The Best Travel Microphone For 2024

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone

Capture the perfect sound with this Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone. With a tri-capsule array and 3 condenser capsules, you’ll be able to record almost any situation. It has a gain control, a mute button and zero-latency headphone output so you can monitor yourself as well as hear playback from your work. Plus, it has a signal to noise ratio of 100 dB. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: TONOR Cardioid Condenser Computer PC Mic

The TONOR Cardioid Condenser Computer PC Mic is a USB condenser mic with excellent anti-vibration function, which is built in pop filter, perfect for home studio recording. It's easy to install and without any assembly. This mic has an excellent voice capture and noise reduction system, you can enjoy recording without worries of disturbing sound sources. Read Review

3. Best Compact: Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone

The Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone is the first dedicated gaming microphone for Twitch, YouTube, and other streaming platforms. Designed with simplicity in mind, it is compact and captures your natural voice without any background noise. The heavy-duty tilting stand sits on a sturdy support and can be angled to find the perfect sweet spot for your voice. Read Review

4. Best Quality: HyperX SoloCast USB Condenser Gaming Microphone

HyperX SoloCast is a high-quality USB condenser gaming mic with flexible, adjustable stand that swivels to support a variety of setups. Multi-device and program compatibility means you can use SoloCast on your PC, PS4, PS5 or Mac. It also features Discord and TeamSpeak certification so you get great sound no matter what device you're using. Read Review

Looking for the best travel microphone so you can record awesome audio on your next trip? You’ll be glad to know there are many fantastic options out there. Whether you’re traveling alone or in a group, it’s always nice to capture the sights, sounds, and smells of your journey. A high-quality recording will help you relive those special moments for years to come.

A good microphone doesn’t have to be large and bulky in order to capture a crisp sound. In fact, some of the best compact microphones that are perfect for travelers are small enough to fit inside a pocket or purse. These models are easy to pack and won't take up much space in your luggage. Read on for helpful advice about what to look for when shopping for a new mic.

Our team spent about 14 hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone is the product that receives the highest award from us. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which are equally deserving of your consideration, we have also compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Our Score:
9.8
Logitech for Creators
  • Perfect for vocals, musical instruments, podcasting, voiceovers, interviews, field recordings, conference calls
  • Tri-capsule array - 3 condesner capsules can record almost any situation
  • Multiple pattern selection - cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo
  • Gain control, mute button, zero-latency headphone output. Signal to noise: 100 dB
TOP Choice #2 TONOR Cardioid Condenser Computer PC Mic
Our Score:
9.6
TONOR
  • Plug and Play: With a USB 2.0 data port, no additional driver is required. TC30 is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux. Ideal for gaming, podcasting, zoom meeting, streaming, Skype chatting, online conference.
  • Exceptional Anti-vibration: The upgraded concealed shock mount can effectively reduce the noise caused by the mouse, keyboard, radiator or touch of the microphone.
  • What You Get: 1 x condenser microphone, 1 x shock mount, 1 x foldable mic tripod, 1 x pop filter, 1 x USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Cable, 1 x manual. Note: It is compatible with Macs, PCs, PS4 and iPad (an adapter is required), not compatible with Phones and Xbox.
  • Cardioid Pickup Pattern: The mic has a cardioid pickup pattern and an excellent off-axis suppression function, allowing it to capture more natural sound and suppress unwanted background noise.
  • Easy to Install: Without any assembly, only need to attach the pop filter to the mic tripod, then it can be plug and play.
TOP Choice #3 Razer Seiren Mini USB Streaming Microphone
Our Score:
9.4
Razer
  • Ultra-Compact Build: Made for minimalist or smaller setups, it barely takes up any desk space and is discreet on-camera, putting more focus on you. Easy to bring along if you need take your streaming elsewhere.
  • Professional Recording Quality: With its 14mm condenser capsule and flat frequency response, the mic broadcasts your voice with stellar clarity that’s filled with crisp highs and deep lows.
  • Heavy-Duty Tilting Stand: Sitting on a sturdy support, the mic can be angled to find the perfect sweetspot for your voice. It can also be detached and mounted on a boom arm or mic stand that uses a standard 5/8-inch thread.
  • The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source - The NPD Group, Inc. U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Keyboards, Mice, PC Headset/Pc Microphone, Gaming Designed, based on dollar sales, 2017-2021
  • Connectivity technology: USB
  • Ultra-Precise Supercardioid Pickup Pattern: The Razer Seiren Mini is tuned with a tighter pickup angle, so it can focus on your voice while ensuring that background noises like typing and mouse clicks don’t get picked up.
  • Flexible, adjustable stand: The easy-to-position stand swivels to support a variety of setups. You can even fit under a monitor if your setup is tight on space.
  • Plug N Play audio recording: Get quality audio recordings with this easy-to-use USB condenser microphone. The cardioid polar pattern prioritizes sound sources directly in front of the microphone.
  • Multi-device and program compatibility: Get great sound whether you’re connecting to a PC, PS4, PS5 or Mac. SoloCast is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak, and works on major streaming platforms like Streamlabs OBS, OBS Studio, and XSplit.
  • Tap-to-Mute sensor with LED status indicator: Simply tap the top of the mic to mute, and the signature LED indicator lets you immediately see whether or not you’re broadcasting.
  • Boom arm and mic stand threading: Versatile microphone fits 3'8-inch and 5'8-inch threaded setups, making it compatible with most mic stands or boom arms.
  • Condenser capsule with a tight cardioid polar pattern captures speech with precision
  • Use the Wave Link app to control Wave: 3 and up to seven other audio sources, plus create two independent mixes
  • Superior circuitry ensures seamless audio signal transmission
  • Up to 24-bit / 96kHz analog to digital conversion delivers lush detail
  • Proprietary Clipguard technology makes distortion virtually impossible
  • EXCELLENT SOUND QUALITY: The microphone gives you up to 24bit/192khz bit sample rate, so your recordings will be crystal clear. And it has a wide frequency response (30 hz to 16khz) and provides superb sound reproduction quality for high-resolution audio
  • USB PLUG & PLAY: High quality desktop recording is made simple! just plug the usb microphone into you computer’s port, it even works automatically with your mac or pc. No drivers required
  • NOISE ELIMINATION ACCESSORIES: The microphone comes with a microphone stand, shock mount, table clamp, anti-wind foam cap, usb a to b cable, and a pop filter. These accessories can effectively minimize the noise from unwanted vibrations or plosives
  • CARDIOD PICKUP PATTERN: The cardioid pickup pattern offers pristine and accurate capture. It records sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone, reducing unwanted background noise
  • HIGH COMPATIBILITY: It can fully compatible with most mainstream operating system such as windows and mac os. The microphone can also use for mobile phone, but you need an adapter(not included)
7 MAONO USB Microphone
Our Score:
8.9
MAONO
  • Freely Control Mic Gain: The gaming microphone with flexible mic gain control to optimize the level of your recording, turning the gain down to effectively reduce typing and mouse click input, turning the gain up to make your voice more magnetic to others, ideal for gaming, chatting, Zoom meeting
  • Start Your Recording in a Minute: Plug and play, requires no extra drivers or softwares, widely compatible with applications. The USB condenser microphone can be quickly recognized by Mac or Win OS. It is a great choice for beginners to start recording or live streaming.( NOTE: not compatible with Xbox)
  • Premium Accessorie: Includes upgraded metal pop filter to reduce popping sound. A heavy metal desktop stand with base delivers unobtrusive stability while maintaining portability. Height-adjustable metal tube can be adjusted between 4.9in-7.8in.The detachble USB audio cable is up to 60 inches.The whole kit is easy to install and use
  • Warranty and Support: We provides 12-month warranty. If you have any technical questions, please find the user manual in our official website
  • Accurately Capture Your Voice: Cardioid pickup pattern and excellent ENC noise reduction function, allowing the podcast microphone to capture the clear, smooth, crisp sound directly in front of the microphone, and suppress unwanted background noise, great for recording, podcast, streaming, singing, vocal, Youtube, Twitch, Skype
  • You Will Get: 1 x USB Microphone, 1xDesktop Stand, 1xShock Mount, 1xMetal Pop Filter, 1x USB Cable, 1 x Manual
  • Studio Quality Sound: The USB microphone features condenser capsule and flat frequency response for superior audio performance. Built-in professional audio chipset, 192KHZ/24BIT high sampling rate, presenting natural sound, when you play the game, just like you and your teammates are playing side by side
8 JLab Talk Go USB Microphone
Our Score:
8.8
JLab
  • Plug and Play: Talk GO offers a 5-foot USB/USB-C input cable to plug into your device and operate your recording hassle-free. Use the standard-sized 5/8” input for swivel mounting anything, like camera tripods or other stands. Talk GO is free from drivers, and features plug and play, allowing you to record within seconds.
  • Compact, Lightweight and Portable: Meet Talk GO, a compact, lightweight and portable microphone, with studio- quality performance. Offering a generous resolution of 96kHz/24BIT, Talk GO is great for calls, podcasts, gaming, ASMR, and voice overs using its two directional pattern modes, Cardioid and Omnidirectional.
  • 2 Directional Pattern Modes: Talk GO features two directional pattern modes: Cardioid and Omni. Great for individual or business calls, voiceovers, podcasting, music recording, and even ASMR. Choose the mode that will GO with your needs.
  • Professional Grade Recording: Talk GO features a studio-quality resolution of 96kHz/24BIT to ensure the recording is clear, detailed, and offers a great dynamic sound range for everyday use. With its compact fit, and lightweight build, you can bring it anywhere, anytime.
  • Control Your Recording: Choose your audio preference with the adjustments in loudness with volume control. Talk GO features a Quick-Mute button for easy access, and a 3.5mm AUX input for real-time listening with zero latency.
9 Blue Snowflake USB Microphone
Our Score:
8.7
Blue
  • Plug-and-play driverless set-up and performance
  • Portable high-quality condenser microphone that lets you capture high-quality audio at any location
  • Proprietary digital converter and preamp
  • Ultra-compact design gives you the freedom of pristine sound on the go
10 MAONO USB Podcast Microphone
Our Score:
8.6
MAONO
  • Plug and Play: No need for the driver software or external devices. The computer microphone can be immediately recognized by Mac or Windows system and begin recording in less than one minute. It is a great choice for beginners to start recording or live streaming. NOTE: Not compatible with Xbox
  • Flexible Mic Gain Knob: The gain button can increase the sensitivity of the pc microphone so that you can adjust the gain and volume easily and quickly. You can increase the gain appropriately when the volume of Youtube live streaming is low or the distance is far away, which will help you increase the volume without sound distortion
  • Excellent Sound Quality: The USB microphone has a built-in professional sound chipset, 192kHz/24Bit high sampling rate, and smooth frequency response of 100Hz-18kHz, which captures the crystal clear sound when podcasting or gaming. Cardioid pickup pattern suppresses unwanted background noise and captures clear sound. It is perfect for recording, live streaming, zoom meetings, chatting, voice-over, twitch, YouTube video, etc
  • 12-Month Warranty: MAONO provides a 12-month warranty and friendly tech support. What you get: 1x USB condenser microphone, 1x full metal arm stand, 1x shock mount, 1x metal pop filter, 1x table mounting clamp, 1x USB cable and 1x manual
  • Easy to Install: With a sturdy and durable arm stand set, you only need to install the arm stand on the table, which easily adjusts the microphone angle and height when podcasting or gaming. The arms stand set and pop filter is made of durable steel, which prolongs the use time of the microphone kit
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What to Look For in a best travel microphone?

Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best travel microphone, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best travel microphone. You are expected to count on our expertise in best travel microphone to make the right choice. 

So now we move on to the significant factors related to best travel microphone you must keep in mind:

Polar Pattern/Directionality

Directionality is the way a microphone picks up sounds from its surroundings. One microphone can detect sound in all directions simultaneously. Most other microphones can only pick up one direction at a time. This can be advantageous depending on the circumstances.

Type Of Microphone

The energy of sound waves is captured by microphones, which can then convert it into electricity in various ways. You can either use a condenser microphone or dynamic microphone to accomplish this.

Response Flatness

Although it might seem that flat responses are the best, a treble lift is sometimes an advantage. This applies especially to vocals. This can cause the PA system to become more sensitive to howling. The signal from speakers often gets in the microphone, creating a hissing sound. Many dynamic microphones have a treble lift, which lends itself to many vocals.

Attenuation Switch

Have you ever wondered what those switches at the back of Rode Videomic are for? Attenuation switches are the switches at the back. Attenuation switches on microphones reduce the output of the mic by a specific amount. This is usually between -10dB and -20dB. The microphone will become four to sixteen times more quiet than usual.

Impedance

This is measured in Ohms (symbol O) and refers to the microphone's ability to receive an audio signal or AC current. Mics with a low impedance (600O and lower) retain better audio quality when used on cables that are longer than 16 feet. High impedance signals that other microphone components may be of lower quality can sometimes indicate a low quality signal.

Frequency Response

The frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that a microphone can detect, usually 20hz-20Khz. Knowing the frequency range is not enough. What you need is the microphone's responsiveness to certain frequencies. Before you choose a microphone, think about the recording you are going to do. A microphone with a higher frequency, such as a dynamic microphone, may be better suited for recording bass, drums, and other musical instruments.

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

This measurement is often expressed as decibels (dBs), and it is the highest volume the microphone can tolerate without distortion.

Connections

After you have chosen the mic type you prefer, it is time to think about how you will connect it to your system. There are two options: wireless or wired.
Traditional wired microphones transmit sound signals via a cable. They can be a hindrance to performers' movement, particularly during large productions. A wireless microphone is a good option if you need to be mobile. These wireless microphones use radio waves to transmit signals to the receiver.

FAQs

What Microphone Is Recommended For Determining The Direction Or Noise Source Location Of Sound?

Multiple free-field microphones, placed in predefined patterns and combined with appropriate software allow spatial transformations of complex sound pressure fields to be projected to map the acoustic energy flows. Because of their general value and matching phase specifications, array microphones make a great choice for large-channel count acoustic testing. Because they allow the user to identify specific microphones quickly and easily, Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS), are highly recommended.

Which Microphone Is Recommended For Low Frequency Measurements?

Low frequency can be referred to as a relative term. The standard 1/2" condenser test microphones and the measurement grade microphones have an -3dB point between 1 Hz and 3 Hz. This is enough for most applications. Some specialty microphones can measure down to 0.1 Hz and exceed this limit.

What Should I Do When My Miniature Microphone Gets Soaked In Water Or Sweat?

A microphone is best if it's not in contact with water. However, sweat can be a problem if the environment is professional. The microphone should be shaken to remove any water. It must then dry, perhaps near a heat source such as a radiator. Never use a hairdryer. After they have been sweat-filled, omni microphones should be rinsed in demineralized waters and dried.

Does The Size Of A Microphone Impact Its Frequency And Dynamic Range?

It is important to consider the size and sensitivity of your microphone. Microphones of smaller dimensions and higher sensitivity are more capable of measuring high amplitudes or frequencies. However, microphones with a larger diameter or more sensitive can measure higher frequencies and have lower noise floors.

What Is The Noise Floor Of A Microphone?

The cartridge thermal noise specification defines the microphone's noise floor. Important to remember that preamplifier noise can have an impact on the mic and preamplifier combo's noise floor. You can also measure the sound pressure by limiting other components of the measurement chain like power supplies or data acquisition systems.

How Do I Clean My Miniature Microphone Cable From Tape Remains?

Over time, residue from glue and tape can etch the cable making it less able to withstand braking. Organic oil can be used to clean the cable (e.g. Olive oil and lukewarm warm water can be used to clean the cable. Ecotech2 Multidegreaser by Finish Line has been reported to have good results.

What Is A Polar Plot And How Is It Used?

Polar plots, also known as beam patterns, show an angular dependence on the sound pressure measured by the microphone. A polar plot shows how sound pressure levels are affected by different angles of incidence. The typical angle of incidence is a 180-degree arc, with the microphone in the middle. As you move away from the centre, your pressure amplitude will decrease. The frequency dependence of measured sound pressure is not shown in polar plots. They are only obtained at one frequency. Because the pattern of the beam will vary at different frequencies, it is important to specify the measurement frequency with polar data.

Which Levels Can The Microphone Handle?

A microphone's dynamic range is the difference between its lowest and highest levels.
It is not just a function the microphone, but the preamplifier that goes with it. A microphone's dynamic range is directly related to its sensitivities.

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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.