What is the best microphone for streaming? This is the question every passionate streamer has in mind. If you’re a streaming fanatic, then you came to the right place.
In this article, we will discuss the best cheap microphone for youtube. We have divided our article into the following sections.
The guide includes:
- Introduction of microphones
- Reasons for buying a microphone
- Things to consider when buying a microphone
- A step by step review i.e. buying guide for each microphone
What is the Microphone?
A microphone is a device whose function is to convert sound into electrical signals or even recording it for future use. Microphones support audio recordings, recording can be voice or even music recording. Microphones are used in many different applications such as cell phones, telephones, laptops, and other gadgets. Microphones are also used as voice recognition in security systems. Here is a timeline of how the microphone was made.
- Johann Philipp built a sound transmitter in 1861.
- Edward Huges developed a carbon microphone in 1877
- Wente developed a condenser microphone in 1916 EC
- Harry F. Olson developed a ribbon microphone in 1923
- Shortgun microphone was made in 1963
The first microphone was an electronic microphone that had a liquid-based mechanism. A needle was attached to the diaphragm which was placed inside a diluted sulfuric acid (HCL). This microphone was not very effective in long-range. Since then, there has been much advancement in microphone technology with the passage of time.
How to choose between the microphones?
Lavalier: These types of microphones are used as recording devices for the smartphone. Lavalier is mostly used in the podcast.
USB: USB microphones are mostly used now a day they can be plugged into laptops and macs easily for recording.
Shotgun: Shotgun mic are mostly used in high-end cameras such a DSLRs.
Types of Microphone:
- Carbon microphones: These were used for over one hundred years. The brushes made up of carbon are placed between the two metal plates this way sound waves are converted into an electrical signal.
- Condenser microphones: Capacitance of a capacitor is varied by the movement of the diaphragm, this helps to record the data in electrical signals. Such type of microphones is used in cell phones and computers.
- Crystal microphones: The piezoelectric crystal helps to generate small amounts of electricity that is used to provide the recording signal.
- Dynamic microphones: A signal is generated using the process of electromagnetic induction. A coil is suspended in the magnetic field, you can also increase its frequency response using multiple membranes.
- Laser microphones: Different laser beams are used at different levels and angles to translate them into waves called sound waves.
- Omnidirectional & Unidirectional Microphones: Omnidirectional microphones can pick up sound from any direction while a unidirectional microphone picks up sound from one specific direction.
- Shotgun microphones: As the name suggests the shotgun microphones are used to record songs from a specific location.
Advantages of using a Microphone:
Following are some of the advantages of using a tripod
- Microphones help to neglect external sounds
- No external power is required
- Voice input is way faster than keyboard input
- Used in vlogging and podcasts for concentrated voice recording
Top microphone manufacturers:
Here is the list of top microphone manufacturers in 2020:
- Shuru
- Sannheiser
- Neumann
- Rode
- AKG
- Electro-voice
- Fifine
- Schoeps
What specifications to look for before buying a microphone?
When you’re buying a microphone you should have a basic idea about the features you’re looking for. However, when go on buying something, it is important to have a basic idea and knowledge so that you’re satisfied and avoid any possible scams. Here are some of the main specifications you need to consider.
Material: There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. aluminum and plastic. Aluminum is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive. Hence, mostly the microphones are plastic.
Dimension: Dimension consists of (L x W x H)
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device.
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them.
Trasducer Type: It can be condenser, crystal or dynamic.
Word Rate: Word rate also called the Sample rate. It determines how many times per second does a sound signal sample.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle).
Portability: Tripods are portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag.
Compatibility: Microphones are usually compatible with smartphones, laptops (window/mac) and soft wares.
| Image | Product | Description | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Blue Snowball″ |
Height: 11 inch approx Dimension: 325mm Frequency: 40Hz-18 KHz Weight: 460g |
Check Price |
 |
Rode VideoMicPro |
Height:170mm Dimension:(100x75x170)mm Frequency:40 Hz-20KHz Weight:85g |
Check Price |
|
FIFINE Studio |
Type: Condenser Polar Pattern: Cardioid Frequency:20 Hz-20 KHz Weight: 150g |
Check Price |
 |
Shotgun MIC |
Height:11 inch approx Dimension:(11.3x7.7x2.7) Sensitivity: 10 db |
Check Price |
 |
eBerry Cobblestone Microphone |
Frequency: 38 Hz-38 KHz Sensitivity: -32db Impedance: 600 ohm Weight: 415g |
Check Price |
 |
AUSB Microphone” |
Height: 1.5 m Weight: 115g |
Check Price |
 |
Fifine Metal |
Height: 18 inch approx Polar Pattern: Cardioid Sensitivity: -32 db (@1kh) S/N ratio: 78db |
Check Price |
 |
Audio-Technica ″ |
Dimension: 8.62 x 1.5 x 1.26 Polar Pattern: Cardioid Sensitivity: 12Mv/pa Weight: 0.84 lbs |
Check Price |
 |
Fifine USB Podcast |
Height: 9 inch approx Dimension: 4.9 x 2.6 x 7.3 Power Source: 48 V Weight: 10.6g |
Check Price |
 |
Samson Portable |
Max SPL: 121 dB Type: Condenser Frequency: 20 Hz-20 kHz Weight: 0.23 lb |
Check Price |
10 Best Cheap Microphones For YouTube
Here is the list of best budget microphones that we will review.
- Blue Snowball USB Microphone – $79
- Rode VideoMicPro – $229
- FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone – $60
- Shotgun MIC Microphone – $21.20
- eBerry Cobblestone Microphone – $38
- USB Computer Microphone – $28
- Fifine Metal Condenser Recording Microphone – $32
- Audio-Technica AT2020- $119
- Fifine USB Podcast Condenser Microphone – $40
- Samson Portable USB Condenser Microphone – $40
#1: Blue Snowball USB Microphone
These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. Blue snowball has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $79.
A microphone named Blue snowball microphone has a 4.5 rating from 4,630 Amazon users.
Material: Blue snowball USB microphone has a plastic body and it is available in 3 colors i.e. textured white, gloss black and brushed metal. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Dimension: It has a dimension of 325mm (circumference).
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has cardioid, Omni, and cardioid with -10dB pad options available for studio-quality audio.
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them. This has a weight of about 460g.
Trasducer Type: It is a condenser with a 3.0 USB port.
Word Rate: Word rate also called the Sample rate. It determines how many times per second does a sound signal sample. It has a word rate of 44.1kHz / 16 bit.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response in 3 positions which can be from 40 to 18kHz.
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with almost all smartphones, laptops for window (usb1.1, 2.0, 3.0) as well as mac (usb 1.1, 2.0, 3.0).
Key Features:
- Compatible with all versions and operating systems.
- Can be available in special color like chrome (charged)
- Settings easily controlled via microphone software
#2: Rode VideoMicPro
It is one of the best professional microphones listed by Amazon.
This product is a Shotgun version available on Amazon and that can be shipped to your desired location. Rode VideoMic Pro has a unique design. It is one of the best yet expensive microphones out there in the market. It has a price tag of $229.
Microphone Rode VideoMicPro has a 4 rating from 1,000 Amazon users.
Material: Rode VideoPro 3.5mm stereo jack microphone has metal and plastic touches in the body and it is available in a single color i.e. gloss black. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Dimension: It has a dimension of (100x75x170)mm (circumference)
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has 3 position options (-10 dB, 0, +20 dB).
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them. This has a weight of about 85g.
Trasducer Type: It has a 0.5” condenser capsule.
Word Rate: Word rate also called the Sample rate. It determines how many times per second does a sound signal sample. It has a word rate of 44.1kHz / 16 bit
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response in 3 positions which can be from 40 Hz to 20 KHz.
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with almost all smartphones and cameras.
Key Features:
- Compatible with all cameras and recorders
- Settings easily controlled via microphone software
- 1-year warranty that is extendable to 10 years
#3: FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone
It is one of the best cheap microphones listed by Amazon.
These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. FIFINE studio condenser microphone has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $60
Microphone named FIFINE studio condenser microphone has a 4.5 rating from 600 Amazon users.
Material: FIFINE studio condenser microphone has a metal body and it is available in a single color i.e. gloss black. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has cardioid and cardioid with -10dB pad options available for studio-quality audio. Condenser capsule offers great and clear audio quality
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them. This has a weight of about 150g.
Trasducer Type: It is condenser with a polar pattern of Cardioid.
S/N Rate: Signal to noise rate determines the error. It has an s/n rate of 78 db.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response in which can be from 20 hz to 20 kHz.
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility:This is compatible with almost all smartphones, laptops for window (usb1.1, 2.0, 3.0) as well as mac (usb 1.1, 2.0, 3.0).
Key Features:
- USB fast 3.0 option
- Wide frequency response range
- Can start working on 5V power supply
- Settings easily controlled via microphone software
#4: Shotgun MIC Microphone
These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. Shotgun MIC Microphone has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $79.
A microphone named Shotgun MIC Microphone has a 4 rating from 1,030 Amazon users.
Material: Shotgun MIC Microphone has a plastic body and it is available in a single color i.e. matt black. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Dimension: It has a dimension of (11.3×7.7×2.7) inch.
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has cardioid for studio-quality audio in DSLRs.
Trasducer Type: It has a back elec. condenser.
Sensitivity: It has a sensitivity of -32db at 1 kHz.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system with error it has an attenuation of 200 Hz
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with only Nikon and Canon DSLR cameras.
Key Features:
- Powered by 1.5V AA alkaline battery
- Settings easily controlled via microphone software
#5: eBerry Cobblestone Microphone
It is one of the best cheap microphones listed by Amazon.
These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. eBerry Cobblestone Microphone has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $38.
Microphone named eBerry Cobblestone Microphone has a 4 rating from 90 Amazon users.
Material: eBerry Cobblestone Microphone has a plastic body and it is available in a single color i.e. gloss black. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
S/N ratio: It has a signal to noise ratio of <50 db.
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has cardioid for studio-quality audio.
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them. This has a weight of about 415g.
Trasducer Type: It has a condenser microphone with 3.0/2.0 usb port.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response in 2 positions which can be from 38 Hz to 38 KHz.
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with almost all smartphones, laptops for windows (usb1.1, 2.0, 3.0) as well as mac (usb 1.1, 2.0, 3.0).
Key Features:
- Easy access mute button
- Good sound quality
- Settings easily controlled via microphone software
#6: USB Computer Microphone
It is one of the best cheap microphones listed by Amazon.
These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. USB computer microphone has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $28.
A microphone named USB Computer Microphone has a 4 rating from 1,280 Amazon users.
Material: USB computer microphone has a plastic body with led lighting. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone is used for recording vocals, chip CMTEK blocks external sound.
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them. This has a weight of about 115g.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response which can be from 100 to 16kHz
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with laptops for Windows, Mac, and PS4 Only.
Key Features:
- Compatible with all versions and pc operating systems.
- Unique blue LED for visual effect
- Mute button for easy mute
#7: Fifine Metal Condenser Recording Microphone
It is one of the best cheap microphones listed by Amazon.
FeFine is a renowned company of microphones. These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. Fifine Metal Condenser has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $32
A microphone named Fifine Metal Condenser has a 4.5 rating from 3,542 Amazon users.
Material: Fifine Metal Condenser USB microphone has a metal body and it is available in gloss black. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has cardioid, Omni and cardioid options available for the studio as well as streaming audio recording.
Trasducer Type: It is a condenser with 3.0 USB port. It has cardioid polar patterns.
S/N ratio: This describes the error of any type. It has an s/n ratio of 78db.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response in 3 positions which can be from 20 to 20 kHz.
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with almost all laptops for window (usb1.1, 2.0, 3.0) as well as mac (usb 1.1, 2.0, 3.0) and PS4 too. It can also be used for ASMR or podcasts too.
Key Features:
- Compatible with all version and operation system
- Streaming with clarity
- Compatible with PS4 too
#8: Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone
It is one of the best cheap microphones listed by Amazon.
These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. Studio XLR Microphone has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $119.
The microphone named Studio XLR Microphone has a 4.5 rating from 1,865 Amazon users.
Material: Studio XLR Microphone has a plastic body and it is available in 3 colors i.e. textured white, gloss black and brushed metal. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Dimension: It has a dimension of 325mm (circumference)
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has cardioid, Omni and cardioid with -10dB pad options available for studio-quality audio.
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them. This has a weight of about 460g.
Trasducer Type: It is a condenser with a 3.0 USB port.
Word Rate: Word rate also called Sample rate. It determines how many times per second does a sound signal sample. It has a word rate of 44.1kHz / 16 bit
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response in 3 positions which can be from 40 to 18kHz
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with almost all smartphones, laptops for window (usb1.1, 2.0, 3.0) as well as mac (usb 1.1, 2.0, 3.0).
Key Features:
- Compatible with all version and operation system
- Can be available in special color like chrome (charged)
- Settings easily controlled via microphone software
#9: Fifine USB Podcast Condenser Microphone
It is one of the best cheap microphones listed by Amazon. Fifine USB Podcast
These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. Fifine USB Podcast has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $40
A microphone named Fifine USB Podcast has a 4.5 rating from 3,600 Amazon users.
Material: Fifine USB Podcast microphone has a plastic and metal touch body and it is available in 3 colors i.e. textured white, gloss black and pink. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Aluminum is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Dimension: It has a dimension of 4.9 x 2.6 x 7.3 inches.
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has cardioid for studio-quality audio.
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them. This has a weight of about 6g.
Trasducer Type: It is a polar pattern condenser with a 3.0 USB port.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response which can be from 20 to 20 KHz.
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with ios and android with a USB adaptor, laptops for window, mac, and Linux (USB 1.1, 2.0, 3.0).
Key Features:
- Compatible with all version and operation system and smartphones
- Settings easily controlled via microphone software
#10: Samson Portable USB Condenser Microphone
It is one of the best cheap microphones listed by Amazon.
These products are available on Amazon and can be shipped to your desired location. Samson Portable USB has a unique design. It is one of the best affordable microphones out there in the market that offer the best price to beat the rest. It has a price tag of $40
A microphone named Samson Portable USB has a 4.5 rating from 2,830 Amazon users.
Material: Samson portable USB microphone has a metal body and it is available in 1 color that is silver. There are two types of materials used to make microphones i.e. metal and plastic. Metal is stronger and more durable but it’s more expensive.
Dimension: It has a dimension of 4.9 x 2.6 x 7.3 inches.
Audio Quality: It determines the intensity and purity of sound via an output device. This microphone has cardioid and omnidirectional for good quality audio.
Weight: Weight and stability are two important things that need to be taken care of microphones our goal should be to find a balance between them. This has a weight of about 23 lbs.
Trasducer Type: It is a condenser with 3.0 USB port.
Word Rate: Word rate also called the Sample rate. It determines how many times per second does a sound signal sample. It has a word rate of 44.1kHz / 16 bit.
Frequency Response: It determines the response of a system i.e. output. It is measured with a magnitude and a specific phase (angle). It has a variable response in 2 positions which can be from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (Omni) and 80 Hz to 20 kHz (cardioid).
Portability: This microphone is portable and can easily fit inside a travel bag for travel purposes as well.
Compatibility: This is compatible with almost all smartphones, laptops for windows (usb1.1, 2.0, 3.0) as well as mac (USB 1.1, 2.0, 3.0).
Key Features:
- Compatible with all versions and operating systems.
- Mic stand, carry pouch are all included with all the stuff.
- Perfect for recording music
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- Which are the best microphones from each category?
There are different categories of microphones. It all depends on your needs. To talk about the best microphone is each category. Rode VideoMic Pro is the best shotgun microphone while FIFINE Studio Condenser is probably the best USB microphone due to its metal body and transducer type of cardioid and -10db cardioid pad.
2- Name the microphone which is most expensive in the list?
Rode VideoMicPro is the most expensive mic in the list costing about $229. It is shotgun version of the microphone. Rode VideoMic Pro has a unique design. It is one of the best microphones out there in the market It has a 4 rating from 1,000 Amazon users. The body of this mic is completely made up of metal. It has 3 positions (10db, 0, -10db). Moreover, it can also work a cardioid and Omni. It has a 0.5” condenser capsule.
Conclusion:
These were our best yet affordable microphones. This article includes step by step review and buying guide for each of the microphones listed here. It is always better to do your search and read all the specifications/reviews before taking any decision. This way you get the best things possible thing. Professional cameras such as DSLR are very expensive hence a good microphone is necessary to fulfill your needs. But if you’re not tight on budget and want to grow your youtube audience then you need a professional microphone.
There are different categories of microphones. It all depends on your needs. To talk about the best microphone is each category. Rode VideoMic Pro is the best shotgun microphone while FIFINE Studio Condenser is probably the best USB microphone due to its metal body and transducer type of cardioid and -10db cardioid pad. Rode VideoMic Pro has a unique design. It is one of the best microphones out there in the market.
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