This morning I received an interesting phone call from my sister-in-law from work. “What is the best microphone for a Zoom call?” she asked. After discussion what she was trying to achieve (different applications do different things) I went through several options, and she went on her merry way. But it dawned on me, the answer might help the wider community. So here is a brief overview (with suggestions) about which microphone you should get if you’re asking:

  • What is the best mic for Skype Calls?
  • What is the best mic for Zoom Calls?
  • What is the best mic for presenting / recording online presentations?
  • What is the best mic for broadcasting / streaming?

The Basics

A decent mic doesn’t cost the earth, however ANYTHING is better than the built-in cheap microphone that is on your computer or on your webcam. If you’re a business social distancing, or working from home during these Covid-19 lockdowns – online communication has become paramount. But you are only as good as your equipment.

Audio is MORE important than Video
There are several scientific studies about this, and I won’t bore you with them – however, as a rule of thumb – as long as your intended audience can hear you with a quality sound, they will forgive a crappy video. In fact, they will naturally think your video is better than it actually is BECAUSE you have decent audio. But if you really want or need to upgrade your webcam, you cannot go wrong with a Logitech C920. We’ve used it for YEARS, and creates a beautiful image/video.

Dynamic Microphones not Condenser
This is borderline technical, but to try and keep it easy: Dynamic microphones will reduce the sound of your room. This means less echo, little to no sounds of yelling from the kids next door playing outside, and barking dogs. Condenser mics capture “everything”, i.e. the echoes in the room and the distant sounds you have no control over. Dynamic microphones are perfect for places where there is no soundproofing, but can make it sound like you have. It is not a magic wand, however. If the sound is really loud enough, it will creep through. But I was able to record a radio show for years without any soundproofing, or audio manipulation, from my home office because I had a dynamic microphone. The listeners couldn’t even hear the ice cream vans chimes during the summer months.

  • Dynamic Microphones are perfect for an individual person
  • Condenser Microphones are ideal for a group of people around a conference table all talking on Zoom/Skype/online presentation. BUT these mics will pick up everything.

Do not use Blue Yeti or Blue Snowball!
Blue microphones Yeti or Snowball are not useful. They do not sound good. They are overpriced for what they are (in my humble opinion). Plus, they are condenser microphones – so will make your audio “noisy” without correct soundproofing etc. What Blue Yeti and Blue Snowball mics are good for is not what we are trying to achieve. But their marketing is impressive and the amount of people I see who pay the extra for them for these applications is true amazing. We are trying to make you sound great… don’t buy these.

From cheapest to best…

So now we have a basic understanding and background of microphones – and from over a decade of Production skills both video and radio – these are the best microphones you can buy for Zoom calls, Skype calls and/or online presentations.

Samson Q2U (For Europeans)

The European version on the Audio-Technica mic below. A clean and simple mic that ensures decent sounds. We use these and the Audio-Technica ATR2100 constantly for our regular outside contributors and co-hosts (depending on which country they are in) calling in to our radio shows – WITHOUT any processing or technical fiddling.

The Samson Q2U is an affordable, dynamic microphone, with the added bonus of being both USB and XLR connector compatible. This means you can plug this directly in to your laptop/desktop via USB, or in to a mixer / PA system with XLR – perfect for any situation.

It also has a built-in headphone jack so you are able to monitor what is going on without any delays.

The Samson Q2U comes with cables and stand. Simply order, plug and play!

Audio-Technica ATR2100 (For USA)

Once again a fantastic mic for the price. Almost identical to the Samson Q2U – like spookily identical – with the same great crisp and smooth sound. They even look very similar.

The Audio-Technica ATR2100 is an affordable, dynamic microphone, once again with the added bonus of being both USB and XLR connector compatible. So plug this directly in to your laptop/desktop via USB, or in to a mixer / PA system with XLR – perfect for any situation. It also has a built-in headphone jack so you are able to monitor what is going on without any delays.

Once again, the Audio-Technica ATR2100 comes with cables and stand. Simply order, plug and play!

Like I said, spookily identical, but BOTH sound great.

RØDE Podcaster

This mic is brilliant, and ideal for those who not only want something that will sound great for Zoom, Skype & Online presentations – but also contributors to radio and TV shows. The amount of times I have cringed when an expert is either Zoom or Skype calling in to BBC or Sky news, and the sound quality is horrific – to the point of distraction. This mic is the ultimate for amazing sound.

The Rode Podcaster is the USB version of the Rode Procaster. Both the Rode Podcaster and the Rode Procaster are broadcast quality microphones. Once again, the only difference being the Rode Podcaster is white and only a USB connection, while the Rode Procaster is black and has only a XLR connector.

The Rode Podcaster also has a headphone jack in the body, so you can monitor without any buffering what is happening. This will truly make you sound like you’re in the room. Wonderful sound quality. Truly worth the money if you wish to promote your business while in lockdown.

However, as the Rode are professional broadcast microphones, you will need to purchase the mic stands separately. Either the Rode PSA 1 scissor-arm stand, or the Rode DS1 table-top stand.

Really hope this article helps you in the right direction. Any questions, comment below, and we’ll try to answer them for you.