Microphones this good seldom cost less than $100: Maono's wireless, XLR, USB hybrid mic is currently 35% off

A Maono PD200W microphone lying on a desk next to its wireless receiver — (Image credit: Future / Alex Berry)

Choosing the right microphone used to be a two-horse race. Do you need a pricier XLR option, or will a USB mic be enough for your content creation needs for now? But as short-form video content has taken over the internet, wireless mics are now becoming a more popular option and, suddenly, we creators have three families of microphones for streaming and gaming to choose from.

Maono is eliminating that choice. With its PD200W Hybrid mic, you can get all three connections in one simple plug-and-play option and, unlike some of the biggest brands that have tried to offer hybrid connection mics before, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. In fact, its full price is the same as most basic USB-C-only microphones at $130. Somehow, it's even cheaper right now, with a price of $84.99 at Amazon.

Live streaming gear for gamers usually demands a high price if you want that kind of versatility. Let me prove it. The Rode PodMic USB, which offers USB-C and XLR capabilities, costs $209 at full price. The Shure MV7+, which offers the same two connections, is all the way up at $299, so for Maono to come in offering another connection on top of that at a much lower price is astoundingly consumer-friendly.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Rode, Shure - these are giants of the microphone world, so there's no way that the PD200W can match them in terms of sound quality. Honestly? These rival mics have a lot of depth for the fringe 1% of content creators who care that much about what's picking up their voice, but for the majority of streamers and podcasters, I think they'd have real trouble distinguishing the Maono Hybrid mic from more expensive options.

The Maono PD200W in front of two gaming monitors — (Image credit: Future / Alex Berry)

What's maybe most impressive is that Maono's quality doesn't dip out when you change connection modes.

As you'll hear from Alex's mic test sample, the quality is practically identical between USB, Wireless, and XLR. In fact, it's maybe even more consistent here than the Shure MV7+, as you can hear in this sample:

Now, keep in mind, Maono's mic is monumentally cheaper - and while Shure's might edge it out in terms of quality overall, that is probably due to a slightly larger capsule and those MotivMix settings coming in.

But either way, there's not a massive difference between them. Maono's microphone is very, very impressive for the price - especially right now while it's discounted.

The bottom connectivity of the Maono PD200W — (Image credit: Future / Alex Berry)

Despite their prices, I usually feel more comfortable recommending the dual connection mics like the Shure MV7+ and the Rode PodMic USB to beginners since they can provide you with some futureproofing. An XLR mic might offer better sound, but it requires one of the best streaming mixers to do its job. That's just one more purchase when you're starting out, and it isn't ideal.

A USB mic that can graduate as and when you see fit is really good value for money. But Maono is undercutting so strongly in that regard. Not only do you have that option to graduate, but you have the freedom to record anywhere in the same way you would with a tiny wireless mic like the Rode Wireless Go Gen 3.

All that, and it's more affordable than Shure's USB mic designed for gamers (the Shure MV6), which is $169? I think I know which mic I'd choose if I were getting started with content creation today.

For more on streaming gear, take a look at the best capture cards, the best ring lights for streaming, and the best gaming PC.

One of my earliest memories is playing SuperMario64 and wondering why the controller I held had three grips, but I only had two hands. Ever since I've been in love with video games and their technology. After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship at Expert Reviews. Over the last decade, I’ve been managing my own YouTube channel about my love of games too. These days, I'm one of the resident hardware nerds at GamesRadar+, and I take the lead on our coverage of gaming PCs, VR, controllers, gaming chairs, and content creation gear. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.