Blue Yeti is a timeless audio technology classic: a USB mic that excels at almost everything and fails at almost nothing. Apart from a very rigid stand, this recorder has everything a household recorder might wish for - from outstanding recording performance to a solid (but not too big) construction.

With its conventional appearance and straightforward layout, the Blue Yeti will give you the vibe of an actual studio, whether you are working at your house or on the go. The microphone's front panel features a mute button and several volume knobs for convenient access and adjustment. On the rear, there is a gain knob and a switch for selecting between cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, or stereo pattern modes.

You can simply plug it in and begin recording in cardioid modes. In addition, Yeti's broad array of recording rhythms also makes it ideal for group recording. For example, the bidirectional option records both behind and above the mic, while the panoramic mode captures sounds in a complete 360-degree circle. It is no surprise that it lands on our list of the best USB microphones.

Ratings: 4.7 stars (from 34,688 reviews)

Price: $115.74

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N1YPXW2

If you're a regular viewer of Twitch and YouTube feeds, you're probably familiar with this HyperX QuadCast S mic. This RGB-enabled device rivals even the old Blue Yeti in terms of customizable aesthetics and audio recording capabilities.

We love the regular HyperX QuadCast version already, but this QuadCast S variant takes things a step further by adding adjustable RGB lights to the grille. Gamers and streamers, in particular, may welcome the added flashiness – after all, who said a USB device could not be attractive? In addition, the HyperX QuadCast S's clean and clear audio quality guarantees that it is more than a glistening ornament, with the assistance of the built-in seismic mount and burst filter.

If you are ready to pay a little extra for certain hardware upgrades, the QuadCast S is the way to go. A complete range of cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes is also included, which - again - simplifies things for you if you just want to plug in the USB cord and start your work right away.

Ratings: 4.8 stars (from 20,841 reviews)

Price: $119.99

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G8WH435

Despite JLab's relative inexperience with dedicated microphones, its JLab Talk is indeed among the best USB microphones available. This budget-friendly, tripod-mounted model features the same range of recording modes as Blue Yeti, and is fairly comparable in terms of recording quality and warmth.

Some may prefer the JLab Talk over the Yeti due to the tripod base's greater adjustability. Also, we like how the boost and headphone loudness controls use a wide illuminated ring to represent current levels, making it simple to determine your current settings at a glance. In most cases, mics with a lower sensitivity do not always pick up on these subtleties.

The JLab Talk was created with the goal of being accessible to everyone. All you need to do is to connect the cord to the USB-C on the bottom of the mic, then link the other side to your Laptop or pc. There is no need for a long driver and programs or proprietary software; and, unlike the Road PodMic, there is no need for an XLR interface or signal adapter either. It is extremely convenient to use!

Ratings: 4.3 stars (from 297 reviews)

Price: $79.98

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0885X4ZPH

Similar to JLab Talk, Movo UM700 aspires to provide category-leading audio quality in a more inexpensive form without compromising build quality or usefulness. Indeed, it was marketed to us first as a "Blue Yeti killer." While the Yeti is certainly still alive, the UM700 is capable of putting up a fight.

It's strong and - as is customary with the finest USB mics - it works immediately upon plugging. Its recording capabilities also performed well throughout our testing, despite the fact that some occasional gain adjustments were required. Fortunately, this dilemma may be tackled using the onboard control, without any need for additional software.

Clearly, the Movo UM700 pulls a lot of design cues from Blue Yeti. Simultaneously, it improves several features of its competitors - even down to the box opening. Indeed, the UM700 is finished in a lovely metal polish and is rather durable. Most reviewers would think of the mic and stand moving components as "snug" - even when we plugged the USB connection into our MacBook, it felt very secure.

Ratings: 4.4 stars (from 186 reviews)

Price: $79.95

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081TR5D9M

The Elgato Wave 3 is among the most expensive cardioid-only devices we've tested, but it's also one of the finest USB microphones. It sounds fantastic, has simple-to-use controls, and even has a rather nice layout with its sleek sideways shape and steel grille. Also, it is less expensive than EPOS B20, another broadcasting mic.

The true power of the Elgato Wave 3, though, lies in its additional streaming features. The Elgato Wave 3 has an interesting feature - which no other mic does: the native compatibility for Elgato's Stream Deck. Indeed, it has been intended to work seamlessly with Elgato's Broadcast Decks, a 16-button pad that allows you to operate a variety of operations while in the midst of a stream. Such settings include the Wave: 3, which enables you to fine-tune the mic input's parameters with a few easy button pushes.

For broadcasters who optimize their videos using the adaptable and omnipresent Stream Deck, the Wave 3 may be the ideal accessory. While those who are not streamers may choose to search USB microphones elsewhere, this Elgato variant is among the nicest dedicated USB microphones we have encountered.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 30 reviews)

Price: $149.99

Buy it at: https://tinyurl.com/5b8rfkxv