Elgato Wave:3
Exact average 87.4 · 3 printed, 8 estimated · printed scores only: 95
Image: Elgato11 professional reviewers tested the Elgato Wave:3, and 10 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and ease of use. Most common complaint: controls and app.
Reviewed by Gaming Trend, TechRadar, Android Central and 8 more
The catch: Single polar pattern, and the touch mute is easy to trigger.
8 of these 11 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
What 11 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 100Gaming Trend
The writer says the Wave:3 is the best streaming mic he has used, with crisp capture, plug-and-play setup and simple software.
Read Gaming Trend review - 95TechRadar
The reviewer is thrilled with the Wave:3's design, build and sound, naming it one of the best USB mics she has tested.
Read TechRadar review - 90Android Central
The reviewer calls the Wave 3 one of the best USB mics for streamers, with clear audio and handy controls.
Read Android Central review - 89est.Tom's Hardware
A strong streaming-focused USB mic with clear sound and smart protective features, though it has less bass and fewer pickup patterns than rivals, so it suits streamers more than home studios.
Read Tom's Hardware review - 89est.Popular Science
The reviewer praises the Wave:3 for transparent, detailed vocals, effective Clipguard and a powerful mixer app in a compact body, with only small quibbles.
Read Popular Science review - 89est.TechPowerUp
The conclusion calls the Wave:3 an excellent USB mic with a great mixer and Clipguard, with no serious drawbacks beyond an easily triggered mute and a cheap-feeling dial.
Read TechPowerUp review - 89est.Macworld
The reviewer finds the Wave:3 an excellent, affordable USB mic for vocal work, and he rates its Wave Link mixer as a major strength.
Read Macworld review - 83est.Windows Central
An impressive first condenser mic with great sound, a strong mixer app and effective anti-clipping, but it needs to be placed very close and the included stand does not manage that.
Read Windows Central review - 83est.Engadget
This weekly recap summarizes the staff test of the Wave:3, which found clear, professional podcast audio and easy controls worth the extra cost.
Read Engadget review - 83est.CNN Underscored
Picked as the best mic for podcasting and streaming thanks to crisp sound and unmatched audio control through Wave Link, though it is cardioid-only, pricey and has a learning curve.
Read CNN Underscored review - 71est.Tom's Guide
The reviewer finds the Wave: 3 a competent, clear-sounding mic whose main distinction is Stream Deck support.
Read Tom's Guide review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other USB microphones critics rate highly
Also reviewed, not yet scored
- Blue Yeti · 2 reviews so far
- Rode NT-USB+ · 2 reviews so far
Common questions
Is the Elgato Wave:3 worth it?
Most critics think so: 10 of 11 recommend it. Single polar pattern, and the touch mute is easy to trigger.
Do critics agree about the Elgato Wave:3?
Broad agreement: scores range from 71 (Tom's Guide) to 100 (Gaming Trend), a spread of 29 points across 11 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.
What do critics dislike about the Elgato Wave:3?
Controls and app (3 of 11 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Elgato Wave:3?
The Shure MV7+ (critic score 85), runner-up.