Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Review: Still Worth Buying in 2026?
Some mics outlast their product cycles. The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is one of them. It borrowed the studio look of the famous AT2020 and added a USB connection, and it has been a go-to for podcasters and home studios for years.
This review draws on MusicTech and Trusted Reviews, plus creator videos from Andrew Knepper and Podcastage. We also look at the newer AT2020USB-X, because that is what most shoppers find on Amazon today.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ at a Glance
⚙️ Quick Specifications
👍 The Good
- Crisp, detailed voice with a negligible noise floor
- Headphone out with a mix control for easy monitoring
- Includes a tripod stand, pivot mount, and pouch
- No software or drivers to install
- Proven design with a strong reputation
👎 The Bad
- Dated design and cheap-feeling wheels
- Picks up keyboard clicks and plosives
- Always-on blue LED, with no mute button
- Accessories such as a pop filter cost extra
- Hard to find new in the US
Design and Build Quality
A studio look in a USB package
The AT2020USB+ looks like a classic side-address studio condenser. You speak into the side, not the top. The body is solid metal, and TrustedReviews measured it at roughly 386 g.
That weight gives it stability on the included tripod desk stand. It also means a flimsy boom arm will struggle. Choose an arm rated for heavier mics.
What is in the box
MusicTech listed a 3 m USB cable, a tripod desk stand, a pivot mount, and a carrying pouch. That is a generous kit for the price. The cable length also gives you freedom to place the mic where it sounds best.
TrustedReviews was less kind about the controls. It described the wheels as cheap-feeling and the design as dated. A blue LED stays lit all the time, and there is no mute button.
Andrew Knepper reviews the AT2020USB+ for Zoom calls, YouTube, podcasts, and gaming. It gives you a clear listen to the voice tone we describe next.
Video: Andrew Knepper reviews the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+. Opinions in the video belong to the creator, so treat it as another point of view.
Sound Quality
Crisp highs and a clean floor
MusicTech gave the mic 9 out of 10. It praised a crisp, sweet high end and a negligible noise floor. That means you hear your voice and not electronic hiss.
The fixed cardioid pattern helps. It focuses on the front and reduces room noise. TrustedReviews noted a roughly 120-degree pickup angle.
Where it falls short
TrustedReviews called it a steady performer rather than a standout. It heard a slightly shallow low end. For voice, that is usually fine, but you may want to add a touch of EQ for a warmer tone.
It also picked up keyboard clicks, and plosives were an issue. A pop filter is almost required. Because no internal filter exists, plan an extra purchase.
Headphone Monitoring and Mix Control
The headphone output is one of the best things about this mic. MusicTech describes a mix fader. Turn it one way to hear your mic live, turn it the other way to hear your computer.
That blend is simple and effective. You can check your voice for plosives and level without any software. The Elgato Wave:3 offers zero-latency monitoring too, but the AT’s mix control feels more direct.
Software and Setup
There is no software, and that is a feature. TrustedReviews notes no companion app. You plug in the cable and select the mic in your system settings.
The trade-off is the lack of built-in processing. Add noise suppression and EQ in your recording app. Free tools in OBS and common digital audio workstations cover most needs.
Setting levels
Because the mic lacks a gain knob, set levels in your operating system. Speak at your normal volume, then watch the meter. Aim for peaks in the upper-middle zone.
Noise Handling and Placement
TrustedReviews flagged keyboard noise and plosives. A heavy mic on a desk stand transmits vibration. Use a boom arm and a pop filter to fix both.
If you type loudly, consider a quieter board. Our Aula F99 review, Yunzii IF68 review, and MCHOSE Ace 75 review cover keyboards with different sound profiles.
Keep the mic a few inches away from your mouth and slightly off-axis. Speaking across the capsule reduces plosives without hurting clarity.
AT2020USB+ vs AT2020USB-X
Audio-Technica replaced the USB+ with the AT2020USB-X. Adorama lists USB-C, sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack rated at 110 mW. The USB-X adds a headphone level control, a mix control, and touch mute.
| Spec | AT2020USB+ | AT2020USB-X |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB Type-B | USB-C |
| Sample rates | 44.1/48 kHz | 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz |
| Mute | None | Touch mute |
| Headphone jack | Yes, with mix | Yes, with level and mix |
| Weight | About 386 g | About 373 g (13 oz) |
| Availability | Discontinued in the US (Trusted Reviews) | Current model |
The USB-X is the safer choice if you are buying new. The listing we checked is a third-party bundle priced at $199.95, with the list price at $227.94 according to Adorama, so compare the bare mic price before you buy a kit.
Podcastage tests the newer USB-X and compares it with the AT2020USB+ and other mics. It is the best way to hear how the line has evolved.
Video: Podcastage tests the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X against several USB mics. Opinions in the video belong to the creator, so treat it as another point of view.
Real-World Use Cases
Podcasting and voiceover
The AT2020USB+ made its name here. The clean noise floor and crisp highs suit spoken word. Add a pop filter and a quiet room, and it will serve for years.
Gaming and streaming
It works, but it lacks the extras that streamers love. There is no mute sensor and no mixer software. If you stream, the Wave:3 offers more control. If you only chat, this mic is fine.
Music and home recording
Musicians use it for demos, guitar, and vocals. The cardioid pattern and wide frequency range suit acoustic sources. For serious recording, an XLR mic and an interface give more headroom.
Getting the Best Sound from the AT2020USB+
Mic position and room setup
Side-address mics need to face you from the front panel with the logo. Many beginners speak into the top by mistake, which makes the voice thin. Check the logo before you record.
Sit about four to six inches from the mic for a podcast tone. Move farther back if plosives creep in. A pop filter placed a couple of inches in front of the grille tames most of the trouble.
Soft furnishings help more than any gadget. Curtains, a rug, and a bookshelf break up reflections. Even a thick blanket behind your monitor can cut echo.
Simple EQ and processing
TrustedReviews described a slightly shallow low end. A gentle low-shelf boost around 100 to 150 Hz can add warmth. Keep it small, because too much boost makes the mic sound boomy.
A high-pass filter around 80 Hz removes desk rumble. A light compressor smooths peaks, and a noise gate can trim keyboard bleed between sentences. These steps fit in OBS or any free audio editor.
Buying used or in a bundle
Because the AT2020USB+ is hard to find new in the US, you may see used units and bundles. Ask for photos of the grille and the USB port. Confirm the model name in the title, since the USB-X looks similar.
Make sure the pivot mount and tripod stand are included. Replacements cost extra, and the threads are standard, so a boom arm adapter will fit if you need one.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The mic sounds quiet
Check the input level in your operating system and in the app. Raise it in small steps. Also confirm you are speaking into the front of the mic, not the back or top.
Your voice sounds echoey
A condenser mic hears the whole room. Move closer, add soft surfaces, and turn the mic away from hard walls. Software noise suppression can help, but treatment works better.
You hear a delay in your headphones
Use the mic’s own headphone jack for monitoring. That path avoids the lag that comes from routing audio through your computer. Turn the mix control until you hear a comfortable balance.
Accessories You Will Want
A pop filter is the first purchase. The mic has no internal filter, so a clip-on or arm-mounted screen is worth the few dollars. It protects the capsule from moisture, too.
A boom arm is next. It frees desk space, isolates vibration, and lets you place the mic close to your mouth. Pick one rated for a mic near 386 g, because lightweight arms can sag.
Finally, consider a shock mount. Desk bumps travel through a stand, and a shock mount absorbs much of that energy. Together, these three items turn a good mic into a clean, professional-sounding setup. If you also record gameplay, a fast OLED gaming monitor makes editing easier on the eyes.
Who Should Buy the AT2020USB+?
| ✅ Good fit | ❌ Look elsewhere |
|---|---|
| Podcasters who want a studio-style USB mic | Streamers who want a mute sensor and mixer |
| Home studio demos and voiceover | Buyers who need a modern USB-C connection |
| Anyone who values a headphone mix control | Typists in noisy rooms with no boom arm |
| Users who dislike software | Shoppers who need a warranty-fresh new unit |
Price and Value
MusicTech listed the mic at £169 in 2013. TrustedReviews later gave a UK RRP of £135. In the US, the model is discontinued, so used and third-party listings vary widely.
Beware of bundles. A kit with a boom arm and headphones can look cheap, but the mic inside may be the USB-X. Check the model name carefully.
Audio-Technica vs the Competition
Against the HyperX SoloCast, the AT offers monitoring and a more traditional sound. Against the Elgato Wave:3, it offers less software but a simpler workflow. We bring all four mics together in our final comparison.
If you want a headset instead, see the Audeze Maxwell 2 review or our Arctis Nova 5X vs Cloud III S Wireless comparison.
Pairing the Mic with Your Setup
Mics sound better in comfortable rooms. A good chair like the Secretlab Titan Evo keeps you still, and a steady desk from our best standing desk for gaming guide reduces vibration.
Final Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is a well-regarded voice mic with a clean sound and easy monitoring. It is dated, and it is hard to find new in the US. The USB-X is the better purchase today.
A crisp, quiet USB mic with a handy headphone mix. Buy the AT2020USB-X if you want it new, and add a pop filter and boom arm either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ still worth buying?
It remains a solid studio-style USB mic for voice. MusicTech scored it 9 out of 10 and TrustedReviews called it a steady performer. Availability is the catch, because TrustedReviews notes it is discontinued in the US and the AT2020USB-X replaces it.
What is the difference between the AT2020USB+ and the AT2020USB-X?
The USB-X moves to USB-C and supports sample rates up to 96 kHz, according to Adorama. It also adds a touch-mute control and a 3.5 mm headphone jack with a level control and mix control.
Does the AT2020USB+ have a headphone jack?
Yes. MusicTech describes a headphone output with a mix fader that blends your mic signal with playback. That makes monitoring easy without a separate interface.
Does the AT2020USB+ need software or drivers?
No software is needed. TrustedReviews notes there is no companion software, so you plug it in and select it as your input device.
Does the AT2020USB+ pick up keyboard noise?
Yes, it can. TrustedReviews found it picks up keyboard clicks and is prone to plosives. Use a pop filter, a boom arm, and a distance that suits your voice.
Is the AT2020USB+ good for gaming and streaming?
It works well for voice. It lacks the mute sensor and mixer software that streamers like, so many gamers prefer the Elgato Wave:3 for those extras.
Is the AT2020USB+ a cardioid mic?
Yes. MusicTech lists a fixed cardioid pattern, and TrustedReviews notes a pickup angle of about 120 degrees, which focuses on sound in front of the mic.
