Elgato
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
$169.99
Best Microphones · head-to-head
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X is cheaper at $169. Every spec and price links to its source.
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
$169Cheaper
Released 2022
Which is better: the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 or Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X?
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X is the cheaper at $169. The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Key specs, head to head
The numbers that decide it, drawn to scale — longer bar wins, the accent bar is the stronger figure.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 | Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $169.99 | $169 |
| Brand | Elgato | Audio-Technica |
| Released | — | 2022 |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB-C |
| Polar pattern | cardioid | cardioid |
| Type | condenser | condenser |
| Sample rate (kHz) | 48 | 96 |
| Bit depth | 24 | 24 |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mute button | Yes | Yes |
| Mount | included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) | included desktop stand; 5/8"-27 thread adapter included |
| Release | — | 2022 |
Sources — Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: elgato.com (verified 2026-06-15). Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X: newegg.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 and Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (2 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Sample rate (kHz): Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 48 vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X 96
- Mount: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X included desktop stand; 5/8"-27 thread adapter included
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
No sourced tester review yet.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
Two whitelisted hands-on reviewers (SoundGuys, TechRadar) covered this exact model; neither published measured numbers. Both praise its clear voice/sound quality, sturdy all-metal build, and silent touch-mute controls, and both fault the missing gain control plus high sensitivity that picks up room noise. Verdict: excellent for treated, quiet spaces, weak in noisy rooms. (2 sourced reviews.)
Praised: Clear, professional voice/sound quality; Sturdy all-metal build quality; Silent touch-sensitive mute with LED indicator and easy controls.
Flagged: No gain control; high sensitivity picks up ambient/room noise, poor in untreated spaces; Only a single cardioid pickup pattern (no pattern switching); No onboard noise reduction.