#10 Best USB Microphone for Podcasting 2023
Start your podcast channel with the help of the best USB microphone for podcasting! Recording may come easy, and you will get the best audio quality!
👤 Written by: | Mohamad Dimas Fariz |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 59 views |
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Any experienced podcaster knows that getting the right microphone is the first step to good sound. A USB microphone is an excellent piece of equipment for anyone who hosts a podcast. They make it easy to record on the go and work with many different systems and devices.
Many USB microphones on the market can be used to record high-quality sound for your podcast. However, you must select the best USB microphone for podcasting accessible to prevent any risk and maximize your return. Before you start your podcast channel, here are some of the best USB microphones you can get.
Table of contents
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1.Razer Razer Seirēn X: Zero Latency Podcasting Mic
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2.Blue YETI: All Rounder Microphone
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3.Audio-Technica AT2020USB+: Detailed Recording Microphone
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4.Rode Podcaster: Cardioid Recording Microphone
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5.Rode NT-USB: Microphone with Mix Control
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6.Blue snowball iCE: Portable Size Mic
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7.Blue YETI NANO: Compact Design Recording Microphone
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8.Elgato WAVE 3: Easy to Use Microphone
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9.HyperX QuadCast S - USB Microphone : High Sound Quality Microphone
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10.Neewer USB Microphone 4-in-1 Kit for Windows and Mac: Affordable Recording Mic
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Why do I need USB microphones for podcasting?
No matter your skill or other gear, a USB mic is an excellent tool for any podcaster. There are a lot of good USB microphones at all different price points. The best things about them are how easy they are to use and how cheap they are. They may be plugged into a computer and started recording right away, and they’re less expensive than a traditional microphone, which needs additional recording equipment.
What are the trusted brand of USB microphones for podcasting?
In recent years, most professional microphone companies have entered the podcasting microphone market, which is natural given the tremendous increase in individuals podcasting and streaming. The typical suspects like Shure, Audio-Technica, Sontronics and Rode have a solid reputation in the pro audio market, so that you can trust their gear. Blue Microphones is another major participant in the podcast microphone market.
Which types of microphones are suitable for podcasting?
Both types of microphones are suitable for podcasting. Condenser microphones are better suited to studio environments because they bring out the greater richness in vocals, but they might be more sensitive to ambient noise. On the other hand, dynamic microphones are a little more lively, making them excellent for outdoor recording or noisy circumstances.
What factors should be considered in choosing the best USB microphone for podcasting?
The best USB microphone can differ based on your needs. Consider features like Polar patterns, which significantly influence how a microphone captures sound. If you require a microphone that takes up all of your studio’s noise, such as for musical performances, use an omnidirectional USB mic. It would be best if you chose a microphone with Headphone Monitoring Capability. Many USB microphones feature built-in volume control and headphone connectors. You can use headphones to do zero-latency monitoring and hear your voice in real-time while you record. Then you may look at the mic’s control and durability.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Razer
Razer Seirēn X | #1 | Amazon Razer.com eBay |
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Blue
YETI | #2 | Amazon Bluemic.com eBay |
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Audio-Technica
AT2020USB+ | #3 | Amazon Audio-technica.com eBay |
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Rode
Podcaster | #4 | Amazon Rode.com eBay |
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Rode
NT-USB | #5 | Amazon Rode.com eBay |
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Blue
snowball iCE | #6 | Amazon Bluemic.com eBay |
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Blue
YETI NANO | #7 | Amazon Bluemic.com eBay |
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Elgato
WAVE 3 | #8 | Amazon Elgato.com eBay |
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HyperX
QuadCast S - USB Microphone | #9 | Amazon Hyperx.com eBay |
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Neewer
USB Microphone 4-in-1 Kit for Windows and Mac | #10 | Amazon Neewer.com eBay |
10 List of Best USB Microphone for Podcasting
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Razer Razer Seirēn X
Zero Latency Podcasting Mic
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Razer Seiren X offers easy-to-use front-facing controls and a 3.5mm headphone connector. Users can also check their audio stream with zero latency from this range of devices. This mic also has a glowing ring that indicates if your signal is clipping when recording in a circumstance where you can’t monitor it.
Super-cardioid polar patterns significantly reduce background noise that might otherwise be picked up by regular cardioid patterns and provide a more directed emphasis on the user, resulting in a clearer overall signal. This lovely small mic was created to travel and look nice. Even the lowest tier in the series has a metallic body and an internal shock mount.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Built with gamers in mind
Match your style with the mic's 4 different colors
Shock-resistant buildCons (reasons to avoid)
A single pickup pattern limits its usefulness
Does not suitable for outdoor useWhat other experts liked
The Razer Seiren USB microphone range is brilliant and innovative and has been designed not to break either the bank or itselfWhat other experts didn't like
While this is great for static desktop locations, it does hamper its suitability for music. It’s not, for example, a mic you’d put in the middle of a room to capture a band rehearsal. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Blue YETI
All Rounder Microphone
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Blue YETI offers the user an option between four different polar designs. This microphone employs a condenser diaphragm, and as a result, this mic is susceptible. It is recommended to be used with a well-designed gain-staging system. This microphone checks all the boxes for someone who wants to use it for various purposes. It is a superb all-rounder and a nice and simple way to get started in the world of recording and production.
Pros (reasons to buy)
All-rounder microphone
Good for beginners
Sensitive condenser microphoneCons (reasons to avoid)
Has expensive accessories
The button feels plastickyWhat other experts liked
From Twitch gaming to YouTube tutorials, this mic is perhaps the best known out there, and for good reason. It's easy to use, sounds superb thanks to its three condenser capsules, and doesn't cost the earth.What other experts didn't like
One downside is that the mic is fairly heavy. I’ve heard that cheaper boom stands have trouble holding it up. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Detailed Recording Microphone
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is arguably the best choice for those looking for a more quality end-user device on the USB recording spectrum. This microphone offers all of the normal features and functionality you’d expect from an AT product. The AT2020USB+ allows you to mix pre-recorded audio into the stream, which you can monitor in real-time through the device’s external 3.5mm headphone port.
This microphone is highly recommended for individuals who have sufficient cash or want to capture a more detailed recording in a quiet area. Because it’s fixed to a conventional cardioid polar pattern, it’s better for catching minute details for individuals who want to be sure their recordings include them.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Built for singers/musicians/podcasters
Built-in AD converter, 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate
Has a studio-quality soundCons (reasons to avoid)
The mic is a little bit bulky
The mic is inconvenient for travel purposesWhat other experts liked
All that being said, this is one of the best USB mics you can get for podcasting and voice work. It’s a condenser microphone, so it can pick up background sound easily, but it uses a cardioid polar pattern which means it picks up sound from the front the best.What other experts didn't like
The cardioid pattern is broad enough that you have to put some time and effort into positioning it at just the right angle to avoid the dreaded keyboard clicking sounds. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Rode Podcaster
Cardioid Recording Microphone
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:It’s a cardioid (front-facing) polar pattern dynamic USB microphone. There’s a headphone port with volume control and a little green light to show it’s plugged in and operating for latency-free monitoring. The Rode Podcaster is a good microphone in terms of audio quality. It has a radio DJ feel, crisp and clear with good richness. The capsule is shock-mounted inside, and there’s a pop filter built in. This podcasting USB microphone is a dynamic USB microphone that is a little out of the ordinary. It has a broadcast-style design with a signal that isn’t processed digitally.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Rich low-mids, smooth mids, and sharp presence in the highs make for a strong signal
Has Zero latency
Has Internal pop filter and capsule shock mountCons (reasons to avoid)
Expensive
Stand mic isn't included
A bit heavy builtWhat other experts liked
It’s well made, nicely designed and does a superb job of capturing a version of your voice which sounds great.What other experts didn't like
The only irony here is that, at $229, the Rode Podcaster is among the more expensive USB options we've tested. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Rode NT-USB
Microphone with Mix Control
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:You receive a mix control and a zero-latency headphone monitoring jack with this Rode NT-USB. A pop filter that connects to the base and sits at the perfect distance, a desk stand, and a storage bag are all included. Another advantage is that if you utilize the camera connection kit, it will work with an iPad. It is inexpensive, yet it outperforms the competition’s models every time. This is a great-looking and high-quality USB microphone from a reputable manufacturer. You can’t go wrong with this place.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Very clear recording quality
Include a pop filter
Very low noiseCons (reasons to avoid)
The boom bracket is composed of plastic, and it has been noted as a weak area
The tripod included is unsteadyWhat other experts liked
Rode NT-USB is unarguably the best microphone of choice for today. Once you’ll have it side by side with other computer mic, you will realize this.What other experts didn't like
The NT-USB does stumble over the bane of all standing microphones: vibrations from table knocks and the clack of keyboard keys. It picks these up all too well, and the minimal padding on the tripod does little to cushion it from them. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Blue snowball iCE
Portable Size Mic
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Snowball Ice is a small, spherical, and enticingly inexpensive microphone with many personalities. More significantly, it sounds great for the money, so if you’re looking for one of the finest USB microphones for sporadic meetings or distant social events, this may be the one. The Blue Snowball Ice should be high on the list of appropriate candidates for anybody interested in coming across clearly on Zoom rather than launching a podcast or streaming career.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Very inexpensive
Compact and portable sized
Delivers crisp and sharp audioCons (reasons to avoid)
Has limited feature
Performs poorly with distances and close-ups
Only have two polar patternWhat other experts liked
Given that plenty of the USB microphones we test cost $100 or more, the Snowball Ice from Blue stands out. At $49.99, it's a very affordable option from a company known for its high-quality pro-level mics.What other experts didn't like
This being at the budget end of Blue’s range, it’s not overflowing with features. There’s no gain control, no polar pattern switch, no mute. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Blue YETI NANO
Compact Design Recording Microphone
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Blue Yeti Nano is an effort to make recording more accessible, affordable, and portable. The result is a microphone that sounds sharp and takes up less room on your desk, all while keeping Blue microphones’ exquisite simplicity of use. This podcasting USB microphone provides excellent audio quality for streaming, podcasts, and music. This condenser microphone can accomplish a lot for a low budget, with 24-bit/48kHz recording capabilities, two pickup patterns, and a somewhat compact design.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Has a compact and portable design
Comes with a low-latency monitor
Decent audio qualityCons (reasons to avoid)
Only have two direction patterns
Has minimal controlsWhat other experts liked
The Blue Yeti Nano is a well-made, great-sounding USB microphone at a reasonable priceWhat other experts didn't like
The Yeti Nano's lack of an onboard gain control knob—the gain must be adjusted through software rather than manually. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Elgato WAVE 3
Easy to Use Microphone
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:For a reason, the Wave: 3 is one of the greatest cardioid-only USB microphones. It’s easy to use, with inbuilt volume controls, a built-in headphone port for low-latency monitoring, and good signal quality. To avoid signal clipping, some novel analog-digital hybrid processing is used, which is essential for gamers and podcasters. Consider the Elgato Wave: 3 to be a helpful tool. Almost all of the controls you’ll need are on the front panel, and they’re all simple to use, with LED metering to help you out.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Has a low-latency monitor
Comes with a built-in stand
Solid audio signalCons (reasons to avoid)
Only have one recording pattern
Does not come with a pop filterWhat other experts liked
Sonically, the Wave: 3 delivers a hearty, clear signal with what sounds like some peak limiting here and there when things get loud.What other experts didn't like
The only glaring downside here is the placement and mechanism of the mute button. It’s a touch-sensitive area on the very top of the mic rather than a mechanical button, and its position makes it a bit easier to hit accidentally than anyone would like. - Have a problem
with this product?#9HyperX QuadCast S - USB Microphone
High Sound Quality Microphone
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The HyperX QuadCast S provides a terrific alternative for gamers that want both aesthetics and superb sound quality, with a built-in shock mount, pop filter, and adjustable RGB illumination. This microphone can quickly become a mainstay of any setup, thanks to its outstanding sound quality, durable structure, and programmable RGB illumination. The Quadcast S has a 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, a 16-bit recording rate, and three 14mm condensers that enable it to function in four different directional patterns.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Has an RGB lighting
Loud and sharp audio
Strong BuildCons (reasons to avoid)
Does not have much difference compared to its predecessor
Comes with a high price tagWhat other experts liked
The aesthetics of the HyperX QuadCast S are no doubt its biggest highlight. The dynamic double RGB lighting system featured on the QuadCast S vaguely resembles a lava lamp, slowly transitioning from one color scheme to another.What other experts didn't like
The mic is a little squat. While a tall or top-address mic makes it easy to get up close and personal for single-person cardioid-mode recording, the QuadCast is a side-address mic and is too short on its built-in stand. - Have a problem
with this product?#10Neewer USB Microphone 4-in-1 Kit for Windows and Mac
Affordable Recording Mic
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Spending a lot of money is unnecessary to get a high-quality recording. The Neewer USB microphone distinguishes out in this regard. This podcasting USB microphone has a cardioid pickup pattern and a built-in condenser capsule to reduce background noise. However, in rare situations when the setting is not conducive to recording, little ambient noise may be heard. You’ll also receive an arm stand, a USB cable, a shock mount, and a USB cable in addition to the microphone. These accessories are a bargain considering their low price.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Extremely Low Cost
Excellent Sound Quality
LightweightCons (reasons to avoid)
Requires phantom powerWhat other experts liked
The nw700 is without a doubt one of, if not the best sub-thirty dollar external cardioid microphones on the market right now.What other experts didn't like
It’s not really high-end mic for professional studio use as the main mic
Conclusion: Best USB Microphone for Podcasting
When selecting the best microphones for podcasting, you may find it hard to choose one. By reading this article, you may find each feature and specification of microphones for podcasting. Purchase one that is suitable for your requirements, and happy recording!