If you’re into recording podcasts, you should very well know that one of the most important factors that dictate the success of your show, aside from good content, is having good sound quality. You may have a pretty juicy topic, but listeners will lose interest quickly if your audio isn’t clear and crisp. That said, you’ll want to invest in quality podcasting equipment, including your computer hardware and software, a compatible recording device, reliable yet affordable studio monitors, and, of course, your podcast microphone.
Whether you’re a beginner starting from scratch or a current podcaster looking to upgrade their gear, you’ll find something for you on our list of some of the best podcast microphone picks on the market.
How to choose a podcast microphone
There are a couple of main factors to consider when shopping for the best podcast microphone.
USB vs XLR Microphone
The first step is assessing your current equipment, and then deciding whether to shop for a USB microphone or a traditional XLR mic. USB podcast microphones plug directly into your computer and have their onboard gain control, while XLR podcast microphones require an audio interface. You can get great results from both, especially with how convenient a USB mic is. However, it’s worth noting that the professional studio standard will always be XLR.
Condenser vs Dynamic Microphone
The next consideration is whether to purchase a condenser microphone, or a dynamic microphone. Both are great for podcasts, but the condenser records more accurate audio and is generally more sensitive to loud sounds, which is why you’ll also find them in recording studios. We feature both types within most price points in this list, but the “best one” still really depends on you and your unique needs.
Condensers are very sensitive and pick up a lot of detail in the sound, but they’ll need to be mounted to a stand in a shock mount for the best results. Because of their sensitivity, picking up room sounds can be a concern, but a cardioid polar pattern does an adequate job of rejecting most unwanted ambient noise from entering the capsule. Overall, it’s easy to achieve a “hi-fi” sounding vocal using a condenser with minimal mixing effort on the backend.
On the other hand, dynamic microphones are more robust than condensers, and many dynamic podcast microphones can be handheld. Depending on your intended setup, a handheld dynamic may be the way to go. One drawback to dynamic microphones is that they are prone to what’s called the “proximity effect,” which means that the closer the mic is to the sound source, the more low-end it picks up. For some people, the proximity effect can enhance their voice and give them more fullness; but for many, the excess low-end will require some cleaning up during mixdown.
Armed with some basic knowledge, the best microphone for podcasting is ultimately whichever you choose! There are so many excellent choices that it’s hard to make a wrong one.
Once you’ve picked the right one for you, you become that much closer to starting your podcast or improving your audio quality for the benefit of your audience. Check out our compiled list of the best podcast microphone picks.
Best Podcast Microphones
Shure MV7+ Dynamic Dual XLR/USB Podcasting Microphone
The Shure MV7+ is a dazzling fusion of technology and artistry for your audio creations. Boasting XLR and USB-C ports, this microphone is a versatile gem for podcasters.
Dive into a world of color with its LED touch panel, showcasing 16.8 million hues and doubling as a nifty audio level meter. Wave goodbye to background buzz with the cutting-edge Denoiser and let the Digital Popper Stopper™ ensure your plosives are never a problem.
With the MOTIV Mix™ app, the MV7+ becomes your canvas, allowing you to paint your sound with custom EQ, compression, and more.
Key Specifications:
- 3 onboard reverb settings (Plate, Hall, Studio)
- Improved Auto Level Mode
- Cutting-edge DSP technology
- Voice isolation technology
Rode NT-USB Mini Studio-Quality USB Microphone
Rode designed the NT-USB specifically with podcasters and live streamers in mind. It’s compact and easy to use, lending itself to broadcast-quality recordings out of the box, with no audio engineer required. The NT-USB’s fixed cardioid polar pattern does a good job of rejecting off-axis sound and ambient room noise, and the stand isolates it from vibrations and other interference. For quality recordings with ease, the Rode NT-USB stands out.
Key Specifications:
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern
- 24-bit/48 kHz recording quality
- 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response
- Built-in pop filter
- Detachable stand
SE Electronics V7 Supercardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone
The SE Electronics V7 is a super cardioid dynamic microphone. Supercardioid is an even more focused version of the regular cardioid microphone pickup pattern, providing greater off-axis rejection for cleaner podcast recordings. Using the mic as a handheld, you’ll never have to worry about rumble or handling noise thanks to an internal shock mount that decouples the capsule from the body. The SE V7 is virtually foolproof, and it’s arguably the best microphone for podcasting under $100 in the handheld class.
Key Specifications:
- Supercardioid polar pattern provides tight rejection of off-axis sounds
- All-metal construction
- Built-in grille works as a pop filter
- 40 Hz – 19 kHz frequency response
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is one of the most popular entry-level condenser microphones on the market. It’s earned its reputation by capturing industry-standard sound quality a price anyone can afford. Despite missing certain features you’d find in higher-end microphones, this no-frills condenser is perfect for podcast recording because of its cost and ease of use. Just point and shoot and you’ll have crispy voiceovers in no time.
Key Specifications:
- Lightweight diaphragm provides excellent transient response
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response
- Includes a mount for standard threaded microphone stands
Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphone
Shure has a legacy of producing some of the finest vocal mics ever, and the KSM8 is another hit. To call this microphone unique would be an understatement; every aspect has been meticulously designed to make it a game-changer in the handheld and podcast world. Needless to say, it would be incredible for podcasting if you like the flexibility of a handheld mic. The cartridge minimizes the proximity effect, which in turn keeps the entire frequency response flat and natural, just as your voice sounds in real life.
Key Specifications:
- Unique dual-diaphragm design
- Accurate, flat frequency response from 40 Hz to 16 kHz
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Dent-resistant grille protects against plosives
- Patented cartridge design and reverse airflow minimize the proximity effect
Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Studio Vocal Microphone
The renowned SM7B is an industry-leading, gold-standard microphone. Shure debuted it as a broadcast mic in the ‘70s, and it was initially well-received. In the ‘80s, engineer Bruce Swedien famously recorded most of Michael Jackson’s vocals on Thriller with the SM7. Since then, it’s been a mainstay in recording studios, radio, podcasts, and live streaming. If you had to pick one, this is the best podcast microphone.
Key Specifications:
- Slotted switches for bass roll-off and midrange presence boost
- Internal air-suspension shock and vibration dampener
- 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Built-in foam pop filter/windscreen
Earthworks ICON PRO XLR Streaming Microphone
We’ve sung the SM7B’s praises, but now it’s time for a new broadcast standard to emerge. The Earthworks Icon Pro is a top contender, aiming to revolutionize the podcast microphone market and content creation uses. It starts by totally bucking the traditional broadcast sound as we’ve come to know it, which is full and rich with not a lot of high-end information. Completely contrasting that, the Icon Pro is super airy and detailed with a ton of high-end clarity. If you’re looking for a new industry standard, this could very well be it.
Key Specifications:
- Small-diaphragm cardioid condenser
- 20 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response
- Detailed, airy sound without harshness
- Beautiful finish that looks amazing on camera
- The “future” of broadcast microphones
Earthworks ETHOS XLR Broadcasting Microphone
Like the Icon Pro, the Earthworks Ethos redefines what it means to be a podcast/broadcast microphone. The company has pinpointed that much of how a listener interprets a sound’s timbre is by the initial transient. Slow-moving dynamic coil broadcast mics of yesteryear do not accurately reproduce vocal transients with the same speed and detail that the Ethos does. The result is a hi-fi timbre that captures voiceover like never before. Podcasting meets the future of microphones.
Key Specifications:
- Supercardioid polar pattern
- 20 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response
- Custom windscreen for plosive and ambient noise control
- Ultra-fast 11.67 microsecond rise time for superior transient response
- Detailed and textured vocal reproduction
Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphone
The Shure SM58-LC is considered one of the most legendary vocal microphones out there. It’s highly rated by artists around the world for its reliability in live performances and studio recording. But thanks to its cardioid pickup pattern, a frequency response tailored specifically for vocals, and an integrated spherical filter for the reduction of wind and popping noises, it also makes for a great podcasting mic. With its XLR output, it can be used with a wide range of recording devices and audio interfaces.
Key Specifications:
- Frequency Response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz
- Dynamic Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Internal Shock Mount
- Integrated Spherical Wind and Pop Filter
- XLR Connectivity
Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Many podcasters (specifically those who are on a budget) swear by the Audio-Technica AT2020. But if you want improved audio quality that’s warmer and clearer, the AT2035 is well worth the $50 upgrade.
Another great thing about the AT2035 is that it comes with a large diaphragm that records smoother, more natural sounds with reduced noise. It can pick up a wide range of instruments well, making it a great studio-style mic for professional podcasting and acoustic performances. With the included custom shock mount for noise isolation, it’s one of the best podcast mics that you can buy for under $200.
Key Specifications:
- Frequency Response of 20 Hz to 20kHz
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- 80 Hz High-Pass Filter Switch
- 10 dB Pad Switch
- Custom Shock Mount
- XLR Connectivity
Rode Procaster Broadcast Quality Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
As its name suggests, the Rode Procaster is specifically designed to capture high-quality vocal audio for your broadcasting needs. And since Rode Microphones is one of the most well-loved microphone brands, you can rest assured that this mic would be worth the investment.
This particular model is specifically designed for capturing accurate speech. It features a tailored frequency response for excellent speech reproduction, a tight cardioid polar pattern to eliminate sounds from other directions, an internal shock mount to reduce handling noise, and an internal pop filter for minimizing plosive sounds.
For only $80 more, it’s a great step up from the Blue Yeti.
Key Specifications:
- Frequency Response of 75Hz to 18kHz
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Internal Shock Mount and Pop Filter
- XLR Connectivity
Electro-Voice RE20 Variable-D Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
If you’re looking for a high-end microphone for your journey towards becoming a more serious podcaster, you may have just found it. The Electro-Voice RE20 ensures professional quality sound, which is why it’s currently used in radio stations and has been a favorite among pros for years. For extra audio clarity, it uses Electro-Voice’s Variable-D™ technology and integrated pop filter to eliminate proximity effects, including an internal shock mount to effectively isolate the microphone from unwanted vibration noise.
You can say that the RE20 was specifically and professionally designed to be immune to proximity effects that lower-end microphones can’t seem to fully handle. If you can afford it, it’s worth checking out.
Key Specifications:
- Frequency Response of 45 Hz to 18 kHz
- Variable-D™ for Minimal Proximity Effect
- True Cardioid Polar Pattern with No Coloration
- Heavy-Duty Internal Pop Filter
- Internal Shock Mount
- Humbucking Coil
- Bass Roll-Off Switch
- XLR Connectivity
Samson Meteor USB Studio Condenser Cardioid Microphone
Like the Blue Yeti, the Samson Meteor is another solid yet affordable option that offers professional-quality features for aspiring podcasters. While it may not give you amazing quality, it’s one of the most recommended USB condenser cardioid microphones for those with tighter budgets.
It’s also a great addition to your workspace as it has a small and compact profile that won’t take up too much space. It also has adjustable legs that can be bent to the optimal position for all sorts of recording applications, or folded upward to make it easy to store or pack. Other notable features include a headphone jack for no-latency monitoring, headphone volume control, a mute switch, and its ability to work with your iPad via the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or 30-pin Camera Connection Kit.
Key Specifications:
- Recording Resolution of 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz
- Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Headphone Volume Control
- Microphone Mute Switch
- 1/8-Inch Headphone Jack
- Zero-Latency Monitoring
- Compatible with iPad
- USB Connectivity
