For podcasters, USB microphones are great entry-level solutions because they eliminate the need to invest in pricey mixers, preamps, and interfaces. Just connect them to your computer, and you’re on your way to recording gold. Whether you’re looking for high-resolution, flexible recording options or all-in-one mic packages, we’ll help you find the USB mic that best fits your needs and budget.
Under $50
One of the great things about USB microphones is how surprisingly affordable they are. The Samson Meteor is the perfect example of a USB mic that sounds great and won't break the bank. The Meteror is a compact USB condenser mic with a vintage-inspired aesthetic that delivers broadcast standard audio. It comes with built-in folding legs that are the ideal length for a desktop, so you don’t even need to get a separate stand. It also comes with a headphone jack, allowing you to monitor your vocals directly from the mic. There’s no driver installation required, so you can simply hook it up to your computer and get started.
If you want to go a step up, consider the Zoom ZUM-2 USB Microphone. The sound resolution is fantastic for such an affordable mic, offering 96 kHz / 24-Bit audio, which reaches the audiophile realm. It also has a supercardioid polar pattern, making it highly directional and skilled at minimizing ambient noise. In addition, you’ll find a windscreen to help avoid any pops and plosives. Finally, the Zoom ZUM-2 comes with a rotating desktop stand. Plug your headphones into the built-in jack to get honest feedback from your vocals.
Under $100
One of the best-selling USB podcast mics on the market is the RODE NT-USB Mini, and it’s probably the best performing and most reliable model in this echelon. In addition to being able to deliver Hi-Res audio, the sonic character of the microphone is warm and rich, lending gravitas to any voice. If you decide to add some talent to your podcasting team, simply add more RODE NT-USB Mini mics to the setup and seamlessly connect up to four units to a single computer.
But if aesthetics are just as important as performance, consider the Blue Yeti Nano Multi-Pattern USB Condenser Microphone, which is available in three colors. With audiophile-level sound resolution, easy plug-and-play compatibility, you can even take this mic on the road, given it works with iOS devices, like iPhones and iPads. Although it comes with a custom base, you can choose to attach it to a compatible boom arm using the integrated mounting thread. And, if you want extra control over the sound of your recordings, you can make use of the included Blue VO!CE software, which provides a range of vocal filters, effects and samples.
If you’re a particularly loud talker, try out this handsome model, also from Blue: The Blue Snowball has a -10 dB pad mode, which attenuates the output of the mic so that you don’t risk any distortion. The sound resolution may not be as impressive as the Yeti above, but it’s still CD quality, which is broadcasting standard. And it’s more affordable than the example above too.
PreSonus is one of the market leaders when it comes to professional audio equipment. And the PreSonus Revelator is not only a high-performance mic, offering 24-bit/96 kHz audio, but is also one of the most versatile options on this list. It offers 16 simple presets to make your voice radio ready, and it can all be controlled directly on the mic itself. It also has 3 recording modes that allow you to adjust the microphones pickup pattern, depending on whether you want to minimize room tone or pick up the surrounding sound or set it at a pickup setting that’s optimal for two-way interviews.
Another model that offers multiple pickup patterns is the funky-looking JOBY Wavo POD. Choose between cardioid mode, to pick up sound in front of the mic while minimizing noise behind it. And then if you want to add guests, switch the setting to on, which will pick up sound all around the mic.
USB Microphone Recording Kits Under $100
An easy way to get your first podcast studio setup is to go for an entire recording package, like the one offered by the brand, Senal. The Senal UB-440 USB Micorphone Desktop Recording Kit not only provides a solid-quality mic but also includes an isolation booth, which is usually quite an expensive piece of equipment on its own. Add to that a pop filter, stand and all mounting hardware and you’ve instantly made a huge improvement to your recording environment.
Under $200
In this price range, you can expect even better performance with a broader range of options, not only in terms of functionality, but with respect to the type of microphone technology available.
For example, if you want to try out a dynamic microphone, which is a type of mic commonly used for professional broadcasting, you could try out the RODE PodMic USB and XLR Dynamic Broadcast Microphone. This model is also a great option for those who plan to elevate their studio setup in the future; you can start by using it as a high-quality USB mic, and should you choose to add an audio-interface in the future, you can use the XLR option. It’s also one of the few dynamic microphones on this list, which should offer a more forgiving recording of your voice, while perhaps adding a little gravitas to your tone as well.
RODE also makes a fantastic condenser mic with a high-gain, low-noise preamp, the RODE NT-USB+. The headphone jack comes with adjustable volume and mix settings, while a studio-grade capsule, conveys a clear and pleasingly warm recording. Furthermore, it features a built-in DSP chip that allows the mic to process your vocals internally, thus avoiding incurring latency. And if you want to get into some advanced processing, you can take advantage of Rode’s free podcasting and streaming software–which includes a high-pass filter, noise gate for eliminating background noise and a compressor for delivering a tight and punchy sound. Finally, you’ll also have access to the Exciter and Big Bottom effect for that deep broadcast tone.
Other noteworthy microphones in this price range include the Blue Yeti, which is one of the most popular mics on the market for podcasting. It not only looks great in a studio but features multiple polar patterns for picking up sound in a number of different ways; you can record a single voice while cutting out any background noise, or switch to modes where two or more speakers can be effectively captured.
The Samson G-Track Pro is also worth a mention because it has a built-in audio interface, offering a ¼ inch instrument input. So, if you want to use the G-Track Pro as a vocal mic and lay down some guitar tracks, this all-in-one tool is a simple and great value option.
Finally, if you want to go for the most established audio brand in the world with fantastic warranty service, you can’t go wrong with Sennheiser.
Under $300
The Shure MV7+ Podast XLR/USB dynamic mic is based on one of the most popular dynamic broadcast microphones on the market, but gives you the option of USB or XLR, should you choose to add an interface to your studio setup in the future. It’s also a solid option for recording music, offering 3 types of reverb settings to bring character to your vocals. In addition, you can use the MOTIV Mix software to access settings, such as gain, EQ, limiter and more.
Also, in this price range, the most famous podcast brand gets serious. The RODE NT1 5th Generation Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR/USB Microphone offers a killer audio interface integrated into the mic, allowing you to plug directly into the computer without skimping on resolution. Or if you have your own interface, just use the XLR option. Certainly, this RODE model is one of the most talented and versatile options on this list. And as a cherry on top, you’ll find a pop filter and shockmount included in the box.
For the cutest, most portable option on this list, check out The Tula Mic Kit with a built in-recorder for when you want to take your podcast on the road. It can run on battery power when you’re out on the field or connect via USB to your laptop once you get home.
Finally, we think the RODE X XCM 50 Microphone Kit deserves your consideration. It comes with a broadcast arm which will save you the trouble of finding a compatible mic stand and allow you to get started on your podcast right away.
For more information about the USB microphones listed, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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