Ditch the Brand: Amazon Basics Mic Steals the Show

Finding exceptional value in tech can be a real thrill, and that’s precisely what happened recently while testing the Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone. This unassuming little device, available for around £23, has proven to be a surprisingly capable audio tool. So much so that it’s been added as a top pick for the best budget gaming microphone.

Unexpected Quality and Build

For such an affordable price, expectations were admittedly low. The assumption was that it would be made of cheap materials and have a flimsy, unstable stand. However, the Amazon Basics microphone defies these preconceptions. It boasts a surprisingly robust build quality that feels like it will withstand years of use.

Audio Performance

While it might not rival professional studio microphones, the audio quality is genuinely impressive for its price point. It excels at capturing and reproducing your voice clearly, even at a distance. There aren’t any gain controls, just a handy mute button with an LED indicator, but in practical use, these aren’t really missed.

Position the microphone on your desk at a reasonable distance, and it picks up sound effectively. The included cable is a bit on the shorter side, so those with PCs on the floor might need to find a longer replacement.

The audio quality is where this microphone truly shines. It delivers a surprisingly clear and well-rounded tone, especially considering its low cost. It’s easy to be cynical about ultra-budget audio equipment, but this microphone challenges that assumption. The sound quality is so good that it could easily be mistaken for a microphone costing two or three times as much.

Drawbacks and Considerations

One significant drawback is the lack of accompanying software. This means there’s no noise cancellation, which is a shame for a condenser microphone. Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive to ambient noise. However, the cardioid polar pattern of the Amazon Basics microphone seems well-controlled, minimising unwanted background sounds.

Overall Verdict

For those seeking professional-grade audio, there are other options available. However, if you simply need a reliable microphone that performs the basics well, the Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone is an excellent choice.

Alternative Gaming Microphones

Here’s a quick rundown of some other top gaming microphone options:

• Best Overall: Shure MV6 USB Gaming Microphone
• Best Budget: Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone
• Best Mid-Range: NZXT Capsule Elite
• Best USB Bundle: Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
• Best Looking: HyperX Quadcast S
• Best for Podcasting: Shure MV7+
• Best for Streaming: SteelSeries Alias Pro
• Best Headset Mic: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet

A Closer Look at the Alternatives

Shure MV6 USB Gaming Microphone: The Best Overall

The Shure MV6 packs many features of the larger MV7 (designed more for podcasting) into a more compact, gaming-friendly design. It offers excellent vocal capture, a balanced sound profile, and effective noise reduction.

NZXT Capsule Elite: The Best Mid-Range

Priced under £100, the NZXT Capsule Elite delivers full and rich audio in a sleek design that rivals more expensive options.

Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set: The Best USB Bundle

The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set provides a great starter kit for podcasting, featuring a well-built microphone and a sturdy boom arm. However, the lack of a desktop stand and single polar pattern limits its versatility somewhat.

HyperX Quadcast S: The Best Looking

The HyperX Quadcast S stands out with its signature RGB lighting.

Shure MV7+ Podcast Microphone: The Best for Podcasting

The MV7+ improves upon the already superb studio-quality audio capture of the original MV7. It’s also incredibly user-friendly, allowing even beginners to achieve excellent sound.

SteelSeries Alias Pro: The Best for Streaming

The SteelSeries Alias Pro simplifies streaming with its powerful interface and great-sounding microphone. A separate boom arm is recommended to get the most out of it.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet: The Best Headset Microphone

For those seeking a headset microphone that delivers exceptional performance, the ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet is an excellent choice. It combines a great set of headphones with a high-quality vocal recording solution.