It gives you the best of both worlds by providing the adaptability of XLR (especially if you use professional audio interfaces) and the versatility of Type-B Micro inputs for recording on the go with laptops and mobile devices. The USB Type-B Micro/XLR connection will be the big draw for a lot of folks.
Shure has been providing pro-grade microphones for an age, and the MV 7 Podcast microphone is its attempt to bring its high-end sound to content creators. Chances are, you've seen some of your favorite musicians rock a Shure microphone on stage or in the studio. You don't really need to be much of a sound person to know Shure makes killer audio gear.
Below I've compiled a list of the best microphones we've tested for different budgets. But when you pick up a mic for $40, not having a mute button might seem like a fair compromise. The only drawback is that to sound as good at a lower cost, you lose out on some quality-of-life features. You can score some of the best cheap microphones (opens in new tab) for under $100. If money is tight, don't worry, you're in luck. That should make it easier to narrow down your choice. To help, myself and the team have recorded test audio samples of all the microphones we've checked out and added the best ones below so you can hear the difference. One of the hardest things about shopping for the best microphone for podcasting or streaming is you won't know how it will sound until you use it. In most cases, you only need a USB port and something to talk about once you go live. You don't need a Master's degree in sound engineering to achieve studio-quality sound with your streaming gear.
Currently, the best one you can buy is the Shure MV7, a hybrid USB/XLR microphone that gives you the best of both worlds if you don't mind dropping a bit of coin. XLRs also require an external audio interface to connect to your PC, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, which can be costly. Audiophiles will want to go down the XLR route because of its sound quality and flexibility however, good XLR mics are often way more expensive than your typical USB mic. USB microphones are the go-to option for most at-home streaming and podcasting setups.