Best USB microphones for video calls

Top pick: Shure MV6. Shure's voice-first tuning and simple plug-and-play USB setup make it the safest choice for both video calls and podcasting — it flatters a normal speaking voice without any fiddling.

Who the others suit:

• Elgato Wave 3 — podcasters and streamers who want software mixing and mute control at their fingertips.
• Sennheiser Profile — anyone who wants a warm, broadcast-style tone with a proper desktop stand included.
• HyperX QuadCast S — gamers and streamers who want switchable pickup patterns and RGB.
• NEEWER UM01 AI — budget podcasters who want AI noise handling built in.
• onn Tri-Pattern — the cheapest way to sound clearly better than a laptop mic on calls.

Whatever you pick, put it close to your mouth and off the desk surface to cut keyboard noise.