The Best Budget Professional Podcast Microphones Under $100

Audio quality plays an important role for producing a quality podcast, which makes picking a professional microphone a big deal for your podcasting. There are numerous mics for podcasting, however, the best podcast microphone for you isn’t always the most expensive one. Choosing the right one is what that matters, which means you need to take into account your podcast format, budget, preferences and to be well informed about the podcast mics.

Shopping around online hunting for the best budget professional podcast mic but feel overwhelmed with all the options in the market and confused about which one to choose?  We’ve outlined the following list of budget professional microphones under $100 for podcasting to help you weigh up your options.

Before diving into the list, it’s important to consider which type of microphone is suitable for recording your own audio.

Dynamic vs. Condenser: Dynamic mics are usually more focused with a cleaner recording, while condenser mics have a higher output level and are more sensitive to sub-par environment with a better response to high frequencies. If you’re in a noisy environment or plan to record louder sounds, a dynamic mic is a better choice. However, when it comes to studio recording or vocals, a condenser mic is preferred.

USB vs. XLR: USB works just by being plugged into the USB port of your laptop or phone, while XLR requires additional power sources.

1. MAONO PM422 -The Best Budget Professional Podcast USB Microphones - $87.99

MAONO PM422 is a cardioid USB condenser mic that comes with a complete kit including a boom arm, a table clamp, a shock mount, a foam covering, a pop filter, and the USB cable at a $95 price - well-worth your budget. With a flat frequency response of 20Hz-20kH and delivers a rich, full-bodied sound, it is well-suited to podcasting and sound reproduction. Besides zero-latency monitoring by simply plugging your headphone into the mic jack, it also features a touch key mute and hardware gain knob.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality
• Plug and play
• Quickly touch mute
• Hardware gain knob
• Lots of accessories included

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Samson Q2U is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern that supports both USB and XLR connectors. Along with the microphone, it comes with an extendable desktop stand, a mic clip, a pop-filter and the USB and XLR cables. Its audio output sound quality is good for its price and does a great job at rejecting off-axis noise. It basically includes everything that a beginner needs to start your own podcasting.

Pros

• Dynamic mic with cardioid polar pattern
• USB/XRL connectivity
• Great Sound quality
• Handheld or desktop operation
• Lots of included accessories

Cons

• No shock mount included
• Lacks USB-C

MXL 770 is a small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that features a warm and balanced sound and 30Hz-20kHz frequency response, making it a great option for recording vocals and music. Made with durable metal finish, it also has a black and gold fashionable design.

Pros

• User-friendly
• Sound quality
• Sensitive and versatile
• Fashionable design with durable quality

Cons

• Concern over its long-term durability
• Background noises
• The quality of the shock mount

Manufactured with removable grille and metal construction, Shure SM58 is a XLR dynamic microphone with a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 15 kHz and equipped with a shock mount system and built-in pop filter to effectively reduce background noises, which is ideal for especially for live performances.

Pros

• Dynamic mic
• Durability
• Warm and consistent sound
• Cardioid pickup pattern
• Shock amount included

Cons

• Not good enough for studio recording

Blue Yeti USB Mic is a well-built USB dynamic mic with a combination of affordable price, quality and performance. It is easy to use, offers a high-quality crisp sound and supports real-time monitoring with its built-in volume knob. Being able to switch between four polar patterns including cardioid, omnidirectional and directional, it is a great USB podcast microphone suitable for a single or multi-people podcast.

Pros

• Dynamic mic
• Plug-and-play
• Excellent sound quality
• Built-in gain control and volume knob
• Fourpolar patterns

Cons

• XLR connectivity not available
• No pop filter included