Buying Guide
The Best Microphones Under $120
Five microphones compared, from the PodMic to the QuadCast 2, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Close to $120 you reach studio-grade USB mics and the cheapest XLR options. Every pick cost 75 to 120 when we checked and lists its connection type.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: connection, capsule and polar pattern come from each maker's published specs; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
RODE PodMic XLR Dynamic Microphone
Undercutting the Yeti Nano on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting internal pop filter for the least money.
Our take Check price for RODE PodMic XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone
Two capsules.
Best for: Buyers who want two capsules.
Our take Check price for Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Logitech G Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Four polar patterns.
Best for: Buyers who want four polar patterns.
Our take Check price for Logitech G Blue Yeti USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone
A built-in spherical pop filter.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in spherical pop filter.
Our take Check price for Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone
The top of this price range, adding a 20Hz to 20kHz response.
Best for: Spending more than the SM58 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
RODE PodMic XLR Dynamic Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RODE's PodMic is an XLR dynamic mic with an internal pop filter and a swing mount.
Best for
- Getting internal pop filter for the least money.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no onboard mute is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs an interface. An internal pop filter and shock mount reduce plosives and desk bumps, and its all-metal body is built to last. Like the SM58, it has an XLR connection, while the Blue Yeti uses a USB connection.
It shares a dynamic capsule with the SM58; the Blue Yeti goes with a condenser (three capsules). Like the SM58, it has a cardioid polar pattern, while the QuadCast 2 uses a multi-pattern. You also get a design built for broadcast voice.
XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. Low-output dynamic mics may need a high-gain interface or an inline booster. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Yeti Nano was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: XLR
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: None
- Headphone monitoring: Via interface
- In the box: Swing mount
Pros
- Internal pop filter
- Integrated swing mount
- Design built for broadcast voice
- Swing mount in the box, the only one here
Cons
- no onboard mute
Also Consider2 of 5
Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Blue's Yeti Nano shrinks the Yeti to two capsules with cardioid and omni patterns.
Best for
- Buyers who want two capsules.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the PodMic, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It keeps a headphone output. Cardioid and omni patterns cover solo and group recording, and onboard controls handle headphone volume, mute and pattern. Blue VO!CE software adds broadcast effects.
It shares a USB connection with the Blue Yeti and QuadCast 2; the SM58 goes with an XLR connection. It is the only pick here with a condenser (two capsules); the PodMic has a dynamic capsule instead. Like the Blue Yeti, it has a button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap mute control.
It also offers a smaller body than the Yeti. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. When we checked, only the PodMic cost less, and the Blue Yeti cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser (two capsules)
- Polar pattern: Cardioid, omni
- Mute control: Button
- Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
- In the box: Desk stand
Pros
- Two capsules
- Cardioid and omni patterns
- Smaller body than the Yeti
- Condenser (two capsules), the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the PodMic at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Logitech G Blue Yeti USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Blue's Yeti uses three capsules to offer four polar patterns, with onboard gain and mute.
Best for
- Buyers who want four polar patterns.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the PodMic was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Blue VO!CE processing runs in G HUB. Its three-capsule array supports cardioid, omni, bidirectional and stereo patterns, and zero-latency monitoring runs through its headphone jack. It shares a USB connection with the Yeti Nano and QuadCast 2; the SM58 goes with an XLR connection.
It is the only pick here with a condenser (three capsules); the PodMic has a dynamic capsule instead. Like the Yeti Nano, it has a button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap mute control. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. When we checked, only the Yeti Nano and cheaper picks cost less, and the SM58 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser (three capsules)
- Polar pattern: Cardioid, omni, bidirectional, stereo
- Mute control: Button
- Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
- In the box: Desk stand
Pros
- Four polar patterns
- Onboard gain and mute controls
- Blue VO!CE processing in G HUB
- Condenser (three capsules), the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the PodMic at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Shure SM58 is a metal-bodied dynamic vocal mic with a built-in spherical pop filter.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in spherical pop filter.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no onboard mute.
Why we like it
It is the long-running stage standard. It shares an XLR connection with the PodMic; the QuadCast 2 goes with a USB connection. Like the PodMic, it has a dynamic capsule, while the Yeti Nano uses a condenser (two capsules).
It shares a cardioid polar pattern with the PodMic; the QuadCast 2 goes with a multi-pattern. It also offers a cardioid pattern that rejects sound from behind. XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included.
Low-output dynamic mics may need a high-gain interface or an inline booster. When we checked, only the Blue Yeti and cheaper picks cost less, and the QuadCast 2 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: XLR
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: None
- Headphone monitoring: Via interface
- In the box: Stand adapter
Pros
- Built-in spherical pop filter
- Metal build
- Cardioid pattern that rejects sound from behind
- Stand adapter in the box, the only one here
Cons
- no onboard mute
- Costs more than the PodMic at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's QuadCast 2 is a multi-pattern condenser with tap-to-mute and a 20Hz to 20kHz response.
Best for
- Spending more than the SM58 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the PodMic, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The cable is 9.84ft. It connects over USB with a 9.84ft cable and lists a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range. Like the Yeti Nano and Blue Yeti, it has a USB connection, while the PodMic uses an XLR connection.
A condenser capsule is unique to it among these picks, while the Yeti Nano uses a condenser (two capsules). It is the only pick here with a multi-pattern; the PodMic has a cardioid polar pattern instead. It also comes with an internal shock mount.
It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the SM58.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Multi-pattern
- Mute control: Tap
- Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
- In the box: Stand with shock mount
Pros
- 20Hz to 20kHz response
- 9.84ft cable
- Internal shock mount
- Condenser capsule, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the PodMic at the time of writing
How We Chose These Microphones Under $120
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five microphones on connection, capsule, polar pattern and mute control from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and all 6 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the PodMic to the QuadCast 2, state connection, capsule and polar pattern.
- Who each pick suits
- The PodMic for undercutting the Yeti Nano on price when we checked; the Yeti Nano for two capsules; the Blue Yeti for four polar patterns.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the PodMic ($50 to $100) to the QuadCast 2 ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Microphone Under $120
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capsule
The PodMic and the SM58 list dynamic; the Yeti Nano lists Condenser (two capsules); the Blue Yeti lists Condenser (three capsules); the QuadCast 2 lists Condenser. Settling capsule first narrows 5 picks to 2, 1 or 1 or 1.
Headphone monitoring
The PodMic and the SM58 list via interface; the Yeti Nano, the Blue Yeti and the QuadCast 2 list Headphone jack. Settling headphone monitoring first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
Features beyond the spec table
The Blue Yeti: onboard gain and mute controls. The SM58: a metal build. The QuadCast 2: a 9.84ft cable.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the PodMic and the Yeti Nano; $100 to $150 buys the Blue Yeti, the SM58 and the QuadCast 2 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Getting internal pop filter for the least money: the PodMic. Spending more than the SM58 costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the QuadCast 2.
How to Choose a Microphone Under $120
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting internal pop filter for the least money | PodMic | Undercutting the Yeti Nano on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want two capsules | Yeti Nano | Two capsules |
| Buyers who want four polar patterns | Blue Yeti | Four polar patterns |
| Buyers who want built-in spherical pop filter | SM58 | A built-in spherical pop filter |
| Spending more than the SM58 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | QuadCast 2 | The top of this price range, adding a 20Hz to 20kHz response |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PodMic, the Yeti Nano and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PodMic | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
| Yeti Nano | USB | Condenser (two capsules) | Cardioid, omni | Button |
| Blue Yeti | USB | Condenser (three capsules) | Cardioid, omni, bidirectional, stereo | Button |
| SM58 | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
| QuadCast 2 | USB | Condenser | Multi-pattern | Tap |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the PodMic, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the QuadCast 2 at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Microphones |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | PodMic, Yeti Nano |
| About $100 to $150 | Blue Yeti, SM58, QuadCast 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the PodMic the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for undercutting the Yeti Nano on price when we checked. It makes sense for getting internal pop filter for the least money.
Do the PodMic and the Yeti Nano differ on connection?
The PodMic and the SM58 use XLR; the Yeti Nano, the Blue Yeti and the QuadCast 2 use USB.
Beyond the specs, what sets the PodMic and the Yeti Nano apart?
The PodMic: an internal pop filter. The Yeti Nano: two capsules. The Blue Yeti: four polar patterns.
Who should choose the QuadCast 2?
The QuadCast 2 carries our Premium Pick label for the top of this price range, adding a 20Hz to 20kHz response. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits spending more than the SM58 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Should I pick the PodMic or the QuadCast 2?
The PodMic suits getting internal pop filter for the least money; the QuadCast 2 suits spending more than the SM58 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PodMic, chosen for undercutting the Yeti Nano on price when we checked. Look at the Yeti Nano for two capsules, the Blue Yeti for four polar patterns and the SM58 for a built-in spherical pop filter if those matter more to you.
An XLR mic also needs an audio interface, so add that to the budget.