Buying Guide
The Best XLR Microphones Under $100
We weighed three microphones on connection and capsule, and the FIFINE AM8 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
An XLR microphone needs an audio interface or mixer, so the microphone is only part of the cost at this price. Every pick here has an XLR output and cost $100 or less when we checked.
We ranked these microphones on connection, capsule and polar pattern using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these microphones ourselves, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
Elgato Wave DX Dynamic Microphone
Enough output that Elgato says no booster is needed at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FIFINE AM8 costs less.
Our take Check price for Elgato Wave DX Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
RODE PodMic XLR Dynamic Microphone
An internal pop filter.
Best for: Buyers who want internal pop filter.
Our take Check price for RODE PodMic XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting 50Hz to 16kHz response for the least money.
Our take Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enough output that Elgato says no booster is needed at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FIFINE AM8 costs less. | Check price for Elgato Wave DX Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
| An internal pop filter. | Buyers who want internal pop filter. | Check price for RODE PodMic XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting 50Hz to 16kHz response for the least money. | Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 3
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
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FIFINE AM8 costs less.
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.
It shares an XLR connection with the PodMic; the FIFINE AM8 goes with a USB and XLR connection. It shares a via interface headphone monitoring with the PodMic; the FIFINE AM8 goes with a headphone jack headphone monitoring. It is the only pick here with a 5/8in mount with adapters in the box; the PodMic has a swing mount in the box instead.
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. Only the PodMic came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks.
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 FIFINE AM8 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 3
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
- Buyers who want internal pop filter.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no onboard mute rules it out for your setup.
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. It shares an XLR connection with the Wave DX; the FIFINE AM8 goes with a USB and XLR connection.
It shares a via interface headphone monitoring with the Wave DX; the FIFINE AM8 goes with a headphone jack headphone monitoring. No other pick in this guide offers a swing mount in the box; compare the Wave DX, which has a 5/8in mount with adapters 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. When we checked, only the FIFINE AM8 cost less, and the Wave DX cost more.
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 FIFINE AM8 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 3
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
- Getting 50Hz to 16kHz response for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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 PodMic and its an XLR connection. A headphone jack headphone monitoring is unique to it among these picks, while the PodMic uses a via interface headphone monitoring. No other pick in this guide offers a stand in the box; compare the Wave DX, which has a 5/8in mount with adapters in the box.
You also get 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the PodMic was closest.
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
How We Chose These XLR Microphones Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared three 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 3, from the Wave DX to the FIFINE AM8, state connection, capsule and polar pattern and share Dynamic capsule and Cardioid polar pattern.
- Who each pick suits
- The Wave DX for enough output that Elgato says no booster is needed at the highest price in the group; the PodMic for an internal pop filter; the FIFINE AM8 for the lowest price of the group at our last check.
- Price range
- From the FIFINE AM8 to the Wave DX, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an XLR Microphone Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Extras that separate them
The Wave DX: a 5/8in mount with adapters. The PodMic: an integrated swing mount. The FIFINE AM8: an XLR output for later upgrades (XLR cable not included).
Budget
All 3 sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, from the FIFINE AM8 at the low end to the Wave DX at the top, so decide on features first.
Start from what matters most
Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FIFINE AM8 costs less: the Wave DX. Getting 50Hz to 16kHz response for the least money: the FIFINE AM8.
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.
Mute and monitoring
Tap-to-mute and a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring matter on streams and calls.
How to Choose an XLR Microphone Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FIFINE AM8 costs less | Wave DX | Enough output that Elgato says no booster is needed at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want internal pop filter | PodMic | An internal pop filter |
| Getting 50Hz to 16kHz response for the least money | FIFINE AM8 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Wave DX, the PodMic and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Microphone | Connection | Capsule | Polar pattern | Mute control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave DX | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
| PodMic | XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | None |
| FIFINE AM8 | USB and XLR | Dynamic | Cardioid | Button |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the FIFINE AM8 our Lowest Price Here pick?
It carries the badge for the lowest price of the group at our last check. It suits getting 50Hz to 16kHz response for the least money.
Do the Wave DX and the FIFINE AM8 differ on connection?
The Wave DX and the PodMic use XLR; the FIFINE AM8 uses USB and XLR.
What extras do the Wave DX and the PodMic include?
The Wave DX: enough output that Elgato says no booster is needed. The PodMic: an internal pop filter. The FIFINE AM8: a 50Hz to 16kHz response.
Who should choose the Wave DX?
The Wave DX carries our Premium Pick label for enough output that Elgato says no booster is needed at the highest price in the group. It ranks first of 3 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FIFINE AM8 costs less.
Should I pick the Wave DX or the FIFINE AM8?
The Wave DX suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FIFINE AM8 costs less; the FIFINE AM8 suits getting 50Hz to 16kHz response for the least money.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Wave DX, chosen for enough output that Elgato says no booster is needed at the highest price in the group. Look at the PodMic for an internal pop filter and the FIFINE AM8 for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.
Budget for an interface and an XLR cable on top of the microphone.