First Impressions
Looking for a usb microphones? The MAONO AU-A04 Microphone comes in at $48.96 and has earned 4.4 stars across 15,492 Amazon reviews. That's enough data to take its #6 ranking (out of 13) seriously. It's not a top pick - there are higher-rated and better-value options in the category - but specific shoppers may still find it fits their needs.
Build & Pickup
Mic stands and shock mounts vary widely in quality at this price. Most users are satisfied with the included mounting, even if it's not premium.
If there's one phrase that comes up across reviews of the MAONO AU-A04 Microphone, it's "Plug and play".
The Numbers
- Brand: Unknown
- Price: $48.96 (well above the $32.69 category average)
- Amazon rating: 4.4 of 5.0
- Reviews: 15,492
- Category rank: #6 of 13 in usb microphones under $80
- Cheaper in category: 9 products
- Higher-rated in category: 8 products
- More-reviewed in category: 5 products
From the Reviews
A 4.4-star average from 15,492 buyers means most are happy, but a meaningful slice - roughly 15-20% - has at least some complaint. The pattern in the negative reviews matters more than the average itself.
Common positives:
- 192KHZ/24Bit audio
- Plug and play
- Cardioid pickup
Common complaints:
- Noisy background pickup
- Limited accessories
Compared to Alternatives
At $48.96, the MAONO AU-A04 Microphone sits well above the $32.69 category average. 9 options are cheaper and 3 are more expensive.
The category leader is the Blue Snowball iCE ($39.99, 4.6★, 70,000 reviews). Pricing is essentially the same, so the rating and review-count edge tilts in favor of the top pick.
Higher-rated options in this category:
- Razer Seiren Mini - $49.99, 4.7★ (35,000 reviews) · Higher rated
- HyperX SoloCast - $59.99, 4.7★ (30,000 reviews) · Higher rated
- Blue Snowball iCE - $39.99, 4.6★ (70,000 reviews) · Better on both axes
If rating alone is your filter, the highest-rated option in this category is the Razer Seiren Mini at 4.7★. If pure price is the filter, the cheapest is the DUNGZDUZ USB Microphone at $9.99.
Should You Buy It?
Maybe. Middle-of-the-pack on rating and price, no standout strengths. If a specific feature matches your need (192khz/24bit audio or plug and play), it's reasonable. Otherwise the top picks are safer bets.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 192KHZ/24Bit audio
- Plug and play
- Cardioid pickup
Cons:
- Noisy background pickup
- Limited accessories
Bottom Line
7.2/10
Below-average rating in a category with several stronger options. Hard to recommend over higher-ranked alternatives unless a specific feature seals it.