If you are looking to reach the standards of a professional streamer or podcaster, you must pay attention to the audio quality.
Getting high audio quality means you need a good mic.
The two most popular options that will give you clear recordings are the Blue Yeti and the Blue Yeti X. Both models are excellent choices for podcasting, streaming, and Skype calls.
But which one is right for you?
In this article we’ll compare two of the most popular Blue microphones, the Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti X, based on the following aspects:
- Key Specifications
- Design & Build Quality
- Setup
- Sound Quality
- Compatibility
- Weight
- Price
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to pick the right Blue microphone for you.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Blue Yeti vs. Blue Yeti X: Bottom Line Up Front
If you don’t have time to read the entire article, don’t worry. Here is a quick summary of our findings:
- The Blue Yeti X is a much more modern and durable design than Yeti.
- The sound quality of the Blue Yeti X is slightly better than the Blue Yeti.
- The Yeti X has a LED grid that visually indicates sound levels, while the original Yeti doesn’t.
- Blue Yeti microphone is available in multiple colors while the Yeti X is only available in black (dark grey).
- The Yeti X has four condenser capsules, while the original Yeti has three.
- The Yeti X is slightly lighter than the original Yeti.
- The Blue Yeti is less expensive than Yeti X.
Overall Winner: Blue Yeti X
Runner-up: Blue Yeti
Now let’s compare these two microphones side by side to see how they perform in each category!
Get the best deal on your Blue Yeti here!
Blue Yeti vs. Blue Yeti X: An Overview
What is Blue Yeti?
The Original Blue Yeti microphone is one of the most popular USB microphones for gaming and podcasting. It’s a condenser microphone that offers four pattern selections and three condenser capsules.
It also has a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring. And it comes with a stand so you can position it however you like.
The Yeti offers excellent sound quality and is very easy to set up. In addition, it’s one of the affordable options on the market.
What is Blue Yeti X?
Blue Yeti vs. Blue Yeti X: Bottom Line Up Front
If you don’t have time to read the entire article, don’t worry. Here is a quick summary of our findings:
- The Blue Yeti X is a much more modern and durable design than Yeti.
- The sound quality of the Blue Yeti X is slightly better than the Blue Yeti.
- The Yeti X has a LED grid that visually indicates sound levels, while the original Yeti doesn’t.
- Blue Yeti microphone is available in multiple colors while the Yeti X is only available in black (dark grey).
- The Yeti X has four condenser capsules, while the original Yeti has three.
- The Yeti X is slightly lighter than the original Yeti.
- The Blue Yeti is less expensive than Yeti X.
Overall Winner: Blue Yeti X
Runner-up: Blue Yeti
Now let’s compare these two microphones side by side to see how they perform in each category!
Get the best deal on your Blue Yeti here!
Blue Yeti vs. Blue Yeti X: An Overview
What is Blue Yeti?

The Original Blue Yeti microphone is one of the most popular USB microphones for gaming and podcasting. It’s a condenser microphone that offers four pattern selections and three condenser capsules.
It also has a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring. And it comes with a stand so you can position it however you like.
The Yeti offers excellent sound quality and is very easy to set up. In addition, it’s one of the affordable options on the market.
What is Blue Yeti X?

The Blue Yeti X is the newest mic from the Blue Yeti line, released in 2019. It’s a professional-grade USB microphone that’s designed for podcasting, gaming, and streaming.
It offers four pattern selections, four condenser capsules, and a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring.
It also has a LED grid that visually indicates sound levels and an OLED display that shows current settings and status.
This mic gives you more control over your recordings and offers higher sound quality than the Blue Yeti.
Blue Yeti vs. Blue Yeti X: A Detailed Comparison
Now that we know what the main differences between the two best microphones are, let’s dig into them in more detail and see what makes them different.
Key Specifications
Let’s compare the main specs of the Blue Yeti and Yeti X:
Features |
Blue Yeti |
Blue Yeti X |
Sample Rate |
48kHz |
48 kHz |
Bit Depth |
16-bit |
24-bit |
Capsules |
3 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules |
4 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules |
Frequency Response |
20Hz – 20kHz |
20Hz – 20kHz |
Max SPL (sound pressure level) |
120 dB |
122dB |
Signal to Noise |
100dB |
100dB |
Polar Pattern |
Four Polar Patterns (Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bi-directional & Stereo) |
Four Patterns (Cardioid, Stereo, Bi-directional, Omnidirectional modes) |
Gain Control |
Yes |
Yes |
Headphone Output |
Yes |
Yes |
Connector Type |
USB |
USB |
Customizable LED Lighting |
No |
Yes |
Compatible Devices |
Personal Computer, Headphone |
Personal Computer |
Color Options |
7 colors (Blackout, silver, midnight blue, slate, teal, whiteout, & 10yr Anniversary Custom Finish) |
Blackout |
Weight |
550g (mic only) |
519g (mic only) |
Design & Build Quality
One of the main differences between the two microphones is their design, which is the first thing that catches your attention when looking at any product.
And it’s not just about the looks. The design also has an impact on the quality of the recordings.
Let’s compare the design and build quality of both microphones.
Blue Yeti
The Original Yeti has a very simple yet elegant design. The mic stand is made of metal and the mic itself is mostly plastic. The microphone doesn’t have fancy features, but it’s still a solid construction that will last you for years.
It’s available in seven different colors, so you can pick the one that best suits your taste.
The Yeti comes with zero-latency headphone monitoring, headphone volume control, and a handy little mute button that’s perfect for clearing your throat. On the bottom, it has a mini USB port and a headphone jack, as well as a threaded mount.
On the back, you’ll also find a Gain knob, which controls the sensitivity of the input signal. Beneath the gain control knob, there’s a multi-pattern selector switch with four music recording modes. You can choose from cardioid mode, bidirectional mode, omnidirectional mode, and stereo mode.
However, we dislike the mic’s control buttons, as they have a flimsy feel and should be used with caution. It seems that these buttons are the only things that can actually break or wear out, so to prolong their lifespan, we recommend using them only when necessary.
Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X is a microphone that shares many similarities with the original Blue Yeti. It has the same build and design, but with some modern updates.
With a heavy-duty wire mesh grille on top, it keeps its familiar shape and is built of solid metal. The stand is nearly identical. Unlike the Yeti, it is a dark gray/near-black color instead of silver.
Similar to the Yeti, it also has four different polar patterns; cardioid pattern, omnidirectional, stereo, and bi-directional pickup patterns.
The most notable difference is the integrated LED light ring, which offers customizable lighting options. The lighting around and on the smart control shows the current settings and statuses of the mic.
The mic also has a new function called the multi-function smart control, which allows you to adjust and monitor your voice in real-time. However, some users may find the design of the Yeti X to be confusing at first.
At first, they may seem confusing. Over time, you’ll learn what the different colors mean. You can also customize the lighting on the mic to match your aesthetic preferences or needs.
Winner: Blue Yeti X
When it comes to design and build quality, the Blue Yeti X is the clear winner.
While both microphones are exceptionally well crafted and boast immense durability, theYeti X mic adds some new handy features that make it even more appealing.
Unlike the Yeti, it provides customizable LED lighting.
Set Up
Another factor to think about when picking a USB microphone is how easy it is to use and set up.
Make sure that the mic is easy to set up and use, so you can focus on your recording and not waste time fiddling with the settings.
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is an easy microphone to set up and use. To use this mic, you won’t need any software or drivers as it is plug-and-play.
Simply plug the included cable into a USB port, select it in your audio settings, and then start recording.
The USB microphone also comes with a helpful quick start guide that walks you through the basics of using the Yeti. In general, the Yeti is a very user-friendly mic that’s perfect for beginners.
Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X is also easy to use and set up since it’s a plug-and-play USB microphone. Just plug the included USB cable into your computer and you’re ready to start recording.
Once you plug the mic into the USB port, it automatically installs drivers, making it quite convenient to set it up.
There is also the option to install additional software with the Yeti X USB mic. You can download this software from the Blue website. The Yeti X comes with an instruction manual that explains how to use it.
Winner: Draw
In this case, it’s a tie as both Blue USB microphones are very easy to set up and use. They also come with a quick start guide.
Sound Quality
Of course, sound quality is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing a USB microphone. Both Blue mics are high-quality mics that offer exceptional audio quality.
However, there are some subtle differences between the two that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Blue Yeti
Blue Yeti is a high-quality microphone that offers clear and accurate sound reproduction. This mic records at a bit depth of 16-bit and a sample rate of 48kHz.
It also has a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, so you can be sure that you’re getting a full range of sound with this mic.
The microphone offers four polar pickup patterns; cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional. This gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of how you want to record your audio.
Using the cardioid mode, you can capture sound sources directly in front of the microphone. The stereo mode uses both the left and right channels to capture a more realistic sound range.
With its omnidirectional mode, this mic picks up sounds equally around the mic (best for live recording around a table, for example).
A bidirectional mode lets you capture sound from both the front and back of the microphone that’s perfect for recording a duet or a two-person interview.
So, if you want a microphone for game streaming, you can get the original Blue Yeti USB microphone as it meets all the standards of recording and audio quality people expect from professional streams.
Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X microphone takes things one step further than the original Yeti. It produces higher-quality audio.
The mic has the ability to capture sound at the 24-bit rate, which is more bit depth than the original Blue Yeti microphone.
Since the Yeti X has a higher bit rate capacity, it is able to record a wider range of sounds, especially the deeper ones. This makes the microphone an ideal choice for the professional recording studio, as it can capture the sound of musical instruments with higher precision.
The mic also has four different condenser capsules, so it’s picking up more sound waves and converting them into data. This means your audio will be even clearer. This lets you create clearer audio that listeners can understand even more than with the Blue Yeti.
The Blue Yeti X microphone also comes with Logitech G hub software. You can use this software to control some of your microphone’s settings instead of using the dials on the microphone.
Design & Build Quality
One of the main differences between the two microphones is their design, which is the first thing that catches your attention when looking at any product.
And it’s not just about the looks. The design also has an impact on the quality of the recordings.
Let’s compare the design and build quality of both microphones.
Blue Yeti
The Original Yeti has a very simple yet elegant design. The mic stand is made of metal and the mic itself is mostly plastic. The microphone doesn’t have fancy features, but it’s still a solid construction that will last you for years.

It’s available in seven different colors, so you can pick the one that best suits your taste.
The Yeti comes with zero-latency headphone monitoring, headphone volume control, and a handy little mute button that’s perfect for clearing your throat. On the bottom, it has a mini USB port and a headphone jack, as well as a threaded mount.

On the back, you’ll also find a Gain knob, which controls the sensitivity of the input signal. Beneath the gain control knob, there’s a multi-pattern selector switch with four music recording modes. You can choose from cardioid mode, bidirectional mode, omnidirectional mode, and stereo mode.

However, we dislike the mic’s control buttons, as they have a flimsy feel and should be used with caution. It seems that these buttons are the only things that can actually break or wear out, so to prolong their lifespan, we recommend using them only when necessary.
Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X is a microphone that shares many similarities with the original Blue Yeti. It has the same build and design, but with some modern updates.
With a heavy-duty wire mesh grille on top, it keeps its familiar shape and is built of solid metal. The stand is nearly identical. Unlike the Yeti, it is a dark gray/near-black color instead of silver.
Similar to the Yeti, it also has four different polar patterns; cardioid pattern, omnidirectional, stereo, and bi-directional pickup patterns.
The most notable difference is the integrated LED light ring, which offers customizable lighting options. The lighting around and on the smart control shows the current settings and statuses of the mic.

The mic also has a new function called the multi-function smart control, which allows you to adjust and monitor your voice in real-time. However, some users may find the design of the Yeti X to be confusing at first.
At first, they may seem confusing. Over time, you’ll learn what the different colors mean. You can also customize the lighting on the mic to match your aesthetic preferences or needs.
Winner: Blue Yeti X
When it comes to design and build quality, the Blue Yeti X is the clear winner.
While both microphones are exceptionally well crafted and boast immense durability, theYeti X mic adds some new handy features that make it even more appealing.
Unlike the Yeti, it provides customizable LED lighting.
Set Up
Another factor to think about when picking a USB microphone is how easy it is to use and set up.
Make sure that the mic is easy to set up and use, so you can focus on your recording and not waste time fiddling with the settings.
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is an easy microphone to set up and use. To use this mic, you won’t need any software or drivers as it is plug-and-play.
Simply plug the included cable into a USB port, select it in your audio settings, and then start recording.
The USB microphone also comes with a helpful quick start guide that walks you through the basics of using the Yeti. In general, the Yeti is a very user-friendly mic that’s perfect for beginners.
Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X is also easy to use and set up since it’s a plug-and-play USB microphone. Just plug the included USB cable into your computer and you’re ready to start recording.

Once you plug the mic into the USB port, it automatically installs drivers, making it quite convenient to set it up.
There is also the option to install additional software with the Yeti X USB mic. You can download this software from the Blue website. The Yeti X comes with an instruction manual that explains how to use it.
Winner: Draw
In this case, it’s a tie as both Blue USB microphones are very easy to set up and use. They also come with a quick start guide.
Sound Quality

Of course, sound quality is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing a USB microphone. Both Blue mics are high-quality mics that offer exceptional audio quality.
However, there are some subtle differences between the two that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Blue Yeti
Blue Yeti is a high-quality microphone that offers clear and accurate sound reproduction. This mic records at a bit depth of 16-bit and a sample rate of 48kHz.
It also has a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, so you can be sure that you’re getting a full range of sound with this mic.
The microphone offers four polar pickup patterns; cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional. This gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of how you want to record your audio.
Using the cardioid mode, you can capture sound sources directly in front of the microphone. The stereo mode uses both the left and right channels to capture a more realistic sound range.
With its omnidirectional mode, this mic picks up sounds equally around the mic (best for live recording around a table, for example).
A bidirectional mode lets you capture sound from both the front and back of the microphone that’s perfect for recording a duet or a two-person interview.
So, if you want a microphone for game streaming, you can get the original Blue Yeti USB microphone as it meets all the standards of recording and audio quality people expect from professional streams.
Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X microphone takes things one step further than the original Yeti. It produces higher-quality audio.
The mic has the ability to capture sound at the 24-bit rate, which is more bit depth than the original Blue Yeti microphone.
Since the Yeti X has a higher bit rate capacity, it is able to record a wider range of sounds, especially the deeper ones. This makes the microphone an ideal choice for the professional recording studio, as it can capture the sound of musical instruments with higher precision.
The mic also has four different condenser capsules, so it’s picking up more sound waves and converting them into data. This means your audio will be even clearer. This lets you create clearer audio that listeners can understand even more than with the Blue Yeti.
The Blue Yeti X microphone also comes with Logitech G hub software. You can use this software to control some of your microphone’s settings instead of using the dials on the microphone.

This includes changing the color of the lights on your mic and applying “Blue VO!CE” effects. The filters include “warm and vintage”, “crisp and modern”, and “AM radio.” And you can even create your own if none of those appeal to you.
Furthermore, it’s a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring. This means you can hear what you’re recording in real-time without any delay.
Overall, the Yeti X can produce a richer sound than the standard Yeti making it a good choice for musicians and podcasters who want to record high-quality audio.
It will just cost them a little more than the Yeti mic.
Winner: Blue Yeti X
In terms of audio quality, the Blue Yeti X wins. Since it has a deeper resolution, it can capture more audio. This lets it record any sounds through the microphone more accurately.
As a result, audio recordings sound clearer and more professional. This makes it sound like you’re right there in the room when someone plays your audio.
Furthermore, the Blue Yeti X comes with a specially designed application, called Logitech G Hub. This app lets you create some authentic sounds to enhance your stream. The original Yeti does not have this audio application.
Get the best deal on your Blue Yeti here!
Compatibility
Before making a purchase, make sure that the microphone is compatible with the device you intend to use with it.
Let’s see how these two devices fare in terms of compatibility.
Blue Yeti
The original Yeti mic from Blue is a standard USB connector. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows computers.
The Yeti mic also has a 3.5mm headphone jack that lets you monitor your recordings in real-time.
Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X has a standard USB connector that’s compatible with both Mac (macOS 10.14 or later) and PC (Windows 10 or higher).
Furthermore, if you have an Apple Camera Adapter, you can use this mic to record podcasts or music on your iPhone or iPad.
Winner: Draw
In this case, there’s no obvious winner. Because both the original Yeti mic and the Yeti X mic are compatible with Mac and PC computers.
Weight
You should also think about the weight of the USB microphone. That’ll let you know how portable the mic is.
Blue Yeti
The Yeti is a heavy microphone, which is one of its main cons. Due to its weight, it won’t fit on any stand. And it’s even worse when you add the weight of a shock mount.
This microphone weighs 1.2 pounds (550g) while the stand that comes with it weighs 2.2 pounds, making the total weight 3.4 pounds.
It may not sound like much, but when you combine this with the awkward shape of the Yeti and move it around with a USB cable and headphones plugged in, it becomes quite annoying.
However, it’s easy to use, has high-quality sound, and has all the polar patterns that you’ll ever need.
Blue Yeti X
The Yeti X is also a heavy microphone. It weighs 1.14 pounds (519g), which is only slightly lighter than the Yeti.
The stand that comes with it weighs 1.66 pounds (750g). So, the total weight of the mic and stand is 2.8 pounds.
While this mic is also quite heavy, it’s still manageable. And since it has a built-in stand, you don’t have to worry about it toppling over.
Winner: Draw
The winner is a tie in this case. Both USB mics are quite heavy, especially when they are placed on a desktop stand. Therefore, both mics are more suitable for continuous use in one place. Their weight makes them inconvenient to carry around.
Price
The price of any product is always a vital factor to consider. Especially, if you’re on a tight budget, you’d want a mic that is more affordable but has all the options you need.
Generally, Blue microphones Yeti are a bit expensive, but they offer excellent value for money. Here’s how the two microphones compare in terms of price.
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular USB microphones on the market. You can get it for around $119 at Amazon.
The mic offers excellent value for the money. If you want an all-arounder mic that you can use for gaming, podcasting, vlogging, and more, this one is for you.
Blue Yeti X
The Yeti X is a more expensive microphone than the Yeti, available on Amazon for $134.53.
However, the Yeti X is a more advanced microphone with additional features, so the price difference is to be expected.
Winner: Blue Yeti
The Original Yeti microphone is less expensive than the Yeti X. If you’re on a budget, then this mic is a great option and will greatly improve the vocal effects of your stream.
However, if you can afford it, the Blue Yeti X is worth the extra money. It has a better build quality, better sound quality, and more professional features.
Conclusion
Blue microphones are undoubtedly the best available USB microphones on the market. Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti X are two of the most popular models from the company.
Both mics offer excellent value for money, exceptional audio quality, durability, and versatility.
So, which one is better?
Here are the winners of each category based on our comparison:
- Key Specifications – Blue Yeti X
- Design & Build Quality – Blue Yeti X
- Setup – Draw
- Sound Quality – Blue Yeti X
- Compatibility – Draw
- Weight – Draw
- Price – Blue Yeti
Without a doubt, the Blue Yeti X mic is the overall winner because of its improved sound and build quality.
The mic’s additional software lets you modify the audio, so you can create some original sounds and make your stream sound professional.
However, if you’re on a budget and have no specific aims for the sound of your stream, the Blue Yeti is a solid option. It’s still an excellent microphone with all the features you need. It produces amazing audio.
We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision.
Which mic do you think is the better option for you? Let us know in the comments below.
And of course, we’d love to hear your experience if you already own one.