Best Cheap Microphone for YouTube - Budget Mics Reviewed
Jan 6, 2022
Are you in search of the best cheap microphone for YouTube? If you are, you've come to the right place.
One of the most important components of a YouTube video is the audio. Anyone looking to achieve success on YouTube must ensure their videos contain high-quality voice recordings. The best way to ensure this is to use a good microphone. But which microphone is best?
In this article, you will learn:
Best Budget Microphone for YouTube
Read on and discover what the best cheap microphones for YouTube are in 2022.
Best Budget Microphone for YouTube
Finding the best budget microphone for YouTube is a difficult task. There are many great options available on the market. Depending on your needs, you might find a product better than another. Regardless, there's a budget mic to be found for everyone.
1. Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U has been on the market for many years now. However, it has only started to be used by YouTube content creators in recent years. Nowadays, it is known as the best budget YouTube microphone in many circles.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 7.5" x 2.2" diameter
- Weight: 0.7lb (0.32kg)
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 50Hz-15kHz frequency response
- USB/XLR output
- Zero-latency monitoring
Why We Love It
Most budget microphones capture low-quality audio and have poor build quality. The Samson Q2U, however, is different. Put simply, this microphone can compete with products double its price.
Sound-wise, this microphone can capture clean, crisp-sounding audio. Since it has a dynamic element type and a cardioid polar pattern, background noise is rarely captured during recording sessions.
When it comes to the build quality, this product also shines. It has a die-cast construction with a strong mesh grille. These materials help it last for years and help it stand up to the odd bump or accidental drop.
Pros
- Great sound
- Fantastic build quality
- Easy upgrade path (USB to XLR)
Cons
- Stand or boom arm is needed for maximum comfort while recording
2. Blue Yeti Nano
Go back and watch some YouTube videos published in the past decade and there's a good chance you'll come across some audio captured using the Blue Yeti. This microphone has been around for years, and now there's a budget option available- the Blue Yeti Nano.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 4.29" x 3.78" x 8.31"
- Weight: 1.39lbs (0.63 kg)
- Cardioid, omnidirectional polar patterns
- 20Hz - 20kHz frequency response
- USB output
- Zero-latency monitoring
Why We Love It
The Blue Yeti was the most popular USB microphone among YouTube content creators for years. Now, the original Yeti has been improved on with the introduction of the Yeti Nano. Essentially, the Yeti Nano is the same as the original Yeti, but it features a lower price tag.
Overall, this microphone sounds great. You would think that it would sound worse than the original Yeti due to the lower price, but this isn't the case. Also, since this product has two polar patterns, it is possible to capture high-quality audio in many different environments.
Something to note is that this product does feel slightly cheaper due to the amount of plastic that has been used to construct it. However, for the price and materials used, it is solid and can stand up to some minor bumps.
Pros
- Proven track record
- Good sound
Cons
- Sensitive (picks up lots of background noise)
- Special boom arm is needed
3. Samson G-Track Pro
The Samson G-Track Pro hasn't been around for very long, but it is already considered to be one of the best cheap mics for YouTube. While there are less expensive products available, many consider the higher price to be worth it for the audio output and build quality.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 4.5" x 10.5" diameter
- Weight: 3.52lbs (1.6kg)
- Cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional pickup patterns
- 50Hz-20kHz frequency response
- USB output
- Zero-latency monitoring
Why We Love It
Where can we begin when talking about the Samson G-Track Pro? Simply put, it's a fantastic microphone. It's easy to see why so many owners of the original Blue Yeti have flocked to this product.
The audio captured by this microphone sounds superb. No matter which pickup pattern is used, high-quality audio can be recorded. Similar to the Blue Yeti, however, it picks up background noise. So, it will need to be used in a quiet environment to sound its best.
With a weight of 3.52 lbs (1.6kg), this mic feels heavy when compared to other products. Now, this does help it feel like a premium product, but this can make it difficult to find a usable boom arm. Luckily, the stand that comes with this microphone works well.
Pros
- Fantastic sound
- Great build quality
Cons
4. HyperX SoloCast
One of the most popular microphones among live streamers and content creators is the HyperX QuadCast. Now, there's a less expensive (but still fantastic) alternative available- the HyperX SoloCast.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 3.07" x 3.81" x 6.85"
- Weight: 0.94lbs (0.43kg)
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 20Hz-20kHz frequency response
- USB output
Why We Love It
Sometimes, it can be hard to judge new mics that haven't been on the market for very long. Luckily, after using this product, it quickly became apparent that it is a great budget option for content creators.
Sound-wise, this microphone sounds decent. With this product, you can capture high-quality audio with ease. With this said, it does lack the warm-sounding audio of other microphones like the Q2U. So, this might not be the ideal option for podcast creators.
The build quality of this mic is similar to that of other budget options. Plastic has been used to construct the body and stand, but the mesh grille is strong. Minor bumps won't cause any issues, but if this product is dropped from a high height, it may be damaged.
Pros
- Compact design
- Tap to mute button
Cons
- Poor microphone stand
- Sensitive (picks up background noise and vibration when typing)
5. Blue Snowball iCE
Over a decade ago, Blue released the Snowball, the budget version of the Yeti. Seeing the success of the Snowball inspired Blue to release an even more budget-friendly product- the Blue Snowball iCE.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 12.79" (circumference)
- Weight: 1.01lbs (0.45kg)
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 40-18 kHz frequency response
- USB output
Why We Love It
The original Blue Snowball was a microphone beloved by many. The Snowball iCE is essentially the same as the original, so it's easy to see why many creators feel the same way about it. But, is the Blue Snowball iCE a good mic overall?
For the price, the Snowball iCE manages to capture decent-sounding audio. To ensure the best quality possible, the mic should be kept relatively close to the speaker. If it is too far away from the speaker, it will struggle to capture audio.
Regarding the build quality, this microphone feels cheap. This is because it is constructed of hard plastic and has an unconventional shape. However, even with the cheap-feeling this mic presents, it can still last for many years if it is taken care of.
Pros
- Proven track record
Cons
- Poor stand
- Cheap feeling
- Sensitive (captures background noise and vibrations)
6. Razer Seiren Mini
If you've done any research into YouTube microphones before, there's a good chance you've come across the Razer Seiren X. Now, there's a more budget-friendly version of this microphone- the Razer Seiren Mini.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 3.55" x 3.55" x 6.35"
- Weight: 0.95lbs (0.43kg)
- Supercardioid polar pattern
- 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response
- USB output
Why We Love It
There are a lot of microphones available nowadays. Some come and go, while others stick around. One mic that has stuck around for a long time is the Razer Seiren X. Since this is the case, it's safe to assume the Razer Seiren Mini will as well.
The supercardioid polar pattern helps capture better-sounding audio than products with a standard cardioid polar pattern. However, something to keep in mind is that a lot of background noise and vibrations get picked up during recording sessions.
If we're being honest, this microphone does feel cheap. It is made out of plastic and has a hollow feel. With this said, the metal grille does feel sturdy so this product can survive the odd bump or drop.
Pros
- Compact design
- Colour options
Cons
- No mute button
- Background noise
- Boom arm needed for best quality audio
7. JLab Talk GO
The JLab Talk GO is a microphone that not a lot of content creators know about. However, as time has passed, it has been recommended more often when someone asks for a good cheap microphone for YouTube.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 5" x 2.16" x 2.16"
- Weight: 0.28lbs (0.12kg)
- Cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns
- 20Hz-20kHz frequency response
- USB output
Why We Love It
While this microphone doesn't have the brand recognition of the Samson Q2U or the Blue Yeti Nano, it's still good enough to be included among these more popular products. Ultimately, audio capture quality and build quality matter more than brand recognition.
As far as audio quality goes, the JLad Talk GO is decent. This microphone is more than capable of recording audio that sounds nice on the ears. Something to note, however, is that a pop filter is a must-have with this product, as it produces plosive-heavy recordings.
Unfortunately, the build quality of this product isn't the best. Sure, for a cheap mic this might be expected, but be aware that the product feels cheap and hollow. It is recommended that you treat it gently, as it probably won't stand up to any major bumps or drops.
Pros
- Mute button
- High-quality microphone stand
Cons
- Poor build quality
- Pop filter needed to reduce plosives
- Omnidirectional polar pattern sounds poor
8. FIFINE K670 USB
A lesser-known budget microphone is the FIFINE K670 USB. While this product is lesser-known, this doesn't mean it's a bad budget option. Many creators have started using this product and have nothing but positive things to say about it.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 5.11" x 1.88"
- Weight: 1.96lbs (0.88kg)
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 50-15kHz frequency response
- USB output
Why We Love It
A lot of FIFINE microphones have been introduced to the market in recent years. Typically, if you see a mic from this brand, it's the K670 model. Based on the price, it's easy to see why this is the case.
Overall, the audio captured with this microphone sounds decent. It does struggle with high frequencies, and it produces a lot of plosives. So, consider using a pop filter and adjusting the gain level when capturing audio to ensure it sounds the best it possibly can.
While this microphone does have a metal body and metal mesh grill, the build quality is still mediocre. You can tell this is meant to be a cheap microphone. Mind you, all microphones in this price range seem to have build-quality issues, so for most, it is a non-issue.
Pros
- Decent sound
Cons
- Poor build quality
- No monitoring level adjustments for headphones
- Harsh sound for high frequencies
9. Samson Go Mic
Possibly the most unique cheap microphone for recording YouTube videos, the Samson Go Mic is a beloved product by many content creators. Designed to capture high-quality audio while remaining portable, this mic delivers on its promises.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 6" x 1" x 5"
- Weight: 0.5lbs (0.22kg)
- Cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns
- 20Hz-18kHz frequency response
- USB output
- Zero-latency monitoring
Why We Love It
Put simply, the Samson Go Mic is one of the most compact microphones available on the market. In particular, many traveling content creators love this mic, as its compact design makes it very portable.
At the end of the day, however, what matters most when it comes to microphones is their ability to capture high-quality audio. If the environment isn't perfect, this product will struggle to produce good-sounding audio. It's not terrible, but it could be better.
As far as build quality goes, this mic doesn't feel as bad as it looks. Sure, it doesn't feel premium, but it doesn't feel terrible either. Being as it is meant to be portable, it has been designed to be able to handle bumps and the odd drop.
Pros
- Compact design
Cons
- Very sensitive (captures clicks and pops)
- Difficult to use with stands and boom arms
10. Audio-Technica AT2020
For many years, the Audio-Technica AT2020 was the go-to microphone for content creators looking for a professional sound. While many options have been released over the years, the AT2020 is still used by many creators to this day.
Specifications and Features
- Dimensions: 6.38" x 2.05"
- Weight: 0.75lbs (0.34kg)
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 20-20,000 Hz frequency response
- XLR output
Why We Love It
Okay, the Audio-Technica AT2020 might not be the most budget-friendly option available, but it's still worth discussing for those that already own an audio interface. To many, it would be blasphemous not to include this product on a list covering good cheap mics for YouTube.
Perhaps the biggest issue regarding sound quality is this microphone's inability to handle plosives well. A pop filter is a must-have for this mic to ensure the best quality recordings. Aside from this issue, however, it still sounds decent- even after all these years.
When it comes to the build quality, this microphone is superb. Many owners of this product have had it for years because of how durable it is. It has a metal body and metal mesh grille, and it feels like a premium product.
Pros
- Audio quality
- Proven track record
Cons
- Audio interface required
- Plosive issues
- Background noise
Conclusion
All in all, there are plenty of cheap microphones for YouTube available to purchase. Through our testing, we have determined that the Samson Q2U is the best cheap microphone for YouTube. However, depending on your preferences, another product might be better.
