4 of the best budget Podcast microphones and one you must avoid
No one wants to spend big on a podcast microphone, especially if you’re a beginner. There are some great mics available for under 100 euro/dollars.
Here are my recommendations on the best podcast microphones that tick the box for budget, value, ease of use and audio quality. I’ve recorded and embedded a mic test with playback of each so you can listen for yourself.
First thing’s first, never record a Podcast without a mic or use an inbuilt mic on a mac, laptop or webcam. If you’re serious about Podcasting this is a massive pitfall. Below is what it sounds like, take a listen and compare it to any of the other samples I’ve recorded with budget podcast microphones:
You don’t have to spend big money on Podcast microphones. The most expensive is not necessarily the right option for you. A cheap podcast microphone can sometimes be a better choice.
Let’s start with the most inexpensive podcast microphone of the four I have listed…
Headset, Multi-Use USB Headset - at under 30 euro/dollars this mic is amazing value.
This set available from amazon is the exact same build with a different brand name, it works just as good:
AMAZON UK LINK
AMAZON US LINK
See the video below where both speakers use this mic. It really creates a professional sound, making it PERFECT for beginners, or for sending to guests to ensure you get top quality from them:
Check out this episode of the UX Institute Podcast in which the guest uses this mic:
Not the most glamorous, but a headset podcast microphone should not be overlooked. Headset mics make for a good podcast microphone, especially for beginners. Here is some additional reading on why headset mics make for an excellent budget podcast microphone.
With a headset mic, you can spend as little as $30 or €40 you will be ready to podcast!
They do cut frequencies out of the signal but it will give you very clear audio and no matter where your head goes the mic follows so it’s an incredibly consistent sound.
This is a very safe, affordable option which is infinitely better than using the built-in mic on your laptop or desktop.
This is the best headset mic for podcasting that I’ve found. Keep your mouth about a finger length away from this mic and it sounds great!
Consider this if:
You will be recording a podcast at multiple locations
You are a podcast beginner with little experience using microphones
Your room is untreated, big, empty and/or noisy
You want versatility and the ability to move your head and body around naturally
You want a microphone that doesn’t require any additional purchases like mic arms or headphones
You are recording video and don’t want a big microphone obstructing the video
Cons:
The sound is lower quality than all of the below
If it’s too close to your mouth, it will sound very plosive (it’s very easy to adjust to avoid that)
Samson Pro Q2U – approx. $90
This is my go-to recommendation for the best dynamic podcast microphone you will find. It will do the job for any podcast and it’s affordable at under 100 euro or dollars.
I actually recommend this above the 2 more expensive mics below due to their flexibility and great sound in an untreated room.
As you will hear from the mic test playback, it has a bit more depth and body compared to the headset mic recording.
This dynamic microphone may be more suitable if your room is untreated or you are recording in different locations. A dynamic microphone is very good at picking up the voice but rejecting the room sounds, they are also more affordable and durable than condensers.
It comes with a stand but depending on the level your desk is at, it may be worth purchasing an arm to clamp to your desk at home, which will give more flexibility. You could buy 2 of these and have yourself a mobile or home recording studio that will sound great.
Consider this if:
You will be recording a podcast in multiple locations
Your record a podcast in a room that is untreated
cons:
The sound is not as crisp as a condenser microphone (a little EQ can fix that)
The stand that it comes with isn’t flexible so you may need to lean into the microphone when speaking
If your mouth is too far away from it, it will sound bad
The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is another great option and of similar standard and quality to the Samson Q2U.
Shure SM58 (also needs Interface) approx. $150
My favourite microphone for the price. I absolutely love the sound off the Shure SM58 and it’s so versatile and robust, it will work in ANY room and sound amazing as long as you keep it about 2 inches away from your mouth.
You will also need a USB audio interface like this to plug the mic into.
Consider this if:
You want studio-quality audio
You are prepared that your head will need to consistently be a fist length away from the mic for good results
cons:
A little bit more complicated to set up compared to USB
This mic contains no pop or windshield so can give a lot of plosives, it would be worth buying a cheap pop shield.
Rode NT USB – approx £130 /€155
As used on the Building Better Cultures Podcast
Very similar to the above with the addition of a direct headphone input and monitor controls and an in-built pop shield. One of the best condenser mics on the market, the sound is crisp and rich. If used in the correct setting, with good microphone technique it can make you sound like a pro.
This is a popular choice with broadcasters, voice-over artists and podcasters. It comes with a mini stand so you can set it up easily although it may be worth investing in a mic arm so that you can put the mic at the perfect height for you.
Consider this if:
You are recording a podcast in a small room
You want top-quality audio sound
You want to upgrade from a cheaper/lower quality podcast microphone
Be aware that:
You will need to be close to this mic at all times for good sound, roughly a fist length away.
Ideally, you should be recording your podcast in a small room with soft furnishing or this mic will pick up some roominess and noise (the sample above is in an untreated room but still sounds great!)
This microphone is quite large and delicate so should not be moved around to multiple locations
A popular budget Podcast microphone you should avoid
A lot of beginners go for a Blue Yeti because they are cleverly marketed as budget podcast microphones, the stand they come with make them awkward and rigid for recording a voice. In my experience, they typically deliver poor results. In this article, I will share cheaper podcast microphones with far better results.
Before choosing it’s really important to consider how and where you record your podcast. Contact me and I will give you a free consultation on choosing the right podcast microphone for you.
Do you want to learn how to start Podcasting?
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