Blue Yeti and Rode NT USB mics are two of the best and most popular USB microphones on the market.
Both mics are excellent for recording vocals, podcasts, and voiceovers.
However, there are some notable differences between Blue Yeti and the Rode NT mic that set them apart.
In this article, we’ll compare these two best-selling USB condenser microphones based on the following criteria so you can make a better decision about which one to get:
- Main Specifications
- Design & Build Quality
- Features
- Setup & Connectivity
- Performance
- Price
Let’s dive into it!
Table of Contents
Blue Yeti vs. Rode NT Mic: Bottom Line Up Front
Don’t have time to read the entire article? Here’s a 30-second summary of our findings about the Blue Yeti vs. Rode NT USB microphone:
- Both USB condenser microphones offer excellent sound quality, making them ideal for podcasting, video calls, and recording vocals and other instruments such as acoustic guitars.
- Both microphones are very durable and have solid build quality.
- The Yeti features more polar patterns (cardioid, stereo, bi-directional and omnidirectional), whereas the Rode NT USB Mini only offers one polar pattern (cardioid).
- The Blue Yeti mic has a gain knob, whereas the NT USB does not, making it more difficult to adjust the recording level.
- The Blue Yeti has a Max SPL of 120 dB, while the RØDE NT-USB offers 110 dB.
- Both mics are easy to use because they work with USB and are plug-and-play.
- The Yeti is less expensive compared to Rode NT USB Mini Mic.
Overall Winner: Blue Yeti
Runner-up: Rode NT
Now let’s break it down point by point to see how both microphones fare in each category and which is your best fit!
Blue Yeti vs. RØDE NT USB Mic: A Quick Overview
Before we get into the Rode NT USB vs. Blue Yeti comparison, let’s first take a brief overview of each USB microphone.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Get the best deal on your new Blue Yeti here!
Blue Yeti is one of the most successful products from Blue, which is a popular manufacturer of high-quality USB microphones.
Due to its excellent sound recording capabilities and pocket-friendly price, the microphone is popular among streamers and podcasters.
Built with high-quality materials, this mic feels super durable. Also, it is available in multiple colors.
This mic has four pickup patterns, which makes it versatile.
It works through USB and is plug-n-play, so you just need to connect it and you are ready to go. In addition, it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
Rode NT USB Microphone
Blue Yeti vs. Rode NT Mic: Bottom Line Up Front
Don’t have time to read the entire article? Here’s a 30-second summary of our findings about the Blue Yeti vs. Rode NT USB microphone:
- Both USB condenser microphones offer excellent sound quality, making them ideal for podcasting, video calls, and recording vocals and other instruments such as acoustic guitars.
- Both microphones are very durable and have solid build quality.
- The Yeti features more polar patterns (cardioid, stereo, bi-directional and omnidirectional), whereas the Rode NT USB Mini only offers one polar pattern (cardioid).
- The Blue Yeti mic has a gain knob, whereas the NT USB does not, making it more difficult to adjust the recording level.
- The Blue Yeti has a Max SPL of 120 dB, while the RØDE NT-USB offers 110 dB.
- Both mics are easy to use because they work with USB and are plug-and-play.
- The Yeti is less expensive compared to Rode NT USB Mini Mic.
Overall Winner: Blue Yeti
Runner-up: Rode NT
Now let’s break it down point by point to see how both microphones fare in each category and which is your best fit!
Blue Yeti vs. RØDE NT USB Mic: A Quick Overview
Before we get into the Rode NT USB vs. Blue Yeti comparison, let’s first take a brief overview of each USB microphone.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone

Get the best deal on your new Blue Yeti here!
Blue Yeti is one of the most successful products from Blue, which is a popular manufacturer of high-quality USB microphones.
Due to its excellent sound recording capabilities and pocket-friendly price, the microphone is popular among streamers and podcasters.
Built with high-quality materials, this mic feels super durable. Also, it is available in multiple colors.
This mic has four pickup patterns, which makes it versatile.
It works through USB and is plug-n-play, so you just need to connect it and you are ready to go. In addition, it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
Rode NT USB Microphone

Get the best deal on your new Rode NT here!
The Rode NT USB microphone is an excellent option for recording singing and spoken word applications such as podcasting and voice overs.
The microphone comes with a great pop filter, a ring mount, a tripod desk stand, and a storage pouch.
It provides excellent sound quality and has a great build quality. Compared to the Blue Yeti, this mic looks more sleek and professional.
The Rode NT USB only offers one recording pattern which is the cardioid pattern.
It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
Main Specifications
Both mics offer nearly the same specs. However, there are some key differences that you should know about.
Let’s compare the main specifications of both microphones to see which one comes out on top.
Specifications |
Blue Yeti |
RØDE NT USB |
Frequency Response |
20Hz – 20kHz |
20Hz – 20kHz |
Sample Rate |
48kHz |
48 kHz |
Bit Depth |
16-bit |
16-bit |
Polar Pattern |
Four Polar Patterns (Cardioid, Omni-directional, Figure-8 & Stereo ) |
Cardioid Pattern |
Capsules |
3 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules |
N/A |
Max SPL (Maximum Sound Pressure Level) |
120 dB |
110dB |
Compatible Devices |
PC, Amplifier, Headphone |
Personal Computer, Tablet, Amplifier, Headphone |
Headphone Jack |
Yes |
Yes |
Color Options |
Multiple color options |
Black |
Weight |
0.55 kg (mic), 1 kg (stand) |
585 g (Microphone, Stand) |
Winner: Blue Yeti
Here, the obvious winner is the Yeti because it offers four polar patterns while the Rode NT USB only offers one. In addition, it has a higher max SPL, which means it can handle louder sounds without distortion.
It’s also worth noting that the Blue Yeti comes in seven different beautiful colors, unlike the Rode NT USB.
Design & Build Quality
Design plays a major role in both the appearance and usability of the product. Having a good quality mic with the right design makes it easier to use and enhances its reliability.
Let’s see how these two mics fare in terms of design and build quality.
Blue Yeti
This Blue Yeti condenser mic has an eye-catching retro look that is cool and classy. It is a well-built microphone with a metal outer shell (except knobs and thumbscrews securing the microphone to its base).
The base is also made of metal, which adds weight to the mic. The rubber pads at the base prevent the microphone from skidding. You can stabilize the mic with a shock mount to eliminate unwanted noises.
According to your preference, you can adjust the side planks or the boom arm that holds the mic. As an example, you can tilt or push the mic away from you if you are not using it.
Buttons on the front of the Blue Yeti mic
There is a volume knob on the front part of the microphone that lets you change the volume. Just above the volume knob, you’ll also find an LED-illuminated mute button.
On the opposite side, you will find two knobs. The first is for pattern selection, and the second is for gain adjustment. The Yeti mic has four sound patterns, which we’ll discuss next.
It is also equipped with a 3.5mm headphone output jack, which allows for real-time monitoring where you can hear yourself in real-time through headsets.
The Blue Yeti microphone is available in multiple colors so you can pick a mic that suits the color of your interior.
Overall, this mic has a solid build quality and can be used for both professional and home studio applications.
Rode NT
The Rode NT USB is a well-built microphone with a black metal finish and looks nice.
This microphone is equipped with a well-designed knob, along with a neat-looking pop filter, a solid capsule, and a strong tripod stand.
The tripod looks great, but you can also choose a suspension kit if you prefer. You can find a small microphone and computer icon on the side of the microphone.
Using the volume control knob on the Rode NT USB, you can select direct monitoring from the computer or from the microphone.
If you prefer, you can also choose something in-between there. The major drawback of this microphone is that it has no gain knob.
On the side of the mic, you will find a headphone output jack that allows for zero-latency monitoring, so you can hear yourself in real-time.
Overall, the build quality of this microphone is pretty decent, and it looks good too.
Winner: Draw
In our opinion, it’s a tie because both USB condenser microphones are built with premium quality metal and look really nice. However, the Blue Yeti has an edge because it offers more features than its competitor.
Features
Features determine how a product differs from its competitors. Let’s see which one has an edge over the other.
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti condenser mic comes with a box that includes all the accessories needed to set it up. It is a USB microphone that is compatible with Windows 7, 10, XP, Vista, and Mac OS.
Blue Yeti features a gain control function that lets you adjust the volume the microphone sends to your computer. There is also a mute button on this microphone.
The Blue Yeti mic comes with multiple polar pattern options which makes it an incredibly versatile microphone, especially for the price. They include:
- Cardioid: This sound pattern captures sound from the front of the microphone while ignoring sounds from the back and sides.
- Omnidirectional: It records sounds from all directions. So, if you have a group discussion or a meeting around a table, this sound pattern captures all the voices of the participants.
- Bidirectional: It records sound from two opposite directions, so it is ideal for people sitting across from each other.
- Stereo: This setting captures sound from two directions and combines them into a single track. It is ideal for recording instruments or multiple sound sources.
The Blue Yeti mic does not come with a pop filter, but it’s excellent at what it does, so you don’t need one.
Rode NT
The Røde NT USB comes with a mic mount, a long USB cable, a ring mount, and a storage pouch. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS.
As we mentioned above, this microphone comes with a pop filter, which is rare since most mics do not have one. Even though it feels a bit flimsy, it’s still a free filter that does a good job.
Since it only has one pickup pattern, which is cardioid, so it’s not as versatile as the Blue Yeti. Cardioid polar pattern is the most common sound pattern.
This means that the microphone is more sensitive to sound coming from the front. It does not pick up sound coming from the back but reduces sensitivity to sound coming from the sides.
There is no gain control function on the Rode NT Mini USB mic, so you have to set everything manually.
Winner: Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is the clear winner here because it comes with multiple pickup patterns, a gain control function, and a mute button.
The Rode NT USB only has one pickup pattern and it lacks a gain control feature.
Setup & Connectivity
Connectivity is also one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a microphone. Make sure you should choose a mic that’s easy to use and doesn’t require any special software.
Blue Yeti
The Yeti is a plug-and-play USB microphone, so you don’t need any drivers to use it.
Just connect it to your computer and you’re ready to start recording. If you’re a beginner, this is the best option for you.
Røde NT USB
Just like the Blue Yeti, this NT USB microphone also features a Plug-and-Play operation. You can connect it to Windows and Mac devices without any hassle.
Winner: Draw
In this category, there’s no obvious winner. Because both USB mics are easy to use, set up, and do not require drivers. You can connect them to your PC or Mac in seconds.
Performance
Getting the right mic means knowing how well it records. After all, that’s the whole point of using a microphone.
Let’s see how these two mics perform in terms of sound quality.
Blue Yeti
The sound quality is impressive for the price. As mentioned previously, it has four different pickup patterns, so you can use it for many different purposes.
We liked it, especially for voice recording, but it also works well for other applications like recording a music ensemble or having a conversation over Skype.
The biggest complaint about the Blue Yeti; it picks up unwanted background noise easily. However, it’s not a deal-breaker since the mic performs pretty well in most categories.
Overall, if you want a good microphone for podcasting or making YouTube videos, go with the Blue Yeti, especially if you will use the different polar patterns.
Rode NT
Rode NT USB mini offers high-quality sound because of its cardioid capsule set in the regular studio style.
There is no sibilance or popping, and it sounds natural and clear. It works well when recording spoken words or quiet singing.
However, if you record loud instruments that are a bit loud, or any other loud sound source for that matter, even if the signal doesn’t clip, it still sounds like it is clipping.
The lack of a Gain dial also makes it difficult to set the levels properly.
Other than that, Rode NT USB does well what it’s supposed to do. Just make sure you don’t record signals that are too hot, such as electric guitars.
Winner: Blue Yeti
In terms of audio quality, Blue Yeti takes the cake because it is versatile. With four different pickup patterns, you can use it for different purposes. It also has a gain control function that the Rode NT USB microphone lacks.
For recording spoken words or quiet singing, the Rode NT USB is a good choice.
Price
Price is always a deciding factor when buying anything, especially if you’re on a tight budget. You would want to get the most bang for your buck.
Blue Yeti
This microphone is very affordable and costs around $129.99 on Amazon. For the features it offers, we think it’s a great value. Not only is it versatile, but the audio quality is also outstanding for its price.
Get the best deal on your new Blue Yeti here!
Rode NT
Winner: Blue Yeti
Here, the obvious winner is the Yeti because it offers four polar patterns while the Rode NT USB only offers one. In addition, it has a higher max SPL, which means it can handle louder sounds without distortion.
It’s also worth noting that the Blue Yeti comes in seven different beautiful colors, unlike the Rode NT USB.
Design & Build Quality
Design plays a major role in both the appearance and usability of the product. Having a good quality mic with the right design makes it easier to use and enhances its reliability.
Let’s see how these two mics fare in terms of design and build quality.
Blue Yeti
This Blue Yeti condenser mic has an eye-catching retro look that is cool and classy. It is a well-built microphone with a metal outer shell (except knobs and thumbscrews securing the microphone to its base).
The base is also made of metal, which adds weight to the mic. The rubber pads at the base prevent the microphone from skidding. You can stabilize the mic with a shock mount to eliminate unwanted noises.
According to your preference, you can adjust the side planks or the boom arm that holds the mic. As an example, you can tilt or push the mic away from you if you are not using it.

Buttons on the front of the Blue Yeti mic
There is a volume knob on the front part of the microphone that lets you change the volume. Just above the volume knob, you’ll also find an LED-illuminated mute button.
On the opposite side, you will find two knobs. The first is for pattern selection, and the second is for gain adjustment. The Yeti mic has four sound patterns, which we’ll discuss next.
It is also equipped with a 3.5mm headphone output jack, which allows for real-time monitoring where you can hear yourself in real-time through headsets.
The Blue Yeti microphone is available in multiple colors so you can pick a mic that suits the color of your interior.
Overall, this mic has a solid build quality and can be used for both professional and home studio applications.
Rode NT
The Rode NT USB is a well-built microphone with a black metal finish and looks nice.
This microphone is equipped with a well-designed knob, along with a neat-looking pop filter, a solid capsule, and a strong tripod stand.
The tripod looks great, but you can also choose a suspension kit if you prefer. You can find a small microphone and computer icon on the side of the microphone.

Using the volume control knob on the Rode NT USB, you can select direct monitoring from the computer or from the microphone.
If you prefer, you can also choose something in-between there. The major drawback of this microphone is that it has no gain knob.
On the side of the mic, you will find a headphone output jack that allows for zero-latency monitoring, so you can hear yourself in real-time.
Overall, the build quality of this microphone is pretty decent, and it looks good too.
Winner: Draw
In our opinion, it’s a tie because both USB condenser microphones are built with premium quality metal and look really nice. However, the Blue Yeti has an edge because it offers more features than its competitor.
Features
Features determine how a product differs from its competitors. Let’s see which one has an edge over the other.
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti condenser mic comes with a box that includes all the accessories needed to set it up. It is a USB microphone that is compatible with Windows 7, 10, XP, Vista, and Mac OS.

Blue Yeti features a gain control function that lets you adjust the volume the microphone sends to your computer. There is also a mute button on this microphone.
The Blue Yeti mic comes with multiple polar pattern options which makes it an incredibly versatile microphone, especially for the price. They include:
- Cardioid: This sound pattern captures sound from the front of the microphone while ignoring sounds from the back and sides.
- Omnidirectional: It records sounds from all directions. So, if you have a group discussion or a meeting around a table, this sound pattern captures all the voices of the participants.
- Bidirectional: It records sound from two opposite directions, so it is ideal for people sitting across from each other.
- Stereo: This setting captures sound from two directions and combines them into a single track. It is ideal for recording instruments or multiple sound sources.
The Blue Yeti mic does not come with a pop filter, but it’s excellent at what it does, so you don’t need one.
Rode NT
The Røde NT USB comes with a mic mount, a long USB cable, a ring mount, and a storage pouch. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS.
As we mentioned above, this microphone comes with a pop filter, which is rare since most mics do not have one. Even though it feels a bit flimsy, it’s still a free filter that does a good job.
Since it only has one pickup pattern, which is cardioid, so it’s not as versatile as the Blue Yeti. Cardioid polar pattern is the most common sound pattern.
This means that the microphone is more sensitive to sound coming from the front. It does not pick up sound coming from the back but reduces sensitivity to sound coming from the sides.
There is no gain control function on the Rode NT Mini USB mic, so you have to set everything manually.
Winner: Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is the clear winner here because it comes with multiple pickup patterns, a gain control function, and a mute button.
The Rode NT USB only has one pickup pattern and it lacks a gain control feature.
Setup & Connectivity
Connectivity is also one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a microphone. Make sure you should choose a mic that’s easy to use and doesn’t require any special software.
Blue Yeti
The Yeti is a plug-and-play USB microphone, so you don’t need any drivers to use it.
Just connect it to your computer and you’re ready to start recording. If you’re a beginner, this is the best option for you.
Røde NT USB
Just like the Blue Yeti, this NT USB microphone also features a Plug-and-Play operation. You can connect it to Windows and Mac devices without any hassle.
Winner: Draw
In this category, there’s no obvious winner. Because both USB mics are easy to use, set up, and do not require drivers. You can connect them to your PC or Mac in seconds.
Performance
Getting the right mic means knowing how well it records. After all, that’s the whole point of using a microphone.
Let’s see how these two mics perform in terms of sound quality.
Blue Yeti
The sound quality is impressive for the price. As mentioned previously, it has four different pickup patterns, so you can use it for many different purposes.
We liked it, especially for voice recording, but it also works well for other applications like recording a music ensemble or having a conversation over Skype.
The biggest complaint about the Blue Yeti; it picks up unwanted background noise easily. However, it’s not a deal-breaker since the mic performs pretty well in most categories.


Overall, if you want a good microphone for podcasting or making YouTube videos, go with the Blue Yeti, especially if you will use the different polar patterns.
Rode NT
Rode NT USB mini offers high-quality sound because of its cardioid capsule set in the regular studio style.
There is no sibilance or popping, and it sounds natural and clear. It works well when recording spoken words or quiet singing.
However, if you record loud instruments that are a bit loud, or any other loud sound source for that matter, even if the signal doesn’t clip, it still sounds like it is clipping.
The lack of a Gain dial also makes it difficult to set the levels properly.
Other than that, Rode NT USB does well what it’s supposed to do. Just make sure you don’t record signals that are too hot, such as electric guitars.
Winner: Blue Yeti
In terms of audio quality, Blue Yeti takes the cake because it is versatile. With four different pickup patterns, you can use it for different purposes. It also has a gain control function that the Rode NT USB microphone lacks.
For recording spoken words or quiet singing, the Rode NT USB is a good choice.
Price
Price is always a deciding factor when buying anything, especially if you’re on a tight budget. You would want to get the most bang for your buck.
Blue Yeti

This microphone is very affordable and costs around $129.99 on Amazon. For the features it offers, we think it’s a great value. Not only is it versatile, but the audio quality is also outstanding for its price.
Get the best deal on your new Blue Yeti here!
Rode NT

Compared to Blue Yeti, the Rode NT USB is a bit more expensive. On Amazon, you can get it for about $166.46.
Get the best deal on your new Rode NT here!
Winner: Blue Yeti
In terms of price, the Blue Yeti takes the cake. While both mics are very affordable, the Blue Yeti costs nearly forty dollars less than the RØDE NT-USB. And it offers more features.
Conclusion
Having done a deep comparison of both the Blue Yeti vs Rode NT USB condenser microphones, now it’s time to choose the winner.
The following are the winners in each category of our comparison:
- Main Specifications – Blue Yeti
- Design & Build Quality – Draw
- Features – Blue Yeti
- Setup & Connectivity – Draw
- Performance – Blue Yeti
- Price – Blue Yeti
And the overall winner is…
The Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is more versatile because it has four pickup patterns. Compared to its competitor, it costs forty dollars less, and the quality of the audio is also superior.
With a gain control and mute button, it is able to record hot signals without distorting the audio, as long as the signals aren’t clipping.
Now we’d love to hear from you!
Which microphone would you prefer and why? And why? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, share your experience if you’ve used either of these microphones before.