#3 Best Microphones on Amazon in 2024

A high-quality microphone is essential for recording podcasts, music, voiceovers, interviews, and more. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which microphone best suits your needs and also in budget.

After extensive research and hands-on testing, I’ve compiled this definitive guide to the top 10 best microphones currently available on Amazon. For each microphone, I’ll provide an overview of its key features and audio performance, along with pros and cons, ideal use cases, and comparisons to similar models.

Whether you’re looking for a studio-grade XLR mic, a plug-and-play USB option, or a microphone for streaming, this review will help you find the perfect mic to take your recordings to the next level. Let’s dive in!

1. Shure SM7B  – Best XLR Studio Microphone

The Shure SM7B is a legendary dynamic XLR microphone renowned for its warm, smooth audio quality. It’s the most popular studio microphone used by professional singers and podcasters.

The SM7B has been a studio staple since the 1970s. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively isolates the voice from ambient noise. This makes it ideal for professional vocal and speech recording, especially for podcasts and streaming.

It has a signature warm, flat frequency response perfect for naturally capturing clean vocals and rich voice tracks. The SM7B rejects electromagnetic interference for minimal signal distortion.

Some key features include:

* Bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis control for tone shaping
* Effective pop filter to reduce harsh plosives
* Internal shock mount to minimize vibration sounds
* Yoke mounting with adjustable angle/positioning

Thanks to its all-metal construction, the SM7B is built like a tank. It can withstand years of daily studio use. While expensive, the SM7B is an industry-standard vocal microphone favored by top artists and content creators.

Shure SM7B Microphone – Sound Quality

The SM7B provides beautifully smooth and detailed audio across the vocal range. It adds just a touch of warmth to keep vocals sounding full-bodied without excessive boominess or muddiness.

Noise rejection is exceptional, eliminating ambient room tone and electronic hum. This allows vocals to cut clearly through the mix. The mid-range boost gives presence and intimacy to voices for podcasts, Twitch streaming, and videos.

Frequency response is rated at 50Hz to 20kHz, capturing virtually all the nuance and detail in speech. Output levels are healthy to prevent the need for excessive preamp gain and potential noise issues.

Shure SM7B Microphone – Downsides

The biggest downside to the SM7B is that it requires a powerful preamp or audio interface with at least +60dB of gain for optimal signal levels. The mic has a low sensitivity rating of -59 dBV/Pa.

It’s also quite heavy at over 1.1 pounds. The all-metal build makes the SM7B sturdy but not very portable if you want to record in different locations. It also lacks integrated controls, requiring outboard gear for EQ and gain adjustments.

Shure SM7B Microphone – Ideal Uses

Thanks to its signature broadcast sound, isolation, and durability, the SM7B excels for:

• Professional studio vocal recording
• Podcast, streaming, voiceovers
• YouTube, TikTok, Twitch content
• Field interviews
• Singing and speech applications

It’s the gold standard for rich, polished vocal tracks. The SM7B shines when paired with a Scarlett audio interface that provides sufficient gain.

Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone Price:

Get $50 off instantly: Pay $39.99 upon approval for Amazon Visa. No annual fee.

Bottom Line

The Shure SM7B delivers exceptional isolation and smooth tone that makes vocals shine with detail and warmth. It’s a true industry-standard microphone that is perfect for the studio. Just be prepared to supply ample gain to reach optimal levels.

2. Blue Yeti – Best USB Microphone for Podcasting

For a high-quality USB microphone perfect for podcasting and gaming, the Blue Yeti is a versatile option with broadcast-ready sound.

The Yeti stands out with its retro look and multiple polar pattern selection ideal for varied recording applications. It houses Blue’s proprietary tri-capsule technology to capture rich, detailed audio.

Some key features include:

* Four pickup pattern options
* Onboard mute button and volume control
* Zero-latency headphone monitoring
* Positionable design using tabletop stand

With plug-and-play operation, the Yeti makes high-quality recording extremely accessible. It’s a great entry point for aspiring podcasters and content creators.

Blue Yeti Microphone – Sound Quality

Audio from the Yeti has exceptional clarity and depth thanks to the tri-capsule array. The cardioid mode works well for podcasts and vocals, isolating the main sound source with a focused, full-bodied tone.

Switching to bidirectional or omnidirectional expands the ambient pickup for conference calls, interviews, and music recording. The stereo mode adds immersive room imaging. Having all these patterns in one mic makes the Yeti highly versatile.

Headphone monitoring lets you listen as you record with no distracting lag. The durable metal build offers lasting performance even with heavy use. It truly delivers professional studio sound quality in an easy-to-use USB package.

Blue Yeti Microphone – Downsides

As a fixed microphone, the Yeti lacks mounting options to position it how you want. It also picks up some surface vibration and handling noise if you adjust or tap the mic. A shock mount adds protection but increases the cost.

While audio fidelity is excellent, it doesn’t quite match large diaphragm condenser mics. But for a sub-$150 USB option, the Yeti still beats out similarly priced competitors.

Blue Yeti Microphone – Ideal Uses

The Blue Yeti excels for any application where its multiple polar patterns and plug-and-play USB connectivity are beneficial:

* Podcasting
* Vlogging, YouTube videos
* Game, chat streaming on Twitch
* Video calls and conference audio
* Voiceovers and narration
* Field interviews and event audio

It’s the ideal USB mic for quickly setting up professional sound at home or taking on the road. The Blue Yeti captures excellent vocals along with room ambiance as needed.

Blue Yeti Microphone Price

Get $50 off instantly: Pay $39.99 upon approval for Amazon Visa. No annual fee.

Bottom Line

With pristine sound and flexible operation, the Blue Yeti nails the sweet spot of quality, versatility, and affordability. Its multiple pickup patterns in a single USB mic make it a valuable audio upgrade for any creator.

3. Audio-Technica AT2020 – Best Budget XLR Microphone

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is beloved by home studio owners for providing warm, detailed sound at an affordable price point. Let’s see if this budget XLR mic lives up to the hype.

This small diaphragm condenser microphone offers professional-quality audio without breaking the bank. It requires an XLR connection to an audio interface or mixer providing +48V phantom power.

Some handy specs include:

* Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm
* Extended frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz
* 130dB maximum SPL handling
* Low self-noise of just 20dB

Its cardioid polar pattern picks up sound directly in front while rejecting off-axis noise. The AT2020 is a great entry point for studio recording on a budget.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Sound Quality

For the price, the AT2020 provides remarkably clear, natural sound across vocals and acoustic instruments. The crisp top end captures subtle details without harshness or sibilance.

Lows come through with pleasing warmth down to around 60Hz before rolling off. The mid-range is full and present with minimal muddiness. Combined with smooth off-axis rejection, the AT2020 isolates sources with professional quality.

It has a sufficient output level to avoid noisy preamp boosting. Unexpected pops or clipped signals are also rare thanks to the high SPL handling. Overall an extremely well-balanced sound at this friendly price.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Downsides

As an affordable mic, the AT2020 understandably lacks some premium features found on pricier models. It omits pad and filter switches to control levels and tone. The plastic construction also feels a bit cheap, and prone to handling noise.

It really needs a separate shock mount and pop filter accessory to optimize sound isolation and plosive protection. However, as a minor tradeoff for the great core performance, the AT2020 still shines as a starter XLR microphone.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Ideal Uses

The AT2020 provides excellent results for

* Home studio vocal and instrument tracking
* Podcasting, YouTube, streaming
* Location audio with field recorders
* Voiceovers, audiobook narration
* Video post-production overdubs

For amateur musicians, podcasters, and content creators, the AT2020 is hard to beat for the price. It’s a great mic to learn proper recording techniques.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone Price

Get $50 off instantly: Pay $39.99 upon approval for Amazon Visa. No annual fee.

Bottom Line

With impressive studio-quality sound and affordable XLR connectivity, the AT2020 is arguably the best entry-level microphone for home recording. The audio punches well above its class.