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For a versatile microphone that is great for gaming, video calls, and podcast recordings, you should consider a dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR connectivity. Dynamic microphones are excellent at isolating your voice and rejecting background noise, making them ideal for untreated home studios. A hybrid USB/XLR mic offers the convenience of "plug-and-play" USB for video calls and basic recording, with the option to upgrade your setup later using the professional-grade XLR connection. Best hybrid USB/XLR microphones Shure MV7+: An excellent dynamic hybrid microphone that is especially well-regarded for spoken vocals. Pros: Outstanding sound quality with both USB-C and XLR outputs. Features include a real-time denoiser, a digital "popper stopper," and an "Auto Level" mode that adjusts your gain on the fly. Cons: Higher price point than many entry-level mics. Samson Q2U: A top budget-friendly recommendation for beginners that offers impressive sound quality for its price. Pros: Extremely affordable with both USB and XLR outputs. It is a durable and reliable option for all uses. Cons: Can be harder to find in some regions compared to other brands. Rode PodMic USB: This hybrid version of the popular PodMic offers both USB and XLR connectivity, delivering broadcast-quality sound. Pros: Produces a rich, full vocal sound. Includes a detachable pop filter and shock mount for cleaner audio. Cons: The normal PodMic (XLR-only) is cheaper, so only choose this model if you need the USB functionality. Top USB-only microphones If you want a simpler setup and don't plan on expanding with an audio interface, a USB-only mic is a great choice. Rode NT-USB+: A high-quality condenser microphone that is built for professional-sounding vocals right out of the box. Pros: Delivers warm, broadcast-quality audio with minimal self-noise. It comes with a pop filter, desktop stand, and a USB-C cable. Cons: Does not have a physical gain control dial, which can be an inconvenience. HyperX QuadCast S: A very popular and versatile condenser mic, especially within the streaming and gaming community. Pros: Includes four selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo) for more flexible recording situations. Features built-in shock mounting, a tap-to-mute button, and customizable RGB lighting. Cons: As a condenser mic, it may pick up more background noise from your room. Elgato Wave:3: Designed specifically for streamers, this condenser microphone is known for its excellent companion software, "Wave Link," which acts as a digital mixer. Pros: The included software allows you to mix audio from multiple sources and use VST plugins. The proprietary "ClipGuard" technology prevents audio from clipping during loud moments. Cons: Only records in a cardioid pattern. How to choose the right microphone for you Consider your recording environment. For a quiet, acoustically treated room, a condenser mic will capture more detail and nuanced audio. For an untreated room with background noise (keyboard clicks, a nearby fan, etc.), a dynamic mic is often the better choice due to its better noise rejection. Factor in your budget. Entry-level: Consider the Samson Q2U for its hybrid connectivity and great value. Mid-range: The Shure MV7+ is a superb investment for professional-level quality and features. Lower cost: The Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone is a surprisingly capable mic for under $30. Decide on your future setup. If you think you might eventually want to use a more complex setup with an audio interface and multiple microphones, a hybrid USB/XLR mic is the most flexible option. For a simpler, "plug-and-play" experience, a USB-only mic like the Rode NT-USB+ is a great choice.