When setting up a livestream, it’s easy to prioritize a few things: the camera, your outfit, the background, the internet connection. However, the most important aspect of a good, clear livestream is good audio.

More than likely, your audience cares about being able to hear you first—the visuals come second. So, if you’re new to the world of live-streaming, where do you start? Which microphone brands are the best? What should you look for in specs and details? Do you even need to buy a mic?

Let’s go over some of the best options on the market, who they’re for, and where you can get them.

When setting up a livestream, it’s easy to prioritize a few things: the camera, your outfit, the background, the internet connection. However, the most important aspect of a good, clear livestream is good audio.

More than likely, your audience cares about being able to hear you first—the visuals come second. So, if you’re new to the world of live-streaming, where do you start? Which microphone brands are the best? What should you look for in specs and details? Do you even need to buy a mic?

Let’s go over some of the best options on the market, who they’re for, and where you can get them.

1. Blue Yeti: $129.99

Nothing new here. Blue Yeti has been a consistent winner for a long time. The quality is exactly what you need for a streaming mic. The body is durable and intuitive, too. There’s no complicated setup with this thing. Just plug it in, and go!

It also looks good—you can order it in different colors, which sounds ridiculous, but if you care about your setup, you know how important this is.

Remember, everyone will be looking at you, so make sure the shot is worth looking at. It includes cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional pickup patterns. Connecting to the computer is simple with a USB cable, so there’s no need to buy extra cables or attachments. If you’re interested in which cameras to purchase for live-streaming, check out our list below: