10 Best USB Microphones 2022 | UK Filmmaker Reviewed

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For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Blue - Yeti USB Microphone for £110.75
2. Audio-Technica - Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone for £79.00
3. Audio-Technica - Cardioid Condenser Microphone for £115.00
4. Marantz - USB Condenser Microphone for £79.99
5. Samson - Go Mic Clip-On USB Microphone for £44.99

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of USB microphones available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

1. Choose Between a Condenser or Dynamic Mic Depending on What You Want to Record
2. Check to See If the Microphone Is Functional With Your Equipment
3. Go for a Minimum Sample Rate of 44 kHz for High Quality Audio
4. Select a USB Microphone With Direct Monitoring for Live Recording and Podcasts
5. Search for Microphones Extra Accessories to Save Money

The first and most vital feature to consider is the type of USB microphone. The most popular are condenser mics, which are ideal for voices and quiet instruments and therefore suited to those looking to create a home studio environment. They’re generally a little more expensive, but they have a super crisp sound, hence why they’re popular with podcasters.

 
On the other hand, dynamic microphones are more rugged and can take much more damage, or rather, they can better handle louder noises. So, if you plan on recording louder instruments, such as drums or guitars, this is a better option. They won't have quite the same quality, but some producers aiming for a lo-fi style recording may prefer it.

 
Of course, many professional and home studios will have at least one of each, giving the creative the option of the sound they want. However, if you’re just getting started, then think about what you plan on recording more of initially and start with a USB microphone that complements this. 

Before we go further down the features and specs rabbit hole, it’s always wise to check that the purchase you like is compatible with your current laptop, computer, tablet and such. Generally, most microphones will work with both Windows and Mac OS operating systems, but not all will work with every version of them. 

This is particularly pertinent if you’re working on an older computer and haven’t updated it in a while. Furthermore, older units can have lower quality sound cards, which may have trouble producing the best sound. So, ensure that what you’re buying won’t require you to upgrade what you already have.

 
In the specification tables beneath each product, we’ll mention which operating systems the microphone works with, not what version, as sadly, this would take up far too much space! These extensive lists are normally easy to find with a quick Google, or you could always message the website or company to double-check. 

Once you know what style of mic you want and that it will work alongside your equipment, it’s time to pay attention to some of the features. A particularly important one is the sample rate. This is how many measurements of sound are taken each second. The higher the number, the higher the audio quality.

 
How high you need to go depends on what you want to record, although many people, even when recording instruments, find that 48 kHz is more than good enough – this is often considered the standard. That being said, the lower 44.1 kHz is what a CD audio sample rate is, but there are also higher 96 and 192 kHz options available.

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You might have heard the term direct monitoring thrown about here and there, but what is it? Well, direct monitoring is where the USB microphone has a headphone port on the body, allowing you to listen to the voice or instrument you’re recording without any latency. 

This feature is particularly favourable for people who live record, as it allows you to understand and interpret the recorded information on the fly. Sadly, it's usually found on upper- and mid-range microphones rather than the more economical options, so if you’re on a budget, this might not be available to you. 

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Last but not least, you’ll want to see what extras come included. After all, you might as well get your money’s worth. The most common and likely the most helpful is a stand. These can come as tripods or clip-ons, so you might want to check which, but either way, it’s better than trying to hold the microphone fixed when recording.

 
Next up, keep an eye out for a pop filter. These, as the name suggests, filter the pops out of sounds which is caused by too much air hitting the microphone. They’re common in all types of recording and are just as good when singing or speaking.

 
If you plan to travel from place to place to record instead of strictly at a studio, buying a microphone with a case is also a solid idea as this will protect your device in transit. Some companies will instead opt for a pouch, which will cover but not protect.

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This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

Of course. Most microphones come with a USB port which is pretty much the only way you can connect some of them to the computer. It is worth keeping in mind that the price tells a lot about the microphone's quality - a cheap USB microphone might work fine for narration and voiceovers but will not be that suitable for recording live vocals for a song.

Yes, you can. But note that mixing microphones from different manufacturers can cause technical issues. If you are new to all of this, stick with one well-known brand and buy their microphones only. This way, you can follow manufacturers instructions on how to link their microphones together.

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Written and researched by Lewis Clark