10 Best Cheap Mic For Vocals 2025 in the United States

The Shure SM7B is a versatile dynamic microphone that excels in various vocal applications, making it a solid choice if you're looking to record music, podcast, or stream. Its unidirectional polar pattern helps isolate your voice from background noise, which is a significant plus for anyone wanting clean audio. It has a smooth frequency response and is designed to reproduce vocals naturally, making it a favorite among professionals in broadcasting and music production alike.

One of the standout features is its air suspension shock isolation and built-in pop filter, which reduce unwanted noise from breath sounds and mechanical vibrations. This makes it particularly useful for close-miking situations, such as ASMR or when you need rich, warm sound quality.

The SM7B requires an XLR connection and typically needs a decent audio interface or mixer to get the best sound out of it. While the results are impressive, beginners might find the setup a bit complex if they are unfamiliar with audio gear. You may need a preamp that provides at least 60 dB of gain to achieve optimal performance, which adds to the investment. In terms of durability, the SM7B is built to last with its rugged construction. It also comes with a detachable windscreen and a switch cover plate, adding further value. The microphone is relatively heavy (2.7 pounds) for portable use, but its quality makes it worth keeping stationary in a home studio.

While the Shure SM7B may not fall into the 'cheap' category in terms of price, its exceptional sound quality and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for serious vocal applications. Casual users or those on a tight budget might want to consider less expensive options, but for dedicated streamers, podcasters, or musicians, the SM7B is a reliable choice that can elevate their audio experience.

The FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 is a versatile and affordable dynamic microphone ideal for beginners in podcasting, gaming, and vocal recording. It offers dual connectivity options with both USB and XLR, making it adaptable to various setups. The microphone's unidirectional cardioid polar pattern helps focus on your voice while minimizing background noise, which is crucial for clear recordings.

The frequency response range of 50Hz-16KHz ensures natural and balanced audio quality, while the sensitivity and impedance are well-suited for general vocal use without requiring advanced equipment. One standout feature is the RGB lighting, which adds a visually appealing touch for gamers and streamers. The built-in mute button and headphone jack with volume control provide added convenience during live sessions.

On the downside, the microphone does not come with an XLR cable or a boom arm, which are necessary for some setups. Additionally, the advanced features like mute and RGB control are only available when using the USB connection, potentially limiting flexibility for XLR users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 offers excellent value for its price, particularly for entry-level users looking for a reliable and feature-rich microphone.

The Shure MV7X is a professional-grade dynamic microphone designed primarily for vocal recording and podcasting, making it a good pick if you're after clear voice capture without spending too much. It uses a unidirectional (cardioid) polar pattern, which means it focuses on your voice and helps reduce background noise—a useful feature for less-than-ideal recording spaces. The microphone connects exclusively via XLR, so it pairs well with audio interfaces and mixers, but it won’t work directly with USB ports or smartphones without extra gear. This XLR connection also means it relies on external preamps for power and gain, which can add to your setup complexity and cost. The frequency response is optimized for vocals, so your voice sounds natural and detailed, while the sensitivity (38 dB) and impedance are balanced to work smoothly with most professional audio equipment.

It’s built tough with an all-metal body and comes with a mic stand adapter, fitting easily into existing setups. While it doesn’t have USB connectivity or built-in headphone monitoring like some USB mics, the MV7X excels where sound quality and durability matter most. This mic suits podcasters, singers, or streamers who already have (or plan to get) an audio interface and want clear, focused vocal recordings on a budget.