The Best Podcast Microphones for All Abilities and Budgets

This is our definitive guide to the best podcast microphones around, for every budget & ability. Choose your gear, right here!

Why is a Good Podcast Microphone Important?

It might seem obvious, but it’s a question worth asking – Why bother investing in a good podcast microphone at all?

However you record, there’s no denying that a podcast recorded on a decent-quality microphone is massively more professional than someone blabbering away on a tinny headset mic.

After all, it’s the mic that captures your voice and translates it from physical sound waves into digital bits and bytes.

Just to let you know, all of the product links in this article are affiliate links. That means we get a small commission if you buy anything, but it doesn’t cost you any extra. Don’t worry; we’re always honest, open, and impartial with our reviews – we only recommend the good stuff – but this affiliate income helps us keep the site running.

Should I Choose an XLR or USB Microphone?

XLR and USB simply refer to the type of cable a mic plugs in with. XLR mics are considered to be the more professional, but many USB mics are good enough to go toe-to-toe with them these days. If you buy an XLR mic you’ll need some additional kit (like a USB Audio Interface, Mixer, or Podcast Recorder) to run it into, whilst USB mics work right out of the box. Some podcast microphones actually do both, though, so you can have the best of both worlds!

Should I Choose a Dynamic or Condenser Mic?

The terms “Condenser” and “Dynamic” refer to two different ways microphones are built, and function. Both types of mic have their potential pros and cons. Dynamic mics are often more durable and can handle high volumes without distortion. Condenser mics, on the other hand, are often capable of recording a more crisp and detailed sound. These are broad generalisations though, and there are always exceptions. Here’s our full guide to Condenser Vs Dynamic Mics in Podcasting for a deeper dive on the subject.

Best Podcast Microphones for All Budgets & Prices

We’ve organised this Best Podcast Mics roundup by cost to make your choice as easy as possible.

Budget Level Podcast Microphones for Under $100

A good podcast microphone can cost hundreds of dollars, but luckily there are a lot of much more affordable options.

Don’t let the term “Budget Level” put you off – I only recommend good quality kit! These are relatively cheap, though, and very easy to set up, so they’re well-suited for beginners. But, I know many a veteran podcaster that still uses this kit, even years down the road.

1. Samson Q2U

• Average Cost: $70 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Our favourite podcast mic of all time
• 👎Cons: Can be difficult to buy in certain regions

The microphone that I often recommend people start off with is the Samson Q2U. This is a really versatile little beast, being both XLR and USB. It’s also a significant quality increase over a cheap headset mic or your internal microphone.

The dual output (XLR & USB) means that you can plug it directly into your computer via USB, recording to Garageband or Audacity. Or, use that USB mic to run an online call with remote guests.

Then later on in your journey, when you get yourself an audio interface or a decent digital recorder, you can change to XLR. The other benefit of the Q2U’s dual output is that you can easily back up your recordings. This means even if one device crashes or runs out of batteries, you’ve still got a copy of your session.

2. ATR2100

• Average Cost: $80 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Almost identical to the Samson Q2U
• 👎Cons: Similarly, availability can vary depending on your region

An alternative, and very similar mic, is the ATR2100. There’s not much to tell between the two, and it all comes down to availability. Depending on where you are in the world, one might be easier to find than the other.

These mics are ideal for heading out and about, capturing live audio interviews.

3. Rode Smartlav+

• Average Cost: $53 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: Super portable, fits in your pocket
• 👎Cons: Sound quality isn’t as good as most XLR or USB mics

The Rode Smartlav+ is a lavalier or tie-clip mic, specifically built for smartphones. It works like a dream on any modern phone with a 3.5mm input (or a 3.5mm > lightning adapter for new iPhones).

I love this little mic for two main reasons:

1. It’s tiny! You can have it in your bag ALL the TIME, for just-in-case interviews.
2. For a minuscule little package, it sounds great.

Even better, the Rode Smartlav+ can be bundled with the SC6 adapter to plug a pair, of mics into one Smartphone.

Because of this versatility, suddenly, you have an on-the-go in-person interview kit that’s smaller than your wallet! Just bumped into Prince Harry in the street? Well, whip out your smartlavs and grab a great quality interview on exactly what it’s like to be that famous for no particular reason.

4. The MXL990

• Average Cost: $70 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: Great audio quality at a very low cost
• 👎Cons: Quite fragile, and needs a boom arm to mount it

The MXL990 was the first condenser mic that I owned, and I loved it. I used it for all of my recordings for about two years. It’s ridiculously good value at about $70 and it was worth every penny at the time. Even though it’s a condenser, it was decent in a normal office room, not picking up too much of the room noise. So this is a good choice if you have a reasonably quiet space, and you’re looking for a rich sound on a budget.

5. The Blue Snowball

• Average cost: $45 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: Nice looking mic at an affordable price
• 👎Cons: Not the best sound quality

The Blue Snowball is an old and famous piece of kit. It, alongside its bigger (and better) brother, the Blue Yeti, is ubiquitous in the world of podcast microphones. There’s no getting around it that you’ll find better audio quality in any other mic mentioned here, but the Snowball’s unique look and cheap price point still make it an appealing option for some hobbyist podcasters.

6. The Shure SM58

• Average Cost: $99 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Almost indestructible
• 👎Cons: If you’re bothered about aesthetics, this looks more like a “musician’s mic” (predominantly, it is!)

I have to mention the workhorse that is the Shure SM58, just in case you’re looking for a high-quality podcast mic that’s more mobile.

The SM58 is a handheld mic more commonly spotted at music events, usually in the hand of a screaming lead singer. It can be dropped, pounded, drowned and still survive. It also has a built-in pop filter. The SM58 is perfect for anyone that’s looking to do more out-and-about recording than in-studio.

We use the Shure SM58 along with a Zoom H5 or Zoom H6 recorder for all of our in-person interviews (find out more about the setup here). If you think you’d like to take your mic on the road and can budget for a good digital recorder too, then this could be the choice for you. It’ll work just as well in the studio, mounted on a stand, for when that’s called for.

7. The Audio-Technica 2020

• Average cost: $99 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR (USB version available, too)
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: Great vocals at a budget price
• 👎Cons: Requires additional gear

A new addition to this best podcast mics roundup, but certainly not a new mic. The Audio-Technica 2020 is twenty years old, but it still more than holds its own in 2024. With the XLR version, you’ll need some sort of interface or recorder to run it through, as well as a stand or boom arm. But at only $99, this mic is tremendous value for money. Our AT-2020 review focuses on the XLR model but a USB alternative is available, and you can buy the mic in a “podcasting pack” with additional gear, too!

Mid-Range Podcast Microphones: $100-$200

These microphones are all you need for podcasting up to six or seven-figure audiences. They are also within the normal podcaster’s budget, and provide great quality recordings to boot.

8. The Rode Podcaster

• Average Cost: $170 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Essentially the Rode Procaster, in USB form
• 👎Cons: Needs a boom arm

The price of the Rode Podcaster definitely creeps up a little when you include stands and a shock mount, but you’ll notice a significant difference if you compare it directly with any of the entry-level microphones above. This is what we use in our podcasting studio right now.

If you like the look of the Rode Podcaster, but would rather opt for an XLR mic so you can plug it into things like mixers or digital recorders, then check out its sister mic – the Rode Procaster.

9. The Blue Yeti

• Average Cost: $130 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: A nice-looking mic on its own stand
• 👎Cons: Easy to use incorrectly

Whilst the Rode Podcaster is a Dynamic, this next one is a Condenser. The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular USB podcast microphones in the world, and it comes in at around $130.

The Blue Yeti offers great quality audio thanks to its condenser capsules. It’s also amazingly easy to use with a plug and play USB connection.

One of its biggest advantages, though, is its range of polar patterns. The Yeti offers settings for solo recording, two-person face to face recording, and group recording. So, it’s flexible and can adapt to just about any situation. For best quality sound, you need to be quite close to the mic, so prepare to get pretty cosy when you’re recording two people or groups.

Lastly, the Blue Yeti comes with its own stand, so it’s a good mic if you want to jump in at the high-end and not have to worry about additional kit. Click here for more info about the Blue Yeti and its various accessories.

The Yeti might not quite match the MXL990 or the Rode podcast mics for sheer quality, but the ease of use and the fact that it’s entirely standalone make it a really serious choice at this level. See our Blue Yeti review for the full lowdown.

It’s also worth mentioning that, in late 2019, the Blue Yeti X was released. This model offers a few upgrades to the original, such as higher recording resolution and an additional condenser capsule. Whilst these are nice technical improvements, the difference in audio quality will unlikely be noticeable to most podcast listeners. That said, as a podcaster, you might prefer the Blue Yeti X over its predecessor due to its improved sleek design.

10. AKG Lyra

• Average Cost: $150 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: One of the best-sounding USB mics out there
• 👎Cons: Limited availability

The AKG Lyra is a strong competitor to the Blue Yeti, in that it has very similar features, from polar patterns to an in-built stand.

To my ear, it actually sounds better than the Yeti, but it can be harder to pick one up, depending on where you are in the world. If they are available in your region, and you’d like to find out more, then have a read of our full AKG Lyra review.

11. Sennheiser Profile

• Average Cost: $130 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: Intuitive controls and small size
• 👎Cons: Reported setup issues

The Sennheiser Profile is an excellent microphone for those looking to take their spoken-word audio a little more seriously without shelling out for a more professional setup. It looks and sounds great, the controls are intuitive, and the small size, even if fiddly at times, means you don’t need a lot of desk space for it.

That said, our reviewer Dev did report some setup issues in their review – “Even with the workaround I used for recording, I couldn’t get the mic working with OBS as either input or output. While I’m aware this could be a computer/software issue, the ‘plug-and-play’ ethos of microphones like these imply it should work right away with no problems, and that was not my experience in this case.”

12. PreSonus Revelator Dynamic

• Average Cost: $145 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Works well in less-than-ideal conditions
• 👎Cons: A little pricey for a USB mic

The PreSonus Revelator Dynamic is a mic built with two common podcasting problems in mind – background noise and reverb. That isn’t an excuse to rely on tech to fix poor-sounding and ill-prepared environments, but it’s great backup if you struggle to find a consistent or permanent space to record your show. It isn’t the cheapest option out there, considering it’s USB-only, but its forgiving audio features will make it an appealing option for many.

13. PreSonus PX-1

• Average Cost: $130 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: Great podcast mic for recording voice
• 👎Cons: Needs a well-treated environment

The PreSonus PX-1 is perfect for anyone looking to own a Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone without breaking the bank. You’ll want an above-average recording environment for this one, so better to opt for something like the Q9U (below) or the Shure MV7 if you tend to podcast from inside the broom cupboard. See our review of the PreSonus PX-1 to get the full lowdown on this great podcast microphone.

14. Samson Q9U

• Average Cost: $120 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Versatile, plugs straight into computer, or, into interface or digital recorder
• 👎Cons: Needs a boom arm

We talked earlier about the Samson Q2U. A newer mic on the market is the Samson Q9U which, like the Q2U, can be used in both USB and XLR form. The Q9U sounds better than the (already good sounding) Q2U and doesn’t cost that much more, either!

Samson Q2U Review: Is This (Still) the Best Microphone for Podcasters?

15. The Rode NT1-A

• Average Cost: $199 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: A low-noise microphone
• 👎Cons: Not an overly-durable build

The Rode NT1-A popped up as a surprise entry in our Gear Stats Survey a couple of years ago. It turned out to be the most popular high-end podcast microphone amongst our respondents. It’s not surprising, really, when you hear the quality it offers, combined with a relatively low price for a mic at this level. You can usually pick one up new for around $200.

The NT1-A is a super-low noise XLR microphone, with a really rich sound behind it. The pack comes with a shock mount and a pop filter, so all you need is a mic stand and a recorder, audio interface, or mixer to get it up and running.

Fans of the Rode NT1-A might also be interested in the Rode NT-USB and the Rode NT-USB Mini. You can plug multiple NT-USB Mini mics into your computer at the same time and record them in multitrack using Rode’s free Connect software.

Premium Podcast Microphones for Over $200

At this level, we’re starting to look at some serious cash. These are microphones that wouldn’t look out of place in a professional recording studio. These are probably overkill for most podcasters, even if you’re broadcasting to millions. Take Tim Ferriss, for example – millions of downloads per episode and still mostly recording on an ATR2100 or an SM58, last time I looked.

16. The Shure SM7b

• Average Cost: $380 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: One of the highest-quality podcast mics out there
• 👎Cons: Needs a strong preamp to optimise it

The Shure SM7b is a legendary mic in the industry. It’s one that discerning audiophiles hold in great esteem. And yes, it does indeed live up to the hype.

But one barrier to using the SM7B (aside from the price) is that it needs a strong preamp to get the most out of it, so you’ll likely need to invest in additional gear and add extra components to your setup.

Presuming you can do that, though, and you can afford the cost, this is one hell of a microphone.

17. The Shure SM7db

• Average Cost: $500 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Like the SM7b, but with a built-in preamp
• 👎Cons: Costs even more than the SM7b

Shure recently built a solution to the SM7b preamp problem called the SM7db. This mic is essentially the legendary SM7b with its own preamp built-in, offering users up to +28 dB of gain at the flick of a switch. The SM7db costs more than the SM7b, but it gives you the freedom of being able to run it through a much wider variety of audio interfaces. Check out our full Shure SM7db review for the lowdown.

18. The Shure MV7

• Average Cost: $250 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Similar to the SM7b, but cheaper and more versatile
• 👎Cons: Not the strongest of signals when used in XLR form

The Shure MV7 is another member of this little family. It works as both a USB mic AND an XLR mic, so you can plug it directly into your computer, or, via a USB audio interface or digital recorder. On top of its flexibility, Shure market the mic as offering “perfect sound in imperfect rooms”. If you’re intrigued, check out our review of the Shure MV7 to find out more.

19. Rode NT1 5th Gen

• Average Cost: $250 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR/USB
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: 32-bit float digital output makes it “unclippable”
• 👎Cons: 32-bit floating only works in USB form.

A new kid on the block from gear giants Rode, the NT1 5th Gen works as both a USB and XLR microphone. One of the standout features of this mic is the ability to work with a 32-bit float digital output if used in USB form. Whilst that term might not sound very exciting, it basically means that the mic is “unclippable”. As Rode say themselves, this is “a revolutionary recording format that allows you to record everything from a whisper to a scream, the softest guitar to the loudest drummer without having to worry about setting your gain – simply adjust your audio after recording and all the dynamics of your performance will be maintained, with zero risk of clipping or distortion.”

Check out our Rode NT1 5th Gen review for the full lowdown and some sound samples.

20. Apogee HypeMic

• Average Cost: $350 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: Built-in Compression features
• 👎Cons: Very expensive for a USB-only mic

The Apogee HypeMic boasts built-in Compression tools, giving you the ability to boost and level out your voice without the need to do it in software in post-production. However, our reviewer Sarah described these settings as “hit or miss” for podcasters. Overall, this is still a good mic, but at this price point, you’d hope it would be!

If you have $350 to spend on a mic, then your money will go a lot further with something like the Rode NT1 5^th Gen or the Shure MV7. In fact, both are $100 cheaper and will work in XLR form, as well as USB.  

21. The Heil PR40

• Average Cost: $375 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Premium sound quality, even in less-than-ideal environments
• 👎Cons: Hard to justify the price

The Heil PR40 is touted by many high-level showrunners as the go-to podcast mic for anyone who wants the best sound they can get. I won’t deny it’s a good microphone, but I will say it’s a bit overhyped.

The sound quality is good, and, being a dynamic mic, it’s a great fit for the non-professional environments most of us are recording in. So, if you can get your hands on one to test it out, either borrow or on sale and return, then definitely give it a try.

22. The Electro-Voice RE20

• Average Cost: $450 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• 👍 Pros: Amazing sound quality
• 👎Cons: Extremely expensive

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a mic with a very loyal following… If you know an Electro-Voice fan, you’ll know this to be true!

The EVs are certainly amongst the best microphones in podcasting, or the world of audio in general!

Those who love the EV speak fondly of its rich tones, depth, and resonance. There’s a body to the recordings that’s as memorable as it is undefinable.

You’ll pay for this sound quality, of course. The EV microphones are NOT cheap. But they’re world-class equipment and justify the cost. If you’d like to read more about the mic, and hear some samples, then you can read our Electro-Voice RE20 review here.

The RE20 also has a little cousin in the form of the EV R320 – not a mic we’ve managed to test ourselves before, but a few people we know use it and speak highly of it!

23. Rode Wireless Pro

• Average Cost: $430 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB, DSLR, Smartphone, & more
• Function: Condenser
• 👍 Pros: Gives you a lot of kit, and a lot of options
• 👎Cons: Costly, and unnecessary for most podcasters

The Rode Wireless Pro is Rode’s premium wireless option, succeeding the Rode Wireless Go and Wireless Go II.

This is more a full kit than “a mic” – you actually get four mic options in the box. You can record directly into the two transmitters, or, plug in the two included Rode Lavalier II mics instead.

The receiver can plug into pretty much anything, from your phone or computer to a DSLR camera. It receives (the clue is in the name) the audio from the transmitters, but the transmitters themselves can both independently store over 40 hours of audio.

The kit has a “safe” range of up to 260 metres. In our Rode Wireless Pro review, you’ll find out more about that distance, including the fact that it’s longer than a row of eight blue whales. This makes it an ideal kit for podcasters who record on the move in varying environments. But, by contrast, it isn’t something you’ll need if you record in the same room each week.

Strengthen Your Setup: Headphones, Audio Interfaces, & Microphone Stands

Podcast microphones don’t work in isolation, and you can use various bits of kit and gear to power, support, or enhance them.

Headphones are a must for any podcaster. Use them for monitoring recordings so that you can hear exactly what’s being recorded, as it’s being recorded. Then, use them to edit and produce your audio, too. Check out our guide to the best podcast headphones for more on this.

If you’re using a digital mic, you’ll need a computer to plug your USB cable into. There’s every chance you already have a computer, but bookmark our best computer for podcasting and best laptop for podcasting guides should you ever need to upgrade.  

If it’s an XLR mic you plan to use, then you can’t plug an XLR cable directly into your computer. Instead, you can buy a USB audio interface to link it all together, giving you greater control, flexibility, and a wider range of options. Depending on the model, you can plug two or more mics into your interface, making them ideal for recording local co-hosts or guests. Some will even include a separate headphone jack for each participant.

Most podcast microphones mentioned here will also be optimal when mounted on a stand or boom arm. Check out our guide to the best boom arms, which offer the most flexible and professional-looking setups for mic mounting and podcast presentation.

Podcast Microphone Polar Patterns

Mic polar patterns are also known as pickup patterns. These are settings which determine the areas a microphone “hears” sound. For example, a cardioid polar pattern will focus mainly on the front of the mic whilst rejecting some sound from around the back. This makes the cardioid pickup pattern ideal for voice recordings, and almost every mic mentioned here either has it by default or makes it available in its range of settings. Check out our full guide to microphone polar patterns to learn more.

Background Noise, Mic Technique, & Sound Quality

It’s not purely about which mic you buy – it’s about where and how you use it. Though there’s nothing wrong with ambient noise, you want to avoid distracting background noise in your podcast, which means optimising your recording space. Make a habit of using your mute button, too, whether that’s built into the mic, or in your recording software. We can edit out and clean up after the fact, but many disturbances don’t need to make it into your recording in the first place.

Mic technique is also pivotal to your audio quality. You want to maintain an appropriate distance, avoid handling or hitting the desk, and use a pop filter if you love to record in close proximity.

Looking for Help With Your Podcast?

Did you know we have courses on all aspects of launching and growing a show over at Podcraft Academy? Not only that, we run weekly Q&A sessions, too, so you can always get the help, advice, and answers that you need!

Quick Question Time: The “Best Podcast Mic For”… FAQ

Here we answer frequently asked questions to help you choose your perfect podcasting microphone.

Best Dynamic Microphone for Podcasting?

For best overall, go Electro-Voice RE20. For best value, go Samson Q2U.

Best Condenser Microphone for Podcasting?

For best overall, go Neumann U87. For best value, go MXL990.

Best Podcast Microphone for Mac?

I’d say the AKG Lyra, but any of these USB Mics will do.

Best Durable Podcast Mic?

It’s got to be the Shure SM58, eh?

Best XLR Microphone for Podcasting?

For best overall, go Electro-Voice RE20. For best value, go Samson Q2U.

Best USB Microphone for Podcasting

For best overall, go Shure MV7. For best value, go Samson Q2U.

Best Mics for Multiple USB Use

You can run multiple Rode NT-USB Mini mics into the Rode Connect software.

Best Mic for an Echoey Room

The Shure MV7 and PreSonus Dynamic Revelator can perform well on this front. Always try to sound treat your room as best you can, though.

Best Shotgun Mic for Podcasting

We love the Zoom SSH-6 capsule for the Zoom H6 recorder.

Best Portable Podcast Microphone

The Zoom H1 recorder, but see lavalier options below.

Best Lavalier Microphone for Podcast

Definitely the Rode SmartLav+ or Rode Wireless Go.

Best Headworn Microphone for Podcast

The Sennheiser PC 8 USB Headset, but if you already own a good pair of headphones, opt for the Antlion ModMic USB attachment.

Best Omnidirectional Microphone for Podcast

Tricky as you should avoid sharing a mic. Solo-use omnidirectional mics are usually lavaliers like the Rode SmartLav+ or Rode Wireless Go.

Best Bluetooth Podcast Microphone

The SmartMike+ is a decent budget option. You can also create a great Bluetooth setup using the Zoom PodTrak P4.

Best Microphone for YouTube

There are so many video variables here, so best to check out our dedicated guide to the Best Microphones for YouTube to find the scenario that best suits you.

Next up in the Quest to Sound Your Best… Recording

Choosing a podcast microphone means you’ve something to record with. But there are a few additional steps in the recording chain.

Using an XLR mic and need something to plug it into? Here are your 3 options…

• Best USB Audio Interfaces
• Best Podcast Mixers
• Best Digital Recorders

And, if you’re recording directly into your computer you might fancy trying out Alitu. Alitu is an all-in-one podcast maker tool that lets you record (solo or remote calls), edit, and publish episodes from directly inside its interface. Alitu does all the production magic (EQ, Noise Reduction, Volume Levelling) for you automatically too, so you can really enhance the sound of your shiny new podcast mic without knowing the slightest bit about audio engineering!

Try Alitu free for 7 days and see for yourself.