Now that you’ve decided you want to launch a podcast, you might be wondering, “What is the best microphone for podcasting?” Thankfully, a podcast microphone won’t break the bank, but it’s important to do a little bit of research before selecting the right microphone for you.

The Best Microphone for Podcasting

Picking the best microphone for podcasting can turn into a hot debate. There are those who swear by the Blue Yeti and others who think that the Blue Yeti microphone is the worst for podcasting. That’s why we’ll cover a few of the best microphones for podcasting so you can choose the one that works well for you.

Why a Microphone is Important for Podcasting

If you want a quality audio experience for your listeners, you’ll want to make sure that you use a microphone. If the audio is not up to par, you will find that listeners are quick to leave your show and won’t come back. We definitely don’t want that for your podcast, so let’s make sure you give them a quality audio experience.

Are there different types of microphones?

Yes, there are different types of microphones for podcasting! Microphones usually come with two different connections. There are USB and XLR connections.

A USB connection is great for anyone who is a solo podcaster or conducts virtual interviews. It plugs directly into your computer via USB.

An XLR connection is perfect for those who record two people in the same room. The audio quality is better, but these microphones do require additional equipment, like a mixer. 

Since most business podcasters will be doing solo episodes or virtual interviews, this post will cover USB microphones since those are the best for podcasting about business.

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Best Microphone for Podcasting by Brand Name | Blue Yeti Microphone

Everyone who has considered podcasting has probably heard about the Blue Yeti microphone. 

The Blue Yeti microphone is one of the best microphones for podcasting, but it isn’t the best option for everyone. There is a small learning curve with the Blue Yeti mic. If you don’t set it up properly, it will likely pick up noises around the room while you are recording. 

You can also use it to record a group of people by changing the settings and putting the microphone in the middle of the group. It’s a very rugged and versatile microphone, so a lot of podcasters like it for those reasons. The Blue Yeti also travels well. Those who love it absolutely love it. But there are other options!

Best Microphone  for Podcasting By Value | ATR2100x-USB Microphone

Which microphone will give me the best bang for my buck?

I get it. The Blue Yeti Microphone is on the pricier side and might not make sense for everyone. I have a client who uses the ATR2100x along with a pop filter and her podcasting sound quality is better than my clients who use a Blue Yeti.

The Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB was the original (which is still fantastic) and the new version is called the ATR2100x-USB. It performs great for the cost and has both a USB and XLR connection. It also travels well because of its size.

This microphone will not work for recording in a group setting like the Blue Yeti, as it works best with head-on recording.

Best Microphone for Podcasting for Backup | Samson Q2U Microphone

What if the Yeti and Audio-Technica are sold out?

Sometimes, the demand for microphones increases or some microphones are not in stock outside of the United States. In this case, the Samson Q2U is a great backup microphone if you need one quickly and can’t wait for the restock.

The Samson Q2U has all the same features as the Audio-Technica with a smaller price tag. It’s versatile and offers both USB and XLR connections. It works well for beginners and is easy to set up. Just because it is a beginner microphone doesn’t mean it will be low quality – on the contrary, the Samson Q2U is a good quality microphone.

As you can see, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to the best microphone for podcasting. Feel free to test things out and ask your podcasting friends which microphones they use. I highly recommend the ATR2100x above all else, but you’ll have to decide for yourself which one will work for you.

Looking to start your own podcast? Check out Alesia's free podcast launch training for everything you need to know to create a successful podcast!