There's also been a rise in budget microphones under $100 the sound quality can rival some of the more expensive mics on the market. And once you're all set with a solid microphone, you might want to check out our guide to the best webcams, should you be looking to round out your streaming set-up. Some mics do specific things better than others, so make sure you don't spend money on a microphone with features you don't need or ever will use. XLR mics still offer the best flexibility however, they tend to come with a not-so-flexible price tag and are more difficult to set up than USB mics (most likely requiring some external interface). If you prefer simple, then go for USB if you're more of an audiophile and want your voice to sound right, XLR all the way.Īre you streaming alone? Do you sing? Are you planning on having a round table discussion with multiple people in one room? Consider where you're going to be using your microphone and for what purpose, way before you purchase. So, expect to see loads of mics to choose from. USB microphones are the go-to when it comes to at-home streaming and podcasting.