Cheap microphones
The best cheap microphones are not only affordable, but they’ll also get the recording or performing job done without letting extra noise bleed into the mix. Depending on what you plan to use your microphone for, different models offer differing levels of versatility.
Whether you plan to use your microphone for live audio, instrument recording, band practice, spoken word or something else, the best microphone for you is out there somewhere, no matter how daunting the variety can seem.
Deciding exactly how you’ll use the microphone can help give you a better idea of which types of microphones to browse, what a reasonable budget is and how you can get the most out of whichever microphone you purchase without sacrificing quality.
Common types of microphones
Dynamic microphones
By far the most common microphone you’ll see, dynamic microphones — and especially dynamic cardioid microphones — are perhaps the most versatile mic variety out there. Often used for live speech or performance as well as recording for certain instruments or vocals, cardioid microphones feature a focused, unidirectional pickup pattern, with a dynamic conversion process from audio into the electrical signal which passes through your cable, and into your recording interface or sound system.
A dynamic microphone, whether it has a cardioid pickup pattern or not, is essentially going to “blur out” background noises, making it great for pulling a single instrument or vocal track out of a room.
Condenser microphones
A condenser microphone features a much more sensitive input pickup than that of a dynamic microphone, meaning that it tends to pick up far more sound than dynamic microphones. For this reason, they’re used for an array of different studio recording uses, in environments that are extremely quiet in terms of background noise. They often include an onboard preamp, which helps add warmth and depth to the sound being recorded or streamed.
Because of their sensitive input, condenser microphones also tend to feature a richness in recorded audio quality that’s unparalleled by dynamic microphones, which is why they’re typically used for recording vocals, instruments, speech or for streaming live in quiet environments.
Other microphones
While most basic microphones may fall under the dynamic cardioid or condenser categories, especially within the budget range, a number of other types of microphones do exist — so many so that it can be a little intimidating. While cardioid microphones are usually the most versatile and are perfect for use on recorded speech or music or for use as a live instrument or vocal mic, condensers can often handle most of a person’s recorded needs.
In addition to the commonplace condenser and dynamic microphones, you’ll also find ribbon microphones, parabolic microphones, boundary microphones and boom or shotgun microphones, among a slew of others, all of which have their place among the more expensive ranks of professional-use microphones.
Best cheap microphones
Best of the best cheap microphone
Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone: available at Amazon
Our take: This versatile cardioid microphone is the standard in live sound for a reason — it boasts clarity, a unidirectional polar pattern and a focused vocal frequency range, offering a versatile, affordable microphone.
What we like: Clear speaking or singing tones. Perfect for live speech or singing. Unidirectional polar pattern for a warm, cardioid microphone sound. Built-in spherical filter protects against popping, hissing or other unwanted background noises. Can also be used to mic instruments.
What we dislike: Pricier than other entry-level microphones.
Best bang for your buck cheap microphone
TKGOU Computer Condenser Recording Microphone: available at Amazon
Our take: This inexpensive streaming microphone features a built-in USB cable and a built-in pop filter to block those plosive “p” sounds from making your audio clip.
What we like: Very affordable. Includes built-in USB cable as well as onboard pop filter. Tabletop stand makes it perfect for streaming or gaming. Features cardioid polar pattern. Shock mount prevents stand noises from leaking into the audio. Includes 12-month limited warranty.
What we dislike: Must be plugged into a computer for use, and sound quality is lacking.
Best cheap microphone for under $100
Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone: available at Amazon
Our take: Not unlike Shure’s SM58, the SM57 is also a standard in the music industry, though it’s a touch more versatile and is mainly used to mic up instruments for live or recorded instrumentation.
What we like: Offers a wider frequency range than the SM58, perfect for use with all styles of instruments. Also features a cardioid pickup pattern. Highly durable build quality. Can also be used as a vocal microphone. Features directional cap for warm, focused sound.
What we dislike: This model is more expensive than many entry-level microphones.
Best cheap condenser microphone for under $100
MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable condenser microphone is a great starter condenser for anyone looking to stream or record speech, singing, piano, percussion or other instruments, and it’s cheaper than most “streaming” microphones.
What we like: Low price. Features low-cut to reduce muffled sounds. Clear high end. Includes a low-noise FET preamp with a transformerless output for added richness. Great condenser microphone for recording or streaming speech and other instruments.
What we dislike: Requires recording input interface for use on the computer.
Best cheap dynamic microphone for under $50
Shure SM48-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone: available at Amazon
Our take: This cheap microphone is a great intro mic, perfect for anyone looking to purchase mic(s) for a single event, or for small, ongoing speech or singing events with a budget.
What we like: Mid-range price. Can be purchased with or without on/off switch, as well as microphone windscreen. Features unidirectional cardioid polar pattern. Purchase includes mic stand adapter which can hold the mic. Features a built-in pop filter for reducing breathy sounds.
What we dislike: Sound quality is a step down from the SM57 and SM58.
Zachary Visconti is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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