People consume content in all sorts of ways, but podcasting is by far one of the most popular and effective ways to build a following, establish a brand, and share your message with the world. It’s a powerful way to share your stories, conduct interviews, teach fascinating topics, and engage with listeners from literally everywhere And the best part? Creating a podcast isn’t even that hard!!!
You’ve already got an award-winning personality and something to share, so all you need to make your podcast a reality is the right equipment. And, when it comes to podcasting, audio quality is ev-ery-thing. THINK ABOUT IT: your listeners tune in to hear your voice, your message, and your stories. If the audio quality is poor or full of background noise, it becomes a major distraction, hindering their listening experience. On the other hand, crisp and clear audio enhances engagement, captivates your audience, and keeps them coming back for more.
Investing in the right equipment can help you achieve that professional sound and elevate your podcasting game. So, today we will be sharing a roundup of the best recording microphones that will help turn your podcasting dreams into a reality:
14 Best Recording Microphones For Podcasting
Best Budget Microphone for Podcasting
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
This versatile microphone offers both USB and XLR connections, making it a fantastic choice for beginners and seasoned podcasters alike. This flexibility allows you to use the microphone in various recording setups, making it suitable for both home studios and on-the-go podcasting.
It provides exceptional sound quality, a built-in headphone jack for monitoring, and is very budget-friendly. With the ATR2100x-USB you can monitor your recordings in real-time without any lag, so you can always hear yourself clearly while podcasting! (We know, normally people don’t like to listen to themselves talk, but in this instance, it’s a good thing!!!) The microphone also has dedicated volume controls for your headphones and microphone for easy adjusting on the fly!
When using the USB connection, the ATR2100x-USB is a plug-and-play microphone, which means you can simply connect it to your computer and start recording without the need for any additional drivers or software. This ease of use makes it super nice for beginners who may not be particularly techy.
Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is a fantastic budget-friendly microphone designed specifically for podcasting and recording. It offers a range of features that make it unique and specialized for podcasters. It’s a popular choice for beginners and experienced users alike! The Q2U comes with a desktop stand, a windscreen, and an XLR cable, so it’s a seriously great bang for your buck!
One of the standout features of the Samson Q2U is its dual connectivity options. It can be connected to your computer via USB or to an audio interface using XLR. This versatility allows you to use the microphone in different recording setups, whether recording in the studio or at a Dear Media IRL event. (We can dream, right???)
To maximize the features of the Samson Q2U, it’s recommended to use it in a quiet environment to minimize background noise. Consider using a pop filter or foam windscreen to reduce plosive sounds and breath noise. Experiment with microphone positioning to find the optimal distance and angle that suits your voice and recording style.
Best USB Microphone for Podcasting
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is a popular choice among podcasters for its exceptional audio quality and ease of use. With its multiple pickup patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo), it offers versatility for various recording scenarios. The built-in headphone jack is perfect for real-time monitoring, and the microphone can be easily adjusted on its integrated stand or mounted on a boom arm for more flexibility.
Rode NT-USB Mini
If you’re looking for a compact and stylish USB mic (aesthetics count for something, right???), the Rode NT-USB Mini is worth considering. Despite its size, it delivers impressive audio quality and has a built-in pop filter to minimize plosives. The microphone features a 360-degree swing mount, enabling easy positioning, and it’s compatible with boom arms and shock mounts to make this cute little microphone even more convenient!
Best Podcast Microphone for Mac
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Designed specifically for digital recording, the AT2020USB+ is perfect for all of us Mac users! It offers studio-quality audio and comes with a built-in headphone jack for monitoring. The microphone also has a mix control feature that allows you to blend the microphone signal with pre-recorded audio, so it’s great for podcasters who incorporate sound effects or music into their shows.
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 is a dynamic microphone that connects via USB or XLR and is compatible with both Mac and Windows. It features a touch panel on the microphone itself, making setting adjustment an absolute BREEZE. The MV7 also has built-in voice isolation technology, reducing background noise and delivering professional-quality sound no matter what. (Even if you have kids screaming in the background like the gals over at Meaning Full Living and Being Bumo.) Its sleek design and sturdy construction make it a reliable choice for Mac-based podcasting.
Wireless Microphone for Podcasting
Rode Wireless Go II
If you prefer the freedom of movement that wireless microphones offer, the Rode Wireless Go II is an excellent option. This compact and lightweight system consists of two wireless transmitters and a receiver, allowing you to record interviews or podcasts anywhere. The transmitters have built-in microphones, and you can also connect external Lavalier microphones or other audio sources. The Wireless Go II offers a range of up to 200 meters, even if you’re running all around your salon like Justin Anderson of In The Chair.
Sennheiser XSW-D Portable Lavalier Set
The Sennheiser XSW-D Portable Lavalier Set is another top-notch wireless microphone system. It includes a compact transmitter and a receiver that connects easily, providing a reliable wireless link. The included Lavalier microphone captures clear and natural sound, and the system has a range of up to 75 meters. Plus, it’s super user-friendly!!! It’s seriously one of the best mic sets out there if you’re cooking, styling, or running down people for interviews while podcasting.
Best Podcast Microphone for Beginners
Audio-Technica AT2005USB
The Audio-Technica AT2005USB is in a line dynamic mic that offers both USB and XLR connections. It provides high-quality audio and is very beginner-friendly too! The microphone has a built-in headphone jack for monitoring and a sturdy construction that can handle everyday use if you’ve got a daily show like The Toast. Whether you’re just starting out or on a tight budget, the AT2005USB won’t let you down!
Fifine K669B
If you’re looking for an affordable USB microphone that doesn’t compromise on audio quality, the Fifine K669B is the perrrfect option. It has plug-and-play functionality, so no need for additional software or drivers. The microphone captures clear and detailed sound, making it great for podcasting, voiceovers, and streaming. Its sleek and compact design makes it easy to set up, and the included tripod stand provides stability during recordings.
Best Bluetooth Podcast Microphone
Shure MV88+
The Shure MV88+ is a premium digital stereo condenser microphone that connects directly to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch via a Lightning connector. It features five DSP preset modes for various recording situations, including speech, singing, and acoustic music. (Perfect if you’re gonna do some voice acting like our guy Josh Peck from the Good Guys.) The MV88+ also has a headphone output for monitoring and a rotating joint for flexible positioning. Its wireless capability allows you to record high-quality podcasts seriously with NO STRESS. It’s great.
Headset Microphone for Podcasting
Audio-Technica BPHS1
The Audio-Technica BPHS1 is a broadcast headset that combines a dynamic microphone and high-fidelity headphones in one package. It has excellent audio quality and PHENOMENAL noise isolation, allowing you to focus on your podcast without distractions. The headset is comfortable to wear and features a flexible boom arm for precise microphone positioning. Whether you’re podcasting, interviewing, recording voiceovers, or giving Hilary Duff “What Dreams Are Made Of” vibes, the BPHS1 is your mic.
Best Professional Microphone for Podcasting
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a legendary dynamic microphone favored by professionals in the broadcasting industry. It delivers exceptional audio quality and minimizes background noise super well. The SM7B features a built-in pop filter and shock mount to eliminate plosives and vibrations. This means crystal-clear recordings every time. It requires an audio interface with microphone preamps to operate, but the results are worth it. If you’re serious about podcasting, the SM7B is a, like, gold standard.
Electro-Voice RE20
The Electro-Voice RE20 is another dynamic microphone widely used in professional broadcasting. It has a unique Variable-D design that reduces the proximity effect, making it ideal for close-miking situations. The RE20 also has an internal pop filter and shock mount, enhancing the audio quality. It requires an audio interface with sufficient gain to reach its full potential. If you’re looking for a microphone that delivers AMAZING sound and durability, the RE20 won’t disappoint.
Take note:
To make the most of your podcasting microphone, you need to be informed on how it works with other podcast equipment. To help you out with that, we HIGHLY recommend checking out our roundup of important tips for starting a podcast. This will help you make the most out of your XLR mics and other equipment, and only to the benefit of your podcast. You might also want to check out our tips on how to record a podcast with two mics, so you know what to do with your equipment when there’s a guest on your podcast.
For the best podcast recording experience, you NEED one of these top-quality mics!
No matter your budget or level of expertise, there’s a perfect recording microphone for your podcasting journey. The sound quality of your podcast is one of THE most important things and it starts with a good mic. So, do your research and find the best equipment for your podcasting situation. (Oh, and def grab a Dear Media “Sounds Good” crewneck to reward yourself for all your hard work.) For more must-have podcast tips, check out the Dear Media blog. We’re podcast experts who can help you start a podcast, master it, and make it a total hit! Happy podcasting!