Here are the recommended mics for podcasters

On a Budget

Audio Technica ATR2100USB

This probably the least expensive of the excellent microphones out there–none better for bang-for-the-buck. It can be used as plug & play USB and then when you become more advanced, it can plug into a mixer with XLR. If you will be an occasional podcaster, this probably all you need. [Buy from Amazon]. The SAMSON Q2U is essentially the same mic under a different brand.

Logitech H570E

If most of your recordings will be via skype/google hangouts or you just don't want to have to deal with good microphone technique, then get a headset. Buy one for these and you'll use it for a decade. Meetings will be taking place online more and more often as fuel prices increase and travel becomes more annoying; a good headset is the way to go so that you can just sit back and relax. [Buy from Amazon]

Presonus PD70

This is like a SM-7B but much cheaper!

High End

If you are going to spend the cash at this point, I highly recommend a mic that can do both usb and xlr

Rode PodMic

Dynamic mic so fantastic noise rejection and will adapt to any purpose now and in the future–I highly recommend!

If you don't need usb at the high end, you will be buying an analog XLR microphone. Top of the line for podcasting is one of these two beauties:

Heil PR-40

This is what Mel uses on all EM:RAP shows and I keep in my work office [Buy on Amazon]

Shure SM-7B

This is my dream microphone when I move into a permanent studio. [Buy on Amazon] Once you buy one, here is a set-up video

Here are the recommended headphones for podcasters

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[easyazon_link identifier=”B0001ARCFA” locale=”US” tag=”emcrit-20″]AKG K 240 Semi-Open Studio Headphones[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B000AJIF4E” locale=”US” tag=”emcrit-20″]Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone[/easyazon_link]

Audio Interfaces for When You Go XLR

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The best choice for not too much money is the

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)

Sound Devices MixPre-2 Line

Lighting

Lume Edge

an easy edge light for your desk

Samson Q2U, Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, or Audio-Technica AT2005USB—These are all similar: USB for connecting directly to your computer and XLR for connecting to professional audio gear. But the Q2U is cheapest and the ATR2100x-USB has USB-C and a lifetime warranty.
Shure MV88—My favorite compact mic for recording directly into an iPhone via the Lightning port. Just know this doesn't work well with cases.
Sennheiser MD46 or Electro-Voice RE50—Ideal for handheld, point-back-and-forth “onsite reporter” style interviews, such as at conferences.
Shure MV7—Like the mics in #1, but higher quality and more built-in audio-enhancement features.
Audio-Technica BPHS1—For when you need to wear a mic with headphones, like a sportscaster or at loud events.
RØDE Wireless GO II or Samson Go Mic Mobile—These give you wireless audio for video shoots. The RØDE is simpler, but the Samson has more connection versatility included in the box.
Electro-Voice RE320 or Shure SM7B—My favorites for studio quality at a reasonable price. I personally use the RE320. The SM7B has a nicer physical design, but it needs a really good preamp in order to avoid a lot of hiss.
RØDE NTG series—When you need an out-of-frame mic, the RØDE NTG shotguns are fantastic. Each generation improves on the last. So get the highest NTG# you can afford (NTG5 is the latest).

Behringer XM8500

Movo+UM700

Pop Filters

These are the absolute best: https://www.stedmanusa.com/pop-filters

Desktop Stands

For most, I recommend the Rode DS2