Selecting the best budget microphones for YouTube is a tough job and is mainly dependent on your style and what type of content you make. For e.g. If your content is primarily based around screen recordings or voiceovers, microphones with a compatible USB or XLR studio connection will work best by providing a clear and crisp audio recording.
However, Lavalier microphones are also great in most situations where you are looking for portability and don’t want to worry about how close to the mic you are. Just clip them on your shirt and start the recording process.
There is another category of mics known as “Shotgun” mics, which are excellent for videos such as vlogging and interviews.
As many different types of videos and situations differ from person to person, a single mic can never be the solution. Hence, we’ve highlighted our favorite recommendations of YouTube mics in different categories so that you can easily find what will work best for your needs.
What should you look for when choosing a microphone?
There a few crucial differences between the different mics, but they generally work the same in principle. You will have to consider a few key things before you buy a mic:
Recording Environment
Are you recording in a controlled environment with excellent acoustics or an unpredictable one such as a launch event? You will need to select a mic depending on the environment it’s going to be used in.
Streaming mics help in clearly recording audio with a relatively quiet background, and shotgun mics are explicitly made to be used in events and outdoors.
Type of content
If you’re going to stream games, get a mic that can stay on your desk and pick up your sounds omnidirectionally, but if you want a comfortable and portable experience with recording on the move, Lavalier mics will make your work a lot quicker and smoother.
Note: if you’re thinking of starting a podcast, check our buying guide for the best podcast microphones.
Budget
Finally, consider your budget as mics can easily be the cheapest thing you buy or the most expensive depending on the build and sound stage. Hence, be in charge of your spendings and make a wise choice in buying the best mic for the money.
Best Budget Microphones for YouTube+
So, with everything covered, let’s get to the recommendations and look for the best microphones available for you and your workflow:
- Blue Yeti X – The Best Budget Streaming Option
- Rode VideoMic Go – Best Budget Microphone Built for Vloggers
- Shure MV7 – Great for Podcasts and VoiceOvers
- Rode SmartLav+ – Best Cheap Mic built for Portability
- Samson Go Mic – YouTube Interviews made easy
- Blue Snowball – The Low Budget Mic for YouTube
- Audio-Technica AT2035 – The Best Budget Mic for YouTube Talk-Shows
1. Blue Yeti X – The Best Budget Streaming Option
Pricing: $145
The Blue Yeti X comes with a four-capsule array that translates into fantastic sound quality and no-noise capturing.
You can also switch between multiple modes of recording patterns such as cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bi-directional, depending on your requirement.
The build quality is excellent, and we would recommend this as the best overall solution to everyone.
Recording Quality:
The Blue Yeti X records at a 24-bit rate with a 48kHz audio signal. This means you can expect more flexibility and clarity in all the post-processing you want to do. You can also adjust the gain on the fly to minimize noise and record your voice.
The knob on the front of the body lets you do several things, from changing the audio gain to muting the microphone. This is a neat feature that is not present on all mics but that you’ll really appreciate once you get the feeling of it.
Features:
- Multiple Recording Patterns: Stereo, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bi-directional
- 24-bit rate recording
- 48kHz frequency response
- Four-capsule array
Pros
- Affordable cost
- Excellent for streamers
- Multiple audio channel modes
Cons
- It is a little bulky
- It needs a pop filter to remove all noise
2. Rode VideoMic Go – Best Budget Microphone Built for Vloggers
Pricing: $85
If you’re a YouTube vlogger – or want to be – and need an excellent mic for your on-the-go camera setup, the Rode VideoMic Go quickly takes the win as this easily mounts onto a DSLR for recording audio and provides a great experience all around.
It is designed with a tight pickup area that focuses audio directly in front of the mic and its integrated shock mount is excellent for absorbing movement vibrations and sounds, and the foam head helps mitigate all wind noises.
Recording Quality:
The VideoMic Go delivers clear and crisp directional audio with incredible ease of use.
It features a frequency range of 100Hz – 16kHz, which helps it sustain an excellent audio clip all around.
You can take it around on all trips, and it would deliver crisp audio every time as it also comes with a wind guard, which means that noises are suppressed, and voices are boosted.
It also has a maximum supported Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of 120dB SPL, which means that it can be used with high-performance gear.
Features:
- A front audio directional mic
- Portable
- Shock mount with movement sound suppression
Pros
- t can easily connect with all cameras with a 3.5mm audio jack
- Great shock mount with a wind guard
Cons
- The mic and camera setup can get a little bulky
3. Shure MV7 – Great for Podcasts and VoiceOvers
Pricing: $250
The Shure MV7 reproduces vocals with fantastic clarity and makes this a truly versatile mic used mainly for podcasts and voiceovers.
Because it has both a micro-USB and XLR output, it is compatible with virtually all devices.
Thanks to its flexible recording settings, you’ll be able to optimize the frequency response and the cardioid polar pattern as you need.
However, the touch-pad control on the microphone can feel inconvenient, taking a little while to get used to.
It also comes with a 3.55 audio jack to connect straight to any headphones, which helps you correct and listen to audio straight when recording.
Recording Quality:
The recording quality is excellent, and it can be customized with the companion app. The EQ preferences can be changed, and the noise and gain control are just incredible.
An auto mode is also present, allowing you to adjust the recording based on your proximity to the microphone capsule and enabling you to edit sounds through the preset.
Alternative: if you have a bigger budget, we recommend you upgrade to the Shure SM7B. Check our review in the link.
Features:
- Intuitive touch controls
- USB and XLR support
- Amazing sturdy build quality
Pros
- The fantastic audio quality for podcasts or voiceovers
- Superb build quality
- Companion app with variable EQ
Cons
- It doesn’t work with modern USB-C iPads
4. Rode SmartLav+ – Best Cheap Mic built for Portability
Pricing: $65
Paying a premium for the portable product is common, but the uncommon thing is getting an excellent portable Lav mic to deliver some great recording capabilities.
The Rode SmarLav+ comes with an omnidirectional audio channel and has a maximum of 3 ohms of output impedance. Hence, it is perfect for smartphones and people on the move.
If you want a fantastic portable mic with a budget price, then the Rode SmartLav+ is an excellent choice.
Recording Quality:
The Lav+ comes with a mic that can accept 3 ohms of output impedance and has a frequency range of 60Hz – 18kHz. This helps the microphone deliver crisp, incredible audio for its size.
Something to remember is that the omnidirectional recording channel can bring a lot of gain and noise. So, use it with care.
Features:
- Omnidirectional channel mode
- Fast connection with 3.5mm headphone jack
- Portable build
Pros
- 3Ω impedance for compatibility with smartphones
- Windguard built-in
- Affordable clip-on solution
Cons
- Can have a slight issue with noise and audio gain
5. Samson Go Mic – YouTube Interviews made easy
Pricing: $50
If you’re okay with a portable condenser microphone for your recordings, then the Samson Go is an excellent option for you.
It is a cheap mic for YouTube that delivers superior performance and is also compatible with laptops and smartphones.
However, the bulky design and the old USB 2 connector hold it back a lot.
Recording Quality:
With the switchable cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns and the frequency response of 20Hz – 18kHz with an audio resolution of 16-bit/44.1kHz, you can be sure you’re getting professional audio specs for a budget price tag.
That said, the bulky design is a big con, and the old hardware just needs to be refreshed.
Other than that, the mic is impressive and would deliver you a great recording experience if you’re ok with those two minor setbacks.
Features:
- Cardioid and Omnidirectional recording patterns
- 80Hz – 18kHZ frequency response
- 16-bit bitrate
Pros
- Great build quality
- The impressive bit rate for clearer recordings
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Bulky design
- Outdated USB-2 standard
6. Blue Snowball – The Low Budget Mic for YouTube
Pricing: $55
The Blue Snowball stems from the same family as the Yeti and can be considered as the little brother of the Yeti.
It is an excellent USB YouTube mic that is affordable and is highly recommended to beginners. It has two mic capsules which allow for omnidirectional and cardioid pickup patterns, and it comes with an adjustable-height stand with the excellent build quality that Blue provides.
Recording Quality:
The recording quality for the price is top-notch and probably the best in class. It has support for a 16-bit bitrate with a 48kHz sample rate for clearer and sharper recording sessions.
It can also be configured with many accessories and has a -10dB PAD gain control so that you can minimize noise and improve the audio quality with a frequency response of 40 – 18 kHz.
Features:
- -10dB gain control
- 48KHz sample rate
- 40 – 18 kHz frequency response
- Omnidirectional and cardioid pickup patterns
Pros
- Budget-friendly price tag
- Compatibility with USB-3 devices
- Great recording capabilities
Cons
- It doesn’t work with USB-C devices
- It needs a pop filter for noise reduction
7. Audio-Technica AT2035 – The Best Budget Mic for YouTube Talk-Shows
Pricing: $140
The Audio-Technica AT2035 comes with a shock mount for a professional-grade audio setup. It delivers excellent sound quality and has an 80Hz filter that will help eliminate minor sounds and ambient noise. It does need a little getting used to, but it delivers a breathtaking recording experience.
However, you’ll need a boom arm to mount it, and your audio quality may suffer without a pop filter. But if you have all that with you and don’t mind the extra time setting it up, then the mic would be the perfect choice for you.
Recording Quality:
This cardioid mic comes with a 20-20,000 Hz frequency response and 120 ohms of impedance, which can deliver some of the best sounding experience on the list if powered correctly. It only supports an XLR cable which can be limiting, but if you have the correct setup built, this mic will deliver on all your promises and be the best at recording YouTube videos.
Features:
- Excellent audio quality with 82 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa signal to noise ratio
- A dynamic range of 136 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
- Cardioid recording pattern
Pros
- Amazing build quality
- 120 ohms of impedance
- 80Hz noise filter
Cons
- It needs a setup of the boom arm and shock mount.
- It only works with XLR cables
Final Words
The statement that expensive things deliver better results isn’t always accurate, and it shows here with some of the best microphones at an affordable price tag.
These are built for beginners and professionals alike and don’t break the bank.
So, we hope that you have found yourself a great microphone!
In the case you are still confused, our primary recommendation would be the Blue Yeti X, as it delivers on all standards with excellent audio recording capabilities at a great price. It is also compatible with all devices and doesn’t require a proper setup.
Leave all your questions in the comments below and we’ll make sure to help you decide on the best microphone for your needs.
Happy vlogging!
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