10 Best Cheap Podcast Microphone 2025 in the United States

The Shure SM7dB Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their podcasting or streaming quality without breaking the bank. One of its standout features is the legendary sound, providing a warm tone that many broadcasters and content creators love. With a built-in preamp, it offers a significant advantage by delivering up to plus 28 dB of gain, preserving audio clarity and detail, which is crucial for capturing vocals or instruments effectively.

The cardioid polar pattern ensures excellent isolation from background noise, making it ideal for less-than-ideal recording environments. Its frequency response range of 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz helps in capturing a full spectrum of sound, providing natural audio reproduction. Users can easily adjust the gain levels to suit different sound sources, giving flexibility in various recording situations.

It’s important to note that the SM7dB might not be the most affordable option within the category of cheap podcast microphones. While it offers some high-end features, users on a tight budget may find it slightly pricier compared to other entry-level microphones. Additionally, the requirement of an interface or mixer with phantom power could be a barrier for beginners who may not have the necessary equipment. The build quality is rugged, which is a plus for those who travel or need a durable mic for regular use. However, its weight of 2.7 pounds may be cumbersome for some users, especially if they are looking for something lightweight and portable.

The Shure MV7+ is a dynamic microphone that shines in the podcasting and streaming realm, offering impressive sound quality and a range of user-friendly features. Its unidirectional polar pattern helps isolate your voice, minimizing background noise—a crucial factor for anyone working in less-than-ideal recording environments. The integration with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and the real-time denoiser are standout features that enhance audio clarity, making it easier for users to achieve professional-sounding recordings without extensive audio editing skills.

The microphone’s LED touch panel adds a fun element, allowing you to customize colors and visually monitor audio levels, which is especially appealing for those who want to add a bit of flair to their setup. The quick mute function is practical for spontaneous situations when you need to silence yourself, and the onboard reverb capabilities provide creative options for music recording, enhancing your audio's depth.

While the MV7+ has dual connectivity options (USB-C and XLR), it may not be the most budget-friendly microphone in the cheap podcast category. Its price point might be higher than entry-level options, which could limit accessibility for absolute beginners or those looking to keep costs low. Additionally, while the microphone is designed for a variety of uses, it may require some initial setup and learning to fully leverage its advanced features and app integration, which could be a bit overwhelming for non-tech-savvy users.

The Shure MV7X is a dynamic microphone designed for podcasters and vocalists, making it an appropriate choice for those needing a budget-friendly, professional microphone. Its unidirectional polar pattern ensures that it captures sound primarily from one direction, effectively isolating your voice and minimizing background noise, which is excellent for recording in less-than-perfect environments. The microphone features an XLR-only connectivity, meaning it must be connected via an audio interface, which can be an additional cost for some users.

On the positive side, this professional connectivity ensures a higher quality audio recording compared to USB microphones. Built with robust all-metal construction, the MV7X is sturdy and durable, providing long-term reliability. It's also compatible with various devices like laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones, although the XLR requirement means a compatible interface is necessary. The microphone’s frequency response is optimized for vocal recording, ensuring clear and natural sound reproduction.

The included shock mount and voice isolation technology further enhance the recording quality by reducing vibrations and external noise. However, the lack of an in-line pre-amp could be seen as a limitation for those who need additional gain. Given its trusted brand heritage and solid build quality, the Shure MV7X is a strong contender in the cheap podcast microphone category, especially for users who already own or plan to invest in an audio interface.