10 Best Microphones for Conference Calls & Virtual Meetings

To host and participate in video conferences, you need a high-quality microphone that accurately picks up your voice and conveys your message. Without one, you compromise the quality of your content and risk the success of your virtual meetings and events.

But with so many microphones to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve written a guide to the best microphones for video conferencing with everything you need to make the right decision and choose a device that provides professional sound.

10 Best microphones for video conferencing

The switch to remote work means many organizations are more reliant on online meetings, webinars, podcasts, and virtual panel discussions for marketing, networking, and conducting business.

Whether you work on site or you're a remote worker, there’s an even bigger need to find the ideal microphone to represent yourself and promote your brand.

We’ve spoken to our in-house audio specialists and Customer Success Manager, Hannah Dean, to help compile a list of our favorite mics for various use cases—so you can make a more informed decision based on your specific needs. Categories include:

1. Best microphone for home office
2. Best microphone for conference calls
3. Best microphone for noisy environments
4. Best microphone for advanced users
5. Best microphone for novices
6. Best microphone for Zoom
7. Best wireless microphone for video conferencing
8. Best USB microphone for video conferencing
9. Best budget microphone
10. Best pro-quality microphone

Let’s dive in.

1. Best microphone for home offices

You don't need to invest in a large mic setup for your home office, especially if you're short on desk space. Instead, you just need the best mic for calls. Our favorite for this category is:

Sony WH-1000XM4

These modern sound-canceling headphones double up as a powerful microphone – giving you more flexibility and functionality in one product. Since you don’t need a mount, boom, or additional mic accessories, you can use this device both in the virtual conference room and on the go.

Key features:

• Sleek headset with 5 built-in microphones
• Advanced audio signaling
• Sound isolation when noise canceling is switched off
• Great audio quality
• Auto-pauses when removed
• Hinges for folding and storing
• High-quality Bluetooth codecs
• Ability to connect multiple devices
• Noise-canceling
• Solid battery life

Drawbacks:

• Not a tangible microphone
• Bluetooth isn’t always reliable

Price: $349.99

2. Best microphone for conference calls

To create the ideal setup for video conferencing, choose a mic that preserves and emits a pristine sound. You need the best microphone for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Livestorm meetings. Our top pick for this category is:

Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex

The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex is a great option for people who want a physical microphone connected to their headsets, for a more professional feel and aesthetic. This headset can either be used wirelessly or via USB connection, with an attachable mouthpiece microphone. It’s well-made, portable, and perfect for all-day use.

Key features:

• Exceptional mic intelligibility
• Noise cancellation
• Quality stereo performance
• Comfortable
• Bluetooth multipoint
• Made for business applications; certified for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.
• Lightweight
• Ambient mics to hear outside sounds
• Good battery life

Drawbacks:

• No app for advanced mic settings
• Mouth mic attachment can be intrusive

Price: $339

3. Best microphone for noisy environments

Ideally, you don’t want to be in a noisy environment when you participate in a video call, host a live webinar, or film a pre-recorded webinar.
But sometimes you can’t control every aspect of your environment, including unwanted sound. Our top pick for this category is:

Elgato Wave:3

This is one of the top microphones for online meetings, gaming, and podcasting. It’s geared toward simple setup too: just plug it into your computer using the USB connector and you’re ready to hit record. Its cardioid polar pattern picks up sound mainly around the front and sides of the mic, and less in the back, so it’s easier to organize audio sources.

Key features:

• Steel extension grille that protects the internal components
• Cardioid polar pattern for a polished, clean sound
• Compatible with pop filters for additional sound-proofing
• USB connector
• Easy to adjust
• Dial to cycle through monitor volume, mic volume, and PC/mic monitor mix
• Padded base to hold it firmly into place
• Mute switch for added control
• WaveLink software
• Build quality
• Audio Clip Guard

Drawbacks:

• One recording pattern

Price: $149.99

4. Best microphone for advanced users

For advanced mic users who aren’t deterred by a more complex setup with multiple accessories, this is the ideal choice. Our advanced-level pick for the best video conference microphone is:

AKG P220

We love this microphone, and it happens to be Hannah’s absolute favorite because it’s “super sleek and easy when customizing and refining the audio experience, and you sound exactly the way you do in real life with no distortions.”

It does require additional accessories to enable the experience. For example, you'll need a boom rod to hold it up and an interface (such as the Scarlett Solo Focusrite) to connect your device to the audio signal.

Key features:

• Good audio customization
• Switchable attenuation pad
• A refined, warm audio experience
• Accurate and crisp recording
• Responsive and high sensitivity for added versatility
• Strong and rugged design
• Built-in bass-cut filter for added control of loud sounds

Drawbacks:

• Requires a boom rod and interface
• High sensitivity can be limiting

Price: $159

5. Best microphone for novices

If you’re new to mics and still figuring out your setup (see: best camera for video conferencing and best software for video conferencing) this device is for you:

HyperX SoloCast

This mic is great for meetings because it’s compact, easy to use, highly portable, and durable. It’s also super affordable and is aimed at users who don’t want a mic filled with unnecessary features or distractions. You simply plug it into your computer and that’s it, you’re ready for your call.

Key features:

• User-defined product
• Mute switch for added control
• USB microphone
• Effective and specific range
• Mic stand
• Cardioid polar pattern

Drawbacks:

• Must sit very close to the mic for clean audio
• The mic stand is too short to record comfortably from your desktop
• High sensitivity can cause echos
• Fewer features than other mics (no built-in monitoring option or volume dial)

Price: $59.99

6. Best microphone for Zoom

No matter where you’re hosting your call, you need the best microphone for Teams meetings, Zoom calls, Livestorm events, or Google Meet calls. You also need a mic that’s not too cumbersome or complicated.

It’s important not to focus on the platform when selecting your microphone, but on the mic itself. There are many to choose from, but here’s our top pick:

Blue Snowball iCE

The Blue Snowball iCE does a great job of making you feel as though you're in the conference room during a call, versus someone who's talking on a camera. It has a two-capsule design to help extend your voice and really give you that presence—which goes a long way when communicating virtually.

Key features:

• USB microphone
• Two-capsule design
• Solid metal stand
• Small, lightweight, and portable
• Accurate, in-person effect
• Radiohead vintage design
• Cardioid polar pattern

Drawbacks:

• No gain control
• Only one polar pattern
• No mute switch

Price: $49.99

7. Best wireless microphone for video conferencing

Finding a good-quality wireless microphone that’s powerful and accurate can be tough. You want to make sure it's reliable and sturdy while remaining lightweight and portable. Our favorite wireless microphone is:

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Headphones have a wireless mic that connects to streaming devices. They offer some of the best noise cancellation in the industry, along with an aware mode that allows you to hear the noise around you.

Even better, they’re designed to be comfortable for hours, making them one of the best mics for Teams calls and ideal for a long day of video calls.

Key features:

• Up to 24 hours of battery life
• Noise cancellation
• Comfortable for any amount of time
• Bluetooth connection
• In-line microphone

Drawbacks:

• No mute switch
• Bluetooth connection may be unreliable

Price: $349

8. Best USB microphone for video conferencing

We’ve already mentioned a few devices that are USB compatible. But we’re adding a new microphone to the mix specifically for this category. It’s also one of our all-time favorites:

Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is a super popular microphone (or desk companion) that you might’ve seen when watching some of your favorite YouTubers. It gives you a pristine sound and is an all-in-one solution for an audio device. The Blue Yeti gives off a bi-dimensional feel as it captures sound from the front, back, as well as side to side.

Key features:

• Four microphone pickup patterns for added flexibility
• Omnidirectional patterns
• Plug and play
• Accurate, tremendous sound
• Headphone jack
• Flexible recording
• Displays on-mic levels

Drawbacks:

• Requires pop shield for best results

Price: $129.99

9. Best budget microphone

We understand that setting up your virtual conferencing tech stack can get pricey. However, there are tons of great quality mics out there that don’t break the bank. One top choice in this category is:

Razer Seiren V3 Mini

The Razer Seiren V3 Mini is one of the most affordable microphones for video conferencing. Yet that doesn’t mean it sacrifices quality. Instead, this condenser mic provides professional recording quality for a fraction of the cost of many other options on this list. It’s also designed to be compact so it easily fits on your home office desk.

Key features:

• Supercardioid polar pattern, which creates a relatively narrow front pickup angle
• Compact design
• Angled for easy adjustment
• Tap-to-mute sensor
• Can be mounted on an arm or mic stand
• Connects via USB

Drawbacks:

• Needs a pop shield for optimal noise cancellation

Price: $59.99

10. Best pro-quality microphone

If your typical workday includes occasional calls, any of the options above could work for your needs. But if you present webinars, product demos, or virtual events frequently, you may want to invest in a high-end device. Our favorite pro-quality microphone is:

Shure MV7+

A top-of-the-line mic, the Shure MV7+ is a favorite among podcasters and creators. This plug-and-play device is designed to create broadcast-quality audio, ensuring that any video call, webinar, or virtual event sounds professional. Its voice isolation technology highlights your voice (rather than the background noise), and the denoiser removes ambient noise.

Key features:

• Offers superior voice isolation and background noise removal technology
• Has a dedicated MOTIV Mix app for adjusting sound signature and gain
• Offers three types of reverb
• Connects via USB and XLR
• Has a mute button

Drawbacks

• Takes time to learn how to use the mic and the app effectively

Price

• $279

Top tips to improve microphone quality for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Livestorm

There’s nothing more frustrating than joining and participating in a video conference, to learn that your mic was emitting static sound, echo, or was muted throughout.

Hannah’s top tip for improving mic quality is to “be intentional about your environment and where you place your mic—and adhere to mic and audio best practices.

Check out some of Hannah’s mic and audio best practices to help you prepare:

1. Turn off anything noisy in the room. This includes audio devices as well as equipment like air filters. Avoid spaces with loud ambient noises when possible.
2. Wear headphones to prevent feedback issues. If you choose one of the wireless options above, your microphone and headphone will be built into a single device.
3. Keep the microphone OFF your desk, if possible. This way, you can prevent it from picking up the sound of bumps and other noises from your desk.
4. Keep your microphone with its back turned towards any noise source. This helps reduce background noise and feedback.
5. Place your microphone within a few (2 to 3) inches of your mouth. If you invest in a high-end mic with higher sensitivity, you can position it further away (4 to 6 inches).
6. Use noise reduction background programs. KRISP can eliminate background noise and improve overall sound quality.
7. Use an audio interface for multiple mic use. For example, Scarlette Focusrite 2i2 3rd Generation has two mic inputs.
8. Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking. This reduces accidental interruptions and improves sound quality for other presenters.
9. Add a pop filter on your microphone. This device suppresses any additional or unwanted sound and reduces ambient noise.
10. Always have a test run prior to going live. Invite all presenters to do a dry run with Livestorm. Test your webcam and sound quality and make sure everyone can see and hear you loud and clear.

Impress with crystal-clear audio

Whether you’re a guest or host, having crisp, clear audio will be sure to impress and engage your audience during your video conference.

You can use our guide to help you choose the right microphone based on your specific needs but, if you’re still unsure, we’ll narrow it down even further.

If we had to choose one microphone, we'd go with one of our top two picks from the bunch:

1. AKG P220. This customizable, versatile, condenser mic comes packed with features that’ll take your sound to the next level. You can always count on it for superior audio capture with accurate, clear, and razor-sharp sound.
2. Blue Yeti. Its enhanced effects, advanced voice modulation, HD audio samples, ease of setup, and all-around versatility easily make it a crowd favorite and enough to end up on our shortlist.

Once you’ve made your decision, combine your new mic with powerful video conferencing software like Livestorm. With Livestorm, you can:

• Host live virtual events
• Record on-demand webinars
• Share automated webinars

Our video engagement platform offers much more than a one-way communication channel. Instead, Livestorm is designed for interactive events that allow viewers to ask questions, participate in polls, share emoji reactions, and even network with other attendees.

Frequently asked questions about the best microphones for conference calls

What type of microphone is best for Zoom meetings?

While there are a lot of great microphones to choose from, we recommend the Blue Snowball iCE microphone for Zoom calls (or any video conferencing platform). It’s an easy-to-use mic that gives an in-person effect to your voice and the quality you need to impress participants.

What type of microphone is best for conference calls?

The Blue Snowball iCE microphone is a great all-around choice for conference calls on any platform. If you prefer a dual microphone and headphone option, go with the Sony WH-1000XM4 instead.

Do you need a microphone for Zoom meetings?

Yes, you need a microphone for Zoom meetings or any other virtual or video conferencing. Don’t rely on the microphone in your computer to deliver the exceptional sound quality you need to impress participants and advocate on behalf of your brand. In fact, it’s a best practice to have a mic when hosting or participating in a video conference. Other best practices include:

• Turn off anything noisy in the room
• Wear headphones to prevent feedback issues
• Keep the microphone OFF your desk, if possible…
• Keep your microphone with its back turned towards any noise source
• Keep your microphone within a few inches of your mouth
• Use noise reduction background programs (i.e KRISP)
• Use an audio interface for multiple mic use (i.e Scarlette Focusrite 2i2 3rd Generation)
• Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking
• Add a pop filter on your microphone to suppress any additional or unwanted sound
• Always have a test run prior to going live

Is Blue Yeti good for conference calls?

Yes, the Blue Yeti is a great choice and an all-around phenomenal microphone. However, when it comes to conference calls, our top pick is the Jabra Evolve 75 MS. It’s more versatile, portable, and easier to set up – giving you more freedom and flexibility when taking part in video conferences.

What type of microphone has excellent sound quality?

Condenser microphones are designed to have excellent sound quality and the widest frequency range. They’re relatively sensitive, and they can capture sound accurately, resulting in superior sound output.

What mics do professionals use?

Podcasters and professionals who frequently do presentations, virtual events, and sales calls typically use high-end microphones. The Shure MV7+ is a popular choice for pro-level video conferencing.