Buying Guide
The Best Microphones Under $60
Four microphones ranked on connection and capsule; the SoloCast 2 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
From $40 to $60 you find condenser mics with a mute button or a headphone output. Every pick cost 40 to 60 when we checked and lists its connection type.
Rankings weigh connection, capsule and polar pattern as the makers state them; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone
The top of this price range, adding a 50Hz to 16kHz response.
Best for: Spending more than the XS 1 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Sennheiser XS 1 Dynamic Microphone
An on/off switch.
Best for: Buyers who want on/off switch.
Our take Check price for Sennheiser XS 1 Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone Kit
A boom arm, shock mount and pop filter.
Best for: Buyers who want boom arm, shock mount and pop filter.
Our take Check price for MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone Kit (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone
The cheapest way into this group, below the MAONO DGM20S.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the MAONO DGM20S the next step up.
Our take Check price for HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The top of this price range, adding a 50Hz to 16kHz response. | Spending more than the XS 1 costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
| An on/off switch. | Buyers who want on/off switch. | Check price for Sennheiser XS 1 Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
| A boom arm, shock mount and pop filter. | Buyers who want boom arm, shock mount and pop filter. | Check price for MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone Kit (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the MAONO DGM20S. | Spending as little as possible, with the MAONO DGM20S the next step up. | Check price for HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 4
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FIFINE's AM8 is a dynamic mic with both USB and XLR outputs, a headphone jack and RGB.
Best for
- Spending more than the XS 1 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SoloCast 2 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The XLR cable is not included. It has both USB and XLR outputs, a 50Hz to 16kHz response and a cardioid dynamic capsule that rejects room noise. The RGB ring has three modes.
You get a USB and XLR connection here, which sets it apart from the XS 1 and its an XLR connection. Like the XS 1, it has a dynamic capsule, while the MAONO DGM20S uses a condenser capsule. Like the MAONO DGM20S, it has a button mute control, while the XS 1 uses an on/off switch mute control.
It also comes with an XLR output for later upgrades (XLR cable not included) and RGB lighting. It works over USB now and can move to an XLR interface later; an XLR cable may not be included. At our last price check it topped the group, with the XS 1 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB and XLR
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: Button
- Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
- In the box: Stand
Pros
- 50Hz to 16kHz response
- XLR output for later upgrades (XLR cable not included)
- RGB lighting
- USB and XLR connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the SoloCast 2 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
Sennheiser XS 1 Dynamic Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XS 1 stands out for an on/off switch, and it adds a carry pouch.
Best for
- Buyers who want on/off switch.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SoloCast 2 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a handheld cardioid dynamic mic with a silent mute switch, a clip and a pouch. It connects over XLR. It has a cardioid polar pattern and ships with a mic clip and a carry pouch.
It is the only pick here with an XLR connection; the FIFINE AM8 has a USB and XLR connection instead. It shares a dynamic capsule with the FIFINE AM8; the SoloCast 2 goes with a condenser capsule. You get an on/off switch mute control here, which sets it apart from the MAONO DGM20S and its a button mute control.
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. Its price falls between the MAONO DGM20S and the FIFINE AM8, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: XLR
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: On/off switch
- Headphone monitoring: Via interface
- In the box: Clip, pouch
Pros
- On/off switch
- Carry pouch
- Dynamic capsule for vocals
- XLR connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the SoloCast 2 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
MAONO DGM20S USB Gaming Microphone Kit on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MAONO's DGM20S kit includes a boom arm, shock mount and pop filter with noise reduction and a gain knob.
Best for
- Buyers who want boom arm, shock mount and pop filter.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no headphone jack listed.
Why we like it
It is the most complete cheap kit here. It comes with a metal boom arm and shock mount, works with PC, Mac and PS5 without drivers, and has controllable RGB. Like the SoloCast 2, it has a USB connection, while the FIFINE AM8 uses a USB and XLR connection.
It shares a condenser capsule with the SoloCast 2; the XS 1 goes with a dynamic capsule. It shares a button mute control with the FIFINE AM8; the SoloCast 2 goes with a tap mute control. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. Its price falls between the SoloCast 2 and the XS 1, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: Button
- Headphone monitoring: None stated
- In the box: Boom arm, shock mount, pop filter
Pros
- Boom arm, shock mount and pop filter
- Noise reduction
- Gain knob
Cons
- No headphone jack listed
- Costs more than the SoloCast 2 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 4
HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's SoloCast 2 has built-in suspension, a foam pop filter and threads for both 3/8in and 5/8in arms.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the MAONO DGM20S the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no headphone jack listed.
Why we like it
Tap-to-mute sits on top. A built-in suspension reduces desk vibration, and the foam pop filter, tilting stand and arm thread are all included. It needs no extras to start.
Like the MAONO DGM20S, it has a USB connection, while the FIFINE AM8 uses a USB and XLR connection. It shares a condenser capsule with the MAONO DGM20S; the XS 1 goes with a dynamic capsule. A tap mute control is unique to it among these picks, while the MAONO DGM20S uses a button mute control.
It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It undercut the MAONO DGM20S and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: USB
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: Tap
- Headphone monitoring: None stated
- In the box: Stand with built-in suspension
Pros
- Built-in suspension
- Foam pop filter
- 3/8in and 5/8in threads for arms
- Tap mute control, the only one here
Cons
- No headphone jack listed
How We Chose These Microphones Under $60
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared four microphones on connection, capsule, polar pattern and mute control from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the FIFINE AM8 to the SoloCast 2, state connection, capsule and polar pattern and share Cardioid polar pattern.
- Who each pick suits
- The FIFINE AM8 for the top of this price range, adding a 50Hz to 16kHz response; the XS 1 for an on/off switch; the MAONO DGM20S for a boom arm, shock mount and pop filter.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SoloCast 2 (under $50) to the FIFINE AM8 ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Microphone Under $60
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capsule
The FIFINE AM8 and the XS 1 list dynamic; the MAONO DGM20S and the SoloCast 2 list Condenser. Sort out capsule before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2 and 2.
Extras that separate them
The XS 1: a carry pouch. The MAONO DGM20S: noise reduction. The SoloCast 2: a foam pop filter.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the SoloCast 2 and the MAONO DGM20S; $50 to $100 buys the XS 1 and the FIFINE AM8 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Spending more than the XS 1 costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the FIFINE AM8. Spending as little as possible, with the MAONO DGM20S the next step up: the SoloCast 2.
Polar pattern
Cardioid rejects sound from behind and suits one voice. Multi-pattern mics add omni or figure-8 for groups or interviews.
How to Choose a Microphone Under $60
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending more than the XS 1 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | FIFINE AM8 | The top of this price range, adding a 50Hz to 16kHz response |
| Buyers who want on/off switch | XS 1 | An on/off switch |
| Buyers who want boom arm, shock mount and pop filter | MAONO DGM20S | A boom arm, shock mount and pop filter |
| Spending as little as possible, with the MAONO DGM20S the next step up | SoloCast 2 | The cheapest way into this group, below the MAONO DGM20S |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The FIFINE AM8, the XS 1 and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFINE AM8 | USB and XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | Button |
| XS 1 | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | On/off switch |
| MAONO DGM20S | USB | Condenser | Cardioid | Button |
| SoloCast 2 | USB | Condenser | Cardioid | Tap |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SoloCast 2 was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the FIFINE AM8 the highest ($50 to $100) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Microphones |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | SoloCast 2, MAONO DGM20S |
| About $50 to $100 | XS 1, FIFINE AM8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the SoloCast 2 our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the MAONO DGM20S. It is aimed at spending as little as possible, with the MAONO DGM20S the next step up.
Do the FIFINE AM8 and the XS 1 differ on connection?
The FIFINE AM8 uses USB and XLR; the XS 1 uses XLR; the MAONO DGM20S and the SoloCast 2 use USB.
What extras do the FIFINE AM8 and the XS 1 include?
The FIFINE AM8: a 50Hz to 16kHz response. The XS 1: an on/off switch. The MAONO DGM20S: a boom arm, shock mount and pop filter.
Should I pick the FIFINE AM8 or the SoloCast 2?
The FIFINE AM8 suits spending more than the XS 1 costs for the fullest feature set in this group; the SoloCast 2 suits spending as little as possible, with the MAONO DGM20S the next step up.
What else do the MAONO DGM20S and the SoloCast 2 offer?
The MAONO DGM20S: a gain knob. The SoloCast 2: 3/8in and 5/8in threads for arms.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the FIFINE AM8, chosen for the top of this price range, adding a 50Hz to 16kHz response. Look at the XS 1 for an on/off switch, the MAONO DGM20S for a boom arm, shock mount and pop filter and the SoloCast 2 for the cheapest way into this group, below the MAONO DGM20S if those matter more to you.
Check whether the mic has a monitoring jack so you can hear yourself without lag.