11 Best Podcast Microphones For Serious Sound

11 Best Microphones for Podcasting

Finding the best podcast microphones to get the clearest best vocal performance for your show, podcast, vlog or YouTube channel might feel like a bit of a minefield but it doesn’t have to be as there are a few specific microphones out there designed to get the best sounds possible.

So, what makes a good podcast microphone?

Well, there are a few different aspects that we’re taking into account when we’re trying to decide which mic is the best podcast microphone.

When choosing a podcast microphone we need the following aspects:

• High quality sound – you need to be heard clearly
• Connectivity options – we need either USB or XLR connections
• Hard wearing – we’re going to use it a lot, so it needs to last

Do I need a condenser or dynamic microphone for my podcast?

When you’re choosing a podcast microphone, you’re going to see a couple of different options such as condenser and dynamic microphones. This will usually come down to what type of sound you prefer and what type of quality you want for your recordings. Condenser mics offer a bright and clear sound but can sometimes pick up some ambient noise – but you might actually want that to give your recordings more life. Dynamic microphones provide a more focused sound and tend to be a bit warmer whilst cutting out the surrounding sound – ideal for news podcasts and broadcasting. So, we’ve included a range of different options.

In summary, we think the following are the best podcast microphones in the world today:

1. Shure MV7X Podcast Microphone
2. Rode NT1-A Condenser Microphone Package
3. Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone
4. sE Electronics SE2200 Condenser Microphone
5. Rode PodMic Dynamic Podcast Microphone
6. Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Podcast Microphone
7. AKG Lyra Ultra-HD Multimode USB Microphone
8. Shure MV88+ Video Microphone Kit
9. sE Electronics X1 S Condenser Microphone
10. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
11. Rode NT-USB Mini Microphone

Our first choice for podcasting has to be the Shure MV7X.

Featuring innovative Voice Isolation Technology and a highly-directional cardioid polar pattern, this mic is optimised for rich and natural reproduction of speech.

With a rugged all-metal construction this mic is sure to last, and its capabilities in a range of environments - regardless of background noise - make it an extremely versatile option.

Also included is an adjustable integrated yoke for connecting to any mic or boom stand, making set-up extra easy and ensuring that crystal-clear audio and sonic precision is never far away.

Next up we have the Rode NT1-A Condenser Microphone Package which is a very budget friendly recording package that contains everything you need to start recording straight away. You get the best selling Rode NT1-A Condenser Microphone a premium XLR cable, protective pouch as well as a pop shield and mount – all you have to do is plug in to your audio interface and you’re ready to go.

This is probably the best podcast microphone for beginners owing to the low price and the fact you get a load of extras with it, but the high-quality sound within makes it a fantastic option for professionals too. This is a condenser microphone so will give more “life” to your recording, but the cardioid polar pattern helps cut out as much ambience as possible.

A large 1” capsule with gold plated diaphragm ensures your recordings sound accurate and your vocals are picked up correctly. It’s ultra-low noise and the internal capsule shock mounting system protects the capsule from damage and unwanted vibrations making it into the mix.

The 10-year extended warranty is a great addition too, meaning you’re safe in the knowledge that should anything happen to your mic, it can be repaired or replaced.

This mic offers studio-grade vocals on a budget.

If you need the ability to record directly to your laptop or computer and you don’t want to use or have the use of an audio interface, the Marantz MPM-1000U USB Condenser Microphone is a perfect option and easily one of the best podcast microphones on the market today. This is a highly portable option that is also incredibly affordable. Offering a frequency range of 20Hz - 17kHz this microphone can handle everything from spoken word to singing vocals and even acoustic instruments.

A fantastic kit and great podcast microphone for those on a budget and with a limited amount of gear.

The sE Electronics SE2200 is the latest version of SE's award-winning studio condenser microphone. It comes complete with sE’s Isolation Pack, consisting of a custom-made shock mount, integrated pop filter, and a thread adapter to fit with any standard microphone boom or desktop stand.

The ability to add a switchable low-cut filter means this microphone is particularly useful for capturing voices for broadcast in an environment where room noise might be an issue, ensuring that rumble and bleed from elsewhere is not present in the final recording.

Hot on the heels of releasing their Rode Rodecaster Pro podcast mixer, the team at Rode have unleashed the ultimate podcast mic. The Rode PodMic Dynamic Podcast Microphone   If you need to create podcasts in a hurry, with almost zero set up and minimal gear, this is a great option as the broadcast quality dynamic capsule has been optimised specifically for speech applications and is surrounded by an integrated pop shield to minimise plosives. This means you get studio quality sound wherever you set it up without the need for a pop filter.

It doesn't require phantom power either, so there's no problem with trying to find a 48V phantom power source - simply connect it to your audio interface via XLR and you're ready to go! Quite possibly the best podcast microphone Rode have ever created.

The clue’s in the name with this one. The Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Podcast Microphone has been specifically designed for podcasts, YouTubers and those who want the freedom to be able to record a variety of sound sources too, e.g. if you have musical guests on your show.

The MV5 features 3 different modes designed specifically for different sound sources - Flat, Instrument and Voice modes so it’s very versatile. The Flat setting is suitable for all types of recording, whereas the Voice mode uses built in equalisation to reduce sibilance and bring more clarity to speech and vocals. Finally, the Instrument setting uses transparent compression to smooth out any unwanted spikes in volume.

We also thing this is one of the best podcast microphones thanks to the attachable stand which stops the need for an extra microphone stand or cradle. The included Micro-B-to-USB cable allows you to connect directly to your Mac, PC or Android device via USB and the included Micro-B-to-LTG cable allows for instant connection to a compatible iOS device. An integrated headphone output also ensures you can enjoy real-time monitoring in the field too!

A fantastic podcast microphone for those on the move.

Another great USB podcast microphone comes in the form of the AKG Lyra Ultra-HD Multimode USB Microphone – yet another aptly named mic. We love this microphone as it combines broadcast-quality audio with easy to use USB connectivity, which means you don’t need an audio interface to use it or any extra XLR cables.

The AKG Lyra Ultra-HD Multimode USB Microphone is easily one of the best podcast microphones available today as it costs way under £150 and is ready for 4K recordings straight out of the box.

Audiophiles and those who need high-quality sound at all times will appreciate the fact you can record in Ultra HD, 24-Bit/192kHz resolution and enjoy a full-spectrum frequency response of 20Hz - 20kHz – that’s pretty impressive considering the mic is under £150.

You have plug and play functionality as it works seamlessly with MAC, iOS, Android and PC and the headphone output allows for zero-latency monitoring in real-time.

It’s also bundled with Ableton software, so you’re ready to start producing podcasts without any prior software.

A budget-friendly podcast microphone that allows content creators to start producing high-quality podcasts straight away.

The Shure MV88+ Video Microphone Kit is perfect for those out there who want to be able to create podcasts anywhere and at any time. We think this is one of the best podcast microphones as it allows you to create podcasts via your Apple devices (and others via USBC) with high-fidelity sound.

You have a high-quality stereo condenser microphone with a detachable windscreen that connects to your device for use with the Shure Motiv app. The included smartphone holder allows you to record in a variety of positions whilst the built-in headphones jack for monitoring comes in very handy.

Perfect for creating vlogs, podcasts and one of the best microphones for creating IGTV video content.

Also available as a full portable videography kit complete with Shure MV88+ mic Video Kit, Shure SE215 Professional Sound Isolating Earphones and Shure AMV88-FUR Windjammer.

Check out what it can do in our Shure MCV88+ review below:

This microphone is a refined version of the popular X1 condenser mic from sE Electronics, a range renowned for its affordability and smooth, balanced sound.

The X1 S once again features two switchable low-cut filters, making it ideal for podcast capture in an environment where background or foot-fall noise can be an issue.

Featuring a sleek and modern design, this microphone comes included with a sturdy clip and thread adapter, whilst the tough all-metal chassis means that it will last for a lifetime.

So, let’s just say you’re starting out on your podcast journey and you need a full kit. Well look no further than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. This includes everything you need to get started on your journey into podcast fame including a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface, HP60 closed-back headphones, 3m XLR mic cable and an M25 large-diaphragm condenser microphone which is one of the best podcast microphones for those on a budget.

However, before you start thinking this is a beginner kit, it’s not. This is a highly professional selection of products put together in a convenient package which allows you to record superb quality spoken word, music, podcasts and more. The studio-quality 2i2 interface works with all major DAWs on Mac and PC and can handle sample rates all the way up to 192kHz whilst providing an even gain structure so you can accurately set your levels.

If you’re just starting out, this is a great option.

Last but not least we have the Rode NT-USB Mini. This is another amazing podcast microphone that has been designed for content creators with a minimal setup. This is a perfect option for when you're in need of a YouTube or Twitch microphone that won't take up too much room but will still provide crystal clear sound.

We think this is one of the best podcast microphones is it features a built-in pop filter, so you don't need anything extra. Just plug in to your USB-C device and you're good to go.

Handy features like a 360-degree swing mount and magnetic desk stand which reduces bumps and knocks all make it a perfect option for reporters and those who interview guests.

Shop a full range of microphones over at PMT online today or call in to your local PMT store to speak to one of our experts about getting the best sound for your show!