In this article I have compiled the top 10 best microphones for voice recording in 2023.

What is the best microphone for recording vocals?

Objectively speaking, there isn’t really one.

At least, there isn’t just one.

Depending on the singer, the same microphone can sound more or less good.

That’s why most studios have a lot of microphones available: to have more sound options and to be able to choose according to the artist.

In other words, there is no such thing as an absolute studio microphone.

However, in terms of microphones for voice recording, there are some models that can be considered safe.

Especially if you apply the right recording techniques.

But you still need to know which ones, because there are so many different brands and models.

So, to guide you in your choice, I have selected ten, all of which share the following characteristics:

They have a very good quality-price ratio
They are particularly suitable for recording vocals and voice recordings of all kinds.

So that you can easily identify the ones that fit your budget, I’ve sorted them by price.

I’ll guide you to make the right choice!

The Best Microphones for Voice Recording

1. AKG D5

Don’t let the low price of this dynamic microphone fool you.

It is a serious competitor to the famous SM58 which I will tell you about later.

It is quite solid and has a clear and balanced sound, which comes out well in the mix.

It is more balanced than the SM58, and will give your vocals more presence thanks to a fairly pronounced hump between 5 and 10 kHz.

An ideal vocal microphone for small budgets.

On Sale

AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone

Rugged construction
Handheld dynamic vocal microphone designed for lead and backing vocals
Patented AKG laminated varimotion diaphragm
Super-cardioid polar pattern for high gain before Feedback

2. MXL 770

A very good choice if you are on a tight budget but still want a good condenser microphone.

Indeed, the MXL 770 simply has an excellent price/performance ratio.

It has solid bass and is rather bright (frequency hump around 10 kHz).

Sometimes too much, but nothing that can’t be corrected with a little EQ.

Although it can work for many styles, it is an effective microphone for recording rock or rap/hip-hop vocals.

The design is also nice, and it comes with a suspension and case.

On Sale

AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone

Rugged construction
Handheld dynamic vocal microphone designed for lead and backing vocals
Patented AKG laminated varimotion diaphragm
Super-cardioid polar pattern for high gain before Feedback

3. Shure SM58

It’s a bit difficult to make a list of microphones for vocals without mentioning the SM58 (quite different from the SM57 by the way).

Of course, it is more often used for live performances, but many artists record with it in the studio, like Björk or U2.

This mic is a legend, a true industry standard.

It has a slightly darker sound than the AKG D5 shown before, and dampens bass below 100 Hz.

If you are looking for an easy-to-use microphone with a proven track record, you can go for the SM58.

Shure SM58 Pro XLR Dynamic Microphone - Professional Studio & Live Performance Cardioid Mic for Vocals, Podcasting, and Recording (SM58-LC)

EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM58-LC delivers high-quality vocal reproduction, thanks to its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange for clear and present vocals.
INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ready to bring any performance to life. From the club to the stadium, Shure has your back.
CLARITY & CARE - The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended, delivering warm, crisp sound time after time.
LEAVE BACKGROUND NOISE BEHIND - The SM58 has a spherical mesh grille and built-in pop filter to keep any unwanted noise out of the mix.
DROP THE MIC - The durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter makes the SM58 the perfect companion on the road, going strong through the toughest performances.

4. Audio-Technica AT 2035

We sometimes see recommendations for the AT2020, its little brother, but I advise you to take the AT2035 instead.

It is indeed more sensitive and has much less background noise, which is not negligible.

The mids are quite warm and the highs are soft.

Ideal for home studio use, it is a microphone that will record very well the details of your voice in a relatively neutral way.

Indeed, it has a fairly flat frequency spectrum, except for a peak after 10 kHz which helps to open up the sound a bit by adding presence.

An excellent microphone for singing at a very reasonable price.

No products found.

5. RØDE NT1-A

A very popular microphone for beginners who want to record, because it comes with a complete package including pop filter and suspension.

However, this is not a toy at all: it is a really good microphone.

It is known for its good sound quality and low background noise.

A little bump around 150 Hz will give your recordings a little warmth, while the high peaks will help your voice stand out in the mix.

A good choice for beginners looking for a versatile microphone.

Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Large diaphragm 1” gold-sputtered capsule
Cardioid polar pattern
Ultra-low noise, self-noise of only 5dB (A)
Includes Rode SM6 shock mount, pop filter and dust cover
Internal capsule shock mounting

6. AKG C214

A much more affordable version of the famous C414 (which costs around 800 €).

It has a very detailed sound, associated with a fairly flat frequency spectrum.

As with most of the other condenser microphones on this list, there is a peak around 10000 Hz to open the sound. A small dip around 1500 Hz softens the voice.

In addition, the capsule has a dedicated suspension built into the microphone, which significantly reduces mechanical noise.

Also of note: the C214 has a -20 dB pad, which will allow you to record loud sound sources if required.

AKG Pro Audio C214 Studio Grade Professional Large Diaphragm, Single Capsule, Vocal and Instrument Condenser Microphone with Rugged Aluminum Carrying Case. XLR Connector. Gray with Gold.

Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with 143dB Dynamic Range
Switchable 20dB Attenuation
Low-cut Filter

7. Aston Microphones Origin

I often recommend the Origin because, although it is relatively inexpensive, it is a microphone with an impressive price/performance ratio.

Made in Great Britain, it is distinguished above all by its distinctive industrial design and solid construction.

In terms of sound, the recordings are very detailed and natural.

Clearly, the Aston Origin has nothing to envy to models five times more expensive: the voice recordings are warm and powerful, with high frequencies always soft and pleasant.

A great gift for your studio?

Aston Microphones Origin Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Designed and Built in the UK
Built in Pop filter ; Built in Pop filter using the latest stainless steel mesh knit technology
End Caps ; Direct to stand microphone mounting
Chassis 2 millimeter solid stainless steel laser cut and etched body
Capsule ; The Aston Sound ; Developed by Professional Artists, Engineers and Producers

8. Shure SM7B

Simply THE dynamic microphone to own.

Used by Michael Jackson on the “Thriller” album, it is particularly effective for male singers (but not exclusively of course) and is often used by extreme metal singers.

Cardioid, it rejects very well the sounds coming from the back.

That’s why I recommend it for your home studio: it will be quite easy to use in a room with average acoustics.

The sound is smooth, but it is possible via a slider to increase the midrange for more aggressiveness.

Be careful though: for it to work in good conditions, you will need a microphone preamp with at least 60 dB of gain.

If this is not the case, you can do as many people do and place a Cloudlifter just before (it is a simplified preamp using phantom power).

On Sale

Shure SM7B Microphone - Vocal Dynamic Studio Mic for Broadcast, Podcast, Recording, Gaming & Streaming, XLR, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen, Smooth Sound, Warm Vocals, Wide-Range Frequency

ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting & Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters & Streamers.
STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean & Natural Reproduction Of Both Music & Speech.
PODCAST & BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation & Pop Filter Eliminate Both Mechanical Noise And Breathiness. So Words Get Through And The Rest Stays Out Of The Mix.
STREAMING CONTENT - Professional Live Streaming Starts With A Microphone Capable Of Capturing Exceptionally Clean And Natural Reproduction Of Both Music And Speech. The SM7B Has Been A Pioneer In Such Abilities For Decades.
PROFESSIONAL XLR CONNECTION - The XLR Connection Along With An Audio Interface Allows You More Control Over The Sound — Thus A Better Overall Sound Quality.

9. LEWITT LCT 440 PURE

It is not always necessary to spend a lot of money on a microphone in order to obtain a good result.

In a home studio context, the LCT 440 Pure from LEWITT (a rising Austrian brand) is an interesting option.

The sound is clear, rather precise and of high quality.

The high frequencies, which are often the weak point of entry-level microphones, are rather soft and natural, which is appreciable.

And then, the microphone is delivered with a small pop filter and an adequate mount, which is a significant plus (especially for the price).

To be looked at carefully…

On Sale

LCT-440-Pure Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The Essence Of Studio Sound: The Lct 440 Pure Is A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone For Highly Detailed, Nuanced Recordings
A True Allrounder; Record Your Vocals, Guitar Amps, Acoustic Instruments, And More; For Anything From Home Recording To Upscale Studio Production
Capture Your Individual Sound; The Gold-Layered 1″ True Condenser Capsule Records Your Signal With An Impressive Amount Of Depth And Clarity
No Limits On The Technical Side; It Features A Very Low Self-Noise Value And Handles Ear-Shattering Sound Pressure Levels

Finally, I conclude this list with the WA-87 from Warm Audio, an excellent microphone designed to reproduce the sound of the early Neumann U87s and using quality components while keeping the price right.

The WA-87 presents itself as a high-end but affordable microphone, with a directional pattern that allows it to be easily adapted to different recording situations.

The sound is fine (in a good sense), balanced and detailed.

It will easily find its place in your mixes thanks to its natural clarity.

Admittedly it is a bit more expensive than the others on the list, but if you are looking for a very good microphone for your (home) studio, I have no doubt that the WA-87 will satisfy you fully!