Podcasting is a popular way for people to share their thoughts and ideas with a larger audience. But every podcaster knows that it’s important to have the right tools to make high-quality content. One of the most important pieces of gear is the microphone, and with the best budget microphone for podcasting, you can begin your journey today!
But if you’re just starting out or don’t have much money, it can be hard to find a good microphone. So, we put together this post to show you some of the best podcasting microphones that won’t break the bank.
These microphones are cheap, but they don’t skimp on quality, so podcasters of all skill levels can use them. So, whether you’re new to podcasting or an old pro, keep reading to find the best microphones for podcasting.
You can read our buyers’ guide if you aren’t sure which microphone is best for personal use. It will help you figure out what features a good microphone should have. We have listed the features that all microphones, whether cheap or expensive, must have.
5 Best Budget Podcasting Microphones (2024)
Below is a summary of the best microphones for podcasting:
Shure MV7 USB Podcasting Microphone
10 ft (3m) USB-A cable, audio processing, Auto-Level Mode, Compression settings, Switchable EQ filters, Unidirectional
HyperX QuadCast S USB Condenser Microphone
RGB lighting, Pop Filter, Gain control, USB-C to USB-A connection, Mount adapter, 3.5mm auxiliary port
Logitech Blue Yeti USB Condenser Microphone
120 dB audio sensitivity, Enhanced effects, Advanced modulation, Four pickup patterns, Computer condenser mic
Elgato Wave:3 USB Condenser Microphone
Superior circuitry, 15 dB audio sensitivity, Unidirectional, USB-C cable, Desktop and microphone stand, Boom arm adapter
MAONO AU-A04 Condenser Cardioid Microphone
Cardioid metal mic, 16mm electric condenser Transducer, Premium All-Metal Kit, Internal pop filter, Table mounting clamp, USB-B to USB-A Cable, Unidirectional
Find the 5 best budget microphones for podcasting below:
Shure MV7 USB Podcasting Microphone—Best Overall
Editor’s Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Do you want to record crystal-clear audio for a podcast? You can just use the Shure MV7, which has a better frequency response and makes your voice sound natural and full. The close mic application it includes is a fantastic feature for podcast recording!
You don’t have to struggle with the controls of the Shure podcast mic, as they are easy to handle. A simple touch panel makes it easy to control the gain, monitoring level, headphone mix, and mic mute. This USB microphone has both a USB and an XLR output, so you can record digitally or analogly.
Guess what? Direct headphone monitoring is possible while recording, thanks to the built-in headphone output of the Shure podcast mic! You don’t have to worry about it, as it is made of rugged metal. This mic is approved by both TeamSpeak and Zoom, so you know it’s reliable. It also looks sleek and stylish.
What Customers are Saying?
With over 5,000 reviews, of which more than 85% are 5-star, this is an amazing mic for podcasting. People love how sturdy the Shure podcast mic is and how it looks like a premium product. Some mentioned that it was convenient to use on a desktop since USB cables are extra long Mac users loved it for being compatible with Mac and said it is truly the best podcast microphone for mac.
A few customers found touch controls to be problematic. They said that it is difficult to work with them since sometimes they do not receive the signal. However, this might be an issue for only a few people, as others love this feature and think it is more convenient.
Overall, most people were blown away by how well it worked and how much it improved their podcasts and recordings! So what’s stopping you? Get the Shure MV7 USB podcasting microphone today and start recording in style!
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HyperX QuadCast S USB Condenser Microphone—Best Features
Editor’s Rating: 4.8 out of 5
If you’ve recently joined the podcasting community and are in search of the best podcast mic for beginners, look no further than the HyperX QuadCast S USB Condenser Microphone. With radiant RGB lighting, it not only looks super cool but also records clear and high-quality audio! The lighting can also be controlled using the HyperX NGENUITY software. Also, the tap-to-mute sensor with LED status can let you know every time if the mic is unmuted or active.
You don’t have to worry about your noisy neighbor while recording, as it has a built-in anti-vibration shock mount. Through elastic rope suspension, all unwanted rumbles can be ignored! Plus, you can conveniently control mic sensitivity with the dial at the bottom.
You can also choose between stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional polar patterns to get the best setup for your broadcast with the HyperX QuadCast S. What’s more, the flexible adapter accommodates most mic stands, fitting both 3/8″ and 5/8″ threaded setups. If you’re a beginner looking for the best podcast mic, the HyperX QuadCast S is an excellent choice as the best podcast mic for beginners.
What Customers are Saying?
With a whopping 47,700+ reviews on Amazon, it is loved by many people. People said that they liked recording podcasts on this podcasting mic since the RGB lights look really cool and said it’s the best podcast mic for beginners. They are also in love with the noise cancellation feature, as they don’t have to constantly worry about background sounds.
Some buyers faced issues with the software, as they were not able to control some functions, and the mic was constantly switched off. However, this might be a settings problem since other users mentioned that the mic became amazing once they adjusted the sound settings. Many Mac users said it is the best podcast microphone for Mac.
If you want to get a mic that would not only look cool on your table but would also record your audio clearly and in high quality, then you should get the HyperX QuadCast S USB Condenser Mic asap!
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Logitech Blue Yeti USB Condenser Microphone—Best Performance
Editor’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Record your next podcast without any worry with the Logitech Blue Yeti USB Microphone! This professional USB mic has an innovative three-capsule array that makes sure the sound is clear and strong, perfect for podcasts!
With the Blue Voice software’s cutting-edge modulation and HD audio samples, you can keep your listeners interested. Because the mic has cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns, it can record podcasts that would normally need more than one mic.
You don’t have to look around much every time, as it has onboard audio controls that allow you to control headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain. You also don’t have to move around to find the perfect recording spot, as it comes with an adjustable desktop stand!
What Customers are Saying?
With more than 50,000 reviews on Amazon, it can be seen that it is quite a popular product. Most people commented that they loved the audio quality. It has amazed them how much it filters out the background noise and many said it’s better than their rode podcast mic. They also think the adjustable mic stand has made their lives easier.
The only problem a few customers had was that the USB plug sometimes doesn’t connect right away because it has some issues. Sometimes, the computer will show a pop-up message that says the USB device is not recognized. This could be a little annoying.
If you are looking for a dynamic mic with all the features you want that is not too expensive and has the best quality like the rode podcast mic, then Logitech Blue Yeti USB Condenser Mic might be the best option!
Read More: Best Budget Microphone For Vocals in 2023
Elgato Wave:3 USB Condenser Microphone—Best Quality
Editor’s Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Use Elgato Wave:3 to have the perfect audio recording for your next podcast. The up to 24-bit/96kHz analog-to-digital conversion gives you a lot of detail, and you don’t have to think twice about recording. Also, it has a multifunctional dial with LED indicators that make it easy to use!
You will be surprised to know that its proprietary clipguard technology makes it impossible to have any sort of sound distortion! It’s also super easy to mute without struggling to find the mute button, and you will know the mute status at a glance.
In this microphone, a condenser capsule with a clear cardioid polar pattern records speech very well. You can also use the Wave Link app to control Wave 3 and up to seven additional audio sources and make two separate mixes.
What Customers are Saying?
With 86% 5-star reviews on Amazon, it is safe to say that most customers like this microphone. They love how it looks and how easily it attaches to the mic arm. The quality is great, and the “plug and play” feature makes sure that the mic works as soon as you connect it.
Some people thought that settings were complex and took time to understand. However, once they were able to set it up according to their preferences, they were surprised by the sound quality. Many Mac users have praised it as the best podcast microphone for Mac.
A lot of people also think that this budget-friendly mic works better than many expensive ones like the Rode podcast mic. So, by investing in the Elgato Wave:3 USB Condenser Microphone today, you can start recording like your favorite podcasters!
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MAONO AU-A04 Condenser Cardioid Microphone—Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5
This microphone has a high-resolution sampling rate of 192 kHz (24 bits) and a professional sound chipset. This makes sure that your voice will be recorded for the podcast with perfect clarity. With a smooth and flat frequency response of 30 Hz–16 kHz, the MAONO AU-A04 makes sure of excellent sound quality.
This best cheap podcast microphone features a USB 2.0 data interface that makes it simple to connect to your computer. No additional driver software or an external sound card is required. It also has USB cables with double shielding to prevent interference.
What’s more? It comes with a sturdy boom arm set! Equipped with a pop filter and a foam windscreen, the condenser microphone captures your voice with precision. The shock mount ensures stability and reduces background noise. The best part is its compatibility with most devices! So, if you’re looking for an affordable podcast microphone, consider getting this best cheap podcast microphone and elevating your podcasting experience.
What Customers are Saying?
With more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon, it can be seen that many people like this cheap podcast microphone. They said it allows them to work quickly and easily. People also think it is a great choice for a gift since this versatile microphone has all the necessary features!
Some buyers commented that their mic does not stand in one place, and that might be due to the low quality of the mic. They also thought that it looked cheap due to the material. However, others think that it has great functionality with background noise cancellation and sound clarity.
If you do not want to spend much money and still want a mic with great features, this is a good mic! So get the MAONO AU-A04 Cardioid Condenser Mic today and experience the podcasting experience you didn’t before!
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How to Choose the Best Budget Microphone for Podcasting [Buyers Guide 2023]
Here is a buying guide for the best podcast microphone you can use for your podcasts, so you can make the right choice in buying the best one!
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Microphone for Podcasts
You must consider several factors before buying a microphone for podcasts. To help you, we have listed the main factors below:
1. Plug and Play
When you are ready to record a podcast, you don’t want to sit around waiting for your microphone to turn on. It is best if you buy the ones that actively switch on as you plug them in. It will save you time and energy.
2. Sensitivity
It is practical to know the audio sensitivity of the USB mic you are about to buy. The sensitivity of a microphone measures how well it can turn sound pressure into electric voltage. Thus, it is important that you know this detail before buying your podcast microphone.
3. Software Compatibility
Some people face issues when they buy a microphone without knowing if the software is compatible with their device or not. In many cases, errors appear when software does not run on their computers. To save yourself from this problem, make sure to check software compatibility before buying.
4. Easy Controls
If you are about to record your podcast, you would not want to fidget with controls the entire time. It makes recording more comfortable if there are LED indicators. The controls on the side and the fast control to mute the microphone make life easier.
5. Audio Quality
It is important that excellent audio quality is recorded with your microphone. Some microphones can cancel out background noise and record a voice that is as clear as glass. Keep an eye on microphones with such features!
What are the Various Types of Microphones?
These microphones are available in different sizes and with different features, as discussed below:
1. Omnidirectional Microphone
Omnidirectional microphones capture sound in all directions. Most of the time, you should use an omnidirectional microphone to record sounds that are hard to control. The most adaptable microphones are omnidirectional ones, but they are also the noisiest.
2. Cardioid Mic
A very adaptable pickup pattern that works well for all applications is the cardioid pickup pattern. There are numerous sizes and types of cardioid microphones. Cardioid microphones are always in the podcast microphone best-buy category for their exceptional features.
Despite being slightly directional, a cardioid microphone is not the same as a hypercardioid or supercardioid microphone. If cardioid microphones are not in a controlled environment, background noise will still be picked up.
3. Unidirectional Mic
Unidirectional microphones are those that have a high gain and only pick up sound coming from one side or direction. Directional microphones are made to cut down on unwanted background noise.
For vocal applications and live recordings, a unidirectional microphone is typically the best choice. When the recording space has good acoustics, it is the ideal option.
How Did We Select the Best Budget Microphone for Podcasting
When selecting the best microphones for podcasting 2023 we tried to Understand the needs of people who want the best dynamic microphones for podcasting, so we created this list. We started by looking into the features of each microphone on Amazon and getting rid of the ones that people had issues with.
We then tried finding podcast microphones with active noise cancellation because that is a necessary feature. Second, we looked for microphones that could record clear sound and started working as soon as we plugged them in. Lastly, the entire list was made budget-friendly since microphones with reasonable prices were selected. Moreover, the mics on our list are among the podcast microphone best buy category.
FAQs about Microphones for Podcasting
Q: What type of mic is best for podcast?
A: Condenser microphones excel in capturing subtle audio details, making them ideal for professional podcast studios equipped with acoustic enhancements. They are adept at reproducing the nuances of vocals, live music, and voiceover dialogues with exceptional sensitivity and accuracy.
Q: Do you need a professional mic for a podcast?
A: While a professional microphone is not an absolute requirement for podcasting, it can significantly enhance the audio quality of your podcast. Professional microphones, especially condenser microphones, are designed to capture audio with high fidelity and clarity, making them well-suited for podcasting. They can help deliver a more professional and polished sound, which can enhance the overall listening experience for your audience.
Q: What is the mic all podcasters use?
A: The choice of microphone for podcasting varies among podcasters. While many opt for dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB for their durability and sound quality, others prefer condenser microphones like the Blue Yeti for their sensitivity and clarity. Ultimately, the best microphone for you depends on your recording environment, budget, and personal preference.
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