Top 10 Microphones for Podcasts and YouTube

If you’re looking for a great mic to use for your recording — check out my list of the 10 best microphones for podcasts and YouTube.

For podcasters, streamers, and YouTubers, you are most likely aware of how important a microphone is.

It is a must-have piece of equipment if you want to sound more natural and professional to your listeners.

Why do you need a microphone for a podcast?

Whether you’re recording for your podcast or YouTube content, a microphone is considered an essential tool for content creators.‍

In fact, if you listen to some of the most professional podcasters, you’ll notice that they all sound like they’ve been recorded well, with a consistent standard in audio quality. ‍

That’s how they gain their popularity and listeners’ loyalty because they produce high-quality recordings that attract people's attention.

I know that as a podcast artist or YouTuber, it is also a dream for you to become one of the most-ranked content creators.‍

That’s why investing in the best podcast microphone is a great stepping stone for you to provide your listeners with high-quality audio.

Who knows? You can be one of the most famous podcasters in the industry.

In this article, I’ll be featuring the top 10 best microphones to use for podcasts, streaming, and YouTube.

Just pay attention to the details, and I know that you’ll find the right podcast microphone for your needs as a creative.

Please note: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

10 Best Mics for Podcast and YouTube

1. Rode Podmic — Best overall
2. Shure MV7 — Best for podcasting
3. MAONO AU-PM421 — Best for YouTubers
4. Razer Seiren X — Best for beginners
5. Blue Snowball — Affordable option
6. Audio-Technica — Best quality
7. Rode NT-USB — Best all-in-one
8. Samson G-Track Pro —Great value
9. HyperX QuadCast — Best portable
10. Heil PR-40 — Best for professionals

How to choose a podcast microphone?

Before buying a new microphone to use for your needs as a content creator, you must first remember the things that you have to consider.

Given that we have different definitions of “best” microphones, it is still a must to check on these factors to be sure that you’ll be getting a great one for you.

1. Microphone Type
2. Connection Type
3. Polar Pattern
4. Frequency
5. Durability

And for you to have a clear understanding of why these things should be taken into consideration, here’s a further explanation:

Microphone Type

When buying a microphone for your podcast, you must remember that it comes in two kinds — dynamic and condenser.‍

The first type, which is a dynamic microphone, is best used in loud environments.‍

As the soundwaves move the coil, they are converted into an electrical signal that can be recorded.

These can be used to record a performer on stage, an interview on the street, or simply a guitar or drum kick.

On the other hand, condensers are the other type of microphone which is more popular.‍

It is perfect for you if you wish to pick up on subtleties in a voice, such as when recording a podcast or as a vocalist in a booth.

Condenser microphone usage is often far more static than dynamic microphone applications.

Due to the fact that condenser microphone capacitor plates are far more brittle than dynamic microphone capacitor plates.

Connection Type

There are two types of connection when it comes to podcast microphones — USB and XLR.‍

USB microphones are not only convenient and simple to use, but they are also less expensive than XLR microphones.

Most USB microphones have a cardioid polar pattern, which means they pick up sound from the front, making them ideal for podcasts or voiceovers.‍

However, if you want to record voice or instrumental music, or if you want a higher-quality sound for your podcast, an XLR microphone should be used.

XLR microphones are more expensive and require the purchase of an audio interface, but they often provide significantly higher audio quality than USB microphones.

Polar Pattern

The cardioid is one of the types of polar patterns and is relatively common.‍

The core term from which the pattern derives its name means “heart-shaped” in Latin, therefore these microphones pick up sound in the shape of a heart.

Another type of polar pattern that is rather prevalent is omnidirectional, which, as the name suggests, picks up sound in all directions.

There are a few more, such as super-cardioid and bidirectional, it will only depend on your preferences as a content creator.

Frequency

Not everyone knows about the importance of frequency in a microphone, that’s why here’s a further explanation.

The frequency response of a microphone relates to how well the microphone’s components can reproduce the signals it picks up.

The microphone “hears” a sound and flawlessly converts it into an electronic signal, which is then perfectly sent into the recorder.

In reality, some vibrations are lost along the route, and some information is lost before it reaches the final recording.

Durability

Just like in any other device and equipment, the durability of the microphone must be put into consideration.‍

When it comes to choosing a durable microphone, I suggest that you choose the dynamic type of mic.‍

Dynamic microphones are widely tested to be built to last.‍

It provides a great level of resiliency so you do not have to hesitate if you will benefit from it for a long period of time because I’m sure it is.

1. Rode Cardioid Dynamic

The Rode PodMic is the best XLR podcasting microphone for recording professional-quality sound.

The best overall podcast mic for artists.

YouTubers and podcasters can definitely make full use of it.

To get broadcast-quality audio, simply plug the Rode Podmic into any of your professional audio devices.

With its dynamic capsule and precise cardioid polar pattern, the Rode PodMic reduces unwanted noise from the environment.

Because of the Rode Podmic’s small size, you and your guests will be able to clearly see each other and have a good conversation.

It is made to last, so you can expect the same high level of performance from this microphone for many years to come.

If you are looking for the best podcast microphone on the market, the Rode Cardioid Dynamic PodMic is a great option.

Specifications

Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Type: Dynamic

Pros

1. Great Sound
2. High-quality build
3. Affordable

Cons

1. No stand included
2. Not ideal for beginners

Buy Rode Cardioid Dynamic PodMic on Amazon

2. Shure MV7 USB

If you’re doing podcasting and are looking for the perfect microphone for your recordings, this one is for you.

The best USB podcast microphone.

The Shure MV7’s optimized frequency response allows for a rich and realistic-sounding vocal recording.

Using the built-in headphone output, you can listen to your recordings through headphones.

It is not only for podcasters, YouTubers and streamers can also benefit from its high-quality features.

The Shure MV7 is built with all-metal materials, which provides outstanding durability.

‍It is also easy to set up and use, so it is recommended not only for professionals but also for beginners.

If you are looking for the best USB podcast microphone, the Shure MV7 USB is probably one of the best options for you.

Specifications

Connection: USB, XLR
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Type: Dynamic
Inclusions: Microphone, cables

Pros

1. Luxurious design
2. Nice range of sound
3. Versatile

Cons

1. No stand
2. Expensive

Buy Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone on Amazon

3. MAONO AU-PM421 Mic

If you’re a YouTube content creator and are looking for the best suitable mic for your needs, check out the MAONO AU-PM421.

The best low-cost podcast microphone.

It has a special feature wherein you can speak too low or too far away from the mic, yet the sound quality is still great.

The MAONO AU-PM421’s cardioid pickup reduces background noise interference so that you can produce better recordings.

‍It is also compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and PlayStation 4 systems.

You don’t need to buy extra driver software, and there is no need for an external sound card.

It includes a flexible and sturdy arm stand, which is tested to be durable and easy to set up.

If you are looking for the best cheap podcast microphones to choose from, I bet the MAONO AU-PM421 Professional Microphone will suit your needs and preferences.

‍‍Specifications

Connection: USB
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Type: Condenser
Inclusions: Microphone, pop filter, foam windscreen, shock mount

Pros

1. Great build
2. One-touch muted button
3. Mic gain knob

Cons

1. Not an effective shock mount
2. Poor boom arm

Buy MAONO AU-PM421 Professional Microphone on Amazon

4. Razer Seiren X USB Mic

If you’re just a beginner podcaster or YouTuber and cannot afford to buy a professional mic yet, the Razer Seiren is a good choice for you.

The best podcast microphone for beginners.

Not only is this microphone very affordable, but it can allow you to record your content with great sound. ‍

Razer Seiren X is designed and tested by professional streamers to provide good sound quality on your recordings.

You can actually start your career as a podcaster or YouTuber without spending a lot of money upfront.

‍Professional-grade stream audio may be achieved with the use of Razer Seiren X, which has built-in background noise reduction.

It also has a built-in shock mount that reduces vibrations to provide you with smooth and uninterrupted audio.

‍So if you have a passion for creating podcasts or YouTube content, the Razer Seiren X USB Microphone is the best podcast mic for beginners like you.

Specifications

Connection: USB
Polar Pattern: Super-cardioid
Type: Condenser
Inclusions: Microphone, stand

Pros

1. Affordable
2. High-end build
3. Compact

Cons

1. Poor noise reduction
2. Subtle cranking

Buy Razer Seiren X USB Microphone on Amazon

5. Blue Snowball ICE USB Mic

If you’re looking for the best budget microphone for podcasting with great performance, Blue Snowball is the best choice.

The most affordable microphone for content creators.

When doing podcasting and YouTube content, you are not required to spend money that is outside of your budget.

You just have to choose wisely because there are a lot of options on the market today, like this Blue Snowball.

It contains a unique condenser capsule that can help you get crystal-clear audio quality that’s light-years ahead of your computer’s built-in microphone.

This microphone can record your voice in a clear, concentrated manner for streaming, podcasting, broadcasting, and YouTube recording.

The Blue Snowball’s adjustable stand allows you to place the condenser mic in relation to the sound source for the best broadcast configuration.

If you are looking for a small but affordable microphone for podcasting, choose the Blue Snowball ICE USB Microphone.

Specifications

Connection: USB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Type: Condenser
Inclusions: Microphone, stand

Pros

1. Affordable
2. High quality
3. Continent

Cons

1. Poor noise reduction
2. Not adjustable

Buy Blue Snowball ICE USB Microphone on Amazon

6. Audio-Technica AT2035PK Mic

If you’re aiming for the best quality microphone for podcasts, streams, and YouTube, Audio-Technica is the perfect mic for you.

The best quality podcast microphones for creatives.

This is intended for streamers, podcasters, and other content creators who want a versatile and simple microphone system.‍

Audio-Technica has an advanced build quality that is perfect for long-term use.

Additionally, the Audio-Technica has a custom shock mount that provides higher isolation for a better recording experience.

The Audio-Technica mic has been tuned for improved low-frequency performance and is ideal for use with podcasts and streams.

It also incorporates noise-canceling curves around the ears for superior sound isolation in noisy conditions.

If you are looking for the best dynamic microphone for podcasting, look no further and try the Audio-Technica AT2035PK Microphone.

Specifications

Connection: USB, XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Type: Condenser
Inclusions: Microphone, stand, wires

Pros

1. Great quality
2. Kit is useful
3. Outstanding audio quality

Cons

1. Poor stand
2. Expensive

Buy Audio-Technica AT2035PK Microphone on Amazon

7. Rode NT-USB Versatile Mic

If you’re looking for the best multi-functioning microphone available today, the Rode NT-USB is the perfect option for you.

The best all-in-one mic for podcasts and YouTube.

This microphone is a highly adaptable microphone that may be used to record any type of vocal with any major recording application.

Fortunately, the Rode NT-USB has a high level of sensitivity, so you can prevent throat pain by speaking loudly while recording.

A high-quality pop filter is provided, which attaches to the base of the mic to reduce plosives while recording.

It works with Rode Rec, Garage Band, and any other recording tool that takes an external microphone on Windows and Mac OS PCs, as well as the Apple iPad.

The Rode NT-USB also comes with a high-quality stand mount, a desktop tripod stand, and a pouch for storing the microphone when not in use.

The Rode NT-USB Versatile Mic is one of the perfect podcast microphones for podcasters and YouTubers, it can record your audio in the best quality possible.

Specifications

Connection: USB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Type: Condenser
Inclusions: Microphone, pop shield, ring mount, tripod desk stand

Pros

1. Affordable
2. Great build
3. Good audio quality
4. Great compatibility

Cons

1. Poor cable quality
2. Only USB connection

Buy Rode NT-USB Versatile Microphone on Amazon

8. Blue Microphone Yeti USB

The Blue Microphone Yeti is likely the most well-known podcast mic and has become associated with a variety of uses.

The best user-friendly podcast mic for content creators.

It was simple to use, thanks to the three condenser capsules, and it didn’t cost a lot of money.‍

Blue Yeti has a feature that allows you to choose from a variety of patterns.

We recommend this user-friendly microphone for almost any speech recording application.

‍Blue Yeti’s range has grown over time to include higher-spec models with dual USB/XLR output, the Blue Yeti Pro.

If you want an XLR connection, you’ll have to upgrade to the Blue Yeti Pro.

So if you’re looking for the best podcast microphones that are easy to use, the Blue Microphone Yeti USB is a perfect choice.

Specifications

Connection: USB
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional|
Type: Condenser
Inclusions: Microphone, stand

Pros

1. Versatile
2. Durable
3. Excellent buy

Cons

1. Only USB
2. No multi-head arrangement

Buy Blue Microphone Yeti USB on Amazon

9. HyperX QuadCast

The HyperX QuadCast is a full-featured portable microphone designed for podcasters, live streamers, and other content creators.

The best portable microphone to bu.

It includes an anti-vibration shock mount to separate the mic from the body and decrease the sound of inadvertent rumbles and bumps.‍

The HyperX QuadCast features four configurable polar patterns for optimizing your configuration and focusing on the sounds you want to hear.

You may also use its easy tap-to-mute functionality, as well as the LED mic status indicator, to prevent an audio mistake.

If the light is turned on, the microphone is active; if the light is turned off, the microphone is muted.

‍Furthermore, its integrated pop filter will help level out some of those annoying percussive noises that occasionally interrupt your speech.

If you are looking for the best portable podcast microphone, check out the HyperX QuadCast.

Specifications

Connection: USB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, and Stereo
Type: Condenser

Pros

1. With RGB lighting
2. Great features
3. Durable

Cons

1. Low resolution
2. A little bit expensive

Buy HyperX QuadCast on Amazon

10. HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Mic

The HEil PR 40 is a new microphone technology developed for professional use.

The best podcast microphones for professionals.

If you enjoy listening to podcasts, you’ll notice that many of the most popular podcasts utilize the same microphone.‍

The HEiL PR-40 is one-of-a-kind thanks to its exceptional sound quality and professional design.

Even though this microphone is a lot more expensive than any other mic on the list, you can be sure of the quality that it will provide.

Especially if you’re doing podcasting, streaming, and YouTube content creation for a living, HEiL PR-40 will be a great investment.

It can provide you with an exceptional recording experience, and you can sound natural to your target audience.

If you are looking for the best dynamic microphone for podcasting, try the HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Microphone.

Specifications

Connection: XLR
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
Type: Dynamic
Inclusions: Microphone, mount, carrying case

Pros

1. Broader range
2. Versatile design
3. Quality sound

Cons

1. Expensive
2. Poor noise reduction

Buy HEiL PR-40 Dynamic Microphone on Amazon

Conclusions

As a podcast artist myself, I understand the true importance of choosing the best microphone.

And since there are a lot of podcast microphones available on Amazon today, we end up being confused about which of them will suit our specific needs.

How do I choose a microphone for my podcast?

In this article, I discussed what a podcaster, streamer, or YouTuber must consider when buying podcast microphones.

I highlighted the most suitable podcast microphones for content creators.

Whether you’re just a beginner that wants to start investing in the essential tools of podcasting, or you’re a professional that wants to upgrade your current mic — I’ve got you all covered.

In conclusion, the Rode Podmic is still the best overall microphone for every content creator.

However, if you can’t afford to buy a high-end mic yet, I also included the best budget-friendly podcast microphones, which are the Blue Snowball and the Razer Seiren X.

You can get a high-quality recording mic without going over your budget.

‍Now that I’ve finished reviewing my favorite YouTube and podcast microphones, which do you think is the best fit for you? — Leave a comment below.