HyperX SoloCast vs Elgato Wave:3 vs AT2020USB+ vs Shure SM7B: Which Mic?
Four microphones, four very different ideas. The HyperX SoloCast is the cheap and simple starter. The Elgato Wave:3 is the streamer’s favorite. The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is a studio-style USB classic. The Shure SM7B is the broadcast legend.
This comparison pulls together published reviews from Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and SoundGuys, along with our four full reviews. We also embed two creator videos so you can listen for yourself.
Meet the Contenders
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | HyperX SoloCast | Elgato Wave:3 | AT2020USB+ | Shure SM7B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | USB condenser | USB condenser | USB condenser | XLR dynamic |
| Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Connection | USB-C | USB-C | USB Type-B | XLR |
| Resolution | 24-bit/96 kHz (TechRadar) | 24-bit, 48/96 kHz | 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz | Analog |
| Headphone jack | No | Yes, 3.5 mm | Yes, with mix | No (interface needed) |
| Gain dial | No | Yes | No | On your interface |
| Weight | About 260 g | 305 g | About 386 g | 765 g |
| Price | $59–$70 | $150–$160 | £135–£169 | $395–$440 |
Sound Quality
USB condensers: clear and close
Tom’s Guide described the SoloCast as rich and full for the price. PC Gamer scored the Wave:3 at 90 out of 100, and MusicTech gave the AT2020USB+ 9 out of 10. All three are clear, detailed voice mics.
Each condenser also hears the room. That is the common weakness. TechRadar noticed the SoloCast picks up desk vibration, and Trusted Reviews noted that the AT2020USB+ hears keyboard clicks.
The SM7B: warm and controlled
LaptopMag called the SM7B rich with few plosives, and SoundGuys gave it 9.0 out of 10. A dynamic capsule rejects more room sound. The price is lower sensitivity and the need for lots of clean gain.
Riverside ranks USB podcast mics in this video. Use it to hear how current USB models stack up against the group we compare here.
Video: Riverside ranks the best USB podcast microphones of 2026. Opinions in the video belong to the creator, so treat it as another point of view.
Controls and Monitoring
The Wave:3 leads here. It adds a gain dial, a capacitive mute, and a 3.5 mm zero-latency jack, according to TechRadar. The AT2020USB+ has a headphone output with a mix fader, per MusicTech.
The SoloCast has only a tap-to-mute sensor. The SM7B has no controls beyond tone switches on the back, so your interface does the work. That is flexible, but it adds cost and complexity.
Software and Setup
| Mic | Software | Setup effort |
|---|---|---|
| HyperX SoloCast | None needed | Plug and play |
| Elgato Wave:3 | Wave Link mixer (optional) | Easy, but the mixer has a learning curve |
| AT2020USB+ | None | Plug and play |
| Shure SM7B | Interface software | Highest: interface, cable, arm, gain tuning |
Wave Link is a real advantage for streamers. PC Gamer noted that it can handle up to eight channels. The SM7B can match that flexibility only if your mixer or interface offers similar routing.
Noise Rejection and Placement
Every mic here benefits from a boom arm. Condensers pick up desk noise, and the SM7B is heavy. Keep the mic close to your mouth, and treat your room with soft surfaces.
If your keyboard is loud, consider fixing the source. Our Aula AG75 Pro review, IQUNIX EV63 review, and keyboard budget guide show quieter options.
Kettner Creative compares an Audio-Technica AT2020 with the SM7B. It is not the USB model, but it clearly shows the difference between a studio condenser and a broadcast dynamic mic.
Video: Kettner Creative compares an Audio-Technica AT2020 with the Shure SM7B. Opinions in the video belong to the creator, so treat it as another point of view.
Total Cost of Ownership
The sticker price hides the real cost. The SoloCast costs about $59 to $70 per its reviews. Add a boom arm, and you are still at a low total.
The Wave:3 costs about $150 to $160. The AT2020USB+ is hard to find new in the US, so most buyers should look at the USB-X. The SM7B starts near $400, and an interface, cable, and arm can double the total.
Mic-by-Mic Breakdown
HyperX SoloCast: the easy starter
The SoloCast is the mic to buy if you have never used one. Tom’s Guide praised its clear sound and background-noise handling, and TechRadar liked the plug-and-play setup. It has no gain dial and no headphone jack, so you manage levels in software.
Its weak spots are desk vibration and plosives. A boom arm fixes the first, and the newer SoloCast 2 adds a built-in pop filter for the second. Read our full HyperX SoloCast review for details.
Elgato Wave:3: the streamer’s all-rounder
The Wave:3 adds the controls the SoloCast lacks. You get a gain dial, a capacitive mute, a headphone jack, and Clipguard. PC Gamer scored it 90 out of 100, and TechRadar gave it five stars.
Wave Link is optional but powerful. It has a learning curve, so give yourself an evening to set it up. Our Elgato Wave:3 review also covers the MK.2 differences.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+: the studio-style USB mic
MusicTech praised its crisp highs and clean noise floor, and the headphone mix control is simple and effective. Trusted Reviews noted that it picks up keyboard clicks, and it lists the mic as discontinued in the US. If you want it new, look to the AT2020USB-X. See our AT2020USB+ review.
Shure SM7B: the broadcast classic
The SM7B needs the most from you. It requires an interface, a cable, and a strong arm. In return, it delivers a rich voice and strong room rejection, as LaptopMag and SoundGuys describe. Our Shure SM7B review walks through the setup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the boom arm
A desk stand turns every keystroke into a thump. Every mic in this group benefits from an arm, and the SM7B practically needs one. Budget for it from day one.
Speaking too far away
Distance changes tone and raises room noise. For the SM7B, speak within a few inches. For the USB condensers, TechRadar suggests about one foot for the SoloCast. Find a consistent spot and mark it.
Setting gain too high
High gain adds hiss and risks clipping. PC Gamer advised keeping Wave:3 gain low. LaptopMag heard faint static on the SM7B and used a noise gate. Start low and raise the level slowly.
Ignoring the room
No microphone fixes an echoey room. Soft surfaces, a rug, and a bookshelf help more than most upgrades. Treat the room first, then spend on the mic.
Upgrade Paths
Many creators climb this ladder in order. They start with a SoloCast, move to a Wave:3 when they begin streaming, and later add an SM7B and an interface when they want a pro sound. Each step teaches you what you actually need.
If you are unsure, start in the middle. The Wave:3 is the safest purchase because it keeps its value as your skills grow. You can always add an XLR mic later and keep the Wave:3 as a travel or backup mic.
Best Mic for Each Use
Best for gaming and Discord
The SoloCast is enough for chat. The Wave:3 gives you more control if you stream. Pair either with a comfortable headset such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X or HyperX Cloud III S Wireless.
Best for streaming
The Wave:3 wins thanks to Clipguard, a gain dial, and Wave Link. The SM7B wins on sound in a noisy room, but it needs a more complex rig.
Best for podcasts and voiceover
The SM7B is the classic. The AT2020USB line is a strong USB alternative. Both reward a quiet space and a pop filter.
Best budget pick
The SoloCast. It sounds clear, mutes with a tap, and costs little. Consider the SoloCast 2 for its built-in pop filter and internal shock mount.
Which Mic Fits Your Room?
A quiet bedroom or office
A treated or naturally quiet room suits any condenser. The Wave:3 and the AT2020USB line capture detail and air. The SoloCast also works well here, because there is little noise to fight.
A noisy shared space
Fans, traffic, and roommates favor the SM7B. A dynamic capsule hears less of the distance. If you stay on USB, use a close cardioid setup and add noise suppression in your streaming software.
A small desk
Space is limited, so size matters. The SoloCast weighs about 260 g and fits almost anywhere. The Wave:3 has a compact yoke stand. The SM7B needs a boom arm, which actually frees desk space once it is mounted.
What to Listen For in the Videos
Videos help you judge a mic before you buy. Focus on four things as you watch: how full the voice sounds, how much room echo you hear, how loud keyboard noise is, and how plosives behave. Use headphones, because laptop speakers hide the differences.
Remember that each creator uses a different room, distance, and processing chain. Treat the clips as another point of view, not as a lab measurement. The written reviews above provide the specs and context.
Buying Checklist
Before you check out, confirm your computer has the right port, because the SoloCast and Wave:3 use USB-C. Decide whether you need a headphone jack on the mic. Add a boom arm, a pop filter, and any cables to your cart.
If you choose the SM7B, confirm your interface offers enough clean gain. Compare the full bundle price, not just the mic. A complete, well-planned setup beats an expensive mic on a weak chain every time.
Which Headset Pairs Best?
If you want one device that does everything, a headset is simpler. Our Sony INZONE H9 II review, Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review, and Audeze Maxwell 2 review cover premium choices. A separate mic still gives your voice more body.
Building the Full Creator Setup
A mic is only one piece. Start with a stable desk from our best standing desk for gaming guide. Add a comfortable seat like the Secretlab Titan Evo, and a sharp display from our OLED gaming monitor comparison.
Final Verdict
For most people, the Elgato Wave:3 is the mic to buy. It sits at the sweet spot of control, sound, and software. The SoloCast is the value pick, the AT2020USB line is the studio pick, and the SM7B is the pro pick.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Elgato Wave:3 |
| Best budget | HyperX SoloCast |
| Best studio-style USB | Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X line |
| Best for noisy rooms and pro voice | Shure SM7B |
Pick the Wave:3 for most setups, the SoloCast for budgets, and the SM7B when you already own an interface and want a broadcast sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best microphone for most people?
The Elgato Wave:3 is the best all-rounder for most gamers and streamers. It adds a gain dial, mute, headphone monitoring, and a mixer to a USB design, and PC Gamer and TechRadar both scored it highly.
Is the Shure SM7B better than a USB mic?
It sounds richer and rejects room noise better, according to LaptopMag and SoundGuys. It also needs an interface, an XLR cable, and an arm, so it costs far more and takes more setup.
What is the best budget microphone here?
The HyperX SoloCast. Tom’s Guide praised its clear, full sound and Editor’s Choice value, and it needs no software. It lacks a gain dial and a headphone jack.
Is the AT2020USB+ still worth buying?
It is a respected studio-style USB mic, but Trusted Reviews lists it as discontinued in the US. The AT2020USB-X is the current model, with USB-C and extra controls.
Do I need a boom arm with these mics?
Yes, in most cases. Each review mentions desk noise or weight. A boom arm cuts vibration for the USB condensers, and the heavy SM7B practically requires a strong one.
Which mic is best for gaming?
The Wave:3 for most players, and the SoloCast for the tightest budgets. The SM7B is overkill for casual gaming, as LaptopMag points out.
Which mic works best in a noisy room?
The SM7B, because dynamic capsules ignore distant sound. Among the USB mics, a cardioid condenser with a boom arm, close placement, and software noise suppression is the best you can do.
