Best Microphone for Zoom – Reviews, FAQs & More

If you use Zoom on a daily basis, we advise you to invest in a good microphone set. A good quality microphone will keep your audience engaged and will make you sound more professional. 

In case you’re looking for the best microphone for Zoom meetings, this guide will help you pick the best one for your needs. 

We have included the top 3 microphones including USB microphone, smartphone mics, and XLR for Zoom conferences.  

Let’s discuss the features of each microphone in this guide to help you understand which one you should purchase for your personal needs. 

Choosing the best microphones for your audio and video calls can be difficult. Read this guide carefully to pick the best microphone for your everyday needs. 

Best Microphone for Zoom – Top 3 Reviews

#1: Best All-Around USB Condenser Microphone for Zoom – Blue Yeti Review

USB microphones can be connected to the laptop or desktop computer easily. If you’re looking for a professional USB mic, the Blue Yeti external microphone is a great option for Zoom audio and video conferencing. 

You can easily connect through your laptop or desktop computer’s USB port and attend Zoom meetings, conferences, or classes without worrying about the sound quality. 

Let’s further discuss Blue Yeti’s features in detail for your better understanding.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Blue Yeti

Warranty 

Blue Yeti mic comes with a two-year warranty. We highly advise customers to purchase a microphone that comes with a warranty so that you can get it fixed in case of internal damage. 

Compatibility 

It is important to consider the compatibility of your microphones so that you can use them with multiple devices. 

Blue Yeti is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows XP, Mac OS X, and many more laptop and android devices. 

Weight

External microphones can be really heavy and difficult to carry. You’d be glad to know that the Blue Yeti USB microphone weighs 3.4 lbs, which means you can carry it anywhere with you and conduct a Zoom conference conveniently. 

Polar Patterns

We suggest you purchase a microphone with 360-degree sensitivity so that it captures your voice regardless of where you are sitting. 

Blue Yeti has a Cardioid, Bidirectional, Stereo, and an Omnidirectional mode, which allows you to use the microphone from whichever side you’re on. 

Frequency Response 

The Blue Yeti USB microphone has a frequency response that ranges between 20Hz – 20kHz, which ensures that your audio quality is great for a Zoom call. 

Best All-Around USB Microphone for Zoom 

The best all-around USB microphone is the Blue Yeti Microphone because it is easy to use and affordable. The mic is extremely versatile and can be used for Zoom meetings, Youtube videos, podcasts, and online conference calls.

#2: Best User-Friendly XLR Microphone for a Zoom Conference Call – Audio-Technica AT2020 Review

If you are someone who frequently uses Zoom, we highly recommend the Audio-Technica AT2020 because of its precise sound quality and excellent voice accuracy. 

Its dynamic vocal range makes it easy for you to conduct meetings and webinars without having to worry about the sound quality deteriorating. 

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is great if you conduct indoor Zoom calls. 

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Audio-Technica AT2020

Accessories 

Audio-Technica AT2020 comes with several accessories including a stand mount that is ⅝ inches, a threaded stand that is ⅝ -27 inches, a threaded adapter that is ⅜ – 16 inches, and a protective pouch. 

Price 

If you’re on a strict budget and are looking for a mic with quality features, Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great option. This microphone is absolutely worth its price. 

Background Noise Cancellation 

Noise cancellation is a great feature to ensure a high-quality call. Audio-Technica AT2020 is made with a unique cardioid mode that automatically reduces background noises. 

Sound Quality

Microphones with a good frequency response will ensure that your voice is audible and clear, which is crucial for Zoom calls. 

The Audio-Technica AT2020 has a sound frequency response range between 20 to 20,000 Hz. 

Warranty 

You would be glad to know that the Audio-Technica AT2020 has a two-year limited end-user warranty. In case of internal damage, you can instantly get it fixed free of cost. 

Sound Frequency 

The Audio Technica AT202 has a custom design with a low mass diaphragm. This means the microphone offers a great frequency and excellent transient responses. 

Best User-Friendly XLR Microphone for Zoom conference calls

The best user-friendly XLR microphone is Audio Technica AT202 because its unique cardioid polar pattern cancels background noise.

#3: Best Budget-Friendly Wireless Microphone for Zoom – Razer Seiren Mini Review

If you’re looking for a wireless microphone that can be connected to multiple devices, the Razer Seiren Mini is our personal favorite. 

You can easily connect this microphone with your laptop, desktop, and mobile devices without compromising on the quality of sound. 

Let’s take a look at the features of the Razer Seiren Mini features and discuss them in detail. 

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Razer Seiren Mini

Audio Quality 

The Razer Seiren Mini has a super-cardioid pattern that does not pick up background noises and ensures that your voice is clear without any disturbance.

Flexibility 

You can easily tilt the microphone 360 degrees and adjust it according to your requirement. Moreover, the height of the microphone is also adjustable. 

The stand can also be unscrewed from the mic, which allows you to use it separately. 

Affordability 

For $50, Razer Seiren has an impressive amount of features. You can connect it to any device through their wire for uncompromised sound quality. 

Ease of Use 

The microphone is exceptionally easy to use. The LED light indicators will help you understand when the microphone is recording. Moreover, the status light will light up once your speakers are connected. 

Microphone Range 

Razer Seiren has a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz. However, the sample rate can go up to approximately 48kHz with a depth of 16 bits. 

Best Budget-Friendly microphone for Zoom video conferencing

The best budget-friendly microphone is the Razer Seiren Mini because it provides all the quality features you need without breaking your bank. Moreover, you can connect this mic to multiple devices through its wireless connectivity feature. 

Buyers’ Guide

Background Noise Cancellation 

How does the noise cancellation feature help?

We highly recommend microphones that have an inbuilt noise cancellation feature. This ensures that you have a healthy Zoom conversation with your attendees.

 It also makes your conversation more professional since it reduces any sort of disturbances. 

You should be aware that some microphones with background noise cancellation features can still be sensitive to wind and handling sounds. It is crucial that you thoroughly understand the polar patterns of microphones before purchasing one. 

Compatibility 

XLR microphones

XLR microphones can not be connected easily to your cell phone or laptop. You will need a separate connector, which is why we do not suggest it for a Zoom conference. 

USB microphones 

However, USB microphones can be connected to your mobile phone, laptop, Macbook, and almost any other device. 

Another great option is wireless connectivity mics. They are highly compatible with devices that have a Bluetooth feature. You won’t have to worry about carrying an extra cable wire or a tripod stand everywhere. 

Sound Pattern

Sound patterns refer to the sensitivity of the microphone to sound. For Zoom audio calls, we suggest microphone buyers choose between the Cardioid, Figure 8, or Omnidirectional microphones.  

Figure-8 Microphones

Figure-8 microphones are great for an individual Zoom call host. The 8-figure pattern is ideal for live recordings and one on one conversations with your attendees. However, the figure-8 pattern is really sensitive to background handling and wind noises. 

Omnidirectional Microphones

Omnidirectional microphones have a great bass response and a flat frequency. If you sit in a noisy room, the Omnidirectional feature will pick up background noises, which might not be the best in a conference call. 

Bi-directional Microphones

Bi-directional mode is great for a one on one Zoom meeting. They catch sound from the front and back of the microphones but not from the sides. 

Cardioid Patterns

Cardioid patterns are compatible with multiple recording softwares. They reduce background noises and are perfect for audio and video conferences.   

Frequency

Ideally, you should keep your microphone 6 to 12 inches away from your mouth. However, the quality of the audio may reduce since some microphones have lower frequencies. 

For a vocal mic, the ideal frequency response range is anywhere between 80Hz to 15kHz.However, it could vary significantly based on the type of microphone. 

In case you want to purchase a microphone solely for Zoom conferences, a microphone with a frequency range between 18Hz to 20kHz should also be enough. 

USB vs XLR 

USB and XLR both have different connections. An XLR device will connect with an audio interface and has 3 prongs on each mic.

Moreover, XLR models require significantly more space and are expensive in comparison. 

The instrument mode on XLR mics is mainly used by musical artists for recording songs or singing karaoke.  

However, you can connect USB mics directly to your laptop with the help of a USB cable wire. 

Moreover, USB models are comparatively affordable. We suggest USB microphones for an online video call or a podcast. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why won’t Zoom detect my microphone? 

Try to select a different microphone by clicking on the menu bar. You can also adjust the input level or which device Zoom is detecting. 

How will I know if my microphone is connected?

Wireless will show a paired sign once you connect it with your device. For USB mics,  once you connect the USB cable, it will automatically connect it to your device. 

In case your microphone has an inbuilt LED light, it will light up if they are connected to the system. 

Will Zoom record my audio with headphones? 

If your headphone jack has a microphone, you can give Zoom permission to record your call. You can then save the file directly to your device. 

Which external microphone should I get for Zoom audio calls? 

We highly recommend the HyperX SoloCast USB connection microphone to people who video conference frequently. This mic is excellent at capturing ambient sounds because of its high-performance features. 

Should I purchase a headset for Zoom calls? 

We do recommend a quality headset for Zoom calls. This helps you focus on the conversations during the concerns. Moreover, we suggest you purchase a headset with a built-in microphone for smooth communication.

How do I attach my microphone to my laptop for an audio conference? 

Wireless microphones will connect directly through their Bluetooth feature. However, you may need a USB cable or an XLR cable to connect it to your device. 

Once you connect the microphone with your device, open Zoom and enable the microphone feature to incorporate it with your Zoom calls. 

Can I improve the quality of my microphone on Zoom?

We would recommend you invest in a separate microphone for high-quality audio conversations on zoom. You can also test and optimize your microphone to check its performance. 

How do I connect my USB microphone with Zoom? 

Most USB microphones can be connected through the USB jack on your device. Once you plug it in, click on the Zoom microphone icon to incorporate it with the online software. 

What do I need for a Zoom video conference? 

You will require a high-end microphone and a webcam for a conference call. If your device does not have an inbuilt camera and a microphone, we suggest you purchase one. 

Do I need to purchase a separate microphone if my laptop has a built-in microphone? 

If your laptop has built-in microphones, you might not purchase one separately. However, if you think the sound quality is poor, you could use an external microphone. 

Best Microphones for Zoom – Final Verdict

Choosing the best microphone for Zoom could be quite confusing. However, it is important that you understand the types of microphones before investing in one. 

In our opinion, the Blue Yeti USB microphone is a clear winner because of its advanced features. Its tri-capsule array makes it suitable for all types of audio conferences, podcasts, and online webinars. 

Read this guide thoroughly to understand which microphone is the best for your needs.