Low Cost

Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390

This noise-canceling podcast microphone typically runs around $20. It cuts background noise and the microphone rotates out of the way when you’re not using it, which makes it convenient if you’re podcasting a lot.

Keep in mind that this is an actual headset, so it’s your podcast microphone and headphones together in one.

The Logitech ClearChat plugs directly into your computer via USB chord, so it’s a simple setup that’s easy to pack up and use on-the-go.

This is the lowest quality microphone that we would recommend using.

It is also a good option if you’re looking to recommend that a future podcast guest pick up a microphone for your recording session.

To this day, this is the microphone we insist our guests use – at the very least – when they come on our podcast.

Medium Cost

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone

The ATR2100 USB is designed to take you from amateur to expert!

This podcast microphone plugs right into your computer via a USB chord and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software.

Because this microphone is dynamic, it doesn’t pick up background noise as easily as other microphones.

We use and love the ATR2100 for our podcast.

This is our top podcast microphone recommendation for quality and ease of use.

It’s also a great microphone to travel with for those of you podcasters who like a mobile-friendly setup without a lot of fuss.

Keep in mind that this microphone should be held right up close to your mouth. It will give you the best sound quality when you speak passed the microphone, holding it at a 90-degree angle to your face.

The ATR2100 typically runs between $80 – $90.

Accessories for the ATR-2100

NEEWER Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand

While you could hold the ATR2100 right in your hand to record, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The noise that could come from bumping the chord or moving the microphone around could compromise your audio quality.

The ATR2100 does come with its own desktop stand, so a boom arm isn’t absolutely necessary. It just depends on your podcast setup and what you’re most comfortable with.

The Neewer Microphone Suspension Boom Arm is your basic boom arm with no cables included, and it’s perfect for the ATR2100 mounted on a desk.

Foam Ball-Type Mic Windscreen

Protect your podcast microphone from interference and unnecessary pops with a simple foam ball cover!

This foam ball is the equivalent of having a screen pop-filter and is good fit for the ATR2100 microphone.

See… we told you the ATR2100 microphone is nice and simple!

High Cost

Heil Sound PR40 Multipurpose Dynamic Microphone

The Heil Sound PR40 Microphone is ideal for live sound, recording, and broadcast applications.

Like the ATR2100, this is a dynamic microphone, and so it will not pick up background noise like condenser microphone will.

Note: You will need this XLR cord if you are plugging your Heil PR40 into a mixer, and this XLR to USB cord if you are plugging your Heil PR40 directly into your computer.

The Heil PR40 is a high-level podcast microphone and is not one I recommend if you’re just getting started out.

The Heil PR40 is for the more advanced podcaster who knows their way around a high-level podcast setup, and the price proves it. This podcast microphone typically runs $325.

Accessories for the Heil PR40

Heil Sound Shock Mount for Heil PR30 and PR40 Mics

The PRSM Shock Mount is a flexible support system that helps suppress low-frequency rumble on the microphone line by absorbing and damping vibrations picked up from your desk or your console.

It is recommended that you have a shock mount for your Heil PR40 microphone, and there are packages you can purchase that would include a shock mount.

However, many packages include unnecessary tools, so we suggest you just buy which tools you need separately.

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom

The Heil Sound PL-2T overhead boom uses a system of perfectly balanced internal springs rather than the unsightly, mechanically unstable outboard springs used on booms of much lesser quality.