Work from home culture is here to stay, whether you like it or not. Likewise, virtual meetings will be held. You’ve got that new and sparkly high-end webcam to make your Zoom meetings look better, but what about the sound? Even the most expensive laptops and webcams with built-in microphones fall short when it comes to audio quality. Standalone mics for video conferencing can aid in this situation. After all, you don’t want to come across as a broken record to your coworkers or students. Read this article to learn about the best 5 microphones for video conferencing and calling.
You may also check out: 5 Best Webcams With Privacy Shutter
Microphones for Video Calling and Conferencing
A fast search for microphones on Amazon will reveal a plethora of choices, each with its own set of perplexing names and characteristics. To assist you, we’ve done the legwork for you by scouring the best 5 microphones for your next Zoom call.
Do you know the 5 Best VPN Routers for Home Users’ Security?
1. Best Premium: Blue Yeti USB Mic
Blue Yeti USB is a jack of all trades when it comes to the best microphones. The four different polar patterns help generate superb sound output in every recording setting, whether you’re on a Zoom call or recording yourself for a podcast. It also features the most important controls, such as volume control, mute button, and pattern switch, onboard. Built-in gain control on the back allows you to capture quiet or distant noises, which is useful for podcasting or live streaming.
Apart from that, the mic is made of solid full-body metal, from the mesh that covers the mic to the volume control. There’s no need for additional setup because it’s plug-and-play. The Blue Yeti USB Mic costs $130. The Nano version, on the other hand, is only $90 if you’re willing to forego stereo and bidirectional modes.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid / Omni / Figure-8 / Stereo | Compatibility: Windows / Mac | Connector Type: USB & 3.5 mm Headphone Jack
Pros
- Create high-quality products.
- Plug-and-play capability
- A desktop stand is included.
Cons
- Expensive
Price: $129.99
2. Best Design: Shure MV5
Shure MV5 is a must-have for everyone who enjoys modern items with classic styling. The mic is enclosed in a near-perfect circular grill with back connectors. Three different preset settings (instrument, flat, and vocals) can provide you with the sound you require depending on the work at hand. Furthermore, the Speech Enhancement Mode does an excellent job of automatic equalization and vocal frequency enhancement.
A 3.5 mm low-latency headphone jack and a micro USB connector are located on the rear of the device. There’s also a mute button and a mode button. If you choose the Shure MV5, make sure to get the one with the old packaging, which is roughly $15 cheaper and contains the same product.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Compatibility: Windows / Mac / iOS | Connector Type: USB / Lightning
Pros
- Design that is compact
- Support iOS devices.
- App for a friend
Cons
- Body made of plastic
- A little pricey.
Price: $74.00
3. Best All-Purpose: HyperX SoloCast
With the capacity to record every detail in spectacular clarity and a not-so-expensive price tag, HyperX SoloCast offers the best of both worlds. The mic can be easily positioned for a variety of setups thanks to the provided flexible and adjustable stand. Plus, because of its modest size, it can fit into even the tiniest of locations. There are many compatibility possibilities with HyperX SoloCast, including Windows, Mac, PlayStation, and more.
This mic is ideal for folks who enjoy streaming or gaming in addition to video conferencing. When the mic is recording, a helpful LED light will blink continuously. The tap-to-mute sensor makes it simple to silence it. Surprisingly, and unfortunately, the HyperX NGenuity companion app does not work with the mic. Aside from that, HyperX SoloCast lives up to the expectations thanks to its easy plug-and-play setup and above-average sound quality.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Compatibility: Windows / Mac / PS5 | Connector Type: USB
Pros
- Plug-and-play capability
- Mute button
- Indicator (LED)
Cons
- Looks are average.
- The HyperX NGenuity app isn’t supported.
Price: $59.99
4. Best for Travel: FIFINE K669B
If you only use your mic for video conferences now and then, a budget option like the FIFINE K669B would suffice. Despite its low price, FIFINE has not compromised on construction quality, opting for a full-body metal coating. The K669B, unlike the more expensive models, lacks a headphone jack and no other ports. It does have a volume knob on the front, but that’s it.
The audio quality of this condenser microphone is excellent, capturing your speech clearly and crisply. Plus, there’s more. The cardioid recording capabilities of the mic also help to eliminate background noise. The MV5 is a superb portable mic for its price, weighing only 15 ounces and having a tiny form factor.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Compatibility: Windows / Mac | Connector Type: USB
Pros
- The body is made entirely of metal.
- The form factor is small.
- Portable
Cons
- Only one polar pattern exists.
- The cable that is not removable
Price: $29.99
5. Best Budget: TONOT TC-777
The TONOT TC-777 is another low-cost microphone geared at casual users. It comes with an all-in-one package that includes a tripod, a small shock mount, and a pop filter. In addition, the non-detachable cable is 5 feet in length, which will plenty for most configurations. When it comes to audio quality, the clarity is exceptional for the price, and unpleasant background noise such as footsteps or voices from neighboring rooms is effectively suppressed. Besides, the shock mount does a good job of isolating vibrations, which makes working on a desk with a lot of leaning easier.
The only drawback? It lacks a mute button as well as volume control, which is a little disappointing. Aside from that, the TONOT TC-777 is one of Amazon’s top-budget video conferencing mics.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Compatibility: Windows / Mac / PS5 | Connector Type: USB
Pros
- Mounting shocks
- There are several acoustic diffusers supplied.
- It has a pop-filter and a desk stand.
Cons
- USB cable that is not removable
- There is no volume control or mute button.
Price: $26.99
Read also: Best 5 Laptop for Law Students 2022
Final Verdict: Microphones for Video Conferencing and Calling
Any of these mics may be an excellent addition to your current work-from-home setup. Particularly in light of their diversity and enhanced capabilities. These mics are capable of handling everything from video conferencing to podcast recording to game streaming. So, in the comments section below, tell us which one you like.
