Elgato
Elgato Wave DX
Dynamic XLR
86
/ 100
From $139
VS
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X wins by 2
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
USB · Cardioid condenser · Streamer pick
88
/ 100
From $149
Specdex verdict
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Elgato Wave DX lands at 86 and Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X at 88. That puts Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Elgato Wave DX if…
- ✓Well-known professional reputation
- ✓Good rejection (dynamic)
- ✓Plug-and-play USB (where applicable)
Pick Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X if…
- ✓Studio-grade sound at $149
- ✓On-mic mute + headphone mix
- ✓AT2020 capsule lineage
Elgato Wave DX 86
vs 88 Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
Score breakdown
Elgato Wave DX
86 sound 86
features 82
build 90
value 84
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
88 sound 92
features 88
build 92
value 96
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Elgato Wave DX | Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic XLR | — |
| Pattern | — | Cardioid condenser |
| Frequency response | — | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Connectivity | — | USB-C |
| Bit depth | — | 24-bit |
| Sample rates | — | 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz |
| Weight | — | 320 g |
Elgato Wave DX
Pros
- +Well-known professional reputation
- +Good rejection (dynamic)
- +Plug-and-play USB (where applicable)
Cons
- −XLR models need an interface
- −Shock mount often extra
- −Room treatment helps more than mic choice
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
Pros
- +Studio-grade sound at $149
- +On-mic mute + headphone mix
- +AT2020 capsule lineage
Cons
- −No XLR option
- −Pop filter not included
- −24-bit / 96 kHz max (no 32-bit float)
FAQ: Elgato Wave DX vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
Which is better, Elgato Wave DX or Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X? +
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Elgato Wave DX worth the price? +
At $139, Elgato Wave DX delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in build.
Is Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X worth the price? +
At $149, Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in value.
Does Elgato Wave DX or Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.