Best Interview Microphones

When it comes to conducting interviews—whether for podcasts, journalism, filmmaking, or casual content creation—the quality of audio can make or break the final product. A great interview microphone captures clear, crisp sound, minimizes background noise, and ensures the voices of both the interviewer and interviewee shine through. With so many options on the market, choosing the right microphone can feel overwhelming.

Why Audio Quality Matters in Interviews

Humans are more forgiving of subpar video than poor audio. Crackling, muffled, or distant sound can distract listeners and erode credibility, while clean audio keeps the audience engaged. Interviews often take place in unpredictable environments—busy streets, echoey rooms, or windy outdoors—so the right microphone must adapt to these challenges. Factors like polar patterns, portability, durability, and connectivity all play a role in determining the best mic for the job.

Interview microphones generally fall into three categories: dynamic, condenser, and lavalier (or shotgun for specific scenarios). Each type has strengths suited to different interview styles:

Dynamic Microphones: Rugged and versatile, these mics excel at rejecting background noise, making them ideal for noisy environments like live events or outdoor settings.
Condenser Microphones: Known for their sensitivity and clarity, condensers are great for controlled indoor settings like studios but often require phantom power and are less forgiving of ambient noise.
Lavalier Microphones: Small, clip-on mics that provide hands-free operation, perfect for video interviews or when mobility is key.
Shotgun Microphones: Highly directional, these are often used in film or broadcast interviews to capture sound from a specific source while ignoring surrounding noise.

What is the Best Interview Microphones?

In this article, we ranked and reviewed the best interview microphones available in 2025, breaking down their features, pros, cons, and ideal use cases to help you find the perfect tool for your needs.

1. Shure SM58 – The Industry Standard Dynamic Mic

Price: ~$99 USD
Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Best For: Live interviews, outdoor settings, budget-conscious creators

The Shure SM58 is a legend in the audio world, and for good reason. This dynamic microphone is practically indestructible, affordable, and delivers reliable sound quality. Its cardioid polar pattern focuses on the sound source directly in front of it, reducing pickup of background noise—a must for interviews in bustling locations. The built-in pop filter also minimizes plosives (those harsh “p” and “b” sounds), making it a favorite for spoken-word applications.

Pros: Durable, affordable, excellent noise rejection, no external power required.

Cons: Not as detailed as condensers for studio-quality sound; requires an XLR connection (and thus an audio interface or recorder).

Ideal Use Case: A journalist interviewing someone at a crowded event or a podcaster on a budget needing a workhorse mic.

2. Rode PodMic – The Podcasting Powerhouse

Price: ~$99 USD
Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Best For: Indoor interviews, podcasting, home studios

The Rode PodMic is designed with podcasters and interviewers in mind. It’s a dynamic mic with a rich, broadcast-ready sound that rivals more expensive options. Its robust metal construction ensures durability, and the internal pop filter keeps vocal clarity intact. While it’s optimized for indoor use, its noise rejection makes it versatile enough for semi-noisy environments.

Pros: Warm sound, sleek design, great value, easy to pair with audio interfaces.

Cons: XLR-only (no USB option), less portable than handheld mics.

Ideal Use Case: A podcaster recording one-on-one interviews in a home studio or small office.

3. Audio-Technica AT2020 – The Budget Condenser King

Price: ~$99 USD
Type: Condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Best For: Studio interviews, controlled environments

For those prioritizing pristine audio in a quiet setting, the Audio-Technica AT2020 is a standout condenser mic at an unbeatable price. It captures every nuance of the human voice with remarkable clarity, making it a go-to for studio-based interviews. However, its sensitivity means it’s less suited to noisy locations unless paired with soundproofing.

Pros: Crystal-clear sound, affordable for a condenser, lightweight.

Cons: Requires phantom power (via an XLR interface), picks up background noise easily.

Ideal Use Case: A filmmaker or YouTuber conducting sit-down interviews in a treated room.

4. Sennheiser MD 46 – The Reporter’s Choice

Price: ~$199 USD
Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Best For: Field reporting, ENG (electronic news gathering), outdoor interviews

The Sennheiser MD 46 is built for journalists who need a handheld mic that thrives in unpredictable conditions. This dynamic mic offers excellent off-axis noise rejection and a tailored frequency response that enhances speech intelligibility. It’s a step up from the SM58 in terms of clarity and build quality, though it comes at a higher cost.

Pros: Superior sound for field work, durable, great wind resistance with a foam cover.

Cons: Pricey for a dynamic mic, XLR-only.

Ideal Use Case: A news reporter conducting street interviews or live event coverage.

5. Rode Wireless GO II – The Ultimate Lavalier Solution

Price: ~$299 USD
Type: Lavalier/Wireless
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Best For: Video interviews, mobile creators, hands-free operation

The Rode Wireless GO II is a game-changer for video interviewers. This compact wireless system includes two transmitters with built-in omnidirectional mics (or the option to attach external lavs) and a receiver that connects to cameras, phones, or computers. It’s perfect for on-the-go interviews where cables would be impractical, offering up to 200 meters of range and crystal-clear audio.

Pros: Wireless freedom, dual-channel recording, easy setup, USB-C connectivity.

Cons: Battery life (7 hours), omnidirectional pickup can catch unwanted noise.

Ideal Use Case: A vlogger or filmmaker interviewing subjects while moving around.

6. Zoom H6 with Interchangeable Capsules – The All-in-One Recorder

Price: ~$329 USD
Type: Dynamic/Condenser (varies by capsule)
Polar Pattern: Varies (e.g., XY, shotgun)
Best For: Multi-person interviews, versatile recording

The Zoom H6 isn’t just a microphone—it’s a portable recording solution with interchangeable mic capsules. The included XY capsule is great for capturing two people in close proximity, while the optional shotgun capsule excels at isolating a single voice. With four XLR inputs, it’s ideal for multi-mic setups, making it a favorite for podcasters or documentarians.

Pros: Records directly to SD card, versatile, high-quality preamps.

Cons: Bulkier than standalone mics, learning curve for beginners.

Ideal Use Case: A documentary crew recording a roundtable discussion or outdoor interview.

7. Sennheiser MKH 416 – The Shotgun Gold Standard

Price: ~$999 USD
Type: Shotgun (Condenser)
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Best For: Professional film, TV, high-budget interviews

The Sennheiser MKH 416 is the industry standard for shotgun microphones, beloved by filmmakers and broadcasters. Its supercardioid pattern locks onto the subject’s voice while rejecting off-axis noise, and its rugged design withstands harsh conditions. Though pricey, its sound quality is unmatched for professional productions.

Pros: Exceptional clarity, durable, weather-resistant.

Cons: Expensive, requires phantom power and XLR setup.

Ideal Use Case: A Hollywood crew shooting an on-location interview.

8. Shure MV7 – The Hybrid USB/XLR Option

Price: ~$249 USD
Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Best For: Solo interviewers, remote setups, plug-and-play simplicity

The Shure MV7 bridges the gap between USB convenience and XLR quality. It’s a dynamic mic with a rich, broadcast-worthy sound, and its dual connectivity makes it adaptable for beginners (USB) or pros (XLR). The accompanying app lets you tweak settings like gain and EQ, adding flexibility for interviews.

Pros: USB and XLR options, app control, great voice isolation.

Cons: USB mode lacks some XLR depth, mid-tier price.

Ideal Use Case: A remote podcaster interviewing guests via Zoom or in person.

The Bottom Line

The best interview microphone depends on your specific needs—budget, environment, and production style all play a role. For most users, a dynamic mic like the Shure SM58 or Rode PodMic offers a balance of quality and practicality. For video creators, the Rode Wireless GO II brings mobility and ease, while pros can’t go wrong with the Sennheiser MKH 416. Whatever your choice, investing in a solid microphone ensures your interviews sound as good as they deserve to. Happy recording!