The Best Microphones for Streaming in 2026 (and What Streamers Use)

The microphone is the piece viewers notice most. To choose well, we cross-checked every streamer setup we’ve reviewed to see what repeats, why, and which alternative makes sense for you. For the full ranking, see what microphone streamers use.

Before you choose: dynamic vs condenser, USB vs XLR

• Dynamic: mostly captures the voice in front of it and rejects room noise. Ideal with a mechanical keyboard, a fan or echo. You need to speak close to it.
• Condenser: brighter and more detailed, but picks up everything around it. Needs a better-treated room.
• USB: plug into your PC and go. Perfect to start.
• XLR: needs an audio interface, but it’s the pro format and lets you grow.

Shure SM7B: the big streamers’ standard

The Shure SM7B is the most common microphone on this site, from xQc and Tfue to Shroud and Asmongold. It’s a dynamic cardioid that isolates noise very well and has that warm broadcast sound. Its weak point is low sensitivity: it needs an interface with lots of gain or an inline preamp. We explain it in how to connect the Shure SM7B.

Who it’s for: if you want the big-streamer sound and will also invest in an interface and arm.

Electro-Voice RE20: the radio alternative

The Electro-Voice RE20 is another broadcast dynamic, a radio-studio staple. Pokimane and Knekro use it. Its design reduces proximity effect, so your tone changes less when you move.

Shure MV7X and Rode PodMic: more affordable XLR dynamics

• The Shure MV7X, Ninja’s mic, is the XLR version of the MV7: the SM7B idea in a more compact body.
• The Rode PodMic, Rivers’ mic, is a sturdy podcast dynamic with great value.
• The Elgato Wave DX is another streaming-focused XLR dynamic.

Audio-Technica AT2035 and Earthworks Ethos: condensers

Summit1g uses the Audio-Technica AT2035, a classic large-diaphragm condenser. The Earthworks Ethos is a high-end broadcast-style condenser. Both sound natural but need a quieter room.

USB microphones to start

• Blue Yeti: the most common USB mic (Kai Cenat, CaseOh, Jynxzi). Multiple pickup patterns and easy to use. Set it to cardioid.
• Rode NT-USB: a studio USB condenser.
• Razer Seiren V3 / Seiren X: compact USB mics with good software integration.

Quick comparison

Microphone	Type	Connection	Used by
Shure SM7B	Dynamic	XLR	xQc, Shroud, Tfue, Asmongold
Electro-Voice RE20	Dynamic	XLR	Pokimane, Knekro
Shure MV7X	Dynamic	XLR	Ninja
Rode PodMic	Dynamic	XLR	Rivers
Audio-Technica AT2035	Condenser	XLR	Summit1g
Blue Yeti	Condenser	USB	Kai Cenat, CaseOh, Jynxzi

What goes with the mic

Almost no big setup leaves the mic on a desk stand: the norm is a Rode PSA1 boom arm and a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or GoXLR, which also lets you mix game audio, music and chat on separate channels.

Our recommendation

• Starting out: a dynamic USB mic or a Blue Yeti in cardioid, 4–6 inches from your mouth.
• Growing: Rode PodMic or Shure MV7X with a simple interface and a boom arm.
• Big-streamer sound: Shure SM7B + an interface with enough gain + Rode PSA1.

FAQ

What microphone do most streamers use?+

The Shure SM7B. It is the most common mic in the setups we reviewed: xQc, Shroud, Tfue, Asmongold, TheBurntPeanut and many more use it.

Dynamic or condenser for streaming?+

If your room is untreated and noisy, go dynamic: it mostly picks up what is right in front of it. Condensers sound more open but pick up keyboard, echo and room noise.

Do I need an audio interface?+

Only with XLR mics. USB mics (Blue Yeti, Elgato Wave:3, Rode NT-USB) plug straight into your PC.

Some Amazon links are affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Sources

1. Shure: SM7B product page and user guide
2. Electro-Voice: RE20
3. RØDE: PodMic and PSA1
4. Elgato: Wave DX and Wave:3
5. Logitech G: Yeti GX and Blue Yeti
6. SetupStreamers analysis of the microphones in the setups published on this site

Last reviewed: November 5, 2026