Microphone Basics is supported by readers. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more

The 3 Best XLR Microphones for Podcasting

This post was most recently updated on March 24th, 2024

Quick-Access To The Top 5 Microphones For Discord 👇

Our Top Picks Brand
Top Pick 🏆 Shure SM7B
Runner Up 🥇 Electro-voice RE20
Best Budget 🥈 Audio Technica AT2020

Podcasting can be a fun way to allow users to download and enjoy your content. But in order to gain followers and have a quality podcast, you will need proper equipment, and this is where XLR microphones come in.

The goal is to get started with the best podcasting mic possible.

Clearly, XLR microphones are an excellent option for podcasting since they provide quality sound no matter what you decide to record. The question remains: Which is the best XLR microphone for podcasting?” 

XLR stands for C-connector, Locking connector, and Rubber boot. It is a type of cable that is widely known to carry the best quality sound. It creates well-balanced and clear audio. Also, each sound can be isolated, which makes for easy editing.

Let’s take a look at three great options!

Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B continues to make appearances on YouTube channels, in podcasts, and even in high-end recording booths all over the world! It is truly a world-class mic from a highly-trusted brand!
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Sweetwater
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

With a flat, wide-range frequency response, amazing audio quality, and exceptionally clean vocal reproduction… the Shure SM7B is a mic that continues to impress and find use by professionals in all kinds of mediums and situations… from live-audio to studio-work.

The 3 Top-Rated Best XLR Microphones For Podcasting

Top Pick:

Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B continues to make appearances on YouTube channels, in podcasts, and even in high-end recording booths all over the world! It is truly a world-class mic from a highly-trusted brand!
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Sweetwater
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Professionals around the world have been using the Shure SM7B for years, and it has a solid reputation for being long-lasting. You get the bang for your buck with this one.

This mic provides a clean and crisp sound because it has an effective built-in pop filter. This mic is also an improvement of previous models and is now optimized to reject electro-magnetic sounds and broadband interference. It also comes with an A7WS detachable windscreen for further noise filtering when you are talking up close.

The smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response is exactly what you need when creating a dynamic podcast. You can offer music, talking, and more. Additionally, the Shure SM7B comes with a durable and secure mounting bracket, and the installation of this mic is easy.

Shure SM7B Key Features:

  • Versatile usage
  • Natural sound
  • Built-in pop filter plus included screen
  • Doesn’t pick up surrounding sounds or interference
  • Internal “air suspension” shock isolation to prevent internal noise transmission
  • Well-made and durable
  • Classic cardioid polar pattern to create quality sound

Runner Up:

Electro-voice RE20
The RE320 was a no-brainer as our runner-up choice, for many reasons. It is a professional-grade dynamic microphone that is equally good at capturing high quality instrument and vocal recordings.
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Sweetwater
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The Electro-Voice RE320 is a great option when you are trying to decide which is the best microphone for podcasting. This mic is professional-grade and specially designed for sound reinforcement applications requiring extremely low noise and the best possible tonal and transient response.

Users rave that this mic is fantastic specifically for podcasts since it filters out radio frequencies and the nearby machinery and electrical humming noises.

One of the most important things to consider when checking out this mic is the Variable-D tech that helps you keep the recording crisp even when you move away a bit. There is also a small switch that you can use to control the frequency you want to record in at the moment.

This mic is also virtually indestructible as it will last you years and years. The Electro-Voice RE20 is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to go on podcasting for a long time.

Electro-Voice RE320 Key Features:

  • Perfect for capturing a variety of vocal and instrument sources with natural sound
  • Variable-D pattern control minimizes tonal shifts
  • Humbucking coil and pop filters allow you to record what you want and filter out what you don’t
  • Dual-voicing switch lets you decide which frequency works best for you
  • Super durable
  • Clear sound
  • Great for blocking radio frequency and electronic sounds

Budget Pick:

Audio Technica AT2020
This awesome XLR mic crushes it in the podcasting booth at a price that is accessible to anyone. It features a cardoid polar pattern and excellent condenser microphone technology. You just can’t beat it for the price!
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Sweetwater
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a no-frills microphone that performs just as it should. Users are shocked at how well it works because other microphones at similar price points do not compare. There are no fancy switches, and it only has one frequency, but that frequency works!

The custom-engineered low mass diaphragm allows the one frequency this mic runs to be dynamic and rich with a superior transient response. The cardioid polar pattern means that this mic picks up what you want it to without the background interference from the rest of the room.

This microphone may not be the absolute top-of-the-line microphone you can get, but for the price point, it is amazing. The sound quality is great, and it does its job at keeping interference at bay. Most of all, the Audio-Technica AT2020 is budget-friendly and can help you sound professional.

Audio-Technica AT2020 Key Features:

  • Good sound on vocals and music
  • Excellent engineering on the low-mass diaphragm
  • Polar pattern prevents extraneous noises
  • Simple to use
  • Comes with a stand and a pouch
  • Durable

Conclusion

Finding the best XLR microphone for podcasting can be tough. You want the mic to work for a range of sounds, and you need it to last. All three of these options can work well for you. They are durable and offer superior sound quality, making them perfect for podcasting.

The Shure SM7B is the highest quality XLR mic for podcasting. It is versatile, and it provides natural sound with outstanding quality. Not only does it have a built-in pop filter, but the company provides you with a filter screen as well! They really care about the quality of the product, and it shows.

The Electro-Voice RE320 is another great option. The switch lets you choose the best frequency for the job, and the mic has features to keep any interference at bay. All you will get on your recording will be crisp and clean sounds. Thus, this mic is a quality XLR for the podcasting pro.

We can’t forget our budget option; the Audio-Technica created an awesome little-to-no-frills mic. It works well, has a broad range, and provides great sound quality. You will not find anything near this quality at this price range from anyone else.

Overall, you cannot go wrong with any of these XLR microphones for podcasting. They will all pick up your voice clearly, provide great sound, and are all well worth the cost.

And of course, XLR mics tend to give you more long-term flexibility, while USB mics, on the other hand, give you a quick option that doesn’t require an audio interface!

At any rate, having great equipment that lasts for years should be your goal, and any of these could live up to that.