Best USB Mics Under $150 - Hyper X Quadcast vs Blue Yeti

Want to get great audio in your streams, multiplayer games and content creation? Today we are talking about two of the most popular USB microphones on the market right now, that is the Hyper X Quadcast and the Blue Yeti, both extremely popular choices for gamers and Twitch streamers alike.

Both the HyperX Quadcast and the Blue Yeti have been out for a while now, but they are constantly compared to each other and are still real competitors when it comes to being some of the best USB mics in their price range. 

The Quadcast comes in HyperX's trademark black and red colours, with the microphone being illuminated whenever the user is audible. If you want to go a level higher to the Quadcast S you get the bonus of RGB customization, but the base model is fixed in crimson.  The regular Quadcast does come with some features that make it a great mic for streaming and content creation straight out of the box, such as its integrated pop filter and tap-to-mute functionality. 

Up against it is the Blue Yeti. It's a larger and heavier device than the Quadcast but still comes with the same four audio profiles. It does, however, have better audio monitoring functionality with its adjustable passthrough to allow the user to monitor their audio levels during livestreams or recording sessions. 

While these USB microphones are very similar, in the video above we go through the differences that separate them and name our mic pick for gamers and content creators. 

Audio and voiceover were recorded with each microphone during the relevant sections, and treated with identical post-production settings to ensure a fair comparison.

[Kris-rwyx]

3:01 Cardioid Test for Hyper X vs 8:46 Cardioid Test Blue Yeti

[Platikum]

The hyperx is such an amazing mic, every time I play a co op game ppl notice the high quality sound of the mic

[corbintheintern]

One thing to know about the Yeti: It's not living up to its full potential straight out of the box. It needs a shock mount. It needs a pop filter. It helps a LOT to acoustically treat your room (which is true for every mic)

[Marc]

Quadcast seems a lot better.
It already has a mic spider and a integrated pop filter.
Warmer sound and it looks better.

[AaronMetallion]

Quadcast feels much more natural and organic, Blue yeti you can actually hear the compression and pre-EQ applied to it. The average listener might find yeti captures a better range, but Imo it's better to have things RAW and apply compressor / EQ post, because if it's already applied you can't undo it. It's like having a selfie camera that always has smoothening / beauty filters applied, you'd have to basically try to edit out the effect to try to get it to feel natural again.

Ps. This is one of the best reviews out there. This guy went straight into the details. I find that people who make mic reviews like the sound of their voice too much and just end up rambling, trying to make witty jokes, and going off too many tangents. Really appreciate this.

[JPeoplzOIII]

I was about to buy this mic for a particular feature, but then this video taught me that my current mic also has the same feature. Im dumb,

[mcant]

I find that the yeti works way better when you’re hanging it upside down instead of straight up, and, you definitely want to get a shock mount for it. Just my two cents

[BenFilley]

ive had the same yeti for a few years now. i have zero complaints. hearing other mics side by side really make me happy i chose it. im not an audio pro, so it works really well for me. im the target audience for a quality usb mic, and the blackout yeti is wonderful. the stand is in fact chonk though. ill give you that.

[Ali-Q]

I was getting a hyper X and this really got me on board and not so unsure thanks Dave!

[subdomus]

Well, it seems to me like the hyper X gives you more out of the box. However, in my personal opinion, I think the Yeti sounds a bit crispier and more high quality. Both are amazing pieces though and you will definitely not be disappointed with either of them. Great video.

[The_Pariah]

I found myself clicking back and forth between the two to listen to the difference.
The Quadcast definitely sounds better. It's not as...sharp.
The sound quality seems to be a bit richer.
I'm really glad Dave did this video.

[brynwhitehead]

The Yeti definitely needs a pop filter.
Suggestion?
I throw my furry trapper hat over the top.
But, it’s a really good mic.

[EmoSew]

i'm so glad i'm not the only one who remembers simply red XD

[Oldmangamess]

I love comparing a 12 year old and a year old microphone against each other

[milanishim]

The Blue Yeti USB Mic is so good I was thinking about getting the hyperx but now I like the Blue Yeti USB Mic way more Thank you for uploading this video

[cbas]

The far away gain test killed me lmao, awesome video man.

[badgamer]

I've ordered the QuadCast S and am waiting impatiently for it to get shipped from the store I ordered it from, and every video I see about it gets me more and more hyped. Thank you for the in depth review!

[Alex]

Blue yeti sounds better for me. I got one last yeah and I’m very happy with it

[herohour]

What an excellent presentation of the two microphones. Thank you.

[MattPukas]

This video was so helpful. I got the Blue Yeti as a gift but going to return it for the HyperX. Love the warmer sound of the HyperX way more.