I've had a pretty rocky relationship with smartwatches, but if there's one wearable that I've never had much of an issue with, it'd be smart glasses.

I've grown inseparable from my AI-enhanced frames, and own several pairs from different brands. And, while my Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses get the most love and use, there's another brand that I have a soft spot for: Solos.

With their ChatGPT integration being a particular stand-out feature, Solos' AirGo smart glasses might not have the designer clout of EssilorLuxottica behind them, but its latest AirGo V2 and AirGo A5 models make for some of the best alternatives to Meta's luxury line there is.

New AirGo smart glasses: Solos' new high

On Wednesday, Solos announced two new smart glasses models, the AirGo A5 and AirGo V2, at the Hong Kong Smartglasses summit.

These models follow previous impressive outings from the ChatGPT-enabled Solos AirGo 3 and camera-equipped Solos AirGo Vision.

The company's latest smart glasses feature the same modular SmartHinge system, making them backward compatible with previous frames, as most of the tech that makes each model so impressive is housed within its detachable temples.

The AirGo A5s are more of an ultra-light follow-up to the AirGo 3, focusing on the same audio experience prompted by voice commands in a pair of glasses that are practically indistinguishable from regular frames.

Meanwhile, the AirGo V2 stands as a direct competitor to the impressively popular Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, featuring a 16MP stabilized camera for capturing hands-free, HD pictures and video, and even offering real-time streaming alongside the usual AI copilot.

Both devices require a connection to your smartphone to use, linking with the all-new SolosChat 3.0 app, where you can monitor health metrics and continue to interact with multiple AI models, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and now even DeepSeek.

What's next

We're entering something of a Renaissance period for smart glasses at the moment, with particular emphasis on the AI.

Whether or not you've been convinced about Copilot's presence on your laptop, having hands-free access to some of the world's most powerful AI models at the drop of a wake word ("Hey Solos," in this instance) can come in shockingly handy.

I'm not one of those people who's going to use "AI wrote me a poem on the spot" as an example either. I'm not a bard in search of inspiration, after all.

However, from being able to snap a picture to learn more about something without needing to slow down your day, or just being able to field a 3 a.m. thought to ChatGPT and hear a satisfying answer, feels like more than a simple novelty.

While there are many smart glasses options to choose from right now, if the sound of Solos' Ray-Ban Meta alternatives has tweaked your ear, then you'll be happy to know that it's not just a feature set that is competitive with Meta's glasses, but the price is too.

The Solos AirGo A5 will be available starting Q3, 2025, becoming available to preorder from August for only $249.

The 16MP camera-touting Solos AirGo V2 glasses are expected to land in Q4, 2025 for $299.

Both will be available first from the solosglasses.com homepage.

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Google Glass was a revolutionary product. Not only for what it hoped to achieve, bundling together an everyday wearable that you could dictate texts to, capture photos and video with, or take calls through, but also for the amount of ire it inspired in people following its unveiling.

Hi, I’m Rael Hornby, resident Laptop Mag reviewer of AR and VR tech and probably someone that would have been considered a “glasshole” back in 2013. Thankfully, some ten years later, I’m happy to say that smart glasses are making their long-awaited comeback.

Leading that charge are the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. While these stylish spectacles might seem a long way away from the stellar Meta Orion holographic glasses showcased at Connect 2024, you’re looking at the launching pad of how Meta gets there — and an impressive improvement over the Ray-Ban Stories that came before.

So, what makes these glasses so special? Well, there are several factors at play here. While they may look like a simple pair of frames on the outside, they offer so much more. Let’s take a closer look at Meta’s smart glasses.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Price and availability

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are available starting from $299 / £299. Meta’s smart glasses come in three styles: the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer and the new Headliner and Skler frames. The price of each pair will vary depending on style, color, and lens, and even more so if you’re seeking prescription lenses.

This is a similar price to the Ray-Ban Stories that preceded this generation of smart glasses, and while it’s much more than you’d pay for a regular pair of Ray-Bans, these are no regular pair of Ray-Bans.

Factoring in everything you get beyond the style, build quality, and branding of the frames, this isn’t an outlandish price for a pair of smart glasses — especially when taking into account the impressive charging case that comes with it.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Specifications

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Design

Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica brings with it the iconic style of the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, a design often imitated but never duplicated in the smart glasses realm. You’ll see stylings of the same shape on many AR glasses, but this is the real deal. Meta’s smart glasses exude every drip of style and quality as any in EssilorLuxottica’s catalog.

Cast a casual eye at these robust frames, and you may struggle to tell them apart from a regular pair of Ray-Bans — until you notice the LED and camera lens that now takes up residence where the iconic frame’s rivets would typically sit.

The temples, which each house the iconic Ray-Ban logo, are less obviously belonging to a pair of smart glasses, potentially owing to the many different sizes that Ray-Ban has applied to its Wayfarer frames over the years. The only giveaways here are a single button at the top of the right temple and two subtle speakers further back that sit just before the temple tips.

Their position is mirrored on the underside of the temples by two more speakers with pinhole microphones close by — which make up two of the three visible microphones (the other is located on the nose bridge of the glasses) which are part of a wider five-mic array.

Including these speakers adds to the thickness of each temple, but not to the point of being distracting. They still fit comfortably over the ears, and there’s no noticeable weightiness from this part of the frames, either. Along much of the available right temple is a touch sensor that allows you to tap, swipe, and hold for various interactions you can assign in the Meta View mobile app.

Meta’s frames have the same balance point along the temples that my regular Ray-Ban’s have, meaning it’s the bridge of your nose that shoulders most of the 50.8 grams weight. To put it into perspective, that’s about the weight of two AA alkaline batteries spread fairly evenly across the front and sides of your face. Given that my regular Ray-Bans weigh ~45 grams, this change was barely perceivable.

Perceivable changes include a switch from the Wayfarer intersecting hinges to a more cylindrical design, creeping further up the temples to show a Meta logo on the right-hand side and a power switch on the left.

If you size your glasses right, you’ll be able to reach this switch without taking off the frames. This is a subtle and simple way of cutting back on battery drain when you don’t need any of the smart-tech bells and whistles the Ray-Ban Metas offer.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Audio

Open-ear speakers and great audio don’t always go hand-in-hand. In fact, they’re often seen traveling in different directions and spitting on the ground at the very mention of one another. However, this is not always the case. While the TCL RayNeo Air 2S AR smart glasses had their faults, open-ear audio was not among them.

Thankfully, the same can be said here. While there are no EQ adjustments available within the Meta View app, or preset sound profiles to switch from, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses come out of the case ready to go with a fresh tone and a well-rounded sound to them — even if it is lacking a little when it comes to bass.

Audio quality is more than serviceable — in fact, it’s pretty excellent. Thanks to a starkly apparent spatial element, the sound is crisp, clear, rich, and solidly immersive. As mentioned, there’s a noticeable drop-off in bass, but this has been a recurring experience when it comes to open-air audio for me.

That said, cranking up the volume can help alleviate many of your gripes, giving the full scale of the audio more chance to swamp your ears.

This all comes from the improved speaker setup, which improves the bass from the Ray-Ban Stories that came before and boosts the peak volume by up to 50% while reducing audio bleed.

In this context, that means how much sound leaks from the open-ear speakers into your surroundings. This is very noticeable at max volume, but it's not that noticeable at 40-50% — especially in more crowded public spaces.

Individual voices have much less bleed to them, so making a call is a bit more discrete. It’s once again incredibly crisp audio, but more than that, the five-mic array of the Ray-Ban Meta’s captures your voice beautifully. I mean, beautifully. 

Whether you’re taking a call in a crowded environment or calling on Meta AI while music plays loudly through the temple speakers, the Ray-Ban Metas offers incredibly precise audio capture. You don’t even have to speak up much for the glasses to register you calling on the AI; a mumble or a whisper can do it, even in noisy environments.

It’s fantastic for discretely calling in a snapshot or asking Meta AI to quickly send a reply to a message on your behalf. Speech recognition has been mostly flawless during my time with the glasses. Voice commands and inputs work a treat, whether I ask Meta to skip a music track or send my friends a poem about trains—you know, the basics.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Camera

There’s something especially charming about the Ray-Ban Meta’s camera. While only 12 megapixels (MP), the quality is impressive. It’s not going to blow any of your 24-50 MP smartphone sensors out of the water any time soon, but there’s enough here to be happy with the results of your on-the-fly snaps.

Just make sure you’re standing still long enough to capture that moment in time, and don’t be fooled by the initial chirp of the glasses as it registers your request. I’ve had to learn this lesson repeatedly, only realizing the error of my ways when the shutter sound follows. This leaves me to shamefully mourn another 12 megabytes of my storage, now dedicated to the turning of my head away from the thing I originally wanted to take an image of.

Not that this would be an easy thing to accomplish, anyway — with no available viewport, photography through the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses is tricky to adjust to.

You can’t ever take a photo with complete confidence that you’ve managed to capture what you thought you did until you pull out your phone and check the app. That almost defeats the purpose of having a camera on your face, if I’m honest.

That said, you still get some interesting results. They’re a little bit quirky and a little bit misaligned. They’re images that don’t quite line up with how you remember things because although it's supposedly from a first-person perspective, it somehow feels like it was the perspective of a person standing just behind you and peering over your shoulder.

It’s almost its own genre of photography, whereby the aim is to capture a false memory. Still, between the 3:4, made for social media, aspect ratio, and liminal perspective shift, you can’t deny that there’s “something” about the off-kilter results that is quite charming. Plus, you can often crop what you don’t like; the 3024 x 4032 resolution of each image mixed with the ultra-wide angle can be pretty forgiving, at least.

On the other hand, video, while retaining some of that liminal weirdness, feels somehow much easier to manage, thanks to a healthy dose of image stabilization that will eat away at the original 1440 x 1920 resolution.

Still, the results are pretty impressive, even if they are only captured at 30 fps and limited to 3 minutes at a time. As a bonus, they don’t nearly look as much like you’re watching declassified body cam footage as you’d think they would on playback.

However, picture and video quality were only half of my concerns with Meta’s smart glasses. The other was how people would react to the camera itself in everyday life.

Ironically, while the inclusion of a camera had many an undergarment in a twist with Google Glass, most don’t seem to notice (or care) about their appearance on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. It’s often forgiven as part of the design, and those who have noticed simply said, “Cool.”

It seems we’ve crossed some cultural divide, and having cameras in our presence is now commonplace as opposed to something beyond the norm. We livestream ourselves and snap selfies with reckless abandon. Pulling out a smartphone to record any moment of human joy, misery, or distress is practically commonplace.

The fact you’re wearing a camera on your face only signals who’s prepared to catch someone else's moment of celebrity as they shout, “You can’t park there, mate,” while chortling at the scene of a devastating car crash.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Camera samples

Videos are similarly crisp, and showcase some solid image stabilization at the cost of resolution. Once again the Ray-Ban Metas capture very clear and accurate audio in the process, with the results outperforming what you'd expect from such a tightly packaged product.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Meta AI

“Trains chug along the track, carrying dreams and freight, a symbol of journey and a marvel of might, connecting towns and cities, day and night” — Meta AI

The intersection of AI and messaging apps is a privacy nightmare for some. However, I’ve learned to overcome my fears and fully embrace our artificial overlords, especially as it means I can annoy all of my friends by sending them random poems about trains, Bigfoot (capitalized because it’s real), canoes, and the state of Utah.

Never has generative AI made more sense to me than the ability to simply call out “Hey Meta” before spouting some truly unhinged nonsense, asking for a reply that rhymes, and selecting my unwitting victim from my WhatsApp contacts.

Taking some of the anxiety out of letting an AI message people on your behalf, Meta AI will repeat your message back to you before asking if you’re sure you want to send it. Allowing you to avoid any potential voice recognition disasters.

Aside from granting me a special new way to lose friends and alienate people, Meta AI actually comes in pretty handy. And it’s getting handier still, thanks to a series of feature-enhancing updates.

During a walkabout at my local museum, Meta AI was on hand to help me recognize various fish, and instead of reading the plaques below each display, I was able to ask Meta AI to “Look and see what this says” before going about my business and receiving a summary of what was captured. It was a bit like having a virtual tour guide with me at all times, albeit slightly embarrassing to walk about in public, muttering in the general direction of a bunch of plastic dinosaurs.

Meta AI can also translate foreign languages, identify various things within the framing of your images, upload images on your behalf to social media, and even fetch information about the weather. You can even ask Meta AI to fetch a recipe from ingredients in your fridge or help you piece an outfit together. These replies can also be followed up within a brief window of time, turning a small engagement into an actual conversation — and it all flows well together.

Don’t worry — it won’t get all Her on you. Meta AI is rather terse, often choosing to answer your questions in the shortest, simplest way possible. While that’s not great for most AI, it works here. Throughout your day, you’re likely to only call on Meta AI when you need some information or to get something done, so the cutting of the fat is welcome.

That said, Meta AI still communicates in that awkward synthesized text-to-speech manner, which can get a little grating afterward. I’m looking forward to the upcoming voice mode announced at Meta Connect 2024 and the celebrity tenors that come with it. I can’t wait for John Cena to wax lyrical about the pigeon fowl to my dwindling number of friends.

Other features expected to arrive soon include remembering things from images, setting reminders, sending voice memos, and real-time video help that lets the assistant answer and comment based on everything it can see.

Not only that, Meta’s smart glasses will be able to translate speech in real-time, a feature similar to that of the Solos AirGo 3 smart glasses with their ChatGPT-backed translation capabilities. If I’m lucky, I’ll finally be able to figure out what my Bulgarian neighbors really think of me. 

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Software

Using the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses requires linking them via Bluetooth to a smartphone using the Meta View app. The app is available on iOS and Android, and the experience is practically identical.

There’s not a great deal to write home about regarding the Meta view app. It’s pretty straightforward in what it does, giving you a record of Meta AI conversations to call back on and access to the glasses’ 32GB of onboard storage to transfer media to your smartphone. Frustratingly, you cannot stream the images from the glasses and will instead need to transfer them to your device before seeing them in full.

Beyond this, Meta View is a way to ensure the firmware of your glasses is up to date and tweak any settings or gestures you wish to use. Unfortunately, gestures are limited to accessing only a select few apps. While Meta intends to expand on these, for now, all you’ll get is quick access to apps like Spotify or Amazon Music.

However, while the app is open on your phone, you can stream from the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to Facebook and Instagram and even use your first-person perspective in WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger calls.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Battery life

It’s all been rather positive up until now, even with the weird liminal first-person photography comments. However, no device is perfect. The Ray-Ban Metas struggle in one key and vital area: battery.

Equipped with a paltry 154 mAh battery capacity, perhaps these glasses were doomed from the start. Great in quick bursts, but having the stamina of a marshmallow atop a naked flame.

Leave them on without much use, and battery life will trickle down at a relatively acceptable pace, but start taking pictures, listening to music, or interacting with Meta AI, and you’ll notice a sharp drop in battery life.

You can reduce its background battery drag by turning off Meta AI’s always listening stance, instead relying on a three-finger tap to the right temple to activate chat. But there’s no real way to cut down on the incredible draw of other activities.

As mentioned much earlier in this review, I’ve begun to leave the glasses off for most of the time while wearing them, only turning them on when I actively want to engage with their wider functions. The blessing of smart glasses like these is that even when they’re turned off, or the battery has run out, they’re still excellent glasses.

Using this method, I can eke out a full day’s use most of the time. However, leaving them on, being a bit more indulgent when it comes to their features, I’m likely to get around 3-4 hours of usage. However, if you plan on tackling an entire Spotify playlist while you get to work, that number will drop again to 2-3 hours depending on volume. Capturing videos will burn the wick even faster.

Still, there is a positive. Meta’s smart glasses come with a charging case that not only protects your expensive frames but also keeps them juiced up on the go. It can deliver a full charge in about an hour and 15 minutes or reach 50% in around 25.

The case itself takes around 3-4 hours to charge over USB-C, and when fully charged, it can top your glasses up to full, maybe four or five times, depending on what level you’re charging from.

Bottom line

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are often, in my opinion, incorrectly dubbed as “social media” or influencer glasses — potentially due to their ability to share media and livestream to platforms like Facebook or Instagram and its portrait-orientated output. But there’s more going on with this product than food selfies and being able to use both hands while recording video.

They’re a transitional product, leading the way from what glasses are to what glasses could be. Better still, they manage this while looking unobtrusive. In fact, they’re downright cool. I’ve never seen a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers that I didn’t like, and these smart glasses are no exception.

My kingdom for added battery life, but the charging case is an absolute blessing, and I’ll often use it to squirrel away my previous frames while the Ray-Ban Metas are in use, switching between the two as needed.

While its battery life is difficult to defend, outside of the obvious constraints of everything needing to fit into a stylish form, there’s still so much to praise. My time with Meta’s smart glasses has been a treat, and when it comes time to hand them back over, one of the first purchases I make will be to replace them with a pair of my own.

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Gaming laptops are great at a lot of things, but their built-in mics and webcams are often low-quality. So, if you want to use your gaming laptop for streaming, podcasting, or gaming in voice chats, it's a good idea to invest in a high-quality USB mic. 

Luckily, you don't have to empty your wallet to get a good mic. Five of the top USB-C microphones for gaming, streaming, and podcasting are on sale right now. 

For example, you can get a HyperX QuadCast for just $98 on Amazon. This is one of the most popular USB mics for gamers and streamers of all levels thanks to its great audio quality and affordable price. If you're new to gaming, streaming, or podcasting, I also recommend taking a look at the QuadCast's little sibling, the HyperX SoloCast, which is on sale for less than $50 right now! 

All of these mics will have your voice sounding crisp and clear. Since they're all USB microphones, they're easy to set up and use and don't require a complicated audio mixer or other advanced gear. You can also attach any of them to a compatible microphone boom arm for extra versatility. 

Top 5 deals on USB-C mics from HyperX, Blue, and ASUS ROG

Of everything we've seen in 2024, smart glasses are proving to be a genuine hot property. While wearables such as Samsung's Galaxy Ring are making headlines and bringing the smart ring into the limelight, smart glasses — a wearable wonderkid a decade in the making — are also beginning to come into focus.

But how do you know that a product is likely to force its way into the mainstream and become one of the next must-have devices for years to come? Well, there's market speculation from well-established analysts or a growing buzz among tech outlets. However, there's also potentially the biggest nod towards the success of any given device, the news that Apple is making one too.

Apple once sneered and derided its competitor's initial efforts at bringing smart glasses to the consumer market, but, ten years removed from the ill-fated Google Glass, the company is currently committed to releasing its own smart glasses, and it could lead to the mainstream moment this wearable has been waiting for.

Apple smart glasses: What we know

While Apple is a company well known for having any number of irons in the fire at one time, we can never say for certain that its behind-closed-curtains collection of in-the-works projects will materialize into anything that lands on store shelves.

However, when it comes to smart glasses, things are looking ever more likely to progress with Bloomberg's resident Apple auteur Mark Gurman highlighting Apple's commitment to the project in his latest Power On newsletter.

The long-standing "Apple Glass" rumors will seemingly take their first steps into realization as Apple's Vision group continues to expand on the company's new face-worn focus that kickstarted with this year's release of the Vision Pro.

However, while the Vision Pro immediately dove into the deep end of high-tech headsets, offering one of the most premium experiences we've seen so far, Apple's first venture into smart glasses could be a much more modest matter.

Apple smart glasses: What to expect

While it's long been the rumor that Apple is looking towards developing a pair of "true" AR smart glasses, Gurman states that "true augmented reality glasses has been tabled due to technical challenges," the company's first pair of smart glasses could more clearly resemble the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, which released in October last year.

Meta's frames refine the smart glass experience by offering a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled pair of Ray-Ban's iconic Wayfarer sunglasses that offer touch capacitive controls for handling calls and music playback through open-ear speakers, housed directly within the temples of the frames.

Taking this another step further, the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses also feature a built-in ultrawide 12-megapixel camera and multi-mic system for image and video capture from the first-person perspective.

However, the cherry on top of Meta's smart glasses came with the arrival of Meta AI, which allowed hands-free access to the company's premier multi-modal AI chatbot. Wearers can interact with Meta AI through natural language prompts in a similar way to smart home assistants. Simply saying "Hey Meta..." activates the onboard assistant allowing wearers to engage with the AI.

The AI can also access the glasses' camera to comment and respond based on real-world visual inputs such as translating foreign languages, helping to choose outfits, and giving you more information on landmarks or works of art.

If Apple hopes to emulate Meta's success in this market, then it's more than capable of providing a similar, if not superior, experience.

Apple's smart glasses could draw upon the tech housed a wide range of Apple products to emulate any number of features the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses offer to complete one of the most well-rounded smart glasses offerings we've seen to date.

Apple smart glasses: What we'd like to see

The first generation of Apple smart glasses would do well to draw inspiration from the audio excellence of the AirPod together with the iPhone's quality camera offerings while making great use of the company's all-new Apple Intelligence AI — not to mention the long-awaited AI Siri overhaul expected to release next year.

Where Apple could go one further is to double up the camera offerings, allowing wearers to capture spatial images and video in full 3D, something already implemented into iPhone 15 models.

Smart glasses also allow for various health and lifestyle tracking capabilities like those features in the Solos AirGo 3, which offers step tracking, posture reminders and correction from its built-in gyroscope, and even an optical heart rate sensor hidden inside one of its temples.

With health and fitness tracking becoming one of Apple's major focuses with the Apple Watch, it's likely that we could see the company adopt a similar approach for its smart glasses.

This would not only expand on what its smart glasses could offer wearers but also help to set the foundations of a future "all-in-one" wearable that could viably replace the iPhone once Apple figures out how best to implement displays into this product.

Will Apple smart glasses replace the iPhone?

It was 2007 when Steve Jobs took to the stage to reveal the iPhone to the world for the first time. Since then, we've seen Apple's smartphone refined, reformed, and redesigned countless times through innovation and invention.

However, over fifteen years on from this landmark announcement, we're finally staring down the barrel of a product that could eventually see the smartphone dethroned as the everyday computing companion.

Likely, this first generation of Apple smart glasses won't be the one to complete such a Herculean task, but the company's "true" AR glasses could well be the ones that pave a new path ahead for personal tech.

Even Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes the eventual release of "true" AR glasses is a "Holy grail" moment in tech, and that's something he and his company are being heavily linked with showcasing as early as later this year.

That being said, Apple's first-generation smart glasses may include a cellular and Wi-Fi option, similar to its iPad and Apple Watch offerings. Thanks to the sleuths at Patently Apple, we already know that Tim Cook and Co. are exploring how best to outfit its future glasses with cellular antennas. 

While it's unlikely that anyone will be ditching their iPhone for this first-generation device, it seems highly likely that it will be available as a stand-alone device of its own, and not brought to market as an accessory that is iPhone dependent. As for how future iterations are adopted, especially "true" AR glasses, that remains to be seen.

When can we expect them?

With so much potential to be found in Apple's upcoming smart glasses, it's only natural to want to know when we can expect them to release.

While we can't say for certain they will, insiders and analysts believe they're on their way, with the reputable Ming-Chu Kuo believing that a 2026 release date is possible, with Metalens production likely allowing for Apple to chase its "true" AR glasses dream further down the line.

An even more positive prediction comes again from Blomberg's Mark Gurman, who believes we could see Apple's smart glasses arrive by the end of 2025.

Of course, these dates should be taken with a healthy amount of salt, as Apple is no stranger to abandoning projects or delaying them until they're completely satisfied with the end result.

However, with a more stripped-back approach to its smart glasses on the cards, leaving AR out of the equation for the time being, it's very likely that Apple can follow through on its ambitions in a faster manner and capitalize on the growing popularity that this form of wearable has to offer.

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The clock is ticking on Amazon Prime Day deals, and today is your last day to snag some of the best deals we've seen this year. I've had some tech on my wish list for months, and one item finally got a massive discount for Prime Day 2024.

Right now, you can grab the Blue Yeti USB microphone on sale for just $76 in the sleek Blackout colorway at Amazon — that's $53 in savings, and puts this top-notch mic at a mere $6 away from its lowest price ever.

I've owned a Blue Yeti mic before and loved it for gaming with my friends, but I, unfortunately, had to sell it for a temporary international move. Now that I'm back in the U.S., I've rebuilt my desktop PC, and my setup was only missing one element: my precious Blue Yeti.

I've been watching this mic for months on Amazon, so I know it rarely goes on sale. If you need to upgrade your mic, snag this deal before Prime Day is over.

Today's best Blue Yeti microphone deal

If there's one thing I need to have for a great video or podcast experience, it's high-quality audio. That's why I was so excited to find these top three deals on Shure audio gear that can save you (and me) up to 40% on a new microphone or earbuds. 

Shure is one of the top brands in audio tech. Laptop Mag gave two of Shure's most popular mics Editor's Choice awards, including the Shure SM7B and the Shure MV7 Plus. Both are pretty pricey, but right now you can snag a couple of Shure's more affordable offerings for well under $200. 

For example, the budget-friendly Shure MV5 is down to just $75 for Prime Day, slashing 40% off the normal list price of $124. Laptop Mag gave this mighty little USB mic a shining four-star review and at this price, it's an incredible bargain. 

That's just the tip of the iceberg. If your laptop has a low-quality built-in mic or you want to level up your audio experience, you Shure don't want to miss out on these huge discounts on some of the best audio gear in tech! 

Take a look at the top 3 Prime Day deals from Shure below or visit Shure's Amazon shop for even more discounts. 

Top 3 Shure Prime Day 2024 deals

The Shure MV7 has been one of my go-to USB mics for over a year and a half. It's been with me through countless podcast appearances, online meetings, and even some virtual stand-up gigs. So, when Shure announced the MV7+, my curiosity was piqued.

Is it a complete overhaul? Not quite. The MV7+ stays true to its predecessor's winning formula while improving the Motiv software to take it up a level. Will it replace its predecessor as our best USB Mic? There’s only one way to find out. 

Shure MV7+ pricing and configurations

The MV7+ is a great option for podcasters and streamers and will cost $279. A bundle that comes with the MV7+, Gator Boom Arm, and a pair of SRH440A Professional Recording Headphones for $429 is a complete studio setup. If that is too rich for your blood, try the MV7+ Podcast microphone, desktop stand, and SE215CL professional earphones for $399.

Shure MV7+ design

Much like its predecessor, the MV7+ is a solidly built, medium-sized stout mic with an aluminum frame and swiveling yolk for positioning. It's fairly heavy at 1.26 pounds. Shure says the MV7+ is a little longer than the MV7 because of a thicker pop filter built into the foam mic cover. The yolk has a standard 5/8-inch threaded mount, which means it screws right onto most mic stands without an adapter.

The biggest change is the top control panel. Whereas the MV7 has several controls, the MV7+ has a glowing LED light and a single-use touch control: mute or unmute. A team member from Shure told me that some MV7 users found the small controls too difficult to use, which explains the simplification. It’s nice to see a company take its users' opinions seriously and have the courage to change an already-winning design.

The MV7+ uses a combo XLR / USB-C connection option, an improvement over the MV7's micro USB output. The mic easily patches into macOS and Windows computers, Android and iOS devices, and pro-level audio mixers. The Shure MV7+ Podcast mic kit box includes a three-meter USB-C-to-USB-C cable, a weighted metal base, and a telescoping mic stand.

The Shure is lighter and smaller than the  Hyper X Quadcast (8.5 x 2 inches, 1.58 pounds) but larger than the Razer Seiren Emote (3.9 x 7.6 x 3.9 inches). It’s closest in size (4.3 x 3.8 x 8.3 inches) and weight  (1.4  pounds) to the Blue Yeti Nano. The lightweight yet sturdy build makes it a great mic to take with you if you’re recording on the go.

Shure MV7+ microphone quality

With mixed XLR/USB-C connectivity, the MV7+ can handle various recording scenarios. As such, I tested it in several ways to gauge its performance.

No matter the target device, my sample recordings offered a clean, warm tone with a richness that lent my voice some of that sought-after, radio-quality sound. The automatic popper stopper and digital denoiser prevent plosives and background noises from ruining your recordings.

The XLR connector enables a handful of other recording options, like a connection to a studio mixer. In this case, you will enjoy the warm, clear, highly fine-tuned audio. 

Overall, the Shure MV7+ produces warm, clear sound and is sensitive enough to capture all the nuances of your voice without adding in unwanted background noise.

Software

Mobile users can leverage the Shure Motiv Audio app (Android/iOS) for similar control, mirroring most desktop features. However, unlike Macs and Windows, your mobile device needs Motiv Audio open to recognize the MV7+. Both desktop and mobile apps allow you to customize microphone gain, headphone monitor volume, and even mute the microphone entirely. You can also choose from various EQ presets (or create your own with manual adjustments) and take advantage of Shure's innovative features like Voice Isolation Technology, which separates your voice from unwanted background sounds.

The improved Auto Level Mode in Motiv Mix automatically adjusts your mic's gain based on distance, volume, and spatial detection for optimized audio levels, ensuring consistent sound quality. The real-time Denoiser uses cutting-edge technology to eliminate ambient noise in your room. At the same time, the Digital Popper Stopper removes harsh plosive sounds so you can avoid acoustic distractions on your audio tracks. There is no need for a bulky external windscreen – the MV7+ even has a built-in pop filter for on-camera recordings.

Enjoy easy connectivity, no matter the recording setup, with USB-C and XLR outputs. This means you can start recording using your preferred setup, whether a computer or analog audio equipment.

Shure Motiv software empowers you to sculpt your ideal sound, offering user-friendly presets and granular control for the audio enthusiast. With features like Voice Isolation Technology, Auto Level Mode, and manual EQ adjustments, you can achieve professional-sounding recordings in any environment.

Bottom Line

Shure MV7+ builds on the original's strengths with clever features for both beginners and pros. It's a sturdy mic with dual XLR/USB-C connections, a built-in pop filter and noise reduction, and a customizable LED light. Most importantly, it captures warm, natural audio on any device, computer, phone, or old-school recording gear.

Is it worth $279?Absolutely. Shure built the MV7 like a tank, and it records studio-quality sound that isolates your voice. Thanks to the Shure Motiv software, it's super easy to use. My only minor gripe is the need for a stand, but that should continue for you. This mic will take your podcasting or streaming to the next level. It’s worth the investment.

Remember Google Glass? It’s OK if you don’t. Despite promising to be the dawn of augmented reality and a grand leap forward for wearable tech, Google’s smart glasses went out of fashion faster than the Vuvuzela (you’ll likely have to Google that one).

However, Google’s dream of delivering AR smart glasses to market might not be as dead in the water as we once thought — and the recently revealed Project Astra may be our best look to date at how it's looking to make that dream a reality.

A video released by Google to coincide with Google I/O titled Project Astra: Our vision for the future of AI assistants, showcases an AI agent, powered by Google’s multimodal Gemini AI model, running on both a Pixel phone and a similar pair of prototype smart glasses to the ones last seen in a 2022 YouTube video titled Breaking down language barriers with augmented reality.

As a genuine backer of smart glasses, and someone who has been lucky enough to review several pairs of the best options on the market, my heart leapt into my mouth when this was revealed. Is there still hope for a Google Glass revival?

The untimely demise of Google Glass 

The world of tech is a very strange place. As an industry ceaselessly in the process of invention, innovation, and something else beginning with “i” to follow the rule of three, the tech landscape is in a never-ending state of evolution.

New ideas are constantly being toyed with and tested behind closed doors, and sometimes, not often, but sometimes, a company will eagerly show the world what it’s been hard at work on, only to find out that the world was not equipped to deal with what it had to show or was proposing.

Such a thing happened in 2013, and so begins the story of Google Glass.

While not the first to develop a pair of consumer smart glasses, Google’s were among the most ambitious — offering hands-free control of a voice-activated augmented reality display for the startling price of $1,500 (~$2,000 in today’s money adjusted for inflation).

However, in a move that seems incredibly hard to fathom after adjusting to life in 2024, the quaint folk of 2013 were outraged over the fact that Google Glass was outfitted with a built-in camera. Many feared for their privacy (a fear we seem to have completely grown out of just over a decade later), believing it could be used to secretly record them. It was even banned from use in certain public spaces.

The outrage spawned the term “Glassholes,” a pejorative used against anyone rude enough to wear Google’s smart glasses out in public spaces. They were mercilessly shamed for adopting this tech, as was Google, who eventually pulled their futuristic frames from public sale in 2015 and repositioned them as enterprise devices until shutting up shop altogether last year. 

Google Glass: A long-rumored return

Of course, within that time, humanity collectively stopped caring about its privacy. Now we’re mostly a collective of extroverted lens lovers who wouldn’t blink twice at an IRL streamer wandering the streets, waving their camera around with reckless abandon.

Even still, Google was once bitten and twice shy when potentially stepping back into the consumer market. The following years were a constant back and forth of will-they-won’t-they rumors anticipating a Google Glass 2.0 follow-up — especially when more companies went down the smart glasses route without so much as a mild murmur in their direction.

It was 2022 before we saw anything concrete surrounding Google’s continued smart glasses intentions with our first look at a prototype pair of next-gen smart glasses. But even then they’d dropped the built-in camera for an audio-only approach to its wearable. Then, after Apple announced the Vision Pro in June 2023 Google reportedly ditched its Glass plans again.

Even Google’s Senior Director of Engineering for XR and AR projects at the time walked from the project and the company, taking to Twitter (now X) to state his key reasons for leaving being “recent changes in AR leadership and Google’s unstable commitment and vision have weighed heavily on my decision.”

At this stage, it was seemingly all over (again). That is, until October 2023, when code was spotted within the Google app for Android that pointed towards “Iris,” one of the project names believed to be associated with a Google Glass follow-up.

This brings us right the way around to this year’s Google I/O, and Project Astra.

Project Astra: The Glass is half full

So what are the chances that Google is giving us a hint at things to come with its Astra video? Well, not zero.

While there have been reports that Google was planning to focus solely on software, developing an AR platform for OEMs to make use of in their own hardware (something desperately needed for current smart glasses manufacturers to take the next step toward the mainstream) Google I/O did see co-founder Sergey Brin hinting at augmented-reality glasses making a return with the help of AI, which is exactly what the Project Astra video showcased.

Whether or not this means Google is officially back in the smart glasses business remains to be seen. But it does leave the doors wide open if it should decide to do so. As the now-dormant Google Glass website states: "The journey doesn't end here."

More from Laptop Mag

• AR Smart glasses are everything the Vision Pro should have been
• I used AR Glasses to replace my monitors — here’s what happened
• Google I/O 2024: Android 15, Google Gemini, and everything else announced

In 2011, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime took the stage at E3 and declared, “Welcome to the world of Wii U!” 

That world didn’t last long – the Wii U went down in history as one of Nintendo’s worst-selling consoles. However, it did do something remarkable: It paved the way for the now ubiquitous and beloved Nintendo Switch handheld gaming console. But 13 years ago, people weren’t sure what to expect of the Wii U. Was it a home console, a portable console, or something else? 

A similar sense of confusion has surrounded the long-awaited Apple Vision Pro. It’s one of Apple’s most ambitious products ever, but it can’t seem to instantly connect with people the way the iPod or iPhone did. KGI Securities market analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, often regarded as one of the best Apple analysts on the planet, revealed more bad news this week:  The Vision Pro is not living up to its initial sales estimates. It darkens an already gloomy picture of the headset’s future. 

But is the Apple Vision Pro actually doomed, or is it simply the latest in a storied history of tech comebacks? The answer lies in a tale of two failed products: the Wii U and the Google Nexus Q. 

How the Wii U’s failure reshaped Nintendo 

The Wii U is one of Nintendo’s most interesting products, which is really saying something considering the company’s resume also includes the Game Boy camera. 

Many people's initial reaction was one of cautious curiosity—the Wii U was a neat idea, but could it stay afloat compared to more specialized home and portable consoles? Nintendo marketed the Wii as a multiplayer console but gave it a single-player accessory, leading to confusion about whether the Wii U was any good at either type of gaming. Investors were not optimistic. Nintendo’s stock fell 5 percent after Fils-Aime’s E3 presentation. 

Nintendo sold only about 13.5 million Wii U consoles. That’s pretty meager compared to the 154 million Nintendo DS consoles (the iconic foldable handheld console released in 2004) and the 101 million Wii consoles Nintendo sold in the years before the Wii U’s launch. 

The Wii U was undoubtedly a flop – but a necessary one. Nintendo took that curious new controller it designed for the Wii U and recycled it for the Nintendo Switch, the third highest-selling video game console in history, with 139 million units sold. 

That ill-fated E3 presentation in 2011 was the beginning of something big for Nintendo, although no one could have known it then. Over a decade later, the Apple Vision Pro is in a similar position. It borrows ideas from earlier products but uses them in new ways with new capabilities and features. People find the technology interesting, but they’re not quite sure what to make of it yet. 

Is the Apple Vision Pro following in the footsteps of the Wii U, paving the way for a successor that will fulfill its potential? Maybe, as long as it doesn’t fall into the trap of another infamous tech flop: the Nexus Q. 

The cautionary tale of the Nexus Q, Google’s biggest flop 

Few people remember the Nexus Q today, and Google’s executives probably prefer it that way. It’s widely considered one of Google’s biggest missteps, even among a graveyard that includes the likes of Google+ and Google Glass.

The Nexus Q was a pricey home streaming device. A gray orb with ports in the back was supposed to sell for $299 but received so much skepticism upon its debut at Google I/O in 2012 that it never survived pre-orders. It didn’t help that there were already cheaper streaming devices, like the Roku, that could do far more than the Nexus Q. Google faced so many complaints that it was forced to cancel the Nexus Q’s launch. 

The Apple Vision Pro at least made it to launch, but it’s not out of the woods yet. There were plenty of issues with the Nexus Q, but they boil down to asking a lot of money for something that lacked features and innovation – much like a few of the leading complaints about the Apple Vision Pro. 

As of 2024, there are only about 1,000 native apps for visionOS, the operating system for the Vision Pro. In addition to a small app library, key popular apps, like Netflix, Spotify, and even YouTube, are missing. That’s not a good sign, considering limited functionality was one of the main things that killed the Nexus Q. The Vision Pro also has a high price for a market that doesn’t seem sure if it needs one. 

Despite those red flags, it seems the Apple Vision Pro is more likely to follow in the footsteps of the Wii U rather than the Nexus Q. The Vision Pro might go down as a failure, but maybe the headset itself wasn’t actually the main event. 

The Vision Pro is walking so something else, a few years from now, can run.

Welcome to the world of spatial computing 

Headsets aren’t new. Apple didn’t invent VR or AR. It did invent visionOS, bringing the concept of spatial computing into the public consciousness. As Tim Cook said in his presentation for the Vision Pro at WWDC 2023, “Apple Vision Pro will introduce us to spatial computing.”

That’s the point of the Vision Pro. It wasn’t designed to be a perfect headset – it was designed to be an ambassador for spatial computing. It will take time for users and developers to figure out what they enjoy using this new interface for, just like it took time for gamers to realize they enjoyed the form factor of the Wii U’s new controller. 

The Vision Pro is more expensive than Meta’s Quest headsets, but unlike the Nexus Q, it’s adding something new to the AR/VR market. It’s using AR in a way no other company has truly been able to, although others have tried. Despite all its drawbacks, spatial computing is where the Vision Pro truly stands out. It’s that glimmer of what could be down the line. 

It’s not a question of whether the Vision Pro is a flop. It’s a question of how well Apple will leverage what works about its first headset the same way Nintendo leveraged what worked with the Wii U. That’s why the Vision Pro will likely be Apple’s worst-selling headset, but in the same way that the Wii U is among Nintendo’s worst-selling consoles. 

There are rumors of a sequel to the Vision Pro slated for 2025, although Apple may push their next headset back to 2026 or later. The next couple of years might not see a boom in Vision Pro sales, but they will give Apple time to sift through its own mixed reviews and pinpoint that spark of potential in its first headset, that special something that made early adopters call visionOS “magic” time and time again.  

The Apple Vision Pro may be a flop, but the story of spatial computing is only beginning. 

Only a few months after launch, we're already seeing Apple Vision Pro sales declining. The Vision Pro is already a tough sell thanks to its $3,500 price tag, but that didn't stop thousands of people from pre-ordering it back in January.

However, that excitement continues to fizzle as the Vision Pro gets bogged down in mixed reviews, durability concerns, and user boredom. So we asked, what exactly is causing Vision Pro sales to slip, and is there any hope for Apple to turn things around? 

Here's a look at the numbers and key fixes that could reignite interest in the Apple Vision Pro. 

Are Apple Vision Pro sales declining?

Apple has already met its initial Vision Pro sales estimate of 200,000 units with a low return rate of around 1% (so far). At first glance, it looks like the Vision Pro is a success. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. 

While Vision Pro demand was higher than expected after initial release, growth in demand has declined, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Additionally, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noted in an April 21 newsletter that customers are booking fewer Vision Pro demos at Apple stores, leaving many locations selling just a few headsets per week. 

Despite this, Apple is still planning to expand Vision Pro production by up to 800,000 units through the end of the year. Apple must be optimistic about improving demand if it's expecting to quadruple the number of Vision Pro headsets they sell this year. Even if they succeed, will it be enough to catch up to Meta's Quest headset? Probably not. 

The Meta Quest 2, Meta's most popular headset, has sold an estimated 20 million units since it launched in 2020. Of course, it's been available for far longer than the Vision Pro, but even if we look at its first few months of sales, the Quest 2 is still way ahead.

The Quest 2 went on sale in October 2020 and sold an estimated 1.87 million units by the end of the year, around 1 million more than even the most ambitious Vision Pro sales estimate. The Vision Pro's sky-high price might be the biggest factor stifling demand, but there are more issues at play than just cost, namely the visionOS app library. 

The Apple Vision Pro app library — or lack thereof

Apple's promos for the Vision Pro focus heavily on the hardware and what the headset is capable of. There's a lot of incredible engineering that went into this headset, no doubt, but there's a big difference between what it's capable of and what it can actually do. That's where the app library comes in. 

As of early 2024, there are about 1,000 apps designed specifically for the Vision Pro. That might sound like a lot at first, but it pales in comparison to the 2 million iPhone apps currently on the app store. 

Around 1.5 million apps from other Apple devices, mainly the iPad, are also compatible with visionOS. However, just because an app is technically capable of running on the Vision Pro, does not mean it is well optimized. Many apps that are technically compatible with visionOS offer a much better experience on the platform they were originally designed for. 

For example, you might be able to download and play an iPad game on your Vision Pro, but it won't result in much more than a big screen showing the game exactly as it appears on the iPad—not the immersive AR/VR experience the headset was designed for. It's great that the Vision Pro can run immersive games of its own, but if developers aren't making any, that's not part of the user experience, either. 

What's interesting about this issue is that the Meta Quest library also has about 1,000 apps and games. Mark Zuckerberg even claimed in a recent Threads post that the Quest headsets are better products than the Vision Pro. Why is the same number of apps working better for the Quest headsets than the Apple Vision Pro? Apple will need to work out the answer for the Vision Pro to truly achieve everything its hardware is capable of. 

Is it too late for Apple to revive interest in the Vision Pro? 

Despite strong enthusiasm from the get-go, the Apple Vision Pro has been plagued with mixed opinions and everyday use issues like poor comfort, high weight, limited apps, and even durability concerns. That's a lot of strings attached to a $3500 price tag. Is there any way for Apple to overcome this and revive interest in the Vision Pro? Possibly. 

Apple might not be able to reduce the weight of the Vision Pro, but it could release a higher-capacity battery pack. One of the main use cases for the headset is watching movies, but the current battery packs don't last long enough for a complete film. Selling battery packs that last that bit longer would go some way to improve that experience. 

A stronger app library could also boost interest in the Vision Pro, especially if Apple can foster a hit app only available on its headset. Right now, other devices are better at almost everything Apple wants people to use the Vision Pro for. As long as that remains the case, Apple's headsets will continue to be niche products, more an accessory than a main device. 

Apple's first-gen headset has potential, but Vision Pro sales are declining because it's not living up to any of it. It's okay at a lot of tasks, however, it's not incredible at any one thing—at least not in the way the iPod revolutionized MP3 players or the iPhone revolutionized cellphones. 

The most common complaints people have about the Vision Pro might seem like little things, but if there's one thing Apple has shown us over the years, it's the details that make all the difference. Ironically, a lot of those details fell through the cracks with the Vision Pro, but there's still hope for it if Apple can pick up those pieces and give them the attention they deserve. 

More from Laptop Mag

• When Microsoft ruled reality: Spatial computing before the Apple Vision Pro
• The Apple Vision Pro is already a success — but for who?
• "We're saying Quest is better" — Zuckerberg takes shots at the Apple Vision Pro

When I got my hands on the DJI Mic 2 system ($349), I wondered what DJI could do to outperform its predecessor, the DJI Mic. I’m happy to report that it exceeds its elder sibling and competes nicely with several mic kits on our soon-to-be-revamped buying guide for the best wireless mics. I love the new slightly transparent design, giving users a glimpse of its inner workings. The charging case remains a bonus feature, but one many competitors have copied since the launch of the original DJI Mic. 

I didn’t need to spend a bunch of time fiddling with DJI Mic 2, having used the original for numerous recordings, I just made sure it was fully charged, grabbed my camera, my OnePlus 12, and I went out to start my testing. I quickly realized that the noise canceling was on by default which I was grateful for because as you can imagine, sometimes Brooklyn, NY is very loud.

DJI Mic 2 price and availability

The full DJI Mic 2 bundle, priced at $349, includes everything you need to capture high-quality audio on the go. This comprehensive kit comes with two transmitters, a receiver, a TRS audio cable, a charging case, windscreens, USB-C and Lightning adapters for smartphone connection, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a carrying case. Notably, the Mic 2 offers versatile connectivity, making it an ideal solution for those seeking superior audio for their smartphones.

The included charging case extends the overall battery life of the system. It is easily charged via USB-C from an adapter, computer, or external battery for all-day power. 

If you’re on a tight budget,  consider the excellent and budget-friendly Saramonic Blink 500 B2+ Wireless Mic kit for $129.

DJI Mic 2 design

The DJI Mic 2 boasts a refined design compared to its predecessor. The receiver (RX) features a sleek black finish replacing the previous ridges. While the bright and colorful OLED touchscreen remains, its small size might be a challenge for users with larger fingers. A new orange scroll wheel simplifies navigation.

The left side of the receiver houses the audio output and headphone monitoring jack, while the bottom provides a USB-C port with a removable cover for connectivity options and charging. On the right side of the RX unit we find the power button.

The transmitters (TX) see a more dramatic shift, moving from an opaque ridged finish to a transparent design showcasing the internals. This looks great but attracts fingerprints. Each transmitter features a secure clip with a magnet for attaching to clothing and dedicated buttons for power, pairing, and recording with accompanying status lights. Settings adjustments are made via the receiver. The transmitters also sport a USB-C port, a record button for onboard recording, a power button, a linking button, and a 3.5mm jack for wired Lavalier microphones.

Overall, the DJI Mic 2's design is well-thought-out, with the charging case offering a true all-in-one solution. Snug-fitting clips allow for easy attachment to camera hot shoes, and a bundled soft case provides additional protection. However, the touchscreen's small size and potential operation difficulties with gloves warrant a slight mention as minor shortcomings.

DJI Mic 2 audio quality

The DJI Mic 2 delivers on its core promise: capturing high-quality audio for content creators. It gives you a respectable 820-foot (250-meter) range in clear line-of-sight conditions, ideal for situations where you need to record your subject from a distance. However, keep in mind that obstacles can disrupt the signal.

The star of the show is the AI noise cancellation. During a windy lakeside shoot in Prospect Park, the Mic 2 effectively filtered out wind noise and dogs barking, leaving my voice crystal clear. This feature comes enabled by default, making the Mic 2 virtually plug-and-play for, content creators, vloggers, and vocal recordings.

While the included windscreens excel at controlling wind noise, the Mic 2's sensitivity requires some fine-tuning. The gain can sometimes be overly sensitive, so pre-recording audio level checks are crucial, and is a good habit to get into anyway. Thankfully, the mic's sensitivity translates to detailed audio capture regardless of background noise, which leads to excellent recording in many environments, just make sure to test and adjust things before you start, to assure optimal recordings. 

Unlike the Rode Wireless Go II, which needs a separate app to access its safety channel, the [receiver name]'s touchscreen offers a handy built-in mode. This records a secondary track at -6db, acting as a safety net in case your main recording suffers from distortion due to unexpected volume spikes. No more scrambling to recover lost audio – this clever feature ensures you always have a clean backup track, giving you peace of mind and saving valuable post-production time.

Real-world testing proved successful. During a park interview, the Mic 2 captured my deeper voice and the subject's higher, more nasal tone. Later, a backyard podcast recording with construction noise in the background showcased the Mic 2's ability to isolate and maintain clean audio quality. I was so impressed I went to record closer to the construction in front of my home and the results were fantastic, with only some of the loud crashing and smashing noises coming through. Which were easily removed in post. Nice work DJI, color me super impressed.

DJI Mic 2 software

DJI is down with the plug-and-play gods of the universe, so there are no downloads needed to work with the system. It works well with all my recording software, across all devices I used it on. DJI does roll out frequent firmware updates to improve the performance of its wireless mic system, so make sure to look out for those.

DJI Mic 2 battery life

The DJI Mic 2's transmitters offer a respectable 6 hours of battery life each, one hour less than the Rode Wireless Go II. The receiver also clocks in at 6 hours when connected to both transmitters. While DJI estimates this translates to half a day of continuous shooting, real-world usage may vary. In fast-paced scenarios like motorcycle filming, fiddling with tiny buttons isn't ideal. Fortunately, standby time proved sufficient, allowing me to keep the system powered until recording commenced. Battery exhaustion wasn't a concern.

The included charging case extends the total recording time to 18 hours for the entire 2TX + RX kit. However, recharging each transmitter and receiver took around 60 mins, which might slow down your workflow during shoots. I noticed that the case itself requires at least  2+ hours to fully recharge, which isn’t great but remains respectable. 

Bottom Line

Content creators, on-the-go journalists, and vloggers pay attention to the DJI Mic 2 wireless microphone system, which offers a portable solution for capturing clean audio. Equipped with AI noise cancellation, the Mic 2 effectively reduces background noise, ensuring clear and intelligible vocals in various recording environments.

The user interface, while user-friendly with a touchscreen, has a slight learning curve however the dial does help make this a quick transition. When dialed in the audio quality rivals the best wireless mics we have tested thus far, but it sometimes demands more precise adjustments. 

Ultimately, the deciding factor boils down to a few key differences and personal preferences. If budget isn't a concern and capturing professional-grade audio on the go is your priority, the DJI Mic 2 ranks among the top two options available, making it a strong recommendation. Also, its noise-cancelling capabilities are truly fantastic making it an excellent choice for creators that are often working in uncontrolled environments. 

As a content creator, you can find yourself juggling podcasts, voiceovers, and music recordings. The MiCreator Studio aims to be your all-in-one audio companion. This USB-C microphone boasts seamless compatibility with diverse devices. MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, Android phones, and PCs, the MiCreator Studio has you covered – eliminating frustrating compatibility hurdles. Whether you're capturing crisp vocals for a YouTube video or laying down guitar tracks on your Android tablet, the MiCreator Studio promises adaptability across your creative endeavors. 

All these options make the MiCreator ultra user-friendly, granting content creators great flexibility. After a few weeks with the MiCreator, mic it was clear to me that it could end up on our best USB mics list. Let's dive deeper into the Austrian Audio MiCreator Studio and see what makes it tick.

Pricing and Availability

The MiCreator Studio is available on Amazon for $199. For an additional $99, users can enhance their experience with the MiCreator Satellite microphone.

Design and Functionality

The MiCreator Studio prioritizes both portability and functionality in its sleek grey gunmetal design. The compact body minimizes vibrations with rubber feet and a shock mount, while the tilting head allows for directional recording. It features a standard European connection and a US adapter for universal mounting.

Dual Hi/Lo controls on the front and back adjust for different recording scenarios. The front control is ideal for vocals or instruments, while the rear control handles close-mic situations or loud environments.

A central knob adjusts both input monitoring and computer output levels. With two microphones connected, this knob becomes a balance control for stereo recording.

The MiCreator Studio boasts versatile 3.5mm connections. The "Out" port enables dual headphone monitoring for two people, while the "In/Out" port allows both microphone input and single-output to external devices. This flexibility empowers podcasters to seamlessly connect interviewee mics and singer-songwriters to record vocals and instruments simultaneously.

Audio quality and performance

The MiCreator Studio delivers exceptional audio quality, particularly in capturing vocals. However, its true strength lies in its two-mic configuration, which offers enhanced recording flexibility, especially for mic positioning when podcasting with a second person.

To evaluate this capability, I set up the Satellite microphone and conducted an interview with my partner. The audio recorded using the two-mic setup was remarkably clear and well-balanced.

While the single stereo MiCreator Studio mic also produced satisfactory results for recording two people, the two-mic setup undoubtedly yielded superior audio quality.

I also used the MiCreator as my main mic for a week while conducting my usual Google Meets, video meetings and it always delivered crisp, excellent audio. I had fun recording a short voiceover for my friend's animated project, with the MiCreator doing an excellent job capturing the natural deep tones of my voice, which is what the character I voiced, needed. The mics ability to record and process the full tonal range is impressive. 

Software and Connectivity

The MiCreator Studio comes bundled with a complimentary license for Cubasis LE 3.5, a versatile audio production software compatible with desktops, iPads, and iPhones. Cubasis LE 3.5 empowers users to fine-tune their audio and achieve professional-grade recordings.

Despite the included software, the MiCreator Studio operates seamlessly as a plug-and-play microphone, demonstrating remarkable compatibility with many devices, including my OnePlus Open, MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and Pixel Tablet. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for content creators of all levels.

Bottom Line

The MiCreator Studio USB microphone offers exceptional portability, transitioning seamlessly between studio and mobile recording environments without sacrificing audio fidelity. Its user-friendly design and versatile functionality make it a compelling choice for podcasters, musicians, and content creators alike. Additionally, the optional MiCreator Satellite microphone expands the system's capabilities, providing a high-quality two-microphone recording solution.

The MiCreator USB mic is an excellent option and is an excellent travel partner for those who conduct interviews. However, if you’re more of a stay-at-home creator then the Shure MV7 ($249)  or Rode NT USB Mini ($99) might be a better choice for you. 

Shure recently unveiled the MoveMic Microphone System, a new line of wireless clip-on microphones designed for content creators, videographers, and mobile journalists. The MoveMic promises reliable, broadcast-quality audio in a discreet and ultra-lightweight package, making it ideal for capturing clear sound on the go.

We just received our review kit and at first glance there's reason to be excited about this one. The lightweight design and super user-friendliness could help set it apart in an increasingly crowded market. The MoveMic looks to be a contender for our best wireless mics if it also delivers on Shure's long history of excellent audio, and build quality.

MoveMic: What you need to know

• Tiny and Mighty: Forget bulky mics that steal the spotlight. Each MoveMic microphone weighs a mere 8.2 grams, ensuring it stays virtually invisible while clipped to clothing.
• Durable Design: Built to withstand the elements, the MoveMic boasts an IPX4 rating, meaning it can handle spills, splashes, and even light rain.
• All-Day Battery Life: Capture a full day's worth of content with a single charge. Each microphone offers 8 hours of recording, and the included charging case provides an additional 16 hours of juice.
• Seamless Recording: No more fumbling with settings before every recording. The MoveMic remembers your last connection and pairs easily, allowing you to focus on capturing the moment.
• Professional Audio, Simplified: Shure's expertise shines through in the MoveMic's ability to deliver broadcast-quality audio, even in noisy environments, at a distance of up to 100 feet from the receiver.
• Versatility at Your Fingertips: Choose the MoveMic One for solo ventures or the MoveMic Two for dual-channel recording. Additionally, the system can connect directly to your phone or integrate with cameras, computers, and other devices using the MoveMic Receiver.
• Fine-Tune Your Audio: Take control of your sound with the free MOTIV app. Adjust gain, compression, and other settings, or even livestream directly to Facebook (with YouTube integration coming soon).

Final Thoughts

With its combination of exceptional audio quality, compact design, and versatile features, the MoveMic could be a game-changer for content creators seeking professional-grade sound without the bulk. The MoveMic is available now on Shure.com and select retailers, starting at $249 for just the single mic. The MoveMic 2 is $349 and the MoveMic Two receiver Kit is $499. 

We will have a full review shortly and share our results with you.

The Razer Seiren V3 Mini is proof that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a USB mic with clean, crisp audio quality. Razer gave its budget-friendly, compact USB mic a refresh complete with some great new features like a multi-function tap-to-mute button. I’ve used a few Razer mics, so I was excited to see how the new-and-improved Mini stacks up. I have to say, it impressed me. 

Whether you’re a beginner content creator or want to upgrade your setup without emptying your wallet, the Seiren V3 Mini is a great value option. It’s safe to say it’s a contender for the top budget option on our list of the best USB microphones. 

Here’s a look at everything this affordable, compact mic has to offer.

Razer Seiren V3 Mini: Price and availability

The Razer Seiren V3 Mini is an updated version of Razer’s compact USB mic, now with improved build quality and features. You can still get it for a very budget-friendly price, though, at just $59.99. It’s available in black, white, or pink. In the box, you get the mic, its stand, and a detachable USB Type-A to Type-C cable. 

Razer Seiren V3 Mini: Design

The Seiren V3 Mini has a fairly minimalistic design with a basic pod shape made of matte black plastic. The stand is pretty bare bones but it does have a built-in shock absorber. There’s a small LED indicator light on the front that glows red when you are muted and green when you are not. 

The original Razer Seiren Mini was my main desktop mic for a couple of years, so I was excited to see that Razer made some quality-of-life updates to this new version. For example, the original was micro-USB and had a cable with a proprietary header, which made it hard to replace. The Seiren V3 Mini uses USB-C instead and has a standard, narrow rectangular cable header. So, if you lose the cable or just want to swap it out, it’s now easier than ever to replace it. 

By far the most exciting design update with the new version of the Mini is the tap-to-mute button. This is a really convenient feature no matter how you use your mic, whether for streaming or just casual Discord calls. The multi-function tap-to-mute button allows you to not only mute with one tap but to also control mic or playback volume.

Aside from the tap-to-mute button, the Seiren V3 Mini still looks similar to the original Mini. The new version definitely looks sleeker, though. It’s also compatible with third-party mic arms like the original, so you can freely swap out the stand if you want.

For comparison, the HyperX Solocast is a similar budget-oriented mic that's about the same price. It has a tap-to-mute button like the Seiren V3 Mini but uses a basic cardioid pickup pattern rather than supercardioid. The tap-to-mute button on the Solocast is also just for muting your mic. It isn’t a multi-function button like that of the Seiren V3 Mini. So the new Mini has some key advantages over both its previous model and its closest competitor.

Razer Seiren V3 Mini: Audio quality

The audio quality on the Seiren V3 Mini is clean and clear, nearly on par with mics that are two or three times the price. It features a supercardioid pickup pattern, which is better at isolating your voice from background noise than a regular cardioid mic would be. The built-in shock absorber helps minimize noise from things like typing on your keyboard or accidental bumps on your desk. 

Overall, I found the Seiren V3 Mini’s audio quality very clean in all my tests. It sounded good out of the box, but worked well with background noise cancellation tools, too. The supercardioid pickup pattern captured my voice well no matter where I put the Mini on my desk. Although, I did find it sounded best closer to me and tilted slightly back. 

The Seiren V3 Mini’s audio quality is definitely clean enough for things like streaming or recording YouTube videos. Sure, it’s not the Shure SM7B, but you’ll still get crisp audio, and it’s a big step up from most webcam and headphone mics. 

The quality is even more impressive considering the price. It didn’t sound that different from Razer’s more premium Seiren V3 Chroma in side-by-side tests. My voice sounded a bit smoother and warmer with the Chroma, but both mics delivered clean, clear audio despite the Mini costing a good $80 less.  

Razer Seiren V3 Mini: Software

You can customize the Seiren V3 Mini’s performance through Razer Synapse. While the Mini sounds pretty good out of the box, there are a few settings worth taking a look at. 

For example, you can customize the multi-function tap-to-mute button to control either mic or playback volume and change the number of taps for different functions. You can also change the sampling rate, which is set to 48 kHz by default but goes as high as 96 kHz. Right above the sampling rate options, you’ll also find a slider for adjusting mic volume just in case you prefer that over the multi-function tap-to-mute button.

The Seiren V3 Mini is compatible with Razer’s digital stream mixer in Synapse, as well. This is an especially good feature for beginner content creators or anyone who can’t afford to add a physical sound mixer to their setup. Razer’s digital stream mixer allows you to control all your basic audio input and output settings directly from Synapse. 

It’s also worth noting that the Seiren V3 Mini worked perfectly with Discord and OBS from the get-go. I didn’t need to download any additional software to get it up and running, which is always convenient.

Bottom Line

The Razer Seiren V3 Mini is a budget-friendly USB mic that’s perfect for beginner content creators or anyone who’s looking for a compact mic that strikes a tidy balance between price and performance. It has some major quality-of-life updates compared to the previous version of the Mini, including the multi-function tap-to-mute button. The stand is pretty basic, but the Mini is compatible with mic arms, so you can easily swap it out. 

My voice came through clean and clear in all of my tests with minimal background noise thanks to the supercardioid pickup pattern. The Mini also worked great with Discord and OBS. Razer Synapse makes a good companion for the Mini with the addition of the digital stream mixer. Overall, the Razer Seiren V3 Mini is a stellar budget mic that nails all the basics. 

Razer has unveiled a refresh to its line of streaming microphones, starting with the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma. This mic takes RGB lighting to a new level with backlighting covering over half of the mic’s main body. 

Not only does it look good, but it’s also easy to use and delivers clean, crisp audio quality. The Seiren V3 Chroma is a big step up from Razer’s budget-oriented Seiren Mini line-up, but it isn’t as expensive as the Seiren V2 Pro, making this a great mid-range mic. 

Whether you’re a content creator looking for a colorful addition to your stream setup or a gamer on the hunt for better audio in Discord calls, the Seiren V3 Chroma is worth checking out.

Razer Seiren V3 Chroma: Price and availability

The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is the newest premium addition to Razer’s line of Seiren USB microphones. It comes in a nice matte black for $129.99. For that price, you get the microphone, a sturdy metal stand, and a braided USB-A to USB-C cable. 

Razer Seiren V3 Chroma: Design

There’s a lot to love about the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma. It has a built-in shock mount and it’s compatible with mic arms. The included stand is sturdy matte black metal, which feels much higher quality than the plastic used on previous Razer mics. The Seiren V3 Chroma is also USB-C with an open port in the back, making it easy to use any USB-C cable you want. There’s also a headphone jack on the back for monitoring and audio output. 

The real stand-out feature of the Seiren Chroma V3 is the all-around RGB backlighting. A few preset lighting effects come ready to use out of the box, including spectrum cycling, audio meter, fire, static, and more. You can customize the lighting through Razer Synapse or turn it off completely.  

The RGB also acts as a mute and gain/volume indicator. It will turn red all over when you have the mic muted and fade from red to orange to green when you’re adjusting gain or headphone volume using the dial on the front of the mic. You can set the dial to change headphone or mic volume in the settings of the Razer Synapse app.

The Seiren V3 Chroma is about the same size as the Seiren V2 Pro, but with a body that’s 60% mic and 40% case. It also costs about $30 less, putting it between the V2 Pro and the V2 X in Razer’s Seiren line-up.

For comparison, the HyperX QuadCast S is also an RGB mic with a built-in shock absorber and a tap-to-mute button, although it is priced notably higher at $159.99. The only major advantage that comes with that higher price is the option to swap between four different pickup patterns (the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma only has the supercardioid pickup pattern). On the other hand, the RGB lighting covers more of the body of the Seiren V3 Chroma compared to the HyperX QuadCast S.

Razer Seiren V3 Chroma: Audio quality

The Seiren V3 Chroma is a supercardioid condenser mic with a high pass filter and built-in shock absorber. Those features work together to minimize background noise while capturing as much of your voice as possible. The Seiren V3 Chroma performed well in my tests with my voice coming through clear and well-isolated even without additional background noise cancellation tools. 

When comparing this to my first-gen Razer Seiren Mini, I noticed less background noise and less vibrating when typing on my keyboard. Both mics sound great, but the Seiren V3 Chroma is definitely cleaner and clearer. It’s miles better than the mic of my laptop’s webcam or the mic built into my headphones. 

I recorded audio snippets with the Seiren V3 Chroma positioned in various spots around my desk and with the gain set to varying levels. Even when it was further away or the gain was lower, my voice still came through clear, albeit quieter. The sweet spot in my setup was directly in front of me or right behind my keyboard with the Seiren V3 Chroma angled slightly upward. In a nice quiet room, the audio quality is clean enough that you could record a podcast, voice-over, etc. with this mic and get solid-sounding results right out of the box. 

The gain adjustment feature performed well in my tests, even at the high end. I recorded some audio with the gain at max, but it wasn’t crunchy. If anything, the audio in my recordings seemed a bit low. So, if you’re someone who tends to talk loud (like I do), you won’t have to worry about your audio coming through garbled and gravelly with this mic.

Razer Seiren V3 Chroma: Software

The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is plug-and-play, meaning it’s ready to go right out of the box, but it is also compatible with Razer’s Synapse software. That’s where you can customize the Seiren V3 Chroma’s lighting and performance, and where you’ll find a digital stream mixer for controlling output and input. 

If you’re just looking for a mic to use for basics like Discord and Zoom calls, you might not need the digital stream mixer. However, it could come in handy if you’re streaming or recording YouTube videos and don’t have a dedicated physical sound mixer. It gives you a simple overview of all of your incoming and outgoing audio without overwhelming you. 

So, if you’re not familiar with using a mixer, Razer’s digital alternative makes for a good introduction. You can even add input sources for things like music or games to fine-tune your audio across the board.

It’s also easy to customize the Seiren V3 Chroma’s lighting in Razer Synapse. I stuck to the preset lighting patterns (“Wave” is my personal favorite), but you can make custom lighting effects if you want. You can also change the color that the mic flashes to indicate mute and peak volume. The main mic menu allows you to toggle the digital gain limiter and auto gain control on or off and change your mic’s sampling rate, as well. 

You can also customize your tap-to-mute button in Razer Synapse. By default, a long press mutes your mic, two short taps cycle the RGB lighting effect, and three short taps turn the RGB off. You can tweak those settings to toggle gain or control a specific lighting effect instead. 

The touch controls were one of the only drawbacks I ran into in my testing. For the most part, they work great. However, there were a few instances where I tapped too fast or slow and accidentally muted the mic or changed a setting I didn’t mean to. Once I got the timing of the tap controls down, this wasn’t a problem, but it can be a bit finicky at first. 

Bottom Line

Overall, the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is a colorful, crisp USB mic that would be right at home in any streaming setup. Its mid-range price is fair for the solid build/audio quality, and features you get. I especially liked the multi-function tap-to-mute button and gain/volume dial. 

The RGB lighting is the stand-out feature of the Seiren V3 Chroma and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s vibrant without being over the top. It’s also fully customizable and functions as a mute, gain, and volume indicator. Razer Synapse makes it easy to customize the lighting and provides a beginner-friendly digital stream mixer. With its combination of clean audio, sleek aesthetics, and streaming features, it’s hard to go wrong with the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma.

Saramonic has just launched the Blink 500 B2+ wireless microphone system at MWC 2024 in Barcelona. Thanks to Saramonic, I've been using it to film both TikTok and YouTube videos simultaneously from a single audio source, and getting to grips with this wireless mic's impressive features.

Equipped with USB-C, Lightning, 3.5mm TRS, and 3.5mm TRRS connectors, the 4-in-1 Blink 500 B2+ boasts wide compatibility with most shooting devices. The Blink 500 B2+ is an upgraded version of the Blink 500 B2, enhancing the beloved features of its predecessor to deliver an unparalleled audio experience for content creators at every level.

The latest Blink 500 B2+ mic kit is a direct competitor for the Rode Wireless Go 2’s and the DJI Wireless mic kits, and based on looks alone it will remind you mostly of the DJI. However, will the sound quality and its nifty little set of tricks, give the edge it needs to knock either of those two mics down our best wireless mic list? Let’s find out. 

Saramonic Blink 500 B2+: Price and availability

The Blink 500 B2+ wireless mic kit is $129 and comes with two transmitters, one receiver, a soft carrying case, and a set of cables that allow you to connect to a computer, camera, iPhone, Android phone, or tablet.

The best part for content creators who often film using both a camera and a smartphone is you can connect the receiver to your phone. And, thanks to the dedicated aux audio out, also run an audio cable to your camera to record the same pro-level audio to both devices at the same time. It’s a whole new world, at an affordable price point. 

If you only need one mic, or you’re on a tight budget, you can look into the $99.99 Razer Seiren BT Bluetooth wireless mic we recently reviewed. The DJI mic we also reviewed costs $329 at  B&H Photo. The Rode Wireless Go II wireless mic kit will cost you $299 and allow you to plug into a Lavalier.

You can also check out our best wireless mics page for more options. 

Saramonic Blink 500 B2+: Design

The Blink 500 B2+ looks like a black, hard plastic DJI Mic clone and I am not against it. I actually like it that way, because it makes it very familiar and even easier to use.

When you open the hard plastic charging case your eyes are met by the two transmitters, the receiver, and the two adapters – one for USB-C and the other for Lightning cable (for those who have yet to update their iPhones or iPads). 

You'll find a number of accessories within the soft case it arrives in, including windscreens and several sets of audio cables. This is always a nice touch and great for a manufacturer to provide you with all you need to hit the ground running with ease.

Each transmitter has a built-in lapel clasp and a magnet you can use to clamp onto clothing where the lapel clasp may struggle. It's a small but welcome addition that showcases what a versatile microphone system the B2+ is, and how universally it can be worn and used.

Each transmitter has textured surfaces on each side. On the right, we find a USB C port, and on the left, we find a power button and NR (noise reduction) button for when you want to use that setting to improve audio quality. The Omini directional mic is located at the top of the transmitter unit.

 There is a large blue LED light on the front that turns a solid blue when you’ve established a connection with the receiver. At the bottom, we find two tiny gold contact points for recharging when it's housed within its case.

The receiver also enjoys textured surfaces along the top and sides, giving it a nicely contrasting feel against its black smooth plastic. On the right side, we find a power button and a mode button to make audio quality adjustments on the fly. On the left, we find a 3.5 headphone jack for monitoring and the Aux audio out jack for connecting it to your camera. 

On the top of the device, we find an LED read-out screen that allows you to see your battery life, audio levels, which modes you’ve chosen, and how much gain you have selected. The clip on the back fits perfectly in most camera hot shoes. On the front, we find two LED lights that alert you when the transmitters are connected, it is all straightforward to use. At the bottom, you will find a soft rubber connector cover which you remove to switch out the USB C connector or the lightning connector.

The hard black plastic charging case is very sturdily built, with some textured surfaces on all four sides giving it a nice grip. On the front, above the charging indicator lights, we find a chromed-out Saramonic logo.

On the rounded off-top cover, we find the logo embossed onto the unit once again in a matte black. On the rear is the USB C charging port and on the bottom, four rubber nubs help the case remain in place on smooth surfaces while charging. 

Overall, the entire kit is very attractive, and although it will remind you of the DJI which may have inspired it, there are enough unique, handsome elements to it that give it a unique style and flare. The whole thing is sturdy, yet lightweight, making for a great travel partner when shooting run and gun.

Saramonic Blink 500 B2+: Audio quality

In my time with the Blink 500 B2+, I learned to quickly say goodbye to noisy audio and hello to crystal-clear recordings. This microphone system boasts two levels of noise reduction and a low-cut filter – banishing unwanted distractions and leaving you with immersive, professional-grade sound.

This kit will allow you to unleash your creative potential with selectable Mono, Stereo, and Safety Track output modes, giving you the flexibility to capture audio exactly how you envision it. Plus, the advanced 2.4GHz wireless system guarantees rock-solid, interference-free performance so you can focus on capturing the moment and not worrying about technical hiccups.

To truly take your recordings to the next level, the Blink 500 B2+ boasts real-time and external playback monitoring. Hear exactly what you're capturing as it happens, make adjustments on the fly, and ensure every nuance is perfectly preserved.

I used this mic kit on several pro shoots, outdoors and indoors, and the recording quality was professional-level every time. Having the ability to channel the same audio to two recording devices at once was game-changing. It allowed me to set up my phone and main camera to film for both YouTube and TikTok and save myself tons of time in post.

Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker, a budding podcaster, or simply passionate about capturing high-quality audio, the Blink 500 B2+ is your new secret weapon.

Experience the freedom of wireless, the power of crystal-clear sound, and the flexibility to create exactly what you envision. As a content creator, you love devices that save you time, and the Saramonic Blink 500 B2+ has become a go-to for me for that very reason. 

In all my praise, I almost forgot about one of the Blink 500 B2+'s most impressive features: you can also record audio to a safety channel as a backup. If you’ve ever been on a set, you know that sometimes things happen and audio gets ruined, so, having that safety channel is often a life savior for content. 

Saramonic Blink 500 B2+: Software

The Saramonic App app gives users great control and takes customization to another level. Using the Saramonic app will allow you to customize the transmitters’ user interface to feature a new theme or logos and photos for a real personalized experience. It gives users control over the transmitter button functions, allowing them to change what the transmitters’ buttons do, thus optimizing your production workflow.

The software also includes the Saramonic SmartRecorder and several free, fully-featured video and audio recording apps. You can control the gain, low-cut filters, noise reduction, voice enhancement features, and more while using the Saramonic app. While the Blink 500 B2+ is plug-and-play, I wholeheartedly recommend downloading this free app for Android and iOS. 

Saramonic Blink 500 B2+: Battery life

Creators, rejoice! Say goodbye to battery anxiety with the Blink 500 B2+. This microphone system boasts a whopping 20 hours of continuous recording on its own. Make use of the charging case and you can juice it up for another full cycle, bringing your total use time to a jaw-dropping 40 hours.

That means you can capture epic interviews, film long outdoor shoots, or conquer your travel vlog without scrambling for a charger. So, ditch the stress that comes with battery limitations and focus on creating amazing content - the Blink 500 B2+ has your back (and your sound) covered.

The receiver is rated for up to 20 hours and the transmitters are rated for up to 16 hours, with 40 hours of total use being the suggested standard. I used the Blink 500 B2+’s on three different shoots covering a total of 15 and half hours with any issues and recharged them fully in about two hours after I got home. With Saramonic, you’re all-day use is a more than viable possibility (and multiple days at that). 

The transmitters and receiver sit inside the charging case snuggly while powering remaining out of sight and out of mind, as you can rely on its worry-free charging to keep your production moving smoothly. You recharge the case itself via the handy USB Type-C port on the rear of the case, and the battery life indicator lights on the front let you know when it's ready to go. 

Bottom line

The $129 price point is staggering when you consider all that you can achieve with the Blink 500 B2+ wireless mic kit. The audio recording quality and ANC place it almost on the same level as (or on par with) the DJI Wireless mic kit for a fraction of the cost. 

Some may be turned off by its hard plastic build, but both the receiver and transmitter are sturdy. I should know, I did drop them all at least twice from higher than four feet while filming, after all. Even still, there's not a chip, or scratch on them.

This is a great grab-and-go, run-and-gun set of mics for an incredible price that makes the entire experience all the more impressive.

Solos’ AirGo 3s truly put the “smart” in smart glasses with ChatGPT-backed AI assistance deeply integrated into these stylish and lightweight frames. If you’re a regular glasses wearer then you’ll be receiving a huge upgrade over your traditional frames with these smart tech infused specs featuring hands-free interaction with your smartphone, ChatGPT access through a single touch of the temples, real-time language translation, and impressive media playback through surprisingly decent frame-housed speakers.

After testing the Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses for over a month, I’ve come to find them invaluable, and a genuine step forward for face-worn frames. But just how have these smart glasses won me over so heavily? Let’s dive in and find out.

Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses: Price and availability

The Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses are available through the website SolosGlasses.com in three different styles: Xeon sunglasses (from $199), Argon eyeglasses (from $249), and Helium sports glasses (from $199).

Thanks to the AirGo 3’s modular construction, you’re able to disconnect the temples and fit new frames onto them bought separately from the SolosGlasses website, allowing you to mix-and-match frame styles and lens colors. Buying additional frames can range from $79 to $119 (more for fitted prescription lenses) depending on design, and a replacement Temples Kit is available for $174.

Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses: Design

Solos was kind enough to let us test out one of its Xeon 5 AirGo 3 models which adopt a style similar to a classic Wayfarer or Lexington frames. It’s a pretty iconic, chunky-framed design, that sits cleanly on the face with nose pads built into the frame itself.

They look like any other glasses from most angles and are very similar in appearance to the recently released Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses. The chunkier temples are where the smart glasses’ electronics are stashed, though they remain lightweight and seamlessly blend in with the overall style of the rims.

The right temple is where you’ll find the smart glasses’ beamforming mics, powered by Whisper Audio Technology to reduce background and ambient noise by 45dB. These mics are tuned to pick up the wearer’s speech even while in busy environments. Having taken the Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses with me to use while out-and-about near busy roads and bustling streets, I can safely confirm they do just that.

My voice, mumbling as it may be, was consistently picked up, and accurately recognized by the glasses for prompts and during phone calls. As a vital part of the Solos experience, speech recognition is essential — and the Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses never once struggled across my near month-long test.

Also on this side of the frames are the smart glasses’ touch-sensitive virtual switches. A seamlessly blended shallow groove acts as a virtual volume rocker, with a swipe towards or away from the ears raising and lowering the device’s volume, respectively. Next to this is a small bump that can be tapped or held to engage the AirGo 3’s mics and capture audio prompts or turn the device on or off.

While these virtual buttons are highly responsive and very rarely misjudge an input, they can be hard to locate. Even after a month of usage, I would still misplace my digits while trying to press one of them, oftentimes accidentally engaging the wrong action in the process. While their seamless design is imperceptible to most, it may be a little too seamless for the wearer to accurately target by muscle memory alone.

Even the frames themselves act as a virtual button, able to register single taps, double taps, and triple taps to interact with your connected smartphone. A quick single tap across the frames can play/pause media, while a triple tap can bypass SolosApp's digital assistant to engage with your phone’s own.

Paired with the beamforming mics, these quick inputs give you an impressive hands-free experience. I was never once left holding my temple while shouting aloud in public as passersby crossed streets to avoid the man yelling into the void about playing conspiracy podcasts on Amazon Music. Which was a nice change of pace, I have to admit.

Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses: Audio

As the temples branch off they narrow into soft coated tips that don’t rub or wear against the ear over long stretches of use — ideal if you’re a prescription glasses wearer like myself who will wear the Solos AirGo 3 as an all-day solution to my wonky optics. Just before the AirGos curve around the ear are twin semi-open ear speakers that direct audio into your ear. These speakers can get surprisingly loud, and be adjusted in-app to enhance the sound of voice or music playback.

At lower volumes these speakers will gently beam your favorite tunes into your ears in a fairly imperceptible to others manner in outside settings. However, as the volume increases, so does the level of audio bleed, which can leave you feeling like you’ve committed some sort of social faux pas as you wander the streets with a boombox on your face. While I’ve been out there enriching the public experience by sharing the gift of music with others through the AirGo 3’s powerful in-frame speakers, I’ve yet to receive one Wu-Tang “W” as a thank you for my efforts.

You’ll get the most out of these speakers while at home or in the car. Where you’re free to crank up the volume on the Solos, with their surprisingly clear and crisp audio. Here you’ll be free to go about the mundane activities of your everyday life to your favorite podcasts or soundtrack. There’s nothing like bursting out into an impromptu karaoke session of “Tiny Dancer” while washing the dishes, after all.

Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses: Software

Solos AirGo App is available for iPhone (iOS 13 and above) and Android (version 8 and above) devices, including tablets. Solos’ app is an essential companion to its smart glasses and unlocks the potential of these frames in full.

The glasses are paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth and after launching the app you’re greeted with an in-depth setup. It walks you through how to interact with the glasses, setting up a Solos account, speech recognition, customizing your SolosChat AI agent, and picking the best EQ setting for audio playback including different genres of music.

It’s one of the most well-rounded smart glasses experiences I’ve come across so far, with each tutorial well-sign-posted with accurate visual clues and detailed instructions. Solos software is incredibly easy to get to grips with and spread across three primary modes: SolosChat, SolosTranslate, and the Solos AI Coach.

SolosChat is probably the key selling point of these smart glasses. Powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, SolosChat is a Large Language Model seamlessly integrated into the Solos smart glasses experience and available to interact with through a simple tap and hold of the frame’s virtual action button. From here you’ll be able to speak your prompt, captured by the beamforming mic array and converted to text before being sent to the app-based chatbot.

The speed of the reply is incredibly impressive, with your chosen AI avatar responding in moments either through the temple-housed speakers or through text in the SolosApp chat window. It makes each interaction feel fluid and provides you with a world of information available at the drop of a hat.

This is great if, like me, you’re ever knee-deep in your workload and have a question that comes to mind that you might want to Google the answer for. Instead of switching tabs or diverting your focus, you can simply ask SolosChat and get back to work as you listen to the answer.

Of course, how you make use of SolosChat is entirely up to you, and people’s mileage may vary with the feature. Personally, I find it a great help when it comes to research or getting to grips with new concepts. I’m not beyond asking ChatGPT if it can explain something to me like I’m five years of age, or getting it to refresh my withered mind by asking it to help recall a film I watched 20-years ago that I’ve long forgotten the name of.

Another great feature that can prove incredibly useful is SolosTranslate, a ChatGPT-powered real-time translation tool that captures audio through the AirGo 3’s mic array and converts it into your language of choice in text or audio form. It can even work to translate your own words into a desired output language and eliminate the language barrier between two people. (It also has its uses for eavesdropping during code-switches to know exactly what the owner of your local bodega truly thinks of you.)

While the SolosChat feature is impressive in itself, SolosTranslate really takes it up a notch. The speed and accuracy of its translation is outstanding and similar to that offered by the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24’s Live Translate. Not only will SolosTranslate capture the spoken word, but it will write it out, adjusting as it goes to provide better linguistic context based on the next series of words. Once it’s done capturing a speaker, the translation is genuinely near-instant, and audio playback in your preferred language kicks in at the exact same time.

This one isn’t a truly hands-off experience, as it can’t yet offer a rolling translation for seamless conservation. But I don’t think it detracts from a nevertheless astounding feature. SolosTranslate is a new feature to the frames and there’s always potential for it to expand in future.

The final section of the SolosApp is reserved for the AI Coach — a health tracker that can record steps taken, calories burnt through exercise, and even help to promote better posture through the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) motion sensors housed within the frames. While it can’t match the health tracking metrics of a smartwatch, it still has plenty of valuable insights into how active you are throughout your day, and why your neck might be feeling a little older than you actually are if you spend too much time head-down on your devices.

Bottom line

Solos’ AirGo 3 Smart Glasses genuinely feel like a glasses 2.0 moment. While they don’t incorporate the portable display tech of smart glasses like the XREAL Air 2, what they do provide is exactly what a pair of glasses should: focus.

The AirGo 3s are a distraction-free device that gives you rapid access to a ChatGPT-backed LLM packed with valuable insights and information to help you throughout your day, including the ability to translate up to 13 languages in real time. All this while enjoying your favorite podcasts or music, without shutting you off from the wider world like you would with noise-canceling earphones.

I wear glasses every day, so the Solos AirGo 3’s prescription-friendly frames are already serving me faithfully. Especially with its fantastic AI-backed features, media playback, and hands-free interaction with my smartphone. But when it comes to picking out your next frames, the Solos AirGo 3, with its 10+ hour battery life, fantastic software, and impressive modular design, gets my full backing.

Creators craving grab-and-go audio freedom rejoice! Rode, the audio innovator, takes its celebrated Wireless ME mic to the next level with a dual transmitter set, doubling your recording possibilities.

Announced earlier today, this pocket-sized powerhouse lets you capture the voices of two people simultaneously, or even three, all with the receiver's built-in mic and without sacrificing the pristine audio and impeccable user experience that made the ME an instant classic.

Remember the game-changing Wireless GO? Rode redefines convenience again with a tiny mic system packing pro-grade sound and effortless use. This tiny titan takes wireless convenience to the next level, featuring state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission for crystal-clear audio and Rode's signature ease of use.

Remember the game-changing Wireless GO? The ME builds on that legacy, delivering pro-grade sound in a package that begs to be slipped into your pocket.

Rode Wireless Me Dual

There's more to the ME than its size. Its Series IV digital transmission ensures crystal-clear recordings while intelligent GainAssist technology auto-adjusts levels so you can you focus on content, and not fiddling with dials. And get this: the built-in mic of the dual transmitter version captures both sides of the story, perfect for interviews or solo vlogging.

Need a third? Simply engage the receiver mic and you're a three-person audio powerhouse. Having previously reviewed the first gen wireless ME mic, I was quite impressed. There's even a White Wireless ME option that blends seamlessly with lighter clothing or your preferred aesthetic, Rode have literally covered all bases.

It's the perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication. Professional sound, grab-and-go ease, and the freedom to capture multi-voiced stories – all in a package weighing barely more than a feather. The dual Wireless ME arrives in Spring 2024 for US $199, ready to elevate your audio game with one click.

Solos, the smart tech wearable brand behind the excellent AirGo3 smart glasses, have just given its ChatGPT-infused AI eyeglasses an incredible boost: universal translation via SolosTranslate powered by ChatGPT.

The AirGo3 smart glasses already feature access to ChatGPT's excellent generative AI services to wearers with a simple tap-and-talk functionality that has OpenAI's chatbot audibly respond with hands-free assistance, information, or advice.

However, at CES 2024, Solos are taking things a step further with an all-new feature designed to tear down the language barrier in all forms with its new live translation feature.

We're on the scene in Las Vegas to check out the latest tech at this year's CES 2024 showcase. Be sure to tag along on our CES 2024 journey by following Laptop Mag on TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, Flipboard, and Facebook for the most up to date hands-on impressions and news coming from the convention floor.

SolosTranslate: So you don't have to

Fully harnessing the integration of ChatGPT, the AirGo3 smart glasses will soon be able to offer wearers real-time translation across multiple languages in either audio or text forms. Better still, with the smart glasses' built-in speakers you'll be able to have your own words played back in another language to accommodate conversations in other languages.

The new features comes in four distinct modes, designed to accommodate various situations where the language barrier would previously have been an insurmountable hurdle.

• Listen Mode uses the built-in microphones of the Solos AirGo3 to actively capture and translate speech from a single source (i.e. one-on-one conversations). SolosTranslate then captures this audio source and translates it into a preferred language which discretely plays to the wearer through the smart glasses' dual-direction Whisper Tech speakers.
• Group Mode expands on Listen Mode by accommodating multi-person discussions across various languages. This mode allows the AirGo3's to act as a conversation 'hub' of sorts, with other participants able to join the actively translated discussion via QR code or web link on their own pair of AirGo3s or on their smartphone.  
• Text Mode gives users a visual rundown of captured audio translated into their preferred language with an option to play the translated text aloud as audio. This is great for quickly showing others what you'd like to convey in a preferred language or sharing the translation from your AirGo3 smart glasses with others.
• Present Mode is ideal for, as the name would imply, delivering presentations in your own language, to be translated in real-time to an audience in either text or audio format. More impressively, audiences can choose the language they'd prefer to receive your presentation in, allowing you to communicate across a number of languages in real-time without repetition.

Outlook and availability

Solos AirGo3 smart glasses are already a charm. I've been wearing a pair myself for nearly a month now with a review well on its way. Its ChatGPT integration feels natural and intuitive and doesn't impede the more common smart glasses features such as hands-free digital assistant access, music playback, and wider app connectivity for notifications and reminders.

This new feature expands on the potential of Solos' smart glasses AI integration ten-fold, and makes them incredibly useful for business users and travelers alike who may find themselves in a place or position that requires more than a DuoLingo speed course or phrasebook to get past the language barrier.

Solos' AirGo3 smart glasses are currently available from the official Solos website in three styles: Argon starting at $249, Xeon starting at $199, and Helium staring at $199.

AI features like SolosChat and SolosTranslate are immediately available on these smart glasses alongside the Solos Fitness coach. However, for $9.99 per month you can subscribe to the Solos Premium service for enhanced text-to-speech from a more natural language AI and make use of the SolosChat as a standalone tool.

Update 11/25/23: Black Friday has passed us by, but fortunately many Black Friday deals remain, including this offer for the popular Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses that nets you a $50 Best Buy Gift card that you can use to pick up more of the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals on your list.

Black Friday deals aren't always about heavy discounts. Sometimes, a great Black Friday deal can grant you a bonus reward like the free $50 Gift card when purchasing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses at Best Buy!

Check out the deal below to catch the details on Meta's latest smart glasses venture in collaboration with the iconic Ray-Ban brand:

Today's best Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses deal

Black Friday isn't quite here yet, but it isn't stopping the biggest corporations in the business from slashing massive discounts on their biggest products. Razer is no exception, with these highlights in particular focusing on its best gaming headsets. 

While a majority of them are things we haven't tested, our prime recommendation comes with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, which I personally reviewed and still use nearly three years later. Yes, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is $80 off at Amazon. Otherwise, there are plenty of other great Razer headset deals available for all kinds of budgets.

Best Razer Black Friday gaming headsets

The incredible folks at Shure are back with another killer microphone, sliding a small “d” in the Shure SM7B — yes, it’s called the Shure SM7dB. And you know what? It’s more than earned its cute little name change.

The Shure SM7dB is the same incredibly powerful and precise cardioid XLR microphone packed in a svelte design, except now it has a built-in preamp for that extra on-the-fly oomph. Unfortunately, that big price tag only rose another $100, coming to a whopping $500. And no, it still does not come with a mixer, a cable, or even the Shure MVX2U Digital Audio interface, which lets you connect your microphone to your PC via USB Type-C.

Despite its price and Shure’s rudimentary software, the Shure SM7dB easily climbs the charts of our best streaming microphones page.

Shure SM7dB price and configurations

The Shure SM7dB is $500, and like its younger sibling, there’s a number of bundles Shure offers that can get your recording setup going. The original packaging comes with the standard RK345 windscreen, a thicker A7WS windscreen, and a 3/8” Thread Adapter.

For $600, you can pick up the Shure SM7dB with a boom arm and a 15-foot XLR cable. That may seem expensive for an arm and a cable to the untrained eye, but getting a cable or an arm separately could run you more than that, depending on the brand. And yes, the type of cable you get matters. However, we haven’t tested the cable that Shure provides, so we cannot speak to that.

For $680, you can get the Shure SM7dB bundle that comes with the aforementioned products as well as Shure SRH440A headphones, which are $99 studio headphones.

If all you need is a relatively inexpensive device to connect your microphone to your PC, you can get the Shure SM7dB and Shure MVX2U bundle. It costs $620 total. The Shure MVX2U is a small adapter that connects to the female XLR port on the microphone and then feeds you a female USB Type-C port, so you can connect it to your PC (doing it this way comes with issues, which I’ll describe later).

Shure SM7dB design

Nothing has changed with the Shure’s design, except that the Shure SM7dB is not as dusty as its sibling, which I’ve been using as a main driver for a while now. It rocks that same iconic svelte black chassis. The base is a simple black cylinder that feeds into a metallic band with the branding as well as two screws for the mount and XLR input.

Beyond that, there’s the already attached windscreen. Last time, I almost ripped this thing apart trying to remove it because the instructions were unclear. It’s actually worse now because there are no instructions whatsoever. So do yourself a favor and just look it up before you break something. There you’ll find that the interior features a solid metal cage.

Since there are no instructions included, the larger windscreen installation is even more confusing. You have to manually attach velcro straps to the base of the mic to install it. Why is this still so complicated?

On the backside of the Shure SM7dB are the manual switches for the EQ, the Bypass and Preamp settings. Out of the box, it’s set to the Flat Response setting, but you can adjust it for Bass Rolloff or Presence Boost. The Bypass setting turns off the preamp, while flipping it to Preamp enables it. And the settings on the right feature an increase of either +18dB or +28dB. Meanwhile, there’s an attachment at the top can be adjusted for 5/8 or ⅜-inch threaded boom arms.

Shure SM7dB audio quality

The Shure SM7dB is a cardioid XLR microphone, which means it has a heart-shaped polar pattern (it’ll pick up sound only within that shape, with the bottom of the heart facing you). Normally, you can’t just connect the Shure SM7dB directly to your laptop (the microphone takes only XLR input). However, we’re testing the Shure SM7dB with the Shure MVX2U, which is a male XLR to female USB-Type-C adapter.

I chatted with my wife and she complimented how crisp my voice sounded. The microphone could pick up my whispers without getting bogged down by background noise. I tested this both on the Shure MVX2U as well as my Razer Audio Mixer. I noticed that the former picked up more background than the latter, and that’s because of the limited software settings I’ll talk about later.

Despite that, all I needed to get this microphone going was a gain adjustment. If you’re not working with a mixer, then you’ll be using the microphone’s preamp. If you’re trying to decide between +18dB or +28dB, it really depends on what base dB your software is starting at. If it’s 0, then +28dB will be necessary to make it audible. But if you’re starting at 30dB, drop down to +18dB so you’re not too loud.

Attempting to sing into the microphone produced a whining sound — that was just me, I was the whining sound. But my voice was smooth and crisp regardless of how bad I might’ve sounded. The Shure excels at picking up audio clearly, removing the usual peaks or plosives that might occur. Of course, depending on your speech pattern, you might have to tinker with settings to get the most of your sound.

Shure SM7dB software

I was excited to not deal with a bulky mixer on my desk, but the Shure MVX2U, while incredibly convenient, is paired with rudimentary software.

The ShurePlus Motiv software features two tabs — Auto Level and Manual. The former offers simple settings, like mic position (near or far), tone (dark, natural, or bright), and gain (quieter, normal, and louder). Manual offers more detailed settings for mic gain (0 to 60 dB) as well as settings for the High Pass Filter (Off, 75Hz, or 150Hz), Limiter (On or Off), and Compressor (Off, Light, Medium, or Heavy). The Manual tab also features a full Equalizer.

The software is better than nothing, I suppose, but it’s not very impressive. I am also worried about prolonged use. Shure’s website gave the app a 2 out of 5-star rating, backed by 78 reviews. Shure even posted a notice above the reviews that reads: “We are aware and working on resolving an issue where the app stalls at launch/loading for some users. We will post here with more information once we have an update.”

As I mentioned earlier, you’re stuck with this software only if you go with the Shure MVX2U. If you get a proper mixer, you’ll be able to adjust more settings, some of which don’t even have to go through software.

Bottom line

It’s hard not to love the Shure SM7dB — it gives me stellar sound, so whether I am speaking in a whisper or shouting at the top of my lungs, the audio won’t peak or disappear into the ether.

Yes, it is very expensive. I can’t believe I have to say this, but don’t buy a $500 microphone if you’re not a professional. Don’t blow your cash on this if you’re not making money as a musician, podcaster, or voice-over artist. If you want a quality mic to dabble with, I suggest getting the much cheaper Blue Yeti X (and you don’t need a mixer for that).

But if you have the money to spend and are serious about pursuing a career tied to your voice, or are already in the thick of it, I cannot recommend anything better at this price point than the Shure SM7dB.

The best USB microphones can deliver the best version of your lovely voice to your audience whether plugged into a cheap laptop to record a podcast or a high-end gaming laptop to stream one of the latest AAA titles.

Understand that there are generally four recording modes in the best USB microphones: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. You must know which one best suits your needs before picking a microphone.

Cardioid records sources that are in front of the microphone (good for streaming), bidirectional is front and back (good for a two-person podcast), omnidirectional is each direction (good for multi-person podcasts or conference calls) and stereo builds off omnidirectional by using both left and right channels (good for musical instrumentals and ASMR).

We are regularly reviewing new USB mics, so if you don't need to make a purchase today, check back for the latest updates, but here are the best USB microphones available today based on our reviews and testing.

The Quick List

Best Overall USB Mic

As soon as you open the box and get a hold of the Silver Shure MV7, you know it means business. From its high-quality all-metal build to the professional studio look, it screams “you better bring your A-game.” Drink some hot tea with lemon and get your vocal cords ready, it’s business time.

The Shure MV7 is worth every penny of its $249 price tag. From its sturdy all-metal construction to its professional studio quality audio recording that focuses on your voice thanks to its Voice Isolation Technology, it is without a doubt the best microphone I have reviewed to date. The Shure Plus Motiv EQ software makes the overall experience even better, getting the most out of the microphone and out of your voice. There is something to be said for simplicity, and the user interface is a joy to use. What puts the Shure MV7 above the rest is the option to use either USB or the more professional XLR connection.

See our full Shure MV7 Review.

Best plug and play

The Rode NT-USB Mini is crafted to produce studio-level audio recordings. For $99, you're not going to find a better USB microphone, and in fact, it's better than some more expensive USB mics I've reviewed. What it lacks in features and style, it makes up for in plug-and-play usability, with a lot of "let's get this recorded and sounding great" know-how.

The Rode not only sets itself apart with its simple square styling, magnetically attached base, and one dial push-button control, but the audio produced by the studio-quality condenser is equal to many XLR microphones I've used. Lastly, the free Rode Connect software takes everything up several levels. So let's dive into the Rode NT-USB Mini microphone and find out why it may be one of the best USB microphones of 2021 for under $100.

See our full review Rode NT-USB Mini review

Best form and function

The JLab Talk Pro isn’t afraid to go after the Blue Yeti Pro USB Mic. There’s nothing shy about the Talk Pro at all; with its satin matte black finish with blue center at the top and blue, red and green lighting on the front, you almost don’t notice the stylish blue ring light at the bottom. The JLab Talk Pro screams, here I am; let’s record great content and look sexy doing it from the moment you pull it out of the box.

See our full review JLab Talk Pro Review

Best new comer

The MiCreator Studio aims to be your all-in-one audio companion. This USB-C microphone boasts seamless compatibility with diverse devices. MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, Android phones, and PCs, the MiCreator Studio has you covered – eliminating frustrating compatibility hurdles.

See our full Austrian Audio MiCreator Studio Review

Best all-rounder for the price

If Tony Stark designed USB mics in his spare time for the weekly Avengers podcast and streaming sessions, the $99 Blue Yeti Nano would be the microphone he would’ve come up with. It’s the dynamic little powerhouse brother of the much larger and stately Blue Yeti Blackout and Blue Yeti Pro. The Yeti Nano is plug-and-play for both Mac and PC and is easier to get going and hooked up than Brad Pitt on Tinder.

You can also unscrew the microphone from the mount to attach a microphone stand to the bottom. Hands down, the Blue Yeti Nano is my favorite USB mic. The $99 mic records in high-quality 24-bit/48Hz, producing beautifully clear, crisp, and warm audio. Throw in the fantastic build quality, sexy engineering, and visual appeal, and Blue has a winner on its hands.

See our full Blue Yeti Nano Review.

Logitech launched its AI-enhanced Zone Wireless 2 / Zone 950 headsets this morning, and there have been some significant improvements. At a recent event held by Logitech, I got hands-on with the latest headset and walked away impressed by the audio and build quality. 

The ultra-light Zone Wireless headset is made of 20% recycled post-consumer plastics and was manufactured using renewable energy as Logitech looks to reduce its carbon footprint. Although the company didn't make any bold carbon neutrality statements or promises, they've gone all in to ensure its products lower the company's carbon impact. 

We have yet to get our review unit, but it's on the way, and I wonder if it will end up on our best headphones list. Having a pair of lightweight headphones with excellent ANC that I can wear for long periods while working would be amazing. 

Performance, price and availability

The most impressive AI enhancement you will find in Logitech's new wireless headsets is the ability to not only improve audio quality on your end, but the Zone Wireless is capable of using AI-enhanced ANC to remove background noise from the other end of your calls, as well. 

For example, if you have a barking dog in your home, the ANC will lower and even remove most of the barking, and the same holds for the person you're speaking with. So, if their dog starts barking while your dog is, the ANC will cancel out the noise from both ends, providing both users with clean audio and allowing both parties to hear one another.  

Besides being powered by AI magic, while at the event, I wore them for a while, and I have to say I was super impressed with the build quality. The Zone Wireless headsets were highly lightweight while remaining durable. 

The Logitech Zone Wireless 2/ 950 will cost $299 and are available on the company's website. They will also be available at authorized retailers. Once our review unit arrives, we will thoroughly review the Zone Wireless 2 headset. 

Prime Day is here, so don't miss out on some of these wild Prime Day gaming laptop deals. With that shiny new piece of hardware, you're going to need some gaming peripherals to make your setup shine. HyperX is here for all your needs.

Right now, you can completely upgrade your setup by spending as little as $60 for each piece of HyperX gaming gear at Amazon.

Today's best Prime Day HyperX deals

HyperX is one of my favorite audio brands, but the company has a wide portfolio beyond its headsets, expanding into keyboards, mice, microphones, and monitors.

The products above are all $60 or less, and you can give your gaming setup a major glow-up by going with any one of them let alone all of them. I've had a HyperX Cloud II since I was in college, and it has served me well for half a decade.

With the HyperX Pulsefire Haste and HyperX Alloy Origins 60 you're getting a fierce gaming combo that'll make your desk look neat and tidy, with the former being wireless and the latter being rather petite.

Finally, your friends won't have to suffer with terrible audio quality thanks to your HyperX DuoCast Mic. And if you're into streaming, it's not a bad microphone for someone starting out.

The Epos Impact 1061T ANC is a fantastic over-ear wireless headset for business and home office use. It features very impressive focused voice pickup and active noise canceling for clear, crisp audio during calls and video conferencing. The other feature that stands up is its quick wireless charging via the included stand and excellent battery life. 

The styling is clean and perfect for business while also being durable. If you spend much of your day taking calls or video conferencing with clients and business partners, the Epos Impact 1061T with ANC is a great option. 

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset pricing and availability 

The lightweight yet durable Epos Impact 1061T wireless headset costs $335.99, and you can purchase it at the Epos site or CDW.  

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset design

In terms of design, the Epos Impact 1061 is sleek, simple, and functional. I found the headband sliders sturdy, with a smooth, yet firm sliding action that locked nicely into place.

The articulating boom mic arm works excellently, gliding smoothly into your chosen position, and the one button on it is located at the top of the arm. On the right ear, you’ll find the ANC control button, which allows you to set your level of noise canceling or turn it off.

On the left earcup, we see the power on and Bluetooth combo slider, a spring-loaded volume slider, a USB Type-C port, and the mic boom arm.

Although it appears to be made entirely of black and dark gray plastics, the Impacts never look or feel cheap, and due to their minimal size, they are a treat to use. Also, left or right doesn’t matter with the Impacts because you can spin the mic boom arm around and use it on either side of your face. 

The Epos Impact 1061T is light, measuring just 7.87 x 6.9 x 2.6 inches and weighing 6.3 ounces. 

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset comfort

Comfort is important during long meetings, especially for an over-ear headset.  I found the Impact's ear cups were cushioned and very comfortable. They never pinched, even over long periods, even while wearing my glasses, which can sometimes affect how a headset fits. 

The earcups' incredibly soft, comfy rubber material is delightfully tender as they rest on your ears. The padding on the slider arms is also soft, but with some extra support, it fits well and adds to the overall comfort level.

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset setup

The Epos Impact 1061T  uses Bluetooth 5.3, and I quickly paired it to my iPhone, MacBook, and the OnePlus 11. It took one smooth click of the power/Bluetooth slider to start connecting to my devices. The option to connect up to three devices at once is fantastic and allows me to take personal and business calls while using apps like Google Meet and Zoom on my MacBook without thought. You can even connect it to your Tablets. 

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset software

The Epos Connect software gives users intimate control over the Impact 1061T’s. Whether you wish to adjust the ANC levels, turn on the audio limiter, choose which media modes you want to use, dynamic or focused, or update the firmware, it can all be adjusted via the Epos Connect very user-friendly software. 

The other significant part of the software is it’s free to download and readily available on Epos website. 

When I first connected the Impact to my MacBook, it alerted me to a firmware update, and within moments after connecting the unit to my computer with the supplied USB-C cable, it was updated. The desktop application is available for macOS and Windows. 

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset controls

I enjoyed the Impact's simple controls. The two sliders and two simple buttons on the unit give excellent feedback. You can use the combo slider left earcup to turn the Impact on or off and initiate the Bluetooth signal to connect to your device of choice. The volume slider is just beneath the combo slider and has smooth action that lets you raise and lower the audio. 

Located on the upper boom arm, we find a button that allows you to answer or hang up on calls. On the right earcup, we see the ANC button, enabling you to control your level of active noise canceling. 

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset noise canceling

The ANC is probably the Impact 1061’s best feature as it does a fantastic job picking up your voice in normal conditions and crowded spaces like a busy office or coffee shop. I went to my local Starbucks and tested this theory out, and during my Google Meet, my voice's clarity was a discussion topic. The ANC is fine-tuned and never aggressive, which you can sometimes experience with other headsets. 

The Epos Impacts 1061T’s ANC is powered by Epos AI machine learning tech that scans your environments 32,000 times a second to suppress background noise better and enhance your vocals' quality. During my time with the headset, coffee shops and even a busy outdoor subway station were no match for its ANC. However, I did look like an aggressive stockbroker with them on in public and should have just been shouting, "Sell, sell, sell Mortimer!" into the microphone. 

As mentioned, you can use the ANC button on the earcup to select your preferred level of active noise canceling or use the desktop app for finer control. 

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset audio quality

First and foremost, this is a business headset meant to provide excellent voice reproduction during video meetings and phone calls. Overall, the sound quality is a solid A minus, as the unit has excellent audio clarity that is clean enough to satisfy an audiophile. This pure audio experience means that although high, mid, and low tones are good quality and crisp, these are not thumpy bass shakers. Each audio experience is well-defined; regardless of how loud you turn them up, you will never experience any distortion. 

I listened to some classic house music from Hardrive. The bass level was solid as the song "Deep Inside" played, with every note entirely reproduced. It's a spotless audio experience that allows you to pick out individual instruments. Heck, they used a Roland 808 drum machine on this track. 

While Watching the first episode of "Ahsoka" on Disney Plus, every character's vocals and the special effects audio were super clear. The laser blasts were everything they should be, as were the effects during lightsaber clashes. 

During calls, the audio experience was just as clean and clear as discussed above, with every meeting and phone call having that excellent sharp, precise quality, which is what you want from a headset meant for conducting business. Nobody likes garbled vocals when trying to seal a deal. 

Although there is some audio leakage while using ANC, it is very minimal, and let's be honest, you will experience some audio leaking with just about any active noise-canceling system. Also, you can adjust the settings within the 1061T’s via the volume rocker to minimize this even more. 

As I expressed earlier, these are for business professionals, and in that vain, they function beautifully. They are not a pair of booming, Bose over-ear headphones. It’s a headset for work, not a portable rave. 

Epos Impact 1061T ANC  wireless headset battery and Bluetooth

You will get all-day battery life from the Epos Impact 1061T’s. I averaged 9 to 10 hours during my time with the Impact, and I used them on and off all day, as they never left my head. I forgot to charge them on the stylish and handy wireless charging stand, and I still got an additional 5-plus hours. I used them for several video meetings and phone calls and watched many videos, and they just kept going.

I appreciate the included headset stand featuring a wireless dock, which allows you to charge your headset by placing it on the port when you’re not using the Impacts. This feature eliminated having to deal with having cables lying around my workspace and kept them at the ready, fully charged. You also have the option to charge them via the USB-C port on the earcup, making them easy to transport. 

I love Triple Bluetooth connectivity. It allows for seamless connection with up to three different devices simultaneously and makes switching between devices quick and painless.  I love a no-hassle product that does what it’s supposed to.

Epos Impact 1061T ANC wireless headset call quality

Call quality throughout my time with the 1061’s was excellent, as the mic on the unit does a  great job isolating my vocals while using AI and ANC to keep a great deal of the surrounding noise out.

I checked in with my toughest judge, who constantly complains about poor audio quality when I am testing out a headset my 13-year-old daughter. To her delight, the audio quality of our call was terrific. Her one complaint was me shutting down her insistence that she deserved a raise in allowance. Girl, Bye! 

The ANC performance is terrific, and although you will occasionally experience some audio leakage, it's not something I experienced often. And it didn’t effect the quality of my vocals. 

Bottom line

The Epos Impact 1061T’s are everything you need and more in a wireless business headset. Clean, crisp audio quality is combined with terrific ANC and comfortable all-day wear design, making them an excellent option for business professionals needing a high-quality headset. Adding in all day plus battery life and a fantastic charging dock/ slash stand is a win for Epos, although some may balk at it costing over $300. Remember, it's a business investment and tax deductible. 

The new AnkerWork M650 is a splendid wireless microphone system consisting of two transmitting units and a receiver with a crystal clear color LCD touchscreen for fine-tuning settings and monitoring recording levels. The three devices are stored in the included charging case and come in several colors. The charging case also includes special connectors for an iOS or Android smartphone.

AnkerWork’s M650 wireless mic kit is a winner for not reinventing the wireless mic but for remembering critical capabilities that give content creators more options. In contrast, I have reviewed many new wireless mics this year, with most of them taking significant steps forward in design and audio quality. However, most wireless mic makers have been foregoing the inclusion of a 3.5mm mic jack on the transmitter which is a significant issue.  

Let's have a look at what makes the Ankerwork M650 a win. 

AnkerWork M650 wireless mic price and availability

The Ankerwork M650 wireless mic kit is $249. It comes with two transmitters, one receiver, a soft carrying case, a cable that allows you to connect to a computer, and two connectors that allow you to connect to your iPhone, Android phone, or tablet.

In comparison, you will find a similar disc (audio puck) design and price with the Saramonic Blink Me wireless 2-person mic kit ($249)  we recently reviewed. The DJI mice reviewed cost $329 at  B&H Photo. The Rode Wireless Go II wireless mic kit will cost you $299 and allow you to plug into a Lavalier. You can also check out our best wireless mics page for more options

AnkerWork M650 wireless mic design

The M650 transmitter units are similar to the Saramonic Blink Me wireless mics as they have an attractive round shape. My units came with black covers with a bronze Angerwork Logo, but the covers are interchangeable and are available in various colors, so you can change things up or match your gear with your clothing. 

The transmitters have a built-in removable clip enabling the microphone to be attached easily and quickly to a jacket lapel or shirt. The clip can also easily be removed to reveal a magnetic plate and used to attach the microphone to just about anything metallic.

The transmitter units have a 3.5mm jack for using a Lavalier microphone in lieu of the built-in microphone. Using a Lavalier microphone enables users to hide the mics on the subject better and be less obtrusive.  The transmitter also has a mount to attach the fuzzy windshields that come with the unit and help when recording outdoors or during windy conditions.

The AnkerWork M650 receiver is a relatively compact cube with one of the best color LCD screens I’ve used on a wireless mic kit. The display shows users the gain levels, amount of noise cancelation, and other pertinent information like battery status and signal strength. You can use the touch-sensitive display to scroll left and right, up and down, and access settings such as adjusting the gain levels or muting the mics.

The receiver unit provides excellent connectivity options. You can connect to cameras, computers, and smartphones via the supplied cable and small Andorid and iOS attachments included with the kit. The two tiny adapters have USB-C or Apple Lightning connectors so creators can connect the receiver directly to the smartphone. Thus, it becomes the default microphone, which is great for conducting interviews or even a two-person podcast.

The best part about the AnkerWork M650 wireless microphone system is its easy use and setup. To get started recording great audio, all you need to do is open the case, pick up one of the transmitters, pull out the receiver, and you’re good to go. You don’t need to connect it to a camera or recording source because, thanks to 4GB of onboard memory, you can directly record hours of high-quality audio to the unit. 

AnkerWork M650 wireless mic audio quality

The sound quality picked up by the AnkerWork M650 microphones is incredibly clear. The lossless LC3 plus codec produces immaculate audio, especially if you record directly to the transmitter, which will be saved in WAV format. The transmitter microphones have a warm but highly accurate sound quality with plenty of depth that doesn’t require much processing. The clip-on windshields work very well when recording outdoors.

My favorite feature about the M650 is the ability to plug a Lavalier microphone into the transmitters. You can record in either two stereo tracks or one merged mono track. You can adjust this on the receiver's display screen.  Overall, the Ankerwork M650 has about every feature and option content creators want in a high-quality wireless microphone kit.

I used the Ankerwork M650s outdoors in my backyard and in our office in New York City and consistently recorded high-quality audio. I even tested them by walking around our office, which is filled with other wireless signals, columns, and obstacles, and still recorded excellent focus vocal audio from over 150 feet away. 

AnkerWork M650 wireless mic software

The AnkerWork software for use with the M650 has a smooth-running user interface that’s very polished and quick to learn.  The app gives the user access to all the settings needed, like noise reduction, a low-pass filter, and even an equalizer. You can also use the app to update the M650’s firmware. I used it mostly to fine-tune my audio settings for when I started filming. 

I found the built-in noise reduction mode, which is called VoiceShield, does an effective job of cutting out some of the ambient sounds.  However, you may notice that it will sometimes overcompress the audio, making it sound unnatural.  Although the Ankerwork M650 is plug-and-playable, I recommend downloading this free app for Android and iOS to gain finer control over your audio settings.

AnkerWork M650 wireless mic battery life

Once you fully charge the receiver and transmitter, you will average seven to eight hours of use before having to recharge. You could get more out of a single charge if you remember to power down between filming.  With the included charging case, you should get 15 hours of usage from the M650 wireless mic kit and more if you occasionally power down the units between setting up different scenes and shots. So you will get a full days use from them, as most production tend to go 12 hours. 

Bottom Line

AnkerWork has done great with the M650 wireless microphone system. The transmitter units are stylish and feel well-made. The interchangeable covers are a nice touch and the choice of clip or magnetic attachment is welcome. The receiver unit has a high-quality LCD for adjusting settings and monitoring levels. 

My only nitpicky issue with the M650s is battery life and that some may find them to be a little thick, and hard to hide. However, those are two tiny issues you can easily work around and will forget about quickly when you hear the fantastic audio you’ve recorded. 

The Ankerwork M650s are great to film TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, or longer work for things like YouTube, and Vimeo. When you compare all the features and options the Ankerwork M650s offer content creators for  $249, with other brands, it becomes an easy choice and a win for Anker.

The Saramonic Blink Me wireless 2-person mic kit ($249) came in a rugged Pelican (currently not for sale) case, which won it major points before I even saw the mics. However, when I saw the disk-shaped, magnetically attaching mics and receiver with the kit's gorgeous OLED displays, I knew I was in for a treat. 

Although the small black-and-chrome disks personally remind me of cool little hockey pucks with colorful OLED displays, I wasn’t turned off. Thanks to highly responsive touch controls, they’re a joy to use as you effortlessly flip through menu options. 

Active noise canceling has become more reliable and readily available in wireless mics kits.  Although some kits' usage of this feature can create choppy audio, Blink Me’s HD Active Noise-Cancelation consistently created clear professional-quality audio recordings. 

I can go on about how much I really enjoyed filming content with the Blink Me wireless mic kit, so I will.

Blink Me 2-Person Smart Wireless Mic price and availability

The Blink Me 2-person wireless mic kit is $249 and comes with two transmitters, one receiver, a soft carrying case, and a set of cables that allow you to connect to a computer, camera, iPhone, Android phone, or tablet. 

In comparison, if you only need one mic, or you’re on a tight budget, you can look into the $99.99 Razer Seiren BT Bluetooth wireless mic we recently reviewed. The DJI mice reviewed cost $329 at  B&H Photo. The Rode Wireless Go II wireless mic kit will cost you $299 and allow you to plug into a Lavalier. You can also check out our best wireless mics page for more options.

Blink Me 2-Person Smart Wireless Mic design

As I previously mentioned, the Blink Me arrived in a hardy pelican-like hard plastic case, but also came with a branded soft case within. When I opened the hard case, I found two sturdy puck-like transmitters and the receiver (which doubles as a charger), securely held in place by foam within the hard case.

I found several accessories within the case, such as magnets that you place behind your recording subject’s shirt or lapel. You can use a magnetically attaching spring load clamp instead of using the magnetic-backing-behind-the clothing method. The receiver is connected to each transmitter via magnetics while charging them, and it also attaches magnetically to a little platform that has a ¾ screw mount and functions as a hot shoe mount and will fit most cameras.

I love the overall design, and the build quality is excellent. The transmitters fit in the palm of your hand. When you’re looking at them, you will find a gorgeous color OLED display that allows you to power it on or off, raise and lower the omnidirectional mic gain levels, onboard recording,  level of noise canceling, mute the mic, and even choose different background wallpaper for each display to add a little style. There is also a physical noise-canceling control button and a power button.

The receiver is a combination of a round top and bottom that magnetically attach to the transmitter with a squared overall shape. The receiver also fits nicely in your hand and has a lovely OLED color display, allowing you to control the mic levels, mute, and noise-canceling features. We find a USB-Type C port on the squared-off sides for charging and connecting to a computer, a 3.5mm audio out jack, and a 3.5mm headphone jack to monitor your audio.

On the other side, we find the power and audio levels butting.

The square touch display shows your audio levels and lets you flip through the menu to select your options and features.

Blink Me 2-Person Smart Wireless Mic audio quality

I’ve used wireless mics for years while working in television, commercials, and filming stand-up comedy. The mics have different levels of quality that you can hear once you know what you’re listening for. I cannot stress enough that if the quality of your audio is terrible, people will first turn a deaf ear and stop watching your content quickly.

That all said, the omnidirectional microphones on the Saramonic Blink Me 2-person wireless kit are excellent and record professional-level quality. This means in all conditions. You get crisp, clear, full audio and tonal range recordings that never sound tinny or are filled with distortions or background hissing. 

While working with the SBM kit, I found the omnidirectional mics focused on my vocals regardless of the background — even while recording ideas as I walked past busy NYC traffic. I tested the HD Active Noise Cancellation levels in those conditions, and my recordings were excellent, with only minor background noise, without ever being choppy. 

The omnidirectional microphones on the transmitters work in the 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range with a sampling rate of 48kHz/24bits, which consistently helped me create crystal-clear audio despite nearby traffic and bird chirping threatening the quality.

The provided windshield helped during extremely windy conditions — wind noise never came through during my recordings. The HD Active Noise Cancellation combined with the windshield produced excellent results, but it’s worth noting that the volume level would occasionally drop slightly. 

As far as distance, I recorded walking around my backyard over 100 feet away from the receiver and never lost the signal. I then set up the camera and mic and walked up the street with cars, trees, and buildings, and again, I never lost signal — even at 300 feet. The built-in omnidirectional mics on this Saramonic wireless kit are excellent, rivaling everything we’ve reviewed thus far. Although they won’t compete with a top-of-the-line Lavalier mic for built-ins, they’re professional-level mics and fantastic for vlogging, filming interviews, or whatever content where hiding a mic isn’t necessary. 

The other thing is, with 8GB of onboard storage allowing you to record directly to the transmitter, even if you exceed the range, you will still have a pro-level recording to work with and sync up to your footage.

Blink Me 2-Person Smart Wireless Mic software

The Saramonic App app gives users great control and takes customization to another level. Using the Saramonic app will allow you to customize the transmitters’ user interface to feature a new theme or add you or your logos or photos. It gives users control over the transmitter button functions, allowing them to change what the transmitters’ buttons do, thus optimizing your production workflow.

The app includes the Saramonic SmartRecorder, free full-featured video and audio recording apps, and an ideal app recorder for the Blink Me and other microphones. You can also control the gain, low-cut filters, noise reduction, voice enhancements features, and more while using the Saramonic app.  Although Blink Me is plug-and-playable, I recommend downloading this free app for Android and iOS. 

Blink Me 2-Person Smart Wireless Mic battery life

I do not understand the magical properties of the tiny batteries that go into Blink Me’s wireless transmitter and receiver. Still, you can get more than a full day's use out of them, which shocked me because they also have to power the beautiful OLED displays.

The receiver and transmitters are rated for up to nine hours, with 24 hours of total use being the suggested standard. I got 12.5 hours without recharging, but that was stop-and-go usage with me shutting the kit off between setting up my shots. 

When the transmitters are magnetically attached to the receiver, they recharge. When you plug the receiver into your computer or a charger, both the receiver and transmitters will recharge via the USB-Type C port.

Bottom Line

The BlinkMe is an astonishingly effective wireless mic kit. Despite my best attempts, I couldn’t get the signal between the transmitter and the receiver to drop out (so I didn’t need to use the mic’s Onboard Recording feature to plug any sound gaps). 

Each transmitter’s large touchscreen enables you to tweak levels and activate noise reduction in a few swipes and taps. The magnetic mounts hold the mics securely (but you can easily remove the mic to tweak its settings before re-attaching it to your subject). 

If you’re in the market for a wireless mic kit, then the Saramonic BlinkMe is an excellent choice. However, the transmitters are hard to hide; they’re better suited for vlogging or filming documentary-style work. Regardless, the Blink Me 2-person wireless mic kit is a win for Saramonic and an option you should seriously consider.

Plug and playability with multiple devices is the name of the game for the Wireless Me, making it the perfect choice for everyone from beginners to advanced shooters who require excellent audio that’s quick to set up. 

The Rode Wireless Me ($149) is the company's next installment in its content creator wireless mics lineup; that, although similar to the popular Wireless Go II, its slight variance is more than cosmetic. Immediately you will notice the lack of an LCD display on the receiver. And there’s an interesting design change, there’s a microphone on the receiver which allows it to be used as a second mic. This does away with having two separate transmitters and creates an even smaller footprint, as you no longer require a second device. 

Read on to learn the ins and outs of Rode’s latest home run.

Rode Wireless Me pricing and availability

The Rode Wireless Me costs $149 and comes with a transmitter, and a receiver, which also has a built-in omnidirectional microphone, connection cables, and a swift carrying case to keep it all safe. From the moment you open the box, you can connect to just about anything and start filming your content while recording some mighty fine audio in either stereo or mono. 

For just $149, run-and-gun content creators can snag this and get to work as soon as you get them out of the box and charged up. 

If you’re on a super tight budget and only need a single wireless mic setup, the $99 Razer Seiren BT could be a more affordable option. You could also pick up the Movo WMX-2 Duo for $149.95, and it also comes with everything you need to jump straight into creating right out of the box. If you have a bigger budget and want a more premium setup, you should look into the Rode Wireless Go II for $299 or the DJI Mic for $329.

Rode Wireless Me design

Rode’s build quality and performance are top-of-the-line, which holds true for the Wireless Me. The Rode Wireless Me comes with what appears to be two identical black boxes.

However, one is the transmitter unit with a built-in omnidirectional mic you attach to your subject, and the other one is the receiver, which you attach to your recording device (smartphone/tablet/camera) via one of the supplied cables.

Both arrive with cold shoe clips that double as clothing clips to attach to a jacket or shirt. As mentioned previously, both have integrated omnidirectional microphones, USB ports for charging and connecting to your computer, smartphone, and tablet. There is also a  3.5-millimeter TRS socket on the transmitter for connecting a lavalier mic if you wish to be more stealthy about your mic placement.

The key difference between the Wireless Me and the Rode Wireless Go II is the receiver has its own mic.

This allows the person running the camera to record and interview or chat back and forth simultaneously.  Having two individual audio channels also helps in post with overall sound quality.

When you open the box, you will find a set of four cables for connecting the receiver to a 3.5mm TRS camera mic socket, a 3.5mm TRRS cable for smartphones with a 3.5mm jack, a USB Type-C cable to Android devices and computers, plus a Lightning cable for iPhones. You also have clip-on windshields that come in handy when recording outdoors, especially if it’s a bit windy out. 

Although this is a two-mic setup, you can add a third mic if needed. Who doesn’t love options? And in keeping with that mindset, you’ll find that the Wireless Me is compatible with Rode’s Series IV wireless setup, allowing it to be used with the company’s other wireless products. 

Unlike its predecessor, the Wireless Go II, or the DJI Mic, the Me does not have onboard recording capabilities due to a lack of storage. So remember to back up your audio to whatever device the Wireless Go II is connected to.

Rode Wireless Me setup and controls

The Wireless Me is extremely plug-and-play. So you should take advantage of the free Rode Connect app, which is available for download on both your smartphone (Android/iOS), computer (Windows/macOS) and gives you more intimate control settings to take advantage of. 

All of the mic controls can be found in the Rode Central desktop and phone app. When you first plug the transmitter or receiver into your computer, you may receive a prompt to update your firmware. It’s something you’ll see several times over the lifetime of your device because Rode has a nice habit of improving performance.

You will notice settings for output levels and whether or not you wish to set the Gain Assist to auto or dynamic. The options provide automatic level monitoring that helps prevent your audio from clipping during recordings.

Rode Wireless Me audio quality

From the streets of Brooklyn, NY, to the quiet aviary that is my backyard, the Wireless Me recorded flawless audio in each and every environment. The integrated mic on both units focus on your vocals and captures the full tonal range of your voice. When combined with a lavalier, you get even tighter audio, but truthfully, the Wireless Me kit was a win each and every time. 

I set up my camera and walked 150 feet down my street, filming myself walking toward my building, while talking to myself. Sure, my neighbors think I’m strange, but the resulting audio recording was excellent, as the unit was clipped to my suit jacket’s lapel, catching the natural timbre of my voice against the gentle background of birds and light traffic.

When the wind picked up, it was the perfect time to test out the windscreens, and they produced the desired effect. When I plugged a lavalier mic into the transmitter unit, the audio recorded, while hidden near my neck, was truly fantastic and usable on every level of production. 

Rode scored major points for keeping a winning design while also making small changes to make a more affordable wireless mic kit for beginners and novices alike while maintaining high quality audio recording performance.

Rode Wireless Me software

Over time, Rode has developed a suite of free audio software to enhance the user experience and extend the capabilities of its products. As mentioned above, it starts with the Rode Connect software, which helps you choose the options that work best for you, while also allowing you to quickly upgrade your firmware. 

Rode’s Reporter app is a user-friendly recording app that works seamlessly with the Wireless Me and other Rode wireless mic products while offering an easy-to-use interface. The Rode reporter app is great for recording a solo podcast or for when you’re interviewing someone while using the Wireless Me mics.

Lastly, Rode Capture is a new app for iOS devices that lets you capture excellent audio and video with just your smartphone. The easy-to-use iOS video app comes with some potent features and offers direct in-app control of compatible Rode microphones. You can use it to capture professional audio while also recording video in dual camera mode using both the front and selfie cameras. It’s a nifty feature if you’re conducting an interview. There is also picture-in-picture and split-screen recording modes, which allows you to take full advantage of the Wireless ME’s dual-integrated microphones. The tandem is an excellent combo for those creating content for TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat or YouTube.

Rode Wireless Me battery life

The Wireless Me transmitter and receiver are both rated for seven hours of continuous recording. In my testing, I got nearly ten hours, but I did turn them off once or twice while moving my camera around and taking short breaks to take calls and answer emails. 

I will add that unlike DJI or the Movo WMX, the Wireless Me doesn’t come with a charging case, which is a little disappointing. However, you will find they can be charged with most portable chargers. They charge up rather quickly if connected to a laptop, and I notice a full charge takes about 45 minutes. Rode should look into a charging case because most of its competitors offer this at a similar cost. 

Bottom Line

For under $150, finding a premium wireless mic kit is a struggle. The Rode Wireless Me is a fantastic little dual-mic kit that’s simple enough for first-timers but it’s also very useful for serious filmmakers or content creators. Adding a built-in mic on the receiver is a smart touch that could prove to be a huge help to those who tend to shoot a lot of solo projects or interviews.

In the past year there have been several cheaper options brought to market, but the Rode Wireless Me, is a pro-level premium device that is easy to use and grants users many options. From connecting to a DSLR or to a smartphone, you’re insured excellent quality recordings time and time again.

Rode just launched its new Wireless ME mic kit that will remind many of the Wireless Go II we reviewed, but with some remarkable differences. The first thing you will notice is the lack of an LCD screen and the lack of a second transmitter. However, you can still record two audio sources as the receiver has a built-in microphone. 

Aimed at on-the-go content creators, the Wireless ME is ultra-compact with both units able to fit into a pocket while stashed in their handy soft case. When ready for use, you can quickly clip them onto your clothing and connect them to your camera, iPhone, or Android device, thanks to the included cables. 

Audio recording for the Wireless ME is handled by Rode's omnidirectional mics that record in the 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, with a dynamic range of 100 decibles, 24Bit bit depth, and a sample rate of 48kHz. The receiving unit has a 3.5mm audio port to connect to your camera or you can use the USB-Type C port to connect to your Apple or Android devices.  

The transmitter unit has the same built-in omnidirectional mic as the receiver as well as a 3.5mm audio port so that you can connect a lavalier mic to it if you wish. Each unit is rated at 7 hours of recording time, and is compatible with macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. 

Rode content creator Apps

The Rode Wireless ME comes with access to Rode's free-to-download creative apps. You can control and manage your device with the Rode Connect and Rode Central apps. You can use Rode reporter to record audio alone or conduct an interview.

These apps have been around for a while and work smoothly. Each has a user-friendly UI and is quick to learn. However, the newest app, Rode Capture, adds some handy tools for those who create TikTok or Instagram videos.

Rode Capture is a super easy-to-use iOS video app with powerful features for creating content that looks and sounds good—offering direct in-app control of compatible Rode microphones for capturing professional-level audio and a unique dual camera mode for recording both the front and selfie cameras simultaneously. 

With picture-in-picture and split screen recording, Rode Capture pairs perfectly with the Wireless ME’s dual in-built microphones, making them the perfect combo for creating content for TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat or YouTube shorts, sit-down interviews or podcasts, and other media applications.

The new Wireless ME costs $149 and is currently available at your favorite video and audio retailers as well as at Amazon. We will have a full review of the Wireless Me shortly. 

Hollyland’s Lark C1 Duo wireless mic kit features a pop of yellow piping that separates it from the typically bland wireless mic landscape. At just $179 at Amazon, it also undercuts much of the competition, making it an intriguing option for creators on a budget. 

As a budget-conscious content creator myself, I understand the importance of quality audio to tell your stories, share your thoughts, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. For aspiring content creators who may not yet own a DSLR (or have any desire to move to one) the Lark C1 Duo will give you stellar audio capture paired with your phone.?  High quality audio can be more critical to retaining your audience than video, so it’s important to choose one of the best wireless mic kits.

Does the Hollyland Lark C1 Duo make the cut? Absolutely, this could be the best sub-$200  wireless kit, but let’s take a closer look at what it offers.

Hollyland Lark C1 Duo pricing and availability

The Hollyland Lark C1 Duo costs $179 and comes with two transmitters with built-in omnidirectional microphones, one receiver, a hard plastic charging case, and a USB Type-C charging cable. Depending on if you purchased the Lark C1 Duo for Apple or the Android kit, you will notice just one difference.

One receiver has an Apple Lightning port connector and the other a USB Type-C connector. Regardless of which you use, this makes it perfect for content creators using their phones to create for their favorite social media sites.

If you’re on a tighter budget and only need a single wireless mic setup, the $99 Razer Seiren BT may be a better choice. If you have a bigger budget and want a more premium setup, look into the Rode Wireless Go II for $299 or the DJI Mic for $329. 

Hollyland Lark C1 Duo design

The super portable design easily slips into a pocket or backpack without adding weight to your kit. The white Hollyland logo on the front of the case stands out against its solid satin-finished black plastic with yellow piping design cues. Opening the lid you are greeted by a bold yellow interior looking back at you, making it easy to see the transmitters inside.

The Lark C1 Duo case has curved, rounded edges with smooth lines that feel excellent. The transmitters and receiving unit carry through the same feel and vibe as the case. 

Each transmitter weighs 11.5 grams (0.40 ounces), measures in at  0.8 x 1.9 x 0.4 inches, and when you clip one onto your collar or jacket, you will forget it's there, which makes for a comfortable overall user experience. The receiving unit weighs a paltry 7 grams (0.25 ounces), and measures 1.1 x 1.9 x 0.4 inches, and adds no noticeable weight to your phone or tablet. The charging case is also lightweight at just 85.5 grams (3 ounces) and measures 3.3 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches; you will barely notice it in your pocket or laptop bag.

I like the Lark C 1 Duo’s extremely lightweight design, but while the build quality is solid, it doesn’t feel as sturdy as the DJI mic. However, few wireless mics do, and at over $100 less, this isn’t a significant point of contention. Two minor things that the Lark C1 setup lacks versus more premium competition are a 3.5mm mic port and a lack of onboard memory, which we find in the more expensive Rode Wireless Go II and DJI mic

Hollyland Lark C1 Duo setup and controls

Simplicity rules here as there are no screens or complicated settings to futz around with on the C1 Duo. You simply connect the appropriate receiver to your phone and pull the transmitter/microphones out of the charging case, and you can start recording.

You can use the LarkSound app to make some minor adjustments, but it is truly a plug-and-play device right out of the box. You’ll get excellent audio recordings within seconds of connecting the C1 Duo. Each transmitter does feature a noise-canceling button, which really helps in windy conditions or in areas with a lot of background noise. 

If you don’t wish to use the noise canceling, the kit comes with a pair of windscreens that quickly pop on or off. Usually, I would be a little concerned about not having a more extensive set of controls and features, but after my testing, the results speak for themselves. Hollyland did an excellent job of finding the right level of noise canceling where the audio never sounds artificially drowned out or toned down. Even if you adjust the level of noise cancellation, you will find that it effectively matches the noise levels in the background.

Hollyland Lark C1 Duo 2 audio quality

During busy morning traffic in my Brooklyn, New York neighborhood, I connected the Lark C1 Duo’s receiver to my iPhone, placed my phone on my stoop, and walked across the street as traffic rumbled by. The quality of the audio I recorded from 100 feet away, with traffic passing, was immaculate. The omnidirectional mics on the transmitter unit did an excellent job of picking up the tonal variances in my voice. The built-in mics do a great job of focusing on your voice as I had it clipped to my sweatshirt, and the unit picked up all the natural timbre in my voice as I spoke from across the street with a huge truck rolling by.

Hollyland did a fantastic job engineering the Lark C1 Duo’s omnidirectional mics, as the noise canceling works smoothly without suffocating your audio, something you may notice when using a pair of earbuds with overly aggressive noise canceling. Hollyland’s algorithm finds the sweet spot, and they should be celebrated for this.

Looking to test it at a longer range, I connected the Hollyland Lark C1 Duo to my phone and walked a distance of nearly 250 feet The recording clarity was highly impressive, even with all the morning traffic on the main avenue by my home. Again, I commend Hollyland for finding these mics' 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency sweet spot. 

Hollyland Lark C1 Duo software

The LarkSound app lets you view your transmitter's battery life and shows the audio output levels. 

The app also allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation and mic volume. The app's UI is clean, simple, and easy to use. The app also lets you install any firmware updates for the mics.

Hollyland Lark C1 Duo battery life

The Hollyland Lark C1’s receiver and transmitter units are rated for eight hours. With a whopping four full recharges with the charging case, you’re looking at 32 total hours of use. That’s a full day of content creation into the next morning without recharging the case. I only recharged the system once during my testing.

I used the Kark C1 Duo’s for about 9.5 hours the first day and another eight the next, and it never died on me. I kept putting them back in the case between uses, and then picked them up four days later, and they still had a full charge left to use. That’s impressive and a win for Hollyland, as having a clean audio setup ready to go without constantly having to charge it back up makes for worry-free content creation. 

The charging case has a 1,400 mAh capacity battery and takes about 1.5 hours to recharge when plugged into a laptop or wall charger. It did recharge faster when I used Anker’s Nano II USB-C charger. It reached a full charge in an hour when I used it. My Chargeasap Flash Pro has a fast-chato recharge the case fullyhe case fully within an hour.

Bottom Line

As affordable wireless mics go, the Hollyland Lark C1 Duo is a good option for content creators looking to step up their audio game. Thanks to its noise-canceling capabilities, it is also an excellent option when interviewing a subject or filming in a public or otherwise noisy location. 

While I will add that the Hollyland Lark C1 Duo 2’s lack of a 3.5mm mic jack is a little disappointing, as that allows you to conceal your mic with a lavalier, but depending on your needs that may not matter.

For a sub-$200 kit, you get a good deal of performance and quality to keep your followers, friends, and fans happy. With 32 hours of battery life, you also get the security of knowing you can go nearly two days without having to fully recharge the case and can keep filming. 

This evening Rode announced the launch of the NT1 5th Generation. This professional-level studio condenser microphone fuses the classic audio of its legendary studio mic, the NT1, with new, cutting-edge technology and dual connectivity. With over six million units sold, The NT1 might be the world's most popular studio microphone, with over six million sold worldwide. 

First released more than 30 years ago, the microphone has undergone multiple transformations, including the legendary NT1-A and innovative fourth-generation NT1, both used by many content creators today. 

The NT1 5th Generation is significant as it offers excellent build quality and performance while introducing Rode's new Dual Connect output offering both XLR and USB connectivity, a world-first "unclippable" 32-bit float digital output, and advanced digital signal processing. 

We just received a review unit and are excited to see if it joins our best microphone list. 

Availability and price 

The 5th Gen NT1 becomes available for order tonight in the United States on the Rode website and Amazon. The NT1 with dual connectivity pro studio audio will run you $259. The NT1 has not only 30 years of successful deployment but now reaches into the digital realm by connecting via XLR and USB. 

Since you can connect the mic via USB, you can download Rode's Connect and Rode Central apps for free to fine-tune the mic's performance and access its powerful internal DSP. 

For those seeking to go next level with their podcast, streaming, or even working on cutting a demo in your home studio, the NT1 is probably going to be one of the best options available to you thanks to its ultra-low-noise, high-gain, and warm audio recording, 

We will have a full review for you in the upcoming weeks. 

Update Jan. 26 at 2:03 p.m. ET: This deal ended. GameStop now offer the Blue Yeti is for $99 ($30 off)

The Blue Yeti is one of the best USB microphones for podcasting, Twitch streaming, and just about any type of vocal recording. For a limited time, you can get the Blue Yeti USB Microphone for just $64.99 at GameStop. It normally retails for $130, so that's $65 in savings or 50% off. This is the Blue Yeti mic's lowest price yet. It's also $35 cheaper than Amazon's current price. 

By far, this is the best Blue Yeti microphone deal we've seen outside of the holidays. 

The Blue Yeti is a top-rated multi-pattern USB mic for professional recordings. It captures 16-bit/48kHz audio and has a built-in gain dial, volume knob and mute button. Plug-and-play for Windows and macOS computers, the Blue Yeti is easy to set up.

While most podcasters will opt for the cardioid audio recording, the Yeti mic can pick up bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo sound. It's a favorite among Twitch streamers, YouTube creators, and musicians.

While we didn't test this particular microphone, we gave the Blue Yeti Nano review a high rating of 5 out of 5-stars for its excellent broadcast sound quality, polar patterns options and solid build quality. We expect the Blue Yeti in this deal to be on par with its smaller sized sibling. 

At just $65, the Blue Yeti is a no-brainer if you're looking for an affordable USB mic for professional audio recording. 

I’m a YouTuber, and the SmallRig Forevala W60 has been a huge help in my life of daily filming, so I have sufficient experience with this wireless microphone set to determine its strengths and weaknesses.

As a content creator, I know there are two key nuisances many people in my position face while filming: achieving professional-level sound quality and dodging entangled cables. Smallrig rectifies both issues.

SmallRig has seemingly fixed both of these problems, and after a few months of use, it’s clear that the $199 Forevala W60 (though they are regularly on discount) is the next essential purchase for anyone getting serious about their content. But there are some lessons I learned along the way.

SmallRig Forevala W60 design

It all starts with a sleek, durable, convenient design that takes up minimal space in your backpack. Measuring 6.3 x 2.75 x 1 inches, this durable plastic case withstood many drops and dings, mostly due to my clumsiness, while shooting video during CES 2023. Plus, as you may have noticed from the USB-C port round the back or the pull out USB-A cable, the case itself has a battery to keep everything inside topped up.

Then you open it and see the two wireless microphones — compact cuboids that don’t distract the viewer when they are present on camera. The sleekness of them means that you do notice them, but not to an overwhelming degree that it becomes an eyesore or pulls down on your top too much.

As for the compact receiver, it shares the same sleek and utilitarian aesthetic, alongside two metallic volume knobs for turning up (or down) the gain on each microphone. The hardware-based control is warmly welcome here as opposed to relying on software leveling.

Both the mics and the receiver have bright, legible color displays on them, as well as clips that are all exactly the right width to fit nicely into a hot shoe mount on a camera rig. This isn’t to say that you should do that with the microphones (they are lapels after all). But it’s an ideal way to quickly holster your receiver in a place that’s not going to be limited by any signal interruptions.

Not all of it is perfect, though. The windscreens (or dead cats if you want to be weird about your naming conventions) are awkward to put on with a little catch that you screw into the microphone hole. With all of the attention to magnetism throughout other elements of the design, a windscreen that snaps into place like this would’ve been far better.

But beyond that, every element is well thought out for the creative pro that needs an audio solution on the go.

SmallRig Forevala W60 setup

Setting up is a cinch, provided you have the right things. If you’re plugging this directly into a DSLR, then you’ve got nothing to worry about — just use the correct cable to attach it and you’re golden.

Android phones will require a USB-C to TRRS converter to wire it up, and in my case (using an iPhone 13 Pro, a Lightning to TRRS adaptor. Connecting it all up will show you that it is treated like any standard mic you plug directly into the phone, which means it’s plug and play.

That simplicity really helped in the more urgent moments of filming, where there’s a shot you just need to get in a fleeting moment. I got the act of setting up, plugging in, leveling audio and pressing record down to two minutes and thirty seconds — and I’ve no doubt you could beat my time.

But there is the challenge of finding the right adaptor for your phone. I bought a couple myself from different companies, but only the official one SmallRig sells separately (or this one from UGREEN) work without any audible hiss.

It can be a minefield trying to find the right one that offers a strong enough audio quality to be worthwhile, and it would have been great to get these adaptors included in the purchase — just so any potential buyers’ remorse is removed.

SmallRig Forevala W60 audio quality

When it comes to audio quality, I fully understand there are far better and pricier options out there. That’s not what anyone who should buy this cares about — you want it to sound good with relatively minimal effort on the leveling, without any noticeable latency. And on those points, SmallRig nails it.

In quieter sound-controlled settings, your voice is given a nice warmth to it without any clipping issues and editing it afterwards is near-non existent. I felt comfortable putting some of this captured audio in videos with only a slight tweak to the volume control. Without the need for audio processing, that’s another corner cut — and your editing time just got a whole lot faster.

Then in outdoor scenarios, provided you turn on the low cut filter, you get similarly impressive results. Background noise is identifiable, but none of it encroaches on the main subject’s voice, and the windscreen does a great job of protecting the mic from any blow outs.

Plus, SmallRig bragged about a 100-meter reception distance. Of course, this can be impacted by walls and any other devices giving off wireless signals (for example, my AirPods Pro 2 created some interference). But in a proper test of its distance, latency was still barely negligible from the other end of a field as I spoke to the camera.

SmallRig Forevala W60 battery life

This is certainly one of the strong points of this system. A lot of clip-on mic systems like this usually come with quite a poor battery life, minimizing the components and resulting in a compromised longevity. The Forevala W60 promises up to eight hours of recording time on one charge, and I’m very happy to say it hits that number.

What this means is an almost worry-free battery life for any longer recording sessions. Maybe you’re capturing an elongated clip of a walkthrough that you want to chop down at a later time. Or maybe it’s for voice memo purposes that you’re recording a lot of lectures at a conference. This will stay right there with you, and if you do drain it, the charging case can give you an additional three charge cycles.

Bottom line

When it comes to creating a YouTube video, audio is just as important as the moving images on screen, and setting up a good solution for capturing sound has always been a bit of a hassle.

The SmallRig Forevala W60 manages to do double duty as an easy-to-use dual microphone system; it has strong sound capturing capabilities, too. Compared to the wired lapel mic I used in the past, the cable-free nature really allowed me more versatility to move on camera, and the warm, detailed sound capture really cut down my need to process/master the audio.

Simply put, this is an essential tool for any video maker who wants to get real about upgrading the sound of their videos without breaking the bank. It’s a great intermediate step that is even good enough for some pros, too.

The Shure SM7B is the best XLR microphone for streaming and podcasting. And thanks to this season's holiday tech deals, our favorite vocal mic is at a great price.

Right now, you can get the awesome Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone for $359 at Amazon. Typically, you'd expect to pony up $500 for this dynamic cardioid mic, so that's $140 in savings. Rarely on sale, this is the Shure SM7B's lowest price of the year.

Amazon also offers the Shure MV7 USB Microphone for $224 (487 off).

Shure's SM7B vocal microphone is the professional audio gadget of choice for radio personalities, podcasters and streamers. It's been seen on the YouTube channels of Power 105.1 radio's "The Breakfast Club", Mike Tyson's "Hotboxin' with Mike", and Logan Paul's "Impaulsive" podcast just to name a few. It features a dynamic capsule, cardioid polar pattern, 50Hz to 20kHz frequency range, impedance of 150 Ohms, -59 dBV sensitivity and XLR connector.

In our Shure SM7B review, we praise its svelte design and magnificent, rich audio. We also loved how it practically eliminated peaks and plosives during vocal recordings. For these attributes, we gave the Shure SM7B an overall rating of 4 out of 5-stars and our Editor's Choice award.

The Shure SM7B connects to your laptop using a mixer and XLR cable (sold separately). Our reviewer used the Razer Audio Mixer and Mogami Gold Studio XLR cable. During real-world testing, vocals were smooth and crisp. The SM7B effectively picked up low dialogue and made it sound full.

At $140 off, the Shure SM7B is at a rare price and a solid buy for any podcaster, voice-over artist or streamer.

Black Friday is here and we're ready to show you the goods. In this spotlight, we're taking a look at the HyperX QuadCast S, a beloved desktop microphone that will make you look and feel like a professional if you're a streamer or even just a gamer who wants to sound great. You can get your hands on the HyperX QuadCast S for $120 at Amazon.

That's $40 off its original price, which is a great deal for something as prestigious as the HyperX QuadCast S. If you really want to get your hands on a premium microphone without dishing out hundreds upon hundreds of dollars, this is worth checking out.

Black Friday has begun and we expect to see tons of excellent holiday deals on gaming laptops. Be sure to bookmark our Black Friday gaming laptop deals hub for the best discounts.

The usefulness of desktop microphones should not be underestimated. They can elevate your presence within streams and even Discord calls to a whole other level, and even if you're just someone who wants to game frequently, it's a great call to make yourself sound crystal clear.

Personally, I engage in plenty of D&D roleplay, and having a solid microphone is a must in that situation. Sure, built-in microphones you get from your gaming headset might be passable, but unless you're sporting something truly premium, it won't hold a candle to a piece of hardware like this.

Today Rode launched the NT-USB+ microphone, a professional-grade USB microphone with next-generation features for recording studio-quality audio directly to a computer or mobile device. Built with a studio-grade condenser capsule and ultra-low-noise, Rode's high-gain Revolution Preamp delivers pristine audio ideal for a wide range of recording applications, including vocals and instruments, podcasting, streaming, and more. 

When we reviewed the Rode NT USB Mini Mic last fall it earned our prestigious Editors' Choice award and a spot on our best USB mics list, so the new larger model is building on a strong foundation. 

Rode's free Rode Connect software gives you access to the Powerful APHEX audio processing for taking any recording to the next level. It also features a headphone output for monitoring with zero latency and comes with a pop filter and desktop stand.

The other great aspect of the Rode mic ecosystem is all the other free compatible Software: such as  RØDE Central, RØDE Connect,  RØDE Reporter, and the recently released RØDE X UNIFY (free with any RØDE X mic, subscription without). 

We will have a review of Rode's latest NT USB+ in the next few weeks, but if you can't wait, the Rode NT USB + mic is available starting today for $169 at Rode.

Movo’s WMX-2 Duo wireless mic system for content creators jumps out of the box with everything you’ll need to record excellent audio, whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone camera. 

I was shocked by how much Movo packed into this tiny white and green box. From every connection cable you could ever need, to a set of pro-level lavalier (lav) mics, and a charging case that extends the system's battery life. 

If you’re a content creator looking for an affordable all-in-one solution, the Movo WMX-2 Duo may be perfect for you. 

Movo WMX-2 Duo pricing and availability

The Movo WMX-2 Duo costs $199.95 and comes with two transmitters, one receiver, the hard plastic charging case, connection cables, and a set of lav mics that allow you to connect to a computer, camera, or smartphone. From the moment you open the box, you can connect to just about anything and start filming your content while recording some mighty fine audio in either stereo or mono. 

Lone wolves looking for a single setup can snag one for  $149.95. 

If you’re on a tight budget and only need a single wireless mic setup, the $99 Razer Seiren BT may be a better choice for you. If you have a bigger budget and want a more premium setup, you should look into the Rode Wireless Go II for $299 or the DJI Mic for $329.

Movo WMX-2 Duo design

The Movo WMX-2 Duo consists of a pair of transmitters and receivers. As expected they’re pretty unassuming, made of dark grey hard plastic. They’re nearly identical in design with the exception of the white font TX lettering for transmitter or RX for receiver. On the right side of each unit we find the Back, Set and, Mute buttons.

At the top of the two transmitters, there’s a built-in omnidirectional microphone and a 3.5 mm jack to connect a lav microphone. Along the left, there’s a USB-C port for charging. On the back is a built-in belt clip and charging contacts for when they’re charging in the case.

As far as the receiver, at the top there are two 3.5mm jacks: one for audio output and the other for headphones to monitor your audio. On the left side of the unit, there’s the USB-C jack, while around the back is the same belt clip and charging contacts as.

The all-black charging case is hardy, but the plastic shell isn’t as rigid or  as reassuring solid as the charging case of the DJI Mic. It’s also larger and a little clunky, but it works well. When the WMX-2 Duo units are in the case, it closes with a satisfying click and reopens with a firm button push. The power button and LED lights sit on the right side of the charging case which indicate power remaining in the case, and whether or not the wireless mic system is charging. Also included are a pair of windscreens that connect directly to each unit’s built-in microphones.

I like the overall design of the Movo WMX-2 Duo wireless mic system, and the build quality of the receiver and transmitter units is solid. However, when you bring in the DJI Mic, the overall design is like comparing a Hyundai to a Mercedes. Hyundai makes great cars, but they’re not a Mercedes. But give me a dependable Hyundai any day because it’s going to get the job done consistently with little to no fuss, and I love that. However, both the Rode Wireless Go II and DJI Mic come with built-in storage and can record pro-level audio on their own.

Movo WMX-2 Duo setup and controls

The user interface is so clean and easy to use that I became enamored with it due to its simplicity. Sure, I love the touch screens on the Rode Wireless GO II and DJI Mic, but there is something to be said for simple things that not only work, but work very well like the WMX-2 Duo. Once you realize that the mute button is also the power button on the WMX-Duo receiver you’re off to the races.

I, however, initially did not look and aimlessly pushed buttons till I noticed the embossed symbol and pushed down on it and held it for three seconds. Once turned on, the non-touch LCD screen lights up in a lovely blue that is bright and clear.

On the screen, while using either the Back, Set, or Mute buttons, you can quickly adjust your settings. You can raise or lower the gain, choose stereo or mono recording, or mute the system entirely when taking a moment to reset.

Movo WMX-2 Duo audio quality

From my backyard to the streets of Brooklyn, the Movo WMX-2 Duo wireless mic system proved up to the challenge in every situation and condition. I tested the built-in mics with and without the included windscreens and the included lavalier microphones. 

I stood 50 feet away from my camera and the receiver in my backyard and filmed a brief video using the built-in mics clipped to my T-shirt. They did a nice job of isolating my vocals and creating a clear, clean recording. Then the wind picked up, which was the perfect time to try out the windscreens and they produced the desired effect. I recorded some more as they were battered by the windy elements.. I also walked around the busy Park Slope Brooklyn streets and was pleased with the audio quality with an acceptable amount of New York City background noise. 

In the past, Movo’s lav mics were mediocre at best, but they’ve improved a great deal, and they really made a difference. My test results were extremely close to the quality I got from both the Rode Wireless Go II and the DJI Mic when using the same Rode lav mics. 

Movo earns major points for pricing this kit within reach of those on a budget, but also for the quality of the overall kit. The lav mics did an amazing job capturing all the different tones and inflections of my voice and focused on my vocals while minimizing background noise. Yes, we know 2.4-GHz mics will not give you the range of DJI or Rode, but 328 feet isn’t shabby, and it’s rare that you’re ever that far away from your subjects.

Movo WMX-2 Duo software

The Movo WMX-2 Duo is completely plug-and-play. That means it doesn’t require any downloads or proprietary software to work. It played nicely with my recording software across all devices I used it on.

Movo WMX-2 Duo battery life

The Movo WMX-2 Duo’s receiver and transmitter units are rated for seven hours of battery life, and with two full recharges with the charging case, you’re looking at 21 hours of use. That’s a full day of content creation and more. I only had to recharge the system once. I used the WMX-2 for nine hours the first day and recharged the system during my lunch hour. Something to keep in mind is that if you’re like most content creators, you’re putting the devices back into the charging case between takes or while moving to another location. So they will remain charged throughout the day without any real effort. 

The charging case has a 3,000mAh capacity battery and takes about four hours to fully recharge when plugged into a laptop or 2 hours when plugged into a wall charger. I found it recharged faster when I used a fast charging device like Anker’s Nano II USB-C charger. It reached a full charge in about 2 hours when I did that. Also, my Chargeasap Flash Pro has a fast-charging option and charged the case fully within two hours, further stretching how long I could record audio while filming. Bravo on battery life, Movo, ya done good, kids.

Bottom Line

The Movo WMX-2 Duo is an affordable get-it-done wireless mic kit you can snatch up for under $200 and record professional-level audio when filming content for your fans, friends, and supporters. With its multi-platform capability, you really get your money’s worth.  

When you throw in the charging case and battery life, the only thing keeping the Movo WMX-2 Duo from matching either the Rode Wireless Go II or DJI Mic is the lack of built-in storage. Also, the built-in omnidirectional mics aren’t as good, but they’re close enough in a pinch, andyou can expect pro-level recordings with the included lav mics. Overall, the Movo WMX-2 Duo is one of the top wireless mic systems you can buy.

The burgeoning wireless microphone market promises convenience and freedom, but does it deliver on its hype? Our team of experienced content creators delved into the latest mic launches, putting them through rigorous testing to identify the best value options for your content creation needs. Say goodbye to buyer's remorse – we've done the legwork, uncovering the top wireless microphones that elevate your content without straining your budget. Stay tuned for the final verdict!

From $59 up to $329, our collection of top wireless mic kits gives content creators at all levels an excellent selection to choose from. 

The Best wireless microphones you can buy today

Rode barely held onto to its top spot as it remains our best overall wireless microphone kit with the Rode Wireless Go II. Its recording quality, range, and completeness of its kit allow content creators to record excellent audio across multiple platforms with ease. We loved being able to ditch our DSLP, connect the Wireless Go II to our smartphones, and create 4K footage with professional-level audio. 

DJI wasn't far behind after snagging an Editor's Choice in our recent review of the simply named DJI Mic 2, while Razer and Movo found their way onto our list thanks to a blend of capability and affordability. 

Here's a closer look at the best wireless microphones available today.

The Rode Wireless Go II strikes a rare balance: ultra-lightweight design, pro-quality audio, and a 650-foot recording range, all for under $300. This feature-packed system includes two microphone transmitters, making it a steal for content creators at any level. Whether recording directly to your camera, smartphone, or using the built-in storage, the Wireless Go II is a versatile and portable solution for filming content on the go.

The Wireless Go II gives you the option to record directly to a camera or smartphone or take advantage of the onboard storage. Suppose you’re looking to purchase a wireless mic system for filming your content on the go. In that case, the Wireless Go II is one of the best options available for amateurs all the way up to professionals.

Read our full Rode Wireless Go II review.

The DJI Mic 2 ($349) improves on its predecessor with a sleek design and impressive AI noise cancellation. It competes well against rivals, offering clear audio in various environments. While the user interface is user-friendly with a touchscreen and dial, it has a slight learning curve for achieving the best results.

This microphone system is ideal for content creators, journalists, and vloggers who prioritize capturing professional-grade audio on the go. The AI noise cancellation effectively reduces background noise, ensuring clear vocals. If budget isn't a top concern and excellent audio is your priority, the DJI Mic 2 stands out with its capabilities, making it a strong recommendation, especially for noisy environments.

Read our full DJI Mic 2 review.

For a mere $129, the Blink 500 B2+ wireless mic kit offers a staggering amount of value. The audio recording quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) rival those of the much pricier DJI Wireless mic kit, making it a budget-friendly dream come true for content creators.

The real magic lies in its versatility. Not only can you connect the receiver to your camera for professional-grade audio, but a dedicated aux output allows you to simultaneously record the same high-quality sound to your smartphone – perfect for creators who utilize both platforms. It's a game-changer, and all at an accessible price point.

Sure, the hard plastic build might not scream "luxury," but don't let that fool you. Both the receiver and transmitter are surprisingly sturdy. (Full disclosure: for the sake of testing – definitely not because of clumsiness – I dropped them from over four feet during filming, multiple times. Not a scratch.)

This is a fantastic "grab-and-go" microphone set that delivers pro-level audio at an incredible price. It's a testament to the fact that amazing features don't have to break the bank.

Read our full  Saramonic Blink 500 B2+ Wireless Mic review.

No, you didn't accidentally scroll back to the top, the Rode Wireless Go II is also available as a single transmitter. Offering the same ultra-compact form factor and an unmatched feature set as the original, but with just one transmitter instead of two, it’s the ultimate wireless microphone for solo content creators. The receiver in the single set and identical to its dual-channel sibling, meaning an additional transmitter can easily be paired for dual-channel recording. You get all the same features and range for just $187.

With Movo’s WMX-1 2.4GHz wireless mic kit, you will get a complete kit with everything you need to connect the wireless mic system to a DSLR, computer, or smartphone, for $59. The kit has cables for all these connections and a quality lavalier microphone. You get 200 feet of range between the transmitter and receiver, which is more than enough for most content creators. 

This versatility and price point is why the Movo WMX-1 makes our list, as it’s a great affordable option for beginning content creators to have in the kit. The one major flaw for some may be the need to carry AAA batteries, which can add weight to your kit. However, if you are just getting started and can't afford one of the pricier kits on our list then this is an excellent option.

Are you tired of plosives? Sick of peaking? Annoyed with your epic monologues being sidelined by your microphone’s crappy pickup? Well, no more! The Shure SM7B is here to save you from your audio nightmare.

The Shure SM7B is an incredibly powerful and precise cardioid XLR microphone packed in a svelte design that’ll make you look as professional as you sound. The bummer is that it costs a whopping $400, and that doesn’t even count the mixer and XLR cable to get you started.

Despite its price, and frustrating instructions, the Shure SM7B is at the top of our best streaming microphones page for a reason.

Shure SM7B price and configurations

The Shure SM7B alone is $400, but there’s a variety of bundles that can send the price higher depending on your accessory needs. Firstly, the original packaging comes with the standard RK345 windscreen, a thicker A7WS windscreen, and the RPM602 switch cover plate.

For $503, you can pick up the Shure SM7B with a boom arm and a 15-foot XLR cable. That may seem expensive for an arm and a cable for the untrained eye, but getting a cable or an arm separately could run you more than that, depending on the brand you’re buying from. And yes, the type of cable you get matters. However, we haven’t tested the cable that Shure provides, so we cannot speak to that.

For $602, you can get the Shure SM7B bundle that comes with the aforementioned products as well as Shure SRH440A headphones, which are $99 studio headphones.

Shure SM7B design

The Shure SM7B sports a svelte black chassis that’s unassuming yet iconic. Your favorite podcasters, streamers and YouTubers are likely rocking this very microphone. The base is a simple black cylinder that feeds into a metallic band with the branding as well as two screws for the mount and XLR input.

Beyond that, there’s the already attached windscreen. I attempted to take it off to see the interior, but I almost ripped it apart because the instructions were incredibly unclear. It just shows an image of someone pulling it off. But when I looked it up, I found out that there’s a thin plastic piece you’re supposed to pull in order to take it off. The interior features a solid metal cage.

The instructions concerning the larger windscreen were equally unclear because of course there’s no plastic piece. Instead, you have to manually attach velcro straps to the base of the mic in order to install it. Why does this have to be so complicated?

On the backside of the Shure SM7B are the manual switches for the EQ. Out of the box, it’s set to the Flat Response setting, but you can adjust it for Bass Rolloff or Presence Boost. The attachment at the top can be adjusted for 5/8 or 3/8-inch threaded boom arms.

Shure SM7B audio quality

The Shure SM7B is a cardioid XLR microphone, which means it has a heart-shaped polar pattern (it’ll pick up sound only within that shape, with the bottom of the heart facing you). If it wasn’t obvious, you can’t just connect the Shure SM7B directly to your laptop, so first and foremost you’ll need a mixer as well as an XLR cable. I am using the Razer Audio Mixer ($250) with a Mogami Gold Studio XLR cable ($99).

When I hopped on a call with my sister, she was immediately impressed with the sound of my voice and how well the Shure SM7B could pick up the faintest whisper without a modicum of background noise. This is incredibly important for me, especially when I roleplay soft-spoken characters in my DND games.

Apart from adjusting the gain, I didn't have to do anything to make the Shure SM7B sound good. It just did. I put in a few auditions for some voice acting parts, and I didn’t have to play DJ with the gain because I was peaking or producing plosives while yelling. It all sounded superb.

My vocals were smooth and crisp with a tinge of warmth. It’s excellent at picking up low dialogue and making it sound full. Louder dialogue can be a bit tricky, but you just need to balance how much gain you are putting through.

Shure SM7B software

There is no dedicated software for the Shure SM7B, unfortunately.

That’s mostly because you’ll be operating through a mixer, since this is an XLR microphone. The first thing I recommend doing is turn on a noise gate around -54dB because the microphone does pick up a low static that can be heard in some of my Audacity recordings.

Bottom line

I love the Shure SM7B — I have never been more excited for a DND game since I’ve gotten a hold of this microphone. I feel confident that all of my mannerisms and low grumbles are perfectly translated to my friends on the other side. 

However, I would be remiss to say that this microphone is really expensive for a reason — it’s meant for professionals, so if you’re a podcaster, voice-over artist, or streamer, this might be great for you. But if you just want a quality mic to play games with, I suggest getting the much cheaper Blue Yeti X (and you don’t even need a mixer for that).

But overall, you seriously cannot beat the quality of the Shure SM7B. If you have the cash, buy it!

HyperX brings another quality offering to the USB mic space with its DuoCast, and I’m here for it. For just $99, you get a solid-performing mic, fun lighting, a sturdy lightweight stand with a built-in shock mount, and excellent software to round the experience out. 

HyperX is an excellent peripherals company that fuels the gaming and streaming ecosystem with quality, affordable products. The USB-powered DuoCast microphone joins its lineup of stylish broadcast-ready mics. Featuring easy-to-use controls, a cool customizable RGB strip light, a built-in pop filter, and its shock mount, the DuoCast gives the burgeoning streamer all they need to get right to it. The DuoCast works across multiple platforms such as Mac, Windows, PS5, and PS4, covering the gambit of gaming setups. The DuoCast brings a lot to the table for just $99. Could it find its place on our best USB microphones page? 

Go to the fridge, snatch a cold one, and let’s see if the HyperX DuoCast can be the cross-platform USB mic you’ve been searching for.

HyperX DuoCast USB mic price and availability

The DuoCast features a simple yet elegant gaming/streaming mic design that combines function, gaming elements, and plug-and-play capability. The HyperX DuoCast USB mic costs $99 and is available now at HyperX. In comparison, the MSI GV60 will run you $129, and the JLab Talk Pro costs $107.

HyperX DuoCast USB mic design

The DuoCast is similar in design to its lineup sibling, the HyperX Quadcast, but it has some elements of the SoloCast as well, making it the perfect combination of both. The DuoCast is primarily made of hard plastic and feels sturdy when held in my hand. The included desktop stand and shock mount create a secure feeling against accidental bumps or sudden movements, keeping the DuoCast steady and stable. 

The gain control and selector for polar patterns are located on the back of the microphone. There’s a headphone jack on the back for monitoring and audio playback. Looking at the top, we find a touch-sensitive tap-to-mute button connected to the RGB light strip that indicates the status of the mic.

Oddly, there is no threaded hole for mounting a mic arm. However, I’m guessing from the look of things, it could be possible to unscrew it from the stand hinge and connect it to the hinge mount on a boom arm. It features an RGB lighting strip around its center above the shock mount. 

You can customize the colors via the HyperX Ngenuity app.

One other cool design feature I noticed while recording is that the RGB ring light is used to indicate when you change your feature settings. For example, if you adjust the mic gain, the light will temporarily change color to indicate the level of gain you’ve added or subtracted. The same holds true when you switch polar patterns; you will notice that it will briefly display a different color to indicate the pattern change. Finally, when you tap the mute button at the top of the mic, the ring light will go dark to indicate your mic is now muted. All of this just adds to the overall cleverness of the design.

The DuoCast measures 7.9 x 4.6 x 3.74 inches and weighs 0.53 pounds while sitting in its stand, making it super lightweight, portable, and much lighter than our overlord of USB mics, the Shure MV7, which comes in at 1.2  pounds and measures 6.1 x 3.6 inches.

HyperX DuoCast USB mic audio quality

The DuoCast is a nicely packaged USB mic with some excellent features and performance. Setup was a breeze, with both my PC and Mac instantly recognizing the mic, allowing me to plug it in and get recording. I plugged a pair of headphones into the 3.5mm monitoring audio jack and got to it. 

You have to control your headphone monitoring volume via the HyperX Ngenuity app. If you’re on a PC and a Mac, you have to use the system's volume controls, so no worries, it’s hyper plug and play — and good to go right out of the box.

The DuoCast also comes with two polar patterns for you to choose from. The cardioid focuses on capturing the audio produced right in front of the mic when you’re using the mic by yourself. This works best when you’re alone creating a stream, podcast, Google Meet, or recording a voiceover. The cardioid pattern excelled as I recorded a test podcast while sitting directly in front of it. The deep natural tones of my voice were warmly reproduced during the recording, and I was impressed with the quality.

I found the omnidirectional pattern excellent for multi-person podcasting and interviews when I tested it with a friend. The DuoCast picked up our voices and crisply reproduced them during recording even as we sat back in our seats. There was a little more background noise, and while that's to be expected, the results were superb. Switching between polar patterns is easy, thanks to the gain control knob that can swap patterns by pressing down on it.

I chatted with my daughter over Google Meet, and she loved the light ring and the audio quality so much that she tried to get me to give it to her. After saying no, I thanked her for her time and offered her a raise in allowance. We both won, and the HyperX DuoCast performed nicely during the exchange.

Software

The Ngenuity software download is free and adds impressive functionality to the overall experience. Although the DuoCast is very plug-and-play and doesn’t require the use of software, I suggest downloading it on a PC, as it levels up the experience. Ngenuity lets you fine-tune your audio settings and manipulate your RGB lighting.

On the audio side of things, Ngenuity is very user-friendly, clean, and offers users an excellent interface to modify the mics settings. You can easily adjust the mic gain, monitor volume, mute, engage the high pass filter, and switch polar patterns. The RGB lighting adjustments are fun, and there are many effects and patterns to choose from. Lastly, you can create presets for both lighting and audio, so your favorite settings are easily turned on and ready to go.

Bottom Line

The HyperX DuoCast is a perfect budget-friendly USB mic for gaming and streaming with solid to superb audio performance, thanks to its two polar pattern options. For $99, its build quality, features, and Ngenuity software are a winning combination. This is a great choice for gamers on a budget who have perfected their thumb-powered athletic skills and are ready to stream content.

When I got my hands on the DJI Mic system ($329), I was intrigued to see if it could match the audio recording quality of the Rode Wireless Go II ($299). I immediately fell in love with its design and charging case. However, if the charging case is the only major difference between the two, is the extra $30 worth it?

Once fully charged, I grabbed my camera, went out, and started my testing. I quickly realized that I needed to make sure the gain was properly adjusted to avoid clipping and that the provided windscreen worked wonderfully. The control system is very user-friendly, and the self-charging case is brilliant, so yes, it’s worth the extra $30.

DJI thought of nearly everything, but a pair of lav mics would make this setup nearly perfect. Although the transmitters and receivers are fantastically lightweight and clip-on wherever you need them, their odd shape causes them to bend fabric and makes them difficult to hide while filming. I know I am being persnickety about this one tiny issue because, overall, the DJI Mic rivals the Rode Wireless Go II and is an excellent wireless setup for content creators. 

Alright, enough preamble; let’s have a look at how things went and see if the DJI Mic is the right choice for your audio needs.  

DJI Mic price and availability

The DJI Mic with charging case costs $329 and comes with two transmitters, one receiver, the hard plastic charging case, and a set of cables that allow you to connect to a computer, camera, or smartphone. You get a USB-C to USB-A cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to Lightning cable, and a single 3.5mm cable. So from the outset, you can connect the DJI mic to anything you need. However, iPhone owners should be aware that it will only record in mono to an iPhone, making it a poor partner for iPhone owners looking for a high-quality audio option.

The included charging case extends the overall battery life of the system, and itself is easily charged via USB-C from an adapter, computer, or external battery so you can have power all day. 

If you’re on a tight budget, and just need to have a wireless recording option that’s affordable with excellent connectivity, I would look into the Razer Seiren BT  wireless mic we recently reviewed that costs $99.99. If you have a bigger budget, you could also look into the Rode Wireless Go II for $299.

DJI Mic design

The DJI Mic Receiver screen is easy to use, but sometimes, it’s temperamental, although my gigantic sausage fingers don’t help. Once you figure out the swiping motions needed to move around within the unit, you’ll find yourself making quick adjustments on the fly. It becomes a snap to switch from mono to stereo or select which transmitter will be your right or left mic. Simply tap the power button to lock and unlock the screen, which is a nice feature that speeds things up for creators and avoids accidental presses. When looking at the screen, it displays the input levels of both mics, allowing you to monitor your audio levels, and on the side, you will find the 3.5mm audio jack.

The transmitters are tiny and aesthetically pleasing and clip onto clothing quickly and easily. I really like that the clips magnetically attach to the units and can also be used as another method for clipping them to subjects or metal surfaces. Again, it can be difficult to conceal them, but given how small and unobtrusive they are, if it’s an interview or if you are a solo YouTube creator, then having the receiver in the shot probably isn’t a big deal. The kit also includes two windscreens that pop on or off the receivers and do an excellent job at baffling wind noise and unwanted background audio.

DJI did another really nice thing. They made the clips the right size so they will fit in your camera's hot shoe snuggly so you can just pop it in and mic your subject and start recording.  The DJI Mic's overall design is fantastic and well thought out, and the charging case really makes it a true all-in-one device as it houses everything you need.

It also comes with a soft case so you can keep your DJI mic system protected; nice work DJI, I see you.

DJI Mic audio quality

From an audio perspective, the DJI Mic does everything a content creator would need it to do. Does it record excellent audio? Yes, it does. Does it allow you to record your subject's audio from a distance of 820 feet (250 meters)? Yes, but be mindful that you want to be within a direct line of sight. To test this, I set up my camera and walked more than a fair distance away while recording a conversation I was having with the cameras as if I were about to interview someone and we were meeting in the park. The audio remained clear and the signal was strong until I crossed paths with some trees but, I was a great distance away.

Also, as I previously mentioned, the windscreens do an excellent job, so you get wonderfully clear audio recordings. I did find myself having to make several adjustments to get my recordings just right as the gain on the DJI is very sensitive, at times overcompensating. So always test your audio levels before you actually start filming. It’s not a failing of the device; it’s a good thing the mics are so sensitive, but test, adjust, and you’ll enjoy great recordings. 

I learned while filming in the park that I could use the receiver’s touchscreen to activate a safety channel mode, which is a separate track that records at 6db and helps to prevent your audio from sounding blown out and gives you that separate track as a backup. The Rode Wireless Go II has a similar feature, but you need to access it via the Rode app. 

While in the park, I recorded an on-the-spot interview with a stranger by simply clipping the mic to them. Although they found the windscreen annoying, the recording was excellent as it captured the person's high, nasal-toned voice crisply alongside my deeper timbre as we exchanged responses. I later used the DJI Mic, which I connected to my OnePlus Pro 10, and recorded a test podcast in my backyard with the mic clipped to my t-shirt. After making adjustments for some clipping, it really was a sharp, super clear recording with the mic focusing on my deep clear voice, and not catching too much of the aviary that my backyard becomes in the afternoon.

DJI Mic software

DJI is down with the universe's plug-and-play gods, so no downloads are needed to work with the system. It works well with all my recording software across all devices I used it on. DJI does roll out frequent firmware updates to improve the performance of its wireless mic system, so make sure to look out for those.

DJI Mic battery life

The DJI Mic’s receiver and transmitter units are rated for 5.5 hours of battery life and since I am a chatty, long-winded annoyance, I tested this out and it’s true. I easily got five plus hours out of the system before needing to charge. However, let me point out that, thanks to the ten hours of additional battery life from the charging case, you’re going to get all-day use out of the DJI mic.

I got a good seventeen plus hours of recording out of the system because nobody talks for ten hours straight — even me. Also, you will find yourself between takes when you’re moving to a different location, putting the transmitters and receiver into the case as you move along, so with those little top ups throughout the day, the battery life should never be a problem. 

The charging case is a game changer and the one clear-cut advantage it has over the Rode Wireless Go II system, (although there is a well-liked third-party charging case for the Go II) that pushed the DJI a little ahead.

Bottom Line

The DJI Mic is definitely one of the best wireless mic systems I’ve used. I know you want to know my ultimate decision between it and the Rode Wireless Go II, but honestly, it all comes down to what you need and what you value most. The DJI Mic produces excellent recordings. Its battery life, thanks to the charging case, is outstanding and worth the $30 price bump versus the Rode if you have it in your budget. 

The user-friendly touchscreen and UI are good, too, but require a small learning curve. I found the audio in most cases near to the quality of the Rode Wireless Go II, but it required more fine tuning. So, in the end, it’s really toss-up and a matter of preference on the few differentiating factors. If you have the funds, and you want to record pro-level audio on the go, the DJI Mic is one of the two best systems available and I absolutely recommend it.

Prime Day is primetime for Best Buy deals, and right now is the best time to buy a USB condenser mic for your home office (or casual recording studio). And let's not forget about Best Buy's Black Friday in July deals event, which offers a variety of other laptop deals to power that mic. 

Right now, the Blue Yeti professional multi-pattern USB condenser mic is on sale for $90 at Best Buy, down from $130. That saves you a grand total of $40, which is nothing to sneeze (or growl) at. You'll also find this same Blue Yeti USB mic for just $90 at Amazon. 

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Blue Yeti professional multi-pattern USB condenser microphone deal

We're always on the lookout for the best USB microphones and gaming headsets, and Blue Yeti is a longtime favorite when it comes to affordable USB condenser mics. For just $90 at either Amazon or Best Buy, you're sure to get your money's worth with the Blue Yeti professional multi-pattern USB condenser mic, which uses four pickup patterns — flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo — to do the job of several microphones as once, whether you're recording a podcast, multiple instruments, or solo vocals.   

You'll find onboard audio controls that include headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain, making the whole recording process highly tweakable. You can also pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize sound quality, and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring. It's a great plug-and-play option to complement any of the best laptops, best gaming laptops, or Mac machines you'll find on the market today. 

Keep checking back for even more Prime Day 2022 savings! There are plenty of gaming deals, gaming laptop deals, and headphone deals coming down the pipe.

Curious about the Blue Yeti brand? See how it stacks up against other USB mics in our full Blue Yeti Nano review and Blue Yeti X review. 

Budget-friendly USB mics that record good high-end audio are not that easy to find. However, thanks to Amazon's Prime Day deals, you can grab this Razer Seiren X Streaming mic for 45% off. The Razer Seiren X is a portable, space-saving mic noted for its super-cardioid polar pattern that records crystal clear vocals. 

If you have a young podcaster or streamer in your life, the Razer Seiren X is an affordable choice to help them start their content creator journey. During Prime Day, you can sweep in and grab the Seiren X for just $54.99, a savings of $45 at Amazon. 

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The compact affordable and ergonmic-friendly Razer Seiren X Streaming USB mic has been a budget-friendly favorite since its release back in 2017. Known for its ability to record crystal clear audio, simple styling, plug and playability.  This USB mic is a steal for just $49.99. Save $50 on the Razer Seiren X Streaming USB mic right now at Amazon. 

MSI GV60 Streaming USB mic features four polar patterns, onboard controls, a quality all-aluminum build and solid recording quality for $129. The budget-friendly USB mic has understated styling with its professional all-black matte finish that will dress up the look of any desktop. The build quality is excellent, as MSI has created a Streaming Mic that's good for gaming, but without the garish RGB lighting effects that make some USB mics unsuitable for a business meeting. 

With four polar pattern options, unique styling, and solid audio recording quality, the GV60 should earn its place on our best USB microphones page, but will it? Read on to find out if the MSI GV60 can knock the Shure MV7 off the top of our list.

MSI GV60 Streaming USB mic price and availability

The MSI GV60 Streaming USB mic costs $129 and is available right now at Amazon. In comparison, the Shure MV7 will run you nearly $100. Yes, with the Shure mic you get the XLR output option, but the GV60’s recording quality is a near match and may suit your budget better.

MSI GV60 Streaming USB mic design

MSI’s GV60 is a matte black all-aluminum behemoth with white font lettering above each knob, indicating the volume, mic gain volume and polar pattern controls as well as the mute button located at the lower center of the body.

The knobs are a little oddly shaped but work well otherwise. The polar pattern knob has a nice stiffness to it and firmly sits within its selected polar pattern. There is an indicator light above the knobs that signals when you’re live or muted.

At the very bottom of the mic, you will find a 5/8 thread mount so you can use the GV60 on a boom arm if you wish to. The GV60 also comes with a nearly 10-foot (3 meters) USB cable that provides ample length to cleanly run the cable where you wish. Also included with the GV60 is a lovely pop filter to prevent plosives and lower the chances of wind noise.

The MV60 measures 10.63 x 4.33 x 4.33 inches and weighs 2.42 pounds while sitting in its stand, which is fairly large, causing it to stand out on your desktop. It’s over a pound heavier than our top USB mic, the Shure MV7, which comes in at 1.2  pounds and measures 6.1 x 3.6 inches.

MSI GV60 Streaming USB mic audio quality

Using the MSI GV60 is easy, just plug it in and double-click on your favorite audio recording software or hop into a Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype call. The GV60 features cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo recording patterns, and captures 96kHz/24 Bit quality audio with 20Hz to 20kHz of frequency response. It's pretty much guaranteed that you’re going to record excellent audio and sound great during your video conference calls. 

I found I didn’t have to turn the gain volume knob up much to record excellent audio from up to 2.5 feet away. It’s an excellent indication of the mic's sensitivity as well as the quality of the build. I recorded a voiceover for my friend's upcoming animated short on the MV60 and it really caught all the depth and timbre in my voice. It handled all the little nuances and inflection changes very nicely, and I was impressed with the recording. 

I then took a few Google Meet calls and other video meetings using the MV60 — the results were great. My production client said the MV60 looked like the “Monolith from ‘2001 a Space Odyssey’” of USB mics. I liked that reference because it does have that monolithic feel to it. Everyone I met reported that my audio quality sounded great, very clear, and crisp.

A favorite thing of mine to do is test if a USB mic works well with my Android phone or tablet using a USB-C to USB-C cable, which takes plug-and-play to another level. I plugged it into a OnePlus Pro 10 and used the Android recording software. I recorded high-quality vocals and would feel comfortable recording an interview or podcast using this setup.

Software

The MSI GV60 is a true plug-and-play and is compatible with macOS, Windows 11, and Android devices. Once plugged in, you’re good to go. There are no downloads to worry about, no RGB lighting to finagle, and no twenty-minute decisions about mood lighting. Honestly, my favorite part is being able to connect the MV60 to my Android phone and record a podcast in seconds.

Bottom Line

For $129, the MSI GV60 provides a relatively affordable microphone solution that will record pro-level audio, including instruments and multiple individuals for a podcast. Outside of the oddly-shaped control knobs, the build quality is great and easily earns a spot on our best USB mics list. However, it is, as our illustrious Editor in Chief would say, “A Big Betty” — but thanks to its understated styling and sultry black matte finish, the MV60 will add to your desktop.

The Editor's Choice Blue Yeti Nano is one of the best USB microphones for streaming and podcasting. If you're looking for a means of achieving professional sound for vocal recordings, listen to this. 

Walmart currently offers the excellent Blue Yeti Nano Microphone for just $69. Normally, you'd expect to shell out $99 for it, so that's $30 in savings. This is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen for this condenser mic outside of the holidays. 

You can also get it from Amazon for the same price. 

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Blue Yeti Nano microphone drops to just $69

Blue Yeti Nano microphone falls to rare low price of $69

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Now just $69, the Blue Yeti Nano is a budget-friendly alternative to the brand's $139 Blue Yeti. It features two custom mic capsules to deliver professional-level quality voice recording and streaming. It's also a favorite among Twitch streamers, YouTube creators, and musicians.

In our Blue Yeti Nano review, we praise its excellent broadcast sound quality, polar pattern options and solid build quality. We also like its professional look and feel and gave it a rare 5 out of 5-star rating and our Editor's Choice award. 

Design-wise, Blue Yeti Nano is made of aluminum metal alloy which affords it a solid build and heft. Like its siblings, it's plug and play ready for Windows, Mac OS and Chrome OS for easy set up. It captures audio recording at 24-bit/48kHz which is higher than big brother Yeti's (16-bit/48kHz). 

So if you finally want to start that podcast or Twitch channel you've been talking about, the Blue Yeti Nano is a budget-friendly choice. 

Audio is a central part to a streamer’s setup that can make or break a successful stream. A quality microphone helps a person stick out among the pack if the speaking voice is crisp and clear. Those looking to stream have a large selection to choose from for their mic of choice. However, it can be confusing when having to choose between the two mic formats: XLR or USB. 

Knowing how to get the best audio is paramount. Despite the amount of mics available, it can be hard to figure out which one to use if you don’t know why they’re different — especially when it comes to their price differences.

While both can record audio at various levels of quality, there are key differences between the formats that you should know before making your choice. Here are the benefits of using either XLR or USB and which you should use for streaming.

What is XLR?

Extra Line Return, colloquially known as XLR, is an analog cable format most professional audio equipment uses. These types of cables are balanced, meaning they carry two signal wires and one ground wire, which allows for little to no sound distortion compared to unbalanced wires. XLR is most identifiable by the male and female three-pin connectors on either end of the cable.

What is USB?

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is among the most used digital cable connections with various iterations and versions in existence. Unlike XLR, which is analog, USB is a digital format that converts analog signals into binary code for the computer to understand. While XLR has largely gone unchanged since its inception, USB has entered its fourth generation with USB 4.0. This new version of USB promises even faster data transfer speeds than previous generations. Faster speeds help considerably with audio, as higher speeds mean improved microphone sampling rates.

Benefits of XLR

XLR mics have more access to higher resolution audio thanks to higher sampling rates and bit depth. USB microphones rarely reach above 92KHz sampling rates — most tend to hover between 24KHz to 48KHz. The sampling rate matters because it represents the number of sound samples recorded each second. More samples help capture more accurate and clear audio.

Another benefit lies outside of the microphone and in the audio interface or mix amp that connects with it. All XLR mics require an audio interface to capture sound on the computer. In contrast, it may seem like an extra step, but it’s a boon for multi-mic setups. Interfaces can connect up to dozens of microphones depending on your needs, and most are relatively cheap to buy online. Moreover, it allows for real-time control of mic settings during streams.

Benefits of USB

If you’re looking for a microphone that won’t need to be mounted on a mic arm, or require any other audio equipment, your best bet is a USB mic. Their easy-to-use reputation stems from the digital connection of USB over the analog connection of XLR. All you have to do is plug it into the computer, and, in most cases, the device is ready to go. Certain cases will require drivers to download, but those are primarily for compatible digital audio interface software.

Most USB mics can also come with a stand, built-in shock absorber, windsock, or pop filter. These accessories are usually an added cost for XLR mics like the attachments on the Shure SM7B.

USB has the added benefit of being a power source to power LEDs. Not many XLR microphones have built-in LEDs, while many manufacturers make USB mics with lights on them. Streamers may be more attracted to using a mic with lights if it complements their other LED setups, even more so if they can sync with the software.

XLR vs. USB: Which is better?

The better of the two depends on what you’re looking for in the device. If LEDs, easy setups, and more affordable devices are what you’re most interested in, it’s best to choose a USB mic. These microphones usually go for around $100, such as the Blue Yeti Nano at $79 or Neat Bumblebee II at $99. 

Compared to USB, XLR offers in-depth customization and studio-quality audio at a more expensive price point. XLR microphones range between $60 and as much as $1,000, but the best value microphones usually hover around $300. These include the much lauded SM7B or the Blue Baby Bottle line of XLR mics. Additional accessories like pop-filters and mic arms add additional expenses.

Both mic types can achieve quality sound recordings, however, USB requires more of an effort to match the quality of XLR.

When Rode sent me the Wireless Go II ($299) to review I was very excited because I had been using a set of wireless mics and lavaliers I purchased nearly five years ago that I was never entirely happy with. Although I had spent just under $500 on my set of four wireless mics, the audio was either shallow or tinny, which often led to hours of audio editing in post. I found myself very curious about Rode’s Wireless Go II dual-channel receiver and two transmitters, with built-in microphones and a jack to connect a lavalier mic. 

The box the Wireless Go II came in was tiny, and weighed under a pound so I was anxious. Unpacking the three black tiny squares I thought, “this can’t be all there is to the wireless audio system, right?” All three combined did not equal the size of one of my previous wireless transmitters. 

Although the Wireless Go II is eye-catching, its size made me doubt its capabilities, admittedly, I was foolish to doubt the Go II based on its size. Like my 4’11 dad, the Wireless Go II reminded me that size doesn’t matter, especially when you can record clear, beautiful audio from over 600 feet away. And while $299 seems a bit pricey, read on to learn why the Rode Wireless Go II is actually a bargain.

Rode Wireless Go II price and availability

The Rode Wireless Go II kit is $299 and it comes with two transmitters, one receiver, a soft carrying case, and a set of cables that allow you to connect to a computer or camera. The three SC20 USB-C-to-USB-A cables and a single 3.5mm TRS cable come with the unit, but to connect to a phone or tablet there are optional cables you can purchase from Rode for $20. You can also purchase the Wireless Go II with a single transmitter and receiver set up for $199.

In comparison, if you only need one mic and are on a tight budget you can look into the Razer Seiren BT Bluetooth wireless mic we recently reviewed that costs $99.99. DJI just recently released a very similar set of wireless mics with a receiver and charging case. We have yet to review them but, they’re currently available for purchase at B&H Photo for $329.

Rode Wireless Go II design

When laid out, the three tiny black rounded rectangular boxes don't seem like much. Each has the white Rode logo lettering and gold dot and Wireless Go II in gold and white on the front face.

Only the receiver differs with a  screen to display your audio levels, channels, amount of gain, and connection signal. Each unit has a spring-loaded clip that you can use on a belt or shirt and is also made to slide into most camera cold shoes.

All three modules have a USB-C port for charging, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a power button. At the bottom of the receiver are two buttons that control the gain and channel selection as you can choose between recording each channel separately or combined, giving you options when it comes time to edit in post.

Thanks to onboard storage you can record over 40 hours of audio internally, just in case you want to record an impromptu podcast.

Each transmitter has two indicator lights at the top that alert the user to connection and charging status. Each transmitter also has a built-in omnidirectional microphone so there’s no need to carry an additional set of lavalier mics. 

Three furry windscreens are provided for the transmitter mics as well which work nicely and are easy to put on and take off.

Rode Wireless Go II audio quality

Having used wireless mic systems for many years while working on TV shows, commercial shoots or just filming stand-up comedy, any pro will tell you “you can have the most beautiful looking footage ever, but if the audio is terrible, you’ve got nothing.” That is just a fact. With my old wireless system, I spent a lot of time editing audio in post because it was just not that good. Sure, I was recording audio with a dedicated setup, but I would often hear complaints about the audio quality, and that always made me feel awful, and it was embarrassing. 

Ever since our team started using the Rode Wireless GO II setup, our audio has been clean, crisp, and with excellent depth, and the difference in recording quality has been massive, which you can see an example on our YouTube Channel. Thanks to using Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission and 128-Bit encryption, you will find that the units work well anywhere, even in spaces with a lot of radio frequency activity, which means no dropped signals or interference. I filmed and recorded audio in my densely populated Brooklyn New York neighborhood without issue. 

The omnidirectional microphones on the transmitters work in the 50Hz to 20kHz frequency range and do a good job of focusing on your vocals regardless of background. It records all the subtle depth and tones your voice can create. That was all using the built-in mics, then I switched to using a lavalier mic connected via the 3.5mm jack and things got magical.

Thanks to the combination of the transmitter's powerful clear signal and my lavalier mic, I set up my camera and walked all over my backyard, and recorded fantastic audio that caught all the timbre in my voice while keeping out background noise. It allowed me the flexibility to work alone and capture not only great footage but the best audio I have ever recorded directly to the camera.

Lastly, I was on my way to an event and I decided to film in the Lyft I was in as we were passing several popular areas in New York City. I simply plugged the receiver into my smartphone, using the supplied cable and the audio I recorded was splendid. Oh, and my phone charged up the receiver whilst I was recording my video, which was huge because I had forgotten to charge it before I left. Because the windows were open I did have to use the gain adjustment button at the bottom of the mic which allowed me to add strength to my vocals in 3DB increments. 

Here is the best part of my experience with the Rode Wireless Go II, I have yet to need to edit my audio in post, saving me a great deal of time that I can spend editing my actual footage to make myself look way more handsome than I actually am.

Rode Wireless Go II software

There are two pieces of software available to Wireless Go II users, Rode Central and Rode Connect. Rode Central is a user-friendly desktop and mobile application that allows you to configure your Wireless Go II devices, unlock advanced features and update them to the latest firmware. Rode Connect is a podcasting and streaming application that allows users to record or stream professional-quality audio to their phone or desktop computer.

Rode Central and Rode Connect software are available for both macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows and can be downloaded for free at Rode’s website.  

Rode Wireless Go II battery life

I don’t know how they do it but, the microscopic lithium-ion battery in the Go II will give you up to seven hours of recording time and I personally pushed that limit several times. (I can be very chatty.) However, I average between 6.5 hours on a cold day outside and seven hours while recording indoors. I could also charge the units via the OnePlus 10 Pro’s USB-C port, which I discovered accidentally while recording connected to the phone. Safe to say the advertised recording time of seven hours is very accurate. Also, the Wireless Go II charges up quickly, and there is a wireless charging case available on Amazon if you want an all-in-one charging solution.

Bottom Line

When you combine ultra-lightweight stylish design with excellent engineering, pro-level audio recording quality, 650-foot distance capability, and excellent free software, for under $300, you’re winning. With the two mic transmitters included in the box, it’s a bargain that’s hard to beat for any content creator. The Wireless Go II gives you the option to record directly to a camera, phone, or take advantage of the onboard storage. If you’re looking to purchase a wireless mic system for filming your content on the go, the Wireless Go II is one of the best options available for amateurs, novices, and professionals.

DJI, one of the leading drone and content creator camera companies, announced a new dual-channel wireless mic system last October and after a few delays, it is finally available for purchase in the U.S. starting today.

The $329 DJI Mic promises 5.5-hours of battery life and 15 hours when used with the charging case. DJI's new dual wireless mics are compatible with smartphones, cameras, DJI OM 5, and DJI Action 2 for high-quality audio and boast an unobstructed range of 820 feet. 

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The new DJI mic comes with a long list of features, starting with its portable charging case that also stores the receivers and transmitters while keeping them charged and ready to go for up to 15 hours. You can either use the belt clip on the back of each unit or use a magnetic plate to attach it to your audio subjects. Each unit also has a touchscreen that grants easy access to channel selection, input/output settings, and other general settings. 

Currently, the DJI dual-wireless mic system is available to order on DJI's website, B&H Photo, and Adorama for $329.

We're eager to get our review of the DJI Mic underway, early impressions have been great. This is an increasingly competitive market with options like the Razer Seiren BT wireless mic offering an affordable and highly portable option for solo creators and we are currently working on a review of Rode's updated Wireless GO II system that offers a comparable feature set to the DJI Mic.

With content creation tools becoming more accessible to consumers and prosumers, wireless mics like the DJI dual wireless mic are battling for market share, and we will be bringing you the best options for your budget soon. 

A good microphone needs two things: warm sound and versatile functionality for streaming. Although XLR microphones are typically the better choice for the former, the latest USB microphones are closing the gap each year because they excel in the latter. Because of these advancements, it’s important to know what mic to use for your streaming setup.

When choosing a microphone, you have to consider the polar patterns, the sampling rate, bit depth, and the condenser size — all of which influence the sound pickup of the microphone and the overall quality of the recording. It also can help you decide how you plan to record vocals and other sounds during a stream.

The best streaming microphones you can buy today

Streaming newbies and professionals alike can agree that in addition to a great webcam, you need an equally impressive streaming microphone. Although it can be a little expensive, we recommend the Shure SM7B as our best overall streaming mic due to its excellent recording and audio quality and its great versatility when not being used to stream to Twitch or YouTube. 

Looking for a less expensive option? The Blue Yeti X might be the peripheral you’re looking for. In addition to the premium quality build, it also offers simple plug-and-play connectivity. It also features easy-to-use software which makes it ideal for beginners and pros who want a no-fuss streaming setup. The Neat Bumblebee II is also a great choice that is both affordable, has a built-in pop filter, and high sampling rate –– all for under $100.

Even after years of new competitors, Shure’s SM7B is still considered by many to be the best of the best in vocal recording. Streamers from all over choose the mic for its warm clarity of voice in recordings, wide dynamic range, and optional additions.

The premium sound and features of the mic justify its price, but it may not be for new content creators. SM7B requires phantom power as it is an XLR microphone, and this means you’ll have to purchase a MixAmp to use the mic correctly. There are other barriers of entry into using the mic, but those willing to learn the ins and outs of this peripheral will discover what many others have about the SM7B.

The Blue Yeti is a tried-and-true classic microphone that professionals and newcomers can use with great ease of use. Its successor, the Yeti X, improves upon the Yeti’s offerings with LED lights and a slimmer body that’s more pleasing to the eye on the camera. 

It still has that great sound found in the original Yeti, but it improves with a higher sample rate and bit depth. The better specs allow the mic to capture a more accurate sound recording. As a result, Yeti X has a warm sound that accentuates lower vocal registers and bassy notes.

The functionality of the Yeti X is almost identical to the Yeti, with four polar patterns and a physical gain knob with an LED ring. The LEDs act as a visual gain monitor for both the mic gain and headphone volume level, and LEDs also adorn the back displaying the four polar patterns. 

All of the mic’s lights are customizable in the Blue Voice software available in the Logitech G Suite. The software lets you customize your sound output through processing effects and frequency tweaks. All of this comes in a $170 package, which is well worth the price.

See our full Blue Yeti X review.

Neat is a newer name in the audio space, but its creators are the same people that brought Blue microphones to prominence. Its first foray into the USB audio space was decent, but the Bumblebee II sounds just as good as the pricier options on this list at an entry-level price of $99.99. 

Bumblebee II is a compact USB-C microphone that is as simple as plugging into a laptop or console to get started. It features one cardioid polar pattern, but it does so exceptionally well. Like Blue microphone condensers, this mic gives a warmer tone to voices. However, Neat’s condenser capsule captures clear sound due to its higher-than-average sampling rate of 96KHz. Anyone looking for a starter or extra microphone can’t go wrong with this one.

BEACN is one of the newest names in audio, but that doesn’t stop it from having a potential game-changer on its hands. The BEACN Mic is a USB-C cardioid microphone that delivers near XLR quality audio recordings. It has a studio-quality 24-bit/96KHz condenser that captures the best vocals we’ve used in a USB microphone. Yet, the microphone isn’t the only  attractive thing about the BEACN Mic.

Along with its devices, the manufacturer has a proprietary software called the BEACN App with extensive customization options. High pass filters, normalizers, de-essers, noise suppression and much more are available for real-time adjustment in the app. You can also assign different profiles based. At $279, the BEACN Mic is among the best USB mics on the market in its raw form. With some more development time, the software can be a game-changer in the streaming audio space.

Razer’s recent Seiren V2 Pro is a solid microphone that blends in organically with the rest of the manufacturer’s product lineups, but this isn’t the most intuitive. Like BEACN’s software, you can use Razer Synapse software to tweak audio parameters to get the desired sound out of the mic. Though the software enables customizability, the mic itself is lacking.

The mic comes in a black pill shape, similar to the Blue Yeti and other USB microphones. On the front are two physical adjustment knobs and a mute button. However, the knobs spin infinitely, and a lack of LED gain meter prevents accurate leveling without the software. Otherwise, the Seiren V2 Pro is a solid choice as a streaming mic.

See our full Razer Seiren V2 Pro review.

HyperX Quadcast mics are perfect for those who want a mic with a wide variety of customization options and look great on stream. The standard Quadcast comes with red LEDs, while the QuadCast S is RGB LED-lit from the inside. Both use a large number of physical buttons for you to use during streams

These include the tap-to-mute button on top, the gain dial on the bottom, a polar pattern knob, pop filter, and shockmount. All of the features make it perfect for new streamers since many of them would cost extra in other microphones.

Quadcast also comes in an RGB light-covered Quadcast S version. Both have the same specs with a bit depth of 16 and a sampling rate of CD-quality 48KHz. While the specs may not make it the best-sounding mic on the list, its host of features help make it a work.

See our full HyperX Quadcast S review.