HOW TO PICK THE BEST PODCAST MICROPHONE

So you want to start, or upgrade, your podcast. The first thing to get right is a quality microphone. But how do you know which is the right one for you? There are numerous podcast microphones out there, and the best ones vary depending on your needs.

This guide recommends some of the best podcast microphones for both newbie creators and pros. We’ll walk you through all the factors to consider when choosing a podcast microphone, from budget and quality to portability.

How much is a podcast microphone?

Podcast microphones can cost anything up to around $5,000. However, you’ll find a good range of quality mics between $70 and $500.

Joby offers a range of microphones and accessories designed for vloggers, YouTubers and podcasters. Their Wave POD condenser microphone is designed specifically for podcasters and is ready to plug and play so you can start streaming immediately. 

 

What’s the best budget podcast microphone?

There are lots of great budget podcast microphones, including the Samson Q2U. At approximately $70, it’s one of the best budget podcast microphones, and it’ll be higher quality than your computer’s internal microphone or a cheap headset mic.

This podcast microphone allows for XLR and USB connection, making it a versatile choice. You can plug it straight into your computer and record using your podcast software.

 

What’s the best microphone for a podcast by a personal creator?

If you’re an amateur personal creator, try one of these recommendations:

• Best podcast microphone for quality: The Blue Yeti is fantastic for audio quality. This mic offers four pick-up patterns and a range of audio controls. It’s a trusty, cost-effective choice at around $85.

• Best podcast microphone for multiple guests: The HyperX QuadCast is omnidirectional and bidirectional. This means it’s easy to share the microphone with guests rather than having to invest in multiple mics. These are available at approximately $105.

• Best podcast microphone for ease of use: The ATR 2100x is a great option for podcast beginners. It doesn’t have confusing features, just a simple on/off switch. The mic works with both Windows and Mac and features a headphone jack. This option will cost around $80.

• Best podcast microphone for portability: The RØDE SmartLav+ will fit in your pocket, ideal for capturing interviews when out and about. It’s a lavalier (tie-clip) mic designed for smartphones, and it’s only around $80.

(All prices are correct at certain retailers as of November 2024.)

 

What's the best microphone for a podcast by a pro creator?

If you're a professional personal creator, try one of these recommendations:

• Best podcast microphone for quality: The Shure SM7B represents a gold standard in recording. Think clean audio with no background noise, including the electromagnetic hum of your computer. These higher-budget mics are approximately $360.

• Best podcast microphone for multiple guests: Another Shure option, the MX396 can sit in different table positions. This makes it ideal for interviews with multiple guests. It’s available at around $500.

• Best podcast microphone for ease of use: The RØDE PodMic USB offers the simplicity of a single USB connection. It’s compatible with iOS and Android devices, PCs, and Mac computers. It also comes with an internal pop filter (no need to buy one separately). Not to mention an easily accessible headphone jack with headphone volume control. You can get one for roughly $200.

• Best podcast microphone for portability: The RØDE Interview Pro is a wireless, easy-to-carry mic that’s ideal for recording at events and conferences. They cost approximately $250.

(All prices are correct at certain retailers as of November 2024.)

 

What other podcast equipment do creators need?

Once you've chosen your microphone, you'll need a few other pieces of podcast equipment:

• A recoding device: You'll need a computer or smartphone to record and store your audio files.

• Headphones: A good pair will make editing easier as you'll be able to hear every sound and adjust as necessary. It's also likely that many of your followers will listen through headphones, so you'' get to hear your audio exactly as they will.

• A pop filter: This thin fabric sits over your podcast microphone to soften plosives. These are the 'p' and 'b' sounds that can sound harsh in a recording. Make sure you choose the right-size pop filter for your mic. Nylon ones tend to be cheaper, but mesh ones tend to last longer.

• Windscreen: This foam cover will protect your podcast microphone if you need to record outside. It's like a pop filter but reduces outdoor sounds like wind and traffic.

• Mixer: This small tool will let you combine several audio inputs, ideal if you want to feature multiple guests.

• Editing software: Podcast editing software will allow you to cut out mistakes and layer in music and sound effects. There are free options like Audacity and paid ones with extra features, such as recording with seperate microphones.

• A music and SFX subscription: Bring your podcast to life with feel-good background music and sound effects. No podcast is complete without these.

 

Get your music and SFX subscription

Explore our music for creators to find a broad range of sound effects and background music for your podcast.

We offer two plans for creators. Our Creator subscription is ideal for personal use, offering unlimited downloads, over 50,000 tracks, and over 200,000 SFX. Our Creator Pro plan is ideal for freelancers. It offers everything in the Creator plan, plus commercial clearance for your client projects.