Best Cheap Podcast Microphones: Budget Podcasting Gear

If you’re looking to start your first podcast then one thing you’ll definitely need is a microphone. Perhaps you’ve already got a podcast and need to find the best cheap podcast microphone to use as a backup in case your main option fails.

Whatever your reason for looking, in this blog you’ll find a range of our top picks for budget podcasting mics, including industry-standard selections from the likes of Zoom, Rode, Shure, and more.

Keep reading to see the full list and take a deep dive into the benefits of each one!

There are certain features that you’ll definitely want to look out for when searching for a cheap microphone for your podcast.

Each of these microphones offers crystal clear sound and easy set-up without breaking the bank:

• Trumix UMC-USB-100 Podcasting Microphone With Stand
• Rode NT1A Condenser Microphone Package
• Zoom ZUM-2 PMP USB Podcast Mic Pack
• sE Electronics X1 S Studio Microphone Bundle
• Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone

Let’s take a closer look at each cheap microphone for podcast recording so you can find the perfect option to suit your budget and needs..

Our top pick for the best cheap podcast microphone comes from Trumix.

The UMC-USB-100 USB Podcast Microphone is a purpose-built mic constructed especially for capturing voices with complete clarity.

Transparent, precise, and pure, this mic operates via USB and so requires no extra gear to get going. The included desktop stand is perfectly designed for podcast set-ups, allowing for accurate positioning depending on your guests.

The volume control and mute button are handy additions that give you total control over the thing that really matters - your sound!

It also looks great on camera, which is important if you’re planning on streaming or filming your podcast episodes.

Rode makes a number of awesome accessible microphones for home recording and podcasting, and the NT1A Condenser Microphone Package is our pick for a cheap podcast mic.

In the box you get the Rode NT1-A Condenser Microphone, a Rode SM6 Shock Mount, Pop Filter, Dust Cover, and Premium Microphone Cable. The mic is one of the world's quietest, boasting a self-noise level of just 5dB (A weighted).

The large 1” capsule features a gold-plated diaphragm that ensures the voices on your podcast are captured with a definition and coherence that belies the price point.

No matter the room or space, you can rely on this microphone!

If you’d rather hook everything up via USB, you can opt for the Rode NT-USB or NT-USB Mini below:

One of the most trusted names in recording is Zoom, and with the ZUM-2 PMP USB Podcast Mic Pack they’ve provided a great starter kit for podcasting on a budget.

Included in the pack is the ZUM-2 USB Microphone alongside the dynamic, closed stereo ZHP-2 headphones. You’re also treated to a TPS-4 tripod table stand, swivel microphone holder, foam windscreen, and a 2-metre USB Type-C to Type-A cable for linking everything up. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a quick start guide so you can hit the ground running as soon as you open the box.

Once you’re set-up, the end result is a rich super-cardioid mic sound that accurately diminishes background noise to lift your production level to new heights. The ZUM-2 easily handles every need of the modern creative and is built to last, so you won’t be in any rush to replace it despite the budget price.

Check out all of Zoom's Podcasting gear here.

With some of the finest specs at our budget price point, sE Electronics offers up the X1 S Studio Microphone Bundle.

This microphone bundle comes with an RF-X Reflexion Filter, sE Isolation Pack (with pop shield), and a 3-metre mic cable.

The 1” capsule is hand-crafted and individually tuned, whilst the state-of-the-art SMT components offer a short signal path, high dynamic range, and maximum reliability.

Two switchable low cut filters at 80Hz or 160Hz are ideal to filter foot-fall noise and maintain the studio quality you’d expect from a great podcast mic.

Don’t be fooled by the price of this podcast microphone - cheap, but with all of the features you’d want from a much more expensive option!

Shure are responsible for designing and manufacturing some of the most iconic microphones from throughout history.

Here we have their dedicated USB Podcast Microphone, the MV7.

Inspired by the sleek SM7B - one of the most popular podcasting microphones in the world - the MV7 is easy-to-use and easy-to-set-up no matter where you are.

The dual USB/XLR output allows you to utilise digital or analog recording with a highly-directional dynamic element and voice isolation technology.

The intuitive touch panel gives you complete control over gain, monitoring volume, headphone mix, and mic muting, whilst the built-in headphone output allows for direct headphone monitoring while recording.

Because this mic is designed specifically for podcasting it has an optimised frequency response for natural vocal reproduction, with an Auto-Level Mode for automatically adjusting gain and compression settings.

If that wasn’t enough, you’re also able to interface the MV7 with the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop Application for access to audio processing and total refinement of your sound, making it one of the most complete podcasting options on the market today.

When looking for a cheap podcast microphone, it’s vital you opt for something that has a solid sound and which can easily connect to your set-up.

Whether you opt for a USB option or a standard XLR condenser when you record your podcast, each of the above mics will ensure your recordings have a professional sheen that you’d get if you were to record in a studio.

Although these are cheap podcast mics, we’ve picked them because they offer a sound, usability, and versatility that mean they’ll last you for years to come, elevating your productions to new heights.

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.