Best Microphones for YouTube [Get the Best Audio Quality]

Shanoon Cox

Mar 23, 2021• Proven solutions

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Quality audio is just as important as a quality video for your YouTube channel. A good YouTube microphone will capture higher audio quality. In this article, we will show you the guide to the best external microphones. 

Or, you can also check out our updated post The 19 Best YouTube Microphones - Options for Music, Voiceovers, Vlogging, and more!

 Part 1: Screencasts and Gaming Commentary

If you record voiceovers your best option will be a high-quality USB Mic. The mics on this list can all record in a cardioid pattern. That means that they only ‘hear’ sounds that are in front of them, which drastically reduces your background noise.

5. Samson Go Mic

The sound quality of the Samson Go is not perfect, but it is a huge step up from the audio your camera or computer can record. That, combined with being one of the most affordable USB mics on the market, makes it a great choice for online video creators who are just starting out.

The Samson Go costs only $39.99 on Amazon where it is the number 6 bestselling computer microphone. It has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating.

4. Blue Snowball

The Blue Snowball is capable of recording very high-quality audio, but in order to achieve the best result, you will need to have it right at your mouth while you record. It does not operate as well at a distance, even a short distance.

This is the number 9 most purchased multipurpose condenser mic on Amazon. It has a 4.5/5 star rating and costs $69.

3. Audio-Technica ATR2100

The ATR2100 can compete with a lot of more expensive microphones in terms of sound quality. One of its best features is its XLR connection, which will allow you to connect it to a mixer instead of your computer. This is an especially great feature for podcasters and musicians.

The ATR2100 costs $79 on Amazon. It has 4.3 out of 5 stars and is the second-highest ranked vocal microphone.

2. Blue Yeti

A lot of YouTubers consider the Blue Yeti the best, and it is an undeniably great microphone. It is not the absolute best sound quality at its price range, but it comes close. Besides sound-quality, it has a mute button, volume control, and microphone gain.

The Blue Yeti is the #1 Best Seller in the multipurpose dynamic microphone category on Amazon. It costs $128.94 and has 4.5/4 stars.

1. Audio-Technica AT2020+

This is the highest quality audio you will find for under $200, and it is actually better than a lot of the more expensive options. It records extremely clear, detailed, sound. The AT2020+ also has a headphone jack and volume control, making it easy to monitor the sound you are recording.

The Audio-Technica AT2020+ costs $149 on Amazon and has an excellent 4.7/5 star rating.

Part 2: Vlogs and Lifestyle Videos

If you are recording sound away from your computer then you will need a different type of microphone from the ones listed above. Your options include shotgun mics, LAV mics, condenser mics, and MP3 recorders.

5. SonyECMCS3 LAV Mic

The Sony ECMCS3 is not the best LAV mic available, but it is a very good one. When something is both ‘very good’ and under $20 it is hard to ignore. The ECMCS3 can be clipped discretely to your shirt to capture your voice close up. It will need to be used in tandem with a voice recorder or your computer, however.

This little LAV mic costs only $17 and is the fourth bestselling multipurpose microphone on Amazon. It has a 4.3/5 star rating.

4. RØDE VideoMic

This Rode shotgun is a quality mid-range option. It records sounds coming from the precise direction it is pointing very clearly. However, it needs to be fairly close to you if you are speaking and this will limit your movement.

The Rode Video Shotgun has a 4.1/5 star rating on Amazon where it costs $149.

3. Audio-Technica AT875R 

This shotgun mic is good at picking up sound at a distance, and at only picking up sound in a straight line directly in front of it. The audio quality is great and background noise is almost completely cut out. The AT875R is a very short shotgun mic which makes it perfect for use with compact digital cameras.

The AT875R costs $169 on Amazon and has a whopping 4.8/5 star rating.                                                                                                                     

2. Roland R-05 WAVE/MP3 Recorder

The R-05 is a pocket voice recorder that captures flawless audio which you can adjust on the spot with its onboard editing features. It can be used on its own or in tandem with a lapel mic and its small size means you can hide it in your pocket so it does not show up in your video.

The R-05 costs $198 on Amazon and has a 4.7/5 star rating.

1. RØDE VideoMic Pro

This is probably the most popular shotgun mic among YouTubers, and it is number 1 on our list too. It records nearly perfect audio from directly in front of itself, and it does a remarkable job of cutting out surrounding noise.

The Rode VideoMic Pro costs $200 on Amazon and enjoys a 4.2/5 star rating.

Part 3: Syncing Your Audio in 5 Steps

Some of the external microphones recommended above will create separate audio recordings you will need to sync with your video later.

1. When you first start recording clap two or three times. This will create distinct audio spikes that will make syncing easier.

2. Open Filmora Video Editor, import your video, and move it into your timeline. Your audio and video will both automatically share the video track.

3. Import the audio from your external microphone and move it to your audio track.

4. Find the spikes that represent the clapping in both your external audio clip and your video’s audio and line them up. It may help to magnify your timeline.

5. Your external audio recording is synced. You no longer need your camera’s audio and can delete it. Right-click on your video, select Audio Detach, and then delete your detached audio clip.

Bonus Tip-Record Your Audio with Wondershare Filmora9

Wondershare Filmora9 is a powerful video editing application with a lot of attractive features. You can record your audio with Wondershare Filmora9 using the best microphone you pick. You can see the tutorial below to know more about the audio recording in Wondershare Filmora9.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox