After over a decade in the music game, I’ve probably tried every kind of vocal mic you can think of, and a lot of budget microphones at the beginning of this journey. Whether for studio work, live performances, or even DIY setups in friends’ basements. Each one of those setups came with its own quirks, and I’ll tell you, finding the “right” mic can be a bit of a hunt.

You’ve got to think about the type, the tonal qualities, the noise levels, sensitivity, and, of course, your budget.

Of course, finding a mic that balances all that, and doesn’t break the bank, isn’t easy. That’s exactly why I’ve pulled together this list of the top 10 budget-friendly vocal mics. So, if you’re looking for quality sound without clearing out your wallet, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it!

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1. Audio-Technica AT2020

Let’s kick things off with a classic: the Audio-Technica AT2020. This mic has been one of my go-to’s for years, and it’s often one of the first I recommend for those on a budget who still want solid sound quality. If you’re after a mic that gives you a smooth, open tone, the AT2020 is definitely worth checking out.

One of its best qualities is how it captures room ambiance. If you’re recording at home in a space with some natural reverb, this mic picks it up beautifully without turning things into mud. The warmth it brings in the lower-mids is seriously impressive. You get that full, rich sound that’s ideal for vocals, especially on chestier male vocals.

The AT2020 also has just the right touch of high-end “air” to make your voice sound open and clear without getting harsh or sibilant. You know how some mics make super harsh “s” sounds cut through too sharply? This one won’t do that. 

However, the one downside is that it doesn’t come with a shock mount. So if you’re planning to use it in a home studio, you might want to grab one separately to cut down on any handling noise.

For the price, though, this mic’s hard to beat. If you’re after warmth and a natural vibe, the AT2020 is definitely worth a listen.

2. Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 might be one of the most legendary mics on the market. The best part is that it’s also built like a tank. Seriously, you could drop this mic from your second story balcony (don’t try this at home), and it would probably keep on working. That’s because it’s a dynamic mic, which generally means it’s less sensitive to rough handling compared to delicate condensers. So, if you’re clumsy or just rough on your gear, the SM58’s got you covered.

Now, beyond being durable, it’s a solid performer, too. The SM58 has a wide frequency response that’s great for capturing vocals with quality and clarity. It’s especially good for voices that need a little extra life, as it has a small boost around 4kHz, which can add some shine to duller tones, plus a slight cut around 7kHz to help keep those “s” sounds in check. 

In a studio, though, you’ll want a pop filter with it, as the SM58 can pick up a lot of extra plosives.

It’s a fantastic all-around mic, whether you’re recording in a controlled environment or performing live. The SM58 just gets the job done, and does it well.

3. MXL 990

If you’re looking for a mic that brings out every little detail in a vocal take, the MXL 990 is definitely one to consider. It’s a large diaphragm condenser mic, which makes it especially great for capturing vocals in a way that feels full and rich. Condenser mics like this one are known for their sensitivity and ability to pick up subtle nuances, and the MXL 990 delivers on that front, all without the hefty price tag.

One of the best qualities of this mic is how musical it sounds. There’s a natural smoothness to it that doesn’t feel overly “hyped” or harsh, so it flatters most voices really well. You could say it has that balanced sound that makes vocals sit nicely in a mix without too much fuss in post-production. For what you’re paying, the MXL 990 is hard to beat.

However, like some other budget mics, it doesn’t come with a shock mount, which would help cut down on vibrations and handling noise. So if you’re planning to use it in a home studio, a shock mount might be a worthy add-on.

If you’re after a mic that feels warm and musical without stretching your budget, the MXL 990 could be your new best friend.

4. Shure MV7

The Shure MV7 is a bit of a modern marvel for anyone who wants both flexibility and pro-level quality in their recordings. This cardioid dynamic mic has something special up its sleeve, offering both USB and XLR outputs, so you can go straight into your computer for a quick, easy setup or connect to an audio interface for more advanced studio work. This versatility makes it a perfect pick for either musicians, content creators, or both.

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One big perk with the MV7 is the bundled MOTIV app. With this app, you can tweak settings directly from your phone or computer, so you’re in total control of how your voice sounds. Plus, it has an auto-level feature that’s incredibly handy. Whether you’re close up or a little farther back, it adjusts the gain on the fly to keep your levels consistent. That’s a huge plus for vocal recording and podcasting when you don’t have to worry about clipping on the way in.

And, like a lot of Shure mics, this one’s built to last. The MV7 feels rock solid, and it’s the kind of mic you can count on to stay in your setup for years to come. So if you’re after a mic that’s flexible, durable, and high-quality, the MV7 is a solid choice.

5. AKG P120

If you’re looking for a mic that’s a real “jack of all trades” and won’t drain your wallet, the AKG P120 is a strong contender. This mic is incredibly versatile and can handle both vocals and instruments with ease, which makes it a great pick if you’re building out a home studio on a budget and need something that can do a little bit of everything.

The AKG name alone carries some weight in the pro audio world, and with good reason. They’ve been turning out quality gear for years. The P120 lives up to that reputation with a clear, balanced sound that doesn’t overhype any part of the frequency range. Whether you’re tracking vocals, guitar, or even some light percussion, the P120 has a way of capturing the true character of the sound without too much coloration.

Construction-wise, it’s a solid build for the price. It doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap, which is always a plus. If you’re looking to get a lot of versatility out of one mic and keep things affordable, the AKG P120 is a tough one to beat.

6. SE Electronics SE X1R

If you’re after that warm, vintage vocal vibe, a ribbon mic like the SE Electronics SE X1R might just be the ticket. Ribbon mics have a long history in recording, especially for vocals, because they capture sound with a smooth, natural warmth that many other mic types can’t quite match. The SE X1R gives you all that ribbon charm but without the typical price tag. This one’s actually affordable, especially for a ribbon mic.

Now, ribbon mics aren’t everyone’s first choice if you’re going for a super bright, modern sound. They naturally have a bit more of a “rolled-off” high end, which means they don’t always provide that sparkle you’d want for, say, a pop track. But for styles where you want a more relaxed, classic tone, this mic is spot-on. Think jazz, blues, folk, or genres where a little vintage character goes a long way.

And while it’s priced low for a ribbon mic, it still has a sturdy build and feels like it’s built to last.

7. Rode NT1

The Rode NT1 is another mic that’s earned its place in countless studios. As one of the most popular condensers out there, it offers high-quality sound without sending your budget into a tailspin. This mic strikes an impressive balance between affordability and professional-grade audio, providing a crisp, modern sound that really lets vocals shine.

If you’re recording vocals that need to be clear, detailed, and pop in a mix, the NT1 is up for the task. However, that doesn’t mean it’s just a one-trick pony. It also works beautifully on acoustic guitars, capturing their warmth and natural resonance beautifully.

Rode offers the NT1 in a bundle that includes a pop filter and an XLR cable, which is a sweet deal if you’re building your setup from scratch. All in all, the NT1 gives you a polished, versatile sound that’s hard to get in this price range.

8. MXL V67G FET

The MXL V67G FET is a mic that doesn’t just sound great, it looks great, too. With its striking gold and green design, it’s a luxurious look in any studio setup, adding a bit of personality along with quality sound. Of course, it’s not just a pretty face. This mic is packed with features that make it a real contender for budget-conscious vocalists and musicians.

Equipped with a solid-state preamp and a balanced transformer output, the V67G FET delivers a smooth, full sound that captures subtle nuances beautifully. Thanks to its cardioid pickup pattern, it does a great job focusing on the sound in front while minimizing background noise, making it ideal for recording vocals in untreated spaces. This mic is also sensitive enough to pick up the little textures in a performance without overwhelming it.

It also comes with the MXL-57 isolation shock mount, which is a nice bonus that helps keep handling noise and vibrations at bay. For the price, the V67G FET offers impressive sound quality and reliability, especially if you’re after a mic that’s both functional and stylish. 

9. Blue Microphone Bluebird SL

One of the first mics I ever picked up was from Blue, and I’ve been a fan ever since. 

Their mics deliver iconic sound quality, and the Bluebird SL is no exception. Built with a custom blue condenser capsule, it’s known for its clear, modern tone that really brings out the details in the vocals. It’s an ideal mic if you’re looking for that polished, professional edge in your recordings.

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The Bluebird SL also comes with some thoughtful features that add a lot of flexibility. It’s got an onboard high-pass filter, which is a nice touch for cutting out low-frequency noise. There’s also a -20 dB pad, which means you can record louder sound sources without worrying about clipping or distortion. 

And with its precise cardioid pickup pattern, it stays focused on your vocals, keeping background noise to a minimum.

Compact and easy to transport, the Bluebird SL is a great choice for anyone who needs a versatile, high-quality mic.

10. Lewitt LCT 240 PRO

Lastly, we have the Lewitt LCT 240 PRO is one of those mics that just feels ready for anything you throw at it. It’s a large diaphragm condenser mic, which is fantastic if you’re looking to capture detailed, high-quality vocals. This mic has a reputation as a true workhorse, and is perfect for tracking in the studio or for use during live indoor performances.

One of the best features of the LCT 240 PRO is its ability to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) of up to 142 dB, which means it won’t flinch with louder sources. But what’s cool is that it doesn’t sacrifice sensitivity to get there. This mic is just as adept at picking up the subtle nuances in softer vocals or acoustic instruments.

Lewitt also includes some nice extras with this model, including a mic mount, a windscreen, and a cushioned mic bag for easy storage or travel. All in all, if you’re looking for a reliable, great-sounding mic, the LCT 240 PRO is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it. 10 budget-friendly mics that won’t break the bank. Remember, the “right” mic doesn’t have to be an expensive one. It’s just the one that captures your voice the way you want it heard.

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My favorite tools for mixing pop and hip-hop music:

Plugins

In the field of auto-tune, I’m convinced that nothing’s better and more efficient than Antares Auto-Tune Pro. As for the EQ’s, FabFilter Pro-Q3 and Slate Digital Infinity EQ are, in my opinion, the best tools. For compression, I have 2 favorites plugins: Waves RComp and UAD EL8 Distressor.

As for reverb, I’m a big fan of the Soundtoys Little Plate, but generally, I go for the Valhalla VintageVerb for its versatility. I also love the Arturia Rev PLATE-140 and the UAD Pure Plate for its organic side.

Headphones

The closed headphones I love and will always love using for mixing pop and hip-hop music are the Beyerdynamic DT-770. As for the best open-back headphones, I use the Sennheiser HD600 headphones, and I’m really happy of them!

Monitors

Having a pair of Yamaha HS7 in its studio or home studio is always cool for more excitement while listening to your mixes. The Adam Audio T7V monitors are also super accurate. In my studio, I also have a pair of Genelec 8030 for their reliability.

Hardware gear

For anyone who wants to start using hardware in their mixes, I always recommend these 2 units from Klark Teknik: the EQP-KT and the 76-KT. Don’t forget to use good converters, such as the Apollo interfaces. This is essential for a good rendering.