After you have decided to start a podcast, one of the first considerations you will need to make is which microphone to purchase. Here is my guide to the best inexpensive podcast mics that can be purchased for less than one hundred dollars in today’s market.
Suppose you are looking forward to launching your podcast on a modest budget. In that case, the podcast microphone recommendations people give you at the beginning of your journey are unrealistic. Most rookie podcasters only have the financial means to invest $500 in a microphone to record podcast episodes.
What’s the upbeat report? There is a large selection of low-cost podcast mics available on the market today, all of which are capable of recording audio of high quality and suitable for use in podcasts.
In this article, I will evaluate 13 of the most effective low-cost podcast mics that connect through USB, 11 of which are priced at less than one hundred dollars.
List Of Best Cheap Podcast Microphones
Let’s jump right in, shall we? I’ve made it a point to select affordable podcast microphones (except two, which cost less than $100) that ensure sound quality and value for the money. If you want to start a podcast, check out my recommendations below.
Samson Q2U USB Recording Microphone & Podcasting Pack ($59.99)
The Samson Q2U is the best podcast microphone for under $100 since you get an excellent microphone and a complete set of accessories for your podcasting needs at a very reasonable price.
Unlike the other microphones on this list, it is not a condenser but a dynamic microphone. It’s a great way to save money without sacrificing quality when recording podcast episodes. And it can be easily packed away for transport.
Aside from the speedy USB connection for plug-and-play audio recording, you also have an XLR output option, allowing you to utilize it with an audio interface should you ever desire to level up your podcasting rig. This inexpensive podcast microphone is excellent since it can be upgraded as your podcast’s popularity increases.
The cardioid pickup pattern of this microphone makes it a top selection for podcasting since it isolates the speaker’s sound from any extraneous noise.
The Samson Q2U is an excellent podcasting microphone from a respected manufacturer that won’t break the bank at a price of less than $100. Give this one a shot if you haven’t decided which mic you want to use and are ready to start testing.
Rode NT-USB Mini Podcasting Microphone ($99.99)
The Rode NT-USB Mini is the best condenser microphone we’ve tested. Tiny in size, it holds its own. The craftsmanship is excellent, and it holds up well over time. It’s usage in video recordings, where it won’t be too distracting.
This one will leave you with little change from $100, but it’s well worth it if you can afford it.
The “pops” of plosive sounds like Ps and Bs are eliminated by the built-in pop filter, resulting in more transparent audio.
The mic has a jack for headphones, so you can listen to the output to fix any problems or ensure you have the mic set up correctly. Its cardioid polar pattern restricts its use with a single sound source.
Razer Seiren X Podcast Microphone ($59.99)
The Razer Seiren excels at live broadcasting but may also be used as a podcasting microphone. Because of its low price and adaptability, it is one of the best budget podcasting mics on the market. Also, this super-cardioid polar pattern condenser mic eliminates mechanical noise from your computers, such as mouse clicks and keyboard taps.
The microphone may be instantaneously muted by pressing a button on its front, and a convenient light shows whether it is muted.
This podcasting microphone is shock-proof so that it won’t pick up unwanted noise from your work surface. Alternatively, you may attach it to a microphone arm.
Finally, the mic can be rotated to change its angle, but the height is fixed.
Samson Meteor Budget Podcast Microphone ($49.99)
The sleek and stylish Samson Meteor Mic has a throwback design that will look excellent on any workstation. It weighs only 0.57 pounds and can be stored compactly when its legs are folded in. There is a carrying pouch and a lengthy USB cable provided.
Whether you’re recording a podcast or a Livestream, you’ll appreciate the high-quality sound and responsive controls, including the mute button and indication.
Headphones may be plugged in quickly and efficiently to check the quality of the recording as it is being made.
AudioPro Computer Condenser Microphone ($44.95)
An inexpensive condenser microphone that works well for podcasting is the AudioPro Computer Condenser Mic.
You may adjust its angle of view in any direction because of its 360-degree rotation. This podcasting microphone’s carotid pickup pattern allows it to pick up sounds from in front of it. All that’s needed is a simple plug-in for immediate use.
A USB-C cable and a longer USB cable are included with the microphone so that it may be used with an Android phone or another USB-C device. A pop filter is also provided for the dreaded plosive Ps.
There are controls on the front of the mic that let you mute it, change the gain, and alter the volume if you’re using headphones.
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F.A.Q
Is a USB mic good for podcasting?
Podcast hosts should invest in a USB microphone because it is exceptionally useful. They are simple to use even while on the move and compatible with a wide range of operating systems and types of electronic devices. If you want to record high-quality audio for your podcast, many different kinds of USB mics are available on the market.
What type of microphone is best for podcasts?
A condenser microphone will capture the fullness of your vocals when used for podcasts recorded in a studio; however, you should be aware that these mics tend to pick up more ambient noise. A dynamic microphone is the one to choose when you anticipate a lot of background noise or when you want to record outside.
Is a USB or 3.5 mm microphone better?
The quality of a 3.5 mm microphone is superior to that of a device that uses a USB connection. Your voice will have a bright and distinct quality. A sound card with features such as special effects can be utilized to its full potential by using a microphone with a 3.5 mm jack. Few reports of la atency problems associated with the 3.5 mm device have been reported.
