Getting started with podcasting can be exciting, but choosing a microphone can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many choices and styles, from entry-level to professional-quality microphones.
Depending on your format, you may need one, two, or several microphones. If you’re in need of multiple mics, many sellers have multi-mic bundles to save you some money.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the mics currently on the market to get you started. We’ve divided our list into USB microphones for beginners and XLR connection mics for those with more advanced studio systems.
USB Podcasting Microphones
Rode NT-USB
The NT-USB is a professional USB condenser microphone that delivers exceptional performance for recording vocals and instruments, gaming and livestreaming, podcasting, voice-overs and more. Offering impeccable audio, elegant looks and premium features, all in an easy-to-use form factor, the NT-USB will have you sounding like a pro in seconds.
Key Features:
- Professional USB condenser microphone
- Professional pop filter and tripod included
- High-power headphone output for zero-latency
- On-board monitor level and headphone mix controls
Cost
$170 US (Average)
Blue Yeti USB
Create unparalleled recordings with your computer using Blue’s best-selling family of Yeti USB microphones. Now with Blue VO!CE software, you can craft the perfect broadcast vocal sound and entertain your stream audience with enhanced effects, advanced voice modulation and HD audio samples. Four different pickup patterns offer incredible flexibility so you can record vocals for music, podcasts, Twitch streaming, YouTube videos, or even cryptozoology lectures in ways that would normally require multiple microphones. Whether you’re recording at home, on the road, or in the Himalayas, Yeti helps you produce studio-quality recordings every time.
Key Features:
- 4 patterns for different types of audio recording: Cardioid, Stereo, Omni, and Bidirectional.
- 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.
- Instant mute and microphone gain.
- Blu VO!CE software with enhanced broadcast vocal effects, advanced voice modulation and HD audio samples.
Cost
$130 US (Average)
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Equipped with a USB output, the AT2020USB+ is designed for digitally capturing music or any acoustic audio source using your favorite recording software. The microphone offers the critically acclaimed, award-winning sound of the AT2020, with studio-quality articulation and intelligibility perfect for singer/songwriters, podcasters, voice-over artists, field recorders, and home studio recorders.
Key Features:
- Built-in headphone jack with volume control.
- Mix control that blends microphone and pre-recorded audio.
- Cardioid pickup pattern delivers excellent off-axis rejection.
- A/D converter with a 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate ensures extremely articulate sound reproduction.
Cost
$130 US (Average)
USB/XLR Podcasting Microphones
Shure MV7
Inspired by the legendary SM7B, the MV7 is a dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR outputs for use with computers and professional interfaces alike. Connect via USB and explore additional set-up features and Auto Level Mode within our ShurePlus™ MOTIV app, to control your vocal tone, and distance from the microphone. With Auto Level Mode, you can let the microphone do the work for you.
Key Features:
- Auto Level Mode for real-time consistent output no matter if you’re recording or live streaming.
- Manual Mode for full control over your sound and adjust Mic Gain, Monitor Mix, EQ, Limiter, Compressor, and more.
- Voice Isolation Technology to give you a professional recording, without any background or room noise.
- Built-in 3.5mm headphone jack.
Cost
$249 US (Average)
$269 US (With Tripod)
XLR Podcasting Microphones
Rode PodMic
The PodMic is a broadcast-quality dynamic microphone optimised for incredible performance in podcasting, livestreaming, and other speech or vocal applications. Offering a rich, full-bodied sound, with an internal pop filter for minimising plosives, internal shockmount for reducing vibrations, and a swing mount for easy positioning, the PodMic will take your content to the next level.
Key Features:
- Broadcast-quality dynamic microphone
- Rich, detailed sound optimised for podcasting, livestreaming and other speech applications
- Internal pop filter, shock mount and integrated swing mount
- Robust all-metal construction
Cost
$99 US (Average)
Rode Podcaster
The Podcaster is a dynamic end-address USB microphone that combines broadcast-quality audio with the simplicity of USB connectivity. It features a premium dynamic capsule with a tight polar pattern providing excellent room noise rejection, plus an internal shockmount for superior isolation from knocks, bumps and keyboard sounds and an internal pop filter for minimising plosives. A headphone output on the microphone body allows for zero-latency monitoring, so you can hear exactly what is being recorded, free of delay or echo. Delivering high-quality audio quality with incredible ease of use, the Podcaster is ideal for a wide variety of voice applications, including podcasting, voice-over recording, gaming and livestreaming.
Key Features:
- Broadcast-quality dynamic USB microphone
- Tight cardioid polar pattern provides excellent room noise rejection
- Internal capsule shockmount and pop filter
- High-quality headphone output for zero-latency monitoring
- 10-year warranty
Cost
$175 US (Average)
Audio-Technica AT2040
Purpose-built for podcasters and content creators on a limited budget, the Audio-Technica AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Microphone benefits from A-T’s decades of expertise in constructing trusted microphones for the studio and stage. The AT2040 features a large-diaphragm dynamic capsule in a classic end-address configuration, just like traditional broadcast-style mics used by pros. Not only does the mic deliver a warm, yet robust vocal tone, but it also picks up minimal background noise and room reflections, thanks to its hypercardioid polar pattern.
Key Features:
- Large-Diaphragm Dynamic Capsule
- Integrated Shockmount
- End-Address, Broadcast-Style Mic
- Highly Directional Hypercardioid Pattern
- Minimal Background & Stand-Borne Noise
- Internal Pop Filter
Cost
$99 US (Average)
AKG Pro Audio C214
The C214 professional large-diaphragm condenser microphone has been designed as a cost-effective alternative to the high-end C414 family. Like the C414, the C214 offers a supreme one-inch capsule on an integrated suspension to reduce mechanical noise. A switchable 20dB attenuation pad allows recording of loud sources of up to 156dB SPL. A switchable bass-cut filter allows close-up recording with almost no proximity effect. The C214 captures sound by combining one capsule of the legendary C414 dual-capsule system and the patented AKG Back-Plate Technology, resulting in an outstanding performance close to the famous C414 XLII.
Key Features:
- Sonic character of the famous C414 XLII
- Outstanding dynamic range and ultralow noise
- Switchable 20dB attenuator and bass-cut filter
- Integrated suspension
- Roadworthy design
Cost
$365 US (Average)
Shure SM7B
Whether it’s big-time broadcasting, professional podcasts or critical studio recordings, this legendary dynamic microphone delivers smooth, warm vocals every time. The SM7B captures and enhances the finer details of the human voice while blocking out all the distractions. An audio icon.
The wide-range frequency response of the SM7B preserves the natural beauty of the sound it captures. With its detailed audio profile, words may travel far, but they always arrive at their destination with quality and clarity intact.
Key Features:
- Air suspension shock isolation
- Pop filter
- Classic cardioid pattern
- Advanced electromagnetic shielding
- Rugged construction for securing the microphone cartridge
- Detachable close-talk windscreen and switch cover plate included
- Reduces distortion from loud sources
- Bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display of response setting
- Dynamic cartridge with flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech
Cost
$399 US (Average)
Summary
These are just a few options from top microphone brands. If you’re just starting out, you might try recording directly to your smartphone or using your earbuds. The quality will not be as good, and you’ll probably have quite a bit of background noise, but it’s a good way to learn podcasting.
There are also several mics that connect directly to your smartphone via the USB or Lightning port. As with most technology, the more you spend the better the overall quality of the device.
No matter which way you choose to go, happy podcasting!
