7 Best Noise Cancelling Microphones in 2024

If you want to get audio free from interference and background distractions, you should purchase noise cancelling microphones. It doesn’t always mean spending money on high-priced gear, but rather on mics with a good price-quality ratio.

Such a device can level up your experience no matter whether you record podcasts, create content for media, or simply work in a noisy environment.

I frequently need to record audio on the go. Finding a completely silent place is impossible. Therefore, I have to adapt to the available conditions and filter out noise with the help of a mic.

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The HyperX QuadCast Microphone is a great microphone that does not take up much space. It is also very lightweight, which makes it perfect for traveling purposes since you can bring it around without any hassle. It has two ear pads that are extremely soft and plush , so I believe it can serve as a good microphone for podcasting.

This mic isn't just a stylish but also a functional addition to your setup. With customizable dynamic effects, you can tailor your audio to your exact preferences. Besides, there is a built-in anti-vibration shock mount. It effectively minimizes unwanted noise from typing or chair movements.

I also like the tap-to-mute sensor with a clear LED indicator. Thanks to it, you can avoid audio mishaps. This feature particularly comes in handy during recording sessions or live streams. The only element I’d like the developer to improve is the bright red light inside the body. It can be too intense in poorly lit places. However, this isn’t such a big problem.

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If you're looking for a microphone that produces great-sounding music then the Blue Yeti microphone is definitely for you. Producing professional results using this microphone will definitely earn your respect in the music industry.

Thanks to a custom 3-capsule array, you can receive high-quality audio and include it in your YouTube videos, Twitch streams, and Zoom conferences.

I like using the Blue VO!CE software to customize my voice for my streams. There are different broadcast effects, which I often apply to make my sound more polished. Besides, I experimented with four pickup patterns and the result was great. It is very easy to make smooth transitions from solo voiceovers to group interviews and vice versa.

Generally, this noise reduction microphone perfectly copes with its main task. However, some users are displeased with its bulky design. The stand is sturdy but heavy, so carrying it around for on-the-move recordings isn’t very convenient. On the flip side, you can use onboard controls to change gain, muting, and audio monitoring.

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When testing FIFINE K669B, I was pleased that the front plate of the microphone had a flat vinyl covering that could be removed to change the headroom available to the musicians using the instrument. This makes for a great-looking unit, that also allows changeable headroom for different situations.

The FIFINE K669B is a budget-friendly microphone with a solid build. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, like noise cancelling software or multiple microphone patterns, it still delivers good quality sound. The metal construction feels sturdy and premium for the price, although the included tripod stand could be a bit more stable.

As for sound quality, it is clear, especially if you record yourself. Though it can’t compete with the QuadCast in this regard, the FIFINE K669B is still suitable for basic tasks. If you are just beginning to record audio or can’t afford top-tier models, this cheap microphone for YouTube is a proper starting-off device.

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If you're a gamer who struggles with background noise, the MAONO DGM20S is worth checking out. It has a user-friendly noise cancellation feature that can significantly reduce unwanted sounds. So, your teammates can hear you very accurately.

The cardioid pickup pattern is a real advantage of this noise cancellation mic for PC. I can concentrate on my sound, while surrounding noises are efficiently cut off. This is helpful not only for gaming sessions, but also for work-related stuff, life meetings and conferences. Another highlight of the mic is its RGB lighting. There are 9 customizable modes, so any gamer can choose something suitable for their current gaming setup.

The only aspect that can disappoint users is an arm stand. It becomes less stable over time, so you may need to fix or replace it. Still, considering the cost, you shouldn’t expect too much.

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The ZealSound K66 is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use microphone. It's compatible with a wide range of devices, so you can connect it to your iPhone, Android, or any other compatible device.

I particularly like its precise mic gain control. This means I can easily adjust the microphone's sensitivity to suit my recording environment. It was a lifesaver when I was recording in noisy places, as I could easily reduce background noise.

The echo function is another strong point of the mic, while the LED mute reminder makes any online meetings more convenient. Thanks to a cardioid polar pattern, the microphone accurately picks my voice, isolating other noises. It resembles the previous microphone, but it is still slightly better with its noise cancelling chipset.

The headphone jack on the ZealSound K66 is a nice touch. It allows you to monitor your recording in real-time. However, when recording at higher frequencies, hissing and distortion are unavoidable. Professional users will surely be disappointed. If you want a basic microphone for video recording from time to time, you can opt for this one.

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Setting up Bietrun UMKF01 was easy. Its noise-canceling capabilities were impressive. It effectively mutes background noise, so you can leverage it for recording podcasts or attending online meetings. I regularly use it as my main microphone for Zoom meetings.

This noise cancellation mic has a cardioid pickup pattern, so it does wonders at capturing voices accurately. It resembles the ZealSound K66 when it comes to sound clarity but it can’t stay on par with it in terms of build quality.

In general, Bietrun UMKF01 is a good option for beginners or as a backup microphone. However, its sound quality is not always consistent. If you're looking for a premium microphone, you may want to consider other options.

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The CVL-2230 is a versatile microphone that can handle everything from solo recordings to group sessions. The setup process boils down to plugging and playing. It's incredibly user-friendly and provides instant feedback with its zero-latency monitoring feature, so you can always hear your voice loud and clear.

I especially like its integrated RGB lighting with customizable modes. It not only looks beautiful but allows for diversifying setups according to your mood. The stand is adjustable, which means quick tweaks for different needs.

However, the microphone may turn on by itself when you restart your computer. This can displease users, who prioritize privacy.

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What to look for?

✔️ A protective case with a soft interior is a must-have for traveling. It will protect your noise cancelling microphone from bumps and scratches, ensuring it's always ready to capture clear audio.

✔️ If you want to get your mic ready for work right out of the box, you should opt for one with a plug-and-play setup. Right after connecting it to your device, you’ll be prompted to download the needed drivers. Usually, you can connect a mic via a USB port.

✔️ To get the most out of your audio recording experience, look for microphones with adjustable patterns like stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. Thus, you can tailor your microphone's sensitivity to different noise environments and have optimal audio capture in any situation.

✔️ Compatibility is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing a mic. Clarify whether a microphone you like can be connected directly to a computer or whether you have to purchase a separate adapter. Besides, pay attention to the mountain method. If you have a limited working environment, purchasing a bulky microphone isn’t a good idea.

What to avoid?

❌ If you're serious about audio recording, don't skimp on a noise cancelling mic. While budget options may seem tempting, they often deliver poor-quality sound. It's essential to choose a microphone that's up to the task and can handle your specific recording needs.

❌ Noise-canceling microphones come in various types, each designed for specific purposes. Some work exclusively with computers or digital recorders, while others are optimized for recording individual voices or conference room settings. Before making a purchase, thoroughly review the microphone's specifications to ensure it aligns with your recording requirements.

❌ Not only the type of a microphone but how close you are sitting to it, affects the quality of your captured audio. Typically, mics capture the nearest sound and when you are moving further, you risk distorting the audio.

Picking 7 top microphones for isolating and suppressing surrounding noise wasn’t an easy but very interesting process. Under Tati Taylor's direction we put all these mics to demanding tests and the results are worth the effort.

We tested the microphones in various noisy environments to assess their ability to filter out background noise. For instance, we worked in a busy coffee shop, at our NY office, a home office with a vacuum cleaner running, and an outdoor park with wind and traffic sounds. We also recorded audio during a morning rush hour by the roadside. Thus, FixThePhoto’s gear testers could evaluate their abilities to isolate the speaker’s voice amidst honking cars and passing motorcycles. Besides, each microphone was tested with both stationary and moving noise sources to measure its adaptive noise cancellation features.

After that, we paired each microphone with high-quality recording equipment to capture audio samples. These samples were analyzed for clarity, naturalness, and consistency across different frequency ranges by FixThePhoto audio experts. We also conducted blind listening tests with a group of volunteers who rated the recordings on clarity and tone.

To simulate everyday use, we integrated these microphones into various real-life setups. For remote work and online meetings, we connected the microphones to Zoom and Microsoft Teams to test their compatibility and background noise suppression. Gamers tested the microphones during multiplayer sessions, where clear communication is critical. Additionally, FixThePhoto content creators used microphones for live streaming and voice-over recordings to evaluate their ease of use and overall performance.

Finally, we assessed the build quality of each microphone by examining its materials, design, and long-term usability. We dropped each microphone from a desk height and subjected them to light spills. Most models proved exceptionally durable.