If you’re serious about getting into voice acting, then one place to start is finding the best microphones for voice overs. There are a lot of options out there, but if your goal is to get commercial gigs or getting booked for voicing an animation, then you need one that’s professional quality, not just one that sounds good on discord or for starting a conspiracy theory podcast. You need to know why certain mics are better than others and how they work in your setup. You’ll also need to know what to avoid so you don’t end up buying the wrong gear and wasting your money.
I know what I’m talking about. I’m Hunter, a professional voice actor and I’m here to share my tips on picking the best microphones for voice acting. So if you’re just starting out or you’re finally ready for an upgrade, keep reading! Let’s get into it…
What Makes The Best Microphones For Voice Acting
It’s easy to assume that the best mic for voice over work is just the most expensive one. But honestly the best microphones for voice acting isn’t about the price tag – it’s about how they fit. If you just blindly purchase one with the highest price that professionals use, you may not be capable of using it in your setup – especially if you are just starting out. You need one that’s compatible.
Most importantly you need to look at audio quality – which aren’t always the most expensive mics. Some of the best budget microphones for voice overs produce better sound quality than the ones with a hefty price. You just need to do your research. A crisp, clear sound is what you’re after, not something that makes you sound muffled.
How sensitive the mic is is also something you need to consider. But this also depends on the rest of your setup. If you’re going to be recording out of a soundproof home studio, then you’re in luck! Choosing a mic that picks up every small detail of your voice will not only sound super crisp, but won’t be disrupted by unwanted noise like traffic. However, for those new to voice acting, your home setup may not be as elaborate so you’ll need a mic that is a little less sensitive but that’s not a bad thing! It will ensure that you still sound clean and won’t pick up on bad acoustics in the room.
That’s why one mic isn’t universally “the best.” It depends on you – your voice, your room, your work.
How To Pick The Best Microphones For Voice Overs
If you’re not a big mic expert (and truthfully, you don’t need to be), I’m here to tell you what you should look out for when you’re trying to find the best microphones for voice over work. For instance, the difference between XLR and USB. The main difference is the way they connect to your computer. An XLR can’t directly connect to your laptop without a separate audio interface, so this will require a more advanced setup. Whereas a USB mic can connect straight to your laptop without needing any additional software. This makes this version fantastic for those who are beginners at voice acting, however the quality of the sound tends to be better from an XLR. so really the best mic for voice overwork depends on what stage you are in. If you’re just starting out then the best beginner microphone for voice acting is a USB; however if you are more experienced and want something that produces higher quality audio, the XLR is the way to go.
What Are The Best Beginner Microphones For Voice Acting?
If you’re wondering what the best beginner microphone for voice acting is, you probably don’t want to drop a fortune right away. Good. You shouldn’t. The aim here is to get something solid, clean, and reliable – something you can actually work with as you build your skills.
Here are a few that won’t let you down:
- Audio-Technica AT2020 (XLR or USB)
This mic shows up in nearly every beginner list, and for good reason. The AT2020 has a clean sound, decent background rejection, and doesn’t try to over-color your voice. If you’re working in a semi-treated room, it’ll get the job done.
Who it’s for: New voice actors who want a dependable microphone.
- Rode NT1 5th Gen (XLR/USB hybrid)
The NT1 has been around for years – it’s quiet, detailed, and sounds way more expensive than it is. The 5th Gen version can run via XLR or USB, which makes it ideal for beginners planning to eventually upgrade without immediately replacing their whole chain.
Who it’s for: People who want quality now, with room to grow later.
- Samson Q2U (USB/XLR)
The Q2U is criminally underrated. It’s technically a dynamic mic, so it rejects background noise well, but still sounds clean enough for voice over. You can plug it straight into your computer now, then use XLR later once you’ve got an interface.
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious beginners in noisy homes.
What Are The Best Budget Microphones For Voice Overs
Let’s talk money. If you’re asking about the best budget microphone for voice over work, you’re probably walking the tightrope between price and quality. You don’t want something cheap – but you also can’t justify $500+ on a mic when you haven’t landed a gig yet.
These are your best options if your budget’s tighter but you still want to sound like you belong in a booth:
- MXL 990 (XLR)
Warm sound, classic look, and cheap enough not to massively hurt your wallet. The MXL 990 can be a little harsh on certain voices, but for most people it’s a surprisingly capable mic for voice acting.
- Behringer C-1 (XLR)
This is one of those mics you don’t want to love, but kind of do. It’s not flashy. The sound isn’t magical. But for around $50–60, it’s better than a lot of mics in that range. The Behringer C-1 is clear enough for auditions, forgiving enough for untreated rooms.
- Fifine K669B (USB)
Yes, it’s USB. Yes, it’s cheap. But for absolute beginners just dipping their toes in, the K669B doesn’t sound half bad. If you’re looking for the best budget microphone for voice over just to try voice acting out, it’s crisp, it’s compact, and you can get going straight away without extra gear.
The Best Microphones For Voice Acting Professionally
If you’ve got a few gigs under your belt or you’re committed to doing this long-term, this is where you start thinking about sound quality in a more serious way. These are the mics that show up in pro studios – not because they’re flashy, but because they consistently deliver.
- Neumann TLM 103 (XLR)
This is what a lot of casting directors expect to hear. It’s clean, open, and gives you that “broadcast polish” without being overly clinical. The Neumann TLM 103 is not cheap, but it’s a staple for a reason.
- Sennheiser MKH 416 (XLR)
You’ve probably heard this mic even if you don’t know it. It’s all over film trailers, commercials, and high-end narrations. The MKH 416 is a shotgun mic, so it isolates your voice beautifully – even in rooms that aren’t perfectly treated.
- Aston Spirit (XLR)
British-made and proud of it. The Spirit isn’t as hyped as the big brands, but it delivers a rich, textured sound that works especially well on deeper or midrange-heavy voices.
Final Tips On How To Pick The Best Mic For Voice Over
Choosing the best mic for voice over doesn’t have to be a full-time job. But if you’re going to spend money (and let’s face it, you will), it’s worth slowing down and asking a few key questions first. What does your room sound like? Even the best microphones for voice acting won’t sound great in a bad space. If your room is echoey, your audio will be, too. Before you upgrade your mic, fix your recording environment. You don’t need a fancy booth – just some common sense.
What kind of work are you doing? If you’re doing animation or video game characters, a mic with a bit more color and edge might suit you. If it’s corporate explainers or audiobooks, you probably want something more neutral and detailed. There’s no one-size-fits-all mic. Pick based on your lane.
Are you upgrading or starting from scratch? If you’re starting from zero, it’s fine to go budget and learn the ropes. If you’re upgrading, think long-term. Go for something you can grow with – not just what’s trending in Reddit threads this week.
The best microphones for voice over aren’t about flexing. They’re about function. You need a mic that works with your voice, not against it. One that captures the tone you’re aiming for without adding weird artefacts, hums, or compression nasties. So before you spend your next paycheck chasing “the best mic for voice over,” ask yourself if you’ve actually figured out what you need. If not? Start small, stay smart, and focus on sounding real – not just expensive. Because in the end, a great mic won’t fix a bad read. But a good read? That’ll shine through, even on a budget.