Head-to-head · Best Xlr Microphones

Audio Technica AT2020 vs Rode PodMic

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Audio Technica AT2020 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about beginners and home studio users on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Xlr Microphones

Audio Technica AT2020

4.2

$119as of Jul 1

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is an affordable cardioid condenser microphone priced at $99, reviewed by SoundGuys as a good starter mic for home recording. Tape Op's Garrett Haines praised its solid metal build, useful accessories, and surprisingly good performance on acoustic guitar and vocals, noting it outperformed other budget mics in blind tests. However, it requires additional equipment for use and isn't recommended for live performance. The microphone is well-suited for project studio use and podcasting, though reviewers noted it's not the best option available despite its value proposition.

Strengths

— Affordable price point of $99
— Durable metal construction with metal swivel-mount
— Good performance on acoustic guitar and vocals

Watch-outs

— Requires additional equipment (audio interface, XLR cable) for use
— Sound quality is described as 'pretty good' but not 'best on the market'
— Not suitable for live performance use

$119 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Xlr Microphones

Rode PodMic

4.1

$219.99as of Jul 1

The RØDE PodMic is a budget-friendly dynamic microphone designed specifically for podcasters, offering professional sound quality at $99. Soundphile Review rated it 8/10, praising its sturdy build and clear, warm sound that requires minimal editing. Bandrew Scott of Podcastage called it a compelling entry-level option that performs well for spoken word content. While it lacks included accessories like cables and pop shields, reviewers noted its solid construction and effective built-in pop filter. The microphone works well with audio interfaces and delivers consistent results without extensive setup, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced podcasters seeking reliable vocal capture.

Strengths

— Sturdy, robust build with metal construction weighing 865 g
— Neutral-ish, slightly warm sound signature suitable for podcasting
— Built-in pop filter effectively handles plosives and sibilants

Watch-outs

— Doesn't include cable or pop shield in packaging
— Requires significant gain for good volume levels

$219.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Audio Technica AT2020

The Audio-Technica AT2020 offers a solid balance of affordability and performance, outperforming the RØDE PodMic in terms of build quality and versatility, though it lacks the included accessories of the Maono AU-PM500. Compared to the Shure SM7B, it's less durable and doesn't offer the same level of noise rejection, but it's more budget-friendly and doesn't require phantom power. It's best suited for users who want a reliable starter mic without the complexity of professional-grade equipment.

Rode PodMic

The RØDE PodMic offers a budget-friendly entry point into dynamic microphone technology, outperforming the AM35U in terms of build quality and ease of use, though it lacks the plug-and-play convenience of the AM35U. Compared to the Shure SM7B, it's less robust and doesn't require phantom power, but it also doesn't deliver the same level of noise rejection or professional-grade clarity. It's a solid middle-ground option between cost and performance.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Audio Technica AT2020	Rode PodMic
Type	Condenser	Dynamic
Polar Pattern	Cardioid	Cardioid
Frequency Response	20-20,000 Hz	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity	-37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa	-57 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal
Max SPL	144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.	—
Connectivity	XLR	XLR
Weight	0.76 lb	1.91 lb

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