A lot goes into producing a quality podcast. There’s the actual subject matter, a good conversation, competent hosts, picking the right hosting service, and editing post-recording. However, audio quality is a key component. No matter how knowledgable you are about your topic, maintaining high fidelity recordings is a must when it comes to podcasting. Poor recording quality will detract from even the most engaging and lively of conversations. As such, picking the best podcast microphone is a necessity. Check out the best podcast microphone options for all budgets!
What to Look for in a Podcast Microphone
While you can’t necessarily control the background noise or lack thereof where you’re recording, a good podcast microphone can substantially help. When selecting a mic for podcasting, you’ll have tons of options. What mic is best for recording a podcast depends a bit on your set up.
Podcasting mic considerations:
- USB vs. XLR
- Dynamic vs. Condenser
- Price
Dynamic vs. Condenser Mics
First, you’ll need to decide between a dynamic or condenser mic. A dynamic microphone offers focused sound with a slightly warmer quality. On the other hand, condenser mics boast clear, bright audio but have a propensity to pick up more ambient noise than dynamic mics. Whether you select a condense mic or dynamic microphone will depend on your preferences as well as your recording space. Generally, dynamic mics are cheaper than condenser microphones and pick up less background noise. So if you’re recording from home rather than a dedicated studio space, a dynamic mic for podcasting is the way to go. Condenser microphones are perfect for situations where there’s less ambient noise and may be pricier when compared to dynamic options.
Dynamic microphone pros:
- Affordable
- Great sound quality
- Picks up less background noise
- Durable
Dynamic mic cons:
- Less sensitive than condenser mics
- Better for vocals than instruments
Condenser mic pros:
- Wide frequency range
- High sensitivity
- Excellent sound quality
Condenser mic cons:
- Picks up more ambient noise
- Better-suited for acoustically-trained, dedicated recording spaces
- Pricier than dynamic mics
- Less durable
USB vs. XLR Mics for Podcasting
Connectivity dictates what mic you can use. For a USB interface, there are tons of different options that you can simply plug into a computer. An XLR mic necessitates a USB interface or a mixer. Largely, opting for an XLR vs. USB mic boils down to personal preference. Most beginner podcasters, and even many seasoned podcast veterans, go with USB. Set up is easier since you only need a mic, computer, and recording software. XLR mics require extra devices so they’re better-suited to technical users. You could also snag a dual XLR and USB mic. That way, you can start out recording with USB, then graduate to XLR and benefit from additional customization options.
- USB mics: Don’t require a separate mixer or interface
- XLR mics: Require a separate mixer or interface
Best Podcast Microphone Mic Overall – Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti Pro
The Blue Yeti has become the industry standard for podcasters, streamers, and YouTubers alike. It’s a well-built USB dynamic mic. Boasting plug-and-play simplicity, it’s simple to use. But sound quality is what truly sets Yeti apart. Audio is crisp and clean. The 5V powered USB lets you take advantage of onboard gain controls. There’s a built-in volume knob for real-time monitoring via its headphone jack. A mute button allows you to quickly silence yourself on-the-fly. And a pattern switcher knob toggles between four different modes: stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and directional. As such, the Yeti is a versatile mic for a variety of different situations. Although it comes with a detachable stand, there’s a standard microphone stand thread on the bottom.
For my podcast, I use the Blue Yeti. Balancing affordability, ease of use, and versatility. Build quality is top-notch and the Yeti is heavy enough to remain durable for transport yet compact and light for portability. Particularly if, like me, you don’t have access to an acoustically-trained room, the Yeti produces lush recordings regardless of your physical setting. Because of its different modes, the Blue Yeti is suitable for a single user, two-person recording, or a multi-person podcast. While the vanilla Blue Yeti is USB-only, the pricier Blue Yeti Pro adds XLR in addition to USB. Offering the best bang for your buck, the Blue Yeti is a superb podcasting mic for beginners and professional podcasters alike.
Pros:
- Dynamic mic
- Excellent sound quality
- Plug-and-play simplicity
- Affordable
- Great build quality
- Built-in gain control, volume knob for live monitoring, headphone jack
- Four different modes: Stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, multi-directional
- Blue Yeti Pro available with XLR and USB
- Comes in different colors
Cons:
- XLR isn’t available on the Yeti, just the more expensive Pro model
- Doesn’t come with a pop filter
Best Budget Mic for Podcasting – Movo UM700
The Movo UM700 (our review) is a good, cheap microphone for podcasting, video game live-streaming, recording voice-overs or interviews, and a number of other applications. It features great build quality and sports onboard physical controls for changing its polar pattern, raising or lowering the volume, adjusting the gain, and more. Since the Movo is a USB condense mic, it features plug-and-play compatibility with Windows and macOS. The volume out-of-the-box is a bit low when compared to mics like the Blue Yet, although this is easily remedied in post-processing. Clocking in around $99 USD, the Movo UM700 is an awesome microphone for beginner podcasters or anyone looking for a rock-solid mic that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Condenser microphone
- USB connectivity
- Onboard controls for volume, gain, mute button
- Includes pop filter
- Excellent build quality – all-metal construction
- Headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring
Cons:
- Volume is somewhat low but can be tweaked during post-processing
Best Cheap Condenser Mic – Samson C01U Pro
Often, condenser microphones can be considerably more expensive than dynamic mics. However, the Samson C01U Pro is a sub-$100 USD studio-quality condenser microphone. Capable of capturing audiophile-level recordings, it’s a solid little no-frills condenser mic for podcasting. The C01U Pro utilizes USB. It comes with a small desktop tripod stand as well as a swivel mount. On the front of the mic is a headphone jack for live recording monitoring. Samson’s C01U Pro is, however, a bit barebones. There’s no headphone level control onboard. Similarly, you won’t find any built-in knobs for changing modes or setting the gain. As such, any adjustments must be made during post-processing. Nevertheless, with an incredible price-to-performance ratio, the Samson C01U is a fantastic condenser mic that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Condenser mic
- USB connectivity
- Headphone jack built-in
- Includes a tripod stand and swivel mount
- Affordable
- Good build quality
- Studio-quality recordings (19mm diaphragm)
Cons:
- No XLR options
- Lacks any onboard controls
Best Microphone for Recording Vocals – Rode Procaster
Engineered specifically for podcasting and capturing vocals, the Rode Procaster is an XLR dynamic mic. It uses a cardioid pattern for wonderful speech pick up. This cardioid polar pattern severely limits background noise for a crisp, focused recording. Rode bundles several accessories with its Procaster including a mic stand mount and a convenient zip pouch carrying case. Since it’s an XLR mic, the Rode Procaster does require either a USB interface or mixer. For more advanced podcasters, the Procaster is a fantastic mic for vocal recordings.
Pros:
- XLR
- Dynamic mic
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Excellent recording quality
- Engineered for vocals
- Includes carrying case and stand mount
- Focused recording picks up little background noise
Cons:
- No USB connectivity
- Only one polar pattern
- Pricey
Best USB and XLR Mic for Podcasting Under $100 – Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
Outfitted with a USB-C digital output and an XLR analog output, the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB cardioid dynamic mic is a multi-purpose podcast microphone. Bundled with USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and XLR female to male cables, you can hook the ATR2100x-USB up to virtually any interface imaginable. Its cardioid polar pattern reduces unwanted ambient noise pick up and the built-in headphone jack allows for real-time audio monitoring.
A bottom-mounted dial lets you adjust listening volume. There’s an on/off switch for both its USB and analog operations. An included tripod sits atop desks and tables, and build quality consists of all-metal for a premium-feeling, durable podcast microphone. Unfortunately, the ATR2100x-USB comes sans shock mount. Using one will benefit audio quality. Still, at under $100 and with an impressive feature set, the ATR2100x-USB packs a nearly unrivaled value.
Pros:
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Dynamic mic
- Tripod included
- USB and XLR options – can use digital and analog outputs simultaneously
- USB-C connectivity
- Handheld or desktop use
- Reduces ambient noise well
- Affordable
Cons:
- No shock mount included
Best Cheap USB/XLR Microphone for Podcasting – Samson Q2U
Rocking USB and XLR connectivity, the Samson Q2U is a solid dynamic microphone that provides great audio recordings at a shockingly low price point. Around $100, it’s cost-effective and leaves you room to grow. You can begin with USB operation, the step up to XLR when you upgrade to a mixer. And it’s versatile in its compatibility with PA systems. The dynamic cardioid polar pattern mic handles vocals well while ensuring as little ambient background noise as possible. And it comes with a slew of accessories including a mic clip, desktop tripod stand, XLR and USB cables, carrying case, plus a windscreen. For an alternative to the ATR2100x-USB try the Samson Q2U.
Pros:
- Dynamic mic
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Handheld or desktop operation
- Lots of included accessories: windscreen, carrying pouch, XLR and USB cables, desktop tripod stand, mic clip
- Affordable
- USB and XLR connectivity
Cons:
- No shock mount included
- Lacks USB-C
Best Professional Recording Microphone – Rode NT-USB
While in theory pretty much any microphone is portable, the Rode NT-USB is a studio-caliber USB cardioid condenser mic with a small footprint. The compact NT-USB may easily be toted around. Loads of accessories come standard including a pop filter, ring mount, tripod desk stand, storage pouch, and USB cable. A zero-latency headphone jack makes for seamless real-time recording monitoring. As a condenser mic sporting a cardioid polar pattern, the Rode NT-USB is perfect for podcasting. You’ll get everything you need to get started podcasting, so it’s a nifty podcast equipment kit and the best professional recording microphone for the money.
Pros:
- Condenser mic
- USB connectivity
- Lots of included accessories: pop shield, ring mount, tripod desk stand, storage pouch, USB cable
- Zero-latency headphone jack built-in
- Compact
Cons:
- No XLR output
Best Condenser Microphone Overall – NEAT King Bee
The NEAT King Bee is an attractive cardioid solid state condenser microphone. With its black and yellow striped colorway and retro styling, it’s a handsome audio recording device. But looks aren’t everything and its performance makes the NEAT King Bee the best condenser microphone on the market. Not only does the King Bee capture vocals wonderfully from its 34mm large diaphragm gold-sputtered condenser capsule, but it handles instruments with aplomb. There’s an XLR output and a custom shockmount as well as pop filter. For a striking flair, the King Bee is a superb mic. Disappointingly, it’s XLR only, so beginners may want to look elsewhere. If you’ve got a mixer or USB interface, the NEAT King Bee is a solid addition to any podcasting studio.
Pros:
- Condenser mic
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Includes pop filter, shockmount, and XLR cable
- Stylish
- Superb audio quality
- 34mm gold-sputtered condenser capsule
Cons:
- No USB output
Best Studio Quality Microphone – Shure SM7B
If you’ve got the budget for it, the Shure SM7B is a top-notch dynamic mic for studio-quality performance. At around $400, it’s fairly pricey. However, audiophile recordings and a built-in pop filter make the Shure SM7B a worthy option. Build quality is out of this world. There’s an XLR connection and no USB. For the polar pattern, the SM7B opts for cardioid. Oddly, particularly for the cost, included accessories are pretty spartan. You’ll only find the mic and a windscreen. Yet, the flat frequency response speaks for itself, delivering jaw-droppingly faithful audio recordings.
Pros:
- Flat frequency response for a natural sound
- Excellent audio quality
- XLR
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Built-in pop filter
- Great build quality
- Includes windscreen
- Dynamic mic
Cons:
- Expensive
- Few included accessories
- No USB
Best Podcast Microphone Options for All Uses and Budgets – Final Thoughts
Whether you’re fresh to podcasting or have been recording for years, there’s a podcast mic out there for you. Most users will be perfectly fine with the Blue Yeti. It balances price and performance extremely well. Stepping up to the Blue Yeti Pro adds the ability to use XLR or USB. If you need the best possible audio recording quality and a natural sound, the Shure S7MB is hands-down the best option for studio-caliber performance. And there are plenty of cheap USB microphones, many of which even flaunt XLR in addition to USB.
Your turn: which podcast microphones do you recommend?
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