We live in the age of digitalization, where video and audio plays a quintessential role in our life. If you record audio in any shape or form, it won’t be long until you wonder what’s the best microphone under 100 dollars?
In this guide, we’re going to cover a detailed answer to that exact question. So whether you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, or a beginner videographer, listen up!
Pardon the pun.
If you own a streaming channel or home studio setup and are looking for a budget-friendly microphone, you are on the right page. Here, we have listed the best microphone under 100 dollars.
Before we jump in, here’s a quick list of what the current bestselling microphones under 100 dollars are:
Best Microphone Under 100 Dollars
Let’s lead-off this list with one of our absolute favorite budget microphones of all time, the ever-reliable Audio-Technica AT2020!
1. Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is one of the best and high-quality condenser microphones. The best part about this microphone is that it offers great vocal recording ability with a wide range of features.
It comes with a cardioid polar pattern that reduces the read and side sound pickup, which helps the user focus on the desired sound.
Another good thing about this microphone is that it offers you a dynamic range to record the instrument’s voices. Along with the mic, you get a pivoting standing microphone too.
It should also be noted that it’s very much a budget-friendly mic and is perfect for a home studio setup. This microphone is designed for vocal and general instrument capturing.
It’s also ideal for acoustic instruments and vocals. The only drawback it has is that the sound won’t please everyone. And that is, of course, entirely subjective.
- The price/performance standard in side address studio condenser microphone technology
- Ideal for project/home studio applications; The noise level is 20 dB SPL
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
- Custom engineered low mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient...
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of...
2. Behringer C-1
Behringer C-1 is the versatile condenser mic that is ideal for recording words as well as instrumental vocals. There is a roll-off switch that alters the low frequencies by -10db. It also has a pressure gradient transducer with a shock-mounted capsule.
It is designed with a cardioid polar pattern. This microphone is perfect for live and studio applications.
The Behringer C-1 is built with a nickel-brass body which ensures extra durability. It comes with a low-end-roll-off switch. This microphone is versatile and is pocket-friendly. In some models, you won’t find any extra accessories with it.
It’s an affordable piece of kit that offers a wide variety of features. The only drawback this microphone has is that it is hard to adjust while switching mics. It has a frequency response of 20-20,000 kHz.
It has a large diaphragm which is specially designed to improve transparency and fidelity. This microphone works great on lower frequencies as it is equipped with a switchable low-frequency roll-off switch.
- Medium-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Transfmerless FET Input
- Swivel St Mount
- Phantom Power
BEST MICROPHONE UNDER 100 DOLLARS
What Are The Different Types of Microphones?
Microphones are devices that allow us to hear the sounds from actors, speakers, musical instruments, and other sources of sound.
They work by converting these waves into electrical energy which can be transmitted over long distances without being altered in quality.
Microphones have a wide variety of applications including filmmaking, recording public speaking, singing, music, and more.
Microphones come in shapes, sizes, and types, such as condenser, dynamic, and ribbon.
– Condenser microphones are often used for vocals because they have a wider frequency response than other mics.
– Ribbon microphones are popular for recording instruments like violins and guitars.
– Dynamic microphones tend to capture more low-frequency sounds so you might want one if you’re recording certain musical instruments like drums or bass guitars!
3. Blue Snowball Ice
Blue Snowball is an adorable and super cute microphone that you’ll easily fall in love with. It’s round in shape like a snowball and rests on a small tripod. The simplicity of this mic has made it a stand-out favorite of podcasters and YouTubers.
It comes in a metallic white finish with a shiny black coating. It is sleek in size. It has three kinds of polar patterns called Cardioid, Cardioid -10dB, and Omnidirectional.
Whether you are recording a guitar performance in your room or a complete studio setup, it works great on every platform.
The Blue Snowball picks up the bass clean by eliminating the noise. It works great even without a pop filter. This piece is made up of strong and durable material and fits well everywhere.
It has low output levels and doesn’t work great for professionals. There is no on and off button available.
You won’t find any mute button on the microphone. The Blue Snowball is a basic microphone that offers a selectable pattern for sound capturing. It has a simple three positions type on the back changes.
- Custom Condenser Capsule: Powered By Blue’S Custom Condenser Capsule, Snowball Ice Microphone...
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern: Captures Your Voice With Clear, Focused Sound For Streaming, Podcasting,...
- Stylish Retro Design: Record Or Stream In Style With A Classic Recording Equipment Design That Looks...
- Adjustable Desktop Stand: Allows You To Position The Condenser Microphone In Relation To The Sound...
- Skype and Discord certified: Whether conducting interviews over Skype, streaming live gameplay on...
4. Samson Meteor
Samson Meteor is a fold-back leg design that offers optimal mic positioning. You can use it for multi-purposes.
The best part about this microphone is its compactness, which makes it quite portable. It is durable and offers clarity of sound. This mic looks fabulous and is built of high-quality material. It is portable and convenient to carry.
You can record sounds directly in front of the microphone using a cardioid pickup pattern. It helps in minimizing any external noise in your recording.
It also provides a smooth flat frequency response of 20Hz to 20 kHz. It is compatible with Mac, Logic Garage band, iPad, iChat
It takes time for the computer to recognize the device. You cannot adjust the mic according to you which is a major drawback. It often picks up the background noise.
- PRODUCES RICH, SOLID AUDIO RECORDING - The Samson Meteor Mic USB Microphone features a large 1"...
- REDUCES AMBIENT SOUND PICKUP - The cardioid polar pattern picks up audio directly in front of the...
- PROVIDES ZERO-LATENCY HEADPHONE MONITORING - The 3.5mm stereo output lets you directly monitor your...
- WORKS DIRECTLY WITH COMPUTERS - You can use the Meteor Mic straight to a PC. It is compatible with...
- INCLUDES - Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone (Chrome). USB Cable. Soft Carrying...
5. Samson Go Mic
Samson Go mic offers great sound quality and reduces background noise. It is ideal for singing and recording music. The piece is portable, which means you can carry it anywhere. It works well for gaming and Skype calls.
It is often used for podcasting as well. If you have a group of people then, you can switch it to Omni mode.
It works well on iPad, Mac, and Pc. You can also use it on roads as it offers a background noise reduction feature. It is extremely portable and works on multi-platforms.
This device is non-compatible with Window 10 and often makes a hissing noise.
- Portable USB condenser microphone
- Plug and Play Mac and PC compatible, no drivers required
- Custom compact design that clips to a laptop or sits on a desk
- Perfect for recording music, podcasting and field recording
- Ideal for voice recognition software, iChat, VoIP and web casting
BEST MICROPHONE UNDER 100 DOLLARS
Advantages of Using Microphones
• Improve the quality of sound in your productions because they will not be affected by other noises.
• The mic sensitivity can change so that you can capture nuances in volume changes.
• You have a better chance of capturing the ambiance or environment with a microphone.
• Improve the quality of your videos by using a microphone that matches your desired tone/level.
• Microphones capture a wider range of sound than built-in camera mics, adding more perspective to your video.
• Microphones prevent audio from cutting out or jumping around, by isolating sound and cutting out background noise.
6. AKG Perception 170
AKG Perception 170 is a small condenser microphone that is ideal for acoustic guitar and piano. There is a switch to -20dB, which works great on loud noise.
The best part about this model is that it offers you high-end quality. It provides amazing clarity and transient response. It is capable of handling sound pressure levels of up to 155db without distortion.
It has a heavy-duty body and front grill to protect it from any damage. It is also resistant to humidity and high temperature.
This piece of kit is ideal for recording instruments which makes it the preferred choice of musicians. It has a durable design. It carries a warranty of 2 years.
This device is a perfect choice for guitar, piano, and other loud instruments and comes in an excellent POP packaging design.
It’s also quite lightweight which makes it extremely portable. The only drawback it has is that it doesn’t come with cables.
- Rugged all-metal body and robust design - Withstands tough day-to-day use
- Switchable attenuation pad - For high SPL applications up to 155 db SPL
- Small-diaphragm condenser microphone for recording of overheads, percussion, acoustic guitars and...
- Delivers outstanding clarity and transient response
- Lightweight 1/2 inch true condenser transducer diaphragm
7. MXL 770
MXL 770 is a multipurpose microphone that is ideal for vocals and instrumental sounds. It is quite flexible and offers high-quality sound with no unwanted noise. It has a 10 dB pad to gather sound from a wide variety of sound sources.
The biggest advantage of MXL 770 is that it offers a lot of features in an affordable price range. It’s the most preferred choice for people who are looking for a cardioid condenser microphone.
It shows consistent high performance and is perfect for recording from your PC for casting live recording brick studio recording and live shows.
It guarantees clear, bright balance and reliable sound quality. It is a multipurpose condenser microphone and offers a warm sound with voice clarity.
The XML 770 is ideal for vocals, pianos, and strings as it reduces unwanted rumble.
There is a warranty of 1 year with this product. It favors high-end frequency and is quite sensitive about capturing hard “T’s” and “P’s.”
- Top Selling multi-purpose condenser microphone
- Excellent for vocals, pianos, stringed instruments, and percussion
- Balanced bass response with high end clarity
- Low frequency roll-off to reduce unwanted rumble
- Low noise FET preamp with balanced, transformerless output
8. Fifine K669B
The Fifine K669B is a standout microphone in the sub-100 dollar category, known for its excellent sound quality and ease of use.
It’s a USB microphone, making it highly compatible with various devices and simple to set up.
The K669B delivers clear, crisp audio, minimizing background noise, which is essential for podcasting, streaming, or recording voiceovers.
Its sturdy metal construction and included tripod make it a durable option for regular use.
The K669B offers a great balance of quality and affordability, making it a top choice for anyone needing a reliable microphone on a budget.
9. Marantz Professional MPM-1000
The Marantz Professional MPM-1000 excels in capturing detailed and nuanced sound, a characteristic not often found in this price range.
This condenser microphone is perfect for capturing vocal nuances, making it ideal for podcasters, voiceover artists, and singers.
It offers a wide frequency response and high sensitivity, ensuring a rich and full-bodied sound.
The MPM-1000 comes with a shock mount, reducing handling noise, and a windscreen to minimize plosives.
Its build quality is impressive, offering durability and reliability.
For those seeking professional-grade sound quality without breaking the bank, the Marantz MPM-1000 is a fantastic option.
10. Shure SM48-LC
The Shure SM48-LC is a dynamic microphone that brings Shure’s legendary quality to an affordable price point.
Known for its ruggedness and reliability, the SM48-LC is a workhorse suitable for a variety of audio applications.
Its cardioid pickup pattern effectively isolates the main sound source, making it great for vocals, speeches, and podcasting.
The microphone delivers a clear and well-balanced sound, with a tailored frequency response for vocal intelligibility.
It’s an excellent choice for anyone needing a dependable and versatile microphone for live performances, studio recordings, or digital communications.
11. Maono AU-A04
The Maono AU-A04 is a complete microphone kit that offers exceptional value. It’s a USB microphone, perfect for hassle-free setup with computers and laptops.
The AU-A04 provides a warm and clear sound, suitable for podcasting, streaming, and home recording projects.
The kit includes a microphone, shock mount, pop filter, and boom arm, providing everything needed to start recording right away.
The build quality is solid, and the inclusion of accessories makes it an even more attractive option for beginners and those looking for an all-in-one solution.
12. Rode VideoMicro
The Rode VideoMicro is a compact, on-camera microphone that significantly improves the audio quality of videos.
Its small size makes it unobtrusive, ideal for vlogging, travel videos, and on-the-go content creation.
The microphone’s directional cardioid pattern focuses on the sound in front of the camera, reducing surrounding noises.
It requires no batteries, making it convenient for continuous use. The VideoMicro’s sound quality is a substantial upgrade from built-in camera microphones, capturing clearer and more natural audio.
Its rugged construction and included windscreen make it suitable for outdoor use.
For content creators who prioritize portability and quality, the Rode VideoMicro is an excellent choice.
Purchasing a Budget Microphone – A Buyer’s Guide
Before you buy a microphone, you need to keep a few things in mind. Here, we talk about which microphone excels in which particular criteria so that you can easily choose your most preferred option.
The Best Budget-friendly Option
The first step is to decide the budget of your microphone. If you are looking for a professional microphone under $100, then go for Samson Meteor. But if you are a beginner and figuring out things, then go for Blue Snowball microphone.
However, Blue Snowball doesn’t work well professionally but is a good option for beginners.
The Best For Recording Instruments and Music
Deciding the purpose for which you are buying a microphone is key. If you want to purchase a microphone to record guitar and piano sound then, go for AKG Perception 170.
On the flip side, if you are looking for a microphone to record sound and music, go for Samson Go mic. You can also go for Audio –Technica AT2020.
Compact Size
If you are looking for a compact microphone, you can go for Snowball Microphone. It is portable, which means you can carry it anywhere.
AKG Perception170 is another good choice. It is perfect for recording loud instruments and vocals.
The Best Option For Selected Features
Make sure that you give special attention to the microphone features as well. For instance, if you are looking for a multipurpose microphone, MXL 770 is a brilliant choice.
It would help if you also decided whether you want an omnidirectional microphone like Blue Snowball or want a Cardioid microphone like Audio Technica AT2020.
Best Microphone Under 100 Dollars – In Conclusion
If you are looking for a microphone for below 100 dollars, the above-mentioned products will make life easier for you.
You can compare the features and prices and make a sound decision. Do pay attention to the purpose for which you are buying a mic.
Once you select a microphone, try to learn its essential functions and then proceed forward. Ensure that you take proper care of these microphones to ensure their longevity.
We hope this article on the best microphones under 100 dollars has been helpful for you in making a purchasing decision. Have you had a great experience with one of the mics we’ve mentioned here in this list? Drop us a line in the comments below here!
Was this list not enough for you? If you want to expand your budget a bit, we have a list of the best microphones for filming here on the site.
We have Gear Buyer’s Guides on every type of Filmmaking Equipment!
Thanks for this solid info on mics under 100 dollars! Been looking for a guide like yours for a while. Awesome.
Thanks, Tera, for the comment. We’re adding to these guides all the time!
Great web site you’ve got here. It’s increasingly hard to find quality writing like yours on filmmaking equipment these days.
I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!
Thanks for the comment and the kind words, Bobby.