When you’re dropping your latest rhyme, you need the right equipment for the job.
Below, we’ve rounded up the microphones with the best reviews that can work with any budget.
1. Sennheiser e945 Supercardioid Dynamic Handheld Mic
It looks a bit pricey, but the reviews are raving.
With solid metal construction and German engineering, this wireless mic comes with a 10-year warranty.
It’s got a pure-black, sleek design that won’t distract from your performance.
It has a neodymium ferrous magnet with boron, to keep the microphone stable in multiple climates, and a stabilizer to reduce movement-generated noise and feedback.
This mic has a super-cardioid pickup pattern that filters out background noise and other voices or background noise.
It has a solid 4.7-star rating on Amazon.
2. Sennheiser e935 Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Mic
This wireless mic is the little brother to the one mentioned above.
It’s cardioid (vs. the super-cardioid version above) and is a bit cheaper as a result.
This means that its pickup pattern is a bit broader than the e935, and it may not filter out as much background noise.
It’s still a high-quality, German-designed, rugged mic that resists drops and bumps.
It has a neodymium ferrous magnet with boron to keep the microphone stable in any climate.
The e935 currently has 4.8 stars on Amazon.
3. Shure SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Mic
If you want to spare your wallet a bit and don’t mind old-school wires, you can check out the classic Shure Cardioid Mic.
It’s tailored for vocals and filters out wind, breathing noises, and pops.
The pneumatic shock-mount system reduces handling noise.
It’s a dynamic microphone that (according to one reviewer) does the job quite well unless you’re singing opera and need every ounce of range possible.
This Amazon item comes with several options, including a version with an on/off switch, a mic stand bundle, a cord and mic set, and an XLR-to-USB adapter bundle so you can digitally record right to a computer.
Amazon gives the SM58 4.7 stars.
4. Sennheiser E835 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Mic
While we’re on the subject of wired mics, Sennheiser offers the e835.
The 800-series focuses on highlighting vocals and filtering out feedback.
A gentle presence boost evens out tonal response to ensure clarity, and a minimal proximity effect means that you get clear bass end performance even when changing distance from the mic.
The cardioid pick-up pattern rejects feedback and isolates your signal to provide higher sound levels for your performance.
With metal construction and internal shock-mount system, it minimizes handling noise and resists bumps and drops.
It boasts a solid 4.6 stars on Amazon.
5. Shure BETA 58A Supercardioid Dynamic Mic
Back to Shure, we present the classic mic everyone just calls ‘Beta’.
It’s wired, and a wee bit pricey, but hey, you’re paying for quality.
It’s got a silver-blue enamel finish on the sturdy die-cast metal body and a hardened, steel-mesh grille.
The pick-up pattern is super-cardioid with a dynamic range and a frequency response designed to highlight vocals and minimize the proximity effect.
This mic has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and a lot of mentions in reviews for other mics.
6. Samson Q8 Dynamic Mic
This microphone is a bit heavier than a Shure and may need a sturdier mic clip.
That weight comes from the durable zinc-alloy, die-cast body.
It has a neodymium dynamic element, a super-cardioid pick-up pattern to cut through background noise, and a high-gain output with a low impedance design.
It’s a bit more modestly priced and is the perfect microphone if you’re just starting out or on the road a lot.
You’ll need to buy an XLR cable to go with it.
It has a very impressive 4.7-star rating for such a modestly-priced mic, with many reviewers saying it outperforms their Shures.
7. Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Mic Pack
If you want to explore both live performances and studio recording on a budget well below $100, this is the mic set for you.
With both XLR and USB connection options, this mic is plug-and-play right out of the box.
It’s a great dual-purpose mic and comes with a mic clip, desktop stand, windscreen, and XLR and USB cables.
It also has a headphone jack so you can monitor your own voice as you rap, with no feedback delays.
For its price, 4.3 stars isn’t bad.
8. Shure PGA48-XLR Cardioid Dynamic Mic
Competing for the modest budget slot, we have a basic Shure model with an optional XLR or QTR cable bundle.
A cardioid polar pickup pattern rejects background noise, while the microphone cartridge focuses specifically on human vocal ranges.
The tough black exterior ends in a classic silver grille sphere, and this one also has an on/off switch.
At 4.6 stars, it’s worth checking out if you’re starting up on a tight budget.
9. Audio-Technica MB 3k Handheld Hypercardioid Dynamic Mic
It’s only got a 4.4-star rating, but it’s modestly priced and has a dark blue all-metal casing as opposed to black.
The hyper-cardioid dynamic element design zeroes in on your voice and leaves out background noise.
The high-energy neodymium magnet improves the output and transient response.
It’s designed to provide high volume without distortion.
This model also includes A-T’s MagnaLock silent switch and a gold-plated XLR connector.
10. Audio-Technica Pro 61 Hypercardioid Dynamic Mic
Finishing off with another Audio-Technica, this is another affordable mic with some great features.
Geared for vocals, it provides excellent gain before feedback and extended frequency response.
It’s built with internal shock mountings to reduce handling noise, and a neodymium magnet to reproduce the human voice with great accuracy.
This bundle comes with a cable as well as a case.
It only has a few reviews, so its rating currently stands at 3.9.
** Affiliate notice: If you’re kind enough to buy something through these links I’ll get a very small commission on the sale. You will still get the lowest possible price available. **
Have You Seen GigFaster University?
Get Insider Secrets to Booking Gigs, Promoting Your Music and Getting Indie Record Label Attention.
Free courses and resources to boost your music career.
