One of many first choices you’ll have to make after starting a podcast is which microphone to purchase. Enter: my information to the greatest low-cost podcast microphones below $100 available on the market at the moment.
If (like me) you’re hoping to launch your podcast on an affordable price range, some podcast microphone suggestions are simply unrealistic whenever you’re simply getting began. Most new podcasters aren’t ready to spend $500+ on a mic for recording podcast episodes.
The excellent news? There are many low-cost podcast microphones on the market that may really do a unbelievable job of recording top quality audio to your podcast.
On this information, I’m reviewing 13 of the perfect low-cost podcast microphones with a USB connection—11 of which are available at below $100.
Afterward on this shopping for information, we’ll discuss what to search for whenever you’re evaluating these completely different low-cost podcast microphones.
13 Finest Low-cost Podcast Microphones (USB) Beneath $100
- Samson Q2U USB Recording Microphone & Podcasting Pack: $59.99
- Rode NT-USB Mini Podcasting Microphone: $99.99
- Razer Seiren X Podcast Microphone: $59.99
- Samson Meteor Budget Podcast Microphone: $49.99
- AudioPro Computer Condenser Microphone: $44.95
- Samson Q9U Dynamic Broadcast Podcast Mic: $119.99
- Logitech Blue Yeti USB Cheap Podcast Microphone: $128.99
- FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone: $49.99
- Pardunll USB Microphone: $47.99
- Omoton USB (Cheapest Podcast Microphone): $19.99
- Samson SAGOMIC Go Mic (Portable Podcast Microphone): $39.90
- AKG Pro Audio Ara Professional Podcast Microphone: $69.00
- CAD Audio U37 Budget Podcasting Microphone: $29.99
Disclosure: Please be aware that a number of the hyperlinks beneath are affiliate hyperlinks and at no extra price to you, I’ll earn a fee. Know that I solely suggest services I’ve personally used and stand behind. While you use one in every of my affiliate hyperlinks, the corporate compensates me, which helps me run this weblog and hold my in-depth content material freed from cost for readers (such as you).
Able to Begin Your Podcast?
Try my final information: How to Start a Podcast (and Make Money).
Now, let’s dive in. I’ve deliberately chosen podcast microphones that’ll match into an affordable price range (all however two of those microphones price lower than $100)—whereas nonetheless being an incredible worth for the cash, and providing excessive sound high quality to your podcast.
1. Samson Q2U USB Recording Microphone & Podcasting Pack: $59.99
The Samson Q2U is my prime budget-friendly podcast microphone below $100—coming in at a unbelievable value for an incredible equipment with all of the gear you must get your podcast off the bottom.
It’s a dynamic microphone reasonably than a condenser, like a lot of the different microphones on this checklist. This retains the price down and it’ll nonetheless work out completely for recording top quality podcast episodes. Plus, it’s very transportable and travel-friendly.
Along with the fast USB connector for plug-and-play audio recording, you’ve additionally bought an XLR output choice, so you should utilize it with an audio interface when you determine to improve your podcast setup sooner or later. I like this low-cost podcast microphone a lot as a result of it’s designed to develop with you as your podcast will get well-liked.
This is among the greatest podcast microphones to your cash, as a result of it picks up sound in a cardioid sample, that means it’ll concentrate on you talking in entrance of it—not on background sounds that you simply don’t need to decide up.
Coming in effectively below $100, the Samson Q2U is a good podcasting microphone from a well known model within the area, that gained’t break the financial institution. If you happen to’re undecided which mic is best for you and also you’re prepared to start out testing, I undoubtedly suggest giving this one a strive.
2. Rode NT-USB Mini Podcasting Microphone: $99.99
Our prime condenser microphone is the Rode NT-USB Mini. It’s small – however punches effectively above its weight. The construct high quality is nice and it’s very sturdy. As a result of it’s fairly small, it’s a sensible choice when you’re going to be utilizing it on video, because it’s not too intrusive.
You gained’t get a lot change from $100 with this one, however when you can afford it, then it’s undoubtedly definitely worth the cash.
The built-in pop filter makes for nice sound high quality, with out the “pops” of plosive Ps and Bs.
You too can plug your headphones into the mic so you may simply hear the way it sounds – nice for troubleshooting and for ensuring you’ve bought the mic positioned accurately. It solely picks up sound in a cardioid sample, so it’s solely appropriate for a single speaker.
3. Razer Seiren X Podcast Microphone: $59.99
The Razer Seiren is especially well-suited for stay streaming, however you may undoubtedly additionally use it as a podcasting mic too. Given it’s versatility and value level, it’s an incredible contender amongst the perfect low-cost podcast microphones. That is additionally a condenser mic with a super-cardioid polar sample, that means it does an incredible job of reducing out background noise like mouse clicks and keyboard faucets.
You may immediately and simply mute the microphone by tapping a button on the entrance—and there’s a useful gentle indicator on the mic to let you realize whether or not you’re muted or not.
This podcasting microphone can be shock-resistant, that means it’ll dampen vibrations out of your desk. You can additionally mount it on a microphone arm, when you want.
Lastly, you may pivot the microphone round if you need it at a distinct angle—however be aware you may’t regulate the peak.
4. Samson Meteor Funds Podcast Microphone: $49.99
The snazzy-looking Samson Meteor Mic has a retro really feel and can look nice in your desk. It’s gentle (0.57lbs) and straightforward to move round, with legs that fold up when it’s not in use. There’s a storage case included, in addition to an extended USB cable.
The sound high quality and sensitivity are each nice, and there’s a mute button and mute indicator – very best when you’re stay streaming.
You may simply plug in a pair of headphones to listen to your audio as you’re recording, making it easy to observe how every thing’s sounding.
5. AudioPro Computer Condenser Microphone: $44.95
The AudioPro Computer Condenser Mic is a budget-friendly mic that’s effectively suited to podcast recording.
It has a 360° tilt, that means you may place it at any angle you need. The carotid pickup sample means it’ll decide up sound that’s in entrance of this podcasting microphone. There’s no meeting or set up required: simply plug and play.
The mic comes with an extended (5.6 ft) USB cable in addition to a USB-C cable so you should utilize it together with your Android telephone or different USB-C system. There’s a pop filter included too, to keep away from these plosive Ps.
The mic has buttons on the entrance to mute the mic, regulate the mic acquire, and regulate the headphone quantity when you’ve plugged your headphones in to listen to what you’re recording.
6. Samson Q9U Finest General Funds Podcast Microphone: $119.99
Whereas this price range podcast microphone technically is available in simply above the $100 mark, it’s very definitely worth the little bit further when you can afford it. By now, you’ll have seen that the Samson podcast mics have earned a number of rankings on this checklist of the perfect podcast microphones, and that is my favourite of theirs.
This podcasting microphone is dynamic, which implies it’s extremely sturdy and can decide up all however the faintest of whispers. It comes with an inner shockmount that isolates the recording parts from mechanical noise—and its cardioid pickup sample offers wonderful incoming sound with out background noise.
The Q9U additionally comes with a built-in dual-layer windscreen that minimizes crackles and a detachable foam pop filter to assist additional scale back undesirable breath or wind noise that may in any other case minimize into the sound high quality of another podcast recording microphones. It connects by way of USB-C digital output with 24-bit/96kHz decision and has the choice to make use of an XLR analog 1/8″ output.
If you happen to’re evaluating this microphone towards the equally priced Blue Yeti (beneath) that will get plenty of critiques, the Samson Q9U goes to be far and away the perfect podcast microphone on a price range.
7. Logitech Blue Yeti USB Low-cost Podcast Microphone: $128.99
The Logitech Blue Yeti USB microphone is a vastly well-liked mic for podcasters, however it’s a contact dearer than the opposite price range podcast microphones on our checklist. If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing extra superior than most price range mics although, it’s an incredible one to splurge on.
In contrast to different prime low-cost podcast microphones on this checklist, the Blue Yeti gives you the selection of 4 pickup patterns: cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo. That is excellent if you wish to file podcasts that contain a number of individuals in the identical room: no want for a number of mics.
The included desktop stand makes it simple to place your mic simply the way you need it – or you may repair it to a mic stand or increase arm.
Buttons on the mic itself allow you to mute the mic, regulate the headphone quantity, alter the microphone acquire, and swap to a distinct pickup sample – making it fast and straightforward to manage all features of your podcast audio recording. And whereas this makes plenty of lists of the perfect podcast microphones,
Together with the mic, you get Logitech’s Blue VOICE software program, which helps you to use issues like enhanced results and superior modulation.
8. FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone: $49.99
The FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone is a good cut price podcast microphone, because it comes with the equipment you’ll have to get your recording setup dialed in proper.
Together with the mic itself, you additionally get an adjustable increase scissor arm to make it simpler to place your mic excellent to seize your voice to your podcast. There’s additionally a metallic tripod so you may simply use your mic whereas out and about.
There’s a double pop filter, that means you’ll keep away from vocal plosives, and a really lengthy USB cable (8.2’) to make use of together with your mic. It’s value noting that this mic doesn’t have a mute button, so if that’s necessary to you, you’ll in all probability need to go for a distinct mic.
9. Pardunll USB Microphone: $47.99
Just like the FIFINE mic, the Pardunll USB Microphone comes with all of the equipment you’ll have to get began with podcasting, together with a desktop stand, pop filter, windshield, and USB cable.
It information in a cardioid sample, so that you’ll need to be in entrance of the mic. The sound high quality is superb, particularly for the value, and also you gained’t want to put in any software program to get it up and working.
If you happen to’re undecided whether or not or not you’ll keep on with podcasting, this can be a nice technique to get began with an affordable mic setup. The construct high quality is nice and the mic doesn’t really feel flimsy or low-cost in any means.
The mic doesn’t have a mute button or quantity adjustment, although you may mute it and regulate the amount by your laptop.
10. Omoton USB (Least expensive Podcast Microphone): $19.99
The Omoton USB microphone is one other condenser mic, with a pop filter, tripod, and cardioid pickup sample. This podcast mic could be tilted 180° on the stand, so you may get it to no matter angle you want.
That is the most cost effective podcast microphone choice on our checklist, however nonetheless gives surprisingly nice sound high quality – and comes with a pop filter and a windshield foam cowl in case you need to file outdoors. Whereas it doesn’t have all of the choices of a number of the different mics, it’s an incredible alternative when you simply need to check out podcasting with out investing a lot cash in any respect.
There’s a mute indicator and noise discount indicator on the entrance of the mic, together with a multi-function knob that controls the amount and allows you to flip the mute and noise discount on/off.
11. Samson SAGOMIC Go Mic (Moveable Podcast Microphone): $39.90
The small, transportable Samson SAGOMIC Go Mic is the right choice when you’ll be recording whereas touring or on-location. This price range podcast microphone is plug-and-play suitable for fast setup together with your desktop or laptop computer, and it folds up for simple transportation.
You may swap between two pickup companions: cardioid (for single-person recording) and omnidirectional (to select up sound from a number of individuals round a desk or room).
The mic case cleverly doubles up because the mic stand, which may clamp to the highest of your laptop computer display for simple positioning. You may plug headphones into the mic to observe your recording, too.
12. AKG Pro Audio Ara Professional Podcast Microphone: $69.00
The AKG Pro Audio Ara Professional microphone is a trendy mic that may file in two patterns: cardioid (entrance) and omnidirectional (entrance & again). It’s simple to toggle between these on the mic itself, making it one of the distinctive low-cost podcast microphones as a result of you may file simply as simply by your self as with friends in your podcast. If that feels like your present format, then this sort of podcasting microphone is a good choice for you.
It’s a reasonably small mic with a compact footprint, which implies it’s the right alternative when you’re more likely to have your mic in shot on a video podcast. You may connect it to a increase or mic stand – and there’s even an adaptor included for attaching it to European mic stands.
This microphone has a USB-C port and connects simply to each computer systems and cell units. You may plug headphones in to listen to your recording as you’re creating it. The quantity knob on the entrance doubles up because the mute swap, with a small mute indicator beneath it.
13. CAD Audio U37 Funds Podcasting Microphone: $29.99
The CAD Audio U37 is a good cut price mic that makes use of a big condenser microphone to supply heat, wealthy recordings. It comes with a ten’ USB cable so you may place it just about anyplace within the room.
You may regulate the bass with this mic, so that you’ll need to ensure you tune it appropriately for spoken podcasts. It’s a delicate podcast mic, so you might discover it picks up somewhat an excessive amount of background noise.
The mic doesn’t include a pop filter or increase arm, nevertheless it does embrace a desktop stand so you may simply place it in entrance of you for podcast recordings.
What to Look For When Selecting the Finest Podcast Microphone: 4 Elements
If you happen to’re on the brink of launch your podcast, you won’t have a lot expertise with mics and recording gear. Don’t fear: we’re going to maintain every thing right here very beginner-friendly and break down what you must know.
1. Dynamic Microphones vs Condenser Microphones
One key factor you must perceive about price range podcast microphones is that there are two various kinds of mics obtainable.
Dynamic microphones are low-cost and sturdy. They don’t want an influence supply and so they’re typically used for loud sounds, like stay music reveals. Nevertheless, they’re not very delicate to quiet sounds – which may very well be a difficulty when you’re making an attempt to select up pretty quiet noise in your audio observe.
Condenser microphones aren’t so sturdy and so they price extra. Nevertheless, they’re excellent for selecting up quieter sounds – they’re extra delicate and correct normally. They’re usually utilized in recording studios.
A lot of the microphones on our checklist are condenser mics. They’re nice for selecting up your voice clearly and precisely. Simply don’t attempt to use them to rock out on stage.
2. USB Microphones vs XLR Microphones
The opposite primary distinction between sorts of microphones is whether or not they use a USB or XLR connection.
USB is simple: simply plug it into your laptop and file away!
XLR is somewhat trickier, as your mic will must be linked to an audio interface – this has a bunch of various connectors and switches, and can be utilized for audio enter from two mics directly.
We’ve chosen to stay with USB mics on this submit. They’re simpler to make use of whenever you’re new to podcasting, and so they prevent shopping for any further gear.
3. Microphone Sensitivity
Past simply ensuring you’re getting the suitable sort of podcast microphone (condenser) and the suitable connector to your wants (USB), it’s a good suggestion to take a look at how delicate your new podcast microphone is.
That is normally expressed in decibels (dB) or mV/Pa (millivolts per Pascal). The extra delicate it’s, the higher it can decide up sounds. My Heil PR40 microphone is delicate to -53.9 decibels, and something in that common vary will get stellar recording sound.
4. Cardioid vs Omnidirectional (Polar Sample of the Microphone)
This tells you the place the microphone picks up sound. Most microphones are both cardioid (recording sounds from a primarily ahead path) or omnidirectional (recording sounds from all instructions)–however some allow you to swap between completely different patterns. In my expertise, a dynamic cardioid microphone will likely be greatest for podcasting—and get you the best high quality sounding audio to your present.
Tips on how to Get the Finest Sound High quality from Your Podcast Microphone (Beneath $100)
Consider it or not, even a really low-cost podcast microphone can sound unbelievable. All of the mics above have nice critiques from tons of—even 1000’s—of individuals utilizing them for podcasts, conferences, gaming, and extra.
To get the perfect recording high quality out of your podcasting microphone, you’ll need to:
- Place your mouth accurately in relation to your mic: You could have to experiment a bit to search out out what works for you – however to start out with, angle the microphone in the direction of you and have it round 6 to eight inches in entrance of your mouth.
- Use a pop filter to take away the plosive “pop” of letters like P and B: These pops are attributable to you blowing air into the mic as you converse, so a pop filter between you and the mic can forestall them with out dropping any sound high quality. Listed below are some cool pop filters to choose from on Amazon.
- Keep away from outdoors noise: If you happen to’ve bought roadworks proper outdoors your window or children yelling downstairs, then that noise goes to make it onto your podcast recording. Attempt to decrease outdoors noise as a lot as doable by selecting a quiet time of day to file and by holding the doorways and home windows closed.
- Document high-resolution information (WAV format reasonably than MP3 format): You need to file within the highest decision doable – you may compress the file to shrink its dimension on the subject of really producing your podcast. By capturing the best-quality audio, you’ll have nice supplies to work with as you edit.
Bonus: 3 Finest Podcast Recording Platforms to Use
When you’ve bought your mic and also you’ve set it up accurately, it’s time to file.
However which podcast recording platform must you use? There are a number of completely different choices on the market. I’d suggest:
1. Riverside.fm: Free Plan (Restricted) to $15.00/mo+
Riverside.fm is designed for recording podcasts—and movies—in studio high quality. If you happen to’re making a video podcast, it’s an incredible choice because it gives native recordings which are clean and freeze-free, even when your friends’ web connections aren’t too good.
You’ll get uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio for every podcast visitor (which is nice mixed with one in every of these nice low-cost podcast microphones)—together with computerized saving of recordings to the cloud. You too can simply convert your podcasts to textual content by the transcription function, use the “producer mode” when you’re going to be controlling the podcast recording reasonably than being featured on it, and way more.
The free plan permits for limitless recording and modifying, although different options are restricted, and your exported video information will embrace a watermark.
2. Zencastr: Free Plan (Restricted) to $20.00/mo
Zencastr’s audio recording is ideal for podcasters. It gives separate tracks for every visitor, computerized post-production, built-in VoIP so that you don’t want to make use of a separate service like Zoom, lossless WAV recording, and extra.
You’ll want to make use of it together with a third-party service podcast hosting platform, like Buzzsprout, Simplecast or Anchor—to add your edited podcast episodes to your internet hosting supplier. Extra on that course of in my guide to starting a podcast.
3. Descript: Free Plan (Restricted) to $12.00/mo+
Descript is audio recording software program with a podcast focus. One actually intelligent function is that it will provide you with a textual content model of your audio file that you may edit – so erasing a bit of audio is so simple as modifying a written doc.
You too can use the Overdub function so as to add in new phrases (although solely utilizing your individual voice, not different individuals’s). Descript has a bunch of different options, too, together with transcription, speaker detection, multitrack modifying, crossfades, and extra.
Able to Get a Microphone and Your Podcast Began?
If you wish to launch a podcast, one in every of your first steps is to purchase a mic.
Any of the choices above may work very well for you. My prime extremely price range mic is the Samson Q2U, which is able to ship nice high quality recordings at a really cheap value. The Rode NT-USB Mini can be an incredible alternative when you’ve got somewhat extra to spend—and when you’re keen to go as much as the $119.99 value level, the Samson Q9U is by far the perfect low-cost podcast microphone you’ll discover.
Nevertheless, when you’re on a very tight price range, any of the lower-priced low-cost podcast microphones right here on this checklist may even work simply fantastic as introductory podcasting mics. You may all the time improve your gear as your podcast grows.
Professional tip: Don’t spend too lengthy evaluating all of the completely different choices for reasonable podcasting microphones. For many podcast necessities, any mic on this checklist will do a unbelievable job. Simply decide one you want that matches your price range, and get to the true enjoyable… recording your content material!
After that, you’ll need to select a podcast hosting platform to share your podcast with the world—and also you’ll be effectively in your technique to starting your podcast. Watch out although, you’ll quickly be contemplating the questions of blogging vs podcasting and even having a blog vs YouTube channel.
Able to Begin Your Podcast?
Try my final information: How to Start a Podcast (and Make Money) Today.
