RØDE VideoMic GO II Review

Why this microphone

I needed a microphone for home office. I’m in Teams calls all day, and I’m convinced that good audio gives you a better “voice” in meetings. I didn’t want the classic podcaster setup with a big mic in view. I want an unobstructed screen and a tidy desk. That’s why I chose a directional shotgun microphone (German: “Richtmikrofon”).

Setup and everyday use

The VideoMic GO II is simple: connect via USB‑C and select it as the input in macOS/Teams. I pair it with the MacBook’s built‑in speakers; Microsoft Teams’ voice detection/echo handling works well, so I get a subtle but high‑quality setup without headphones.

Sound and experience

Voice comes through clean and intelligible, and the directional pickup reduces room noise compared to laptop mics. It’s easy to position slightly off‑camera and keep the desk visually minimal. One minor annoyance: the USB‑C cable exits sideways; a rear‑facing port would make cable management even cleaner.

Verdict

For remote work and meetings, this delivers a noticeable step up in clarity while keeping the desk clean. If you want better audio without a visible boom arm, it’s an excellent pick. Rating: 4.5/5.

Recommendation

If your priority is unobtrusive, reliable call audio, a shotgun mic like the VideoMic GO II is a smart middle ground between laptop mics and a full broadcast setup. (Affiliate link TBD.)