#5 Best Podcast Microphones For Beginners (2024)

Do you feel worried about choosing professional best podcast microphones as a beginner? In podcasting setup is important to choose the best mic for a podcast that is responsible for making your podcast sound better.

Starting a podcast is not difficult but selecting the right microphone is become challenging in the market. As a beginner podcaster, you need a microphone that is budget-friendly, like under $100. 

#3 thing is important when choosing the Mic for a Podcast

When choosing the best podcasting mic, it needs to meet this criterion:

• Easy to use: This means the USB mic is super easy to use, just “plug and play.
• Affordable: Buy the Mic that is budget-friendly friendly does not break the bank. It puts your podcasting dreams on hold.
• Quality sounds: Getting a good quality sound mic is an important key for podcasting.

We did a lot of research and found the 5 best microphones for podcasts that make good sound quality. We found out that the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is the best podcast microphone among big podcasters. 

In this article, we make a quick list of the best Microphones for podcasting for all abilities and budgets to make the podcast professional. We do deep research and pick the top choice of online businesses and content creators on any budget.

The top brands for podcasting microphones for 2020 were Rode, Blue, and Shure. Blue Yeti was number 1 overall, with 17% of podcasters reporting using the microphone. (Riverside) 

Here are the best podcasting microphones based on different criteria:

Podcast Criteria	Microphone Model(s)
Best Dynamic Mic	Electro-Voice RE20, Samson Q2U
Best Condenser Mic	Neumann U87, MXL990
Best for Mac	AKG Lyra (or any USB mic)
Best Durable Mic	Shure SM58
Best XLR Mic	Electro-Voice RE20, Samson Q2U
Best USB Mic	Shure MV7+, Samson Q2U
Multiple USB Use	Rode NT-USB Mini (via Rode Connect)
Echoey Room	Shure MV7+, PreSonus Dynamic Revelator
Shotgun Mic	Zoom SSH-6 (for Zoom H6 recorder)
Portable Mic	Rode Interview PRO (consider lavaliers)
Lavalier Mic	Rode SmartLav+, Rode Wireless PRO
Headworn Mic	Sennheiser PC 8 USB Headset (or Antlion ModMic USB)
Omnidirectional Mic	Solo-use lavaliers like Rode SmartLav+ or Rode Wireless Go
Bluetooth Mic	SmartMike+ (or create a setup with Zoom PodTrak P4)
YouTube Mic	Blue Yeti, Rode VideoMic Pro, Shure SM7B

The Best Podcast Microphones for All Abilities and Budgets

Here is a list of the best podcast microphones for small businesses and also large ones.

First, take a look at it!

RØDE PodMic

RØDE PodMic is a broadcast-quality dynamic microphone specially optimized for mind-blowing performance in live streaming, and podcasting. It offers full-bodied sound with an internal popup filter, an internal shock mount for reducing vibrations, and a swing mount for easy positioning. RØDE PodMic takes your podcast to the next level. RØDE PodMic is the best beginner-level mic for podcasts. It is the highest-reviewed model for quality audio at a cheap price.

• Internal Pop Filter
• Internal Shockmount 
• Integrated Swing Mount 
• Cardioid Polar Pattern Reduces Background Noise

Is rode podmic a good mic?

Rode PodMic is a solid choice for podcasting and broadcasting. It offers good sound quality, multiple polar patterns, and user-friendly features.

Does rode podmic use a USB connection?

Rode PodMic doesn’t use a USB connection. Instead, like most professional studio microphones, it uses an XLR connection to capture an analog signal. However, it does offer dual connectivity, including a digital USB-C connection, allowing you to record or stream directly into your computer without an external audio interface..

Audio-technica AT2020USB+

AT2020USB+ is a cardioid condenser USB Microphone. It is specially designed for digitally capturing music and acoustic audio with your favorite recording software. AT2020USB+ microphone offers the award-winning sound of the AT2020 with studio-quality articulation and is perfect for singers, podcasters, voice-over artists, field recorders, and studio recorders. 

• Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
• High-quality A/D converter with 16-bit
• Headphone jack with volume control
• Smooth, extended frequency response ideally suited for podcasting 

Is the AT2020 a good mic?

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a modestly priced condenser microphone that offers good performance. While it’s not the absolute best, it’s affordable and durable. Musicians, podcasters, and home recording enthusiasts often appreciate its compact form and decent sound quality. Keep in mind that it’s not ideal for live performances; for that, consider dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 or SM57.

Does the AT2020USB+ work with Windows 10?

Yes, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is compatible with Windows 10, as well as Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X. It plugs directly into your computer via USB and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software. Whether you’re podcasting, recording music, or doing voiceovers, the AT2020USB+ is a solid choice!

Samson Q2U

Samson Q2U is a USB/XLR dynamic microphone with accessories. It is specially designed for recording a podcast, live streaming, or hosting a video call. Samson Q2U easily connects to any device and lets you get started with a recording quickly—cardioid polar pattern captures your voice with low-end warmth and mid-range clarity. Samson Q2U distracting sounds that are produced in the untreated studio. 

If you are starting a podcast, Samson Q2U is the ideal choice for you. It helps you build a podcast studio on a budget. Samson Q2U provides high-quality digital converters and audio reproduction when connecting directly to a computer or mobile device via USB.

• USB/XLR handheld dynamic microphone
• USB output for connecting to Mac, PC, or Chromebook
• n/Off switch controls both USB and XLR audio output
• Plug-and-play, no driver installation required
• Compatible with most computer-based digital audio 

What is a Samson q2u USB / XLR microphone?

The Samson Q2U is a versatile USB/XLR dynamic microphone for various recording applications. With both USB and XLR connectivity, it easily connects to any device, making it ideal for podcasting, live streaming, or video calls. The Q2U captures clear sound with its cardioid polar pattern, and it includes a mic clip, desktop tripod stand, windscreen, USB cable, and XLR cable—all in one convenient package. Whether you’re recording at home, on the go, or in a studio, the Q2U delivers broadcast-quality audio! 

Logitech Blue Yeti Nano

Logitech Blue Yeti Nano is the most popular USB podcast microphone designed to help you record and live stream easily. It perfectly fits on any desktop and built-in metal stand that is easy to adjust at any angle of the mic. 

Yeti Nano premium USB microphone delivers broadcast, Zoom calls, and YouTube videos. Cardioid mode captures sound in front of the microphone. Omni mode picks up all the sound from all around the mic. Make the sound clean and focused with the internal shock mount Yeti Nano.

• Power Required/Consumption: 5V 150 mA.
• Sample Rate: 48 kHz.
• Bit Rate: 24-bit.
• Capsules: 2 proprietary 0.55 in (14 mm) condenser capsules.
• Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional.
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz.

Is the Blue Yeti Nano a good XLR microphone?

The Blue Yeti Nano is not an XLR microphone; it’s a USB desktop microphone designed for streamers, podcasters, and musicians. With 24-bit/48kHz recording capabilities, it offers premium audio quality. The cardioid pattern accurately captures speech, and it handles plosives well for a mic in its price range. However, if you specifically need an XLR microphone, consider other options like the Audio-Technica AT2020.

Movo UM700

Movo UM700 USB desktop microphone does recording music, livestreaming, conference calls, etc. It allows you to record in a variety of recording types with different settings. You need to plug it in directly into your computer ready to work. Movo UM700 gives high-quality audio-making and professional podcasting. There is a mute and a gain dial button to make the work easier. 

• Affordable prices
• Plug-and-play
• Sturdy and snug design
• Great for beginners

How much does a Movo um700 cost?

The Movo UM700 USB Desktop Studio Microphone is available for $99.95 directly from Movo’s website and through partnered retailers. However, you might find it at a lower price from other sellers, especially on platforms like Amazon, where it’s currently listed for $79 after applying a coupon. It’s an excellent budget option for entry-level content creation, offering great overall sound quality, multiple polar patterns, and user-friendly features. 🎙️👍

Is Movo um700 a good mic?

The Movo UM700 is a solid choice for budget-conscious creators. It offers good sound quality, multiple polar patterns, and user-friendly features. While it may not match the performance of higher-end microphones, it’s certainly a reliable option for podcasting, streaming, and voice recording.

How is your Podcast Mic set up in a few minutes?

Fellow step-by-step guide to setup podcast microphones within seconds.

Step 1: Buy a High-Quality Microphone-Choose reliable mics like Samson Q2U, Audio Technica ART2100x, or Shure SM7B. Decide between:

• USB: Easy to use.
• XLR: Best sound, needs an interface.
• Dynamic: Durable, for loud environments.
• Condenser: High quality, needs a quiet space.

Step 2: Find a Good Recording Space-Select a quiet, small room with soft surfaces to absorb sound and avoid background noise.

Step 3: Position Your Mic Properly

• Use a stand or boom arm.
• Place 6-12 inches from your mouth at a 45-degree angle.
• Speak directly into a cardioid mic.

Step 4: Wear Headphones-Monitor your audio in real-time to catch issues and prevent feedback.

Step 5: Install a Pop Filter-Reduce plosives with a pop filter for clearer sound.

Step 6: Use Noise-Cancelling Software-Eliminate background noise with software, but prioritize a quiet recording space.

Step 7: Adjust Mic Settings

• Volume: Peaks under -6dB, average -12dB to -15 dB.
• Recording: Use WAV or AIFF, 16/24-bit, 128kbps, 44.1/48 kHz.
• Gain: Set peaks around -10dB.

Step 8: Test Before Recording-Conduct a test recording to fine-tune settings and placement.

Conclusion: Best Budget Microphone for Podcasting

I hope you find the best podcasting microphone to start a professional podcast. The above microphones use big brands that already have a successful podcaster.

Frequently Asked Questions