10 Reviews: Best Microphone for Podcasting (Apr 2024)

The Rode Smartlav+ is a smartphone-specific lavalier or tie-clip microphone that works flawlessly on any recent phone with a 3.5mm input (or a 3.5mm > lightning adaptor for new iPhones). It’s so little! You can have it in your luggage AT ALL TIMES for last-minute interviews. It still sounds excellent to me. It sounds fantastic for such a little box. Even better, the Rode Smartlav+ may be used with the SC6 adapter to connect two, yes two, microphones into a single smartphone.

I used these mics years ago in a marketing role where I gathered user testimonials with a DLSR. Fast-forward to today and I'm making a podcast. These are incredible on sound and fail to disappoint. I bought two so that I could use them during interviews.

by Cara Wagner

Gamers, in particular, have been primarily responsible for the emergence of easy plug-and-play USB microphones, thus it stands to reason that the major gaming firms are starting to flex their muscles into audio technology. The Razer Seiren X is a wonderful example; its style suggests that it’s definitely intended for a certain sort of user, but it has a lot to offer podcasters as well. The super-cardioid pickup pattern will appeal to you, and the handy adjustable base, which enabled us to locate the optimal angle for recording, is a pleasant design touch.

Sound quality is great. Packaging is top notch. The only problems are the volume knob on the mic wouldn’t work while plugged into my Mac and I wish it was usb C. I use it for podcasting and it works and sounds great. Plug and play super easy to setup and use.

by Dj rad dad

The Samson Q2U is a microphone that we often recommend for beginners. This is a really flexible little beast since it has both XLR and USB inputs. It’s also a big quality improvement over a low-cost headset microphone or your internal microphone. Because it has two outputs (XLR and USB), you can connect it straight into your computer and record to Garageband or Audacity in the early days. Alternatively, utilize the USB microphone to have an online conference call with distant guests.

Love this mic! Have a podcast @babesandboozepod and I use this mic. Sounds so professional. Highly recommend this mic. ? **It’s always sold out or on back order, so be sure to grab it when you see it available!

by Elle Rodriguez/TMP

While we often load these articles with excellent picks from well-known businesses, we are always delighted to discover high-quality selections from lesser-known producers. We were blown away by the build quality and simplicity on show when the MAONO AU-PM421 arrived in front of us one day. The PM421 is sold as part of a package that includes an adjustable boom arm and a pop filter, and it is possibly the fastest and simplest method to get a pro-studio image at home.

Amazing microphone! Absolutely love it! I use it for podcasting, streaming, and recording best purchase i ever made!

by Roberto

When it comes to condenser mics, at this price point, you can start to find some nice ones. The MXL990 can be your first condenser mic, and you’ll love it. You can utilize it for all of your recordings. It’s a shockingly fantastic deal at about $80, and it was well worth it at the time. Despite being a condenser, it performed well in a typical office setting, without taking up too much noise. So, if you have a decently quiet room and want a rich sound on a budget, this is a fantastic option.

Awesome mic! Smooth, clean, crisp vocals. I had this same one in the past, but sold it. I needed another mic for podcasting purposes and knew I HAD to get this 1 again. ????

by C DoT

The iRig Mic Studio XLR is an ultra-compact cardioid studio condenser microphone intended for use in a typical studio setup as well as for capturing professional recordings on the road with your iOS, Android, or Mac/PC. The device was designed for professional studio-quality recordings and has a high-quality unidirectional 1″ condenser-electret microphone capsule. It is a professional condenser microphone that needs 48-volt phantom power, which may be supplied by a mixer, external microphone preamplifier, or interfaces like the iRig Pro Duo, iRig Pro, or iRig Pre.

The Blue Yeti has become iconic with a variety of uses. From Twitch games to YouTube instructional, this mic is one of the most well-known, and for good reason. It’s simple to operate, produces excellent sound owing to its three condenser capsules, and is reasonably priced. Its multiple pattern selection functions are really useful. You may configure the microphone to take up sound that is directed directly into it, which is ideal for podcasting, or you can set it to pick up audio from a broader angle.

Excellent mic for podcasting and zoom meetings, finally on zoom meetings when you want to be heard you can easily turn on the gain volume and take the lead of the meeting :-)

by Ohad Israeli

As a well-known brand in audio production and recording, you can expect the Audio Technica AT2035PK to perform well in the podcasting sector. Fortunately, it does not disappoint. This cardioid-patterned condenser lowers sound pickup from the sides and rear, resulting in excellent voice isolation. It’s ideal for podcasting or streaming. A terrific beginner bundle also includes podcast-friendly headphones, a boom arm for connecting to a desk, and an XLR cable.

I am using 4 of these mics for a podcast. The audio quality is excellent. The build quality of the mic is solid. No issues so far and I don't expect there to be any given how well they are constructed. [...]

by JEREMY R SEELEY

The NT1-A is a super-low-noise XLR microphone with a surprisingly rich and full sound coming out of it. The bundle includes a shock mount and a pop filter, so all you need to complete the setup is a microphone stand and your recording equipment (either a recorder or a mixing console). If you truly want to go pro and you already have a mixer/interface to connect it to, this can be a wonderful place to start your journey!

I have used many mics over the years, this is one of the impressive mics I have ever used. It provides warm and rich sound for podcasts. Will be purchasing a second one for our studio soon.

by Michael K. Lake

The Shure SM7b is a legendary studio microphone. This is regarded highly by discriminating audiophiles as one of the best of the kind. And, sure, it lives up to the hype — it’s a fantastic microphone. Again, with the caveat that, at this stage, you should be looking about and trying things out with your own voice. Some users may discover that even the most lauded microphone does not work for them and that a lower-cost option produces the greatest sound.

I love this microphone. It will definitely be in my studio forever. It is great for podcasting and recording vocals. Everyone should have this in their studio.

by ZiYah