---
title: 'Best BUDGET Microphones For Podcasting | Best Microphones Under $100'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=i9zzT3INXCc'
video_id: 'i9zzT3INXCc'
date: 2026-07-28
duration_sec: 222
---

# Best BUDGET Microphones For Podcasting | Best Microphones Under $100

> Source: [Best BUDGET Microphones For Podcasting | Best Microphones Under $100](https://youtube.com/watch?v=i9zzT3INXCc)

## Summary

This video compares five budget podcast microphones under $100, testing their sound quality, design, and features. The creator narrows down the options to two top recommendations for 2025.

### Key Points

- **Sound test comparison** [00:00] — Five microphones are tested: Elgato Wave DX, Rode PodMic, Audio-Technica AT2040, Maono PD300X, and FIFINE K688, all set 2-3 inches from the mouth.
- **Elgato Wave DX review** [01:36] — Priced at $70, has a solid metal build and clean design, but sound quality is okay and lacks features compared to others.
- **Audio-Technica AT2040 and Rode PodMic** [02:04] — AT2040 at $99 offers better build and sound than Elgato. Rode PodMic is the most popular XLR option under $100, with better looks, build, and fuller sound.
- **FIFINE K688 vs Maono PD300X** [02:38] — Both offer USB and XLR. K688 sells 2000+ units/month at $70, but PD300X has better build quality and sound after software tweaks.
- **Top recommendations** [03:21] — For XLR only, Rode PodMic is a no-brainer. For USB and XLR, Maono PD300X is the best under $100.

### Conclusion

For a budget podcast setup in 2025, the Rode PodMic is the best XLR-only choice, while the Maono PD300X excels for those needing both USB and XLR connectivity.

## Transcript

this is me testing and comparing podcast
microphones under $100 I've spent the
last 2 weeks hunting down the five
bestselling models compared their design
features and build quality side by side
but in all honesty I would only consider
these
[Music]
two so in 2025 starting a podcast has
become even more popular than before and
whether the are a beginner or looking to
upgrade the gear you already have these
five budget podcast microphones are the
ones I would have a look at to kick
things off let's jump straight into a
sound test comparison starting off with
the Elgato wave DX I have this
microphone set up around 3 in from my
mouth and this is what this microphone
sounds like moving on to the road pod
mic I currently have this microphone set
up around 3 in from my mouth and this is
what this microphone sounds like next we
have the Audio Technica at 2040 set up
and ready to go I have the capsule
around 2 to 3 in from my mouth and this
is what this microphone sounds like I
now have the mayona PD 300X set up and
ready to go with the capsule around 3 in
from my mouth and this is what this
microphone sounds like finally I have
the fine K 688 microphone set up and
ready to go I have the capsule about 3
in from my mouth and this is what this
microphone sounds like now having a
listen to that sound test comparison all
five of these microphones sound really
good but before we decide on which
sounds best there's still a lot more
details we need to consider the algado
wave DX is highly rated on Amazon at the
budget $70 price tag it offers a solid
metal build the design is clean and
compact but compared to some of these
other models the sound quality is okay
and overall it actually lacks quite a
few features in some instances the same
can be said for the at 2040 and the Pod
mic at $99 the Audio Technica at 2040
offers a similar feel to the Elgato but
in terms of build quality and sound
quality it's a step up for me regarding
the Pod mic this microphone is by far
the most popular XLR option under $100
on Amazon I think the fact that this
microphone looks better than the other
two offers a rock sof build and
ultimately offers a fuller better
balanced sound it's clear why this pod
mic can be spotted in many setups now
the fine fine K 688 and Mayo pd300 X is
actually quite an interesting comparison
offering both a USB and XLR option and
at $70 there is a reason over 2,000 K
688 microphones are sold each month but
meono recently released the similar
looking pd300 X and in terms of weight
and build quality it's definitely a step
up from the K 688 I mean the F fine is
at a great price point but once you have
the Mayo running through its software
and you've tweaked a few settings it
just sounds so much better than the fine
even just the podcasting setting in the
software is a big step up now I think
it's pretty clear which two microphones
I would consider for a budget podcast
setup in 2025 if you're looking for an
XLR option only the Pod mic is a Nob
brainer and if you're looking for both
USB and XLR options the PD 300X is as
good as it's going to get under $100