Top 8 Best ASMR Microphones for the Money in 2023 Review

There are very few microphones that are specially designed for recording ASMR videos. In fact, nearly any microphone can be used as an ASMR mic, as long as you can whisper into it, that is.

But as with everything, some are better than others. So, let’s take an in-depth look at the best ASMR microphones currently on the market and find the perfect one for you.

What is ASMR?

ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, which is a bit of a mouthful, and a lot harder to say than ASMR. It certainly has gained favor in the last few years for both video and even short audio clips.

What started out as one thing has transformed itself into a therapeutic exercise. Especially helping those people who find it hard to sleep. Needless to say, the range of material in circulation is all-encompassing from raindrops, to the sounds of the sea, or even just a gentle, soothing voice.

That sort of sound recording takes a certain sort of microphone with the right features. And you can choose between Condenser and Dynamic mics.

ASMR Condenser Microphones

They have their plus points and their negatives. They can be fragile and a bit vulnerable. Therefore you need to handle them with care. They also need an external power source, which is referred to as phantom power and is available on all the best audio interfaces.

On the plus side, if it’s the quality you are after, then the condenser mic will be a good choice because they are much more sensitive, making them better for picking up fine sonic details.

ASMR Dynamic Microphones

These are probably the most common mics you will see being used. They don’t have fragile parts like a condenser mic, so therefore they are a bit sturdier. Plus, they don’t require any external power.

The Polar Pattern of the Mic

The most important thing about the ASMR mic is the polar pattern. The three most popular are Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Binaural.

Cardioid

This is the most common polar pattern of them all and is found on many of the best mics around. It picks up its sound from directly in front of the mic. This makes it perfect for recording a specific source, but not so good if you want an all-around sound.

Omnidirectional

This polar pattern will pick up the sound from all around the mic, as the name suggests. After cardioid, they were the second most popular polar pattern, but Binaural has recently surpassed them.

Binaural

These pick up the audio differently from an Omnidirectional pattern and utilize what is called a ‘left-side, right-side’ trigger. They operate well for virtually all audible triggers, which is why they have become more popular.

So, let’s take a look at what’s currently available and find the best microphone for ASMR for your particular needs, starting with the…

Top 8 Best ASMR Microphones on the Market in 2023 Reviews

1 Veksun Smartphone ASMR Microphone Kit – Best Budget ASMR Microphone

Veksun is a company that provides a range of products and is best known for its lighters and survival gear. However, they are also able to produce a decent camera microphone.

The Design

This is a shotgun condenser microphone designed to capture quality audio in a variety of environments. It will be equally at home with either cameras, smartphones, or camcorders. This mic has been made to fit easily on any of your devices or can be used as a standalone mic.

It comes with a tripod that will rotate through 360 degrees to give you total coverage. The tripod has adjustable legs with three different height settings. If you prefer to attach it to your phone, there is a phone clip holder supplied.

The Build

It has a compact and lightweight build measuring just 5.5 by 1 by 2.5 inches and weighing just four ounces. Easy to carry around, it is battery powered and runs off an AAA battery which is included.

It might not be the most durable of microphones, so care needs to be taken when handling.

Compatibility

It is compatible with most devices, including iPhone 5 and later, Samsung and Google, and operates with all of the major camera brands, including Sony, Nikon, Canon, etc.

It does support any smartphone that has a 3.5mm audio input jack. However, on the iPhone 7 and later, you will need to use a Lightning cable. That cable is not supplied.

Performance

The condenser mic does give you a decent audio reproduction. But as with all condenser mics, they can be a little sensitive. Weather conditions could play a part if you are using it outside. To alleviate some of the wind noise, there is a wind cover included.

It performs quite well on a basic level for interviews or podcasts. This Best Cheap ASMR microphone will be of interest if you are on a budget.

Pros

• Compact and easy to carry around.

• Can be used attached to a device or on its tripod.

Cons

• Some may require more background noise and outdoor use protection.

2 Audio-Technica AT2020USB – Best Value for Money ASMR Microphone

Next, in my Best ASMR Microphones review, we are going to take a look at a mic with a big reputation. That reputation has been earned not just for the quality of its performance. It has acquired its reputation by being a workhorse of a mic. That is a compliment earned because of its ability to produce results in every environment it works in.

Founded in Tokyo in 1962, Audio-Technica were initially known for their excellent phono cartridges and later for their range of headphones. Their first mics appeared in 1990, and now they are known worldwide for a quality product at a decent price. 

The AT2020 has long been a highly thought of mic. This is the USB version designed for a new range of activities.

The Design

This is a condenser mic that has been given a USB connection to let you plug straight into your computer. It has a Cardioid polar pattern which makes it perfect for narration and podcasting. 

But it can also produce great results where the target source can be placed directly in front of the mic. One reason for this is the A/D converter which gives a 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz bit depth and sampling rate. It has a frequency response of 50-15,000 Hz.

Controls

There is a 3.5mm jack socket for your headphones and dedicated volume control. This offers low latency monitoring of what you are doing. Also on the mic is a control for blending pre-recorded audio and the signal from the mic.

The built-in headphone amplifier offers clarity and detail and also gives you a little extra volume if required.

The Build

A decent quality build with its own pivoting tripod stand, it will also fit a standard mic stand. It has an all-metal construction, including the filter. This makes it quite sturdy and able to take some small knocks. It is 6.38 inches long and two inches wide.

It is compatible with Mac OSX and Windows 7, XP, Vista, and 2000.

An excellent mic that is highly thought of at an attractive price point, making it the Best ASMR Narration Microphone you can buy.

Pros

• Good build quality with useful mic controls built-in.

• Very good sound reproduction at an attractive price point.

Cons

• None.

3 PoP Voice 12.8 Feet Lavalier Lapel Microphone – Best ASMR Lavalier Microphone

There are times when recording material for ASMR video that you may require a smaller microphone that can be worn hands-free. Lavalier mics are, of course, the obvious choice, and this model is a great option.

The Build

Lavalier mics are built to be small and unobtrusive. At 4 inches by 2.75 inches and weighing less than two ounces, this mic is certainly that. It is small enough to keep in your pocket or a small purse and just carry it with you. For those who like to be prepared to record at any time, it is the ideal solution.

It has a clip so you can attach the mic to your shirt, and it comes with a wind muff. This won’t cut out wind or background noise completely, but it will help. However, the recorded sound is clear and quite sharp, which is not always the case with a Lavalier mic.

A Big Plus

It has an omnidirectional polar pattern which means it will collect sound from all around the mic. Perfect if you want to record an outdoor scene and include ambient, natural sounds. Those sounds can be so much a part of ASMR videos.

A decent quality build and a good sound reproduction, though, are only part of the assets this mic can offer. It has an extraordinarily long cable. Stretching over twelve feet, this allows for long-distance recording and for you to move around. That can be a big plus.

Connectivity

It will connect up to your iPhone 7, 8, and iPhone X through the Lightning cable that comes with the phone. It also comes with an adapter for your PC; however, it is worth checking its compatibility with your equipment first before buying.

Good quality and set at a cost-effective price point.

Pros

• Small, compact, and easy to carry around.

• Long cable with omnidirectional recording at an attractive price.

Cons

• Can have connection and compatibility issues.

4 Blue Yeti USB Mic – Most Versatile ASMR Microphone

Since Blue have been around, they have made quite an impact. It would be very hard to say that they don’t produce a good mic at a cost-effective price. This model is the Yeti, a USB mic that has plenty to give. 

It is not a newcomer, being first released in 2013. During that time, it has built itself a reputation for good performance and reliability.

The Design

For those that record in a variety of situations and environments, this is going to be ideal. It has a tri-capsule array which makes it ready to handle most things. But add on to that the choice of polar patterns, and it becomes a great option.

It has four patterns Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional, and stereo. So, whether you are narrating a single voice for narration or an interview, or in the countryside recording the ambient sounds, this makes it all possible.

The Performance

The 16-bit depth and 48Hz sample rate produce a good sound. Not the highest level by today’s standards but more than adequate to cover most eventualities.

It will excel at podcasts, voice-overs, and narration. And the variety of polar patterns means you can record inside or out.

Controls

On the mic itself, there is a headphone output that offers zero latency, with dedicated volume control. There is a gain control for the mic and also a mute, which can be useful. It is very much a plug-and-play mic with no need for extra software or drivers.

The Build

It is quite sturdy and comes with a built-in stand. It is a reasonable size, though, and not one for the pocket. However, at 4.9 by 4.7 by 11.6 inches, it can still be carried quite easily.

This is a mic that appeals to a wide variety of users because of its versatility and performance.

Pros

• Tri-capsule array with four polar patterns.

• Versatile with high-performance level.

Cons

• Some may think it is expensive.

5 Blue Snowball iCE Plug ‘n Play USB Microphone – Best Affordable ASMR Microphone

Let’s stay with Blue to look at another of their USB mics. This mic, while still producing a decent performance, might be considered budget range. So if you are looking for the best cost-effective ASMR microphone, this will be of interest.

The Build

Blue’s mics are usually quite sturdy, and this is no exception. It has an interesting ball-shaped design that gives it a slightly retro feel. It sits on an adjustable tripod stand that allows you to place it exactly where you need it.

The stand is made of plastic, but it is of decent quality and not likely to break. However, a potential problem with the plastic stand is due to it being very lightweight. So when using it with its tripod stand, you will need to be careful it doesn’t topple over.

The Design

It is a condenser mic with a Cardioid pattern. That, as you probably know, is ideal for podcasting, narration, and commentary. 

Placing the mic in front of the target source will give you a clear and focused sound. That also makes it a good option for making Skype calls or talking over Zoom.

This Best ASMR Podcasting Microphone gives you a basic 16-bit/44kHz sample rate. It is plug-in and play and requires no extra software or drivers. A simple ‘what you see is what you get’ mic at a very attractive price point.

Pros

• An attractive build with a tripod stand.

• Good quality sound reproduction at a very cost-effective price.

Cons

• Some will need more features than this mic offers.

6 ZealSound USB Microphone, Condenser – Best Low Cost ASMR Microphone

Up next in my review of the Best ASMR Microphones, Zealsound might be a new name to some. They were founded by a group of musicians who wanted to do things slightly differently. They started life developing headphones but now market a range of microphones and associated hardware.

The Build

This is a USB mic, not unlike the Blue Snowball we just looked at. It is well-built and has an all-metal design, and weighs just over one pound. 

That weight adds a little more security to the base when you are using it on the stand, which is also metal. It measures six inches by 1.5 inches, and the width on the base is five inches.

The Design

It is a condenser mic that has a Cardioid pattern. So it is ideal for ASMR voice overs, narration, or podcasts. It will give a clear well-balanced sound across the frequencies. Because of the Cardioid pattern, external sounds from the rear and sides are kept to a minimum.

It has been designed to perform as a plug-and-play mic and requires no extra drivers. The USB allows a direct connection to your laptop or PC. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.

Controls

There is an LED light to tell you when the mic is live or when it has been muted. There is a noise reduction control, and below that, the push to operate mute button. Below that is the monitor volume and, finally, an adjustable echo facility.

The USB interface and the 3.5mm headphone socket are placed on the bottom of the mic. That is a good design feature, keeping wires and the cable out of the way. The headphone output gives you latency-free monitoring, so you can monitor the input from the mic in real-time.

Extras

Included in the package are a USB cable, A type-C USB adapter for the latest laptops, a foam windscreen, and a user manual. Plus, technical support is provided free if you need it.

A good attempt at making a cost-effective mic for those on a budget.

Pros

• Some good features and built-in controls.

• All-metal construction at a great price point.

Cons

• At this price point, there is nothing to complain about.

7 FIFINE USB Studio Recording Microphone – Best Mid Range ASMR Microphone

Once again, a mic manufactured by a company that might not be the first name you think of. Sometimes though, these companies can fly under the radar and yet still produce some good quality, and this is a good example.

The Design

It is a condenser mic with a three-capsule array. It has been given four different polar patterns, Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, and Stereo. This offers flexibility which means it can operate just about anywhere in most conditions.

It is a plug-and-play system, so no extra software or drivers are required. Connect up straight to your laptop or PC using the USB cable that is included.

How Does It Sound?

It may take you by surprise as the audio quality is quite good. It is a condenser, after all, so you are expecting a good sound, But like many condenser mics, it can struggle with background noise. This will apply especially when using the Omni and Directional polar patterns.

The Build

Once again, it has a familiar look and style about it, very much like the Blue Snowball and Zealsound models we have looked at. This mic is an all-metal design that is strong and able to take a few knocks. 

The mic itself is quite lightweight. But the stand being a little bit heavier makes it more stable and less prone to topple over.

Controls

On the front of the mic are the controls for the headphone volume and the mute button. The mute just requires a delicate touch to operate. The headphone monitoring offers latency-free mixing with the recorded sound in real-time.

On the rear are the Mic Gain control and a switch to select your polar pattern. All the switches feel quite secure and sturdy.

A Downside

It all seems very positive. A well-made mic with a good sound and plenty of variable options for use. However, it is very expensive when compared with some of its competition.

Pros

• Well-made with good controls.

• Produces a very good sound and has plenty of recording options.

Cons

• The cost will put some off.

8 Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone – Best Premium ASMR Microphone

It wouldn’t be an article discussing microphones without looking at something from Shure. I am one of those who appreciate Shure mics. They aren’t the very best, of course, but they do a very good job, and the SM57 and 58 are legendary. You are likely to find them in all the best recording studios worldwide and at every major live concert.

A Different Animal

The MV5, however, is a different type of Shure mic. This is a USB mic designed to work directly with your computer. Its design makes it flexible and eminently suitable for ASMR recording as well as a variety of other applications.

The Build

A compact build at 4 by 5 by 4.5 inches and only weighing ten ounces. It has been designed to be unobtrusive and sit easily on your desktop. It has an almost retro look in its styling, which is quite nice.

The stand might be an area of concern. It is made of aluminum and, therefore, quite light. This is often the case with some mics and their stands. That design makes them a little top-heavy and prone to topple over if care is not taken.

However, as is the norm with Shure, the build is good and solid, and it is made with good materials. 

The Performance

This is where this mic excels. It has been designed to be multifunctional and is therefore going to be great at voiceovers, narration, podcasting, or ASMR recordings. It will even record live instruments.

At 24-bit/48kHz sample rate is a cut above the usual 16-bit depth on most mics and gives you an impressive recording. It has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz.

The built-in headphone output will give you latency-free monitoring. A nice extra is the inclusion of the choice of three push button DSP settings on the top of the mic. These help you set up the right settings quickly.

Online Help

Extra sound features can be found in the Shure MOT1V app for limiters and compression. Or if you are using Video, then the OT1V offers some editing options, including on-screen monitoring.

It comes supplied with the necessary cables and a very attractive price point considering what it is.

Pros

• Good sound features with a 24-bit sample rate.

• Useful controls and online features at a nice price point.

Cons

• The stand can be a bit lightweight.

What do you need to look out for when buying the Best ASMR Microphones?

To keep this brief, I will summarize:

• Choose the polar pattern that will do the job you require.

• Will you be recording a variety of things, and therefore need a more versatile microphone?

• What you plug it into, either a computer, phone, or another device, will affect your choice of XLR or USB connections.

• Do you need to limit external noise if recording outside or is that part of the sound that you want?

These considerations should guide you on your decision, so take them into account and go for the microphone that best matches your needs. One final note, always buy the best mic within your budget; I guarantee that you won’t regret it in the future.

Looking for some more superb microphone options?

Then it’s worth taking a look at my in-depth reviews of the Best Condenser Microphones, the Best Vocal Mics, the Best Dynamic Microphones, the Best Interview Microphones, the Best Wireless Microphones, and the Best Shure Microphones on the market in 2023.

Or how about the Best USB Microphones, the Best Microphones for Youtube, the Best XLR Microphones, the Best Boundry Microphones, the Best iOS Microphones, or the Best Microphones for Recording Rap Vocals you can buy.

So, what are the Best ASMR Microphones?

Deciding on the very best microphone for ASMR was not an easy choice, especially considering that there was a Shure microphone included.

However, I would go for the…

Audio-Technica AT2020USB

A great mic workhorse microphone that you can use just about anywhere with anything. It is based on one of the most respected and reliable microphones you can buy and produces excellent sound quality but is also incredibly versatile with its USB design.

And it’s also very affordable, making it the Best ASMR Value for Money Microphone you can buy. Highly recommended!

Happy recording.

5/5 – (57 votes)

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