Are you looking for a reliable microphone to start or improve your podcast… but feeling a bit lost among all the available models?
Should you really go for a Shure SM7B as seen everywhere, or can a Elgato microphone suffice?
Or simply put: what is the best microphone for podcasts or radio?
Rest assured: you are not alone in your hesitation.
The choice can quickly become complex, especially with USB podcast microphones, those with XLR, and of course, no one wants to make a mistake with their order.
That’s why I’ve prepared this list of “10 best microphones for podcasting”: to help you clarify, compare the advantages and limitations, and select a model suited to your budget, your space, and your usage.
Note that we are indeed talking about “10 best microphones” and not “THE 10 best microphones” — because it is absolutely impossible to say that one microphone is definitively better than the others.
However, all the microphones you will find in this article are reliable, proven options that will undoubtedly allow you to record your podcast or broadcast your radio shows under good conditions.
In summary, 3 podcast/radio-oriented microphones…
If you don’t have much time, here are the 3 key suggestions from this article grouped in this comparison table:
| Model | My opinion | Click to see the price |
|---|---|---|
 RØDE NT-USB Mini | A quality microphone that connects directly via USB to your computer | Thomann Amazon Woodbrass |
 RØDE Prodcaster | A studio-quality microphone with XLR connectivity. Very good value for money for podcasting | Thomann Amazon |
 Shure SM7B | The reference microphone, super recognizable “radio” sound, ideal for podcasting if you have the budget. | Thomann Amazon Woodbrass |
How to choose a podcast/radio microphone?
Of course, before diving into a comparison of the best microphones for producing podcasts, it is important to keep in mind a few aspects that are absolutely essential to know before making your choice.
Podcast microphone: USB or XLR?
Overall, you have two types of technology in the microphones that you will find on the market, and thus in this list.
You have microphones that have a USB connection, and those that have an XLR connection.
But what is the actual difference?
In fact, USB microphones:
- contain a kind of built-in mini-sound card that converts the sound captured by the microphone into a digital signal;
- and can therefore be plugged directly into your computer, via a standard USB cable.
On the other hand, microphones with XLR connections do not contain a mini-sound card and therefore cannot be plugged directly into your computer: between the two, you will need to use what is called an audio interface, which will act as a sound card.
So basically, you will connect the microphone via an XLR cable to your audio interface, and connect the audio interface to the computer, as shown in the diagram below:
So you might ask me, why choose an XLR microphone for my podcast if I can get a USB microphone?
Well, simply because, overall, using a dedicated audio interface for your XLR microphone will allow you to achieve better sound quality. While the mini-sound cards integrated into USB microphones are often quite basic.
So to put it simply:
- if you are starting out in podcasting and want a cheap and “plug and play” solution, meaning you plug it in and it works right away: get a USB microphone;
- if you have a bit more budget, go directly for higher quality microphones that connect via XLR.
👉 By the way, if you need an audio interface for your XLR mic, don’t forget to check out my updated selection for this year by clicking here.
Note: some rare microphones offer both USB and XLR connections. They can then be used in both configurations.
Microphone for podcast: dynamic or condenser?
The second essential question to ask before choosing your podcast mic is: should you get a dynamic microphone or a condenser microphone?
These are two major families of mics that behave very differently — because they use completely different sound capture technologies.
Condenser mics are more sensitive: they capture a lot of details, and thus everything happening around you — your voice, of course, but also keyboard noises, breathing, the slightest rustle of clothing, or the reverberation of your room.
This is perfect if you are recording in a well-treated acoustic studio, or if you are looking for a very clear and detailed sound for spoken voice.
But in most cases — especially if you are recording at home, in an untreated room, or on the go — this sensitivity becomes a disadvantage: the mic will capture all the sound reflections in the room, resulting in a more “blurry” or “distant” sound.
For example, if someone shifts slightly in their chair, you will hear it directly in the recording.
In contrast, dynamic mics are less sensitive.
They handle untreated or minimally treated environments better and only capture what is close to the capsule.
This is why most radio stations and professional broadcast studios use dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B or the Electro-Voice RE20: they allow for a dense, natural voice, and especially well isolated from the rest.
👉 So, if you’re starting a podcast or recording in a regular room (living room, bedroom, office…), don’t hesitate to choose a dynamic microphone. Condenser microphones can provide a slightly more “hi-fi” sound, but they require a much more controlled environment to really take advantage of them.
The best microphones for podcasts / radio
Here are my recommendations for microphones for podcast recording, roughly sorted by price: some are budget podcast mics, while others are more expensive. It’s up to you to choose based on your budget, but in any case, all these mics will give you good quality sound.
1. RØDE PodMic
Brand: RØDE
Connection: XLR
Settings on the mic: none
We start this selection with a small XLR microphone that remains under the symbolic price of 100 €: the RØDE PodMic.
Of course, at this price, we are sticking to something quite basic, but the quality/price ratio is clearly there.
The PodMic is a good quality dynamic microphone, specifically designed for podcasting and streaming.
What immediately surprises is the warm and full sound it delivers, much more pleasant than one might expect at this price point. It provides a nice presence in the mids, without being aggressive, and gives a decent
👉 Click to compare prices: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
3. Shure SM58
Brand: Shure
Connection: XLR
Settings on the mic: none
Is it really necessary to introduce it?
The Shure SM58 is simply a legendary microphone, used for decades on stages around the world.
Designed primarily for live singing, it remains perfectly suited for podcasting thanks to its durability and well-known sound signature.
Designed for the voice, it offers clear mids and a fairly balanced overall response, without excess in the highs. Its rendering has a slightly nasal quality on certain voices, but it remains pleasant — whether for spoken or sung voice.
And it’s precisely this character that makes it so recognizable.
If you are looking for a reliable, sturdy XLR dynamic mic with a distinctive yet controlled vocal sound for your podcast, the SM58 remains a safe bet.
One could even see it as a more affordable alternative to the famous SM7B which we will discuss a bit later.
👉 Click to compare prices: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
4. Elgato Wave: 3
Brand: Elgato
Connection: USB
Settings on the mic: multifunction button (headphone level, gain, and crossfade between the mic and PC mix) and mute button on top
The Elgato Wave:3 stands out a bit from the rest of this selection: Elgato is primarily a brand focused on gaming and streaming, rather than studio or professional podcasting. And yet, this USB mic performs remarkably well.
The sound quality is very good, with a clear and well-balanced reproduction of the voice — without harshness or excess highs.
The microphone is connected via USB, up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, and especially designed to be easy to use in a modern setup. Indeed, the Wave Link application even allows you to control the Wave:3 and up to seven other audio sources, while creating two independent mixes: a rather rare feature at this price point.
We also appreciate the Clipguard technology, which manages the gain to minimize distortion phenomena, even when speaking a bit loudly.
However, there is still a downside: the plastic construction is a bit lightweight: it is well assembled, but clearly less robust than the all-metal microphones from RØDE or Shure.
In summary, the Wave:3 is a modern, intuitive, and efficient USB microphone, perfect for podcasting or streaming if you’re looking for a simple, effective, and not too expensive solution.
👉 Click to compare prices: Thomann Amazon
5. Shure Beta 58A
Brand: Shure
Connection: XLR
Settings on the microphone: none
The Shure Beta 58A is somewhat the high-end version of the famous SM58 we mentioned earlier.
It shares the same philosophy — a dynamic microphone designed for voice — but with a more modern and detailed rendering.
Where the SM58 remains quite centered on the mids, the Beta 58A offers more precision in the high end of the spectrum, with a slightly brighter and more open sound. This allows for a bit more clarity and presence, especially for spoken or sung voices that sometimes lack air with the SM58.
Another important difference: its supercardioid directivity.
In practical terms, this means it rejects sounds coming from the sides even better, capturing mainly what is directly in front of the capsule. A real plus for a podcast microphone, as it helps limit room noise and unwanted acoustic reflections.
In summary, the Beta 58A is a natural evolution of the SM58: a bit clearer, a bit more precise, and a bit more selective in its pickup. An excellent option if you love the Shure character but want a cleaner and more defined rendering.
👉 Click to compare prices: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
6. RØDE Procaster
Brand: RØDE
Connection: XLR
Settings on the microphone: none
Do not confuse with the RØDE Podcaster, which I personally find less convincing, the Procaster is an XLR dynamic microphone designed, as its name suggests, for podcasting, radio, and streaming. We remain in the “broadcast” spirit, but with a real traditional studio microphone, robust and unadorned.
In case you have any doubts, rest assured: it has the shape of a static microphone, but it is indeed a dynamic one. So no need for phantom power, and it handles loud voices very well. Its proximity effect is pleasant, with a dense, warm, and well-defined sound, typical of radio microphones.
The internal pop filter does a good job of reducing plosives (it doesn’t eliminate them all, though), and the microphone effectively rejects ambient noise thanks to its tight directivity.
In the under €200 range, it is a safe bet for me: a microphone that sounds “pro” without requiring heavy processing afterwards. And at the same time, it is neutral enough for you to add a lot of effects if needed. Ideal if you are looking for a consistent and warm podcast sound, without relying on a USB model.
👉 Click to compare prices: Thomann Amazon
7. Shure MV7X (and MV7+)
Brand: Shure
Connectivity: XLR (and USB on the MV7+ version)
Settings on the microphone: none (and a touch strip to manage gain, headphone level, etc. on the MV7+)
The Shure MV7X and its big brother MV7+ are, in my opinion, inspired by the famous SM7B, while targeting a broader audience — particularly podcasters and streamers who want quality sound without breaking the bank.
The MV7X is the XLR-only version, designed to integrate with a classic audio interface. It includes Voice Isolation technology, which allows for clean vocal capture even in an untreated room.
On its side, the MV7+ adds an integrated audio interface: it can therefore connect directly via USB-C, while offering some modern bonuses like a configurable touch LED strip, real-time DeNoiser based on integrated DSP, a Digital Popper Stopper, and even built-in reverb effects (though this is not very useful for podcasting).
In terms of sound, there is a certain warmth and even the Shure sound signature — perhaps a bit less refined than on an SM7B, but entirely usable, with a round and natural rendering on the voice.
The construction is very solid, true to the brand’s reputation, and the whole inspires confidence, whether for a fixed installation or a mobile setup.
In summary: the MV7X will be perfect for those who already have an audio interface, while the MV7+ is ideal if you want a modern and versatile “all-in-one” microphone. In both cases, it’s hard to go wrong.
👉 Click to compare prices:
8. Beyerdynamic M201
Brand: Beyerdynamic
Connectivity: XLR
Microphone settings: none
The Beyerdynamic M 201 is a dynamic microphone often overlooked by the general public — yet, it is a true underestimated gem. Originally designed for recording instruments (notably snare drums, guitar amplifiers, or acoustic instruments), it proves to be very convincing on vocals, especially for podcasts or radio.
Its clear and fairly detailed sound, without harshness, sometimes resembles that of a condenser microphone — while retaining the robustness and tolerance of a dynamic one. It offers a nice presence in the midrange and an open high end, allowing for a precise and natural voice, without the typical “muffled” effect of some dynamic microphones.
Its hypercardioid directivity is a real plus for home or streaming contexts: it effectively isolates the voice while rejecting ambient noise or lateral reflections.
Finally, its excellent value for money makes it an extremely versatile option: ideal for podcasts, but also capable of handling drums, guitar, or even brass recordings.
👉 Click to compare prices: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
9. Shure SM7B (or SM7dB)
Brand: Shure
Connection: XLR
Settings on the mic: low-cut filter, mid-range EQ
A legendary microphone, the Shure SM7B has long been an absolute reference for radio, podcasting, and streaming. It can be found in countless professional studios, and it’s no coincidence: it offers a full, dense, and controlled sound, with that typical roundness that is immediately associated with broadcast voices.
Let’s be clear: if you want the typical radio sound, if you want the sound of the SM7B, you absolutely need to get this microphone. There is no equivalent on the market that sounds the same.
It is a dynamic XLR mic, not very sensitive to ambient noise — perfect if you are recording in an untreated room. It is solid, well-built, and includes small adjustments (low-cut filter, mid-range boost) to tailor the color according to the voice. The overall sound is quite dark, but always very pleasant, with a real sense of “professional voice.”
Its main drawback: it requires a lot of gain. A basic interface will often not be enough; you need a robust preamp or a small booster like a Cloudlifter or FetHead (we will talk more about all this at the bottom of the article, read all the way to the end 😉 ). But once properly amplified, it’s an exceptional mic!
The SM7dB, released more recently, uses exactly the same capsule, but with an integrated preamp (+18 or +28 dB of gain). In short, it corrects the main drawback of the original model. The sound remains almost identical, but it is easier to use with any interface.
In summary: the SM7B remains a safe bet, timeless, and the SM7dB is a modernized version that simplifies life without sacrificing sound.
👉 Click to compare prices:
- Shure SM7B: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
- Shure SM7dB (with integrated amplification): Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
10. Electro-Voice RE20
Brand: Electro-Voice RE20
Connection: XLR
Settings on the mic: none
A great classic of professional broadcasting, the Electro-Voice RE20 is often somewhat overshadowed by the SM7B in the general public — but in radio stations and professional studios, it is a true institution. It is recognized by its massive design and its clear, precise, and controlled sound, which has earned it its reputation for decades.
It is a high-end dynamic microphone, designed for spoken voice, sung voices, and even some instruments. Compared to the SM7B, it is more open and cutting, with slightly emphasized highs and somewhat scooped mids — which gives a more modern and airy rendering. However, be careful, this clarity can sometimes come with a bit of sibilance on certain voices.
It is worth noting that its exclusive Variable-D system significantly reduces the proximity effect: even if you get closer to the microphone, the bass will remain quite stable and natural. This is a real plus for podcasters who move a bit in front of their microphone or who want to avoid tonal variations.
👉 Click to compare prices: Thomann Amazon Woodbrass
In conclusion
There you go, you have all the information to choose your microphone(s) for your podcast or radio show!
👉 To go further, also check out my recommendations for audio interfaces to connect the microphones and closed headphones.