Elgato
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
$169.99
Best Microphones · head-to-head
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs Rode NT-USB+
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Rode NT-USB+ is cheaper at $157. Every spec and price links to its source.
Rode
Rode NT-USB+
$157Cheaper
Released 2022
Which is better: the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 or Rode NT-USB+?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Rode NT-USB+ is the cheaper at $157.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | — | 2022 |
Sources — Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: elgato.com (verified 2026-06-15). Rode NT-USB+: rode.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 and Rode NT-USB+?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (1 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
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.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Rich, detailed vocals with very little self-noise; Sturdy, well-built metal body with included detachable pop filter; USB-C plus zero-latency headphone monitoring; one of the better-sounding USB mics tested.
Flagged: No on-mic gain control or mute; Still clips on louder audio sources; Studio-quality but not high-res (24-bit/48kHz).