If you’re starting a podcast or wanting to upgrade your podcast’s audio quality, a better microphone is something you’ll want at the top of your Xmas list.
And since we both know you’re buying it for yourself, here are 2 options I’d recommend depending on your budget.
Shure MV7+
Other than the even more expensive Shure SM7B, which requires other additional hardware to use with a computer, this is the best mic for most podcasters these days. The MV7+ uses a USB-C connection to your computer, while also supporting an XLR connection in case you ever do get a fancier set up. It’s very forgiving of bad recording set ups and room noise, which makes it worth upgrading to if you can’t change the space you’re recording in without ripping out the walls or tile floors.
The MV7+ gives you the warmth of a SM7B, without the expensive cost.
Shure MV6
The MV6 is just a USB-C based microphone that connects directly to your computer. No XLR option for upgrading to fancier equipment later. But it’s still a great microphone that’s marketed primarily at gamers and live streamers, but it’s still a great microphone for podcasters to use.
With the MV7+ and MV6 both seeming to be similar microphones, why go with the more expensive MV7+? Shure’s blog post has a good explanation:
The MV7+ keeps the warm broadcast tone of the iconic SM7 – probably the most famous and sought after voice over microphone of all time.
The MV6 on the other hand has a brighter tone, which makes it perfect for cutting through the noise of a frantic Fortnite session. Think of it like the lead guitar – up at the top of the mix, riding over the waves of sound.
So if you’re planning on using the mic for more than just gaming or streaming – or maybe you just love that traditional broadcast feel – then the MV7+ is the one for you. If it’s a brighter tone for cutting through gaming sounds, the MV6 is the way to go.
The MV6 is the perfect choice for anyone who just wants a great sounding mic that can make them sound amazing from minute one. The MV7+ does that, but also offers flexibility, features and a sound that’ll get you even closer to the iconic SM7.
Cheaper Mics?
There used to be readily available microphones under $100 like the Samson Q2U (now $169CAD at Amazon) or the Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB ($200?? I’m not even linking to it), but due to importing or supply issues, they’re not options I can seriously recommend right now. But if you find either of them at your local Long & McQuade or other music store, they’re great options as well. Particularly if you need to grab 2 or more microphones and can get them for closer to $100.
More Reading
If you’d like to read more microphone guides, here’s a few I’d recommend checking out that go quite a bit deeper into the tech and feature across a variety of microphones.
I haven’t personally tested all the microphones out there so I trust these folks who’ve used a lot more gear than I have to give good recommendations. I currently have a Shure SM7B (thanks Chris!), a Heil PR40, and a ATR-2100 that I’ve had forever.
- Riverside: 9 Best Podcast Microphones For Every Need and Budget
- Podcast Host: The Best Podcast Microphones for All Abilities and Budgets
- A 2022 thread on Reddit in r/podcasting: The Most INTENSIVE Beginner’s Guide to Microphones
- Stephen Robles on YouTube: Best Podcast Mics Ranked by Experts 2025
- Marco Arment’s 2022 guide to microphones is still worth a read as well for gear outside the regular recommendations lists, like his top pick of an Earthworks ETHOS microphone
