When it comes to buying a microphone, you might assume that you need to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality one.
XLR Microphones | XLR Microphones Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
| 93 | 525+ | |||
 | 94 | 1875+ | |||
 | 94 | 150+ |
XLR Value Option | XLR Value Option Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 93 | 5275+ |
USB Microphones | USB Microphones Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 90 | 35525+ | |||
 | 92 | 41375+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
However, that’s not always the case. If you’re on a budget and looking for a microphone that won’t break the bank, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of options available for under $50.
These microphones are suitable for a wide range of purposes, from recording vocals and podcasts to capturing instrument sounds and even gaming. With so many affordable microphones on the market, you can easily find one that meets your specific needs and budget constraints.
What to Look for in a Mic Under $50
When shopping for a mic under $50, you should consider the following factors:
- Type: Dynamic mics are more durable and less sensitive to noise, while condenser mics are more delicate and capture more detail.
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid mics pick up sound from the front and reject sound from other directions, while omnidirectional and bidirectional mics pick up sound from all or two directions, respectively.
- Connection: XLR mics require a mixer or an audio interface, USB mics plug directly into your computer, and 3.5mm mics plug into your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, although these are sub-optimal for and will not be included in the selections.
- Accessories: Some mics come with stands, mounts, pop filters, windscreens, cables, and cases.
If you want to learn more before proceeding with our top picks, check out these short articles:
Our Top Picks for Mics Under $50
Our comprehensive guide covers you with the six best mics under $50 for all your needs. Whether you want to sing, podcast, game, or record, we have the perfect option.
We’ve researched so you don’t have to. Our recommendations are based on the ratings and reviews of users, experts, and owners. We’ve also listed each mic’s pros and cons, along with its key features and specifications.
With a mic under $50, you can achieve excellent sound quality and performance without breaking the bank. So, don’t let your budget hold you back from expressing yourself. Let’s dive in and find the perfect mic for you!
XLR Microphones
Shure SV100
While it’s not studio-grade, the SV100 offers solid performance for basic vocal needs at a low price point.
Pros:
- Affordable entry-level microphone
- Good for spoken word, karaoke, and basic vocals
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Limited frequency range
- Lacks internal shock absorption, leading to handling noise
- Less durable compared to higher-end models
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The Shure SV100 is an affordable dynamic microphone, perfect for those searching for the best microphone under 50. It’s a great choice for beginners looking for a good quality cheap mic to use for karaoke, speeches, or casual vocal recording. With a plug-and-play design, it requires minimal setup, making it an easy recommendation for anyone new to audio equipment.
While the microphone offers decent isolation of background noise thanks to its cardioid polar pattern, it doesn’t provide the detailed sound capture required for high-end recordings. However, for those in need of the best budget mic for non-critical applications, this mic performs well.
Handling noise is a downside, as the SV100 lacks internal shock mounts, a feature typically reserved for more expensive models. Despite that, its affordability makes it one of the best mics for under 50, particularly for casual users seeking an introduction to dynamic microphones without a significant investment.
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 15kHz
- Impedance: 600 ohms
- Applications: Karaoke, spoken word, basic vocal recordings.
Shure PGA48
The PGA48 delivers decent audio quality and durability, but its limited frequency response may not suit some singers.
Best for budget-conscious users who need a reliable mic for speech or podcasting.
Pros:
- Solid for speech and basic vocal applications
- Simple, durable design
- Affordable for beginners or casual use
- Narrow frequency response limits versatility
- Limited output volume compared to higher-end models
- Lacks premium sound clarity
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For those seeking the best mics under 50, the Shure PGA48 is a reliable option. It’s aimed at beginners needing a good cheap microphone for speech, karaoke, or podcasting. With a cardioid polar pattern, the PGA48 effectively isolates the main sound source while reducing background noise, making it a solid choice for both presentations and podcasts.
While the frequency response is limited to 70Hz – 15kHz, it performs admirably for its price. If you need the best budget microphone for speech or streaming, this microphone won’t disappoint. However, it may require some gain adjustments to get optimal volume, especially in live settings.
Durability is another strong point for the PGA48, which makes it a practical, no-frills entry-level mic option. It’s easy to recommend as one of the best budget microphones for casual use or beginner setups.
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 70Hz – 15kHz
- Impedance: 600 ohms
- Applications: Speech, karaoke, casual vocal recordings.
Mackie EM-89D
The EM-89D offers great value with crisp highs and durable construction.
Best for musicians seeking a versatile XLR mic with excellent clarity for live performances and instruments.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Versatile for live vocals and instruments
- High clarity for an affordable price
- Midrange can feel a bit flat
- Heavier than some competitors
- Handling noise could be better controlled
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Although priced slightly higher, the Mackie EM-89D is an excellent option for those wanting to stretch their budget. It’s a fantastic all-rounder microphone with features that make it competitive with some of the best budget mics in its class. Offering rich lows and crisp highs, it is versatile enough for live vocals and instrument recording.
The Mackie EM-89D is ideal for those seeking a best XLR mic under 50 substitute that offers excellent clarity and build quality for just a bit more investment. While the midrange response can feel slightly flat, this microphone remains reliable across a variety of settings. It also provides better resistance to feedback than many cheap microphones.
If you’re after a cheap mic for live performances or a good quality cheap mic for home recording, the EM-89D delivers on both fronts. Handling noise is present but manageable, and the rugged construction ensures it will withstand regular use. It’s easily one of the best budget microphones for musicians and podcasters.
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 16kHz
- Impedance: 600 ohms
- Applications: Live vocals, instruments, recording.
XLR Value Option
Here we feature a very affordable XLR mic that is also rated well. It’s so cheap that you can get three of them for less than $50.
Behringer Ultravoice XM1800S (Set of 3)
This set of three offers unbeatable value, but individual microphone quality is average compared to pricier alternatives.
Best for those looking for a cost-effective microphone bundle for rehearsals, events, or backup mics.
Pros:
- Great affordable package of 3 mics
- Decent sounding mics for live performances
- Surprisingly good build quality
- High and low frequency extensions are limited
- Not the best mics for recording
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The Behringer Ultravoice XM1800S gives you a super-affordable way of adding three mics to your setup.
But it’s not just about saving on cost because this bundle features three XM1800S dynamic transducer microphones with a super-cardioid polar pattern. This pattern, popular for stage use, is designed to reject background noise, ensuring clear and focused sound even in noisy environments.
For the price, the mics also have surprisingly decent features, including an integrated pop filter, an on/off switch, and a wide frequency response range of 80Hz to 15kHz.
This bundle comes with mic stand adapters and an impact-resistant carrying case for easy transport and storage.
The Behringer XM1800S leads this list in terms of ‘bang per buck’ by a significant margin. Despite being a package of 3 mics, all of them are built very well and offer a range of features that are typically found in higher-priced models. Thanks to Behringer’s broad market reach, the mic pack is available nearly everywhere, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for musicians and event organizers.
This bundle has been successfully used at a wide range of venues and situations, including home karaoke parties, small concert stages, places of worship, intimate coffee shops, and more. Because of the price, they are cheap to replace if one or more inevitably goes bad. This makes it perfect for venues that entertain more varied and aggressive musical acts.
They held out on quality in the carrying case, but don’t expect a premium flight case for the mics at this price. Given the price, the recording quality, while good for live performances, may not meet the high standards of a more standard mic like the SM58. So, for professional recordings, I suggest investing in a higher-end microphone.
With the Behringer Ultravoice XM1800S, you can expand your microphone setup without breaking the bank. While it may not be top-tier in terms of performance, its value for money is unparalleled. This microphone bundle offers a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, making it the best budget mic for those seeking a cost-effective solution.
If you’re looking for just one budget microphone with higher quality, the Behringer XM8500 is a good option.
- Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Frequency Response: 80Hz-15KHz
- Impedance: 600 ohms
- Applications: Live vocals
USB Microphones
A cheap USB microphone can connect directly to your computer and other smart devices. It offers quality that is a step above a regular computer microphone. Even the most affordable USB microphone allows direct recordings without an audio interface. They are convenient for quick capturing of musical ideas and basic recording of vocals and instruments.
Fifine K669
The K669 punches above its weight with impressive audio for the price, though it can pick up unwanted background noise.
Best for beginners needing a plug-and-play USB mic for podcasting or gaming.
Pros:
- Surprising performance for this price point
- Good build quality (mic)
- Great headroom and clarity
- Included tripod base flimsy
- Lacks a bit of low midrange body
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The Fifine K669 is a cheap, true USB condenser mic with essential features that make it viable for those looking to start their journey toward home recording.
The mic’s profile follows the popular condenser mic shape and has a metal exterior for improved structural strength.
Other features include a cardioid pickup pattern and a built-in volume control knob that’s conveniently located up front.
The Fifine K669 is an excellent mic for recording podcasts, voice-over work, and voice chat. Musicians and singers also benefit from its headroom and clarity. Most USB mics at this price range have a sound quality that’s brittle and thin-sounding, but the Fifine K669 avoids that. Another noteworthy feature of the Fifine K669 is its solid build.
I wasn’t too fond of the form factor and color, but the enclosure material and the grille are better built than they look.
I don’t recommend using the included tripod base. It’s flimsy, and the mic will be positioned next to your keyboard, which could be more optimal. The sound Is good for most vocals, but it lacks a bit of body in the low midrange.
The Fifine K669 will make a great first USB condenser mic for beginners on a budget. It can carry you well until you start to feel what it’s missing. It doesn’t have much, but it’s a great starting point to learn what you want from a USB microphone.
Best for streamers and podcasters looking for a reliable, easy-to-use mic with decent sound quality.
- Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Power Requirements: 5V USB
- Applications: Live and recorded vocals, speech, podcasting, voiceovers
Blue Snowball iCE
The Snowball iCE offers great clarity for the price, though it lacks some advanced features found in more expensive USB mics.
Best for streamers and podcasters looking for a reliable, easy-to-use mic with decent sound quality.
Pros:
- Decent sound quality on the brighter end
- Good quality materials and build
- Good side and rear rejection
- It can sound thin or brittle for some sound sources
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The Blue Snowball iCE is a desktop microphone with a distinct ball-like profile. Yet it is as easy to use as a generic computer mic.
The improved frequency response (40Hz to 18kHz) ups the audio quality if you’re used to using headset microphones.
It has a condenser transducer with a cardioid pattern that quiets down some of the background noise, which is ideal for vocal recordings but can also be used with instruments when properly positioned.
The Blue Snowball iCE’s consistent positives are its straightforward functionality, portability, and sound quality. The ball form factor also makes it surprisingly durable and can survive being handled and repositioned without any parts like potentiometers wearing out. It is mostly used for voice chat, podcasting, and the like, but I’ve seen more vocalists and musicians have taken a liking to it as well.
The Snowball iCE’s audio quality can sound thin, but this may be due to proximity/positioning issues. I recommend mounting it on a mic stand to get better results, as leaving it on your table while recording or streaming might pick up keyboard noise while you type. Having the mic closer to your mouth also thickens up the sound and makes your voice easier to mix.
The Snowball iCE is the best USB mic under 50 for a good reason. It’s not a top tier recording mic but it does a lot of jobs well enough to be consistently recommended.
- Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 40Hz-18KHz
- Resolution: 16 bit, 44.1 kHz
- Power Requirements: 5V USB
- Applications: Live and recorded vocals, podcasting, voiceovers
Things to Consider When Buying Budget Microphones
Here are some tips that can help you get the best mic for cheap, featuring budget-friendly wired microphones that can get the job done. Given the price range, it’s unreasonable to expect high-quality build and audio, but these cheap mics are more than enough for basic recording, podcasting, and audio streaming for gaming. You’ll have to raise your budget if you want higher-quality mics from Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Rode, and the like.
If you’re looking for more information, you can check out our article that explains The Different Types Of Mics And Their Uses.
Transducer Type
The best microphones for under 50 are those with either a Dynamic or Condenser transducer. Dynamic mics are popularly used in live performance because of their intrinsically higher SPL (Sound Pressure Level) handling and reliability. This high SPL handling makes dynamic mics an all-around option for a musician.
Dynamic mics aren’t as clear sounding as some condenser mics, but they tend to color the sound in ways that many vocalists prefer. Because of the many uses you can get out of them, many of the best cheap microphones are dynamic mics.
The answer to what is a condenser microphone requires further reading, but here is a short version of it. Condenser mics are mostly used in recording because of their increased sound sensitivity. The downside of the increased sensitivity of condenser microphones is that they are prone to clipping (sound breaking up when too loud) and background noise. But they are the best budget microphones for basic home recording use. Note that condenser microphones run on phantom power, which many mixers and audio interfaces can provide.
Polar Pattern
Most of the best budget mics in this list come with cardioid or super-cardioid polar patterns, which is not surprising given that these mics are the cheapest best mics for front vocal use. Some cheap mics offer switchable polar patterns, specifically the option to switch to an omni-directional pattern, which allows for a wider reception area—ideal for capturing multiple singers, instruments, and other sound sources. Some mics even come with a mute button, which can be handy if you don’t want to mute your input on your computer.
XLR or USB
We’ve divided our recommended list into XLR and USB mics to help you know which ones are the best in their category. XLR cable is the standard connection used with audio interfaces, mixers, and other pro audio gear. A USB microphone connects to your computer via a USB cable. It allows for direct recording to your computer without the need for an audio interface or recording console. These are the best mic under 50 to get for those who are just starting out.
These USB mics are plug-and-play, making them easy to set up, as long as you have enough USB connection ports. Note that there are different types of USB ports, like USB-A, USB-B, micro USB, USB-C, and more. So make sure that you get the correct cable that will connect your USB microphone to your PC. Audio quality between XLR and USB mics may not always be the same, even for models that have either version.
Placement and Position
When setting up your mic, it is best to try different positions to find the one with the best audio quality. This is a big topic on its own, so we’ll focus on a few tips that are essential for those who are just starting. When using handheld mics, the most common position to mic vocals is around 3″ from the mouth, but this will vary depending on the style of the singer. Condenser mics are a bit more sensitive, so they don’t require singers to perform as close.
With the right stand and placement, the handheld mics featured here are also viable for novice streamer or podcaster setups.
Room acoustics also play an important role if you want quiet and professional-sounding recordings. Having a good-quality shock mount makes it easier to do mic placement and position changes. Look into the best pop filter options and get one for your recording setup. Lavalier Microphones is another option for those who want a hands-free yet mobile solution.
For longevity, consider where you store your mics. Build your own mic locker if needed.
Cheap Mic Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2018. The current edition was published on October 17, 2024
Given the plethora of affordable microphones in the sub $50 price range, we meticulously focused on those that excel in music production – whether it’s for vocals, guitars, or other instruments. Our rigorous process led us to a comprehensive list of 23 top-notch microphones under $50, with a staggering 126,600 review and rating sources scrutinized. These extensive data were then processed through the Gearank Algorithm, ensuring the utmost precision, to generate our rating scores out of 100. This meticulous approach allowed us to narrow down the list to the absolute best XLR and USB microphones in this price range. For a detailed insight into our methodology, please refer to How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Quite a few people approach me in some communities I’m in, asking for good starter mic recommendations. I usually ask if they prefer to buy an audio interface with it or just need something that can stand alone. That brings me to recommend either an XLR mic or a USB mic. Some of them eventually become recording clients, so I have some experience working with recorded tracks using a few of the mics in this guide. With proper vocal and instrument recording techniques and a decent room without many reflections, many of these mics have had vocals made their way to songs that are now reaching hundreds of thousands of plays on various platforms. Do check out each one’s unique features to see which one suits your purpose the best.
Contributors
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using photographs of the Shure SM48 and Blue Snowball iCE.
The individual product images were sourced from their respective manufacturers’ websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation.
More Best Microphone Under 50 Dollars – USB and XLR – 2024 Related Posts
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Expert Reviewed Best Mic Stand for Stage and Studio – 2024
2024’s Best Dynamic Microphone Recommendations – For Live & Recording
Comments:
8 responses
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Publication of our September 2021 Edition resulted in the following mic coming off the recommended list above: GLS Audio ES-58 Dynamic Mic (No on/off switch).
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The following mics were removed from the recommended list above during our October 2020 update, but you can still read our analysis of them:
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As a result of our October 2019 update the following mics came off our recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of them:
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“…this bundle has been successfully use at…”
Who proofreads these articles? Buckwheat? cmon folks.
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Thank you for pointing that out – it’s fixed now thanks to you. I’m the Editor responsible for that typo being published – please let us know if you find any similar mistakes.
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