Table of Contents
Updated July 22, 2021
15 Best Microphones for Podcasting in 2023 – For Beginners And Pros
If you’re looking to start your own podcast this year, you might wonder which podcast microphone would be best for sound quality, durability, and other factors.
Rode Podmic
The Rode Podmic is an excellent podcast microphone with superior audio quality and a rich, balanced sound.
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is a popular podcast microphone among podcasters for its easy setup with its plug-and-play USB connector.
Rode Procaster
The Rode Procaster is a top-quality dynamic microphone designed specifically for professional podcasters.
Heil PR-40
With a unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern, it outperforms most condenser microphones and offers superior technology with the widest frequency range.
Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is one of your best options if you’re looking for a great, affordable condenser microphone.
What kind of beginner podcast equipment should you invest in?
In this post, I round up some of the best microphones for podcasting that you can use no matter where you are in your journey as a podcaster.
I also talk about my favorite mobile podcast microphones so you can record interviews and podcast episodes on the go.
Lastly, I’ll show you the difference between XLR and USB microphones and help you figure out which type is best for you.
Let’s get started.
Disclaimer: If you buy something using the links in this article, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Know that I only promote stuff that I use and trust for the sake of my readers and the reputation of this website.
The Best Microphones For Podcasting
Here are some of the best podcast microphones for podcasters of all levels:
1. Rode Podmic
Price: $99
Type: Dynamic microphone
Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
The Rode Podmic is a podcast mic that offers superior audio quality with a rich, balanced sound optimized for podcasting.
The Rode Podmic has a robust metal body, a built-in pop filter to minimize plosives, and shock mounting to reduce vibration.
2. Blue Microphones Yeti USB
Price: $99.99
Type: Condenser microphone
Connection: USB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns
The Blue Yeti is the best podcast microphone with a USB connection and is used by many podcasters.
The Blue Yeti has four pickup patterns that make it incredibly flexible, allowing you to record with just one mic instead of multiple mics.
3. Rode Procaster
Price:$199.90
Type: Dynamic mic
Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
The body of the Rode Procaster mic is solid, with internal shock mounting to reduce vibration and a built-in pop filter to decrease plosives.
The microphone comes with a mic stand mount, 3/8 inch adapter, and a zip pouch to store the mic.
4. Heil PR-40
Price: $329
Type: Dynamic microphone
Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
With a unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern, this mic outperforms most condenser microphones.
5. Audio-Technica AT2020
Price: $110
Type: Condenser mic
Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid polar pattern
6. Electro-Voice RE20
Price: $439.95
Type: Dynamic mic
Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
7. Sontronics Podcast Pro
Price: $149
Type: Dynamic microphone
Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
With the right mic technique, you can achieve the highest quality sound without unwanted background noise with this one microphone.
The Sontronics Podcast Pro features internal baffling with three layers of acoustic protection and an internal pop filter to remove plosive sounds.
8. Shure SM7B
Price: $399
Type: Dynamic microphone
Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
The Shure SM7B mic features an air suspension shock isolation and pop filter to help you record audio with professional sound and without unwanted background noise.
9. Elgato Wave:3
Price: $149.99
Type: Condenser
Connection: USB connection
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
10. Razer Seiren X
Price: $59.99
Type: Condenser
Connection: USB connectivity
Polar Pattern: Super cardioid
11. MAONO AU-PM421
Price: $79.99
Type: Condenser
Connection: USB mic
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
12. NEAT King Bee
Price: $80.16
Type: Condenser
Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
13. Shure MV7
Price: $249
Type: Condenser
Connection: Dual USB/XLR
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Best Mobile Podcast Microphones
14. Samson Go Mic
Price: $39.99
Type: Condenser
Connection: USB output
Polar Pattern: Multi-pattern
The mic has a unique fold-up design that allows you to fit it in any bag and carry it with you wherever you go.
15. Blue Snowflake
Price: $119.95
Type: Condenser microphone
Connection: USB cable
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
XLR vs USB – which podcast microphone is best?
Podcasting microphones are of two types depending on how a microphone connects with a device (a computer or a phone) to record – USB mics and XLR mics.
Regarding podcast microphones, the two most popular types are XLR and USB. Each type has pros and cons, so it’s essential to figure out the best for your needs.
XLR microphones are more reliable than USB microphones because they use a physical connection between the mic and the recording device. This means there is less chance of interference, and the signal will be consistent. They also tend to produce higher-quality recordings with less background noise than USB microphones. However, XLR microphones require an external audio mixer or interface to connect to the recording device, which can add cost and complexity to your setup.
USB microphones are more convenient than XLR microphones because they connect directly to the recording device. This eliminates the need for an external audio mixer or interface and simplifies setup. However, USB microphones produce lower-quality recordings with more background noise than XLR microphones.
In conclusion, it depends on what your needs are when choosing between an XLR and USB microphone. If you’re looking for a reliable connection and higher-quality recordings, then an XLR microphone might be your best option. However, a USB microphone could be the right choice if you want something more convenient with a more straightforward setup.
Buying Advice
Choosing the best podcasting microphones depends on your podcasting needs and the type of setup you plan to have.
Would you be recording with a single podcast microphone or would you need more than one?
Are most of your recordings done indoors or will you have to record outdoors as well?
What kind of sound quality do you need?
What is your budget?
Once you’ve identified your needs, you will be able to choose the best podcast microphones that will serve you well.
Conclusion
Choosing the best podcast microphone is a breeze if you know what you are looking for in a podcast mic.
Make a list of all the features you need, and see which one ticks the most boxes.
On the other hand, if you are a more seasoned podcaster, the Rode Procaster or the Heil PR-40 may be the perfect one for you.
Which podcasting microphone do you use/ plan to use? Leave a comment below! 🙂
If you found this post useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends!
Author
Tracy Jackson
With over 15 years of experience in both the fields of writing and marketing, my motivation stems from a deep-seated desire to empower individuals to achieve success. When I am not crafting captivating content or devising strategic marketing strategies, I prioritize cherishing meaningful moments with my three beloved children.
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