There are some great cheap microphones out there for those shopping on a tight budget. We have rounded up the best cheap microphones for vocalists, podcasters and youtubers without breaking the bank.
We have split our top picks into two categories: XLR and USB microphones. XLR is your standard microphone connection most common with vocal and instrument mics. USB microphones are more popular with streamers on YouTube or podcasters as well as travelling vocalists/musicians who need something portable to record on the go.
Contents
Cheap Microphones XLR
If you prefer the traditional XLR input then these cheap microphones may be just what you’re after.
Behringer Ultravoice XM8500
A handheld microphone that offers an impressively dynamic sound; capable of handling regular use in a venue or on the road this mic will be sure to make anyone using it sound the best they possibly can. Though it doesn’t provide you with a long list of features, with a frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz it sounds best paired with a vocal midrange, which many vocalists actually prefer to use. The Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 also includes a two-stage, internal cardioid polar filter so you can really rock even when a guitar amplifier is used.
Pros:
Available at a great value for the money, the Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 is also incredibly dependable. It works well in many settings small and large and it sounds especially impressive with vocals.
Cons:
There is no on/off switch, though this is actually preferred by some sound technicians who are looking to avoid it being turned off accidentally.
Conclusion:
This mic is a good mix of quality, reliability and value for the cost, and is recommended for purchase and use.
Shure PGA48-XLR
An entry-level mic that boasts a premium look; from the black metallic finish to the silver ball grille the Shure PGA48-XLR microphone is exactly what you’ve been searching for. Offering a host of features from an on/off switch and an impressive frequency response of 70 Hz – 15 kHz to a dynamic transducer with a cardioid polar system, this high-quality Shure microphone is an inexpensive addition any sound system will sound wonderful with. A great brand that isn’t usually associated with cheap microphones.
Pros:
Impressively solid for the price, this mic offers incredible sound quality great for any use from public speaking to use with musicians, instruments or DJs as well.
Cons:
Some are noticing a little lack of bass response, but for the price it’s still very good. The on/off switch can feel flimsy and should be used carefully.
Conclusion:
A great budget mic with an on/off switch that comes from a quality, reliable company, Shure.
Behringer XM1800S (Set of 3)
An incredibly affordable way to add three new mics to your set-up, this Behringer XM1800S set of three dynamic microphones is a convenient choice for a great price. The high-quality, dynamic transducer in this mic comes complete with a super-cardioid polar pattern, an incredibly popular configuration for vocal mics that need to reduce background noise as much as possible. Also boasting several impressive features; with an on/off switch, an integrated pop filter and a frequency response of 80 Hz – 15 kHz, this microphone even comes housed in an impact-resistant case with a mic stand included as well. Really impressive value-for-money when shopping for cheap microphones.
Pros:
You get an amazingly large set for the cost and they offer wonderful sound and quality of construction. Great for use in a wide variety of venues for many occasions.
Cons:
You can’t be that fussy when buying cheap microphones but the carrying case may not be as solid as they seem and the sound quality is not as good as more expensive models.
Conclusion:
A great way to add more mics to your set-up at a remarkable price.
Shure SM48
-36%
Part of Shure’s mid-tier SM series, the Shure SM48 is an impressively cheap choice for a higher quality design. Featuring a rather large frequency response range of 55 Hz – 14 kHz as well as a stricter polar pattern and better transients; this microphone will be certain to have less handling noise than entry level mics for around the same cost. A handheld mic designed for vocals, the mid-range is slightly emphasized, there is bass roll-off for less of a proximity effect plus a pop-filter is also installed for reducing unwanted noise.
Pros:
Especially great for vocal work, this totally solid microphone sounds just as good as a more expensive Shure design. Offers an amazingly clear and crisp sound.
Cons:
Has slightly worse sound quality than the Shure SM58.
Conclusion:
A more affordable alternative to the SM58 that still sounds incredible.
Cheap Microphones USB
If you’re after a cheap usb microphone then these four are a great place to start.
Fifine K669
If you’re looking for a condenser mic that plugs directly into USB, the Fifine K669 is just what you need at a cost substantially less than the normal high cost this style provides. Providing you with essential features for anyone looking to do home recording; following the classic condenser mic shape with a tough metal exterior, the Fifine K669 also includes the cardioid polar pattern, and a conveniently located volume control knob found quickly and easily on the front.
Pros:
The Fifine K669 is especially great for podcasting, voice-over work and even voice chat, but still sounds wonderful with music as well.
Cons:
The included tripod base can feel flimsy compared to the strong, solid mic.
Conclusion:
The perfect first USB condenser microphone for beginners on a budget to use and enjoy.
Samson Go Mic
Ideal for almost any situation where you need portable, convenient recording, the Samson Go Mic is a small condenser microphone with a switchable polar pattern that’s easy to carry and keep wherever you need to. Created for simple and easy voice recording, podcasting and even recording vocals and instruments; the impressive ability of being able to switch between cardioid and omni-direction recording make this a totally versatile tool you won’t want to live without. With a frequency response of 20 Hz – 18 kHz and a 1/8” headphone output this mic is just what your equipment may be missing.
Pros:
An impressive combination of portability and sound quality, the Samson Go Mic is equally as reliable as it is convenient. Provides you with amazingly clear sound clarity as well.
Cons:
This microphone may actually capture too much detail in some cases, especially when it comes to background noise. Care needs to be taken when attaching the clip to prevent breakage.
Conclusion:
A perfectly portable, compact, versatile USB microphone with very good sound quality.
Samson Meteorite Mic
A trendy Samson version of the ball-shaped desktop microphone design, this mic takes the concept a step even further and includes a removable magnetic base that allows you to position it faster and easier than ever before. Complete with a 14mm diaphragm USB condenser and a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20kHz; you can perfectly capture the sound of the human voice and all musical instruments at a sample rate of 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz. With an especially wide cardioid pickup pattern, the sound coming from the side of the round microphone is also recorded, not just what is making noise above it.
Pros:
Providing great quality in a small package, from the easy plug-and-play set-up to the quick compatibility with many programs this mic is what any recording area can use.
Cons:
There are some issues with the recording of background issues because of the wide sound pick-up pattern and some find this microphone surprisingly small.
Conclusion:
A compact condenser microphone that offers the best in positioning stability.
Blue Snowball iCE
-18%
A distinctive desktop microphone boasting a ball-like shape, this wonderful microphone can be used for generic computer use or even more. With a frequency response of 40 Hz – 18 kHz and a sample rate of 44.1 kHz/16 bit, this microphone offers so much more than just a basic mic would. Designed with a condenser transducer with a cardioid polar pattern, you can easily quiet any background noise so this mic is especially great for quality voice recording. Created in a classic ball-shape, this microphone is also fairly easily relocated for impressive portability.
Pros:
Offers straightforward, simple functionality as well as portability, durability and great sound quality.
Cons:
Some find the sound to be a bit thin but it may be due to proximity problems; it’s recommended to move this mic around for the best results.
Conclusion:
Somewhat portable, the USB condenser mic looks and works differently than any other basic microphone you’ve ever used.
Manufacturers featured in this article:
- http://www.shure.com
- http://www.musictri.be/brand/behringer/home
- https://fifine.cc
- http://www.samsontech.com
- https://www.bluedesigns.com/products/snowball
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