The 9 best microphones for singing

You can have a great voice but get a mediocre sound if you don’t have the correct microphone for singing.

It’s not just about the price, though. You don’t have to pay top dollar to optimise your performance. You can get great sound from a budget microphone designed specifically for vocals.

We’ve collated a list of the best microphones for singing, whether you’re performing live or recording at home. All budgets are catered for—some highly-rated products are on our list for a great price.

1. Shure SM58, £119

Key features: 

• Built-in spherical wind and pop filter 
• Pneumatic shock-mount system 
• 50 to 15,000 Hz frequency response

The Shure SM58 is one of the most legendary dynamic microphones for singing—even artists like Led Zeppelin and The Who have used it.

It’s ideal for live performances thanks to its impressive range of built-in features, such as the brightened midrange and bass roll-off to extract just the right tones from your voice.

The pneumatic shock mount keeps the audio output stable, no matter how much you move around the stage, and the frequency response of 50 to 15,000 Hz is more than enough to handle most venues.

Related: Complete guide to microphone frequency response

2. Sennheiser e945, £179

Key features: 

• Super-cardioid design for consistent directivity  
• Shock-mount capsule
• 40 to 18,000 Hz frequency response

This is undoubtedly one of the best mics for vocals if you’re looking to get a natural and full sound, even when surrounded by loud instruments—its super-cardioid features emphasise your voice.

It also comes with a hum-compensating coil to negate electromagnetic interference, improving the overall sound quality and ensuring it only picks up the sounds you want.

Thanks to its rugged metal housing and shock-mounted capsule, it’s incredibly robust to stand the test of time.

3. Telefunken M80, £279

Key features: 

• Super thin capsule membrane 
• Impedance matching transformer 
• 50 to 18,000 Hz frequency response

While it’s one of the more expensive microphones for singers, the Telefunken M80 has impressive features that justify its higher price.

The super thin capsule membrane paired with the immaculate circuit design makes this microphone’s sound output a force to be reckoned with. It gives vocals an intimate quality and is reminiscent of high-end condenser microphones despite being designed for live events.

Artists such as Billie Joe Armstrong and Matty Healy have used this microphone just to put its capabilities into perspective.

4. Behringer BA 85A, £22.60

Key features: 

• Integrated wind and pop noise filter  
• Shock mount system to prevent handling noise
• 50 to 16,000 Hz frequency response 

Looking for the best mics for vocals on a budget? Thanks to the features it boasts, you won’t be disappointed by this competitively priced product.

It has a decent frequency response and gives a brilliant and transparent sound. It’s ideal for close-up vocals and has a high output level and super-cardioid characteristics for consistent directivity.  

The integrated wind and pop noise filter is another feature that makes the Behringer BA 85A almost indistinguishable from more expensive products on the market—its sound quality is impeccable despite its low price.

Related: 23 funny band names you’ll wish you came up with

5. Shure Beta 58A, £155

Key features:

• Supercardioid polar pattern  
• Air-sprung vibration absorber 
• 50 to 16,000 Hz frequency response

If you’re a fan of the Shure SM58 (number one on our list) but need a singing microphone that is less susceptible to feedback thanks to a more directional pick up, then the Beta 58A is a fine choice.

Its supercardioid polar pattern allows it to reject best from the back, giving it an improved ability to overcome feedback compared to the SM58.

It also has an extended low-end and high-end, benefiting those with a singing style or tonal characteristics that match an extended frequency response. The advanced pneumatic shock mount system makes it quieter than the SM58, but it’s useful if you require an extra stable audio output.

This microphone is a great choice if you’re looking for extra sensitivity compared to the SM58. You’re probably better steering clear if you’re in a heavy metal band and need a microphone to scream into.

6. Earthworks Audio SR314, £729

Key features:

• 145dB max sound pressure level 
• Tight cardioid polar pattern  
• 20 to 30,000 Hz frequency response

It’s the most expensive product on our list, but the Earthworks Audio SR314 is one of the best mics for singing at home or in the studio as well as on stage. It’s rare to find this kind of versatility in a condenser mic.

Used by Dolly Parton and the Artic Monkeys, it’s evident this vocal microphone caters to a wide range of styles, likely thanks to its high levels of sound isolation and clarity. The extended flat frequency response and tight cardioid polar pattern mean the translation is crystal-clear.

If you have a higher budget, it’s one to look out for—its ability to deliver high-quality sound both in and out of the studio sets it aside from the competition.

7. SE Electronics V7, £83

Key features:

• Supercardioid polar pattern  
• Integrated pop filter
• 40 to 19,000 Hz frequency response

Another of the best budget microphones for singing, the V7 is a reliable piece of kit designed especially for those looking for a crisp, natural sound.

Its supercardioid capsule drowns out other instruments and background sound to isolate your voice, providing wide amounts of gain before feedback.

It also contains a patented shockmount that eradicates mechanical vibration and ensures you can move around the stage without any disturbances. You don’t need to worry about rumbles, pops, or cracks with this mic.

The V7 is ideal for those looking for an impressive range of features without spending a fortune.

Related: The 10 most underrated music artists of our time

8. Sennheiser e865, £204.50

Key features:

• Supercardioid polar pattern  
• Prograde condenser element for live vocal applications
• 40 to 20,000 Hz frequency response 

Are you looking for a reliable condenser mic for singing at home or bringing that studio sound onstage? The Sennheiser e865 is a flexible option for artists needing consistent yet powerful sound quality.

It captures the full spectrum of your voice through its high-sensitivity capsule—the sound is detailed and full of clarity, and any unwanted sounds are filtered out.

The outer metal housing protects the microphone’s interior during live performances, and the lower end features an ergonomic grip. It has a rugged design and feels sturdy and secure in your hand.

Sennheiser has a 75-year history developing some of the industry’s most renowned sound equipment, including the world’s first pair of open headphones. It’s safe to say their microphones are popular with artists across the globe.

9. Rode M2, £88

Key features:

• Supercardioid polar pattern  
• Internal shock-mounted condenser capsule
• 35 to 20,000 Hz frequency response 

 

Condensers aren’t always the best mics for vocals during live performances, but the Rode M2 can handle everything the stage environment throws at it.

Its supercardioid pattern is tight and allows for incredibly detailed voice reproduction while keeping spill and feedback minimal.  

The mic features an all-metal body and is one of the most robust on our list. When bought from Rode, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty on this product—it’s clear they’re confident in the quality of their mics.

Specialist singer insurance with Insure4Music 

Now that you’re stocked up on new gear, you may want to consider protecting it through specialist insurance, especially if you perform live.

At Insure4Music, the specialist singer insurance includes Equipment Cover in case your microphones or PA systems are lost, damaged, or stolen, alongside Public Liability which is a legal requirement in many venues.

Find out more about the different cover options here, or get an instant online quote.