You’re on a budget, I get it. You’ve also happened to drop your $200 condenser mic in the toilette while mirror singing to make sure you didn’t look weird. Never fear. Luckily for you, there is now a handful of options that will let you prepare for your mom’s karaoke showdown next Friday. While they may fall short of unleashing your inner Adele, they’ll be your everyday workhorse you can pass down to your grandchildren. In this article, we’re on a mission to provide you with the best vocal mic under $50. If you are interested in using this mic to record your YouTube videos, we’ve also reviewed the best mics for YouTube.
These days, there are available options for both condenser and dynamic microphones. The one immediate upside is simplicity. Less electronics, less moving parts, less diving for your $300 mic as it plummets to the floor. These mics are built to be durable. They’ll also typically be unidirectional. Meaning you can stop throwing steaks over the fence for the neighbours dog before you hit record. We’ll first lay out a few considerations and then get right to our favourites. Be careful: although they are on the lower end, there still is a range of quality. Sit back, relax, and let us lay out the best vocal mics under $50.
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BEST
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Product |
Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 |
Floureon BM-800 |
Shure PGA48 |
Pyle-Pro PDMIC58 |
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Features |
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Considerations When Selecting Your Under $50 Mic
While not the best option for high quality studio recording, they can make good options for background vocals or secondary instruments. They will be perfect if you are looking for an inexpensive MC or onstage presenting mic. Because they’re durable, they make great travelling mics. If nothing else, they’ll make an inexpensive spare mic for your setup. Here’s what you need to know:
- Condenser vs DynamicIf you are primarily going to be using it for onstage vocals then a dynamic mic will be the way to go. Dynamic mics tend to be much more rugged. They’re especially resistant to moisture and other forms of abuse. They also are very unidirectional, making them resistant to unwanted feedback. If you are looking to record vocals at home, you’ll be looking at a condenser mic. Condenser mics have a lightweight diaphragm, making them very sensitive, but also able to record in high fidelity.
- FeaturesTake a quick look at which polar pattern your mic comes with. Look for a uni-directional, or cardioid polar pattern to cut out any off-axis noise. Does your mic come with a shock mount (internal or external). What about a pop filter? Does it have an on/off switch? These are all considerations to make when determining mic quality.
- Power Source At this price range, most of the mics will be connected via XLR. Condenser mics will have trouble drawing enough power off of a mobile phone or tablet. You’ll need to either use them with a desktop computer, or a plugged in laptop. You can also purchase a 48V Phantom power supply for around $20. It’s important your condenser mic draws enough power to run the internal electronics or your sound quality will suffer.
48V Phantom Power Supply- OutputsThe mic will either have a XLR – 1/4″ male phone plug, XLR-XLR, or a XLR to 3.5mm jack. If you are planning on recording to your computer, you can easily pick up an XLR-USB cable.
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XLR-USB |
XLR-XLR |
XLR-1/4” |
XLR-3.5mm |
Our Suggestions For The Best Vocal Mic Under $50
Here they are. Our selection of the best vocal mic under $50. Three of the four are dynamic mics. They will be great for onstage vocals. The fourth is a condenser mic. Great for at home vocal recording. We’ve given each a rating based upon the balance of price, quality, and features.
Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500
94%Rating 
FEATURES:
- Dynamic microphone
- Cardioid polar pattern with excellent feedback suppression. Great for onstage!
- Internal shock mount to reduce handling noise
- Two stage pop filter
- Durable metal construction with electromagnetic sheilding
Our top choice! The Ultravoice Xm8500 is simple, durable, and functional. It’s a perfect onstage vocal mic with built in feedback suppression and pop filter. It has great mid-frequency presence, which is perfect for vocals. The internal shock mount will reduce any unwanted handling noise. Handling noise can be a huge headache during onstage performances. Comes with a carrying case. High marks for including an internal shock mount and pop filter. Take note it does not include a mic cable! You’ll have to pick up an XLR in addition to the mic if you don’t already have one.
Floureon BM-800
80%Rating
FEATURES:
- Condenser microphone
- Unidirectional cardioid polar pattern
- Comes with shock mount to reduce handling noise
- Great for at home vocal recording
Perfect for recording videos, songs, or podcasts at home. This mic is much more sensitive to background noise compared to the other dynamic mics. The high sensitivity will give you warm, higher fidelity recordings. Definitely consider purchasing the phantom power source if you will be using it with your laptop. A great budget option for the usually pricy condenser microphones.
Shure PGA48
72%Rating
FEATURES:
- Dynamic microphone
- On/Off switch
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Perfect for onstage vocals, or speech
This mic’s frequency range was tailor made for speech. The on/off switch can be a huge plus for when you are in front of an audience. At the top end of the price range, you’ll get a slightly higher sound quality compared to the other mics on our list. Similar to the other dynamic mics, it has high marks for durability and solid construction. It lost marks for not including an internal shock mount or pop filter. It includes a mic stand adaptor, zipper pouch, and choice of XLR cable.
Pyle-Pro PDMIC58
83%Rating
FEATURES:
- Dynamic microphone
- Inexpensive, durable workhorse
- Unidirectional
- Comes with XLR-1/4” cable
Really on a budget? This mic will be your reliable workhorse. Solid construction at a rockbottom price. Unidirectional feedback resistance. High marks for durability and simple construction. Does not contain pop filter, shock mount, or on/off switch. This mic is perfect if you are looking to get something basic that will last.