Elgato
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2
$169.99
Best Microphones · head-to-head
Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 vs Samson Q2U
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Samson Q2U is cheaper at $97.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Samson
Samson Q2U
$97.99Cheaper
Released 2009
Which is better: the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 or Samson Q2U?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Samson Q2U is the cheaper at $97.99.
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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 | 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 |
| Release | — | 2009 |
Sources — Elgato Wave:3 MK.2: elgato.com (verified 2026-06-15). Samson Q2U: newegg.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Elgato Wave:3 MK.2 and Samson Q2U?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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