Best Blue Microphones

205.7k reviews scanned and analysysed
Fabian Brooks
Fabian Brooks Writer
Last Updated: Oct 22, 2024 Share On:

How to find the best blue microphones? It is really daunting, however, we have done the hard work for you.

After we researched 381 related products and analyzed 205694 customer reviews, we came up with the ultimate 10 list.

Follow our guide, step by step, and it will help you find the best blue microphones.

A Quick Look: Our Top Picks

Top 1
Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone
9.9We rank the products based on a number of factors such as features, price, customer reviews and so on.

Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone

Top 1 Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone

Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone

Read More Check Price
Top 2
Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone
9.7We rank the products based on a number of factors such as features, price, customer reviews and so on.

Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone

Top 2 Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone

Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone

Read More Check Price
Top 3
Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone
9.4We rank the products based on a number of factors such as features, price, customer reviews and so on.

Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone

Top 3 Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone

Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone

Read More Check Price

*Note The result is based on our independent research, and we are reader-supported and do not promote any brand or retailer. As a member of Amazon Marketing Affiliates, we may receive a commission from qualified purchases.

Top 10 Blue Microphones Reviews 2024 In Detail

1 Editor's Choice

Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone

LOGITECH FOR CREATORSBrand 988-000100Model 11.61H*4.92L*4.72W inchesDimension 3.51 lbWeight
Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone cover
Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #1Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #2Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #3Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #4Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #5Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #6Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #7Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #8Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #9Logitech For Creators 988-000100 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #10
9.9We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$
Save 23% + FreeShipping

Features
  • Custom three-capsule array - This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
  • Blue VOICE software - Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
  • Four pickup patterns - Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
  • Onboard audio controls - Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
  • Positionable design - Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
  • Plug 'n Play - Set up the computer microphone in seconds with the included desktop stand or connect directly to a mic stand or boom arm and instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC
2 Editor's Choice

Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone

LOGITECH FOR CREATORSBrand 8.36213E+11Model 9.1H*10.6L*5.5W inchesDimension 1.0 lbWeight
Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone cover
Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #1Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #2Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #3Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #4Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #5Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #6Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #7Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #8Logitech For Creators 8.36213E+11 Blue Snowball Ice Usb Microphone thumb #9
9.7We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $
Save 24% + FreeShipping

Features
  • Custom Condenser Capsule - Powered By BlueS Custom Condenser Capsule, Snowball Ice Microphone Delivers Crystal-Clear Audio Quality ThatS Light-Years Ahead Of Your Built-In Computer Microphone
  • Cardioid Pickup Pattern - Captures Your Voice With Clear, Focused Sound For Streaming, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Skype Calls And Zoom Meetings
  • Stylish Retro Design - Record Or Stream In Style With A Classic Recording Equipment Design That Looks Great On Your Desktop And On Camera
  • Adjustable Desktop Stand - Allows You To Position The Condenser Microphone In Relation To The Sound Source, Improving Sound Quality And Saving Space On Your Desktop For The Optimal Broadcast Setup
  • Skype and Discord certified - Whether conducting interviews over Skype, streaming live gameplay on Twitch, or communicating across the globe, youll be heard loud and clear on leading VOIP platforms
3 Editor's Choice

Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone

LOGITECHBrand 988-000448Model 11.6H*4.9L*4.7W inchesDimension 3.42 lbWeight
Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone cover
Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #1Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #2Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #3Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #4Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #5Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #6Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #7Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #8Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #9Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #10Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #11Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #12Logitech 988-000448 Blue Yeti Usb Microphone thumb #13
9.4We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$
FreeShipping

Features
  • Custom three-capsule array - This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more.;Blue VO!CE software - Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples.
  • Four pickup patterns - Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts.; Onboard audio controls - Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process.
  • Positionable design - Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring.
  • Plug 'n Play - Set up the computer microphone in seconds with the included desktop stand or connect directly to a mic stand or boom arm and instantly start recording and streaming on Mac or PC.
  • Power Source Type - Corded Electric
4

Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone

LOGITECH FOR CREATORSBrand 988-000105Model 11.38H*4.33L*4.8W inchesDimension 2.8 lbWeight
Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone cover
Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #1Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #2Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #3Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #4Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #5Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #6Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #7Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #8Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #9Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #10Logitech For Creators 988-000105 Blue Yeti X Usb Microphone thumb #11
9.3We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$
FreeShipping

Features
  • Four-Capsule Array Capture Legendary Blue Broadcast Sound With Greater Focus And Clarity Than Ever For Professional Streaming, Podcasting And Youtube
  • High-Res Led Metering Visualize Your Voice Level At A Glance And Adjust Up Or Down For Powerful, Broadcast Quality Sound
  • Multi-Function Smart Knob Fine-Tune Your On-Stream Sound With Easy-Access Controls For Mic Gain, Mute, Headphone Volume And Blend
  • Blue VoICe Software - Craft The Perfect Broadcast Vocal Sound And Entertain Your Audience With Enhanced Effects, Advanced Modulation And Hd Audio Samples. Advanced Blue VoICe Is Compatible With Yeti, Yeti Nano And Yeti X. To Access Blue VoICe, Please Download LogitechS Free G Hub Software.
5

Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone

LOGITECH FOR CREATORSBrand 988-000002Model 8.7H*2.0L*3.0W inchesDimension 1.1 lbWeight
Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone cover
Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #1Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #2Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #3Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #4Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #5Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #6Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #7Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #8Logitech For Creators 988-000002 Blue Microphone Baby Bottle Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #9
9.3We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$$
Save 56%

Features
  • Custom Blue Condenser Capsule - Delivers Blues legendary broadcast sound quality with depth and clarity
  • Classic Warmth and Presence Baby Bottle SL delivers classic sound with a richly present midrange, smooth top end and neutral bottom
  • XLR Connection Perfect for computer audio interfaces and mixers
  • High-Pass Filter - Increases clarity, reducing rumble from your room or desk
  • 20dB Pad - Keeps your stream free of distortion when things get intense
  • Precise Cardioid Pattern - Ensures accurate sound for voice recording, gaming and video streaming
  • Brass Backplate Design - Creates Baby Bottle SLs signature warmth and presence
6

Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone

LOGITECH FOR CREATORSBrand 988-000004Model 8.8H*1.9L*1.9W inchesDimension 0.9 lbWeight
Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone cover
Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #1Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #2Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #3Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #4Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #5Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #6Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #7Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #8Logitech For Creators 988-000004 Blue Microphone Bluebird Sl Xlrcardioid Condenser Microphone thumb #9
9.3We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$$
Save 41% + FreeShipping
Visit Store » SMCL ( 4.69 / 5 )

Features
  • Custom Blue Condenser Capsule - Delivers Blues legendary broadcast sound quality with depth and clarity
  • Modern, Crystal-Clear Sound - Pristine, highly versatile sound that makes every detail of your performance come to life
  • XLR Connection Perfect for computer audio interfaces and mixers
  • High-Pass Filter - Increases clarity, reducing rumble from your room or desk
  • 20dB Pad - Keeps your stream free of distortion when things get intense
  • Precise Cardioid Pattern - Ensures accurate sound for voice recording, gaming and video streaming
  • Gold-Sputtered Mylar Diaphragm - Delivers superior resonance at higher frequencies to help vocals cut through the mix
7

Logitech For Creators 988-000075 Blue Microphone Blackout Spark Sl Xlr Condenser Microphone Recording

LOGITECH FOR CREATORSBrand 988-000075Model 1.75H*1.75L*0.87W inchesDimension 0.72 lbWeight
Logitech For Creators 988-000075 Blue Microphone Blackout Spark Sl Xlr Condenser Microphone Recording cover
Logitech For Creators 988-000075 Blue Microphone Blackout Spark Sl Xlr Condenser Microphone Recording thumb #1Logitech For Creators 988-000075 Blue Microphone Blackout Spark Sl Xlr Condenser Microphone Recording thumb #2Logitech For Creators 988-000075 Blue Microphone Blackout Spark Sl Xlr Condenser Microphone Recording thumb #3Logitech For Creators 988-000075 Blue Microphone Blackout Spark Sl Xlr Condenser Microphone Recording thumb #4Logitech For Creators 988-000075 Blue Microphone Blackout Spark Sl Xlr Condenser Microphone Recording thumb #5
9.3We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$
Save 60%

Features
  • Custom Blue condenser capsule - The Blackout Spark SL professional condenser microphone delivers Blues legendary broadcast vocal and music sound quality with depth and clarity
  • Detailed, transparent sound - This broadcast microphone excels in focused, transparent sound with superb detail to elevate your podcasts, gaming streams, YouTube videos, Zoom calls and more
  • XLR connection - Easy integration with computer USB audio interfaces and mixers
  • High-pass filter - 100Hz high-pass filter and -20dB pad bring professional versatility to your projects, increasing clarity and reducing rumble and distortion from your room, desk or studio
  • Precise cardioid pattern - This streaming microphone for gaming, podcasting and more features a large-diaphragm cardioid capsule, ensuring accurate sound for recording and streaming
  • Class-A JFET electronics - Provides studio quality sound with rich harmonic audio
8

Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone

LOGITECH FOR CREATORSBrand 988-000400Model 8.37H*4.29L*3.78W inchesDimension 1.0 lbWeight
Ranked #4 in Best Yeti Mics Of 2024
Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone cover
Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #1Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #2Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #3Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #4Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #5Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #6Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #7Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #8Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #9Logitech For Creators 988-000400 Blue Yeti Nano Usb Microphone thumb #10
9.1We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $
Save 26% + FreeShipping

Features
  • Legendary Blue Broadcast Sound Two Custom Mic Capsules Give Your Voice Exceptional Presence And Detail For Professional-Level Recording And Streaming
  • Blue Vo.Ce Software - Craft The Perfect Broadcast Vocal Sound And Entertain Your Audience With Enhanced Effects, Advanced Modulation And Hd Audio Samples. Advanced Blue Vo.Ce Is Compatible With Yeti, Yeti Nano And Yeti X. To Access Blue Vo.Ce, Please Download LogitechS Free G Hub Software
  • Multiple Pickup Patterns Cardioid And Omni Pickup Patterns Are Perfect For Pro Recording And Streaming
  • No-Latency Monitoring Onboard Headphone Output And Volume Control For Ensuring Great Sound
9

Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone

LOGITECH FOR CREATORSBrand 988-000379Model 1.3H*8.6L*1.5W inchesDimension 0.84 lbWeight
Ranked #14 in Best Yeti Mics Of 2024
Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone cover
Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone thumb #1Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone thumb #2Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone thumb #3Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone thumb #4Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone thumb #5Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone thumb #6Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone thumb #7Logitech For Creators 988-000379 Blue Ember Xlr Condensor Microphone thumb #8
9.0We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $
Save 50% + FreeShipping
Visit Store » Only1deal ( 4.24 / 5 )

Features
  • Custom Blue Condenser Capsule captures your voice with stunning depth and clarity
  • Open, Accurate Sound with impressive headroom, Ember delivers clear, commanding vocals for your voice recordings, gaming and video streaming
  • XLR Connection - Perfect for computer audio interfaces and mixers
  • Precise Cardioid Pattern - Ensures focused sound while minimizing room sound
  • Wide, Consistent Frequency Response - innovative circuit design provides remarkably consistent phantom power to the capsule
  • Adjustable Mic Stand Mount - for connecting to standard microphone stands and boom arms
10

Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle

BLUE MICROPHONESBrand ABLACKOUTYETIK6Model 8.7H*16.4L*12.7W inchesDimension 1.0 lbWeight
Ranked #8 in Best Yeti Mics Of 2024
Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle cover
Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle thumb #1Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle thumb #2Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle thumb #3Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle thumb #4Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle thumb #5Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle thumb #6Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle thumb #7Blue Microphones ABLACKOUTYETIK6 Yeti Blackout Usb Microphone Bundle thumb #8
9.0We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$$
FreeShipping

Features
  • Bundle Includes - Blue Microphone Yeti USB microphone (Blackout) with TX-100 closed-back studio monitor headphones, desktop boom arm microphone stand and pop filter for Yeti microphones
  • Yeti USB Microphone - The Blue Yeti USB Microphone employs a unique, tri-capsule design and the ability to capture audio in up to 16-bit, 48 kHz resolution. This studio-quality microphone is highlighted by a mic with an integrated headphone amp that's backed by an independent gain control for latency-free monitoring
  • Total Control - Yeti features studio controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute and microphone gainputting you in charge of every level of the recording process. The microphone comes equipped with a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack that allows you to listen to what you're recording in real-time, without latency delays
  • Innovative Design - Yeti lets you adjust and pivot the microphone in relation to the sound source, which optimizes your sound quality. Simply hand-tighten the set knobs to secure mic in place. The microphone can also be folded down for easy portability or removed from base
  • Four Pattern Modes - Stereo Mode is ideal for capturing a realistic, general sound image. Cardioid Mode - Well-suited for podcasts, vocals, or game streaming, cardioid mode records sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone. Omnidirectional mode picks up sound equally from all directions. Its best used in live events. Bidirectional mode records from both the front and the rear of the mic. Ideal for instruments or interviews

FAQ & Notes

Fabian Brooks Written By Fabian Brooks

During our research, we found more than 381 related products, with prices ranging from $37.99 to $176.99, and most customers would pay around $95 for this type of product.

What are the top brands of Blue Microphones?

There are 3 brands available for Blue Microphones, such as Logitech For Creators, Logitech, Blue Microphones.

What are the available sellers for Blue Microphones?

There are 7 sellers available for Blue Microphones, including Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 ), Truly Trending ( 4.53 / 5 ), SMCL ( 4.69 / 5 ), Only1deal ( 4.24 / 5 ), INFINITY SALES CORPORATION ( 4.86 / 5 ), Audiosavings ( 4.53 / 5 ), Lifestyle by Focus ( 4.8 / 5 ).

Price comparison of the top 10 Blue Microphones

*Note: Prices based on historical data.

Price comparison of the top 10 Blue Microphones highly recommended

*Note: Prices based on historical data.

The Verdict

After thorough consideration, we have selected the product LOGITECH FOR CREATORS 988-000100 as your preferred option.