We tested every major podcast microphone and came up with a shortlist of the best podcast microphones for all budgets.

When choosing a podcast microphone, you’ll have to decide what’s most important to you in the following areas: budget, sound quality, convenience, build quality and pickup patterns. You will also need to decide if you want a podcast setup for two or more guests. Note that the podcast microphone is the most important piece of equipment you’ll need to record your podcast so you may consider going for the higher end podcast mic knowing that it will be a lifetime investment.

Should I buy an XLR or USB microphone for podcasting?

A USB microphone does offer convenience in that it can be plugged in directly to your computer without the need of an audio interface or microphone preamp. However with this convenience comes lower quality audio. The USB podcast microphone is well suited for beginners just starting out who want to plug and play and not worry about getting other equipment to start a podcast. It’s good for the podcaster just starting out who wants to get a podcast show up and running quickly.

An XLR microphone is the more traditional form of mic that’s been around since the 1950s. There’s a reason it’s been around that long, it’s reliable, durable and gives the best audio quality transmission from the microphone to the preamp. The term XLR refers to the connection type being a circular design with 3 pins in male or female formats.

For the serious podcaster who is dedicated to their podcast show, the XLR microphone is the one to go with. And yes there is one for every budget low to high.

Should I buy a condenser or dynamic microphone for my podcast?

Dynamic microphones are the recommended choice and considered to be the best podcast microphone for many different setups. They’re easy to use, sound great, are robust, they reject background noise well and they cost a lot less than good condenser mics. Dynamic microphones are well suited for many different recording environments including home podcast studio setups.

Condenser microphones are better suited for professional recording studios with sound proof treatment and isolation. Dynamic podcast microphones are also better for recording 2 person podcast setups or more because they are better at rejecting external unwanted noises while recording voices in the same room.

Here are our top picks for the best podcast microphone: