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You need a reliable and high-quality podcasting microphone if you want to start your own channel, start a show, or make content for your brand. It lets you record every nuance and give your users professional-quality audio that engages and sticks with them. In this detailed guide, we’ve put together a list of the best podcasting microphones, all of which we’ve tried and can recommend. The sound quality, durability, and flexibility of these microphones have been proven to be excellent. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out.
Remember that the microphone you choose should fit your wants and tastes. Some mics can be connected via USB or XLR, which gives you options for different recording setups. Others are great at getting clear, crisp audio, and some are made especially for talks or studio settings. We want you to look through this help to find the microphone that fits your style and needs. Check out our guide to the best microphones generally if you’re interested in microphones for more than just podcasting. Whether you’re blogging, streaming, recording music, or doing something else with sound, we’ve got the best suggestions for you.
Best Podcasting Microphones Comparison Table
| Shure MV7 | Blue Yeti USB | Rode PodMic | JLab Talk | Samson Q2U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB, XLR | USB | XLR | USB, 3.5mm jack | USB, XLR |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid, Bidirectional | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 50 Hz – 15 kHz |
| Headphone Output | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mounting Options | Included desktop stand | N/A | Integrated stand mount | N/A | N/A |
| Internal Pop Filter | No | No | No | No | No |
| Onboard Controls | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Included Accessories | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Tripod stand, windscreen |
| Compatible Platforms | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac |
Shure MV7
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB, XLR |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Mounting Options | Included desktop stand |
| Compatible Platforms | Windows, Mac |
If you look a little further down this list, you’ll find the well-known SM7B Best Podcasting Microphones from Shure. It’s a real powerhouse in the podcast world (and beyond) and deserves the praise it gets. Shure won’t be sitting around doing nothing, especially since the podcasting world is changing so fast. That’s why we’ve added the Shure MV7, which has all the good things about its older brother plus a USB link to the computer. What’s the best? It can work with both USB and XLR connections at the same time.
The MV7 is a very interesting mic because it can be used in so many different ways. We liked it just as much when we took it out with a laptop as a portable rig as when it was the center of attention in our home studio linked to a computer. When you add in the fact that it works with Shure’s great MOTIV app, which gives your recordings a professional sheen in real time, you have a package that is hard to beat among the other options on this list.
The Good
- Versatile connectivity options with USB and XLR.
- Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture.
- Wide frequency response for capturing a broad range of audio.
- Built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring.
- Comes with an included desktop stand for convenience.
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms.
The Bad
- May require additional equipment (XLR cables, audio interface) for professional setups.
- Relatively higher price compared to some other options.
Blue Microphones Yeti USB
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB |
| Polar Patterns | Cardioid, Bidirectional |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Gain Control | Yes |
| Compatible Platforms | Windows, Mac |
The term “Blue Yeti” is Best Podcasting Microphones now commonly used to refer to a variety of various kinds of software. This microphone is probably the most well-known and recognizable one available, and for good reason; it’s used everywhere from Twitch gaming to YouTube instructional. In our evaluations, we found that it was simple to operate, that it sounded great thanks to the three condenser capsules that it contains, and that it did not cost an arm and a leg.
The ability to select numerous patterns at once is a very cool feature. You have the option of configuring the microphone so that it just picks up sound that is coming directly into it, which is ideal for podcasting; alternatively, you may configure it so that it also picks up sound from a broader angle. Because of this, it is an excellent option for use in recording sessions involving multiple people and taking place around a table that only has room for one mic.
The Good
- Simple USB connectivity for easy plug-and-play setup.
- Offers multiple polar patterns, including cardioid and bidirectional.
- Wide frequency response for accurate sound reproduction.
- Built-in headphone output for direct monitoring.
- Gain control for adjusting the microphone sensitivity.
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms.
The Bad
- Lack of XLR connectivity may limit professional recording options.
- Bulky design may be less portable for on-the-go use.
Rode PodMic
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | XLR |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Internal Pop Filter | Yes |
| Mounting Options | Integrated stand mount |
| Compatible Platforms | Windows, Mac |
The PodMic Best Podcasting Microphones may be little, but it packs an impressive amount of high-quality recording capability. Even though serious podcasters should always fine-tune their recordings before publishing them, one of the best things about the PodMic is that it doesn’t require much setup to get it to sound crisp and clear in the first place. This is one of the best things about the PodMic. You will also need to purchase a stand separately, and the XLR cable will not simply plug into any laptop or desktop computer. This means that it is not an audio interface in the traditional sense.
However, the microphone itself is inexpensive enough that you may spend more money on stands and interfaces, which will ultimately result in sound quality that is superior to that of many USB microphones that cost significantly more money. If you go with a USB microphone like the Blue Yeti, which is our number two recommendation, you’ll probably end up upgrading to the Rode PodMic at some point in the future in order to take your podcast to the next level.
The Good
- Reliable XLR connectivity for professional-grade recording.
- Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture.
- Wide frequency response for accurate audio reproduction.
- Integrated pop filter for reducing plosives and sibilance.
- Integrated stand mount for easy setup and positioning.
The Bad
- Requires additional equipment like an audio interface for USB connectivity.
- Lacks built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring.
JLab Talk
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB, 3.5mm jack |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Onboard Controls | Yes |
| Compatible Platforms | Windows, Mac |
Since quite some time, the price of the JLab Talk has been somewhere below the $80 mark. If this holds, it’s a wonderful offer on what was already a solid USB mic when it released at $99, and the price drop brings it down to an even better price. Just like the Blue Yeti, setting it up and using it is a breeze, and it comes with the same four recording patterns for you to experiment with.
The combination gain and volume dial, which illuminates blue or green depending on whatever level you’re altering, is another feature that impresses us. The tripod stand’s height can be adjusted as well. If you need to purchase numerous mics for guests and co-hosts, the Talk is an option that is quite economical to consider.
The Good
- Offers both USB and 3.5mm jack connectivity options.
- Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture.
- Wide frequency response for accurate audio reproduction.
- Built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring.
- Onboard controls for adjusting volume and mute.
The Bad
- May have a lower build quality compared to higher-end options.
- Limited compatibility with professional recording setups due to the lack of XLR connectivity.
Samson Q2U
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB, XLR |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz – 15 kHz |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Included Accessories | Tripod stand, windscreen |
| Compatible Platforms | Windows, Mac |
The Samson Q2U is the microphone that I suggest most frequently to people who are just getting started with microphones. Since it has both an XLR and a USB port, you can use it for a variety of purposes. Additionally, the quality is far superior to that of a low-cost headset microphone or the microphone already built into your device.
Because it has dual outputs (XLR and USB), you may connect it to your computer and record directly to either Audacity or GarageBand thanks to the USB port. You may even use the USB mic to host an internet call with people who are located elsewhere.
The Good
- Offers both USB and XLR connectivity options.
- Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture.
- Wide frequency response for capturing vocals and instruments.
- Built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring.
The Bad
- Limited frequency response compared to some other microphones.
- May require additional equalization for certain applications.
FAQs
Your recording experience will be much better if you have a microphone arm or stand. It lets you place the microphone at the best distance and angle, lowering noise from handling and making the sound better.
Yes, a lot of podcasting microphones work with phones and computers. To connect the microphone to your computer, you may need an adapter or interface.
Yes, wireless podcasting mics let you move around and get rid of a lot of cables. People often use the Rode Wireless Go and the Sennheiser XSW-D Portable Lavalier Set when recording wirelessly.