The 7 Best Podcast Microphones (That Money Can Buy) 2024 (2024)

• Podcasting is competitive, and a top-notch microphone is half a win
• Use this guide to find the best podcast microphone for your needs and budget
• Dynamic and condenser mics from Shure, Neumann, Rode, and others
• Also, check out our post on the best ASMR mics for spine-tingling audio

Poor or inconsistent audio quality can negate the best content and most interesting guests in a podcast episode.

So, a good podcast microphone is desirable regardless of whether you are starting, establishing, or consolidating your position in the podcasting realm.

You can buy three types of microphones for podcasting – a) condenser, b) dynamic, and c) USB versions of the two types.

The best podcasting microphone for you depends on your needs and budget, but it must be reliable, easy to use, and deliver pro audio to your listeners.

You’ll find countless options in the current market, with costs ranging from $50 to $500. The $100 to $200 range is a sweet spot for pro features and sound quality.

There are a few keepers below, but you’ll approach unreliable and less-known brands as you bottom out.

We rounded up seven dynamic and condenser mics optimized for podcasting. Our top picks feature something for everyone, regardless of application and budget.

We also outline the pros and cons of each mic in the reviews below and recommend similarly-priced alternatives.

If you like pretty pictures, you should check out our visual story guide of the 7 Best Microphones For Podcasting!

The Best Microphones for Podcasting

The Shure SM7B is a one-of-its-kind microphone that adds a desirable “broadcast” quality to vocal recordings. You’ll spot this all-pervasive mic in the best podcasting setups of our timeline. After using, reviewing, and A/B-ing it, we feel confident in recommending it.

Not far behind its XLR sibling, the Shure MV7 is arguably the most versatile microphone for podcasting. It’s a plug-and-play microphone with XLR, USB, and XLR+USB operation. Plus, there’s a touch panel, headphone jack, and an accompanying app for more premium features.

Lastly, we recommend the Blue Yeti as the best USB-powered podcasting mic for those with a modest budget. It’s an easy-to-use workhorse with built-in controls, four sound modes, and a welcoming price point – a true all-rounder with exceptional value.

Here are the seven best mics for podcasting you can buy today:

1. Best All-Around Podcast Microphone: Shure SM7B (Our Pick)
2. Best Budget Podcast Microphone: Samson Meteor Mic
3. Best USB Podcast Microphone: Shure MV7
4. Best Podcast Microphone (Under $100): Blue Yeti
5. Best Dynamic Podcast Microphone (Under $100): Rode PodMic
6. Best Podcast Microphone Bundle: Audio-Technica ART-2100x Kit
7. Best High-end Podcast Microphone: Neumann BCM 705

1. Best All-Around Podcast Microphone: Shure SM7B

The definitive dynamic microphone every podcaster buys WHEN they can afford it.

If you got a nickel for every time someone said the SM7B is the best mic for podcasting, you could probably buy it right away.

This Shure classic has been around for decades and is still the microphone to beat when it comes to vocal or voice work.

What’s in the box? SM7B microphone, switch cover plate, swivel yoke mount, and windscreen.

Key Features:

• Type: Dynamic mic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 50Hz–20kHz
• Connections: XLR only

Review

We give the SM7B a solid A for audio quality, particularly its ability to elevate speech and vocal recordings. It also boasts near-perfect scores for build quality, off-axis noise rejection, and on-mic filtering.

In a nutshell, we can think of a better microphone for the money.

Podcasting novices should note two things – a) you need additional gear like an audio interface to use an XLR mic, and b) you need a mic booster like the Cloudlifter for a dynamic XLR microphone.

We have put for the top-rated Cloudlifter alternatives to help with that.

Who should get the Shure SM7B?

The Shure SM7B is the ultimate all-rounder with a well-deserved reputation in the podcasting community.

We’d recommend it in a heartbeat to audio professionals and even beginners willing to invest.

However, bear in mind that you’ll likely want to pick up a preamp for the Shure SM7B. Look elsewhere if you want a compact setup and USB connectivity.

Related: Shure SM7B Review (Is It Worth The Hefty Price Tag?)

Verdict

We positively believe the Shure SM7B is the best microphone for podcasting, more so when you pair it with an in-line mic preamp or high-quality audio interface.

It will bring the audio goods to the table, allowing you can focus on creating the best content for your podcast.

What at the best alternatives at this price point? The Electro-Voice RE-20 and Universal Audio SD-1 are other podcast-friendly dynamic microphones to consider.

If the SM7B is the best mic for your podcasting needs, here are some supporting articles:

• What is a Cloudlifter (and do you need one for podcasting)
• Cloudlifter Alternative Shootout
• Best Preamps For The SM7B
• Best Boom Arm Stands For The SM7B

2. Best Budget Podcast Microphone: Samson Meteor Mic

A charming and versatile USB condenser microphone for budget-conscious podcasters.

Consider the Samson Meteor condenser microphone if you’re starting your podcasting journey. It delivers pro-quality sounds for voice applications and comes with USB connectivity.

It’s compact and feather-light, making it an excellent choice if you need a portable mic.

What’s in the box: Samson Meteor microphone, micro-USB cable, and storage pouch.

Key Features:

• Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser mic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
• Connections:5mm headphone jack, USB-C

Review

The Samson Meteor mic has a 25mm diaphragm condenser, a dual-stage grill to block pops and wind noise, and built-in tripod-style legs to position it as per your needs.

The audio quality is 16-bit at 44.1 kHz or 44 kHz, which should suffice for most podcasting needs.

It is a cardioid microphone that sounds best if your voice comes from the front.

It features onboard volume control, a mute button, and a mute indicator – essential features to look for in a podcasting mic.

You can also plug headphones into the mic for real-time monitoring.

Who should get the Samson Meteor Microphone?

The Samson Meteor mic is two things at once – the best USB microphone for podcasting under $50 and a good podcast microphone for beginners.

Audition it if you want a compact and easy-to-navigate mic with USB connectivity.

Verdict

Expect plug-and-play operations, portability, and zero-latency monitoring. The under-$50 price point gives you wiggle room to invest in decent headphones – also critical for podcasting.

For instance, you can pair this mic with an AKG K72 for a podcasting setup under $100. Both products are eye-catching, making it a great-looking setup.

What are the best alternatives at this price point? The Razer Siren X is a good podcast microphone in this price bracket.

If condenser mics don’t fit your needs, buy the Samson Q2U, a similarly-priced dynamic USB microphone.

3. Best USB Podcast Microphone: Shure MV7

A modern classic, this microphone can handle all your podcasting needs without blinking.

USB mics have shed the ‘not-pro” stigma in recent years and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best XLR podcasting mics for voice applications.

At times, they are more desirable as you can use them out of the box without additional gear.

The Shure MV7 played a crucial role in this paradigm shift, which is why we think it is the best podcasting mic to buy in 2022.

What’s in the box? Shure MV7 mic, yoke and ring, and two micro-USB cables.

Key Features:

• Type: Dynamic microphone
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 50Hz–16kHz
• Connections:5mm headphone jack, XLR, and USB-C port

Review

The Shure MV7 is a dynamic microphone (cardioid pickup pattern) with XLR and micro-USB outputs. It also includes a shock mount and headphone jack output for zero-latency monitoring.

The mic has a touch panel with a mute toggle and LEDs to indicate the gain level.

This microphone does not require a hardware interface if you use the USB port, but a hardware interface is needed to record over the XLR.

The mic teams up with the MOTIV app for other, more premium features like adjusting the mic position or frequency response.

The Shure MV7 is not a digital version of the SM7B; there’s much more to it. It’s designed for the rigors of podcasting, packing the best bits of tech and manual controls you can imagine.

More importantly, it always leaves you with a high-quality and easy-to-edit recording.

Who should get the Shure MV7?

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced podcaster, the MV7 is a high-value bang-for-your-buck no-brainer. It simplifies the podcasting process, giving you full control every step of the way.

It also boasts XLR + USB inputs and the ability to use them simultaneously.

Related: Shure MV7 Review: The ‘Shure-Shot’ For Podcasting?

Verdict

We endorse the Shure MV7 as the best USB mic for podcasting if you aren’t confined to a budget.

The design, build quality, vocal sound, and MOTIV app are tailored to the needs of creating voice-based content.

Learn why we called it the ‘sure-shot’ for podcasting in our in-depth review.

We created a Shure SM7B vs. Shure MV7 shootout to help podcasters decide which microphone to buy.

4. Best Podcast Microphone (Under $100): Blue Yeti USB

The Yeti is not the best USB mic for podcasting, it’s the flippin’ gold standard.

Honestly, our list of podcasting mics would be imperfect without the best-selling USB mic in the Northern continent.

The Blue Yeti is a true all-rounder that looks great, sounds fantastic, and blows the competition out of the water with its proprietary condenser capsule.

What’s in the box? A Blue Yeti microphone, USB cable, and desk stand.

Key Features:

• Type: Condenser USB microphone (Plug-and-play)
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Bi-directional, Stereo
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Connections: USB port and 3.5mm headphone jack

Review

The Blue Yeti is a USB-powered condenser microphone with a 14mm diaphragm and compact dimensions (11.6” x 4.9”). It comes with a flexible desktop stand that folds flat for storage.

You can mount Yeti on a (compatible) shock mount or mic stand of your choice.

The Yeti records at an audio resolution of 16-bit/48kHz – Standard stuff. It boasts four modes – cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, and stereo.

Omni-mode picks up sounds from every side, so podcasters can place it in the middle of the table to record multiple guests.

Bidirectional mode primes it for interviews or two-way conversations, and stereo mode is useful for content creators or musicians.

The mic also increases your podcasting experience with built-in controls for pattern selection, instant mute, headphone volume, and mic gain.

Who should get the Blue Yeti microphone?

The Blue Yeti microphone is an excellent choice for live streaming, podcasting, and online content creation, among other things.

It has the requisite sound quality, and the four modes make it versatile enough to record spoken word content in a variety of recording environments.

Verdict

The Blue Yeti is a market-tested mic that brings solid value to the (podcasting) table.

It comes at a price point accessible for beginners and pros and revels in a gamut of praise across the internet. But its reputation as the best USB mic for podcasting is well deserved.

What are the best alternatives at this price point? Audition Blue Yeti Nano if you want something cheaper.

We also recommend the Yeticaster Bundle, which includes a mic, shock mount, mic boom, and Audio-Technica ATH-M20X microphones – a podcasting kit of value.

5. Best Dynamic Podcast Microphone (Under $100): Rode PodMic

The no-frills PodMic is a top-rated XLR microphone for clean and clear audio.

The Rode PodMic is an affordable podcasting microphone that delivers consistent audio with a fairly transparent signal.

Consider it if you want an XLR microphone optimized for voice-based applications under $100, but you need basic DSP skills to operate this no-frills mic smoothly.

What’s in the box? A Rode PodMic with an integrated yoke and shock mount.

Key Features:

• Type: Broadcast-grade dynamic microphone
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Connections: XLR

Review

Roughly 2 lbs in weight, the Rode PodMic features all-metal construction with a black-silver grille, swivel, and internal pop filter and shock mount.

It’s an austere front-address dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and an XLR connection.

The PodMic lends the classic ‘radio’ character to your voice, which is desirable for podcasting and live streaming.

The internal pop filter keeps plosives at bay, the shock mount mitigates vibrations, and the swivel ensures optimal positioning with mic stands or boom arms.

Who should get the Rode Podmic?

Audition the PodMic if you want broadcast-quality sound from an easy-to-use package.

It sounds great and has a vintage radio vibe but lacks ease-of-use features like a USB port for plug-and-play operation or headphone jack output for real-time monitoring.

Verdict

The Rode PodMic is a no-frills dynamic mic with instantly recognizable looks and spartan functionality.

However, it’s built like a tank and tailored for voice-based applications, which is why we recommend it as the best dynamic podcasting microphone for under $100.

What are the best alternatives at this price point? Audition the Audio-Technica ART-2100x (featured below). Also, the Rode NT-USB Mini is a comparable mic in the USB realm.

6. Best Podcast Microphone Bundle: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Kit

A wallet-friendly microphone bundle with everything you need to start podcasting.

This Audio-Technica bundle is an excellent choice for voice-overs, podcasting, and content creation.

It’s built around the ATR2100x dynamic mic that features XLR and USB connections, combining versatility with convenience.

The mic bundle includes a tripod stand, pop filter, boom arm, shock mount, two USB cables (6.6 ft), and one XLR cable (9.8 ft).

Key Features:

• Type: Dynamic microphone
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 50Hz – 15kHz
• Connections: XLR

Review

The ART2100x mic has an XLR connection and a USB-C port. The USB-C allows you to record directly to a computer without additional gear.

The XLR output needs an audio interface, but it’s nice to have it handy in case you upgrade your audio setup in the future.

The microphone has an audio resolution of 24-bit/192 kHz and a cardioid polar pattern, meaning it picks up sounds from the front and isolates unwanted noise from the back and sides.

The mic also has a built-in on/off switch and headphone jack to monitor yourself in real time.

The kit includes all the essential microphone accessories. The tripod desk stand has adjustable and folding legs.

You can use it for run-of-the-mill desk placement, and the boom arm offers additional flexibility in positioning and adjusting the microphone while podcasting.

Who should get this podcasting microphone bundle?

The Audio Technica ATR2100x microphone bundle is ideal for the average podcaster recording episodes at home or in an untreated room.

Condenser microphones may pick up deep details in your voice, but they also capture unwanted noise like mouse clicks.

Verdict

Beginners and budget-conscious podcasters will appreciate this Audio Technica microphone bundle for its simplicity, durability, and performance.

The microphone is the star purchase and could even qualify as the best podcast microphone for beginners. But this bundle serves it with a background of serviceable accessories to get the best bang for your buck.

What are the other alternatives at this price point? There are dozens of “cheaper” podcasting microphone bundles, but buying lesser-known brands can be a gamble.

7. Best High-end Podcast Microphone: Neumann BCM 705

Neumann’s one and only top-end dynamic microphone for podcasting.

Neumann has an unrivaled reputation in the condenser microphone segment.

The podcasting community was thrilled when they announced the launch of the BCM 705 – Neumann’s first and only dynamic microphone.

Over the years, this mic has become famous for its distinct color, high-quality sound, and excellent proximity effect.

What’s in the box? BCM 705 microphones with an integrated screen and shock mount.

Key Features:

• Type: Dynamic microphone with hypercardioid capsule
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Audio Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz
• Connections: XLR

Review

The BCM 705 is the dynamic version of the BCM105 condenser microphone, one of the best-known mics in the Neumann catalog.

It features an all-steel microphone with a twistable grille, a hypercardioid capsule, and an XLR connection. The pop screen is removable for easy cleaning.

The microphone has a proximity boost, meaning it gives your voice smooth lows and more body when you are close to it.

There is a noticeable change in the sound when you go farther than six inches, but it also means the mic won’t pick up unwanted background sounds.

This dynamic microphone is a one-trick pony that excels at vocal content creation, ham radio, podcasting, and other spoken word pursuits.

The BCM 705 will benefit from an angle-poise boom, looking and sounding great when suspended from above.

Who should get the Neumann BCM 705?

The Neumann BCM 705 is a fantastic close-mic for podcasting in untreated rooms or noisy environments.

It works best when you maintain off-axis positioning and stay within a 3” to 6” sweet spot. Pair it with an in-line mic preamp like the Cloudlifter CL-1 for the best results.

Verdict

The BCM 705 is one of the best-sounding podcasting microphones in the current market. It’s built like a tank, looks gorgeous, and delivers pro-quality sound.

But thanks to a hefty price tag, the microphone caters to a niche podcasting population – those who can indulge or earn well from their episodes.

What are the best alternatives at this price point? You can audition the Electro-Voice RE20 and Universal Audio SD-1, although they have a slightly different sonic flavor.

Searching for the ultimate podcast software? Check out our Alitu review.

FAQs

Is A Dynamic Or Condenser Mic Better For Podcasting?

Dynamic microphones are better for podcasting if you operate in a noisy environment or an untreated room. Condenser microphones reveal more detail in your voice, but they also pick up everything around you.

They work well in a quiet environment or treated (soundproof) room.

What Is The Best Dynamic Mic For Podcasting?

The Shure SM7B is the best dynamic microphone for podcasting in the current market. This internet-famous mic is used by dozens of famous podcasters like Joe Rogan, Malcolm Gladwell, and Lex Fridman.

What Is The Best Condenser Mic For Podcasting?

Audition the Blue Yeti X and Rode NT1A are popular condenser microphones in the podcasting community.

The Rode PodMic is our top choice under $100, and there are numerous options to consider if you have no budget constraints.

What Is The Best USB Mic For Podcasting?

The Blue Yeti USB condenser microphone is the best all-around USB microphone for podcasting.

If you can stretch your budget, the Shure MV7 offers more features for the uptick in price.

The Audio-Technica ATR2100x is our top pick in the dynamic realm, followed by the Samson Q2, which is the best alternative for those on a budget.

Before you go, check out our guide to the 7 Best Budget Microphones Under $50!