A USB conference microphone is usually a speakerphone: a 360° mic array and speaker in one puck that plugs into a laptop or PC by USB-C or USB-A and works in Teams, Zoom or Meet with no drivers. For 1-4 people, a portable model like the Jabra Speak2 75 is enough. For 6-10 people, choose an expandable model such as the AVer FONE540 or a USB video bar with built-in mics.
Pick by group size
| Group | Best option | Example | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 at a desk | Portable speakerphone | Jabra Speak2 55, Poly Sync 20 | $131-$192 |
| 2-4 in a small office | Portable speakerphone | Jabra Speak2 75, Poly Sync 40 | $215-$366 |
| 4-6 in a huddle room | Larger speakerphone | Poly Sync 60, Jabra Speak 750 | $388-$471 |
| 6-10 in a small room | Expandable USB speakerphone | AVer FONE540 | $543 |
| Need video too | USB video bar with mics | Logitech MeetUp 2, Poly Studio R30 | $456-$1,079 |
Mic pickup claims vary by manufacturer and depend on room acoustics. In a typical office, expect a puck speakerphone to cover people seated within about 6-8 feet (2-2.5 m).
How USB conference mics work
- Plug and play: they use standard USB audio (UAC), so Windows, macOS and ChromeOS see them as a mic and speaker. No drivers needed.
- 360° pickup: an array of microphones surrounds the device so everyone around a table is heard. Beamforming focuses on the person talking.
- Echo cancellation: because the mic and speaker are in one device, it removes the speaker's sound from the mic signal. That's why a speakerphone sounds better than a separate USB mic and laptop speakers.
- Call controls: mute, volume and answer buttons sync with Teams, Zoom and other apps. Teams-certified models add a Teams button.
USB-C vs USB-A
Most current speakerphones ship with a USB-C cable, often with a USB-A adapter or dual-ended cable. Check what's in the box if your PC has only USB-A ports. Bluetooth models connect to phones and tablets too, and some include a USB Bluetooth dongle for a more stable laptop connection.
Speakerphone vs USB microphone
| Speakerphone | Standalone USB mic | |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup pattern | 360°, for groups | Often directional, for one voice |
| Speaker | Built in | None, uses laptop or room speakers |
| Echo control | Built in | Relies on software; echo is common with room speakers |
| Best for | Group calls | Podcasts, one presenter |
For meeting rooms, choose a speakerphone or a video bar. A podcast-style USB mic with separate speakers often causes echo. See how to fix echo on a conference call.
Camera and microphone for a PC
If you want one device for video and audio from a PC or laptop, a USB video bar plugs in with one cable and appears as a camera, mic and speaker. That's simpler than combining a webcam with a speakerphone. See conference cameras with built-in microphones and best webcams for small conference rooms.
When a USB speakerphone isn't enough
- Rooms over about 10 people or tables longer than 12 feet (3.7 m)
- Rooms with hard surfaces and lots of echo
- Rooms where people sit far from the table
Then move to a video bar with expansion mics, or table and ceiling microphones. See conference room microphones, daisy-chaining microphones and best speakerphones.
Tell us how many people join from the room and we'll suggest the right mic setup.
Related guides
Outfitting several rooms, or reselling? Get a volume quote or apply for wholesale pricing →
