When I bought my first podcast microphone, I had no clue what “polar pattern” or “dynamic mic” meant. I just knew I wanted to sound better than a Zoom call recorded in a cave. If that’s you, welcome, my friend.
Whether you're recording a solo podcast in your bedroom, interviewing guests over Zoom, or launching a show for your agency’s clients, you want audio that’s clean, crisp, and credible. And no, you don’t need a full-blown studio to get there.
Let me break down the best podcast mics for every budget and experience level. I’ll explain which ones are plug-and-play, which ones need an audio interface or preamp, and what actually helps kill background noise (hint: it’s not just price).
Quick picks: Top podcast mics by price
Budget friendly
- Samson Q2U: Great entry-level dynamic mic (XLR + USB)
- Rode PodMic: Pro-level sound under $100 (XLR)
- Blue Yeti: USB condenser microphone with multiple patterns
High-end
- Shure SM7B: The GOAT for a reason (XLR)
- Electro-Voice RE20: Classic broadcast microphone (XLR)
- Neumann BCM 705: Studio-grade dynamic microphone (XLR)
Top rated podcast mics (by reviews)
- Shure SM7B: Loved by podcasters, streamers, and vocalists
- Audio-Technica ATR2100x: Great sound and versatility
- Shure MV7: USB + XLR mic that bridges beginners and pros
The top 7 podcast microphones you should consider
Let’s dive into the best podcast microphones and what makes them stand out. I’ve used or tested most of these, and I’ll tell you straight, some are overrated, some are slept on.
1. Shure SM7B. The undisputed champ
Price: Around $400
Type: Dynamic microphone (XLR)
Best for: Studio setups, pros, agencies
This mic is everywhere, from Joe Rogan’s studio to YouTube creators. It’s cardioid, handles plosives well, and rejects background noise like a pro. You’ll need a preamp or a cloudlifter, an audio interface, and an XLR cable to get it working.
Why I love it:
- Broadcast-quality sound
- Doesn’t pick up room noise
- Built like a tank
- Looks great on camera
2. Shure MV7. The SM7B’s younger, USB-friendly sibling
Price: Around $250
Type: Dynamic microphone (USB + XLR)
Best for: Beginners who want to grow into pro gear
Inspired by the SM7B but with a built-in USB mic option. That means you can start plugging into your Mac or PC, then switch to an XLR interface later. Plus, it has a cardioid polar pattern for good background noise rejection.
Why I recommend it:
- Dual USB/XLR outputs
- Plug-and-play with iPhone and Android
- Built-in touch controls for gain and mute
3. Samson Q2U. Best value for beginners
Price: Around $70
Type: Dynamic microphone (USB + XLR)
Best for: New podcasters, solo creators
If you want a budget mic that sounds way better than it should, this is it. It’s got a cardioid polar pattern, comes with a desktop stand, and connects via USB or XLR, great for leveling up later.
Perks:
- Shockingly good sound for the price
- Built-in headphone jack
- Comes with USB and XLR cables
4. Rode PodMic. Best XLR mic under $100
Price: Around $99
Type: Dynamic microphone (XLR)
Best for: Podcast studios, agencies, creators with interfaces
This thing is heavy. Not just in weight, but in impact. You’ll need an XLR cable and audio interface or mixer, but it delivers crisp, warm sound with a built-in pop filter and internal shock mount.
What stands out:
- Designed for podcasting
- Great at reducing plosives and background noise
- Durable metal body
5. Blue Yeti. The crowd-pleaser USB condenser mic
Price: Around $130
Type: Condenser microphone (USB)
Best for: Streamers, content creators, voiceovers
Four polar pattern modes, plug-and-play setup, and great sound for the price. If you're doing podcasting and also YouTube videos or live streaming, it’s a solid all-in-one.
What I like:
- USB plug-and-play with Mac and PC
- Multiple pickup patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo)
- Built-in gain control and mute button
6. Audio-Technica ATR2100x. A podcaster's favorite
Price: Around $100
Type: Dynamic microphone (USB-C + XLR)
Best for: Intermediate podcasters and mobile setups
Another versatile mic that grows with you. USB-C makes it friendly with newer devices, and the cardioid pattern gives you that background noise rejection you want.
Nice features:
- Sounds great right out of the box
- Works with iPhone (with adapter)
- Comes with boom arm and mount
7. Electro-Voice RE20. The pro’s pro mic
Price: Around $450
Type: Dynamic microphone (XLR)
Best for: Broadcast studios, advanced creators
You’ve heard this mic on the radio. It has a large diaphragm and a variable-D design to prevent proximity effect. It needs phantom power and a good preamp, but the result is buttery smooth voice quality.
Best for:
- Voice over
- Podcast recording in treated rooms
- Agencies doing high-end production
Phew. Here’s the bottom line:
The best podcast microphone for you depends on your setup, goals, and how much you’re willing to learn. USB mics are great for beginners. XLR mics give you more control and better sound, but need more gear like audio interfaces and preamps.
If you're looking to elevate your entire production flow, from high-quality audio to clean edits, pair your mic setup with tools like a subtitle generator, background music, and ai b roll generator.
Podcast mic comparison table
| Microphone |
Type |
Connection |
Best for |
Price |
| Shure SM7B |
Dynamic |
XLR |
Professional studios |
$400 |
| Shure MV7 |
Dynamic |
USB + XLR |
Beginner to pro transition |
$250 |
| Samson Q2U |
Dynamic |
USB + XLR |
New podcasters |
$70 |
| Rode PodMic |
Dynamic |
XLR |
Budget studios |
$99 |
| Blue Yeti |
Condenser |
USB |
Streamers, YouTubers |
$130 |
| Audio-Technica ATR2100x |
Dynamic |
USB-C + XLR |
Mobile podcasters |
$100 |
| Electro-Voice RE20 |
Dynamic |
XLR |
High-end production |
$450 |
FAQs
What type of mic is best for podcasting?
A dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern is usually the best choice for podcasting. It blocks out background noise and focuses on your voice, making it ideal for untreated rooms and home studios.
What mics does Joe Rogan use?
Joe Rogan uses the Shure SM7B, a legendary dynamic mic with XLR connection. It’s known for its smooth sound, plosive resistance, and ability to handle loud voices without distortion.
Is an iPhone mic good enough for a podcast?
It can work in a pinch, but iPhone mics pick up a lot of background noise and lack depth. For better sound quality and a more professional feel, upgrade to at least a USB microphone.
Is a USB mic good for podcasting?
Yes, USB mics are perfect for beginners and solo podcasters. They're plug-and-play, affordable, and many (like the Shure MV7 or Blue Yeti) offer surprisingly good sound quality without needing an audio interface.
