Does your on-board laptop mic sucks? or... the mic on your new gaming headset doesn't stands up? Are you looking for something that will add more glamour to your awesome voice? Then let me guess...​ ​Aren't you in search of best microphone for gaming? If you are; then you're in the right place at the right time.​ We've collected a list of 7 Best​ Microphone for Gaming and Youtube Commentary just under your budget and cheaper than your expensive gaming headset. Let's start!​

#8: Zalman ZM-MIC 1 Lavalier High Sensitivity Microphone Zalman ZM-Mic 1 is the cheapest microphone in our list of best microphone for gaming.

Don’t let that deter you from taking a look at this small wonder. Sale 3,592 Reviews Zalman Zm-Mic1 High Sensitivity Headphone Microphone It has attractive & compact design

Localization - English

High Sensitivity Headphone Mic

3 Mini Clips for Tidy Arrangement

Product Type - Headphone Microphone Zalman ZM-Mic 1 is a lavalier microphone: This allows it to have a small form factor and foot print... ...also; carrying it around is a breeze! For the price, package is very simple as it comes in a small blister packing. It includes only lavalier microphone and nothing else.

Getting it out of the box feels like taking out a toothbrush, as the package is very much similar to that. However that doesn’t has to do anything with the quality of this cheap microphone for gaming. The setup is very simple, just connect the microphone to your Smartphone, PC microphone jack, Portable Digital Recorder and almost anything that accepts microphone input. The usage is no-frills… …hence even a newbie with no idea about audio setup can plug it and start using it during Gaming Sessions. The length of its wire is about 10 feet (3 meters) long. This can be very useful; allowing wires to not get stressed and move out from the plug. Coming to sound quality, this mic does pretty good job for recording your vocals. The quality is much better; compared to microphones found in your digital/DSLR cameras, smartphones or laptop. However, since it’s a high sensitivity mic, it collects even the slightest of noise from all direction. Sounds like fan moving, TV sound from next room, chair moving, adjusting the mic on your clothes are easily captured by the mic. This is why, Zalman ZM-Mic 1 is nowhere close to sound quality of condenser microphones. Considering the price, it’s still a steal because you can use audio mixing softwares like Audacity for processing audio and it also helps to reduce/remove unwanted noise easily allowing your audio to feel like $1000 bucks.

Since this microphone is all (cheap) plastic, durability can be an issue if you accidently dropped it or stepped over it. But using it for the purpose it’s intended to, it will work flawlessly. Check out what Maximum PC has to say about the Zalman ZM-Mic 1. What do you think? Is Zalman ZM-Mic 1 a good microphone for gaming? If you’ve used it; do let us know your thoughts about it in the comments section.

#7: Son﻿y ECM-CS10 O​​mni-directional Lavalier Microphone The next microphone we have is an advanced version of the Zalman ZM-Mic 1 Lavalier mic. It is the Sony ECM-CS10 Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone with stereo channeling. 129 Reviews Sony ECM-CS10 Tie-Clip-Style Omnidirectional Business Microphone Lavalier styling -- includes a clip to attach to clothing; permits convenient, hands-free recording

Small, inconspicuous -- makes the recording process more natural and less obtrusive

Integrated clip for maximum simplicity & ease of use

Omni-directional pattern -- picks up voices from all directions; ideal for meetings and lectures

External (plug-in) power only



Before we talk about stereo channeling… …let me give you small description of small and best gaming microphone first. The wire on Sony ECM-CS10 is about 3 feet long (1.2 meters) making it easily reach up to your pants pocket. Similar to Zalman ZM-Mic 1, this microphone also has a small footprint. Just clip it to your shirt; plug it into your PC and you’re good to go. The build quality is superior than the previous lavalier which also justifies the price as it costs 4 times more than it. Now coming the USP of Sony ECM-CS10: It offers stereo channels… …which means audio will be recorded in left and right channels giving a way for stereo sound. Just like headphones have options for Left and Right Channel, this microphone also has markings for left and right channels… …allowing it to record a fuller stereo image. In simple words, if two people are sitting on the either side of Sony ECM-CS10… …the person’s voice on left side will be more dominant on the left stereo channel and less dominant on right stereo channel. Similarly, voice of person sitting in right will be dominant on right stereo channel and lower on left stereo channel. Coming to sound quality, it’s better than Zalman ZM-Mic 1 as it offers stereo recording.

It also catches up less vibration and rubbing of fabric noise. Just clip it onto your shirt or collar and your good to go. However being an omni-directional mic; this small mic will record noises from all over the place. Even the noise of closing door will be recorded. If you want a best mic for gaming that takes lesser room, Sony ECM-CS10 can be your best bet. Do check it's review!

#6: V﻿-Moda BoomPro Gaming Microphone A lot of times when you want to start doing gaming sessions or gaming commentary, you deliberately need to purchase a headset even though you already have a headphone. Banking on this major drawback, we have this utterly popular V-Moda BoomPro Microphone for gaming specifically. 3,398 Reviews V-MODA BoomPro Microphone for Gaming & Communication - Black Professional-grade mic ideal for communication and gaming featuring enhanced voice clarity and background noise reduction

Detachable for maximum compatibility and usage; flexible ad adjustable for ideal mic positioning

Built to last with a durable and reinforced cable, 24k gold plated plug and SteelFlex boom arm

Convenient control clip features an in-line mute switch and rotary volume controls

Compatible with all smartphones, tablets, PCs, notebooks and gaming consoles via 3.5mm (1/8") plug and headphones with a 3.5mm (1/8") cable input



Basically the major issue when it comes to gaming headsets were… They had terrible sound quality: This would make it harder to get fuller sound imaging. V-Moda BoomPro Microphone for Gaming is for people who already have an audiophile grade headphone. Using that headphone; having amazing sound quality, a mic can be attached to it and boom… …you’ve turned your audiophile headphone into a best microphone for gaming and amazing immersive sounding headset. However moving over to specs, let me give you a small notice. V-Moda BoomPro mic is meant for headphones having detachable cable. If your headphones don’t have detachable cable; I’d recommend you to move on.

Anyways… …this cheap microphone for gaming costs under $30 but offers sound quality that of a pricier condenser microphone. Can this be considered a good microphone for gaming? Let’s find out! You can notice lot of bass when talking into the condenser microphone... as it is held very close. However similar to other microphones featured above; V-Moda BoomPro isn’t resistant to vibration. Any smaller vibration that comes from moving your headset, keeping hands of chair handles, rubbing your face with a towel is all caught by the microphone. This could be a bummer of some gaming enthusiasts; however for the price you’re paying; you have a best PC Gaming Microphone. With Kevlar reinforced material, 24K gold plated plug and a rigidly tight boom arm, this microphone is a good deal to let go just under $30.

"V-Moda BoomPro is surely a stand out mic in our list, as it can work alone on its own or also act as a substitute mic for your gaming headset."

Let’s find out if it’s a best microphone for gaming! Being a USB condenser microphone; the setup is extremely simple. Connect MXL Tempo-KR to your Computer via the provided 15-feet long USB cable and this turns into a best PC Gaming microphone just under $70. This may not be a cheap microphone for gaming but has variety of uses; like recording vocals, podcasting, gaming commentary, instrument recording and so on. Under $70; you can do so much with this. Many buyers call it best studio microphone for vocals and use it extensively for similar purposes. It’s color however looks very unusual for studio recording microphones; being bright red in color it will completely suit on any gamer's desktop. Coming to sound quality; MXL Tempo-KR records deeper reverberations of our voice, giving it that professional Radio Jockey kind-of sound. It feels good and makes your voice stand out compared to microphones that comes along with gaming headsets and laptops. Having a small profile; compared to other bigger condenser microphones, MXL Tempo-KR sits easily on your desktop without taking much room.

Made out of total metal parts, the mic definitely looks sturdy and won’t easily give away under couple of drops. The tripod and provided shock mount however don’t stand up to the built quality of the microphone. Having small legs; the tripod can easily trip and fall over with a little push. But that has nothing to do with the sound quality of this microphone in any way.

"It’s a great mic if you either want a best PC Gaming Microphone or even a best studio microphone for vocals and recording instruments."

Coming from a brand that is synonyms for cheap but studio grade audio products; Blue Snowball has become a famous and popular choice among Youtubers who require best microphone for gaming commentary. The packaging is brilliant considering it’s price of just under $50; giving a glimpse of this best USB Microphone for gaming. The Blue Snowball USB Condenser mic comes along with a small but durable tripod stand and a braided sturdy USB cable along with user manual. This microphone has the most easiest of the setup… Just plug it into your PC and you’re good to go with it. The sound is miles better than the two lavalier microphones mentioned in our list… …and would be a crime if compared to onboard laptop or camera mic. Check out the below video to see the demonstration of Blue Snowball Yeti.

Coming to sound quality; its way better than the price company is asking for. Compared to it’s big brother; the Blue Yeti… …you’ll notice a slighter difference in audio and noise reduction. This can be overcomed in post-processing if you do gaming commentary; making it a best microphone for Youtube Gaming. Because the company has been generous enough to throw in a small tripod; this makes the Blue Snowball a best PC gaming microphone.

"Blue Snowball may not be the best studio microphone for vocals but you’ll get a smoother and noise free audio compared to other contenders in similar price bracket."

#3: Samson Meteor USB Studio Microphone As per the name; the microphone definitely looks out of the world. With it’s chrome finish; Samson Meteor definitely looks like a spaceship that’s landed on your desktop… Sale 3,803 Reviews Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone (Chrome) Professional USB microphone with 1" Studio-quality Capsule.

Fold-back legs provide optimal mic positioning and folds up for easy transport.

Cardioid pickup pattern captures the Audio in front of the microphone, minimizing ambient sound from entering the recording.

Smooth, flat frequency response of 20hz–20khz captures the detail of your voice or instrument.

1/8" Stereo headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring.

…even the Blue LED light adds that extra-terrestrial feel. Being a USB Microphone; Samson Meteor is definitely plug and play. This microphone for gaming comes in three colors; Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Titanium Black. Out of these; the Chrome and Titanium Black colors gives it a premium feel making this good microphone for gaming looks like it costs a couple hundred dollars. For the price it's selling at; the package looks premium and feels solid. This determines how the manufacture has gone forward and developed a valuable and quality product. Samson Meteor Mic﻿ includes the microphone along with USB cable and carry pouch. It does come with three adjustable legs; this eliminates the use of a tripod. Since the stand is adjustable; you can alter its placement depending on where you’re keeping it on your desk.

Even with diaphragm of 25mm; the mic captures exceptionally deeper voice and gives it a deeper feel and is a sure contender for best gaming mic.

However I believe; the microphone transducer is boosted to capture more bass… …this could however be a problem if you’re using it to record vocals and instruments for studio-like quality.

For gaming sessions; boosted bass comes as a bonus because the sound feels more fuller... ...and who doesn't wants a pinch of extra bass in their voice.​ In any gaming session; using this mic will make your voice shine compared to other candidates using either laptop mic or headset mic.

Make no mistake; this is a good microphone for gaming and will stand upto all your expectation. Having a smaller footprint compared to other USB Condenser microphones; this makes it a best PC Gaming Microphone or Laptop Gaming Microphone.

"If you’re tired of poor headset audio; Samson Meteor is your best bet since it’s a best microphone for gaming, also it’s a best studio microphone for vocals."

#2: Samson Go Mic Pro Being a budget freak; I just can’t let go the kind of features Samson is offering with it’s Go Mic Condenser Microphone. Sale 3,803 Reviews Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone (Chrome) Professional USB microphone with 1" Studio-quality Capsule.

Fold-back legs provide optimal mic positioning and folds up for easy transport.

Cardioid pickup pattern captures the Audio in front of the microphone, minimizing ambient sound from entering the recording.

Smooth, flat frequency response of 20hz–20khz captures the detail of your voice or instrument.

1/8" Stereo headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring.

No! This is not the best studio microphone for vocals… …but surely it is a best and cheap microphone for gaming commentary over Youtube. Weighing only 8 ounces; portability is an excellent factor for Samson Go Mic. Even the length of this microphone is only less than 3 inches; makes it extremely portable and can be easily tucked into pocket and carried around. With a retail price of $90; the mic sells for just under $40. Inside the Samson Go Mic box; we first have the mic itself, along with a USB cable and carry pouch. The company has generous enough to throw in a carry pouch for this best microphone for gaming just under budget. Other USB microphone have a square USB Type B connecter; where Samson Go Mic has a micro-USB connector seen in smartphones nowadays. The best part is; you get features that are normally found in only USB condenser microphones above $100 i.e. choice between two polar patterns; Omni-directional and Cardioid. It also offers Zero-Latency Headphone Monitoring. This means you can attach your headphones directly into your mic and without any delay; hear what you speak. During gaming sessions; it’s a better requirement, as we keep screaming in our microphones because we can’t hear what we say due to our Noise Cancelling headsets.

The sound is brilliant and bright on this one. It can be named a best PC gaming microphone or a cheap microphone for gaming when you want an excellent audio. It can be used during voiceovers and podcasting; however it’s not meant to record music or vocals over it, as the small transducer inside it cannot pickup variations of our voice during singing. Trust me! For the price you’re paying; this microphones stands out in terms of features and also the sound it records. It’s the underdog in the gaming microphone world! For multiple usage; you may look over to other USB condenser mics in the list… …but for gaming specific purposes, this mic stands out!

Launched way back in 2001, this condenser gaming mic is still a popular mic till today and doesn’t faces any strong competition considering its price range and features it offers. Back in the day, when condenser mic required after market XLR cables, Mic stand, shock mount and phantom power, Blue launched the Yeti mic with USB connection and a build-in stand. Hence all you had to do was plug and play, without requiring any aftermarket accessories to run it. It’s probably the only mic in its price range that has 4 polar patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo Mode and Bidirectional mode, which is possible via the Tri-capsule array present inside the mic Moreover it also features Gain Control and Volume Knob, along with a zero-latency headphone monitoring port.

If you’re a creative person, other than being a gamer, then not only is this mic perfect for Gaming and Youtube, it is even capable for recording instruments, vocals, podcasts, presentations, voice overs, interviews, field recording and anything that you can think of. Compatibility wise, the mic can easily work with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, whereas it shows no issues even while getting started with Mac OS as well. All you have to do is, set the input recording device as Blue Yeti.