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To talk with friends on Steam, start a voice chat from Friends & Chat or create a voice channel in a group chat. To use a game’s own voice chat, configure its microphone and transmission controls separately: a successful Steam microphone test does not ensure the game is using the same input device.
Choose Steam voice chat or the game’s voice chat
Steam Friends & Chat voice is separate from voice controls built into a multiplayer game. Use Steam voice to speak through a friend chat or group voice channel. If you want to use a game’s in-game chat, check that game’s audio settings and push-to-talk controls instead.
Start a one-to-one Steam voice chat
- Open Steam Friends & Chat.
- Right-click the friend’s name and select Start Voice Chat. If you already have a chat open with that friend, click the microphone icon instead.
Steam describes voice chat as requiring little setup when your computer’s default audio devices are already working. See Steam Friends & Chat.
Create a group voice channel
- Open the group chat from the left side of Friends & Chat.
- In the group chat’s left panel, click Add Voice Channel.
- Group members can join the channel. Steam says the channel is saved for future use.
Select and test your microphone in Steam
- In Friends & Chat, click the gear next to your profile name to open settings.
- Select the Voice tab and choose the audio devices you want to use.
- Click Start Microphone Test and speak to check the input.
The test may play your voice back through your speakers. If you hear echo, try earphones or lower your speaker volume.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Fix a microphone that works in Steam but not in a game
Check each layer in order. Steam’s microphone test confirms the input works in Steam, not that a game has selected that same device or enabled its voice controls.
- Check the connection. Make sure an analog microphone is plugged into the microphone jack. For a USB mic, try another port and connect it directly rather than through a USB hub. Check that relevant sound-device or microphone drivers are installed.
- Check your operating system’s input. Confirm the operating system recognizes the microphone, has the intended input selected, and is configured to use it.
- Test in Steam. Open Friends & Chat settings, select Voice, then click Start Microphone Test.
- Check the game’s voice settings. Select the microphone in the game if it offers an input choice. Check whether voice transmission is enabled and whether it uses push-to-talk. If it does, confirm the assigned key and press it while speaking.
- Check whether the game changed inputs or the server restricts voice. Steam notes that launching a game can switch the microphone input. It also notes that server settings may prevent microphone use; try another server if voice is unavailable in one.
For further checks, see Steam’s Troubleshooting Microphone Problems.
Rank #2
Sale
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Troubleshoot echo, low volume, or distorted sound
- Echo or feedback: Lower speaker volume or use headset earphones so the microphone is less likely to pick up speaker audio. A headset is optional; it is one way to address feedback.
- Low microphone volume: Check the microphone input level in your operating system.
- Crackling or distortion: Inspect the cable and connection. If the microphone also fails in other apps, try a different microphone to help determine whether the problem is with the device.
When a network may be blocking Steam voice
If voice chat cannot connect on a university or business network, or through a proxy, the network may block UDP traffic required for Steam voice. Steam lists UDP remote ports 3478, 4379, 4380, and 27014–27030 for Steamworks P2P Networking and Steam Voice Chat. On managed networks, ask the network administrator about access rather than broadly disabling a firewall or opening ports yourself. See Steam’s required ports for Steam.
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Best Value
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Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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