Buying Guide
The Best XLR Microphones for a PC Setup
An XLR mic needs an interface, but lets you upgrade parts separately. These seven cover budget to broadcast.
By The PC Journal editorial team
13 min read7 products evaluated
An XLR mic plugs into an audio interface, not the PC. That adds a box, but lets you choose the preamp and swap mics later.
We compared capsule type, gain needs, mounting and included accessories from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Broadcast Mic
Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Air suspension with hum shielding.
Best for: Streams and podcasts
Our take Check price for Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Broadcast
RODE PodMic XLR Dynamic Microphone
Internal pop filter and swing mount.
Best for: Voice on a budget
Our take Check price for RODE PodMic XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Easiest to Drive
Elgato Wave DX Dynamic Microphone
No booster needed per Elgato.
Best for: Basic interfaces
Our take Check price for Elgato Wave DX Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Most Durable
Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone
Metal build with built-in pop filter.
Best for: Heavy use
Our take Check price for Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Best Condenser Kit
RODE NT1 Signature Series Condenser Microphone
Shock mount, pop filter and cable included.
Best for: Quiet rooms
Our take Check price for RODE NT1 Signature Series Condenser Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Condenser
Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone
Cardioid condenser with high SPL handling.
Best for: Vocals and voice
Our take Check price for Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest XLR
NEEWER NW-040 Dynamic Microphone
XLR cable included at the lowest price tier.
Best for: First interface setup
Our take Check price for NEEWER NW-040 Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Broadcast Mic1 of 7
Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Shure's SM7B is a dynamic broadcast mic with air suspension and shielding against monitor hum.
Best for
- Streams and podcasts
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no onboard mute.
Why we like it
It needs an interface with plenty of gain. A yoke in the box is unique to it among these picks, while the Wave DX uses a 5/8in mount with adapters in the box. You also get air suspension shock isolation and a close-talk windscreen.
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 highest-priced of the 7 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the NT1 Signature and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: XLR
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: None
- Headphone monitoring: Via interface
- In the box: Yoke
Pros
- Air suspension shock isolation
- Close-talk windscreen
- Shielding against hum from monitors
- Yoke in the box, the only one here
Cons
- no onboard mute
- Costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing
Best Value Broadcast2 of 7
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
- Voice on a budget
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no onboard mute.
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. You get a swing mount in the box here, which sets it apart from the AT2020 and its a stand mount in the box.
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. Its price falls between the NW-040 and the Wave DX, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing
Easiest to Drive3 of 7
Elgato Wave DX Dynamic Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Elgato's Wave DX is a dynamic speech mic that Elgato says needs no inline booster.
Best for
- Basic interfaces
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no onboard mute.
Why we like it
It mounts on 5/8in threads with adapters. Its speech-tuned dynamic capsule works with any XLR preamp without a booster, according to Elgato. The cardioid pattern is forgiving if you move off-axis.
A 5/8in mount with adapters in the box is unique to it among these picks, while the PodMic uses a swing mount in the box. 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. On price it sat third of 7, between the cheaper PodMic and the pricier SM58, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: XLR
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: None
- Headphone monitoring: Via interface
- In the box: 5/8in mount with adapters
Pros
- Enough output that Elgato says no booster is needed
- 5/8in mount with adapters
- Design for speech
- 5/8in mount with adapters in the box, the only one here
Cons
- no onboard mute
- Costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing
Most Durable4 of 7
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
- Heavy use
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no onboard mute.
Why we like it
It is the long-running stage standard. No other pick in this guide offers a stand adapter in the box; compare the Wave DX, which has a 5/8in mount with adapters in the box. 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. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing. When we checked, only the Wave DX and cheaper picks cost less, and the AT2020 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 NW-040 at the time of writing
Best Condenser Kit5 of 7
RODE NT1 Signature Series Condenser Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RODE's NT1 Signature is a condenser with very low self-noise, sold with a shock mount, pop filter and XLR cable.
Best for
- Quiet rooms
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no onboard mute.
Why we like it
It needs phantom power. The NT1 is one of the quietest condenser mics in terms of self-noise, and its tight cardioid pattern focuses on the voice. It shares a condenser capsule with the AT2020; the Wave DX goes with a dynamic capsule.
XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. As a condenser it needs 48V phantom power from the interface. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the AT2020 and the SM7B, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: XLR
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: None
- Headphone monitoring: Via interface
- In the box: Shock mount, pop filter, cable
Pros
- Very low self-noise
- Shock mount and pop filter included
- XLR cable in the box
Cons
- no onboard mute
- Costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing
Best Budget Condenser6 of 7
Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Audio-Technica's AT2020 is a cardioid XLR condenser that handles high sound pressure.
Best for
- Vocals and voice
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no onboard mute.
Why we like it
It needs 48V phantom power. Like the NT1 Signature, it has a condenser capsule, while the Wave DX uses a dynamic capsule. No other pick in this guide offers a stand mount in the box; compare the Wave DX, which has a 5/8in mount with adapters in the box.
It also comes with a studio condenser design. XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. Worth noting too: cardioid pattern.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing. When we checked, only the SM58 and cheaper picks cost less, and the NT1 Signature cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: XLR
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: None
- Headphone monitoring: Via interface
- In the box: Stand mount
Pros
- High SPL handling
- Cardioid pattern
- Studio condenser design
- Stand mount in the box, the only one here
Cons
- no onboard mute
- Costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing
Cheapest XLR7 of 7
NEEWER NW-040 Dynamic Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
NEEWER's NW-040 is an aluminum dynamic mic with an XLR cable included.
Best for
- First interface setup
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no onboard mute.
Why we like it
Its cardioid dynamic capsule gives high gain before feedback, and the metal body is solid. It needs an XLR interface or mixer. It suits podcasting, vocals, streaming and instrument recording.
Its extended frequency response gives warm, natural vocals. It also comes with a low price tier. 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the PodMic was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: XLR
- Capsule: Dynamic
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Mute control: None
- Headphone monitoring: Via interface
- In the box: Clip, XLR cable
Pros
- Aluminum body
- Included XLR cable
- Low price tier
- XLR cable included at the lowest price tier
Cons
- no onboard mute
How We Chose These XLR Microphones
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Capsule and pattern
- We noted dynamic or condenser capsules and polar patterns.
- Mounting
- We noted stands, arms, shock mounts and pop filters in the box.
- Controls
- We checked mute, gain and headphone monitoring.
- Connection
- We recorded USB, XLR or hybrid connections.
What to Look for in an XLR Microphone
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Dynamic or condenser
Dynamic mics pick up less room noise and keyboard clatter, which suits untreated rooms. Condensers capture more detail and more of the room.
USB or XLR
USB mics plug straight into the PC. XLR mics need an interface but let you upgrade parts separately. Hybrid mics offer both.
Stand, arm and shock mount
A desk stand picks up bumps. A boom arm and shock mount put the mic closer to your mouth and away from the keyboard.
Polar pattern
Cardioid rejects sound from behind and suits one voice. Multi-pattern mics add omni or figure-8 for groups or interviews.
Mute and monitoring
Tap-to-mute and a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring matter on streams and calls.
Software and processing
Some mics offer noise reduction, auto gain or limiters in software. Check it runs on your operating system.
How to Choose an XLR Microphone
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Streams and podcasts | SM7B | Air suspension with hum shielding |
| Voice on a budget | PodMic | Internal pop filter and swing mount |
| Basic interfaces | Wave DX | No booster needed per Elgato |
| Heavy use | SM58 | Metal build with built-in pop filter |
| Quiet rooms | NT1 Signature | Shock mount, pop filter and cable included |
| Vocals and voice | AT2020 | Cardioid condenser with high SPL handling |
| First interface setup | NW-040 | XLR cable included at the lowest price tier |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM7B | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
| PodMic | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
| Wave DX | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
| SM58 | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
| NT1 Signature | XLR | Condenser | Cardioid | None |
| AT2020 | XLR | Condenser | Cardioid | None |
| NW-040 | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Microphones |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | NW-040 |
| About $50 to $100 | PodMic, Wave DX |
| About $100 to $150 | SM58, AT2020, NT1 Signature |
| About $250 to $500 | SM7B |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reduce keyboard noise?
Use a dynamic or cardioid mic, position it close to your mouth and pointed away from the keyboard, and consider a boom arm.
Do USB mics work on consoles?
Some do; check the product page for PS4, PS5 or Xbox support.
How far should I sit from the mic?
About a hand's width to 15cm for most voice mics; dynamic mics often want to be closer.
Do I need a pop filter?
It helps with plosive sounds such as P and B. Many mics include a foam cover or internal filter.
What interface do I need for XLR?
Any USB audio interface with an XLR input and enough gain. Condensers also need 48V phantom power.
Is a separate mic better than a headset mic?
Usually, yes: a desk mic has a larger capsule and sits in a fixed position. Placement still matters more than price.
Bottom Line
The Shure SM7B is the broadcast pick if your interface has the gain. The RODE PodMic and Elgato Wave DX are easier to drive, the SM58 is the durable standard, the AT2020 and NT1 Signature are condensers for quiet rooms, and the NW-040 is the budget start.