If you want to be heard more clearly on video calls, then one of the best USB microphones is the way to go. Sound quality is even more important if you're recording a podcast, or making voice-over for video. A microphone like this will sound leagues better than the mic built into your MacBook or iPad. You'll wonder how you ever did without one.
We've found our favorite USB microphones for Mac in the guide below, with options in all shapes, sizes, and prices. So whether you want a small, compact device for recording on the go or a state-of-the-art mic that gives you professional-grade sound, you'll find something here.
Best overall: Blue Yeti USB Mic
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The Yeti brand has become synonymous with excellent microphones over the years, and the Blue Yeti is one of the most popular and highly-recommended.
The four different recording modes are where the Blue Yeti really shines because there's practically nothing you can't record with the mic if it's set in the right mode. If you have a new MacBook with only USB-C ports, like the MacBook Air With M2, you will need one of the best USB-C Hubs for MacBook Pro to plug it in. Once you do, you won't be disappointed.
I'm not the only one that loves the Blue Yeti, Rene Ritchie has been using his for years, and he loves how easy the Blue Yeti is to use.
Its basic cardioid mode is fantastic for capturing a single voice or instrument in front of the mic, making it perfect for game streaming, video calls, or vocals.
The omnidirectional mode allows the Blue Yeti to pick up sounds from all around it, meaning you can put it in the middle of a table and have multiple people speaking, and it won't miss a single word. This mode is great for podcasting with multiple hosts and guests or for capturing the noise around you.
Bidirectional mode allows the Blue Yeti to be an interview microphone with minimal setup. Just put the microphone between you and the other person speaking and never touch it again.
Lastly, stereo recording mode allows the Blue Yeti to use the left and right channels to record in stereo and give your recordings a more realistic soundstage when there is more than one sound source in front of the microphone.
With four recording modes, plug-and-play functionality, and live monitoring, the Blue Yeti offers the most versatile experience for the best price.
Best stylish mic: HyperX QuadCast S
While the Blue Yeti may still take the top spot on our list because of its price, the HyperX QuadCast S, which we've reviewed, is a close runner-up. HyperX has been a key player in the USB microphone space lately, and this QuadCast S mic offers all the versatility you need. Although it's a bit more expensive than our top pick, it easily records clean audio if you're on top of your gain control.
This microphone has handled everything I have thrown at it and has always left me impressed. Although it's primarily billed as a gaming microphone, I recorded podcasts, took video calls, laid down some acoustic guitar and basic vocals using the HyperX QuadCast S, and all of that sounded stellar.
The microphone records 48kHz/16-bit audio and has three 14mm condensers, which provides enough data for post-production if you want to go that route. You can certainly pop this microphone down in front of yourself and tune your voice in lots of different ways in your favorite audio mixing program of your choice.
Even though I'm not a talented audio engineer or musician, I was able to lay down a pretty simple acoustic guitar track and then record some vocals and come out with a mix that sounded pretty good. Of course, hardcore musicians are definitely not using a USB microphone to record, but it certainly works for very basic music recording in a pinch.
As much as I have become enamored with this microphone, the QuadCast S has one glaring issue that might be a big deal to you. HyperX's software to control the microphone called Ngenuity is not available on Mac. This means that you can't customize the RGB lighting when using the QuadCast S with your Mac, so you're stuck with the rotating rainbow pattern.
Lastly, the stylish RGB lighting and the built-in pop filter are nice extra touches that help make the HyperX QuadCast S a real contender.
If you're split between this one and our previous pick, the Blue Yeti, see how they match up head to head in our Blue Yeti vs HyperX QuadCast S guide.
Even though the Mac can't use all the features due to software limitations, the stylish look and beautifully clear audio recording make the HyperX QuadCast S a solid USB microphone for Mac users.
Best portable mic: Rode NT-USB Mini
If you need something compact but don't want to sacrifice recording quality, the Rode NT-USB Mini is worth a look.
Rode has been an excellent producer of microphones for years now, and although the Rode NT-USB Mini may look unassuming, it's a handy little USB microphone. The Rode NT-USB Mini is a great compact option for recording voices with a magnetic stand that can easily attach to mic stands, an AUX input for live monitoring, and a built-in pop filter.
The 24-bit at 48Khz sample rate offers excellent audio quality, and the sound isolation that the unidirectional microphone gets out of such a small device is pretty impressive.
USB-C powered and a compact design make this an excellent microphone for a Macbook user.
Best compact mic: Blue Yeti Nano Professional
Best for iPhone: Shure MV5
The Shure MV5 comes with connections for both USB and Lightning ports. However, it is Apple MFi certified, which means it's designed to directly connect to iOS devices like your iPad or iPhone. It won't need special adapters or connection kits to work. So if you're looking for a super-fast way to record your voice and dictate some notes on your iPhone, this is a great way to do it.
Of course, just because it's designed to work well with iOS devices doesn't mean it won't work well with others. It can connect via USB and do all the same jobs with access to all the same features. Use this mic for vlogging, streaming, or just collecting your thoughts for whatever project you happen to be working on.
The MV5 comes with three digital signal processing modes for vocals, instruments, or flat recording. That makes it great for recording music in addition to your own vocals. It also automatically applies certain things like gain, EQ, and compression to get you optimal results out the gate, and you'll find you can really get the sound exactly the way you want it every time. There's even built-in headphones output for real-time monitoring. The mic's custom-tuned capsule provides the best audio.
Whether you're recording on your iPhone or your Mac, the Shure MV5 will provide a fantastic experience.
Best for impromptu recording: Samsung Meteor
Although the Samsung Meteor is only meant to capture a single sound source, it does record all of its audio at a 16-bit, 48kHz sample rate, which means you're getting great-sounding audio every time you sit in front of it.
It's lightweight and quite compact, allowing you to transport the Meteor anywhere you need to go, so you never have to worry about sounding bad when you're on the road. It's probably the best Mac USB microphone for people constantly on the go because it's incredibly portable.
It's small and easy to carry around, meaning you can always bring it anywhere with your MacBook, and its price can't be beat. The best thing about the Samson Meteor is its price. It's a neat little mic that can fit anywhere you want due to its compact size, but don't expect too much from the little guy.
Do I actually need a stand-alone microphone with my Mac?
It depends on what you'll be doing and which Mac you use. If you are making and taking video calls on an older Mac, and people are having trouble hearing you, then it's time to invest in one of the best USB microphones for Mac. If people can hear you without any issues, then you probably don't need one.
However, if you're recording anything, such as a podcast or music, you definitely want an external microphone. You might think that you sound just fine, using only the built-in speakers on your Mac, but wait until you try a professional microphone. You'll sound worlds better; it's well worth the investment.
What if the microphone has a USB-A plug and my Mac only has a USB-C port?
If your microphone has a USB-A plug and your Mac has a USB-C port, then you'll need a USB-C adapter or a USB-C hub for Mac that includes at least one USB-A port.
What if I want to use the same microphone for both my Mac and my iPhone?
If you want just one microphone to use with both your iPhone and Mac, be sure to get a microphone specifically made for both, like the Shure MV5. This compact plug-and-play microphone comes with both a USB plug and a Lightning plug, so you're covered all around.
How do I choose the best USB microphone for Mac?
Overall, the Blue Yeti is the best Mac USB microphone for most people. Its four recording modes offer an incredible amount of versatility, meaning regardless of what you're trying to record, you should be able to get a high-quality recording.
I have personally used my Blue Yeti to record podcasts with multiple guests, record guitar and vocals on a musical track, and for everyday use during multiple Skype and other video chat services, and I have never been disappointed.
To find the right USB microphone for you, it's worth considering a few key factors. First up, size. If you need to record on the move, you'll need a smaller and more compact device, like the Samsung Meteor or Blue Yeti Nano Professional. Or, if you're using your best iPhone, you might want a device made for computers as well as phones, like the Shure MV5.
Also think about connections, if you're using a newer laptop, like the 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 for example, you'll need to be sure you have the right connection – or an adapter – to connect to the Air's USB-C port.
Finally, consider quality. If you need a microphone to simply make your voice sound clearer on calls, you can go for a simple, budget option. If you're recording instruments or host a pro podcast, you'll need something more premium, like the Blue Yeti. You can be assured that popular brands like Rode, Blue Yeti, and Shure will deliver a top-quality product, no matter which specific model you go with.
If you want a new microphone to upgrade your podcasting or calling, check out our best webcams for Mac guide too.
