5 best condenser microphones to buy [Cyber Monday]

In an era where having your voice heard is far easier than before, having the right tools can make you stand apart. In this case, the right tools literally refer to having proper hardware at your disposal.

Regardless of whether you are making a podcast, or recording a YouTube video, you will need some really good microphones. Here’s a quick preview of our favorite picks:

• Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ – Best for home use
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone – Best for hassle-free installation
• Audio-Technica AT2020 – Best for studio use
• Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm – Best for limited budgets
• HyperX QuadCast – USB – Best for gaming

Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.

What is the best cheap condenser microphone?

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ – Best for home use

• Condenser microphone with USB output
• High quality A/D converter with 16 bit
• Headphone jack
• Mix control

• Only cardioid polar pattern

Check price

The Audio Technica AT2020USB+ is a plug-and-play. Once plugged into the USB port, the PC will find it and with a couple of mouse clicks, you are ready to record.

This microphone was designed for home studio or office use. It is ideal for live-streaming or home-recording work. 

Blue Yeti USB Microphone – Best for hassle-free installation

• Tri-capsule array
• Multiple pattern selection – cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo
• Signal to noise: 100dB
• Zero-latency headphone output

• The product has a knack for breaking after about a year

Check price

The BLUE Yeti Silver Edition is probably the most popular condenser microphone on Amazon, and this is entirely justified, as it offers the best value for your money.

Thanks to the fact that you can simply plug it in using USB ports, and because it has no drivers to install, Yeti is the most versatile USB mic available today.

Audio-Technica AT2020 – Best for studio use

• The noise level is 20 db SPL
• Ideal for project or home studio applications
• Output connector:integral 3 pin XLRM type
• The price and performance ratio is top-notch

• XLR cable doesn't suit

Check price

The Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 is a condenser microphone that is in a league of its own. It is designed for loud/challenging exterior environments like film and broadcast.

This makes its usage rather niched, but when those precise occasions come, you couldn’t ask for a better product.

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm – Best for limited budgets

• Large diaphragm 1 inch gold-sputtered capsule
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Ultra low noise, self noise of only 5dB
• Includes RØDE SM6 shock mount, pop filter and dust cover

• Packages may not include all accessories

Check price

The Rode NT1-A is a microphone that is indeed very good for the money you will have to pay, but the real winner with this entry is the assortment of accessories that you receive along with the mic itself.

These include a studio-grade pop shield and shock mount is included, along with a 20′ microphone cable, dust cover, and an instructional video.

HyperX QuadCast – USB – Best for gaming

• Anti-vibration shock mount
• Tap to mute sensor
• Convenient gain control adjustment
• Multi device and chat program compatibility

• The LED is not RGB and can't be disabled

Check price

The HyperX QuadCast is probably the niched product on our list, seeing that it is a microphone specially dedicated to gaming.

However, what it lacks in versatility more than makes up for in how well it gets the job done.

If you’re a vlogger, YouTube influencer, or just your amateur singer doing covers, then you probably want the best sound equipment that is both good and affordable.

While Amazon may be full of other condenser microphones, the ones listed by us are the ones that we think strike the perfect balance between price, and performance, and that can be used in a wide variety of scenarios.