# Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs Rode NT-USB+: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 (Elgato) and Rode NT-USB+ (Rode) among microphones. Rode NT-USB+ is the cheaper of the two at $157.

## Side by side

| Spec | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 | Rode NT-USB+ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $169.99 | $157 |
| Brand | Elgato | Rode |
| Released | — | 2022 |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB-C |
| Polar pattern | cardioid | cardioid |
| Type | condenser | condenser |
| Sample rate (kHz) | 48 | — |
| Bit depth | 24 | — |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mute button | Yes | — |
| Mount | included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) | included desktop tripod stand |

## Key differences

- Mount: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) vs Rode NT-USB+ included desktop tripod stand

## What reviewers say

**Rode NT-USB+** — Only one whitelisted tester, Tom's Hardware, published a genuine hands-on review of the exact NT-USB+; it names the mic an Editor's Choice for rich, low-noise vocals and a sturdy build, but flags no on-mic gain control and clipping on louder sources. No lab-measured numbers were reported. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3 (elgato.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Rode NT-USB+: https://rode.com/en/microphones/usb/nt-usb-plus (rode.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/elgato-wave-3-mk2-vs-rode-nt-usb-plus/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 ($169.99) vs Rode NT-USB+ ($157) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/elgato-wave-3-mk2-vs-rode-nt-usb-plus/
License: CC BY 4.0.