OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Microphones Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Microphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Microphones Methodology v1.0

Shure MV5C Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Connection type:USBTransducer type:electret condenserMax SPL:130 dB SPLSupported sample rates:48 kHzOutput connector type:micro-USB

Shure MV5C Review: Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Microphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the microphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best microphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

75%

6.8

Technical score

25%

8.6

User score

â–²Better than 59% of microphones
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Microphones category across these key areas: Audio Performance, Connectivity, Recording, Pickup Patterns, Controls & Features, Power, Design, Accessories, Compatibility.
When it matters
When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

20%

8.4

Audio Performance

20%

6.3

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.2

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

7.2

Compatibility

5%

5.8

Connectivity

3%

8.2

Design

3%

5.4

Accessories

â–¼Worse than 51% of microphones
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on 1,160 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 68% of microphones
  • shure-mv5c
  • shure-mv5c
shure-mv5c
shure-mv5c

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of microphone Shure MV5C

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Microphones category across these key areas: Audio Performance, Connectivity, Recording, Pickup Patterns, Controls & Features, Power, Design, Accessories, Compatibility.
When it matters
When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

20%

8.4

Audio Performance

20%

6.3

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.2

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

7.2

Compatibility

5%

5.8

Connectivity

3%

8.2

Design

3%

5.4

Accessories

6.8
User score
User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on 1,160 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Popularity:
Shure MV5C has a popularity score of 7.6 points, which is higher than 64.8% of microphones.
7.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the microphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a microphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components:

60%

7.2

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.1
Microphone type
desktop
Transducer type
electret condenser
Diaphragm size
16 mm
Capsule type
single
Sensitivity
?
Show more
Connection type
USB
Output connector type
micro-USB
Headphone output
yes
Headphone output
yes
â–² Better than 38% of models
This microphone includes a headphone output. 62.3% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
yes
3.5 mm audio jack
yes
â–² Better than 37% of models
This microphone includes a 3.5 mm jack. 62.8% of microphones include this connector.
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not include a 6.35 mm jack. 2% of microphones include this connector.
Show more
Supported sample rates
48 kHz
Supported bit depths
16, 24 bit
Audio interface sample rate
48 kHz
Audio interface sample rate
48 kHz
â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
This microphone supports an interface sample rate of 48 kHz which is higher than that of 2.3% of microphones and equal to that of 55.6% of microphones.
Audio interface bit depth
24 bit
Audio interface bit depth
24 bit
â–² Better than 42% of models
Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
This microphone supports an interface bit depth of 24 bit which is higher than that of 42.1% of microphones and equal to that of 56.7% of microphones.
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
?
Show more
N. of polar patterns
1
N. of polar patterns
1
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by this microphone is 1, which is lower than that of 24.6% of microphones and equal to that of 75.4% of microphones.
Cardioid pattern
yes
Cardioid pattern
yes
â–² Better than 9% of models
This microphone supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
no
Omnidirectional pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
This microphone does not support an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 26.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Hypercardioid pattern
no
Hypercardioid pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not support a hypercardioid pickup pattern. 1.5% of microphones support this pattern.
Bidirectional pattern
no
Bidirectional pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This microphone does not support a bidirectional pickup pattern. 17.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Mute function
yes
Mute function
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This microphone includes a mute function. 67.8% of microphones include this control.
Onboard gain control
no
Onboard gain control
no
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
This microphone does not include onboard gain control. 51.3% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
1
Volume control levels
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This microphone offers volume output of 1 which is higher than that of 34.9% of microphones and equal to that of 49.5% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
yes
Flat DSP mode
yes
â–² Better than 75% of models
This microphone supports a flat DSP mode. 25.1% of microphones offer this processing option.
DSP presets
2
DSP presets
2
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This microphone offers 2 DSP presets, which is more than 85% of microphones and equal to 1% of microphones.
Show more
Phantom power required
no
Phantom power required
no
â–² Better than 10% of models
This microphone does not require phantom power. 90.5% of microphones also operate without phantom power.
Phantom power voltage
N/A
USB bus-powered
yes
USB bus-powered
yes
â–² Better than 14% of models
This microphone supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
N/A
Height
89 mm
Height
89 mm
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 89 mm tall, which is shorter than 96.9% of microphones and equal in height to 1% of microphones.
Width
67 mm
Width
67 mm
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 67 mm wide, which is wider than 69.2% of microphones and equal in width to 1% of microphones.
Thickness
65 mm
Thickness
65 mm
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 65 mm thick, which is thicker than 59% of microphones and equal in thickness to 2.1% of microphones.
Weight
160 g
Weight
160 g
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
This microphone weighs 160 g, which is lighter than 96% of microphones and equal in weight to 0.8% of microphones.
Body material
plastic
Show more
Included accessories
stand; cable
Shock mount included
no
Shock mount included
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This microphone does not include a shock mount. 49.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
yes
Pop filter included
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This microphone includes a pop filter. 60.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
no
Windscreen included
no
â–¼ Worse than 32% of models
This microphone does not include a windscreen. 31.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
1 m
Cable length
1 m
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
This microphone has a cable length of 1 m which is shorter than that of 93.1% of microphones and equal to that of 6.9% of microphones.
Android compatibility
no
Android compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
This microphone is not compatible with Android. 66.3% of microphones are compatible with Android.
iOS compatibility
no
iOS compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
This microphone is not compatible with iOS. 61.8% of microphones are compatible with iOS.
Windows compatibility
yes
Windows compatibility
yes
Category Benchmark
This microphone is compatible with Windows. 100% of microphones are compatible with Windows.
macOS compatibility
yes
macOS compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This microphone is compatible with macOS. 99.5% of microphones are compatible with macOS.
Xbox compatibility
no
Xbox compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone is not compatible with Xbox. 1.5% of microphones are compatible with Xbox.
Show more

Shure MV5C vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • 2 more DSP presets
    DSP presets
    2
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This microphone has more DSP presets than the average microphone (2 vs 0). The average microphone offers 0 DSP presets.
    2 vs 0
  • Supports flat DSP mode
    Flat DSP mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This microphone supports a flat DSP mode, the average microphone does not.
  • 71.1% lighter
    Weight
    160 g
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is lighter than the average microphone (160 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    160 g vs 553 g
  • 9 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    130 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (130 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    130 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 96 mm shorter body
    Height
    89 mm
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone is shorter than the average microphone (89 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    89 mm vs 185 mm
  • 9 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    130 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (130 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    130 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 2 more DSP presets
    DSP presets
    2
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This microphone has more DSP presets than the average microphone (2 vs 0). The average microphone offers 0 DSP presets.
    2 vs 0
  • Supports flat DSP mode
    Flat DSP mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This microphone supports a flat DSP mode, the average microphone does not.
  • 71.1% lighter
    Weight
    160 g
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is lighter than the average microphone (160 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    160 g vs 553 g
  • 96 mm shorter body
    Height
    89 mm
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone is shorter than the average microphone (89 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    89 mm vs 185 mm
  • No gain control
    Onboard gain control
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This microphone does not include onboard gain control, the average microphone does.
  • Not compatible with iOS
    iOS compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This microphone is not compatible with iOS, the average microphone is.
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This microphone is not compatible with Android, the average microphone is.
  • 1 m shorter cable length
    Cable length
    1 m
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    1 m vs 2 m
  • 9 mm thicker body
    Thickness
    65 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thicker than the average microphone (65 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    65 mm vs 56 mm
  • No gain control
    Onboard gain control
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This microphone does not include onboard gain control, the average microphone does.
  • 9 mm thicker body
    Thickness
    65 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thicker than the average microphone (65 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    65 mm vs 56 mm
  • 1 m shorter cable length
    Cable length
    1 m
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    1 m vs 2 m
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This microphone is not compatible with Android, the average microphone is.
  • Not compatible with iOS
    iOS compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This microphone is not compatible with iOS, the average microphone is.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

S
soundguys.com
06/10/2022
Summary of the review
Shure MV5C review - SoundGuys
L
laptopmag.com
03/02/2021
Summary of the review
Shure MV5C USB microphone review - Laptop Mag
E
expertreviews.co.uk
14/12/2023
Summary of the review
Shure MV5C review: The ultimate home office microphone | Expert Reviews
S
soundgale.com
12/02/2024
Summary of the review
Shure MV5 (MV5C) Review - Digital Condenser Microphone | SoundGale Would you like to compare the technical specifications of the MV5C against the stan...
A
androidcentral.com
30/04/2021
Summary of the review
Shure MV5C review: The right mic for right now | Android Central
H
heise.de
20/03/2021
Summary of the review
USB Microphones from 65 Euros
(Translated)Show original
M
musicallyyours.com
04/02/2021
Summary of the review
How to Choose the Best Home Microphone | Shure MV5C, MV7, SM7B
(Translated)Show original
I
iphoned.nl
01/09/2015
Summary of the review
Solid USB microphone for iPhone and Mac
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 1,160 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Shure MV5C

  • Excellent sound quality for conference calls and video meetings compared to built-in laptop mics
  • Plug-and-play simplicity; recognized automatically by Windows and Mac without extra drivers
  • Speech Enhancement mode effectively optimizes voice clarity and reduces background noise
  • Highly portable and compact design, roughly the size of a baseball
  • Includes both USB-A and USB-C cables for modern device compatibility
  • Direct headphone monitoring allows users to hear themselves in real-time
  • Versatile mounting options with a standard 1/4-inch thread for camera-style tripods

What we don't like about Shure MV5C

  • Build quality feels somewhat cheap and 'plasticky' compared to heavier metal microphones
  • Extremely lightweight, making it prone to tipping over easily when bumped or tugged by cables
  • Controls on the back (mute and mode buttons) can be awkward or unintuitive to reach
  • The included desk stand is very short, often requiring users to prop it up for better positioning
  • Built-in windscreen is not very effective at mitigating harsh 'p' and 'b' plosive sounds
  • Lack of a dedicated companion app for fine-tuning EQ or gain settings on the 'C' model
  • Uses a 1/4-inch thread instead of the standard 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch audio threads, often requiring an adapter for boom arms

Verdict

The Shure MV5C is a compact digital condenser microphone specifically optimized for home office conferencing, featuring a 16mm electret condenser capsule with a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern to isolate voices and minimize room noise. Key technical specifications include a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, adjustable gain up to +36dB, and high-resolution recording at 24-bit/48kHz. Its main characteristics include a dedicated Speech Enhancement DSP mode for vocal clarity, a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack for real-time monitoring, and a plug-and-play USB interface compatible with both Mac and Windows via included USB-A and USB-C cables. Major pros include its portable spherical design, an included adjustable aluminum desktop stand with a standard 1/4" tripod thread, and integrated hardware controls for muting and volume. However, some users note its lightweight plastic build can make it prone to tipping over easily, and its lack of mobile device compatibility compared to the standard MV5 model can be a drawback for some users.

Compare Shure MV5C with other products in the Microphones category

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