Selecting podcasting equipment can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to choosing the best podcast microphone for your needs. Each mic has particular specifications, and getting the right one is crucial. Suitable for a range of budgets and experience levels, here are the best microphones for podcasting!
- Best Overall: Rode NT-USB
- Best for Beginners: Blue Yeti
- Best for Value: Shure SM58
Blue Yeti
- Cost: $129.99
- Type: Condenser
- Connection: USB
- Polar Patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
The Blue Yeti is highly rated by almost everyone in the know about podcasting microphones. Many podcasters like this USB mic for podcasting because it has multiple filters and effects, a sleek design, four polar patterns, and great sound quality. This is one of the best podcasting mics for beginners who want high quality right away at an affordable cost.
Pros
- Durable
- Good value for the money
- Has gain control dial and mute button
- Has its own stand
Cons
- Not specialized for podcasting
- Can pick up unwanted background noise
Blue Yeti X
- Cost: $169.99
- Type: Condenser
- Connection: USB
- Polar Patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
The Blue Yeti X is a professional microphone that’s great for podcasting. Like its predecessor (Blue Yeti), this quality microphone features built-in studio controls, VO!CE effects and samples, and four polar patterns. The Blue Yeti X is even easier to use, with a higher audio resolution and a fourth condenser capsule for greater audio clarity. This condenser mic is best for podcasters have been in the game a little longer and are ready to pay for an upgrade with more advanced features.
Pros
- Great for home use
- Has gain control dial and LED metering
- Has its own stand
Cons
- Limited portability
- VO!CE software not compatible with MacOS
Electro-Voice RE20
- Cost: $449
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: XLR
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
The Electro-Voice brand is known for having some of the best microphones for podcasting, and the Electro-Voice RE20 definitely fits the bill. This dynamic microphone is an international favorite for podcasting, broadcasting, and sound engineering. The Electro-Voice RE20 has a rich, full sound and pitch, along with an internal element shock mount that helps avoid capturing noises from vibrations and rejects background noise for clearer sound. This professional microphone is ideal for advanced podcasters who don’t mind spending more for high-quality podcasting equipment.
Pros
- Built-in shock mount
- Sound quality saves you time when editing
- Versatile
Cons
- Expensive
- Noise isolation degrades over time
Heil PR40
- Cost: $349
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: XLR
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Professional audio engineers consider the Heil PR40 to be one of the best podcast microphones due to its superior sound quality. This podcasting mic is easy to use with different voice types and instruments. The wide frequency response provides a tight cardioid pickup pattern resulting in clear sound in almost any environment. This XLR microphone is the right choice for podcasters looking to invest in a high-quality mic that delivers some of the crispest sounds on the market.
Pros
- Durable
- Great sound quality, even in less-than-optimal environments
Cons
- Expensive
- Mic sensitivity may lead to more handling noise
HyperX QuadCast S
- Cost: $159.99
- Type: Condenser
- Connection: USB
- Polar Patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
This USB podcast microphone comes with an anti-vibration shock mount and NGENUITY software that allows you to customize the RGB lighting display, making it an attractive option for video podcasters in particular. The high-quality HyperX QuadCast S microphone offers clear sound and a mute touchpad, which allows you to mute unwanted noises at a moment’s notice. With its four polar patterns and built-in pop filter to help muffle plosive sounds (k, p, pf, etc.), the affordable HyperX QuadCast S can compete with high-end microphones for inclusion in your podcast setup.
Pros
- Built-in pop filter and shock mount
- Has gain control dial and mute button
- Sleek design
Cons
- NGENUITY software not compatible with MacOS
- Limited portability
Movo UM700
- Cost: $119.99
- Type: Condenser
- Connection: USB
- Polar Patterns: Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo
When looking for a good microphone for podcasting, it can be difficult to determine which features you’ll truly need and which ones are extras. Fortunately, the Movo UM700 comes with all the basic essentials so you don’t need to choose. This condenser mic has four adjustable polar patterns, a removable windscreen, and a solid metal build. The Movo UM700 isn’t quite professional-level equipment, but it’s one of the best budget podcast microphones for beginner to mid-level podcasters who might not know what features they need or want.
Pros
- Good value for the money
- Has gain control dial and mute button
- Has its own stand
- Sturdy
Cons
- Sensitive to shocks and bumps
- You may need to edit audio recordings more
Rode NT-USB
- Cost: $169
- Type: Condenser
- Connection: USB
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Australian brand Rode specializes in making mics, so it’s hard to go wrong with their podcast microphones. The Rode NT-USB‘s podcast microphone kit comes with a pop filter, tripod, and a carrying case, and the microphone is compatible with different boom arms. This mic has high-power headphone output for zero delay, is easy to use, and looks elegant. The versatile Rode NT-USB is ideal for those who need a USB mic for multiple uses like podcasting, live streaming, voiceovers, and recording instruments.
Pros
- Can be used with an iPad
- Has its own stand
- Monitor level and headphone mix controls included
- Versatile
Cons
- Expensive for a USB mic
- The boom bracket is made of plastic, so it’s not as sturdy
Rode Procaster
- Cost: $229
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: XLR
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
The Rode Procaster is built to be put to work. This broadcast microphone is designed specifically for speech applications such as podcasting, streaming, voiceovers, and radio production. The Rode Procaster offers clear audio to flatter any voice type, has precise recording patterns, filters out ambient noise well, and helps control plosive sounds. This dynamic microphone for podcasting is suited for beginners and mid-level users who are willing to pay a little more upfront.
Pros
- Built-in pop filter and shock mount
- Built specifically for speech
- Has its own stand
- Sturdy
Cons
- Heavy
- Not very versatile
Rode PodMic
- Cost: $99
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: XLR
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Another dynamic microphone from the Rode brand is the Rode PodMic. Offering rich sound, this microphone for podcasting comes with an integrated swing mount and will look sleek with the rest of your podcast gear. The Rode PodMic is very affordable, helps minimize room noise, and produces great sound for the price. This is an excellent cheap podcast microphone option for beginners who don’t always have control of the background noise in their space.
Pros
- Built-in pop filter and shock mount
- Good value for the money
- Sleek design
Cons
- Lacks a connection cable and headphone jack
- May require a gain booster to amplify the signal
Samson Q9U
- Cost: $99.99
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: USB and XLR
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
The Samson Q9U offers both USB and XLR connections, which means you can use this versatile microphone with an array of other recording equipment. Capturing the detail and depth of your voice, the Samson Q9U helps reduce outside interference and includes zero-delay headphone monitoring. This podcast microphone setup contains switches for adjusting the frequency response and a dual-layer windscreen to minimize popping and plosive sounds. For single-host, mid-to-pro-level podcasters who need a mic that integrates easily with other equipment, the Samson Q9U is a go-to choice.
Pros
- Built-in pop filter
- Has a mute button
- Versatile
Cons
- May require a stand or boom arm
- Sound can be a little bass-heavy
Shure MV7
- Cost: $249
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: USB and XLR
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Due to its unique ability to use both its USB and XLR connections at once, the Shure MV7 allows you to record high-resolution and low-resolution files concurrently—meaning the latter can be used as a backup. Plus, it permits podcasters to grow. If you start recording with USB but later want an audio interface, you won’t need to buy a new mic. This is a great microphone for podcasting that comes with voice isolation technology, built-in headphone monitoring, and the ShurePlus MOTIV app integration. The Shure MV7 is good for mid-to pro-level podcasters who want the ability to use a variety of recording equipment and are willing to spend more.
Pros
- Excellent companion software: ShurePlus MOTIV
- Has a gain control dial
- Has its own stand
- Versatile
Cons
- Expensive
- Loose windscreen
Shure SM58
- Cost: $99
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: XLR
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
The Shure SM58 set microphone standards when it first came out in the 1960s, and many types of performers all over the world continue to use it (including Hurrdat Media)! Though this XLR microphone wasn’t created specifically for podcasting, it was built for vocal work and has been used by podcasters, famous singers, comedians, political figures, and more. With a shock-mount system that minimizes handling noise, the Shure SM58 can be used both inside and outside and comes at a price that’s tough to beat. This mobile microphone is best for those who record in a variety of settings, from hosting a live podcast to sitting in a recording studio.
Pros
- Built-in pop filter
- Durable
- Has its own stand
Cons
- May require a gain booster to amplify the signal
- Not specialized for podcasting
Shure SM7B
- Cost: $399
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: XLR
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid
Another exceptional microphone from the famed Shure brand is the Shure SM7B. This high-end microphone is well-known in the music industry and highly-regarded by audiophiles. The Shure SM7B comes with a detachable windscreen and produces crisp, smooth, and warm vocals, capturing every detail of your voice. This is one of the best podcasting microphones for professionals who want a high-quality mic that they won’t have to replace for a long time.
Pros
- Built-in pop filter
- Electromagnetic shielding reduces equipment hum
Cons
- Expensive
- Sound quality may reduce in less-than-optimal environments
Sontronics Podcast Pro
- Cost: $149
- Type: Dynamic
- Connection: XLR
- Polar Patterns: Supercardioid
The Sontronics Podcast Pro is geared toward the spoken word, intended to be used by podcasters, broadcasters, streamers, and for voiceovers. With a stylish design, this XLR microphone can reproduce your voice with detail, reduce plosive sounds, and help you avoid undesirable background noise. The Sontronics Podcast Pro is versatile and powerful, especially for the reasonable price. This podcast mic is perfect for those who may operate in a variety of settings and won’t always have control of the background noise in their space.
Pros
- Built-in pop filter
- Good value for the money
- Versatile
Cons
- Sound quality starts to reduce if you move around
- Works best with only one voice at a time
Need help with podcast production? Hurrdat Media offers everything from podcast hosting and production services to podcast advertising and studio rentals. Learn more about our podcast services and the Hurrdat Media Network!