When it comes to podcasting, your microphone is your best friend. A good mic can make the difference between professional clarity and muffled frustration. But in a sea of options, finding the one can feel overwhelming.
Our clients often ask us which products are best for their podcasts, vlogs, or video calls. So, we’ve put together a friendly and professional comparison of the top 5 podcasting microphones to help make your decision a whole lot easier (and maybe even a little fun).
We'll assess them based on Sound Quality, Connectivity, Aesthetics, Ease of Use, and Price. You might be surprised by some of our picks—especially number 5!
- Shure MV7+ Podcast Microphone
- Rode PodMic USB Microphone
- Beyer M70 PRO X Microphone
- Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone
- Shure SM7B Podcast Vocal Microphone
1. Shure MV7+ Podcast Microphone
The Shure MV7+ Podcast microphone tops our list due to its sleek design and appearance. It resembles Shure’s SM7B Studio microphone and is a firm favourite with podcasters globally.
Shure MV7+ Sound Quality:
Shure has added some great features to take your audio quality to the next level.
- Voice Isolation Technology, your voice stays front and centre, free from any unwanted background noise—perfect for flawless recordings every time.
- The updated Auto Level Mode is a game-changer, automatically adjusting your mic’s gain based on your distance, volume, and surroundings for smooth, balanced audio
- Need to cut out room noise? The real-time De-noiser uses advanced DSP tech to keep things quiet while you focus on your sound.
- The new Digital Popper Stopper™ tackles those pesky plosive sounds, so your tracks stay crisp and distraction-free.
Shure MV7+ Connectivity:
The MV7+ features USB-C to USB-C connectivity and pairs seamlessly with the MOTIV Mix™ desktop app on Windows 10 (or later) and Mac OS 12 (or later). Just make sure your system has at least 8 GB of RAM and 20% free hard drive space for smooth operation. It also offers XLR connections.
On the go? No problem! The MV7+ also works with the MOTIV Audio & Video apps on iOS 16 (or later) and Android OS 12 (or later).
Shure MV7+ Aesthetics:
This microphone has a sleek, professional design that we can’t get enough of. The dark, solid, and moody aesthetic makes it an ideal choice for late-night podcasts or broadcasts.
Shure MV7+ Ease of Use:
If your device or laptop has USB-C, setup is as easy as plug-and-play—no extra steps required. However, if you're looking for an XLR option to connect to your sound card or interface, the Shure MV7X is a fantastic choice.
Shure MV7+ Price: RRP £269.00*
2. Rode PodMic USB Microphone
The PodMic USB is your go-to dynamic microphone for podcasting, streaming, gaming, voiceovers, and all things content creation. It delivers rich, full-bodied sound that’ll make your voice shine. With both XLR and USB outputs, you can connect it to an audio interface or mixer for that classic broadcast setup—or keep it simple and plug it straight into your computer for easy, hassle-free recording. Versatile, reliable, and ready to roll, this mic covers all the bases!
PodMic USB Sound Quality:
Rode has packed in some fantastic features to enhance sound quality, including:
- Experience advanced audio processing with the on-board DSP and APHEX® technology.
- Enjoy crystal-clear sound thanks to the ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™.
- Need to monitor your sound? The built-in headphone output with volume control and zero-latency monitoring has you covered—because great audio shouldn't keep you waiting!
PodMic USB Connectivity:
Both analog XLR and digital USB-C connectivity are included as standard and we appreciate that you get the best of both worlds right out of the box.
PodMic USB Aesthetics:
Striking the perfect balance between durability and style, the PodMic is ready to get the job done!
PodMic USB Ease of Use:
As we’ve highlighted, the device features both analog XLR and digital USB-C connectivity, providing seamless plug-and-play functionality. It’s also fully compatible with RØDE’s suite of software, including RØDE Connect, RØDE Central, RØDE Capture, and UNIFY, offering a versatile and streamlined user experience.
Rode PodMic USB Price: RRP £199.00*
3. Beyer M70 PRO X Dynamic Broadcast Microphone for Podcasting
The M 70 PRO X dynamic microphone is your go-to for capturing high-quality speech and vocal recordings. With its extended, balanced frequency response, it delivers clear, detailed sound every time. The cardioid polar pattern keeps unwanted noise at bay, while the carefully tuned proximity effect ensures your audio stays crisp and consistent.
Say goodbye to pesky vibrations—thanks to its integrated elastic suspension system—and let the included pop filter take care of those plosive sounds. Plus, the flexible gooseneck makes positioning a breeze, so you can focus on what matters: sounding your absolute best.
Beyer M70 PRO X Sound Quality:
This mic features a dynamic cardioid cartridge, perfect for capturing speech in broadcast settings like radio, podcasts, or streaming. It’s also a great choice for vocals, whether you’re rocking out or singing pop hits. Versatile? Absolutely.
Beyer M70 PRO X Connectivity:
Some might call it a bit old-school with its XLR, 3-pin, male connection, while others might say it’s the mark of a true professional-grade microphone. The choice is yours!
Beyer M70 PRO X Aesthetics:
Is it just us, or does this design already feel a bit dated? That said, the build and sound quality of this microphone are both truly impressive. And pricing is very competitive!
Beyer M70 PRO X Ease of Use:
You will need an audio interface to hook up to your computer like the Focusrite range, but if you already have one getting started is a cinch.
Beyer M70 PROx Microphone Price: £99.00*
4. Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone
The Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone strikes the perfect balance between performance and accessibility. Designed for podcasters and streamers, this USB-C powered mic focuses on delivering top-notch audio quality with a sleek, user-friendly design.
Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone Sound Quality:
This mic features a cardioid condenser capsule and three simple, intuitive controls:
- Gain Control to adjust your mic level
- Mix Control to balance your mic with device audio
- Volume Control to set your headphone monitoring level (because no one wants to guess how they sound).
Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone Connectivity:
USB-C powered (MacOS/iPadOS/Windows/Android) So just plug and play with this microphone.
Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone Aesthetics:
It strikes a nice balance between sleek design and functionality, landing somewhere between a professional and consumer product. While true professionals might prefer having all the controls off the mic, this is an excellent choice for anyone plugging directly into a device without using an audio mixer or software.
Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone Ease of Use:
With an adjustable tilt and self-locking joint, you can position the mic perfectly toward your sound source for optimal results. Looking for flexibility? The Profile offers options—a compact table stand for quick and easy setups or a boom arm for more precise positioning. No matter your setup, this mic is ready to deliver!
Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone Price: £109.00* - Table Stand
Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone Price: £179.00* - Streaming Set
5. Shure SM7B Podcast Vocal Microphone
The SM7B is the go-to microphone for podcasters, broadcasters, and vocalists who want their voice to shine. Loved for its smooth, warm sound, it delivers that rich, professional quality while keeping unwanted noise at bay. Whether you're hosting a podcast, recording vocals, or live-streaming, the SM7B ensures your voice takes centre stage. It’s an audio legend for good reason—trusted by pros and ready to make you sound your best.
Shure SM7B Sound Quality:
The SM7B’s cardioid pattern is designed to reject off-axis audio, letting you sing or speak comfortably while capturing your sound exactly as you want it—with minimal coloration. It even features advanced electromagnetic shielding to block hum from computer monitors and other studio gear. Perfect for close-miking instruments or ASMR audio, the SM7B delivers that warm, smooth, full-frequency sound you’ve been looking for..
Shure SM7B Connectivity:
The Shure SM7B connects to your audio interface, pre-amp, or sound card using an XLR cable—because even great microphones need a little teamwork!
Here’s the pro tip: the SM7B works best with preamps that offer +60dB of gain. If your setup can’t quite provide that, no worries—the Shure SM7dB might be your perfect match, with a built-in preamp to handle the heavy lifting.
Shure SM7B Aesthetics:
This truly sets the standard—it looks, sounds, and feels exactly like a market leader should, especially at this price point. Quality like this doesn’t come cheap, and it shows!
Shure SM7B Ease of Use:
To get the best out of your SM7B, you'll need a sturdy microphone stand, arm, or similar mount. Once that's set, simply connect it to your sound card, mixing desk, or audio interface via XLR, and you're all set to go. Easy as pie!
Shure SM7B Microphone Price: £379.00*
Shure SM7dB Microphone Price: £499.00*
Summary:
These are, in our view, the best five microphones for podcasts, video calls, or home studio recordings, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro.
The Shure SM7B takes the number 5 spot on our list (although it can be argued it should be no.1). Renowned for its exceptional sound quality and durability, it’s widely regarded as the industry standard for podcasting and professional audio work. Its dynamic range and ability to minimize background noise make it a favorite among creators, though its higher price point may put it out of reach for some budgets.
If you’re looking to invest in a mic that delivers unmatched performance, The Shure SM7B could be the one for you.
So, grab your coffee, hit record, and start creating content that stands out with crystal-clear audio! 🎙
*All Prices correct at time of publishing.
