Top 20+ Podcast Microphones for Incredible Audio

Podcasts have become a fixture of our daily lives much like that first cup of coffee or catching up on our favorite shows on Netflix or Hulu.

If you’re thinking about starting a podcast or already have one, the first thing you need to buy is kind of the most important piece of equipment – a microphone.

Now if the first image that comes to mind is a bulky, wired microphone, where have you been? Today’s microphones are smaller, lighter, and much easier to set up and use. The biggest problem many podcasters have now is how to pick the right one.

We’re glad you asked and with our list of the Top 20+ Best Podcast Microphones for incredible audio, you can be sure that we will help you pick the one that suits your needs.

Before we start though, let’s start by taking a look at the different types of microphones and what you should keep in mind before buying a microphone for your podcast.

 

Types of Podcast Microphones

You may find yourself looking at different types of microphone options when you start shopping for a podcast mic. Each can be quite confusing unless you know what each one is and how to use them. Let’s look at each type you might run into.

• USB – If you already plug things into a USB port on your computer, then you will get the overall idea of how a USB microphone operates. Simply take the mic out of the box and plug it in. To record audio, however, you’ll need recording software such as Audition or Audacity.
• XLR – If you’ve ever been to a concert or worked on the radio, you might be familiar with an XLR microphone. These use an XLR cable to plug into audio interfaces that connect to your computer via USB. These types of connectors are typically used by professionals or audiophiles looking for superior sound quality.

 

 

What is the best microphone for podcasting? Compare below

Samson G-Track Pro is the best microphone for podcasting. Check out the table below for the comparison of other top microphones for podcast on the list.
Table could not be displayed.
You can also check out our consolidate list of best noise-cancelling headphones to increase your productivity. If you are on a budget then you can have a look at best budget noise cancelling headphones.

 

Things to consider before buying a microphone

Recording Environment

The location you record in can be a major factor in determining the podcast mic that you should buy. If you’re more than lucky enough to record your podcast in a quiet space, using a condenser microphone may be the best option for you even though it’s not the most portable option.

However, if you’re planning to do recording on the go or in spaces where they may be ambient noise, you may want to choose a shotgun mic, which is best for areas where there may be a lot of background noise.

Directional Capability

Directional capability is how a microphone picks up sounds from any direction. This means that the microphone can pick up any unwanted sounds you may not want showing up in the middle of your podcast. Some microphones can pick up sound from any direction, while others will only pick up audio from certain directions. To help explain this better, let’s take a closer look at the different types

• Omni-directional – Omnidirectional microphones can pick up sound from virtually any direction and can easily pick up unwanted noises. While these aren’t the best choice for your podcast, they can be a great microphone for reporting or even broadcasting.
• Bi-directional – Bi-directional podcast microphones can pick up sounds from different sides. These types of microphones are great for podcasts, especially if you’re doing interviews, although they aren’t great if you’re doing any kind of music recording. A very expensive option, bi-directional mics can cost hundreds of dollars.
• Cardioids – Heart-shaped and only pick up sounds from the front, cardioids also capture some sound from the sides. One of the most popular choices for recording music, these types of microphones are typically a Condenser USB microphone.
• Shotgun – These types of microphones come with a cardioid polar pattern which can be highly directional as well as reduce noise on the sides of the microphone while it maximized any sound that’s captured at the front. This type of mic tends to be used by videographers and mounts to DSLR cameras. With the best ratio for signal-to-noise, shotgun mics also produce the most accurate sound.

Microphone impedance

A microphone’s ability to be receptive to sound is known as its impedance. This is especially true when it comes to a sound signal or even AC. This impedance is measured in Ohms and an Ohms rating of 600 or less is what you want to look for in a podcast microphone. The Ohms rating means that the microphone will be able to retain the audio better. Make sure to pay attention because a higher rating could mean that other materials in the microphone could be of lesser quality.

if you’re looking to edit you audio recordings, you should consider checking out our Best Audio Editing Software article.

Frequency response

The frequency response will likely appear on the packaging of the podcast microphone you’re considering. This is the range of frequencies that the mic can detect as well as pick up audio sounds. While knowing what the frequency response is matters, it doesn’t compare to knowing what frequency your mic will capture sounds. Consider what you’re recording when you buy a microphone. If you’re recording vocals or guitars, choose a mid or high-frequency response. Recording for bass? Choose a low-frequency response.

Durability

Regardless of what type of product you’re purchasing, you want to make sure it’s durable. USB microphones are designed to handle shocks and drops that might cause damage to it. While we can all be clumsy if you tend to be a little prone to dropping things, choosing a Dynamic microphone is a good idea because they are built to be more durable.

Price

The price that you pay for a podcast microphone is the last thing you should consider when buying a microphone. While dynamic microphones can provide you with great value and sturdy construction that can help them last several years, it can be hard to find replacement parts for them. USB-Condenser microphones on the other hand can be an affordable option but are also fragile and prone to damage some shops carry replacement parts, which can save you money and keep you from having to buy a new one.

 

Top 20+ Podcast Microphones for Incredible Audio

1. Samson G-Track Pro Microphone (Editor’s Choice)

The best microphone for podcasting

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern: Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional| Includes: Microphone, stand

Pros	Cons
➕ Clean signal	➖ No adapter for standard mic
➕ 3 selectable patterns
➕ Stand included

A solidly-built microphone, the G-Track Pro from Samson combines functionality and design that few other microphones on our list can offer. With an ¼-inch audio input, the G-Track Pro doesn’t need any extra software to work.
This port, which may seem like nothing special, turns the microphone into a two-track audio mixer. This means that you can plug in an extra mic or second audio source without needing a separate mixer.
With its great sound quality, portability, and reasonable price, the Samson G-Track Pro Microphone is one of the best podcast microphones you can use!

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

Samson G-Track Pro Microphone Review

Want a closer look at this fine microphone? Check out this Samson G-Track Pro microphone review video:

Video Credit: Podcast/YouTube

2. Fifine USB Condenser Microphone

The best budget-friendly USB microphone

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: Microphone, cables, stand

Pros	Cons
➕ Affordable price	➖ The cable could be better quality
➕ Solid build
➕ Good audio quality and versatile range
➕ Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS

Originally developed to be used with VOIP calls and voiceovers, the USB Condenser Microphone from Fifine can be used with either macOS or Windows, giving it a great range of versatility. The frequency response has been optimized for clarity and speech recognition, giving you the benefit of being able to create high-quality recordings. The best part? Unlike some other options on our list, the microphone is available at such an affordable price, you won’t think it’s accurate. With its combination of performance and price, the USB Condenser podcast microphone from Fifine is an excellent choice for any podcaster.

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

3. Blue Snowball iCE USB Microphone

The best small microphone for podcasters

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern:  Unidirectional | Includes:  Snowball iCE USB mic, adjustable stand, USB cable, user guide

Pros	Cons
➕ Good price	➖ The angle of the mic could be improved upon
➕ High-quality sound
➕ Can plug and play
➕ Convenient for computers and laptops

As easy to use as it is small, the Snowball microphone from Blue is the epitome of a plug-and-play podcast microphone. While Blue markets the podcast microphone as a solution to improve the quality of voice calls, it is still a great option for podcasters. Up and running within minutes, while the overall audio quality may not impress podcasters who have been doing it for a while, it is a high-quality podcast microphone for beginners or novices.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

4. Samson Q2U Microphone

The best handheld microphone for beginners

---

Connection: USB, XLR | Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: Microphone, pop shield, desktop stand, mic clip, cables

Pros	Cons
➕ Good audio quality	➖ There is some latency when recording
➕ Comes with all the accessories that make recording easier
➕ Solid build
➕ Good design and price point

A great choice for podcasters just starting, the Q2U from Samson has a warm sound and a tight recording space that is common in a dynamic microphone. If you’re not at the point where you can invest in an audio mixer, not to worry, the Q2U features an XLR connection and a very affordable price. The price makes it stand out even more when you consider that the Q2U comes with a desktop stand, pop filter, and microphone clip, making it a great choice for anyone who may be on a budget.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

5. Blue Yeti USB Microphone

The best portable microphone

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern: Unidirectional, Omnidirectional | Includes: Microphone, stand

Pros	Cons
➕ Affordable	➖ Gain can only be adjusted through the Sherpa app
➕ Great audio quality
➕ Easily portable
➕ Great sound reproduction

People think of the Yeti Nano from Blue as the preeminent podcast microphone when they think of a podcast microphone for podcasting, but do you know what? There is no doubt that they are right. stand, making it This is a great option for podcasters looking to record on a budget. While the original Yeti from Blue is an incredible microphoThere is no doubt that they are rightist as impressive with its retained ability to fit into almost any micA high-quality microphone company has produced another great product with the Nano.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

6. Shure SM7B Microphone

The best high-end microphone

---

Connection: XLR | Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: Microphone, windscreen

Pros	Cons
➕ Outstanding sound quality	➖ Must be used along with a mixer
➕ Solid and rugged build
➕ Easy to use
➕ Great sound reproduction

Considered to be one of the top of the line microphones for podcasting, the SM78 from Shure has been used time and time again by many productions, and it’s easy to see why. With a warm sound signature and bass roll-off, the SM7B keeps you from sounding overly boomy when recording.
Plus, an internal air suspension system keeps any vibrations from traveling into the mic. While all of these features sound incredible, they don’t come cheap. Even though it’s more expensive than most of the other options on our list, it’s worth the price.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

7. Rode NT-USB Microphone

The best all-in-one microphone kit

---

Connection: USB | Type: Condenser | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, pop shield, ring mount, tripod desk stand

Pros	Cons
➕ Affordable price	➖ The cable could be better quality
➕ Solid build
➕ Good audio quality and versatile range
➕ Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS

While its design doesn’t make it suitable for taking it with you for outdoor recordings, the NT-USB microphone from Rode, a company with a long history of creating high-quality microphones, is a perfect set-and-forget podcasting microphone. The mic comes with everything you need to get started including a 20ft USB cable that will give you some leeway if you need to move the mic away from your desk. While it works incredibly well for podcasting, it can also do a great job recording music as well.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

8. Shure MV7 Microphone

The best USB microphone for podcasting

---

Connection: USB, XLR | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, cables

Pros	Cons
➕ Good range and sound quality	➖ Does not come with a mic stand included
➕ Quite versatile
➕ Comes with a direct to computer USB connection

The MV7’s older brother, the SM7B already appears on our list as one of the best choices you can find but that doesn’t mean that it’s little brother, the MV7 isn’t up to the task. Taking everything great about the SM7B, the MV7 adds in a direct-to-computer USB connection and can function through either USB or XLR, this alone makes its versatility stand out. The USB connectivity puts it on our list though, allowing you to record your podcast anywhere you want to with just a laptop. While it has a large hill to climb to topple its brother, it’s off to a great start.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

9. Trust Gaming Gxt 232 Mantis 22656 USB Streaming Microphone

The best entry-level microphone

---

Connection: USB, XLR Connector | Polar pattern: Omnidirectional| Includes: tripod, Gaming Stickers, x, manual, pop filter

Pros	Cons
➕ Outstanding audio quality	➖ The tripod could be of better quality
➕ Can record two devices at the same time
➕ Easy to use and set up
➕ Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS

The Mantis has a USB adapter for distortion-free, high-quality digital audio. This podcast microphone is not only made to talk to your teammates but is also ideal for use with Twitch, YouTube, or the platform of your choice: everyone understands you clearly. With superb sound quality, the unidirectional pattern helps reduce the background and other ambient noise that may occur during your recordings. The Mantis podcast microphone has a digital USB port. Just plug in the 1.5m USB cable, and the microphone works directly with any PC and laptop.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

10. Maono AU-04 USB Microphone Kit

The best microphone kit for beginners

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: Microphone, pop filter, foam windscreen, shock mount

Pros	Cons
➕ Good and clear audio quality	➖ The shock mount is not very effective
➕ Comes with all the accessories a beginner would need
➕ Solid build
➕ Good design and price point

If you’re just starting as a podcaster, likely, you’ve never heard of the manufacturer Maono. Don’t worry, we didn’t right away either but we’re glad we know who they are now. The AU-04 USB Microphone Kit comes with everything you’ll need to get started – a microphone, an arm, and a fixed shock mount. The microphone is no slouch either, which is impressive for a microphone from a kit. With such an affordable price, it should be the kit every new podcaster is given.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

 

11. IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 Microphone

The best microphone for mobile podcasting

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, tripod, carrying pouch

Pros	Cons
➕ Good sound quality	➖ Lacks carrying case
➕ Easy to use
➕ Allows you to connect directly with phones and tablets
➕ Built in preamp ensures portability and convenience

With a huge legacy in recording software and apps, IK Multimedia was one of the leaders when it came to creating tools to help people record on their phones and tablets.
The IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 continues its legacy with an all-in-one USB microphone that comes with a built-in pre-amp, allowing you to connect it directly to phones and tablets. With good sound quality, it is a high-quality choice for producers on the go.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

12. FIFINE USB Microphone, PC Condenser Microphone

The best high-quality microphone kit

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern: Unidirectional

Pros	Cons
➕ RGB lighting	➖ Low resolution
➕ Feature-heavy
➕ Durable

Using a normal speaking voice without distorting or enhancing the voice, the recording quality is clear and clean. Good performance with vocals and instruments, suitable for podcasting and voiceover tasks. Webcasting, iChat, VoIP, and voice recognition software benefit from this product.

Your audio projects will sound better if you improve the sound

We have a condenser podcast microphone with a USB output that is perfect for digital recordings. Suitable for recording vocals and reducing background noise, the USB microphone with kidney characteristics is plug-and-play. Your voice input can always be adjusted with the recording microphone with volume control. Podcasting, home recording studios, field recordings, and voiceovers are ideal for this podcast microphone with advanced frequency response.

It serves as a light and safe table stand. Among other things, the podcast microphone is useful for podcasting, voice acting, recording game sequences (let’s play), and recording voice-overs.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

 

13. NEAT King Bee Microphone

The best microphone with a unique look

---

Connection: XLR | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, pop filter, shockmount, XLR cable

Pros	Cons
➕ Smooth audio and good sound quality	➖ The mount can be a bit difficult to tighten
➕ Comes with shock mount, XLR cable and pop filter
➕ Unique design

Don’t let its odd design fool you, the King Bee from NEAT is packed with some pretty impressive tech as well. An XLR-fed large-diaphragm condenser makes it a great option for voice recordings.
Along with excellent sound quality, King Bee comes with a shock mount and pop filter, both of which can help your recordings in numerous ways. All told, the whole package that comes with King Bee from NEAT is pretty impressive, perfect to match its design.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

14. Blue Ember Microphone

The best microphone for live-streaming

---

Connection: XLR | Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: Microphone, stand adapter, foam gift box

Pros	Cons
➕ Clear sound and great audio quality	➖ Some necessary accessories are additional purchases
➕ Classy design
➕ Easy and versatile to use
➕ Lightweight

A thin condenser microphone, the Ember, another great microphone from Blue, is built to be as tough as anything but at the same time slender enough so that it isn’t cumbersome to use. Designed to be a great live-streaming option, the Ember rejects ambient noise to make your voice come across crystal clear every time. Plus, with its vintage aesthetic, it will look great on camera in any live stream.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

15. Aston Stealth Microphone

The best broadcast-quality microphone

---

Connection: XLR | Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: Microphone, mount

Pros	Cons
➕ Built in Class A preamp	➖ Mount can be improved upon
➕ Great value for money
➕ Comes with an internal shock mount
➕ Good design

A broadcast-quality cardioid microphone, the Stealth microphone from Aston is a perfect high-end microphone that is perfect for the studio or the stage. With four switchable voices able to provide you with great performance in any situation, the microphone comes with a Class A mic preamp built-in along with an autodetect 48V Phantom power as well as a Sorbothane internal shock-mount system, adding to its versatility. While it does come at a higher price, the Stealth microphone is an excellent choice for your podcast.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

16. Sontronics Podcast Pro Microphone

The best-looking podcast microphone

---

Connection: XLR | Type: Dynamic | Polar pattern: Supercardioid | Includes: Microphone, integrated stand

Pros	Cons
➕ Good for recording speech and podcasts	➖ Can have issues rejecting ambient noise when multiple sounds are being recorded
➕ Great unique design
➕ Comes with an internal shock mount
➕ Good price

A dynamic microphone, the Sontronics Pro has been designed for recording speech which makes it a great choice for your podcast. Hailing from the United Kingdom, the Podcast Pro comes with a super-cardioid pattern that does an incredible job rejecting ambient noise though there can be an issue if you are recording multiple voices at once. With its beautiful design, you’d expect it to cost a lot but the Podcast Pro microphone from Sontronics is very reasonably priced.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

17. Heil PR-40 Microphone

The best microphone for professionals

---

Connection: XLR | Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: Microphone, mount, carrying case

Pros	Cons
➕ Great wider-range sound quality	➖ Could handle background noise better
➕ Versatile design
➕ Can capture a variety of sounds with good clarity

If you’re a fan of listening to podcasts, you see that many of the most popular podcasts tend to use the same microphone. A lot put their trust in the PR-40 by Heil and for good reason. Between the excellent sound quality and professional design, the quality that the mic provides is second to none. While it can be expensive, if you’re just beginning your podcast and want to make sure you get a professional-grade mic that you won’t have to replace, you should check out the PR-40 from Heil.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

18. Rode Procaster Microphone

The best microphone that’s built to work

---

Connection: XLR | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, stand mount, zip pouch

Pros	Cons
➕ Clear and focused audio	➖ A bit pricey
➕ Solid build
➕ Handles ambient noise extremely well
➕ Comes with stand mount and a zip pouch

While many of the mics on our list are perfect for many different types of recording, the Procaster from Rode however was designed specifically for vocal recording, especially speech. This is great news for a podcaster, even though the Procaster is marketed as a microphone for broadcasting.
Whatever you record using the Procaster will sound clear and focused, thanks to the microphone’s tight polar pattern, no matter how noisy your surroundings are, the mic can handle ambient noise extremely well.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

 

19. Blue Yeti USB Microphone

The best and easiest-to-use microphone for any user

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern: Cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional | Includes: Microphone, stand

Pros	Cons
➕ Outstanding sound quality	➖ Could be lighter and more portable
➕ Reasonable price
➕ Has three condenser capsules ensuring crisp and clear sound quality

If you’re at all familiar with Twitch or YouTube, then it’s more than likely that you’re familiar with the Yeti from Blue. There’s a good reason why the Yeti is such a well-known microphone.
With a simple setup, superb sound thanks to three condenser capsules, and best of all, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg like many other microphones. With multiple pattern selections, you can choose to have the mic pick up sound right in front of it or from a wider angle. If you’re recording a group session, the Yeti is the mic you want in the middle of the table.
When it comes to easy usability and outstanding sound, the Blue Yeti USB Microphone is one of the best podcast microphones out there! With its reasonable price and crisp sound, it definitely is the whole package.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

20. Shure SM58 Microphone

The best handheld microphone

---

Connection: XLR| Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: Microphone, storage bag, swivel stand adapter

Pros	Cons
➕ Amazing sound quality	➖ Needs an audio interface to connect it to your PC
➕ Durable build
➕ Can pick up high volumes without distortion
➕ Great at filtering background noise

The SM58 from Shure is a world-famous microphone and we’re pretty sure you’ve seen it being used. Pay attention to the next award show you watch, chances are, they will be using the SM58.
This microphone doesn’t get the attention from podcasters that it should, it is a classic design and does an incredible job removing background noise while sounding amazing. An internal shock mount can help keep external shocks from ruining your work. The only downside is that you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to your PC.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

 

21. AmazonBasics

Best podcast microphone for audio quality 

---

Connection: USB | Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Includes: USB cable and desktop stand

Pros	Cons
➕ Excellent sound quality	➖ The desktop stand is not flexible
➕ Affordable
➕ Compatible with Mac, Linux, Vista, XP, and Windows

The AmazonBasics is a black desktop mini single-capsule condenser microphone. This podcast microphone works best on Skype, FaceTime, YouTube, and Messages. With this podcast microphone, you can record podcasts, music, vocals, and more. 

You can connect this microphone via USB. You can plug and play through the 4.9-foot USB cable that comes along with the microphone. It also comes with a 3 legged  adjustable desktop stand. The AmazonBasics podcast microphone is compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Vista, and XP.  

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Top 20+ Podcast Microphones For Incredible Audio

When you start a podcast, it is a labor of love. While everyone has an opinion or a story to tell, it takes a lot to put yourself out there for the world to listen to. The last thing you want is your voice to come over sounding like anyone other than you. With our list of the Top 20+ Podcast Microphones For Incredible Audio, no one will ever confuse your voice for someone else.

---

More Top Gear

• Best printers for designers
• Best monitors for designers
• Best audio editing software
• Best tablets for designers
• Best Huion tablets for designers
• Best mouse for designers
• Best earphones for music-lovers
• Best cameras for designers
• Best office chairs for designers
• Best external hard drives for designers
• Best monitor calibrators for designers
• Best pens for creatives
• Best phones for designers & creative

Top Laptops & Computers 

• 17 Essential Tools for Designers
• Best chromebooks for designers
• Best computers for designers
• Best computers for video editing
• Best Macbooks for designers
• Best laptops for video editing
• Best laptops for programming & coding
• Best budget laptops for designers