The Best Podcasting Microphones for 2024

Published Dec 11, 2023

In this post, we'll be sharing our top picks for the seven best podcasting microphones to help you make an informed decision. From entry-level to high-end options, we've got you covered with a range of features, pros, and cons to suit any budget and recording environment.

Let's dive in.

1. Blue Yeti

• Connection: USB
• Type: Condenser
• Polar pattern: Multi-pattern (Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo)
• Cost: 105 euros

The Blue Yeti mic is ideal for anyone looking for a versatile and user-friendly podcasting mic. It's easy to set up - just plug it into a USB port on your computer. Its stylish design lets you position it for optimal sound quality. It has four polar patterns and can handle any recording scenario, with gain control, mute button, and headphone output.

Blue VO!CE vocal effects can make you sound like a pro in no time. These effects are unique to Blue microphones and also available on other models from the same brand.

2. Shure SM7b

• Connection: 3-pin XLR (requires a preamp or audio interface)
• Type: Dynamic
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Cost: 395 euros

Looking for a high-end podcasting microphone? The Shure SM7b is a top choice with its clean and natural recordings.

Its advanced technology rejects electromagnetic hum and its internal "air suspension" shock isolation system eliminates mechanical noise transmission and the highly effective pop filter eliminates the need for additional protection against explosive breath sounds. We also like that you can fine-tune the bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis to suit your specific needs.

It's the most expensive podcasting microphone on our list, yet a great investment if you're looking for something top notch.

3. Rode PodMic

• Connection: XLR
• Type: Dynamic
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Cost: 115 euros

The Rode PodMic is the ideal microphone to take on the go. This dynamic mic is designed specifically for broadcast applications and its compact size makes it easy to use anywhere.

The sound quality is amazing, with a rich, full-bodied tone that captures every detail of your voice. The internal shock mount and pop filter eliminate unwanted noise. And the rugged construction ensures it can handle any recording situation.

Despite not having a USB port, the PodMic is super easy to set up - just plug it into your audio interface or mixer and start recording.

4. Samson Q2U

• Connection: USB or XLR
• Type: Dynamic
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Cost: 95 euros

The Samson Q2U is an exceptional microphone for podcasters. Like other USB/XLR microphones on our list, it can be used plugged into a computer's USB port or mixer's XLR input.

Its cardioid polar pattern is excellent for voice recording, and it features a built-in headphone jack for straightforward monitoring and a mute switch for taking breaks. It comes complete with a desk stand and pop filter — that's a full mic kit for just under 100 euros.

5. Shure MV7

• Connection: USB or XLR
• Type: Dynamic
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Cost: 250 euros

The Shure MV7 is an excellent microphone for podcasting. It features a built-in headphone jack for monitoring your recordings and a touch panel for controlling gain, mute, and headphone volume.

We like that you can use this microphone with the ShurePlus MOTIV app, which lets you fine-tune your recordings with EQ, compression, and limiting. This microphone is also great at isolating your voice from background noise thanks to its dynamic cardioid polar pattern.

6. Rode Procaster

• Connection: XLR
• Type: Dynamic
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Cost: 180 euros

The Rode Procaster is a top-notch podcasting microphone with a sleek and professional design. Its dynamic capsule delivers excellent sound quality with minimal background noise. With a frequency response tailored for speech, this microphone will make you sound clear and crisp.

The Procaster is compatible with most mixers and interfaces, and it also has an internal pop filter to reduce plosives. It's a great choice for podcasters who value quality and durability in their equipment.

7. Audio Technica ATR2100-USB

• Connection: USB or XLR
• Type: Dynamic
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Cost: 80-100 euros

The Audio Technica ATR2100-USB is a plug-and-play microphone that, though it looks like a karaoke mic, is perfect for podcasting. It is a reliable choice for podcasters on a budget who want professional-quality sound.

Like most best podcasting microphones out there, it features a cardioid polar pattern that picks up sound from the front and reduces background noise, making it ideal for recording in noisy environments.

The ATR2100-USB also has a built-in headphone jack that allows you to monitor your recordings in real-time, as well as a mute button and volume control. Its dynamic range and frequency response make for clear and crisp audio recordings.