Amazon Basics USB condenser mic tested at around $23

The Amazon Basics USB Condenser Microphone, a desktop mic aimed at gamers and home callers, sells for about $23 against a list price of $26.99. A reviewer who tests low-cost hardware found it far more solid than the price suggests and said its voice quality outclasses other budget microphones they have tried under $50.

Build, stand and what is in the box

Out of the packaging, the mic surprised the reviewer with its weight; they compared its heft to stage microphones such as the Shure SM58 and SM57, only in a smaller body suited to a desk. It sits on a small included stand that, unusually, tilts at the base of the pole rather than just below the mic, so the whole unit leans to one side when angled. The reviewer noted that it stays stable even at its full tilt.

The package is minimal: the microphone, the stand, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable and a short quickstart leaflet. There is no software to install and no RGB lighting.

Specifications and sound

• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Recording: up to 16-bit at 48 kHz
• Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
• Internal shock mount to reduce desk bumps and reverberation
• Mute button on the front, which Amazon describes as tap-to-mute

The reviewer pointed out that a mute control is something the Razer Seiren Mini, the publication's previous favourite budget gaming mic, does not offer. In use, they described the Amazon mic's vocal capture as good, not only for the money but in general, while acknowledging that it lacks the clarity and richness of higher-end gaming microphones.

The main drawback they listed is the absence of any noise cancelling: the condenser capsule picks up sound from the room and anyone else in it. They added that comprehensive software features are hard to find at this price. Following the test, the microphone was listed as the best budget pick in the outlet's guide to gaming microphones, with the Shure MV6 USB Gaming Microphone named as best overall.