With a slew of options out there, take a peek at our hand-picked list of the best podcasting mics on the market.
Chase Bernath7mo ago
Chase Bernath7mo agoMicrophones buying guides
16 articles
Our buying guides for microphones: a shortlist per use case, per budget, per type. Every pick is a set we've had in the lab.
Most picked right now
the products this page's guides keep converging onIn 5 guides
$99
- Best overall — Best vocal microphones
- Our pick — Best XLR microphones
- Budget pick — Best microphones for recording
- Our pick — Best Shure microphones
- Pick #7 — Best mics for YouTube
In 4 guides
8.9
Blue Yeti X$139
- Our pick — Best podcasting microphones 2026
- Streamer pick — Best microphones for recording
- Our pick — Best USB microphones
- Our pick — Best mics for YouTube
In 4 guides
$79
- Value pick — Best podcasting microphones 2026
- Budget pick — Best vocal microphones
- Podcasting pick — Best USB microphones
- Value pick — Best mics for YouTube
In 3 guides
8.9
Shure SM57$109
- Instruments pick — Best microphones for recording
- Instrument pick — Best Shure microphones
- Pick #9 — Best mics for YouTube
In 3 guides
8.2
Shure MV7+$279
- Versatile pick — Best vocal microphones
- Broadcast pick — Best XLR microphones
- Creator pick — Best Shure microphones
In 3 guides
8.1
Rode NT1-A$199
- Studio pick — Best vocal microphones
- Sound quality pick — Best XLR microphones
- Pick #8 — Best mics for YouTube
Best productsBest wireless microphones
Don't let wires drag you down.
Sara Carbone10mo ago
Sara Carbone10mo ago
Precision in every playback.
Adam MolinaAugust 1, 2025
Adam MolinaAugust 1, 2025
Our top picks to make sure you sound your best, whether you're laying down tracks or hitting the stage.
Dave CarrJuly 31, 2025
Dave CarrJuly 31, 2025
Our handpicked list of the best XLR microphones is here to help you find the perfect fit for your next project.Dave CarrJune 13, 2025
Dave CarrJune 13, 2025
Best productsBest gaming mics
Gaming mics don't need to be amazing, but any gearhead wants the best. Here are our pics for budget microphones that won't let you down mid-deathmatch.
Christian ThomasMay 5, 2025
Christian ThomasMay 5, 2025
Best productsBest microphones for recording
For the record.Sara CarboneApril 28, 2025
Sara CarboneApril 28, 2025
Best productsBest Shure microphones
One of the oldest mic companies around, Shure knows recordingChristian ThomasApril 1, 2025
Christian ThomasApril 1, 2025
Best productsBest lavalier microphones
Keep a low profile with these subtle lavalier microphones. Chase BernathNovember 28, 2024
Chase BernathNovember 28, 2024Best productsBest USB microphones
Why sacrifice sound quality for convenience?
Lil KatzFebruary 2, 2024
Lil KatzFebruary 2, 2024
Best productsBest mics for YouTube
No matter your channel topic, there’s a mic for you.
Sam SmartJanuary 31, 2024
Sam SmartJanuary 31, 2024
Features & OpinionsSoundGuys' favorite audio products of 2023
The year is almost over, so what were our favorite products?Christian ThomasDecember 29, 2023
Christian ThomasDecember 29, 2023More microphones coverage