12 Best podcast microphones in 2023
Podcasts are one of the most consumed content formats today. However, to have an audience, in addition to content that interests your viewers and a good app to do live streaming, the sound quality needs to be up to par. Therefore, quality podcast microphones are indispensable for anyone who is starting in this universe or wants to improve the quality of their transmissions. Even for those using podcasting tools like Buzzprout or Descript, a good microphone is essential.
Whether to do a podcast or to live stream on any platform you want, there are several microphones that deliver good sound quality. We can highlight some models among the most recommended:
- TONOR Q9 (the best design)
- Fifine T669 (the cheapest)
- Fifine K658 (the best cost-benefit)
- Shure SM7B (the most expensive)
In this article, we’ll help you choose the right microphone for your podcast, with a selection of the 12 best podcast microphones available on the market. Regardless of your budget, there’s a mic on this list for you.
What microphone to choose for a podcast?
There are many types of microphones, each geared towards a specific pickup application. Some work best in noisy environments, while others focus on sound fidelity. For podcasts, the main types of microphones to consider are condenser and dynamic mics.
Condenser microphones are often recognized for their superior ability to capture sound. This type of microphone is the most used in radio and TV stations, recording studios, and of course, also in podcasts. However, they are extremely sensitive and are not meant to work in noisy environments, as they tend to pick up all the sounds around them.
Dynamic microphones are the battle tanks of this segment. Their robustness makes them capable of operating in environments with a high level of noise, in addition to withstanding adverse conditions such as drops and splashes of rain or sweat. They’re also capable of handling high sound pressures, which means they won’t distort the sound if you raise your voice or give a sudden shout. These features make dynamic microphones the most popular option for podcast microphones around the world.
What are the best microphones to do a podcast?
Currently, there are several models of microphones on the market recommended for use in podcasts, but choosing the best one among them may not be such a simple task. The reason for this is that choosing the ideal microphone for each person depends on some criteria such as price, brand, features, and sound quality.
To help you with this choice, we have selected the best microphones for podcasts, where you will find everything from the most cost-effective options to models considered to be of professional standard. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 12 best microphones for podcasts, so you’ll have clean, quality audio in your recordings and broadcasts.
1. SUDOTACK
Starting our selection of the best podcast microphones, we have the SUDOTACK, a professional microphone that combines design with functionality. With a mute button, LED indicator, and volume adjustment, it gives you complete control over your podcast broadcast. In addition, it is equipped with noise-reduction technology to ensure clear and uninterrupted audio.
Ease of use is another outstanding feature of the SUDOTACK. Thanks to its plug-and-play nature, it is compatible with computers, laptops, and most operating systems, making it a practical choice for many situations. Equipped with a 24-bit/196 kHz sampling rate, the SUDOTACK delivers crystal-clear vocal performance, perfect for podcast broadcasts.
For easy position adjustment, this microphone kit comes with an adjustable microphone arm mount and a shock mount. This allows you to freely adjust the microphone to a suitable position and get the best sound pickup.
2. Blue Yeticaster
The Blue Yeticaster is the ultimate solution to professionalize your podcast. This USB condenser microphone comes with Radius III support to attenuate ambient noise, shocks, and vibrations, and the Compass adjustable microphone arm provides an out-of-the-box setup. Also noteworthy is the fact that its Compass mic arm features hand-tightened friction hinges for smooth, quiet operation.
The Yeticaster microphone is famous for its proprietary three-capsule technology that enables four distinct pickup patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo. This flexibility allows you to record and stream with the quality and versatility of multiple microphones, all in one device.
In addition, the Blue Yeticaster incorporates a mute button and a zero-latency headphone output for high-precision audio control. Plug and play design makes it Mac and PC compatible, providing easy installation.
3. Shure MV7X
Continuing our list of the best podcast microphones, we present the Shure MV7X, a professional-grade dynamic microphone that has become a frequent choice for many top podcasters and is easily recognized in several podcasts on Youtube. Its main feature is accurate voice capture, providing impeccable sound, and portraying the podcaster’s voice in a very realistic way.
This microphone from Shure comes with a vocal isolation feature, which concentrates on capturing only the voice, discarding background noise. This feature makes it a perfect option for recording in environments where noise is constant. The MV7X’s design is robust, with a metal finish, adjustable stand, and 5/8″ to 3/8″ thread adapters, making it compatible with most microphone stands on the market.
However, like most professional microphones, the Shure MV7X uses an XLR connection instead of a USB. This connection allows for direct integration with any professional audio interface.
If you’re just starting out and want to succeed in the world of podcasts, check out these 21 tips for beginners on how to do successful live streams.
4. TONOR Q9
The TONOR Q9 is a microphone with excellent sound quality, perfect for those who are starting in the world of podcasts. Equipped with a large sensitive 16 mm diaphragm and working in a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, it is capable of capturing every nuance of your voice and recording high-quality sound.
This microphone adopts a cardioid polar pattern, effectively eliminating background noise and ensuring clean, crisp audio capture. With it, mechanical and breathing noises are also eliminated, delivering a clear sound to your podcast viewers. Furthermore, thanks to its metal shock mount and pop filter, the Q9 minimizes the impact of external factors on the recording, providing a perfect sound experience even in less-than-ideal environments.
In addition to being plug-and-play and compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, the Q9 is user-friendly even for those just starting out in the world of podcasts. You just need to connect the cable to the microphone and insert the other end into your computer. In moments, the Q9 is recognized and ready to use.
5. Audio-Technica AT2040
The Audio-Technica AT2040 is a dynamic microphone that delivers professional sound for podcasts and other content creation formats. Its large diaphragm has the ability to deliver smooth, natural sound with minimal noise.
The multi-stage foam mesh filter included with the AT2040 provides superior internal filtration for high-quality sound pickup. It has the ability to reduce the pickup of sounds from the sides and rear of the microphone, resulting in superior vocal isolation, which allows you to use multiple AT2040 microphones close to each other without problems.
In addition to the microphone, you will receive a swivel mount, a threaded adapter that allows conversion from 5/8″-27″ to 3/8″-16, and a soft protective pouch for easy transport and storage of your microphone.
6. FIFINET669
Next up in our selection of the best podcast microphones is the FIFINE T669, a high-performance USB condenser microphone that delivers excellent sound quality and robustness. Ideal for podcasting applications, this microphone comes ready to use. With it, you can connect directly to your PC or laptop, without the need for additional hardware. However, the T669 is incompatible with Xbox and mobile phones.
The FIFINE T669’s cardioid condenser capsule offers a wide spectrum of frequency response, handling high sound pressure levels with ease. The kit includes a desktop mic arm mount and an 8-foot USB cable.
In addition, the Double Pop filter, with two layers of dissipation, helps to remove the air pressure caused by the sudden increase in voice volume, thus minimizing the popping sounds that can compromise the quality of your transmissions.
Also check out the 12 best headphones for streamers, live streaming, and podcasts!
7. Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B microphone is a global reference in the world of podcasts, recognized as one of the best microphones for this purpose. Despite being the darling of modern podcasters, the Shure SM7B has a long history, having been released in 1976.
This is a cardioid polar pattern dynamic microphone known for delivering professional quality sound with an incredibly clean and accurate frequency response perfect for the human voice. The Shure SM7B is designed to reject off-axis sounds, featuring controls that allow you to reduce bass and emphasize mids, as well as a shielding system against frequency interference. Its connection is via 3-pin XLR, the standard of the best professional microphones.
One of the main features of the Shure SM7B is the internal shock isolation system and pop filter, which together eliminate mechanical and breath noise, resulting in a clean and natural sound. Easy to assemble thanks to its adjustable stand, this mic is a frequent choice for podcast studios.
8. FIFINE K658
The FIFINE K658 is a USB dynamic microphone that features a 16-bit, 48 kHz sampling rate that improves vocal intelligibility and reproduction of the podcaster’s original voice. Its cardioid pattern effectively minimizes ambient noises such as a fan or an air conditioning system.
The mic features a soft-touch mute button that lets you instantly mute the mic during the podcast, without any audible noise. The built-in LED indicates microphone status, even in the dark, and a generous gain control provides fine adjustment for microphone volume.
The FIFINE K658 is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and PlayStation systems, however, it is not compatible with Xbox. It connects to your computer or game console via a high-speed USB-C to USB-A connection and starts working right away. The FIFINE K658 package includes a shock mount, a screw adapter, a metal ring, a 2.5-meter dynamic microphone USB cable, and a user manual.
9. BOYA BY-M1000
Moving forward with our list of the best podcast microphones, we present the BOYA BY-M1000 microphone, a high-quality audio solution for podcasts. Designed with a 34mm/1.3-inch diaphragm, this microphone features an all-metal frame that mounts to a 5/8-inch arm mount.
One of the main highlights of the BY-M1000 is the three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. This feature lets you handle all kinds of recording situations. The model also comes with a pop filter to help reduce unwanted noise during recording.
This microphone features a 150Hz low-cut filter switch, which is capable of eliminating low-frequency rumble and other unwanted sounds. In addition, the 0dB / -10dB switch helps to reduce the pickup sensitivity and output impedance of the condenser microphone, allowing for cleaner and more accurate recording. It uses standard 24V or 48V Phantom power and XLR connection.
Haven’t bought the headphones for your podcast yet? So get to know these 16 tips to choose a good headphone.
10. Aokeo Mc6
The Aokeo MC6 is a condenser microphone with a retro design and a host of cool features. Requiring an external power supply, this microphone is designed to be used with a 48V Phantom source. The Aokeo MC6 delivers professional sound thanks to its low-noise FET capsule preamp that delivers a warm, natural sound.
The Aokeo MC6 features a cardioid polar pattern, which has excellent off-axis sound suppression capabilities. This helps reduce sound pickup from the side and rear, effectively eliminating background noise. This characteristic makes it ideal for podcasts, being able to work next to other microphones.
This microphone comes with the AK-38 lift arm. Made of durable steel, this stand includes a table clamp with a 4x larger contact area, allowing it to be easily attached to any table up to 60mm thick.
11. FIFINE K688
Continuing with our selection of the best podcast microphones, we have the FIFINE K688. This dynamic microphone was specifically designed for podcasts, combining durability with impressive sound quality that preserves audio authenticity without distortion. Its cardioid polar pattern helps reduce background noise, while the XLR interface improves the spatial awareness of the audio for listeners.
Extremely versatile, the FIFINE K688 features both USB and XLR connections, facilitating quick recordings via direct connection to a computer or laptop. It even offers features such as an easy-to-access mute button and gain control, allowing quick adjustments to recording volume without the need to change software settings.
Equipped with a real-time monitoring feature and headphone volume control, the FIFINE K688 is perfect for high-end podcast broadcasts. The mic comes with a pop filter to attenuate the impact of air pressure, as well as a shock mount to minimize low-frequency vibrations and mechanical noise. These features together ensure powerful, clean, and superior audio.
12. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Rounding off our selection of the best microphones for podcasts, we have the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, which despite having a USB connection is considered professional-grade. It’s designed to accurately capture the voice of the podcaster, including features like a headphone jack, volume control, and mix adjustment to balance mic pickup and pre-recorded audio.
This microphone adopts the cardioid polar pattern, ensuring the exceptional rejection of unwanted noise. Its analog-to-digital converter works with a sampling rate of 16 bits, 44.1/48 kHz, providing high-definition sound reproduction. The AT2020USB+’s design is clean and professional, an Audio-Technica standard.
The AT2020USB+ includes an internal headphone amplifier and is compatible with both Windows and MacOS operating systems.
What is the best mic for podcasting?
The best microphone to use for podcasts is the Shure SM7B. This model has become a worldwide standard used by the best podcasts. To get an idea of the reputation of the Shure SM7B in the market, the biggest podcasts around the world currently use this model in their broadcasts.
What are the best microphones for voice?
The best microphones for vocals are the Shure SM7B, Shure MV7X, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, and Audio-Technica AT2040. These four models are manufactured by Shure and Audio-Technica, reference companies in the field of professional audio. Because of this, they are the best in the market for voice.
What are the best podcast mic brands?
The Shure, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, AKG and Neumann brands are the market leaders in the professional audio segment and their models are unlikely to disappoint you. They are considered to be of the highest standard in terms of quality and construction, with microphone models built to last for decades.
What type of microphone makes human voice the most beautiful for podcasts?
Dynamic and condenser podcast microphones specialize in picking up the human voice. The first type stands out for its durability and for withstanding high sound pressures, being the most suitable for podcasts. Condenser microphones, on the other hand, deliver the best sound quality for the voice, but are more sensitive.
What is the best microphone in the world?
The best microphone in the world is from the German brand Neumann, model U87. Although it was first introduced in 1967, no microphone has ever surpassed this microphone’s incredible sound quality. It is a condenser type with a giant diaphragm that reproduces the human voice as it is. Its only “defect” is the price, costing over 3 thousand dollars – just the microphone, without any accessories.
