Disclosure: We may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, but we only recommend brands that we truly love and trust.

Sound quality is a vital element when it comes to producing YouTube videos.

Poor audio can make your content difficult for the audience to understand. It may lead to less engagement. Even worse, it can turn new viewers away!

5 Best Microphones for YouTubers

Here are our top microphone picks for YouTubers in 2024!

1. Shure SM7dB – Best Overall

Shure sets the industry standard in sound reproduction, audio quality, and voice recording. Its SM7dB model is a fixture in podcast studios for good reason!

What makes the Shure SM7dB great is its cardioid unidirectional polar pattern. This polar pattern means the SM6dB cuts unwanted background noise.

Here are a few key features we love about Shure’s dynamic microphones.

• Wide Frequency Range: The Shure SM7dB has a frequency range of 50 to 20,000Hz. It allows you to capture the highs and lows during studio recordings.
• Built-In Preamp: This mic has a bypass switch that lets you forgo the preamp. The setup is simple, and you can avoid additional equipment.
• Compatible With XLR Interfaces: The SM7dB uses an XLR connection for better audio quality. It’s compatible with any XLR interface.
• Great for Vocals: The quality microphones from Shure are ideal for content creation. There’s a switch at the back of the mic that lets you change the tone, making it suitable for any voice.

Considerations for the Shure SM7dB

The SM7dB is a popular choice for YouTubers. However, there are also some factors to consider.

• Mixer Requirements: You’ll need a mixer or similar interface with 48V phantom power to operate the preamp. I personally use the MOTU M2 audio interface.
• Price: The Shure SM7dB isn’t the most expensive microphone, but it still has a higher price range.

2. Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 – Best Shotgun Microphone

The Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 shotgun microphone is a top-notch choice for professionals in the film, TV, and content creation industries.

Because of its exceptional audio clarity, I use this shotgun microphone when filming content for my Josh Burns Tech YouTube channel.

Here are a few key features we love about the Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3.

• Superior Audio Quality: The MKH 416 delivers clear, crisp, and natural sound, making voices sound natural and detailed.
• Directional Pickup: This microphone has a super-cardioid/lobar pickup pattern, which means it picks up sound primarily from the direction it’s pointed at while minimizing background noise.
• Low Self-Noise: The MKH 416 has a very low self-noise level, which means it produces minimal hiss or background noise. This feature is essential for recording clean and professional-sounding audio.
• Out of Frame: One of the main reasons I bought the MKH 416 was to keep the microphone out of the frame while maintaining the highest audio quality. The MKH 416 achieved this perfectly for me.

Considerations for the Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3

Before you buy the MKH 416, here are a few factors to consider.

• High Cost: This microphone is in the high price range. In exchange, its capability to function in louder environments makes it suitable for pro-level projects.
• Requires Additional Equipment: To use it effectively, you need an audio interface, XLR cable, and other accessories like a boom pole and shock mount, adding to the overall cost and complexity.
• Size and Portability: Although it’s not large, it’s less portable than some other microphones because it requires additional equipment. To solve this, I built a custom rig that I can roll around my YouTube setup. You can find all of my equipment here.

3. Shure SM7B – Best for Professionals

The Shure SM7B offers the same features as the SM7dB dynamic microphones but without the built-in preamp. It has a cardioid polar pattern for producing high-quality sound.

In addition, the SM7B has an internal pop filter for shielding against unwanted noise. You can use it to block breathiness and the hum of computers.

This mic features an improved bracket and boom arm design for stability. It’s an excellent option for broadcasting, studio, and home recording!

Here are some upsides to the Shure SM7B.

• Air Suspension Shock Isolation: The SM7B limits ambient noise with its shock isolation and polar pattern. It’s best for educational, podcast, and ASMR content creators.
• Close Talk Windscreen: This mic produces a rich sound because of its windscreen. It’s a high-quality microphone perfect for those with a controlled environment.
• Popular Among Studios: The Shure SM7B is a staple at podcasting studios worldwide. Content creators prefer it for its cardioid pickup pattern and wide range frequency.
• XLR Connection: Because it requires an XLR cable, the SM7B produces better sound quality.

Considerations for the Shure SM7B

These are some pointers to consider before you get the SM7B.

• Need for Additional Equipment: Like all condenser microphones, you need additional equipment to use the SM7B.
• Short Range: You can only use these types of microphones in a close-range recording mode. That’s why the SM7B is an excellent choice if you do podcasts, voice-overs, or ASMR-style content.

4. RODE Wireless GO II – Best Portable Mic

If you’re into vlogging and are constantly on the go, the RODE Wireless GO 2 is the mic for you!

You can use it for long-range recording because of its wireless transmitter. This amazing microphone will still produce crisp audio recordings regardless.

Here are a few additional features you may like.

• Omnidirectional Pattern: The omnidirectional pattern on this wireless mic means it can cut wind noise.
• Compact Design: Like most wireless microphones, the RODE Wireless GO 2 is a USB microphone. Its compact design makes it a go-to choice for mobile recording.
• Long Battery Life: The RODE Wireless GO 2 microphones can last up to 7 hours on a single charge.
• Advanced Capabilities: This mic has an advanced timecode capability for easy audio sync. It’s compatible with all smart devices, including cameras, phones, and computers.

Considerations for the RODE Wireless GO II

Here are some considerations before you pick the RODE Wireless GO 2.

• Incompatibility With Sony Cameras: A few people with Sony cameras complain about the RF interface on the receiver side.
• Limited Recording Time: Unlike wired microphones, you have to pay attention to your battery life.
• Reduced Audio Quality: Although the Rode Wireless Go 2 offers great audio quality for a wireless mic, the wired microphone options mentioned in this list provide even better sound quality.

5. FIFINE AM8 XLR/USB – Best for Beginners

As the name suggests, the FIFINE AM8 XLR – USB microphone uses XLR and USB connectivity. The USB connectivity makes it an accessible option for beginners.

This mic is best for YouTubers into gaming, podcasting, and streaming. It has a mute button and an LED mute reminder, letting you gain control of the setup.

Here are some reasons why you should go for the FIFINE AM8 XLR microphone.

• RGB Lights: This mic matches your setup with three RGB light modes.
• Noise Canceling: The unidirectional cardioid patterns on this microphone block ambient sounds. It boosts intelligibility and vocal clarity.
• Award Winning: FIFINE’s AM8 is the Red Dot Design Winner of 2023.
• Price: This is the most budget-friendly microphone on the list that still delivers high-quality sound.

Considerations for the FIFINE AM8

Take note of these pointers before you buy this USB microphone.

• Extra Purchases: The AM8 doesn’t come with an XLR cable or audio interface.
• Short Range: The sound you’re recording must be two to six inches away from the mic for better audio quality.

Conclusion: Which Is Best?

There’s no single best microphone; the ideal choice depends on your budget and YouTube content style.

Personally, I prefer condenser XLR microphones like the Sennheiser MKH 416 and Shure SM7dB because I create educational content.

However, your content style might be different, so I created this best microphones for YouTubers list with all types of content in mind to help you find the best microphone for your needs.

Having high-quality condenser microphones will make your videos more impactful and memorable. For this reason, it’s definitely worth investing in one of the best microphones for YouTubers in 2024!

Before you go…

Are you curious about how much money a YouTuber actually makes?

If so, then you’re in luck!

I recently posted a YouTube video where I share my 9 streams of income, including all my YouTube revenue sources. Enjoy!