Author: In today's rating of inexpensive microphones the best models under $ 100 will be considered. Excellent sound quality at an adequate cost. Not cheap, but not space money either.
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Rating of the best inexpensive microphones of 2021 (TOP-10)
| № | Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Samson C01U PRO | Best budget microphone under $ 100 | 100$ |
| 2. | BOYA BY-M1 | Chinese lavalier microphone from Aliexpress | 20$ |
| 3. | Sennheiser E 835-S | Best karaoke microphone with quality sound, professional model | 90$ |
| 4. | AKG WMS40 Mini Single Vocal Set | The best wireless microphone for public speaking, stage and singing | 100$ |
| 5. | Maono AU-410 | Portable External USB Lavalier Microphone | 40$ |
| 6. | Saramonic SmartMic | Small and inexpensive microphone for your phone | 25$ |
| 7. | Shure SV100-A | A good microphone for karaoke on PC from Shure | 45$ |
| 8. | Maono AU-A04 | Inexpensive USB Electret Microphone for Computer | 70$ |
| 9. | SVEN MK-170 | Cheapest wired lavalier microphone for computer and smartphone | 4$ |
| 10. | BEHRINGER C-1U | Nice cheap digital USB microphone | 50$ |
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Best Budget Microphones Under $ 100
10. BEHRINGER C-1U
Budget digital USB microphone, one of the best under $ 50.
Opens our TOP of the best budget microphones BEHRINGER C-1U ($ 50) - Cheap USB microphone with good value for money. The microphone writes a voice with dignity, does not require a sound card, and can boast of reliability. The only disadvantage is that there is no stand in the kit.
Main characteristics
- Type: capacitor
- Construction: stationary
- Purpose: universal
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Max. sound pressure: 136 dB
- Impedance: 100 Ohm
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Connector: USB
- Power supply: via USB
- Body material: metal
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 54x169x54 mm
- Weight: 450 g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Pole mount (with adapter)
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound. Best for speech rather than vocals.
- Design. Stylish and interesting.
- Build quality and reliability. The microphone is durable, made of metal. It will obviously last more than a year.
- Value for money.
- Sound volume. The microphone can be quiet.
- Can catch PC noises.
Read also: Best headphones under $ 100
9. SVEN MK-170
The cheapest wired lavalier microphone for computer and smartphone.
The next place in the ranking of the best inexpensive microphones is occupied by the cheapest model in the TOP - SVEN MK-170 ($ 4) - lavalier microphone for voice recording on a PC or smartphone via an adapter. When recording voice and video on a smartphone, the sound quality will be better than through the built-in one.
The sound, of course, leaves a lot to be desired when compared to other lavalier microphones. But on the other hand, look at its price. You will not find cheaper. If you need a microphone “here and now” and need a cheaper one, then SVEN MK-170 is definitely your choice.
Main characteristics
- Microphone: lavalier
- Type: electret
- Directional Pattern: Circular
- Frequency response: 50 Hz - 16,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -58dB
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm (TRS)
- Cable length: 1.8m
- Body material: plastic
- Weight: 16g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Clip
- Wind protection
- Documentation
Video review
- Value for money. Worth its $ 4.
- Long cable.
- Suitable for both PC and smartphone.
- Quite noisy.
- Build quality. The clip or plug may break immediately.
8. Maono AU-A04
High quality, inexpensive electret USB microphone for your computer.
TOP-8 rating of the best microphones under $ 100 takes Maono AU-A04 ($ 70) - A quality, budget-friendly electret USB microphone for PC, most likely the best mic under $ 70.
The microphone has an excellent set, stylish design, reasonable price and good sound quality.Maono AU-A04 is perfect for letsplay or streaming (and if you are looking for headphones for the same purpose, then be sure to read our TOP of the best headphones for streaming).
Main characteristics
- Operating principle: electret
- Microphone directivity: unidirectional
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Sensitivity: -38dB
- Frequency response: 30 - 16000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 70dB
- Sound pressure: 120 dB
- ADC sampling rate: 192 kHz
- ADC capacity: 24 bit
- Connection connector: USB
- Cable length: 2.5m
- Body material: metal
- Weight: 205g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Pop filter
- Wind protection
- Vibration protection "spider"
- Pantograph with mount
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound quality.
- A good combination of price and quality.
- Rich kit. Pantograph, remote pop filter, windscreen, spider, USB cable.
- Good build quality.
- Design.
- Sound volume. The microphone is quiet (requires software amplification).
- Catches a lot of noise.
- There is no direct monitoring and regulators.
7. Shure SV100-A
High-quality original microphone for karaoke on a computer at a low cost.
Seventh place in the ranking of the best inexpensive microphones under $ 100 gets Shure SV100-A ($ 45) - high-quality original microphone for karaoke on the computer. Good sound quality for a modest price. Voice transmission at the highest level. Separately, I am pleased with the presence of a long cable in the kit and an on / off switch on the case.
You can sing karaoke on your computer with this microphone, but you may need a quality sound card (ideally) and / or a preamp.
Main characteristics
- Type: dynamic
- Construction: manual
- Purpose: for vocals
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 50-15.000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -52 dBV / Pa at 1kHz, 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
- Impedance: 600 Ohm
- SPL: 94dB
- Connector: XLR
- Weight: 244g
Equipment
- Microphone
- XLR cable - 6.3 mm (4.5 m)
- Pole mount holder
- Carrying bag
- Documentation
Video review
- High quality sound. Voice transmission is natural, the sensitivity is high, it catches little noise.
- Value for money.
- Rich kit.
- Off button.
- Demanding for a good sound card.
- Catching too much noise.
6. Saramonic SmartMic
Compact inexpensive microphone for phone from Aliexpress.
The sixth place in the ranking of the most budgetary microphones goes to the small microphone for a phone with a 3.5 mm mini-jack connection - Saramonic SmartMic ($ 25). The microphone works great on both iPhone and Android. You just need to install an application that allows you to record sound from an external microphone. The model is compact: there are no wires, only the plug and the microphone itself, which can be rotated 180 degrees.
This little microphone is for a phone from Aliexpress. It picks up less noise than built-in microphones and accentuates the voice better.
Read also: Best headphones from Aliexpress
Main characteristics
- Operating principle: electret
- Microphone directivity: omnidirectional
- Frequency response: 35 - 18000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 74dB
- Connection connector: mini-jack 3.5 mm TRRS
- Weight: 21g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Wind protection
- Documentation
Video review
- Value for money. Good sound for the money. A great option for those who are not satisfied with the built-in microphone.
- Noise suppression.
- Compact dimensions and swivel mechanism.
- Sound features. Best used in a quiet environment and close to the sound source.
- Wind protection. It is made from cheap materials and deteriorates very easily.
5. Maono AU-410
Portable external lavalier microphone with USB connection.
Mid-Range Best Low-Cost Microphone Ranking Behind Portable External USB Lavalier Microphone - Maono AU-410 ($ 40). The microphone is designed to work in combination with a laptop or PC, perfect for communication, conferences and similar conversational events. The Maono AU-410 is remembered for its good sound quality, inexpensive cost and error-free operation in most talking and recording applications.
If you are looking for a small USB lavalier microphone at a reasonable price, then the Maono AU-410 is definitely a great choice.
Read also: TOP of the best headphones for computer
Main characteristics
- Microphone: lavalier
- Operating principle: electret
- Microphone directivity: omnidirectional
- Frequency response: 30 - 18000 Hz
- Signal to noise ratio: 74dB
- Sensitivity: -30dB
- ADC capacity: 24 bit
- ADC sampling rate: 96 kHz
- Connection connector: USB
- Cable length: 2m
- Body material: plastic
Equipment
- Microphone
- Clip
- Wind protection
- Case
- Documentation
Video review
- Excellent value for money and sound quality. The microphone fully and naturally writes a voice, not noisy, the sensitivity is acceptable.
- Stable work.
- Clip quality.
- Catches ambient noise.
- The wire. Poor quality and spoils easily.
4. AKG WMS40 Mini Single Vocal Set
Best Wireless Microphone Under $ 100 for Public Speaking and Stage.
AKG WMS40 Mini Single Vocal Set ($ 100) - Best Wireless Microphone for Public Speaking, Stage and Singing Under $ 100. The microphone stands out for its stable performance, high-quality voice transmission, ease of use and an affordable price. Also, the microphone can work up to 30 hours on one AA battery.
Main characteristics
- Audio frequency range: 40Hz - 20,000Hz
- Modulation Mode: FM
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 110 dB-A
- Distortion (THD): 0.8%
- RF signal power: 10mW
- Operating range: up to 20 m
- Batteries (1 pc): alkaline LR6 AA
- Working time: up to 30 hours
- Body material: plastic
- Black color
- Dimensions: 230mm x 51mm
- Weight: 195 gr
- Receiver AKG SR40 mini
- Audio frequency range: 40 to 20,000 Hz
- THD at 1 kHz: <0.8%
- Signal to noise ratio: 110 dB-A
- Working temperature: -10 to 55 С
- Radio sensitivity: -100 dBm
- Recommended number of simultaneously operating stations: 3
- Range (line of sight): 20 m
- Encryption: no
- Modulation: FM
- Power On Noise Cancellation: No
- Audio outputs: balanced jack (6,3mm)
- Power supply: 12V
Equipment
- Microphone transmitter
- Receiver base
- Power adapter (with multiple outlets)
- 1 AA battery
- Documentation
Video review
- Good sound quality.
- Excellent value for money and quality.
- Autonomy up to 30 hours on 1 battery.
- Stable work.
- Simple controls.
- Long enough range of work.
- Noises in the hand.
- There is no indicator of the remaining charge.
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3. Sennheiser E 835-S
Good budget karaoke microphone with quality sound.
TOP-3 ratings of the best microphones under $ 100 is occupied by the well-known Sennheiser E 835-S ($ 90) - Best Budget Karaoke Microphone with Quality Sound. This karaoke microphone is considered a professional model, it can also be connected to the phone via an adapter. But to unlock its full potential will help to have a good sound card. In this case, the voice is transmitted in a very natural and balanced way.
Another feature of the Sennheiser E 835-S is that it picks up a minimum of ambient sounds. The cardioid polar pattern and some other technical features of this inexpensive karaoke microphone do the trick.
The Sennheiser E 835-S is suitable even for performances - it will transmit only what is needed, even if it is noisy around.
Main characteristics
- Type: manual, vocal
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 40 - 16,000 Hz
- Microphone type: dynamic
- Sensitivity: 2.7 mV / Pa
- Nominal impedance: 350 Ohm
- Minimum load impedance: 1000 Ohm
- Size 48 x 180 mm
- Weight 330 g
Equipment
- Microphone
- Stand holder
- Case
- Documentation
Video review
- High quality sound. Natural full-fledged voice transmission, without distortion.
- Versatility. The microphone is designed for karaoke, but it also works great for both phone and PC or laptop.
- Price.
- Good noise rejection.
- Power button.
- Big switch. With the microphone in hand, there is a chance to accidentally turn it off.
2. BOYA BY-M1
Best lavalier microphone under $ 20.
Best Low Cost Microphone Silver Goes to Best Lavalier Microphone From Aliexpress - BOYA BY-M1 ($ 20). The Chinese microphone has the best value for money. For that kind of money, you will definitely not find a worthy competitor. The microphone records sound at the level of models two or three times more expensive, you can buy it on Aliexpress, and the bundle pleases for such a price.
Main characteristics
- Purpose: for podcasts / radio / television, for computer
- Construction: lavalier (clip)
- Type: capacitor
- Directional Pattern: Circular
- Frequency Response: 65Hz - 18,000Hz
- Impedance: 1000 Ohm
- Sensitivity: -30dB
- Signal to noise ratio: 74dB
- Power supply: LR44 cells (1 pc.)
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
- Cable length: 6m
- Body material: plastic
Equipment
- Microphone
- Pop filter
- Clip
- 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter
- 1 battery
- Case
- Documentation
Video review
- The best combination of price and sound quality.
- Equipment.
- Versatility. The microphone does not require any special software to operate. Can be connected to absolutely any device. And \ or write in any suitable program.
- Price.
- Long cable.
- There may be problems connecting to a PC.
1. Samson C01U PRO
The best budget microphone of 2021.
Best Budget Microphone of 2021 - Samson C01U PRO ($ 100) - All-in-one quality portable USB microphone for laptop, best in the rating. Despite the fact that this computer microphone is the easiest to find and buy on Aliexpress, the model is reliable and will last for more than one year. From the useful - there is the ability to connect headphones for direct monitoring
This microphone is quite suitable, for example, for voice acting video. He writes his voice well. And many musical instruments too. At least for its price level.
Read also: Rating of the best monitor headphones
Main characteristics
- Studio condenser microphone
- Diaphragm diameter: 19mm
- Diaphragm thickness: 3 microns
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 18,000 Hz
- Resolution: 16 bit
- Frequency: 44.1 / 48 kHz
- Sensitivity: minimum -40 dB FS / Pa
- Sensitivity: maximum -4 dB FS / Pa
- Maximum sound pressure SPL: 130 dB
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dimensions: 180mm x 54mm x 54mm
- Weight: 0.48kg
Equipment
- Microphone
- Tripod stand
- Mount adapter
- USB cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound quality. Best of the best microphones under $ 100.
- Versatility in application. In the PRO version, you can connect headphones to the microphone, which is very convenient.
- Compatibility. Compatible with Mac, Windows and even iPad.
- Set.
- Durability and reliability.
- Working with Windows 10. For some owners, the microphone in this OS writes too quietly. There are also reports of strong background noise.
- Housing. The case is rubbing and this is clearly a minus.
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The best budget microphones are not budget ones, either for a hundred dollars or for 5 dollars, the difference is palpable !!! take Sven for $ 4 and you won't know the trouble) !!
Respect to the author for the material