Hunting the best microphone for podcasting? Here's the top 20.
1
Why buy the Blue Yeti?
That’s simple. Thanks to its sleek look and relentless swagger, the Blue Yeti is the most popular mic in podcasting, used by so many of the hosts we interviewed. But don’t take their word for it. Here are our top three reasons to start your next chapter in podcasting with the Yeti:- USB connection — If XLR cables aren’t in your wheelhouse, stress less with the Yeti’s simple USB connector. Plug and play into your laptop or PC and start recording instantly without any connection conundrums.
- Affordability — Unless you have the budget for a studio set-up the Rolling Stones would envy, forget overpaying for your first podcasting mic. The Yeti isn’t the least expensive mic on the market, but it certainly isn’t the most, and you’d be mad to overlook it on price.
- Four pattern modes — The Yeti comes in-built with four polar patterns: cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. These fancy words basically mean the Yeti is perfect for podcasting, working well for both single-host and multiple-host shows, and host/guest interview formats.
2
Why buy the Audio-Technica 2100?
In our view, this mic is perfect for indie podcasters who are either just getting into the game or are gaining traction such that live events are on the horizon. The price point makes it accessible and it has specific features that appear to have been incorporated with podcasters in mind. The best of those are:- Variety of output — The 2100 has a USB digital output, which connects into your computer for digital recording (compatible with Windows and Mac) and an XLR output. The USB and XLR cables are included. This means that it’s perfect for simple studio recording and live performances.
- Built-in headphone jack — this feature means that you can directly monitor from your microphone and even adjust headphone volume through simple controls on the bottom of the mic.
- It’s made to isolate and capture desired sounds from unwanted background noise — the cardioid polar pattern makes this happen by reducing sounds picked up from the sides and rear of the microphone.
3
Why buy the Shure SM7B?
Shure is one of the stalwarts of the gear landscape and the SM7B is one of its flagship, high-end microphones. The mic famously used by Marc Maron and Joe Rogan, you’re guaranteed to get a great sound, even if the price is a little steep. Here are our top three reasons to buy:- Performance — As with all things, you get what you pay for and with the SM7B what you pay for is an extremely capable, stunningly sounding mic. The price might exclude some, but those with the budget for it will be very happy with their purchase.
- Durability & reliability — Shure is one of the leading global recording equipment brands and the SM7B has quality manufacturing baked into its DNA. In other words, when you buy the SM7B you’re making a very sound, long-term investment.
- Cardioid polar pattern — Perfect for podcasters, the SM7B’s cardioid polar pattern makes it the perfect broadcaster’s microphone, picking up your voice without any of the unwanted background noises.
4
Why buy the Blue Snowball?
No mic maker makes mics that blend aesthetics, function, and price as flawlessly as Blue, and you’d be a heartless brute not to fall in love with this weird and wonderful piece of recording beauty. Here are our three reasons why you simply can’t go passed the Blue Snowball:- Funky design — No one makes a better looking mic than Blue, and the Snowball is undeniably one-of-a-kind. Available in textured white, electric blue, glossy black, chrome, and orange, this mic is so freaking fashionable you’ll have a tough time putting it down at the end of every episode.
- Versatile polar patterns — The Snowball’s three polar patterns — cardioid, omni, and cardioid with -10DB pad — allows for single-host, multiple-host, and interview-style podcasting formats, which makes it great for hosts to meet all their recording needs in one mic.
- USB connectivity — The great wonder of a lot of the Blue model mics is that they come with a USB connection, making them a simple fit for your laptop or desktop. If you’re a hobbyist podcaster who has no interest in transforming your basement into a professional-grade recording studio, this minor detail makes the Blue Snowball a perfect fit.
5
Why buy the Heil PR40?
Rivalling the Yeti for popularity in podcasting, the Heil PR40 is a mid-range mic many aspire to owning because of its radio-grade sound quality and durability. While it doesn’t have the funky swagger of the Yeti, it’s by no means short on style and charm, and we’re confident you’ll love recording with it. On that note, here are our top three reasons for buying the PR40:- It’s a serious mic — We love the <$100 entry-level mics so much for their price-to-performance ratios, but there’s a reason some of the heaviest hitters in podcasting use the PR40. It’s a serious mic with radio-grade performance, and if you’re at the stage of your podcasting career that you can afford the equipment upgrade, do it.
- Broadcast sound — Those who’ve used the PR40 can attest to the deep and rich sound quality it outputs. Capturing a full vocal range, the mic will have you sounding like a seasoned broadcaster within minutes of using it.
- No phantom power needed — The great thing about the PR40, like all dynamic mics, is that it doesn’t need an external power source (like condenser mics do), so it’s a great plug-and-play or traveller’s mic.
6
Why buy the RE20?
If you're shopping for a high-quality, industry-standard XLR microphone you can't go passed the RE20. And here are our top three reasons to buy:- Podcasting perfection — The RE20 is specially built for broadcasting, which makes it the perfect podcaster's choice.
- Custom built for elite sound — The RE20 comes with an internal pop filter to guarantee a crisp sound and an internal element shock mount that reduces any unwanted vibration in your recording.
- Sleek style — One look at the RE20 and you'll fall in love with its simple but bold style.
7
Why buy the Shure SM58?
For indie hosts who don’t want to spend a fortune on expensive studio equipment, you can’t go passed the Shure SM58, a fantastic entry-level mic that bats well above its weight on performance and durability. Here are our top three reasons to buy it:- Built for voice — Shure had vocalists in mind when it designed the SM58, which makes it a wonderful mic for podcasters. It’s built with a spherical filter to reduce the infiltration of pop noise and wind and a unidirectional pickup pattern to block out many of the unwanted background sounds that other mics absorb.
- Toughness — The SM58 is very popular among touring musicians and one of the reasons for that is its physical toughness. Built with a solid, metal casing and steel mesh grille, if you’re looking to buy a mic that will survive inevitable drops and rough-handling, you can’t go wrong here.
- Peace of mind — When you buy a Shure mic what you’re really buying is almost one hundred years of design superiority and manufacturing experience. That means peace of mind, knowing that you’ve invested in a piece of recording equipment that will last you the better part of a lifetime.
8
Why buy the Rode Procaster?
The perfect broadcaster’s mic, built specifically to get the best sound out of voice, the Procaster is every podcast host’s dream. With a level of performance that exceeds its mid-range price, you’ll be well-equipped to take your show to the next level with the Procaster. Here are our three reasons to buy:- Simplicity — For hosts who don’t have a degree in sound engineering, the Procaster is wonderfully simple. With no whizz-bang buttons or alternative functions on its casing, the mic will keep you focussed only on what you do best: podcasting.
- Built for broadcasting — While some mics attempt to be as versatile as possible, the beauty of the Procaster is that it was built specifically for broadcasting, with a frequency response tailored for voice, which makes it the ideal podcaster’s mic.
- The Rode guarantee — Rode is one of the companies we bang on about most at WhatPods, for its reputation as a world-leading manufacturer of recording equipment. So long as you register your purchase, all Rode mics come with a very generous 10-year warranty, which just proves how durable they know their mics to be.
9
Why buy the Rode Podcaster?
Well, if you’re a podcaster it’s a no-brainer. The name says it all. The Rode Podcaster is one of the company’s flagship USB mics, making it the perfect solution for hosts who need a simple, plug-and-play recording solution. Here are our top three reasons to buy the Rode Podcaster:- USB compatibility — Rode named this mic the Podcaster for a reason. Its USB connector, unlike many of Rode’s XLR-connection mics, makes it perfect for hosts whose passion for podcasting doesn’t encompass complex sound engineering. If you’re new to podcasting, or you just prefer recording straight into your laptop or desktop, the Podcaster will become your new best friend.
- Style — The team at WhatPods is a sucker for mics that do more than just perform well; we especially love those that add a good dose of swagger, and the Podcaster meets both criteria.
- Price-to-performance — The Podcaster sits somewhere between an entry-level mic (which we class as <$100) and a mid-range mic (which we class as >$300), but for its price and usability it’s regarded as an exceptionally performant mic.
10
Why buy the Audio-Technica 2020?
This is a good quality microphone for a very reasonable price. It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles that others in the higher price category offer but it’s more than you need to get started. It’s the perfect entry-level mic for Indi podcasters. We think its best features are:- It’s made to isolate and capture desired sounds from unwanted background noise — the cardioid polar pattern makes this happen by reducing sounds picked up from the sides and rear of the microphone.
- Easy, precise handling — the microphone comes with a pivoting, threaded stand mount which securely cradles the mic so you won’t have any concerns about its placement while you’re concentrating on producing content.
- Extended frequency and high grade transient response — which the custom-made low-mass diaphragm achieves to ensure that all audio is captured crisply and clearly.
11
Why buy the Blue Yeti Pro?
Blue is synonymous with podcasting and the Blue Yeti Pro stands head and shoulders above Blue’s range of affordable, high-performance mics. If you’ve owned a Blue Yeti or another entry-level mic in the past, and it’s time for an upgrade, look no further than the Blue Yeti Pro. Here are our top three reasons to buy:- Connectivity versatility — Most mics are one-or-the-other when it comes to USB or XLR connectivity, but the Blue Yeti Pro accommodates both. That means it’s perfect for hassle-free podcasters who just want to plug-and-play and seasoned audio professionals who want more control over their recording equipment.
- Recording quality — The Blue Yeti Pro delivers crystal-clear, detailed audio in any scenario and touts itself as the first mic on the market to deliver 24-bit/192kHz recordings on your desktop, making it the leading USB mic available.
- Accommodates all show formats — Like most Blue mics, the Blue Yeti Pro comes with a cardioid, stereo, omni-directional, and bi-directional polar pattern, making it the perfect mic for any show format. Whether yours is a single-host or multi-host show, with guests or a group, the Blue Yeti Pro has the polar pattern to accommodate it.
14
Why buy the RE320?
Electro-Voice has been manufacturing recording equipment for almost 100 years, and it shows. The RE320 is one of its flagship dynamic microphones, and here are our top three reasons to buy it:- Low noise performance — The fine craftsfolk at Electro-Voice built the RE320 with an internal humbucking coil and pop filters, making it a near noiseless mic.
- Price-to-performance — For the mid-range price point, the RE320 is an exceptionally detailed, professional-grade microphone. If it's serious bang for buck that you're after, you'll find it here.
- Built like a rock — With a solid steel exterior, the RE320 is extremely resilient and is the type of heavy you want in a top quality microphone.
15
Why buy the AKG C1000S?
The AKG C1000S was first introduced to the sound market in the 1980s and with a recent re-work it still manages to stay highly relevant in a very competitive market. It’s an affordable, small diaphragm condenser microphone that is recommended for podcasters who get out and about to record their episodes. Our top three reasons for recommending this mic are:- Capacity for battery power - it has the capacity to be powered by two AA batteries for up to 120 hours (highly beneficial for roaming podcasters) and a battery status LED next to the power switch makes assessing the battery condition simple and easy
- Three frequency settings - it provides three frequency settings for different sound sources, which adds to the clarity of speech and enhances listeners' ability to differentiate between voices
- Humidity immunity - the gold sputtered microphone capsule and XLR pins mean that it’s highly immune from humidity (remember, humidity generally results in crackling or loss of frequency response), so if you’re not accustomed to recording in a temperature-controlled room, this is a highly recommended feature.
16
Why buy the Rode PodMic?
If you're looking to up your podcasting game with an XLR microphone, but you don't want to break the bank on expensive equipment, look no further than the PODMic. Here are our three reasons why you can’t go wrong buying it:- Affordability — We have a special category of mics under $100 and the PODMic just squeezes in. If you're looking for an affordable upgrade of equipment, start here.
- Great sound — All Rode microphones are wonderfully engineered for a great podcasting sound, and the U37 is no exception.
- Durability — All Rode mics are backed with a whopping 10-year manufacturer's warranty, so you get peace of mind buying the PODMic, knowing it'll either work or be fixed/replaced at no further cost to you.
17
Why buy the Shure Beta 87a?
The Shure Beta 87a is a high-quality, reliable, handheld vocal microphone that looks like a traditional microphone. It has a wide dynamic range and smooth frequency response and features a controlled electronic low-frequency roll-off that compensates for proximity effect, which prevents the ‘boominess’ of close pick-up. We think the Shure Beta 87a’s top three features are:- A good option for live podcasting — if you’re recording live podcast shows with multiple sound sources, this is a microphone that should be high on your wishlist. The super-cardioid pattern provides a high degree of isolation from other vocal contributors while ensuring minimal off-axis coloration.
- Reduction of unwanted sound — the Shure Beta 87a cuts down on these unwanted wind and breath sounds via the built-in pop filter. It also has very low sensitivity to RFI and electromagnetic hum and the cartridge shock-mount absorbs mechanical shocks and limits handling noise.
- Super-cardioid polar pattern — is highly consistent which provides superior gain-before-feedback.
18
Why buy the Blue Snowball Ice?
Let’s start with the obvious: the Blue Snowball Ice is a thing of beauty. No company blends affordability, functionality, and flair as well as Blue and the Snowball Ice is no exception. If you want a mic that doesn’t cost a fortune but does everything you need it to, go no further than this little beauty. Here are our three reasons to buy it:- Price to performance — Any mic with a price tag under $50 that performs as well as the Snowball Ice deserves a spontaneous standing ovation. If you’re new to podcasting and are thinking about upgrading from your built-in computer mic, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option.
- USB compatibility — No need to muck around with XLR cables and interfaces. The Snowball Ice has a USB connector that allows you to plug in directly to your laptop or desktop for quick and easy use.
- Skype certified — The Snowball Ice is Skype certified, which means its configured to work perfectly if you use Skype for podcast interviews or to co-host your show.
20
Why buy the Samson Q2U?
A very popular mic amongst podcasters and vocalists, the Samson Q2U delivers a great quality sound with dual connectivity options at a very low price. Here are our top three reasons to buy:- Connectivity — It’s strange to find a mic that caters for both USB and XLR connectivity, but the Samson Q2U is one of them. What this means for hosts is technical flexibility, with the option to plug-and-play into your laptop or desktop, or devise a more elaborate setup with a mixer or interface.
- Sound quality — Podcast hosts laud the Q2U for how well it sounds. No doubt due to it having a dynamic element rather than a condenser element, you’ll be shocked at how well the mic makes your voice sound, particularly when it comes at such a low price point.
- Price — Any mic that costs less than $100 and has a reputation as strong as the Q2U deserves high praise and careful consideration from those looking to buy their first or next podcasting mic. If you’re looking to invest in a mic that delivers a seriously strong performance return on the investment, look no further.
About these charts
Researching mics is torturous, so we surveyed thousands of podcast hosts to crowdsource their tips. If you're a host, endorse your mic to help newcomers find the best microphone for podcasting.
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