Best Budget Microphones Under $200 – [10 Best Picks]

If you are here, you’re probably interested in the best budget microphones. You might’ve read reviews on the best microphones. Everyone wants to have a high-end microphone to get their job done. But, they think there is no worthy quality product on a low budget.

But stop!

There are tons of reliable and affordable options to choose from. Here we’ve listed some of the best budget Microphones under $200. First, we’ll talk about different types of microphones & how they can be beneficial for you.

Then we’ll share the best budget microphones in every category. To help you fast navigate to the top product, you can check out the table below:

Our Top Picks: 10 Best Budget Microphones

Now you have a list of our top products. Let’s jump right to the categories or Types of microphones to see the difference between each category.

Dynamic Microphones – Best for vocals

In simple words, Dynamic mics are the best choice for Loud sound recordings, drums, and vocals. If we talk about the dynamic microphone capsule, you’ll have three main components in dynamic mics The diaphragm, Voice Coil, and Magnet.

Dynamic microphones come with relatively minimal construction. The dynamic microphones have low sensitivity which means they have lower output levels. In terms of affordability, dynamic mics are more affordable than condenser microphones. That means this category contains some of the best cheap mics.

In a dynamic microphone, you get a cardioid polar response pattern with a cardioid pattern. The rear of the mic filter out the noise. These microphones are suitable for traveling or for random/daily uses. You won’t find any trustworthy option other than a reliable dynamic microphone.

This is the oldest category of microphones, that’s why it is more accurate & sensitive in design. Dynamic mics pick closer sounds that’s why they do a good job in terms of noise rejection and reject all the sounds from a distance.

This is recommended for podcasters & for voice-over work because in these cases we record closer to the mic, and I personally prefer it for youtube videos. It would be helpful to get better and smooth sounds. In today’s market, there are too many popular dynamics microphones such as Shure SM7B, Shure SM58-LC, etc…

Best for: Live performances and general purpose. Ex: Podcasting, Streaming, Voice over, YouTube, etc…

Condenser Microphones – Best for Studio Recordings

Condenser mics have been considered the best microphones for professional studio recordings, because of their higher frequency range and sensitivity. And it is the most common and a bit more popular microphones type than others.

But, Condenser Microphones are more expensive than Dynamic Microphones. Professional musicians suggest these for loud sounds, Musical instruments, & Vocals. Although this category mics are a bit expensive. But later on, we’ll suggest to you some of the best affordable microphones in this category.

In condenser mics, you don’t need to be very closer to the mic. You can record keeping it a bit away from you. There are a lot of examples of the uses of the condenser microphones such as Rode NT1-A, Blue Yeti, etc…

You might have noticed that most of YouTubers love condenser mics because they don’t want the mic to be in the Frame with them in their videos.

That’s why they’re recommended mics to record meetings and conferences etc… But in noise rejection capabilities dynamic is a better option than this. Condenser microphones require external power.

It contains a capacitor to convert sound waves to electrical energy. The sound waves hit the diaphragm and then move to the next target.

Because of its capacitor, the British call it a “capacitor microphone”. It captures a high range of frequencies, compares to dynamic mics.

Best for: Professional studio projects and Vocals.

Ribbon Microphones – Best for instruments

The ribbon is another well-known but oldest form of microphone. They are also known as velocity microphones. These are typically bidirectional microphones, which means they pick up sound equally well from either side. This category is a bit similar to dynamic microphones.

This is better to use for instrument recording or vocals. The ribbon is recommended for musicians who’re struggling to get natural sounds from their instruments. If you accidentally attach Phantom power, it can be damaged.

Nowadays, Instead of Ribbon mics, most people consider using Dynamic or condenser microphones. But, Ribbon has its own place.

Best for: According to professionals, these are amazing for instruments recordings.

This was the basic overview of some essential types of microphones.

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Things to be considered, before you buy!

There is a lot to consider before buying anything. In terms of microphones, here we discuss some important points that you should look at.

Sound:

Beginners face tons of problems choosing a good-sounding mic for them. Sound quality is primarily considered a thing before purchasing a mic. Choose the mic that sounds smooth & naturals of your voice and is good for Instruments recordings.

You’ll have to focus on the mic that doesn’t pick noisy peaks. Because if you speak words like “Ph, P, Kh, T, Ch” it becomes a very bad noisy sound in the result. So, make sure to pick the mic that captures the smooth and clear sounds without this kind of noise.

The proximity effect is a bit confusing for beginners. If you get closer to the microphone capsule, you get proximity effects. It brings heavier sounds. It can be sometimes good and sometimes not. If you want an effect like a big man, crooners or something like that, it helps a lot but usually, we don’t use this. In my opinion, the proximity effect is good for voice-overs.

Flexibility:

Flexibility is a notable thing in any product. In terms of microphones, you’ll have to see how much flexibility the mic is providing. I would suggest you, in the beginning, don’t go the multipurpose mic. Choose a mic that is perfect in your primary category.

Ex: If you’re searching for the best budget microphone for Podcasting. You can go with the mic which is absolute “BEST” for podcasting. It will save you money. After that, you can gradually upgrade to the next level.

Consistency:

Consistency is very important. If you purchase your favorite microphone. It doesn’t work properly after sometimes, we feel really angry!  You’ll have to research that product, how it performs + consistently.

These were the thing you can keep an eye on while purchasing a microphone. Now let’s move the products one by one.

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1. MXL Mics 770 Condenser Mic: Best budget microphones for vocals recording

This mic is affordable but a good quality microphone. It is a multipurpose condenser microphone. Especially it’s excellent for Vocals and instruments. It has a Low-frequency roll-off to reject unwanted rumbles & noises.

If we look at the price of this mic, this thing is amazing. It is entirely metals constructed on a very low budget. In today’s market, all most every mic below $100, comes with a plastic body.

When we look at this mic it seems like a very expensive microphone because of its build quality. At the back of the microphone, you’ll see two dials. The base roll-off allows you to decrease the bass frequencies that the microphone picks up.

The other is a 10db pad that will help you decrease the signal if the mic is picking loud sounds. So, MML 720 is a cardioid condenser microphone which means it requires phantom power to work properly.

Overall if your budget is low and wanna get a quality multipurpose microphone, this would be a versatile option. It provides great sounds from acoustic guitars or any other musical instruments.

Best for:) As we mentioned, you can freely use it for Vocals, Podcasting, Instruments, etc…

Specifications:

Diaphragm	6-micron gold-sputtered
Capsule Size	22mm/.87 in.
Frequency Response	30Hz – 20kHz
Polar pattern	Cardioid
Sensitivity	15mV/Pa
Output Impedance	150 ohms
Power Requirements	48V phantom power (+/- 4V)

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2. Shure SM58 Dynamic Mic: Best budget microphones for Live performances

This is a very lightweight, simple to use Dynamic microphone. SM58 is a popular version of Shure’s mics. Mostly buy it for live performances/Vocals.

But because of its great audio quality, it can be a good option for YouTubers, Podcasting, streaming, etc… and it is affordable too. That’s why we’ve added it to our list. Because of its built quality, professionals say it “Hamer Microphone”

Even if you through it below trucks and any other vehicles, it won’t get damaged. This is not a joke! You can check out its durability tests on social media. So, in terms of constructions, this thing is supremely amazing.

You’ll get Effective built-in spherical wind and pop filter that will help you reduce noise and peaks from your audio. If you’re here you probably wanna get the best budget mic, there are a ton of budget mics for professionals and beginners as well.

So, this is a really good option for beginner users with awesome audio quality. Because this is a dynamic microphone, if you record in a noisy environment or outdoor, it performs great and it has a good noise reduction capability. Now, let’s take a look at some specs of this Shure SM58.

Best for:) This is a Live performances specialist and also nice for podcasting, or anything you live.

Specifications:

Frequency Response	50 to 15,000 Hz
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz Open Circuit Voltage)	–54.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV) 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
Impedance	Rated impedance is 150Ω (300Ω actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance
Connector	Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)

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3. Audio-Technica AT2005USB – Best Budget microphones for Podcasting and Vocals

This is a cardioid dynamic USB Microphone, which means you can connect it directly to your PC or laptop. Audio Technica is also a well-known brand in the Microphones industry.

This microphone is entirely metal constructed. At the bottom of the mic, you’ll see XLR and USB port + Headphones jack. In this type of microphone, we usually get a Cardioid polar pattern and it has.

Two packages are available for this microphone. In the first one, you’ll get an off-course microphone and its desktop stand. But, in the second variant, they provide full podcasting and streaming kit. Including USB & XLR output + Adjustable Boom Arm, & Headphones to controls the results.

It is also an awesome sounding microphone for instruments whether you use it with electric or acoustic and of course, it is especially recommended for vocals. In terms of gaming reliability, make sure to use a quiet keyboard. It might be picking some noise from it.

Apart from that, it is good for Podcasting, Live Vocals, Streaming, Skype Chats. A good thing I’ve noticed about this mic is, It has dual functionalities like XLR & USB connectivities. Now let’s jump to the specs of this Audio-Technica2005USB.

Best for:) It would be better for Podcasting, Vocals, or Instruments

Specifications:

Polar patterns	Cardioid
Bit Depth	16 Bit
Frequency Response	50-15,000 Hz
Sample Rate	44.1 kHz/48 kHz
Output connector	USB-type/XLR-type
Controls	On/off Switch; Headphone Volume Control
Power Requirements	USB Power (5V DC)

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4. Samson C01: Best budget mic for Voice over

This is an affordable condenser microphone by SAMSON. C01 has an all-metal body. Because this is a condenser microphone, it requires phantom power. It has a nice build quality but it might not be a good fit for instruments. I would recommend this for vocals, gaming, podcasting, or Voice.

These are simple and easy-to-use microphones and you’ll see an LED light at the front of the mic that indicates that Phantom power is on. It comes with a plastic carrying box to protect it.

Honestly, this thing is not for Professional High-End studio recording. But it will do the job pretty nicely in Voiceovers Podcasting etc… on a good budget.

It is a little bit pricier than our previous microphones, but it is on our best budget microphones list which means it’s an affordable and reliable product.

However, it picks a bit of noise but if you’re recording in a quiet room it’ll work fine and give good results in final production. It is also good in proximity effect which provides awesome results for voice over.

Best for:) As I mentioned earlier this is good for voice-over, YouTubing, etc…

Specifications:

Polar patterns	Hyper Cardioid
Sensitivity	-33db
Frequency Response	40Hz – 18 KHz
SPL	136DB
Independence	200 ohms
Power Supply voltage	Phantom power 36V – 52V

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5. Blue Yeti NANO: One of the best budget microphones for Broadcasting

Here is a special variant on our list. This amazing microphone by Blue comes with a pre-installed desktop stand. Yeti NANO is the second version of Blue Yeti. This yeti series is the most popular because they provide Plug and Play functionality.

It comes with a very unique design. You can get four color varients of this mic, Grey, Blue, Red, and Gold. Because it’s from Blue, there is no compromise in build quality. But, this is a lighter and cheaper version of Blue Yeti, It has a plastic body and metal grill.

At the front of the mic, you get only one dial, which is a headphone volume controller and a Mute button. At the back of the microphone, you’ll see a polar pattern navigation button. It has two polar patterns. (Cardioid and Omni) On the bottom of the mic, it gives us a Headphone port, USB Port, and Mount whole.

Now, there is not much difference between Yeti and Yeti NANO. But in Blue Yeti you’ll see a little bit more clear and bold sounds. If your budget is low and wanna get a good-sounding microphone at an affordable price this is the absolute best choice.

If you’re gonna use it for gaming make sure to use a separate boom arm to get rid of the noise. Now, let’s jump to the specs of this mic. You can adjust all its settings by installing Blue microphones software on your PC or laptop.

Best for:) Desktop recordings, Live Webinars, Vocals.

Specifications:

Sample Rate	48 kHz
Bit Rate	24 Bit
Frequency Response	20Hz – 20KHz
Sensitivity	4.5mV/Pa (1KHz)
Maximum SPL	120DB (THD: 0.5% 1Khz)

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6. Audio Technica AT2035: Best quality microphone for vocals and Home Recording

This is an upgraded version of Audio-Technica AT2020. This is manufactured by well-respected & popular brand Audio-Technica. Now, this is a top-level competitive microphone in today’s market. AT2035 is specially designed for Live vocals and Professional studio Projects.

Apart from these purposes, this is also a popular mic for Home recordings as well. So overall it’s a top-quality but affordable mic for all of your recording needs.

Of course, it comes with an all-metal body, and the grill is also covered with metal plates. You’ll get a Shock mount and pop filter. On the back of this mic. It also can be a good option for those who are just planning to upgrade from a USB Mic to an amazing XLR microphone.

This is a bit similar to AT2020, but in some cases, it performs better than that. Ex: It does a good in background noise rejection. And produce more worms and clear sound. It will give you phenomenal performance, especially in acoustic guitar and instruments. So, overall it’s a versatile option on a nice budget.

Best for:) Vocals, Instruments, Home Studio recordings.

Specifications:

Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Open Circuit Sensitivity	-33 dB (22.4 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Frequency Response	20 – 20,000 Hz
Impedance	120 ohms
Dynamic Range	136 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	82 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Phantom Power Requirements	11-52V DC, 3.8 mA typical

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7. MXL V67G: Best budget microphone for live vocals or singing

This is a professional studios condenser microphone, manufactured by MXL Mics. It comes with necessary stuff like POP Filter. Professional musicians are saying it is a better option for live performances. it is really good at picking vocals from a distance.

XML V67G has XLR connectivity which means you can’t plug it directly into your computer. But this has been considered as a professional type of connection. MML V67G is officially designed for radio broadcasting, voice-over sound studio & singing, etc…

This is a bit bigger in size and has a good weight to it. It has all-metal construction. It will do a very good job in acoustic and electric guitars and instruments. But, it is a little be limited in the higher frequencies. If you have a quiet and treated room and there is no problem in background rumble, then it’s a good option for podcasters and streaming.

Of course, before recording, we prepare our place of recording. So, it can be a good option for beginners on a low budget.

Best for:) YouTube videos, Podcasting, or streaming

Specifications:

Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Capsule Size	32mm/1.26in
Frequency Response	30Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity	15 mV/Pa
Impedance	200 ohms
Max SPL for .5% THD	130db
Power Requirements	Phantom Power 48V (+/- 4V)

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8. Blue Spark Blackout SL: Top quality mic for Podcasting or Singing

Here is a unique design condenser microphone, provided by Blue. This is the ultimate option for Pro recordings and streaming. It’s a top-level & expensive microphone in our best budget microphones list.

It comes in a really nice wooden storage box with Blue’s branding. You’ll see the mic with shock mount + some user manual in the box. Because it’s manufactured by Blue, it comes with awesome & Minimal build quality. In the front of the mic, you’ll see a High pass filter and 20db pad.

Because of its price and standard, it would have at least an omnidirectional polar pattern with Cardioid.

This is an amazing sounding microphone for vocals, especially Singing, instruments, and professional studio work. It also has a very decent color that makes it look good. Blue Spark does a good job in noise rejection as well.

Best for:) So, if you’re struggling to get a professional and nice quality mic for Podcasting, Singing, Instruments & something like that on an affordable budget. There isn’t a good reliable option than Blue Spark Blackout SL. So, it can be considered in the best budget microphones list.

Specifications:

Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Output Impedance	50 ohms
Frequency Response	20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity	34.9 mV/Pa at 1 kHz (1 pa = 94 dB SPL)
Maximum SPL	136 dB SPL (1k, THD 0.5%)
Noise Level	16.4 dB-A
Dynamic Range	119.6 dB

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9. MXL R144: Best cheaper mic for instruments

Previously we’ve talked about Dynamic and condenser microphones. Now, let’s discuss some of the best budget Ribbon microphones that you can rely on.

This is a reliable and affordable variant of Ribbon microphones from MXL. It comes in a plastic storage box and you’ll get a shock mount with this mic. It also has an all-metal body.

But you’ll have to take care of ribbon microphones like if you accidentally turn on the Phantom power, it can destroy the mic. But overall it’s a good budget microphone for podcasting or instruments or singing.

It has a Figure-8 polar pattern that comes the same in almost all ribbon microphones.

In the other Cardioid polar patterns, mics capture the audio just from the front of the mic but in this case, this Figure-8 polar pattern captures the audio from the front and rear of the mic.

It gives really smooth sounds in podcasting and streaming. I would recommend this to use in a well treated and silent environment. Because it might be picking some noise and from keyboard or desk. So, it’s not suitable for gaming.

If you’re searching for the best budget ribbon microphone with good and natural sounds in a budget for podcasting, streaming Instruments, etc… this is a perfect choice. Now let’s see some specs of this MXL 144 Ribbon microphone.

Best for:) Instruments, YouTubing & Podcasting.

Specifications:

Type	Ribbon Velocity Microphone
Frequency Range	20Hz -17kHz
Polar Pattern	Figure-8
Sensitivity	-56 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa)
Maximum SPL	>130 dB @1 kHz
Impedance	250 ohms
Rated Load Impedance	>1500 Ohms

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10. Beyerdynamic M160: Best Ribbon microphones for Instrument and Pro Recordings

Beyerdynamic is a respected brand in good quality Microphones, Headphones, and other audio equipment. Here is their Classic Ribbon microphone especially for guitars and violin. It comes with a Compact and rugged design and gives an extended frequency response.

Because of its simple design and size, you can carry it out anywhere. If you’re looking for some warm and clear sounds in a minimal design and compact microphone, and perfect for traveling, then this would be a better option.

It has great transmission quality. Beyerdynamic is a trusted brand for good-quality audio equipment. It’s all-metal construction and has a metal mesh grill.

It’s in the market for a longer time from 100 users and almost 99 percent of users are satisfied with this product and its quality. You can check out its 5 Strats reviews on Amazon. This is an expansive but outstanding quality microphone.

Specifications:

Polar Pattern	Hyper cardioid
Frequency Range	40Hz-20kHz
Impedance	200 ohms
Connection	3-pin XLR male
Transducer Type	Ribbon (dynamic)

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Conclusion: Best Budget Microphones

These were our thoughts on some types of microphones such as Dynamic, Condenser, and Ribbon microphones. And we discussed some of the best budget microphones from these categories.

Now, it’s your turn you have to select the best one for you. First, you’ll have to pick a category that you wanna go with. I would suggest you go with to the point and specific categories for your uses.

If you’re just searching for the best budget microphones for Instruments recording. I would prefer Ribbon or dynamic microphones. If you wanna get the best for vocals or professional studio works, then a condenser would be better.

This was our suggestion on categories. Now, in terms of microphones from it. These all we’ve shared are the best microphones in their categories. You’ll have to pick according to your budget. If it helped you please leave a comment below and be with us for up-to-date and unbiased reviews.