Let's not beat around the bush, microphones are an essential component to any recording or live-streaming rig. More than ever, platforms such as YouTube and Twitch have become the grounds upon which content creators build and grow their brands.
Microphones are also key when it comes to podcasting, another trend that has become increasingly popular over the last few years.
However, they aren't always a feasible purchase as they can carry a pretty premium price tag. But, like all rules, there are always a couple of exceptions. We've decided to round up the best of them, with our best budget microphones guide.
The devices we've rounded up aren't even in a sale, so if you're looking for an impossibly cheap microphone, it's worth having a look at the Amazon Prime Day deals when the time comes.
When it comes to purchasing a microphone, you need to ensure you're getting a great quality one. Of course, if you're looking for a microphone for recording, the majority of it comes down to sound editing, but a great microphone can help cut down the post-production time.
Additionally, if you have a low-quality microphone, there are certain things post-production just can't fix.
If it's for live-streaming or gaming, it's also crucial that the microphone is of excellent quality and has the intended polar pattern you want, as this will ensure that the microphone produces crisp audio and only picks up the audio you intend it to.
Ready for your next purchase? Check out our best budget microphone guide just below, and if you have any questions on microphones, have a look at our FAQs section located at the bottom of the roundup.
The best budget microphones
Editor's pick
With this microphone, Samson has managed to deliver an incredibly versatile and excellent quality device, all for a very reasonable price. There's a headphone jack for no-latency monitoring, and the tripod stand is adjustable so you can customise it to fit your needs. We also love how compact and lightweight it is, making it a great choice for anyone who is on the move a lot.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Type of microphone | Condenser |
Best budget microphone for beginners
If you're new to recording and microphones, the Samson Q2U microphone is an excellent choice, as it's easy to set up and very straightforward to use. With a cardioid polar pattern, it's awesome for recording singular input sources and picks up little background noise. This device is also great value for money, as the price tag includes the microphone, XLR cable, a foam windshield and a tripod mic stand.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB/XLR |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Type of microphone | Dynamic |
Best budget microphone for gamers
It's easy to see why this has made our guide of the best budget microphones. The HyperX QuadCast brings impressively clear and crisp audio to live to gaming, and the shock mount is ideal for anyone who gets a little too immersed in their game. It also has some pretty useful features, such as the low-profile gain dial, LED indicators, and a tap-to-mute.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo |
| Type of microphone | Condenser |
Best all-rounder
Whether you're a streamer, a singer or a podcaster, this microphone by Blue has got you covered. It comes with an adjustable desktop stand, so you can customise it to fit your needs, and it's also lightweight, making it easily transportable. You can connect it via USB and it is Skype and Discord certified, which is handy for any virtual interviews or conversations.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB |
| Polar pattern | Unidirectional |
| Type of microphone | Dynamic |
Recommended
The Razer Seiren X offers a crisp and clear audio sound in the form of a bold, sleek, and matte black microphone. It also has a few handy features, including volume and mute controls, and a shock mount. We especially love that it boasts an incredibly precise super cardioid pickup pattern.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB |
| Polar pattern | Supercardioid |
| Type of microphone | Condenser |
Best microphone for podcasting
joby.com
A high-quality microphone, the Wavo POD features a pop filter accessory that easily removes all plosives, making it ideal for podcasting. We also love how versatile it is, as it's omnidirectional, has built-in volume controls and has a headphone port.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Connection | USB |
| Polar pattern | Omnidirectional, Cardioid |
| Type of microphone | Condenser |
FAQs:
What is a USB microphone?
This simply means that the microphone will have a USB output, which is handy as it means you can directly connect the microphone to a computer.
What is the polar pattern of a microphone?
A polar pattern describes the direction in which the microphone picks up audio. A cardioid microphone best records singular input sources and picks up little background noise, making it a perfect choice for singular podcasters, streamers, or singers.
What is the best microphone for gamers?
Without a doubt, this would be the HyperX QuadCast USB Microphone. Its shock mount is especially ideal for any gamer who becomes a little too immersed or gets carried away.
What is the best microphone for podcasters?
Being incredibly easy to set up, easily adjustable and boasting a cardioid polar pattern, the best budget microphone for podcasting has to be the Samson Q2U.
What to read next?
Isabel Martins is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology.
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