25 of the best affordable microphones
![On the money](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/098be5e0019f4a84366dece6111d3c44-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Samson Concert 88 Handheld](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/646ad0ee9df0603cd58969271c4c556c-320-80.jpg)
Samson Concert 88 Handheld
Type: Dynamic
Pattern: Cardioid
An inexpensive way to get the wireless vocal microphone job done but with some tonal limitations.
3 out of 5
Read the Samson Concert 88 Handheld review
BUY: Samson Concert 88 Handheld currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![sE Electronics Magneto](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/081f6116814008d2ca44a895b6564d92-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the sE Electronics Magneto review
BUY: sE Electronics Magneto currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![AKG D40](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ff8f4f824c12ba2c4703eb9ddc6e00b9-320-80.jpg)
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
BUY: AKG D40 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass
![sE Electronics X1D](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7728ad48bb7abf747bd81ef4ab9c1fa5-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the sE Electronics X1D review
BUY: sE Electronics X1D currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![Shure MOTIV MV5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/74aff92c7f3b75a1d1f6aecfc9041505-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Shure MOTIV MV5 review
BUY: Shure MOTIV MV5 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![JZ Microphones GTR1](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ae819c4e4988c39693f8421029cfef61-320-80.jpg)
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
![Shure PG Alta 98D and 181](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/920fe5dcf699a56850cf38615a13bd6b-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Shure PG Alta 98D and 181 review
BUY: Shure PG Alta 98D and 181 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
![AKG D 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bd930cb782405ed4b3c9d4ec80cdebc3-320-80.jpg)
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
BUY: AKG D 5 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![Røde M3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/80fad45c6df47f46d1d57439c2260e69-320-80.jpg)
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
BUY: Røde M3 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![Shure SM58](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e120a0af3cdadc025b4e7e2c6598d53c-320-80.jpg)
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.
BUY: Shure SM58 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![Blue Microphones Nessie](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d9007a871c177e9ae4d7d9947b845d08-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Blue Microphones Nessie review
BUY: Blue Microphones Nessie currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![Audio Technica AT2020 USB](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d082002fa7921808b892f18a4a436540-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Audio Technica AT2020 USB review
BUY: Audio Technica AT2020 USB currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![Rode NT-USB](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/13544275f3743091968f7ca188eba4c9-320-80.jpg)
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
BUY: Rode NT-USB currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![AKG D112 MkII](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4d3cf66b13d43f89f318f6e9252c97fb-320-80.jpg)
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
BUY: AKG D112 MKII currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![JZ Mics HH1](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/1ef1b274ab2c7d31e44df03bcf4ec53d-320-80.jpg)
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
BUY: JZ HH1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
![Neat Worker Bee](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/985afcd7f339a033f07afdf6e1db5d07-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Neat Worker Bee review
BUY: Neat Worker Bee currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater
![Neat Bumblebee](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/234799f0f0ecf7dcd8ed85ac6467692b-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Neat Bumblebee review
BUY: Neat Bumblebee currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater
![Shure MOTIV MV51](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/affb6bd45c39a6ad1dac30789db369ca-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Shure MOTIV MV51 review
BUY: Shure MOTIV MV51 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a17b609fff087a2b21b3c3401394c285-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio review
BUY: IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
![Blue Microphones Spark Digital](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/0da2fdaebe123a433564e35aa432dddb-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Blue Microphones Spark Digital review
BUY: Blue Microphones Spark Digital currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
![AKG C1000 S](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/958a21faeb98c8ad2e97bec248cd0932-320-80.jpg)
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
BUY: AKG C1000 S currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![sE Electronics X1T](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9313800c56f20f29c2214c4ae308828d-320-80.jpg)
sE Electronics X1T
Type: Valve condenser
Polar pattern: Cardioid
The X1T features the same handcrafted, gold-sputtered capsule as the original X1, but pairs it with analogue valve circuitry, courtesy of a switchable voltage power supply. The sound is airy and the bright character excels when recording acoustic guitars.
4 out of 5
Read the sE Electronics X1T review
BUY: sE Electronics X1T currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![sE Electronics X1 USB](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6b73dcac719424d1f31e8753682610a6-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the sE Electronics X1 USB review
BUY: sE Electronics X1 USB currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
![AKG C5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c216e2b36f89c98dbb8f5d5878efb49e-320-80.jpg)
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
BUY: AKG C5 Mic currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
![Aston Mics Origin](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bfb30c803de1fb6542559f66110d9db7-320-80.jpg)
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
Read the Aston Mics Origin review
BUY: Aston Mics Origin currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music