know looks ultimately aren’t important for gaming gear but something like a mic (which mostly sits in your peripheral vision) definitely gets elevated by looking the part, and I love the way the Quadcast S looks with the seamless RGB.
Pros
- The multi-zone RGB looks nice
- Good microphone quality
- Muting by tapping the top of the mic is easy and convenient
- Polar pattern selector + onboard gain controls are handy
Cons
- Software is underwhelming
- Plosive filter isn’t great
Elgato Wave:3
The Elgato Wave:3 is a compact, well-built mic that nails the essentials. It’s a clear upgrade from any headset mic, delivering clean, full sound that works great for gaming, streaming, and calls. The integrated Clipguard tech does a solid job of handling loud voices without clipping or distortion. Even when you’re shouting, the mic delivers a clear, full sound that works well for gaming, streaming, or calls. If you’ve got a loud voice or you’ve got a bit of a screaming habit when you get killed, this could be the one for you.
The front dial lets you control your headphone volume, monitor mix, and mic gain. It’s a simple setup, but the physical controls are intuitive and responsive.
Where the Wave:3 really stands out is the Wave Link software. It’s lightweight, easy to navigate, and gives you full control over your audio mix. You can manage multiple audio sources and send different mixes to your stream and your headset, which is a huge plus for streamers and content creators who want flexibility without getting dragged down in complicated audio routing solutions.
This is a great external mic for anyone who is getting into streaming but doesn’t want to spend top dollars. It’s naturally also a solid choice for anyone upgrading to a no-nonsense, plug-and-play external mic.
Elgato Wave:3
Used by 2 players ()-
Crylix
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jonba
The Elgato Wave:3 is a great external microphone for users who want a lot of control over their audio feed.
Pros
- Wave Link software is fantastic
- Clipguard tech works nicely
- Intuitive on-board controls
Cons
- Stand is fairly short and not the highest quality
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
The AT2020 has been a staple for gamers and content creators for years, and for good reason. It offers studio-level sound clarity in a durable, no-nonsense build. However, the original AT2020 does not connect directly to your PC, as it’s an XLR mic. For this reason, we’ve chosen the AT2020USB-X.
This is a no-frills microphone that gets the core things right and was designed for gamers and content creators. You get clean, balanced vocal pickup with no harsh highs or booming lows: just your natural-sounding voice. There’s a touch-sensitive mute button on the front, so you can silence yourself without a loud click, and basic volume controls.
The included stand is simple and gets the job done, but most people will want to mount it on a boom arm for better positioning. It is a condenser mic after all, and it can be more sensitive to background noise than other options in its market segment.
There’s no bundled software or built-in EQ, so what you hear is what you get. If you’re looking for a more audiophile-oriented mic without having to deal with XLR cables and setting the thing up, though, this is a great one to consider. Just plug it in to your PC via the USB cable, and you’re good to go.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X is a reliable, high-quality external microphone for users who want a more premium solution but don’t want to invest in mixers and external audio equipment.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Doesn’t require external mixers or audio interfaces
Cons
- Can be sensitive to background noise
Shure SM7B
Gamers weren’t the target audience when Shure made the SM7B. It’s a dynamic XLR microphone built for professional voice work, and because of its high quality it’s become a go-to for top streamers and content creators. You get excellent, pro-grade audio performances out of this one, but it does come at a price. It’s by far the most expensive mic on this list, with an MSRP of $399.99.
Additionally, the SM7B isn’t plug-and-play. It requires an audio interface or mixer, as it’s an XLR mic. That adds cost and complexity, so this isn’t a casual pick for people who just want to plug and play.
If you do want to get top tier vocal quality, though, it’s worth the cost and setup. The SM7B handles loud voices without distorting, and it does a great job cutting out keyboard noise, fans, and other background distractions thanks to its tight cardioid pattern. Your voice comes through with a smooth, broadcast-ready tone. There’s a reason this is an industry go-to.
If you’re running a full audio setup or planning to build one, the SM7B is a long-term investment that consistently delivers excellent results. For everyone else, we’d recommend more affordable options that are easier to use out of the box.
Shure SM7B
Used by 57 players ()-
TenZ
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MrSavage
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shroud
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Clix
The Shure SM7B is a top tier external microphone meant for people who are looking for top-grade audio performances. It does need additional gear (since it’s an XLR mic) in order to use it, though.
Pros
- Exceptional vocal clarity
- Great build quality
- Audiophile’s choice
Cons
- Requires external gear to set up, as it’s not a USB mic
- Not meant for people who want a plug-and-play experience
- Heavier and more substantial than most USB mics
Conclusion
A high-quality external microphone is a valuable addition to any serious gaming setup. Especially if you’re someone who is often on calls with your friends or co-workers, it pays off to make the investment. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, either. There are sub-$100 options in this list that represent a significant audio upgrade.
External mics give you more control over your audio and are a noticeable step up in quality. As with any gear upgrade, the right choice comes down to your setup, goals, and how much flexibility you want. But if voice clarity is important to you, an external mic is worth the investment.
