If you are not wanting to break the bank on your search for a great microphone, but still have a bit of a budget, this article is for you. No matter what your goals are, there are affordable and high-quality microphones in your reach.
Fun fact: Microphones are not instruments! They are transducers and their job is to convert sound waves into electrical energy signals. The microphone then translates them into a recording medium.
Alas, music to our ears. Or any sound for that matter.
So, you are curious about affordable, amazing microphones?
Well, we have done the research for you. Here is what we found for the top 5 best microphones for under 100 dollars. We have also included the microphone choices of some popular music artists.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Best Microphones under a Hundred Dollars
- BEST OVERALL: Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording and Streaming
- RUNNER-UP: HyperX QuadCast Condenser Microphone
- ALTERNATIVE: Razer Seiren X USB Streaming Microphone
- ALTERNATIVE: HyperX SoloCast USB Condenser
- ALTERNATIVE: Razer Seiren V2 USB Microphone
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 Best Microphone Under One Hundred Dollars
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
OUR TOP PICK  | Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording and Streaming
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | HyperX QuadCast Condenser Microphone
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Razer Seiren X USB Streaming Microphone
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Razer Seiren V2 USB Microphone
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | HyperX SoloCast USB Condenser
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
The Best Microphones Under 100 Dollars: Review
This corded, electric microphone requires lithium-ion batteries and comes ready to use. It is popular for its versatility.
Yeti, the brand itself, is next to none when it comes to producing quality microphones. It is currently number one in the world.
This microphone contains several mics in one, as it offers four pick-up patterns. You can also adjust the microphone in regards to sound, source, and quality.
Out of 26,766 reviews on Amazon, this microphone has a star rating of 4.7. This tells us that there are plenty of happy customers out there using this mic.
The Blue Yeti Microphone produces great sound quality. This microphone is popular for podcasting, streaming, zoom, YouTube, and studio recording. The range of vocal sound is perfect for broadcasting and it also features enhanced effects and HD Audio.
The VO!CE is compatible with Yeti Nano, and Yeti X. You must download Logitech to access Blue VO!CE so be sure to do that once the mic arrives.
This device is also compatible with computers and headphones. A bonus is that this mic is Climate Pledge Friendly.
This is a fantastic mic for those that value high-quality sound and multi-functions. You can use this mic for podcasting, streaming live, YouTube, or any kind of studio recording.
Pros
- High-quality
- Ready to use
- Multi-mics all in one
- Adjustable sound features
- Multi-use
- Raving reviews
- Legitimacy
- Compatibility with a variety of computers
Cons
- Needs batteries
- Arrival may take some time
This is a very sharp-looking microphone, so if something stylish is on your list, this is a good one to check out.
This mic comes with an anti-vibration mount, a mic mount, four polar patterns, a tap-to-mute sensor, and an adjustable gain. The anti-vibration shock mount reduces any movements and sounds. This is very beneficial for those needing a mic for podcasting or studio recording.
The frequency response for this particular mic is 20Hz to 20kHz and picks up on soft sounds. A couple of customers have complained that if background noise is a concern to you, then you may have to buy filters.
Out of 18,385 ratings, this mic has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 and is number three in the world for musical instruments. This microphone has an affordable price as well. It is user-friendly and comes ready to use.
This is a user-friendly microphone that would be good for beginners who want something to play around with to get the hang of recording. It provides high sound quality and offers great features for podcasting or studio.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Comes with an anti-vibration shock mount
- Looks stylish
- Compatible with computers
- Ready to use
- User-friendly
- Multi-use
Cons
- Limited compatibility
- May have to buy filters to block out undesired sounds
Coming up next is the Razer Seiren, a simple-looking mic in classic black with a built-in noise reducer. This microphone helps get rid of unwanted background noise. It comes with a shock mount that protects from vibrations and bumps.
Many customers call the sound quality basic. This microphone does not offer many bells and whistles.
This mic is easy to set up even for first-time users and comes ready to start recording.
The shock mount is a nice feature to have if you are moving around a lot. It has a built-in noise reducer to block out that background noise. This mount is included.
It is a simple microphone that would work best for beginners on a strict budget. It would also work for those needing an entry-level mic for live streaming, gaming, or podcasting. It offers a standard, good sound quality.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Compatible with computers
- Good for beginners
- Built-in noise reducer
- Shock mount included
Cons
- Does not state what it’s compatible with
- Not a lot of features offered with the mic
- Basic sound
The corded electric SoloCast is durable, and another good option for a microphone under one hundred dollars.
If you want something with high sound quality that blocks out background noise, this one is worth checking out. It is user-friendly and features a cardioid polar pattern with a tap-to-mute sensor that comes in handy for broadcasting.
It comes with an adjustable stand that can support different setups for your convenience and allows an ample amount of space. It also comes with a mic stand and a boom arm.
This microphone is compatible with computers, PS4, PS5, Streamlabs, OBS Studio, and XSplit. This makes it easy for live streaming, podcasting, or studio recording.
If you need something simple and user-friendly, this microphone is great for beginners needing somewhere to start. It is compatible with many devices and has good reviews. The tap-to-mute feature is perfect for a broadcast setting.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Simple
- User-friendly
- Compatible with a multitude of devices
- No background noise
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Tap-to-mute
- Adjustable stand
Cons
- Firmware is windows only
Last but not least, the Razer Seiren makes the top five list. This mic is sensitive, which helps to capture vocals with accuracy for better performance. It provides a high-quality sound that is crystal clear and has a cardioid pickup pattern that blocks out noise from all angles.
This microphone comes with mic monitoring so you can hear yourself speaking. It also has a shock absorber to help reduce any unwanted noise or instability.
There is also a mute button for control which is great for live streaming or podcasting. It comes ready to use and is easy to use.
This mic is simple, ready to use, and easy to move around to different locations. The mic picks up vocals with crystal clear accuracy. This microphone would be suitable for live streaming, podcasting, broadcasting, and studio.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Highly sensitive
- High-quality sound
- Crystal clear and accuracy
- Cardioid pickup pattern
- Mic monitoring
- Mute button
Cons
- Fir Stand is easy to knock over
Affordable Microphones
Something affordable is the way to go if you are starting out and not an avid microphone user.
Lucky for you, there are a lot of choices out there if you don’t have a big budget. Many of the affordable options are long-lasting and durable as well.
A good microphone is easy to find on a budget. It is important to find one that is sensitive to picking up on the accuracy of vocals resulting in high sound quality. Microphones are a key ingredient to good performances, whether that be live or through studio or broadcasting.
An effective microphone will produce better dynamic range, quality, and frequency. You can definitely find an affordable microphone that does not skimp on quality.
Still, you may be curious to know what microphones are used by people in the biz. Here are some artists and the microphones they use.
Billie Eilish uses a Neumann TLM 103 Microphone. This microphone has low self-noise and picks up delicate and natural vocals with accuracy.
Taylor Swift uses the Audio Technica AEW-T4100 microphone for her live shows. They are lightweight and offer features such as muting, long-lasting, high sound quality, and four namable user presets.
The Beatles used the Shure 545, Shure 546, and the Shure 565.
Stevie Nicks used a Sennheiser 935 dynamic microphone. This is a very common choice for backup vocalists.
You may not be looking to purchase one of those celebrity mics at this time, but you can definitely find an affordable option that works for you. It is important to know what features you need and the different types of microphones.
Popular Microphone Types
Condenser
This is one of the most common microphones, especially when it comes to studio settings. It showcases the vocals without any interruptions or distractions. Background noise is minimal to none and it picks up on soft and delicate sounds with its high sensitivity.
These are great for beginners in podcasting, live streaming, and studio recording.
Dynamic
As noted above, these are common microphones to use for backup vocals. These are often seen in live settings to capture loud and strong vocals. These microphones are durable and can withstand wear and tear over time.
The Dynamic Microphone will make you want to expand your budget because the cheap ones will be sub-par and will have a hard time picking up on soft vocals. A good dynamic mic will be able to produce a soft, high-quality sound. These microphones are good for beginners who do a lot of live recording.
Ribbon
While not as common as the Dynamic or Condenser, these are still used to this day, but they come with a price tag for being vintage.
These microphones produce high-quality, natural, and crisp sounds. They can pick up on background sounds, so these would suit a studio setting quite well.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Microphone
Here is a list of things you may want to consider before buying a microphone, especially if you are on a budget:
- What do you want to do?
- What are your goals?
- What is the sound quality of the area you will be in?
- Pick up patterns
- Sensitivity
- Power supply
- Dynamic range
- What comes with the microphone?
- Frequency response range
How to Improve Your Studio
If you are working in a home studio, this next part is for you. It is important to soundproof your studio for good recording acoustics.
To enhance acoustics on a budget you can hang heavy blankets or duvets around the room, foam in the corners, vocal screens, or software reverbs.
Comfort is another one. If you are comfortable, you’re going to produce a better product. Get a good chair, good lighting, and make the space yours. Decorate it to your preference. It’s your space!
FAQ
What is the best microphone for recording?
The best microphone for recording depends on where you are recording. If you are in a live setting, a dynamic mic may work best. If you are recording in a studio, the sensitivity of a condenser mic will be in your favor.
What is the importance of microphones?
Microphones pick up on sounds in proximity and translate the sounds into energy. That energy is then processed through audio systems. If someone is at the back of the room, they may not be able to hear what someone is trying to say. With a microphone, this is possible and why these devices are so important.
