All you really need to start a podcast is a microphone. But all you need to start a good podcast is a good microphone.
Because podcasts are an audio medium, the quality of the microphone makes all the difference to your audience: A good microphone improves the sound of your voice, reduces competing or background noise, and makes even a new podcast sound professional.
For most podcasters, a USB microphone is the best and easiest choice.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For USB Microphones For Podcasting
These plug-and-play microphones record high quality audio directly to your tablet or computer, with no additional equipment to buy, and with better audio than the built-in microphones on your devices.
The Studio Genie is dedicated to helping streamers and YouTubers or anyone looking to have their own home studio. The author, Felicity Martinez, have been helping out streamers and YouTubers for years.
The goal is to provide a free resource for anyone looking to build a quality home studio. The reviews below are a result of hours of research and analysis. We provided the pros and cons and ranked each product to help you make a quick decision.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Our Top Picks for USB Microphones for Podcasting
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL  | Rode NT-USB
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Blue Yeti USB Mic
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Audio-Technica AT2020USB
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Thronmax MDrill
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Samson Meteor
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
USB Microphone for Podcasting Reviews & Recommendations For 2020
Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Benefits
The Rode NT-USB is a professional, studio-quality condenser microphone that is compatible with a wide range of computers and tablets through USB, and any recording software you choose.
High resolution and dynamic range give clear, detailed, rich audio quality.
It has controls on the microphone that let you adjust the mic input and the monitoring levels.
The microphone also has a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring of your audio.
Drawbacks
For the home or office podcaster, this microphone may be too sensitive for use in a non-sound-proofed environment, and pick up unwanted background noises. It may also pick up fan noises if placed too close to a laptop or computer.
Extra Features
The Rode NT-USB comes with a pop shield, a tripod desk stand, a ring mount, a storage pouch, and a 20 foot USB cable.
Buying Advice
This is a fantastic, studio-quality microphone, ideal for vocals. The ability to adjust input and monitor audio directly from the microphone makes it incredibly convenient to use, and it has universal USB plug-and-play compatibility.
Make sure you are purchasing from a Rode authorized seller, to get a genuine product and support.
Technical specifications
- Pickup pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Bit depth: 16-bit
- Sample rate: 48kHz
Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming
Benefits
The Blue Yeti USB mic is designed specifically for recording and streaming from your computer, and is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. It produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality audio with no learning curve and no complications.
The microphone has on-mic headphone monitoring with volume adjustment, pattern selection, gain control, and a mute button for quick adjustments.
This versatile mic has three condensers and four different pickup patterns, so it can capture high quality audio from a solo vocal, or be used for stereo recordings, interviews, or as an omnidirectional microphone to use for rooms and teams.
Drawbacks
The Blue Yeti USB Mic does not come with a pop filter.
This microphone has a USB Type A connection, which is extremely outdated, and you may need an adaptor to connect it to USB Type C ports.
Extra Features
The microphone comes with a handsome matching microphone stand.
Buying Advice
The Blue Yeti USB Mic is a great choice for podcasters, particularly if they are just starting out. It’s incredibly easy to use, gives great sound quality, and has convenient built-in controls for your most frequent adjustments.
The ability to adjust the pickup pattern on the fly makes this a good choice for spontaneous moments and versatile recording, allowing you to record interviews, music, streaming sessions, and group chats without needing a wide range of microphones for every situation.
Technical specifications
- Pickup pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure 8, Stereo
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Bit depth: 16-bit
- Sample rate: 48kHz
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+PK Vocal Microphone Pack for Streaming/Podcasting
Benefits
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+PK Vocal Microphone is specifically designed for capturing high-quality vocals, and comes in a package perfect for podcasters.
The microphone captures smooth, high quality audio that captures the quality of vocals.
On-mic headphone jack for no-latency monitoring with adjustable volume control.
Mix control on the microphone allows you to adjust levels of microphone with pre-recorded PC playback in a single session.
Drawbacks
This microphone does not come with a pop filter.
Although it’s a unidirectional mic, it does not screen out or isolate a lot of background noise, particularly when it comes from the connected device (like typing, clicking, etc.).
Extra Features
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+PK Vocal Microphone comes in a bundle with an adjustable studio boom arm with spring stabilized joints for quick and quiet positioning of the microphone. The arm has internal cable management, a pivoting stand mount, and a clamp mount for secure attachment to desks, tables, shelves, etc.
It also comes with the Audio-Technica ATH_M20x professional monitor headphones, with 40mm drivers and enhanced low-frequency performance. The circumaural headphones provide excellent sound isolation.
It also comes with a storage pouch for the microphone, and a USB cable.
Buying Advice
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+PK Vocal Microphone is a great choice for home studio setups where a full-size boom mic stand isn’t possible. This bundle allows you to place the microphone in a comfortable, natural position for clear vocals, and captures high quality audio.
The built-in headphone monitoring and on-mic channel mixing are incredibly convenient for reducing audio post-production.