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Quality audio is one of the key factors that differentiate your content from others. Be it podcasts, interviews, voice-overs, or videos all of them need quality playback audio in order to captivate the audience. And in order to produce this audio quality, you need to get your hands on a quality microphone.
However, these microphones do not come cheap and become a major hurdle for many content creators. This is why we have created the list of the best microphone under 200 so people from all walks of life could produce quality audio for their content.
Besides the online content creation, a quality microphone is also required for studio recording and for live performances. Thus, for all these people, we have compiled this comprehensive list of the best microphone under 200.
But, don’t worry, the affordability of the cost does not mean that there is some sort of compromise on the quality. It is not the case, in fact, all the microphones mentioned in the best microphones available deliver exceptional audio quality.
So, without any further ado, let’s dive right into our list of the best microphone under 200. However, before going into details let’s take a bird’s eye view of some of their main features.
Top 10 Picks: Best Microphones Under 200
| Microphone | Polar Pattern | Connector | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rode NT USB | Unidirectional | USB | Check Price |
| Audio Technica AT2035 | Unidirectional | XLR | Check Price |
| sE Electronics X1s | Unidirectional | XLR | Check Price |
| HyperX QuadCast | Multipattern | USB | Check Price |
| Sennheiser e935 | Unidirectional | XLR | Check Price |
| AKG Pro Audio P420 | Multipattern | XLR | Check Price |
| Sennheiser e906 | Supercardioid | XLR | Check Price |
| Blue Yeti USB | Multipattern | USB | Check Price |
| Shure SM58 | Unidirectional | XLR | Check Price |
| AKG Perception 220 | Unidirectional | XLR | Check Price |
1. Rode NT USB-Versatile Microphone That Caters a Wide Audience
The first entry to make it to our list of the best microphone under 200 is the Rode NT USB. Rode is one of the top-tier brands producing audio equipment and has delivered quality products over and over again. And the product we have at hand is not any different either.
The microphone checks all the right boxes be it design, performance, or versatility. From a design point of view, plastic is the mainly used material but it is not cheap by any means.
It is an overall sturdy and durable product that can withstand the minor wear and tear offered by the users. Moreover, the plain black color with the excellent finishing makes it one of the great-looking microphones as well. This is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
Moving on, the microphone features a unidirectional polar pattern which means it can pick the sound from one direction only. Thus, all the noise from the surrounding would not be able to make it to the microphone and the results would be as clear as it gets. Plus, it is a condenser mic that is specialized in dampening noise.
Furthermore, the signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone is really low which means it does not produce noise of its own. Thus, when you combine this with the unidirectional pattern and with condenser design the noise is practically non-exist. Therefore, you would get crisp clear audio that would help to captivate your audience. This is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
Moreover, the microphone features a really big and wide mesh grill which makes it versatile. This larger area allows the microphone to capture more sound.
Thus, people who are into podcasts, interviews, or voiceovers would love to get their hands on it. The people who record vocals along with instruments would also find this design a delight.
Moving on, for connectivity USB is available which makes it highly convenient to attach to different devices. Plus, it is compatible with all the major operating systems including Windows and MAC. So, you are not going to have any issues while connecting this microphone with other devices. This is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
While looking at the design you would find two dials to regulate functions of the microphones. These dials are really helpful and give you more control over what you are recording. Plus, because of the headphone jack, you can attach the headphone and listen to what the microphone is recording in real-time. Thus, you would be able to make adjustments in the settings for better results.
Lastly, this is the desktop microphone which comes with a plastic tripod stand that keeps it in one place. The pop-up windshield also comes with it so you would not have to purchase anything separately. All in all, it is the best thing you can get your hands on at an affordable price without compromising on quality.
2. Audio Technica AT2035-Studio-like Results with Affordable Price Tag
Audio Technica is the giant when it comes to companies that are producing audio-related equipment. And it is a trusted name as well. The company has achieved this reputation by consistently delivering quality products in the market. The product we have at hand is one of these quality products.
From a design point of view, it is sort of a desktop microphone though you would have to purchase the supporting arm separately.
The construction of the unit is pretty sturdy and durable enough to withstand the accidental falls and abuse that you throw at it. The color of the microphone is plain black making it an elegant design as well.
Moving on, the microphone features a cardioid design that can pick the sound from one direction only. Plus, it is a condenser-type microphone. These two features would eliminate the noise and help you get crisp clear audio. The signal-to-noise ratio is also pretty low which also contributes to noise reduction of the microphone.
Moreover, the area that captures the sound, the diaphragm, is pretty wide and long. And the sensitivity of the microphone is also decent enough. Thus, you do not have to put the microphone near the mouth in order to record the audio. And this is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
Another feature that helps in noise reduction is the shock mounts that come with it. These mounts absorb the vibrations resulting from different instruments or sometimes from your voice itself. And thus, those vibrations do not make it into the microphone and the end result is very crisp and clear. This is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
The dynamic range of the microphone is very wide and does not fluctuate much between different frequencies. This imparts a bit of versatility in the microphone as well. Thus, be it podcasts, recording vocals, interviews, or voiceovers, it works well for all these purposes.
The microphone has XLR output which is something that professionals prefer over USB. However, you would have to purchase the XLR cable separately. And it is what one would expect in a microphone that comes with such a low price tag.
However, one thing that you need to keep in mind is the impedance of the microphone is somewhat high. Thus, the audio quality would be compromised if you get a too-long wire for connection. You should keep it as short as possible in order to get the best results from it.
Lastly, the microphone comes with an 80Hz high pass filter and 10dB pad which would help for isolation recording. The point is, everything except the supporting arm comes with the package. Thus, you do not have to spend much money buying extra accessories in order to make this microphone work. And this is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
3. sE Electronics X1S-Premium Quality Microphone That Does Not Break The Bank
sE Electronics is known for producing high-end and expensive microphones but not many people know that they have an affordable line-up as well. The quality of this microphone series is also pretty great. And this is why X1S has made it to our list of the best microphone under 200.
Design-wise, it is a desktop microphone or can be used with a stand for live performances as well. It is a typical sE design with a wide diaphragm and golden handcrafted capsule.
The overall construction is pretty solid and one of the most durable ones as well. However, it has a shiny finish which some people might find attractive but others do not.
Moving on, what makes this microphone truly unique is the fact its condenser is hand-crafted. The workers at sE Electronics with the experience of decades have tailor-made this condenser for recording instruments and recording vocals. This is something that is not very common in affordable lineups and this is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
Moving on, the X1S is a powerful microphone and has the highest dynamic range in its entire lineup. This powerful design provides high sensitivity and most importantly a very low self-noise. The microphone also features two switchable attenuations that extend the range even further and make it a versatile option as well. This is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
You can pick between 10dB or 20dB depending on the type of job you want to take from it. Because of this extended range, you would be able to record even the loudest of the instruments including the heavy electric guitars and other brass instruments.
Furthermore, the polar pattern on this microphone is unidirectional which means no sound apart from one directed at it would make into it. Thus, the noise in the atmosphere would not distort your audio.
Moreover, there are two low-cut filters available as well. These filters help in eliminating the low-frequency sounds and also compensate for excessive bass. Thus, you would be able to get clearer but balanced audio as an end result. This is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
Lastly, the connector type of this microphone is XLR which should always be preferred over USB for better sound quality. However, you would have to purchase the cable separately. The impedance is pretty decent so you do not have to worry about the cable length.
In a nutshell, it is a premium microphone designed for people who want something to record loud instruments. Though it is the primary use of this microphone, it is not just limited to it. It performs just as well for other jobs including recording the vocals and voiceovers as well. This is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
4.HyperX QuadCast USB-The Ultimate Microphone For Gamers And Streamers
HyperX QuadCast is the ultimate microphone for gamers and the online video streamer and it does not shy away from reflecting that. The flashy design with red LED really complements the gamers and the video streamers. However, it is not just the design that appeals to the gamers, the performance is equally good as well.
For starters, the microphone provides USB connectivity which makes it easier for gamers to attach it to their PCs. And it is compatible with both Windows and MAC so connectivity would not be a problem. Moreover, it supports multi-device and chat programs which are going to be the highlight for online video streamers.
Moving on, the construction of the microphone is carried out using plastic but it does not look cheap by any means. It is one of the well-built and sturdy designs that can withstand the abuse and wear and tear gamers have to offer. Plus, the stand it is supported on is pretty wide which brings stability to the structure. These are the features that make it the best microphone under 200.
Furthermore, the microphone features multiple polar patterns which make it one of the versatile options as well. You can choose between unidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional depending on the type of activity you are going to perform.
Thus, if you are someone who dabbles with different things you would not have to change the microphone again and again. And this is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
Moving on, regardless of which polar pattern you choose you do not have to worry about the noise in the audio. The microphone features a condenser that helps in dampening unnecessary sounds to deliver crisp clear results.
Moreover, the microphone comes with a shock mount bracket that absorbs unwanted vibration and contributes to delivering noise-free results.
Another interesting feature is the mute and unmute sensor which is pretty responsive. So, when you do not want it to record you can simply touch the sensor and it will turn off. The LED light on the sensor would let you know if the microphone is recording or not. This is something that a lot would appreciate as they would not have to minimize the games in order to turn this unit off.
All in all, it is something that can complete your gaming setup. The design would suit the setup and the features would help you communicate with the audience with great clarity. And the best thing is it does not cost much as well. And this is what one looks for in the best microphone under 200.
5.Sennheiser e935-Make Your Live Performances Even Better
Sennheiser is another company that specializes in delivering audio-related products in the market. Their handheld microphones are some of the most popular models that are available in the market. And the product we are about to discuss is one of those modes. E935 is Amazon’s choice with maximum rating on Amazon.com which simply goes out to show the quality of the microphone.
As mentioned earlier, it is a handheld design that is prone to accidental falls. Fortunately, the company has thought it through and used the metal to construct the microphone.
This metallic structure is pretty sturdy and is able to withstand wear and tear and accidental falls as well. Long story short, this is one of the most durable microphones that you would come across in the market. And this is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
The weight of the microphone is pretty light despite the metallic construction. Thus, even if you have to hold it for hours, you would not have to worry about the cramps in your hand.
Another important thing about the construction of this unit is the neodymium ferrous magnet with boron. This component keeps the microphone stable even when the climate is a little windy. So, while you are on stage, you would not have to worry about the climate around you. And this is what makes it the best microphone under 200.
Moving on, the polar pattern on this unit is cardioid, hence, it will pick the sound from one direction only. This pattern provides insulation from other sound signals that are present on the stage. And therefore, gives you an audio that is free of noise and of crisp clear quality.
Furthermore, the microphone is designed for on-stage performances which is why it has a dynamic design, not a condenser. These microphones are more capable of capturing loud vocals, and musical instruments which is why they are preferred over condenser microphones.
Besides these, the dynamic range of the microphone is pretty wide which is why it will capture all sorts of sounds. It would even capture the loudest of the musical instruments including the electric guitars and the drums. This is what makes it the best option for musicians and the best microphone under 200.
If we talk about connectivity, it uses XLR for output. However, you can use the wireless receiver as well. In either case, it will work impressively as the impedance of the microphone is very low.
In a nutshell, it is one of the sturdiest designs that you would find on the market. And it comes with 10 years of warranty as well. Thus, if you are looking for the best microphone under 200 for liver performances, this microphone deserves a shot.
6. AKG High Performance Dual Capsule-Best Budget Mic For Studio Recording
AKG is generally known for producing some of the best headphones but this company specializes in microphones as well. In fact, it is the go-to brand of many people including studio owners and vocalists. The next product to make it to our list of the best microphone under 200 is from the same brand.
The first thing that you notice while it is delivered to your doorstep is the packaging of the unit. I mean it comes in a metallic box, one that has separate compartments for the mic and the side support.
It is not very often that you get a microphone in this sort of packaging, especially one that comes at such a cheap price. So, full marks to the company when it comes to presentation.
In the box, you would get the microphone and the shock mount bracket. This shock mount bracket is efficient at absorbing unwanted vibration and keeping the audio free of unnecessary base and other noises. This is what makes it the best mic under 200.
Moving on, the type of microphone is sort of desktop type, though you would have to purchase the supporting arm separately. The overall construction is pretty sturdy and is able to withstand wear and tear. And you do not have to worry about it getting damaged while traveling because of the metallic case that comes with it. This is what makes it the best budget microphone.
Furthermore, the microphone features multiple polar patterns which makes it a versatile option. You can choose between patterns depending on the type of activity you are going to perform on it. Another that contributes to the versatility is the switchable attenuation pad that gives you high SPL applications up to 155dB.
It is because of this versatility studio owners are going to find it delightful. You would not have to switch between different microphones anymore. This microphone is all in one and would get you impressive results.
This microphone is well-suited for recording grand piano, woodwind, and brass instruments. And it produces some excellent results in recording the vocals as well. This is what makes it the best mic under 200.
Another important thing to mention is that the diaphragm of the microphone is pretty big. So, even when you switch to the unidirectional polar pattern, you would not have any problem reaching the desired area. Plus, when you couple it with excellent sensitivity this problem of inadequate capturing becomes practically non-existent. This is what makes it the best budget microphone
The bottom line is, if you are a studio owner tired of switching between different mics, this mic should put your misery to an end. And this does not cost a lot as well which makes it the best cheap microphone or best budget mic.
7. Sennheiser e906-Lottery For Musical Instrument Players
Sennheiser has made it yet again to our list of the best cheap microphones but this time it is with a slightly different product. This product is targeted at a very limited audience, the guitar players, unlike the previous one was an all-around product.
Like always, Sennheiser has thought through the design thoroughly and delivered exactly what guitar players need. And it would be apparent the moment you pull it out of the box. The design of the microphone is wide and flat which is ideal for attaching it to the output speaker of the electric guitars.
Plus, there is an adjustable stand as well in case you want to change the angle it is pointed at. This is what makes it the best microphone for under 200 dollars.
The material used in the construction is metal which means durability is one less thing for you to worry about. This metallic body gives the microphone enough strength to withstand the abuse guitar artists have to offer. And it comes with 10 years of warranty which is a nice reassurance. This is what makes it the best mic under 200 bucks.
Moving on, the polar pattern on this unit is unidirectional exactly what it should be. Thus, when you project it at the right angles only the desired sounds would be able to make it into it. And the unwanted vibrations would be diminished as well. Thus, your audience would be able to listen to crisp clear guitar sounds.
The dynamic frequency range is very wide which is why it would have no issues with how loud you play. Although sensitivity does not matter much in these guitars, it is good nonetheless. If you ever decide to play acoustic guitar, it would capture that as well. This is what makes it the best mic under $200.
Another must point that must be mentioned is the fact it is the condenser mic, not the dynamic. So, some people might think that it is not suitable for live performances but this is not the case. In fact, for the purpose it is designed for, it is the right type of design.
Dynamic mics are used when you want to capture a little bit of sound from the atmosphere as well. However, the condenser mics do not do that and hence make a better option for delivering the only sound that you want. This is what makes it the best microphone under $200.
8.Blue Yeti USB Mic-Best Affordable Microphone For Live Streaming
Blue Yeti is not as big of a giant as some of the other companies that have been mentioned so far in our list of the best recording microphone under 200. However, this particular product from the company has been a huge success and is widely popular around the world. This is why it is also Amazon’s choice on Amazon.com.
Blue Yeti had a very different take on the design of this particular microphone. It almost looks like a person carrying the microphone with their hands. It does not impact the performance but it gives the microphone a brilliant look. Furthermore, it is a desktop-type microphone with a big round support to stand on.
Moving on, the microphone features multiple patterns which makes it versatile options as well. You can pick between four patterns depending on the job at hand. Thus, it eliminates the need of switching between different microphones and makes the process very convenient. This is what makes it the best recording microphone under 200.
While talking about the convenience I must mention that it uses USB for the connections. This is ideal for people who live stream their videos or record their content on a PC or MAC. This type of connection is easy to attach and detach. Thus, it makes a very user-friendly option and the best affordable microphone.
The dynamic range of the microphone is very wide which is why it is able to pick the sound of all frequencies. Moreover, it is a condenser microphone, so even when you are using an omnidirectional pattern the noise will be dampened. Thus, you would get crisp and clear audio no matter what.
Furthermore, another interesting feature of this microphone is the headphone jack. You can use this to attach the headset and listen to the audio in real-time. This feature comes in really handy as you are able to make adjustments in real-time. This is what makes it the best affordable microphone for people who need something to live stream with.
9. Shure SM58-Quality Microphones Cannot Get Cheaper
Shure SM58 is the next entry on our list of the best affordable mics and it is the best thing you can get under 100$. I mean quality microphones cannot get any cheaper. Surely you can get your hands on even cheaper options but their quality would also be accordingly.
From a design point of view, the Shure SM58 is a handheld microphone built from plastic. However, this plastic design is not cheap by any means.
In fact, it is one of the sturdiest designs that you would find on the market. Plus, because of this plastic, the weight of the microphone is very light which makes it easier to hold for a long period of time.
The microphone is the dynamic type which means it is well suited for people who perform on the stage in front of a live audience. And the polar pattern on this microphone is unidirectional. What it means is only your sound would be able to make it to the audience.
The dynamic frequency range of the microphone is also pretty wide. Thus, regardless of how loud your vocals are, you would not have any problem with the microphone capturing your voice.
Moving on, the microphone also features a built-in spherical filter that helps to reduce pop noise and breath sounds. Thus, when you are singing on the karaoke machine it is not something that you would have to worry about.
10. AKG Perception 220-Make Your Studio Set Up Without Breaking The Bank
The last microphone to make it to our list of the best microphone under 200 is by AKG, a company that has been mentioned already. This particular product is a studio microphone and is aimed at professionals.
The construction is carried out using metal to make it a robust structure. In a nutshell, the microphone would be able to withstand minor wear and tear. The microphone does not come with a supporting arm so you would have to purchase that separately.
Moving on, the polar pattern on this microphone is unidirectional which makes it ideal for vocal recording. The unit would capture sound only from one source by dampening the noises around. Thus, you would get crisp clear audio as the product.
The diaphragm of the microphone is pretty big so you would not have to worry about adjusting it again and again. And the best part of the design is the XLR connector is placed horizontally on the shock mount.
This makes the connection much more secure and well-fitted. Thus, you would not have to worry about losing the connection or anything of that sort.
Furthermore, the microphone does not have a lot of self-noise which again contributes to the reduction of noise. Moreover, the dynamic range of the frequency is also very wide. Thus, you would be able to record all sorts of audio including heavy instruments as well.
The microphone comes with a shock mount which helps in absorbing unwanted vibration. These vibrations otherwise make it into the microphone and produce unnecessary bass and noise.
Buyer Guide For Selecting The Best Microphone Under 200
Purchasing the microphone is a tricky business because of the technicalities that are involved. However, it can be broken down into simple terms and this is what we have done in this section.
We have outlined some of the major things you need to look for in the best microphone under 200 that hopefully would make you understand the technicalities involved.
1- Type of Microphone
In the market, you would come across two types of microphones, condensers, and dynamic range. Both of these microphones are good in their own rights but each of them serves a different purpose. The condenser microphones are good for indoor recordings because they have the ability to dampen the noise.
The dynamic mic on the other hand is great for live performances because they can catch the sounds from surrounding as well, in order to make the performance more captivating.
2- Polar Pattern
The polar pattern is the other important thing you need to look for. Usually, you would find omnidirectional, unidirectional, and some that can switch between those. The omnidirectional can capture the sound from all directions while the unidirectional can capture the sound from one direction only.
Thus, the type of polar pattern depends on the job that you want to take from the microphone. In case you are just experimenting it is better to go with multi-patterns because you get all in one. However, if you have a limited scope of work, it is best to find the one that suits your job the most.
3- Connectivity
Connectivity is one thing that can make or break in terms of user-friendliness. You do not want to get a microphone with XLR port to connect with your PC and MAC.
Similarly, you do not want a USB type in the microphone intended for connecting with an amplifier. Although dongles are available when you use them you would notice a compromise in the quality
4- Impedance
Impedance is the resistance of the microphone that it presents in the given circuit. In simple terms, the higher impedance would mean the microphone would not work best with the long cables. Thus, if you are someone who needs a long cable attached with microphone impedance is something you must look for.
Conclusion- The Best Microphone Under 200.
This is all that we had on the best microphone under 200. We hope this article has helped you in finding the microphone that you were looking for.
In case there is anything that you want to add or ask about the best microphone under 200, let us know in the given section. We would love to respond.