23 of the best affordable microphones

On the money

£200 might sound like a lot of money, but when we're talking microphones, it really isn't. A high-end studio is more than likely to spend over a grand on just one new microphone.

Not everyone has the budget to fork out that sort of cash, of course, or even several hundreds of pounds on a boutique ribbon mic for that matter.

Fortunately, that doesn't mean that you're limited to low-quality recording options. Whether you're in the market for an affordable vocal, instrument, or all-round microphone, you can now get excellent performance on a budget.

Here's the definitive list of what's available to buy today for less than £200. The mics are ordered from lowest- to highest-priced, so you can focus on the models that fit your budget.



sE Electronics Magneto

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

For vocals, the Magneto supplies plenty of detail with quite a neutral character. There's an airy top end present but not over-emphasised, while lower end warmth is not quite as prominent as in some more expensive models. If you're on a tight budget, it offers good value for money.

3.5 out of 5



Røde M3

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This inexpensive small-diaphragm condenser is an all-rounder, being equally good for recording vocals and instruments. It can also run off phantom power or a 9V battery, making it highly portable and a strong choice as a versatile first mic.

4 out of 5



Aston Mics Origin

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This UK-made mic delivers a natural and detailed sound across a wide variety of sources, and comes at a very fair price.

4.5 out of 5



IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The iRig Studio Mic sounds really good and 'just works' with any and all music-making platforms.

4.5 out of 5



sE Electronics X1 USB

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The X1 USB is aimed at voiceover, video presentation and singer/solo instrumentalist recording, and fits the bill on all counrs. It's a solid and self-contained solution for the lone recordist, and has a nice tone.

4 out of 5



Audio Technica AT2020 USB

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This USB mic offers a similar spec to the standard AT2020 but with the added benefit of a direct-to-computer connection. It offers tonal consistency across a wide dynamic range and has a subtle sweet spot, enhancing the upper mid-range and lower treble signals. As 'no fuss' as it gets, the AT2020 USB should appeal to podcasters and home musicians alike.

4 out of 5



Rode NT-USB

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The NT-USB is a very solidly built and classy-looking mic that offers more than your average ‘podcasting’ microphone. Bundled with a pop-shield and the obligatory tripod mount, this computer-friendly NT performs admirably with spoken voices and sung vocals.

4.5 out of 5



Blue Microphones Spark Digital

Type: Condenser

Pattern: Cardioid

The Spark Digital certainly looks great, but it also has the sonic integrity to make it a serious home or mobile recording choice. There's no XLR output - Blue has plenty of other mics that do - but for Apple iOS devices especially, this mic comes highly recommended.

4.5 out of 5



Neat Worker Bee

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Overall, this mic is aptly named - as a utility mic to have around in the studio it will be busy.

3.5 out of 5



AKG C1000 S

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

A sound choice if you want a dependable and affordable all-round small-diaphragm condenser.

4 out of 5



Shure PG Alta 98D and 181

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Simply put, these are affordable yet high-quality microphones which are equally at home on the stage as in the studio.

5 out of 5



AKG D40

Type: Dynamic

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

The D40 will deliver come what may, no matter how noisy, crowded and sweaty the stage is.

4 out of 5



AKG D112 MkII

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The MkII builds on the classic status of the original, with the integrated mic stand mount ensuring that the new D112 is definitely an improvement.

4 out of 5



sE Electronics X1D

Type: Dynamic

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

An excellent and solidly built microphone that meets its remit well and happily goes beyond it.

4.5 out of 5



JZ Microphones GTR1

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

An affordable dynamic mic that can take care of all the tasks you'd use a 57 for, and then some. We like it.

4.5 out of 5



AKG D 5

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Supercardioid

A direct competitor to Shure’s famous SM58, this full and detailed dynamic microphone is a good choice if you want something that’s equally at home on the stage as it is in the studio. Its supercardioid pickup pattern helps tame feedback, too.

4.5 out of 5



Shure SM58

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This affordable mic is a regular fixture on the live music scene, especially for vocals. This is due to its near-indestructible construction, internal pop filter and resistance to feedback. It’s also a good beginners’ mic for home recordists, especially male rock singers, though it lacks a little in the top end, rolling off at 15kHz.



JZ Mics HH1

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The HH1 is brighter and lighter than many standard dynamic vocal mics, with obvious similarities to the Shure SM58. It has a stronger output of about +3dB in comparison to an SM58, which makes for an appreciably low noise result even with a quiet vocal/source.

4.5 out of 5



AKG C5

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Quality build and performance from the microphone giant, this is a mic that will flatter a wide range of voices.

4.5 out of 5



Shure MOTIV MV5

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The lightweight design and desktop stand make this perfect for podcasting, voiceovers and even a bit of instrument tracking.

4.5 out of 5



Shure MOTIV MV51

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The MV51 is a large capsule (25mm) cardioid condenser mic with audio interfacing, housed in a hefty metal grille-fronted case. It's another excellent performer from the Shure stable.

4 out of 5



Blue Microphones Nessie

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Keep one next to your computer and never be stuck when an idea strikes.

3.5 out of 5



Neat Bumblebee

Type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The Bumblebee not only looks ultra-cool, it's also an excellent plug-in-and-play recording solution.

4 out of 5