USB vs XLR Microphones, Explained
A USB microphone plugs straight into a computer, while an XLR microphone needs an audio interface or mixer in return for more room to upgrade.
By Liam McCabeContributing writer.
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The short answer
- USB microphone: plugs straight into a computer. It has a built in converter that turns the sound into digital data, so you need nothing else.
- XLR microphone: sends an analog signal over an XLR cable. You need an audio interface or a mixer to amplify it and convert it for the computer.
USB is simpler and portable. XLR needs more gear to get started but lets you swap and upgrade each part and record several mics at once.
What actually differs
Rode, which makes both kinds, describes the converter as the key difference. Inside a USB mic sits an analog to digital converter, so the mic acts as its own audio interface. Many USB mics add a headphone output and a level control, and some come with a stand and pop filter.
An XLR mic leaves that job to separate gear. Neumann notes that a microphone's output is low and always needs a preamp to bring it up to line level; with an XLR mic, the preamp lives in your interface or mixer.
| USB | XLR | |
|---|---|---|
| Plugs into | Computer, and some tablets and phones | Audio interface or mixer |
| Extra gear | None | Interface or mixer, XLR cable |
| Upgrades | Mic and converter are one unit | Swap mic and interface separately |
| Several mics at once | Limited | Interface or mixer with more inputs |
| Typical use | Podcasts, streaming, video calls | Home studio, music, multi person shows |
Setting up an XLR mic
Neumann's home studio guide covers the basics:
- Cable: use an XLR female to XLR male cable, not a cable with a TRS plug.
- Input: on a combo jack, the XLR part is the microphone input.
- Phantom power: condenser mics need external power for their electronics, called phantom power or P48. It runs at 48 volts, plus or minus 4. Dynamic mics do not need it.
- Order: connect the mic first, then switch phantom power on, and switch it off before you unplug, because hot plugging with it on can harm a mic.
- Ribbon mics: keep phantom power off.
Which one to pick
Rode's advice is a fair rule of thumb:
- Starting a podcast or stream, or for video calls: a USB mic gives good sound with no extra gear, and an XLR setup may be overkill.
- Building a home studio: XLR lets you try condenser, dynamic and ribbon mics and upgrade over time.
- Recording more than one mic: you need an XLR setup with an interface or mixer that has enough inputs, for a stereo guitar or a show with guests. Rode notes its own software can also record several of its USB mics on one computer.
How we count
The chart groups the computer microphones on Wiki Shopping by the connection their product names mention, on October 26, 2026. Of 99 names, 51 mention USB only, 16 a 3.5 mm plug only, 2 both, 1 wireless, and 29 none; none mention XLR. A name may leave out the connection, so check each listing. Browse more from electronics. Counts change as listings are added or removed.