Best Cheap USB Microphones: Easy Recording Gear on a Budget

One of the easiest ways to get started with audio recording is by using budget USB microphones.

Instead of setting up a full home studio rig with an audio interface, these microphones allow you to plug directly into your laptop or computer (or even your mobile device!) and begin your recording journey with minimal fuss.

We’ve picked out some of our favourite options that can be used for instrument recording, vocals, podcasting, and more, including picks from some of the biggest studio brands in the world.

Keep reading for our guide to the best cheap USB microphones and kickstart your recording career today!

USB microphones allow you to record with minimal hassle. They still offer a professional quality and control over your sound, but are more accessible to those who are new to recording.

In this blog we’ll look at the following mics and compare some features that beginners might find useful:

• Trumix UMC-USB-100 Podcasting Microphone With Stand
• Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone
• PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone
• Audio Technica AT2020USB+ USB Microphone
• Stagg SUM45 USB Microphone Package

If you want to jump into recording without the fuss of interfaces, pre-amps, and long cables, then any of these microphones will prove a superb choice for the best cheap USB microphone for you!

Boasting unbeatable value, impressive portability, and crystal clear sound, our top pick for the best cheap USB microphone is the Trumix UMC-USB-100 Podcasting Microphone.

Designed for podcasters and budding creators, this cardioid condenser mic offers a transparent sound and a super simple plug-and-play set-up for perfectly captured vocals and conversation every time.

The volume control and mute button give you total control and flexibility no matter if you're narrating, doing voice-over work, or hosting a podcast.

The included stand also ensures that positioning is precise and takes away the hassle of arranging your recording space.

Trumix is quickly becoming renowned for offering the best beginner recording gear and budget studio equipment - try it out for yourself and supercharge your sound!

The Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone is an industry-standard recording solution that won’t break the bank.

Also suitable for use with mobile devices, this mic features a zero-latency stereo headphone (3.5mm) jack for real-time monitoring, in addition to controls for setting levels and the mix.

Inside the box is everything you need to get started, including a 6m USB Cable, Zip Case, Detachable Pop Filter, Tripod Stand and Ring Mount.

Simply plug-in, select the mic as your chosen recording device, and you’re good to go!

We’re big fans of how easy it is to achieve a clear, studio sound with this mic. Despite the budget price, it’s an excellent addition to any recording set-up.

Plus - you can also check out the NT-USB Mini if you’re after something a little more compact or lightweight - perfect for taking your recording set-up out on the road.

Our next choice comes from one of the finest studio brands available and offers one of the simplest routes into home recording for complete beginners.

The PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone is a professional-grade bus-powered USB-C microphone that guarantees awesome results every single time.

With 16 easy-to-use StudioLive presets, getting the perfect sound for different vocal applications is easier than ever - so no matter if you’re streaming, singing, or chatting with a guest on your podcast, the sound quality will remain the same.

You can also pick from 3 different polar patterns for complete versatility from the mic, and with the included Studio One Artist and Studio Magic software bundle you have access to the tools you need to track and edit your recordings.

The elegant desktop stand also comes with a cable management system - so your space is kept tidy and you can concentrate on getting your sound down!

Based on the award-winning, critically-acclaimed AT2020 microphone, the AT2020USB+ is one of our favourite picks for getting studio-quality sound from a USB recording option.

Developed by Audio Technica, this mic treats users to the same expert articulation and clarity we’ve come to expect from the brand, with state-of-the-art design, robustness, and reliability.

The cardioid pickup pattern offers excellent off-axis rejection that makes it ideal for all voice and vocal applications, with a 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate that provides a first-rate standard for sound.

Use the built-in headphone jack to monitor your signal without delay, and control it all with the intuitive mix dial - easy!

The SUM45 USB Microphone Package from Stagg gives budding musicians, podcasters, and streamers everything they need to start capturing sounds.

Along with a USB cable for hooking everything up to your computer, users are treated to:

• Shock Mount
• Pop Filter
• Spring Stand

The shock mount ensures that handling noise and vibrations are minimised even when recording loud subjects, whilst the pop filter keeps plosives to a minimum. The included stand means your mic is easily mounted to a flat surface, and is particularly useful for those who need a desk mount to record voices for podcasting, narration, and voice-over work.

Weighing in at around 300g, this mic is also a brilliant portable option - so even if you need to record on-the-go, you’ll have no issues taking this on location and capturing pro sound.

Now you’ve got a good understanding of the best USB microphones on a budget, you’re ready to start recording.

Each option here will help you to record exactly what you need to, with stress-free set-up unaffected by the struggles that plague more complicated bits of studio gear.

No matter if you’re planning to start a podcast, make an ambient masterpiece, or just record some voice-over work - these mics will get you started on the right foot!

Check out a full range of USB microphones below, including everything from this list and more:

Want to find out about the latest studio gear at PMT? Looking for pre-owned hi-tech and recording equipment? Call us on 0151 448 2089 or check out your local store to speak to one of our Experts about your needs.