8 budget microphones to buy

Good quality audio is an important part of any online course, and we’re here to help you sound good with the best budget microphones. To record high quality audio, a great microphone is essential. As a beginner, you might be intimidated by so many different choices available. But choosing the best affordable microphone for a beginner has never been easier. You just have to know a few key points before making a purchase. Although there are dozens of high-end options you can splurge on, we’re sharing the details on eight top cheap microphones for content creators with a tight budget.

Guide to the best budget microphones

What makes a good microphone for a beginner?

Before we discuss how you decide what comprises a good microphone for beginners, we have to talk about the types of microphones in general. There are two main types:

• Dynamic mics:

  They’re the mics you often see on stage that singers use, and they’re less sensitive and often more durable.

• Condenser mics:

  They’re the mics most often used in studios, with a wider frequency range and truer-to-life sound. (They’re also ideal for acoustic guitars.) 

Which microphone type should you choose as a beginner on a budget? The answer to that question depends on your recording environment. 

For home studios, a condenser mic is a good option. On the other hand, if you have an environment that’s noisy and not soundproofed, then a condenser mic won’t be the best option. Because they have a wider frequency range, condenser mics tend to pick up all the noises from the background. They’re also more sensitive to echoes in the room. Rather, a better choice for you would be a dynamic mic. Dynamic microphones won’t be as sensitive to the noise around you and won’t pick up on the reverb if your recording room isn’t soundproof. 

Making connections

It’s also important to note that there are two types of connections for microphones:

• USB connection 

• XLR connection

As a beginner, you might want to start with a microphone that has a USB connection. It’s going to be very easy and straightforward to use. XLR connection requires more technical knowledge, as well as additional plugs and tools to get the mic to start recording. 

There is going to be a slight difference in power between a USB microphone and an XLR microphone. USB mics have an interface inside of them. This means there are limits to sounding great and how powerful the sound can be. With an XLR output, you can connect your mic to external tools that allow you to increase the quality and power of your microphone. The good news is that some dynamic USB mics also have the XLR output. This is the best option for those who want the option to record both ways, depending on sound knowledge and comfort level with the mic. 

Now, let’s jump to our picks for the best affordable microphone for beginners.