198: Which Podcast Mic is Worth Your Money? A Raw, Untreated Comparison

Can you actually hear the difference between podcast microphones? Let’s find out.

In this episode of Clocking In, I’m putting seven podcast microphones to the test—comparing everything from built-in laptop mics and Apple headphones to the industry favorites like the Samson Q2U and Shure SM58. No filters. No EQ. No editing magic. Just real, raw mic tests in a completely untreated, echoey room. Why? Because that’s how most of us actually record.

Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about upgrading your podcast gear, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what each mic sounds like and what’s actually worth investing in for your unique setup.

Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.

Find on Your Favorite Podcast Player

Review the Transcript

Why Microphone Choice Actually Matters

If you’ve ever wondered why some podcasts sound crisp and clean while others feel hard to follow, it’s usually the mic. But it’s not just about clarity—it’s about:

Reducing echo and background noise
Capturing the warmth of your voice
Making your show easier and more enjoyable to listen to

A poor mic can make your podcast sound amateurish—even if your content is brilliant. The right mic can elevate your voice and build instant trust with your audience.

But the “right mic” isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your voice, your recording space, your budget, and your goals.

My Recording Setup: No Studio, No Fancy Treatment

Before we jump into mic breakdowns, here’s the room I recorded in:

Open-concept office
Large bay window, tall ceilings
Open hallways on either side
Zero acoustic treatment

In short? It’s not ideal. But it’s real. And that’s what makes this test so helpful—because chances are, your space is just like mine.

Mic-by-Mic Breakdown

🎤 1. Built-In MacBook Pro Mic

Cost: $0 (already built into your laptop)
Summary: It technically works, but it picks up everything—echoes, room noise, keyboard clicks, your neighbor’s dog…
Use Case: Emergency backup or absolute beginner. Better than nothing, but not something to build a podcast on.

🎧 2. Apple Wired Headphones (with Audio Jack)

Cost: ~$15
Summary: Slightly more directional than the laptop mic. Decent in a pinch, especially for guests, but it’s very easy to bump or rustle.
Pro Tip: Make sure the mic doesn’t rub against your clothes or hair—it can ruin the audio fast.

🎧 3. Apple AirPods

Cost: $99–$150
Summary: Honestly? These are worse than the built-in mic in many cases. The noise reduction introduces underwater-like artifacts. You’ll hear it in the test.
Bottom Line: Great for listening, not for recording.

🎧 4. Apple AirPod Pros

Cost: ~$250
Summary: Same Bluetooth mic problems, just in a more expensive package. The built-in noise suppression causes a weird muffled effect.
Advice: Use these for monitoring, not recording.

🎙️ 5. Blue Yeti

Cost: ~$100
Type: Condenser Mic
Summary: It’s a popular beginner choice—and I get why. It’s USB, it looks professional, and it’s easy to set up. But in most home offices, it captures way too much echo and background noise.
Important Setup Notes:
- Speak into the side with the Blue logo
- Use the cardioid setting (looks like an upside-down heart)
- Don’t max out the gain
Verdict: Can work if you’re in a treated space. Otherwise, it creates more problems than it solves.

🎙️ 6. Samson Q2U

Cost: ~$80
Type: Dynamic Mic (USB + XLR)
Summary: This is my go-to recommendation for beginners. It handles room noise well, has great clarity, and grows with you as your setup evolves.
Bonus: Comes with both USB and XLR connections, so you can plug it directly into your computer now and upgrade to an interface later.
Note: It does record a little quiet by default, but that’s fixable in post.

🎙️ 7. Shure SM58

Cost: ~$99 (plus audio interface)
Type: Dynamic XLR Mic
Summary: A classic. Warm, clear, and directional. You’ll find this mic on live stages and in podcast studios for a reason—it just works.
Setup Tip: Requires an interface, so there’s an added cost.
Bottom Line: This is the real entry point into “pro” podcast audio.

So… Which Mic Should You Use?

That depends on:

Your budget
Your recording environment
Whether you’re planning to upgrade later

Here’s my simple framework:

✅ Just starting out? Samson Q2U
✅ Ready to sound more polished? Shure SM58 + audio interface
🚫 Avoid at all costs? AirPods as a mic (sorry, Bluetooth fans)

And yes—do mic tests with your guests if they’re unsure what sounds best. It’s your podcast, and your listeners deserve good sound.