8 ways to improve your audio quality on Zoom, from calibrating your microphone to optimizing your connection

Use a high quality microphone

Good microphones aren’t just for musicians.

Cork Gaines/Insider

This might sound obvious, but it’s probably the single most important factor when improving your audio.

Although the microphone built into your laptop or webcam probably works fine, it won’t have anywhere near the fidelity or quality of an actual independent microphone. If you’re going to be on calls often, consider investing in a decent external microphone.

Aside from inherently sounding better, having an external microphone lets you know exactly where you should be speaking. You can position the microphone — and yourself — however you like.

If you don’t want a fully external microphone, at least try a headset. Even a decent headset will sound better than a webcam microphone, and do a better job of isolating your audio from background noise. 

Most microphones can plug straight into your computer without much fuss.

Best USB microphones

We test and review the best USB microphones. Check out our picks:

• Best overall: Elgato Wave 3 – See at Amazon and Best Buy
• Best for streaming: HyperX QuadCast S – See at at Amazon and Best Buy
• Best for podcasting: Blue Microphones Yeti – See at Amazon and Best Buy
• Best budget USB microphone: Blue Microphones iCE Snowball – See at Amazon and Target