How To Choose The Right Microphone: A Buying Guide

Whether you're starting a podcast, recording music, creating content for YouTube, or simply need better audio for video calls, choosing the right microphone can make an enormous difference to your sound quality. With so many options available — from compact lavalier mics to full studio condenser setups — it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect microphone for your needs. We'll cover the key specifications to look out for, explain the differences between connection types, and help you match the right mic to your use case — so you can shop our full microphone collection with confidence.

If you'd like a primer on the different microphone form factors first, our guide to the different types of microphones is a great place to start. This buying guide picks up where that article leaves off, focusing on the practical decisions you need to make before hitting "add to cart."

Audio quality is one of the most important elements of any recording, broadcast, or live performance — and it all starts with the microphone. A camera with a built-in mic or a basic laptop microphone might get you by in a pinch, but dedicated microphones capture sound with far greater clarity, depth, and detail. Upgrading your mic is often the single biggest improvement you can make to your audio setup, whether you're a hobbyist or a professional.

The key is matching the right microphone to your specific situation. A mic that excels in a quiet studio might perform poorly on a noisy stage, and a microphone designed for live vocals won't necessarily give you the best results when recording an acoustic guitar. Understanding the differences between microphone technologies, polar patterns, and connectivity options will help you make a smart investment.

Before you think about form factor or features, the most fundamental choice is between dynamic and condenser microphone technology. This determines how your mic captures sound and which environments it's best suited to.

Dynamic microphones use a magnetic coil mechanism to convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. This makes them rugged, reliable, and naturally good at rejecting background noise. They don't require external power, and they can handle very high sound pressure levels without distortion.

Choose a dynamic mic if: you're performing live, recording in an untreated or noisy room, miking up loud instruments like drums or guitar amps, or you need something that can take a beating on the road. Dynamic mics are also a strong choice for podcasters and streamers who don't have a soundproofed space.

If you're looking for a versatile dynamic mic setup, the ProSound XLR Microphone with Boom Arm Kit offers a complete package with everything you need to get started, while the ProSound XLR Professional Microphone with Boom Arm Kit steps things up for those who want enhanced audio fidelity.

Condenser microphones use an electrically charged diaphragm and backplate to detect sound waves, giving them a broader frequency response and far greater sensitivity than dynamic mics. This means they capture subtle vocal nuances and fine detail that a dynamic mic might miss. Most condenser mics require phantom power (typically 48V) from an audio interface or mixer, though USB condenser mics handle this internally.

Choose a condenser mic if: you're recording vocals, voiceovers, or acoustic instruments in a quiet or acoustically treated space. They're the standard for studio work, podcasting, and any situation where capturing detail matters more than rejecting noise.

For podcasters and home studio users, the Maono USB-C Studio Desk Top Podcast Microphone Kit is an excellent condenser option that includes a tripod stand for a complete desk setup. The Maono USB-C Desktop Condenser Cardioid Omnidirectional Microphone is another strong choice, featuring a built-in headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring. If you prefer a traditional studio-style setup, the Citronic CM25 Studio Condenser Microphone delivers professional-grade sound quality.

Dynamic Condenser

A microphone's polar pattern describes the directions from which it picks up sound. Choosing the right polar pattern is just as important as choosing between dynamic and condenser technology, because it determines how much ambient noise gets into your recording.

Cardioid is the most common polar pattern and the right choice for most people. It captures sound primarily from the front of the microphone and rejects noise from the sides and rear. This is the go-to pattern for solo vocals, podcasting, streaming, and most single-speaker scenarios.

Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions. They're useful for capturing room ambience, group recordings, and roundtable discussions where multiple speakers surround the mic.

Super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid patterns are narrower versions of cardioid, picking up sound from an even tighter frontal area. These are commonly found in shotgun microphones and are ideal for isolating a specific sound source in noisy environments.

Figure-8 (bidirectional) patterns capture sound from the front and rear while rejecting the sides. These are useful for face-to-face interviews where two people sit opposite each other sharing one microphone.

If you're unsure, a cardioid mic is almost always the safest starting point. You can always add mics with other polar patterns to your setup later as your needs grow.

One of the most important practical decisions when buying a microphone is choosing between USB and XLR connectivity. The right choice depends on your experience level, budget, and how much control you want over your audio.

USB microphones plug directly into a computer, laptop, or compatible device without any additional equipment. They have a built-in analogue-to-digital converter, which means they're true plug-and-play devices. USB mics are ideal for beginners, podcasters, streamers, and anyone who wants a simple, affordable setup with minimal gear.

The ProSound USB Condenser Cardioid Microphone with Boom Arm Kit and the Citronic USB Podcast Microphone & Stand are both excellent USB options that come with stands included — perfect for getting started without buying separate accessories.

XLR microphones use the industry-standard three-pin XLR connector and require an audio interface or mixer to connect to a computer. While this adds complexity and cost, XLR setups offer superior audio quality, lower latency, greater control over gain and EQ, and the flexibility to upgrade individual components over time. XLR is the professional standard and the better long-term investment if you're serious about audio production.

For those looking at XLR connectivity, don't forget to check out our XLR cables and adapters to complete your setup.

USB XLR

Now that you understand the core technology, polar patterns, and connection types, let's bring it all together. Below is a practical guide to choosing the right mic for the most common use cases.

For podcasting, a cardioid condenser or dynamic microphone is typically the best choice. Condenser mics capture richer vocal detail, while dynamic mics are more forgiving if your recording space isn't acoustically treated. A USB connection keeps things simple, and a boom arm keeps your desk clear. The ProSound USB Condenser Cardioid Microphone with Boom Arm Kit is purpose-built for exactly this scenario. For more on building a full podcast setup, see our guide on what you need to record a podcast.

Video creators need microphones that capture clear dialogue without appearing in shot. Shotgun mics mounted on-camera are the standard for video work — the ProSound Shotgun Microphone Super Cardioid Electret Condenser features a cold shoe mount for easy attachment to your camera or smartphone rig. For sit-down interviews and vlogs, lavalier mics are the better choice. Browse our full range of video microphones for more on-camera audio solutions.

Live performers and event organisers need rugged, reliable microphones — typically dynamic handhelds or wireless systems. Look for mics that handle high sound pressure levels and reject feedback from stage monitors. The QTX VHF Wireless Handheld Microphone System is a great entry point, while the QTX J-MIC Dual UHF Handheld System gives you two wireless mics for duets or panel discussions. For larger events, the Chord XU Series UHF Microphone System scales up to four microphones. Our handheld microphones collection has more options for the stage.

Streamers and gamers benefit from USB condenser microphones that offer clear voice capture with a compact desk footprint. A desktop mic with a cardioid pattern will keep keyboard noise to a minimum while delivering broadcast-quality voice audio. The Varr Adjustable 180° 3.5mm Gaming Microphone with Stand is designed specifically for gaming setups, while the Maono USB-C Desktop Condenser Microphone offers a step up for streamers who want studio-quality sound with a headphone monitoring output.

If you're creating content primarily on a smartphone, wireless lavalier systems with direct USB-C or Lightning receivers are the most practical choice. They offer excellent portability and audio quality without any additional hardware.

The ProSound Wireless Microphone and USB-C Receiver for Smartphones provides wireless convenience for Android and USB-C device users, while the ProSound Wireless Microphone and Lightning Connector Receiver for iPhone does the same for iPhone users. For a wired alternative, the ProSound Lavalier USB-C Microphone and the ProSound Lavalier USB-A Microphone offer reliable plug-and-play performance. Explore the full selection in our lavalier microphones collection.

For conferences, lectures, and corporate events, wireless neckband or lavalier systems give speakers freedom of movement without being tethered to a lectern. The QTX VHF Dual Wireless Neckband Microphone System supports two presenters simultaneously, making it ideal for panel discussions and Q&A sessions.

The right accessories can significantly improve your recording experience and audio quality. A few essentials worth considering alongside your new microphone:

Boom arms position your mic at the optimal angle while freeing up desk space. The Citronic Studio Swivel Microphone Boom Arm is available in two sizes to suit different setups.

Stands are essential for stage use or desktop recording. The Chord Compact One Hand Microphone Stand is a solid, portable option.

Pop filters reduce plosive sounds (the harsh "p" and "b" sounds) during vocal recording, giving you a cleaner take.

Browse our full range of microphone accessories to find everything you need to complete your setup.

Use Case Best Technology Recommended Polar Pattern Connection

Choosing the right microphone comes down to three key questions: what are you recording, where are you recording it, and how do you want to connect it to your equipment? There's no single "best" microphone — only the best microphone for your specific situation.

If you're just getting started, a USB condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern is the most versatile choice for most home and desktop applications. If you're performing live or recording in noisy environments, a dynamic mic will serve you well. And if you're creating video content, a shotgun or lavalier microphone will keep your audio crisp while staying out of the frame.

For a closer look at each microphone form factor — lavalier, desktop, boom, video, and handheld — head over to our guide on the different types of microphones.

Ready to find your perfect mic? Explore the full Maplin microphone collection to browse all of our microphones, from budget-friendly starter options to professional-grade setups. With free UK shipping on orders over £35 and expert support from the Maplin team, you'll be recording with confidence in no time.