The best podcast microphones for any budget (2023 edition)

Choosing your podcast microphone is probably the first major decision you’ll make as a podcaster. And it’s a big one, because no matter how great your content is, if you sound like you’re on a bad Zoom call, you’re going to lose great listeners faster than you can introduce yourself 🙁

But don’t worry! Choosing the right microphone isn’t as techy or expensive as you might think, and I’ve done my best research to share the best podcast microphones on any budget.

If you want to jump ahead past the research and criteria, feel free to skip to our #1 podcast recommendation for beginners.

PS: Prefer to listen instead of read?

This blog post became so popular that I created a full podcast episode about microphones. Plus, there’s a bonus section at the end where I share the top mistake I see podcasters making with their new microphones.

LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE IN YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP:
Apple Podcasts   |   Spotify   |   Google Podcasts  |  Overcast  |  RSS

---

Why does a great podcast microphone matter?

Even though your audience isn’t full of audio production experts, they’re all listening experts. In fact, you’re probably a listening expert yourself!

Think about how often we’re exposed to professional-quality audio. In every movie, TV show, and song we hear, we’re listening to high-budget high-quality audio perfection.

On the other hand, we also know exactly what bad audio sounds like. 

We’ve all been on a Zoom call where all you hear is, “Thanks, Mandy for sh—-ing—– {static static fizzle fizzle}.” Those grainy, staticky conference calls are what your podcast will sound like if you don’t invest in the right microphone. 

And since we can’t afford to lose your listeners based on something as fundamental as audio quality, we need to get the right microphone in your hands ASAP.

How different could the best podcast microphone possibly be? (audio samples)

I really want you to hear the difference for yourself.  So here are two audio clips I recorded: one with my computer microphone and one with a Blue Yeti.

I recorded both in the same sitting, so everything is the same except the microphone. Also, these are raw audio clips, which means I have made zero edits or adjustments.

First, this is what a recording sounds like using my computer microphone:

Doesn’t it sound like I’m far away? I’m literally sitting at my computer, but it’s very echo-y, which distracts me from the content.

Compare that to round two. Here’s what a recording sounds like using my Blue Yeti microphone:

Can you hear how much clearer it sounds? Instead of feeling like I’m halfway across the room, now it feels like we’re in a room together.

And that’s what I want you to sound like. 

Quick Note: I’ve been shocked to realize how many new podcasters don’t invest in the right microphone. So when you choose one of our favorites from the list below, it’s one more big way your podcast will stand out from the pack.

Criteria for the best podcast microphone

If you’ve done any microphone research on your own, you may have noticed that there are about a thousand microphones out there. Some are better for podcasters. Others are better for musicians or gamers.

And lots of microphones are very complicated and very expensive.

So before I share my picks for the best podcast microphones, I want to talk about the criteria I used to make these recommendations. That way you won’t only feel confident about which microphone to choose, but also why you chose it.

But if you want to jump ahead to our #1 podcast recommendation for beginners, please feel free.

Here’s what you should look for in a microphone:

1. Unless you love gear, choose a universal USB microphone.

Here’s the first eye-opener; not all microphones connect to a computer right out of the box.

Many microphones were created with musicians in mind, and musicians aren’t typically plugging microphones into laptops the way we are. 

But in the last 5+ years, USB microphone quality has come a long way. And it’s largely based on the demand from both podcasters and gamers. (Good news for us!)

Without getting too technical, there are two broad microphone connector types:

• USB Microphones: These microphones come with a cord that connects the microphone to a USB outlet on your computer. No additional equipment needed.
• XLR Microphones: I can tell I lost a few of you already with this new acronym. Unlike USBs, XLR microphones do not plug directly into a computer. Instead, they plug into what’s called an Audio Interface,  aka a snazzy little rectangle that sits on your desk and accepts cords from different places. 

I’ve used both types, and the USB experience is so much simpler.

And it’s true that audio professionals and big podcast production companies use XLR microphones in-studio since they’re considered the gold standard, or “most professional.”

But I’m here to reassure you that a USB microphone is a perfect choice for new podcasters. 

In my experience, the difference in audio quality between USB and XLR microphones is too slight for the average listener to notice.  

So unless you have incredibly ambitious and complicated audio dreams – btw, maybe simplify? – then the USB mic is the right choice.

Note: Not all USB microphones work on both Macs and PCs, so if you go with your own choice, make sure to double-check the fine print. Typically “universal USB” means that it will work with all computers and does not require advanced setup. All of our picks below are universal and compatible with both operating systems, so booyah.

2. Condenser vs dynamic microphones for podcasters

If USB vs XLR answers, “How does this microphone connect to my other technology?” then this difference tells you, “How is the microphone itself built?”

I’m going to keep this answer high-level because this is a technology rabbit hole that I don’t think most podcasters need to stress about.

Condenser microphones are like a magnifying glass for all audio. They’re very sensitive, and they pick up sound in a very detailed and accurate way.

That’s why our top microphones for new podcasters are mostly condenser mics. Your microphone should ideally focus on just your voice and then capture your beautiful words as precisely as possible.

But the problem with condenser microphones can be background noise. Because they’re so sensitive, they’ll pick up on a lot of background noise if you’re in a loud room. But if you’re recording in a quiet place – which is what we recommend! – then a condenser mic could be right for you.

Dynamic microphones are typically used to record loud sounds and a narrower range of frequencies, so if you talk right into the microphone, they can be better for recording if you’re in a loud place because they won’t catch as much of the background noise as a condenser microphone would.

That said, you’ll lose a little bit of richness in your tone with a dynamic microphone. But for some at-home spaces, they still sound better, so it all comes down to testing in your space.

The other noteworthy consideration is the power source. Because of the way condenser microphones are built, they always have a cord that connects to an external power source (like your computer). 

On the other hand, dynamic microphones can be self-powered, which means you could take one on the go and record with the microphone alone. There’s definitely a fit for some hosts to choose a dynamic mic, but you’ll only find condenser mics below.

3. We want the best podcast microphone under $200.

We know you’re budget savvy, and that’s why all of our microphones are in a reasonable price range. As you grow your podcast and audience, you might want to upgrade your microphone to one of the $400+ options.

But truthfully, most six-figure podcasters are using one of our recommended mics below. They get the job done and they don’t break the bank. (You don’t need that $500 Shure mic for a while. I promise.)

Our #1 microphone for podcasters: Blue Yeti USB Microphone

The Blue Yeti has been the top-recommended podcast microphone for years, and it’s still the #1 choice in almost every article I read. (It’s also what I use personally for many early recordings of Wit & Wire‘s podcast.)

It’s a USB condenser microphone at a reasonable price point with great audio quality. As soon as you take it out of the box, you can plug the USB into your computer and start recording.

No software. No complicated setup. So easy.

One of the biggest reasons why people choose the Blue Yeti over similar microphones is the option to change your sound recording pattern. There are settings for solo recording (cardioid), two-person recording (bi-directional), and even group recordings (omnidirectional).

[Quick note: I’d still recommend two separate microphones for a co-hosted show. You’d have to sit veryyy close together to share a Blue Yeti, so your audio quality will be significantly better if you each have your own microphone.]

The Yeti comes with a few basic controls right on the microphone:

• Mute button (when it blinks, it’s muted)
• 4 pattern choices (you’ll want cardioid, the little lima bean shape)
• Gain setting
• 3.5mm headphone jack, with volume control

The Yeti also comes on a stand, which means you won’t need to buy one separately. That said, buying a separate stand does improve the Yeti’s audio quality slightly, so it’s definitely worth considering.

You have your choice of so many colors, and it’s typically priced around $115-$120.

Amazon: Blue Yeti USB Microphone

Other great podcast microphones

The Blue Yeti is my personal favorite and the one I’ve recommended to many new podcasters for the last four years. But as a generalization, my favorite brands (for almost any microphone) are Rode, Shure, and Blue. Their mics all have different uses, but they’re all high-quality brands trusted by countless podcasters and radio broadcast professionals.

Here are a few additional microphones at different price points from my top brands, plus a few that are well-loved by many podcasters:

Also Great: Audio-Technica AT2020USB Plus Condenser Microphone

When you factor in the pop filter and carrying case, this microphone is priced comparably to the Blue Yeti and is from another excellent brand (Audio-Technica).

This microphone is slightly more portable than the Yeti because it comes with a carrying case, and the stand is a folding tripod. But other than the aesthetics and stand type, the AT2020+ and the Blue Yeti will offer very similar sound quality. It’s another great choice.

Learn More: Audio-Technica AT2020USB Plus Condenser Microphone (Amazon)

Also Great: Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone

As I mentioned earlier, Rode is one of the brands I’d trust with almost any microphone. But the NT-USB is the one I’d personally choose for most podcasters.

The NT-USB is a highly versatile side-address microphone ideal for recording any kind of vocals with all mainstream recording applications. The body features a zero-latency 3.5mm headphone jack to monitor microphone input. A premium pop-filter is included, which fits onto the base of the mic, positioning the filter the ideal distance from the capsule to minimize plosives during singing or speech. Also provided is a stand mount with 3/8″ thread, a desktop tripod stand, and a pouch for storage.

Learn More: Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Amazon)

Budget: CAD U37 USB Studio

Similar to my recommendations above, the CAD U37 is a universal USB condenser microphone that works on both Macs and PCs. But the biggest difference is the price point.

At $59-$69, this budget choice still includes a stand and a USB cable. (Like the Blue Yeti, you’ll need to buy a pop filter separately.) From yet another solid audio brand, this is a great value-packed microphone if you’re on a budget.

You won’t get as many basic controls or sound recording patterns as you do with the Blue Yeti, and audio professionals would notice a difference in sound quality. But it’s very slight.

Learn More: CAD U37 USB Studio (Amazon)

Splurge: Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone

Any microphone from Shure is going to be excellent. At $249, the MV7 is their most affordable option, although the SM7B is often considered the gold standard microphone for podcasters. (I have to constantly remind myself that I don’t *need* it.)

That said, the MV7 has really nice, clear audio, and if you want to treat yo’ self and splurge on a nice (but not insane) podcast microphone, anything by Shure is top-of-the-line.

You can click here to see my full comparison of the Blue Yeti vs. Shure MV7.

Learn More: Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone

What about the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB Microphone?

This microphone is often recommended as a great choice for beginner podcasters.

Fans of the ATR2100 love that it focuses on the podcaster’s voice and doesn’t pick up much background noise.  It’s also fairly portable since it’s smaller and lighter than the Blue Yeti. 

However, during the pandemic, the pricing changed. This microphone is now usually sold closer to $100, and at that price, I’d choose the Blue Yeti instead. But I’m keeping this one on the list primarily because I’m asked about it often, and if you own it, it’s a solid pick.

Learn More: Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB Microphone (Amazon)

Podcast microphone accessories

In addition to your USB microphone, you’ll need a few additional tools to complete your in-home podcast studio setup:

Pop Filter

A pop filter is an inexpensive sound muffler that will make “p” sounds less harsh. (They won’t “pop” as much.) For under $20, this is a must-have accessory, no matter which microphone you choose.

Here are a few options I recommend:

• Pop Filter For Blue Yeti Microphone (Amazon)
• Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter Mask Shield For Blue Yeti and Any Other Microphone (Amazon)

(Note: The Aokeo is cheaper than the first choice, but I think the arm is slightly harder to attach to your microphone.)

Audio Interface & Cables

Unless you’ve purchased an XLR microphone, you won’t need an audio interface. (It looks like this.)

The audio interface is what musicians and podcasting studios use to connect their XLR microphones to an editing device (like a computer). USB microphones like the Blue Yeti are a newer technology and have really improved tech-wise since the podcasting and gaming boom.

As I mentioned previously, I don’t recommend an XLR microphone for beginners since the USB mics are easier and sound just as good to the average listener. And if you go the USB route, you don’t need an audio interface.

That said, there are many amazing XLR microphones out there, so if you already have one, or think you’d prefer it, it’s a great choice. (Don’t let me stop you!)

Transparency Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.