# Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs Samson Q2U: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 (Elgato) and Samson Q2U (Samson) among microphones. Samson Q2U is the cheaper of the two at $97.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 | Samson Q2U |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $169.99 | $97.99 |
| Brand | Elgato | Samson |
| Released | — | 2009 |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB + XLR |
| Polar pattern | cardioid | cardioid |
| Type | condenser | dynamic |
| Sample rate (kHz) | 48 | 48 |
| Bit depth | 24 | 16 |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mute button | Yes | — |
| Mount | included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) | tripod desk stand included; standard 5/8" to 3/8" adapter |

## Key differences

- Connectivity: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 USB-C vs Samson Q2U USB + XLR
- Type: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 condenser vs Samson Q2U dynamic
- Bit depth: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 24 vs Samson Q2U 16
- Mount: Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 included desk stand; 1/4" thread adapter (3/8" and 5/8" adapters included) vs Samson Q2U tripod desk stand included; standard 5/8" to 3/8" adapter

## Sources

- Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3 (elgato.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Samson Q2U: https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=samson+q2u (newegg.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/elgato-wave-3-mk2-vs-samson-q2u/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 ($169.99) vs Samson Q2U ($97.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/elgato-wave-3-mk2-vs-samson-q2u/
License: CC BY 4.0.