The Best Streaming Gear For Gamers in 2024

Streaming is becoming more popular every day, with content creators gaining mass followings and fame seemingly overnight. Gamers are some of the top-performing streamers, so it’s natural for some players to consider joining in the fun as well. After all, how hard can it be?

As it turns out, it’s very difficult. Getting started is no joke, with lots of equipment needed to film and stream on sites like Twitch and TikTok. However, some gamers may already have some of what they need in the form of headsets, gaming PCs, and lighting. For those who really want to pursue becoming a streamer and turning their hobby into a job, these tools are some of the best streaming devices for gamers.

Game Rant’s picks for the Best Gear For Streaming In 2024

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one, and so it goes with webcams for streamers. Logitech’s C922x Pro isn’t the flashiest or the most expensive, but it offers some of the highest quality video at a fraction of the cost of “professional” equipment. Its small size is perfect for placing on top of a monitor and disappearing into the background.

The full HD 1080p camera records at 30fps, while the lower latency 720p video can capture visuals at 60fps. Despite its unassuming form, this Logitech webcam is easy to use and convenient to install, all while providing excellent live video. Plus, users receive a free six-month free trial of a premium XSplit license when purchasing the camera, giving them access to a host of video and audio editing software.

Webcams have improved significantly in recent years, but they still lack the quality of a camera. Thankfully, Sony has released the Sony ZV-1F, a compact point-and-shoot camera specifically designed for content creators. This camera delivers a stunning image and can act as a webcam when connected to a PC via a USB-C cable. For gamers looking for a versatile camera that can be used for streaming, vlogging, or just walking around, the Sony ZV-1F is an excellent choice.

The ZV-1F can be seen as the little sibling to the more feature-packed ZV-1, with a 20mm equivalent prime lens instead of the 24-70mm equivalent zoom on the ZV-1. However, for streamers, this zoom lens is pretty unnecessary. The 20mm equivalent lens gives users a pretty wide angle without falling into the fisheye range, where facial features can get warped or stretched. Plus, the F/2 aperture allows users to capture fairly low-light scenes.

Despite having image quality comparable to a pro camera, the ZV-1F is incredibly simple to use. Whether users have years of experience with cameras or this is their first camera besides their phone, it is easy to pick this camera up and create some incredibly pleasing images or videos.

One of the best headsets on the market overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless is an impressive tool for a wide variety of activities, including, of course, streaming. These noise-canceling headphones can block out basically any noise, while the directional mic ensures crisp and clear vocals.

SteelSeries’ Sonar app offers plenty of settings that can be adjusted, meaning that players can hone in on enemies or keep track of their own voice as much or as little as they like. In Game Rant’s full review of the Steel Series Arctis Nova Pro, we found that the soft leather padding is extremely comfortable, so whether users stream for a couple of hours or all day long, this headset will be a joy to wear.

Although it’s a bit pricey, the Arctis Nova Pro is likely the last headset gaming streamers will need for at least a few years.

Another great option for noise-cancellation during streams is the new Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed earbuds. Using the included HyperSpeed Wireless Dongle or Bluetooth 5.3A, gamers can have a seamless wireless audio experience across most platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch.

In Game Rant’s full review, we found that these earbuds are ideal for users who have a separate microphone that’s likely better than any headset mic. Razer’s Hammerhead earbuds lend a significant amount of freedom to its users. With these earbuds, streamers can easily and discreetly have audio while they game or interact with their audience. At the same time, players can use just one earbud at a time in order to better multitask while streaming.

With additional features such as a do-not-disturb mode and a charging case that offers 24 hours of battery life, the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed earbuds are a powerful and convenient (if expensive) option for top-tier game stream audio.

The Shure MV7 USB microphone is one of the best upgrades a streamer can get for their setup. Although it isn’t advised to get such a high-end mic when just starting out, those who are seeing some success in their streaming endeavors may see more value in this option.

For starters, the mic can be used with both USB and XLR connections, meaning that it will work with both digital and analog audio recording. The overall design of the mic focuses on eliminating spikes of sibilant sounds (s, sh, etc.) for podcasting and other close-range recording. Tons of streamers and influencers on TikTok and YouTube recommend this mic due to its superb performance and moderate price (compared to other high-end microphones, that is).

What is a good option for new streamers? The Fifine Gaming PC USB Microphone has quickly climbed the ranks on social media as the perfect beginner mic for streaming. At an incredibly low price that regularly dips under $50 during sales, this microphone is one of the most affordable options that isn’t a total flop.

On the contrary, the Fifine mic is shockingly intuitive and powerful. The mic can be set almost anywhere on a gaming desk, using the long USB cable that can run the length of an even more helpful accessory: an adjustable arm stand. Users can adjust the volume with the knob at the base of the boom mic while tapping the top will instantly mute it. There’s also a pop filter to keep voices crisp and some really stunning RGB lighting that can add to the atmosphere of any stream through its automatic adjustments.

Streamers who decide to use a microphone like the Shure MV7 or any microphone with an XLR output will need to purchase an XLR interface to connect it to their PC. There is a good selection of options out there, but streamers looking for the most versatile option should consider the TC-Helicon GoXLR Mini. The GoXLR Mini is not just an interface; it is also a hardware mixer and comes with a suite of professional features like a censor button.

Being the mini version, there are a lot of buttons and some features missing compared to the full-size GoXLR, but for the amount of desk space the full version takes up, it is hard to recommend it for a majority of streamers. Of course, the full version has features like a sampler and voice changer, but most streamers will probably not be using these features anyway, so we might as well save the $149.

Every streamer wants to send out good vibes, right? Well, with the Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels, gaming streamers can send out whatever kind of vibes they want. These versatile lights can be arranged in a variety of shapes and designs, while the colors can be adjusted using a mobile app.

The Govee light panels are extremely easy to control and can even be made to sync with music and other audio through Alexa and Google Assistant. These vibrant lights can be as bright or dim as users need and will automatically sense the location of each panel to coordinate unique animated effects such as a flowing rainbow. Plus, with the Govee home app, other products (like their light strip) can be paired with the panels to orchestrate lighting throughout a room using just a few buttons.

Not everyone has a beastly gaming PC that can stream and play games flawlessly simultaneously, but thankfully, capture cards allow PCs and consoles to focus on what they do best: gaming and the capture card takes care of the rest.

Elgato has been the go-to source for capture cards for quite some time, and the HD60 X shows why. Building on the excellent reputation of the HD60 S+, the HD60 X perfectly combines simplicity and fantastic results. While the HD60 X doesn’t revolutionize capture cards, it is not without its exciting upgrades like support for variable refresh rate. This makes it perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X Plus gamers. The small footprint makes it easy for any steamer to find space on their desk for this powerful capture card.

Bottom line

Not every streamer needs every piece of equipment out there. Whether they’re just starting out or gaining a serious following, streamers will have to consider their existing equipment before making any purchases. In general, a streamer should have:

• A quality headset or earbuds for their audio
• A decent microphone for their audience’s audio
• An HD camera that will capture their face with low latency
• A good amount of lighting to eliminate shadows and poor video quality
• A strong internet connection

With this in mind, the above accessories and tools can combine to create an excellent setup for most streamers.

FAQ

Q: What is the best game to stream in 2023?

This is a fairly subjective question, as the most popular games may not be the best choice for every gamer. However, some games make it easier to stream than others, such as Among Us and Roblox.

Q: Where is the best place to start streaming in 2023?

Twitch is the best place to start streaming video games, although TikTok is quickly becoming a strong contender among social media channels.

Q: What equipment do you need to be a gaming streamer?

Streamers need a camera, streaming software, a microphone, a computer, and a good internet connection. Though most players already have decent internet and a Twitch account, the other elements will most likely come at an additional cost.