9 Best Podcast Mics of 2023

<h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider</h2><p>There are a few major features that differentiate podcast mics from one another: USB versus XLR connections, dynamic versus condenser mics, and polar patterns. Each has value based on your priorities and podcast setup. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>XLR Versus USB Connection</h3><p>Podcast mics with XLR connections tend to have higher overall sound quality and voice clarity on recordings. However, in order to use an XLR connection mic, you need a sound system or speaker to plug into, which may dissuade amateur podcasters. </p><p>Podcast mics with a USB connection plug directly into your computer for easier use but, on the whole, sacrifice sound quality. That said, there are several high-quality USB-connected mics that come close to the sound quality of some XLR options if acquiring a sound system is out of the question for you. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Dynamic Versus Condenser</h3><p>Dynamic podcast mics are designed for versatility. If there is background noise or uncontrollable movement in your recording space, dynamic mics provide clear focus on your voice and reduce potential disruptions during records. Dynamic mics tend to have less detailed sound and worse clarity compared to condenser mics.</p><p>Condenser mics are better suited for soundproofed studios where background noise is virtually nonexistent. In quiet settings, condenser mics pick up clear, detailed recordings of your voice (and, really, any sound—so prepare to edit out lots of mouth sounds if you pick this option). In loud environments, condenser mics tend to pick up too much exterior sound for usable podcast tracks. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Polar Pattern</h3><p>The polar pattern of a mic refers to the direction that the mic captures audio from. The most common polar patterns are cardioid, which captures audio in a cone shape in front of the mic; bidirectional, which covers audio directly in front of and behind the mic; and omnidirectional, which takes in audio from all sides of the mic. Stereo mics are also quite common for podcasting—they take in audio directly in front of the mic. </p><p>The best polar pattern for you depends on your environment and type of podcast. If you’re recording a conversational podcast in a room with multiple speakers, one cardioid mic per host is the way to go. For those that record interviews in small studios, a bidirectional mic is the right choice. If you livestream your podcast to a crowd or record in a less controlled environment, omnidirectional mics offer more versatility and tend to be more forgiving on movement, coughs, and other real-time miscues.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected</h2><p>We selected products based on the diversity of price point, the functionality for podcasting specifically, and, of course, the overall quality of the mic. We researched several online resources including <em>TechRadar</em> and <em>Rolling Stone</em> to find other qualified recommendations, as well as poring through hundreds of verified online reviews from real customers. Embarrassingly, I have my own podcast, much like every other 20-something man living in Brooklyn, so I have personal experience shopping in this very market. </p>” />