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Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

  • Cardioid condenser
  • Flat 20Hz-20kHz frequency response
  • High-quality A/D converter
  • Mix control for monitoring
  • Headphone monitoring
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Is the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ ranks #1 in our Best Budget USB Microphones Under $100 list (best overall). Its biggest strength: high-quality A/D converter, cleaner digital signal than most competitors. The main caveat: cardioid only, no polar pattern options.

Overview

What the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ does well

The flat frequency response and quality A/D converter make it the right choice for podcast recording, voiceover, and anyone who processes audio in a DAW. Its case rests on high-quality A/D converter, cleaner digital signal than most competitors and mix control lets you blend direct monitoring with playback audio. Keep in mind that cardioid only, no polar pattern options.

Better for audio purists who do their processing in a DAW. The highlights are high-quality A/D converter produces cleaner digital signal than competitors and mix control allows blending direct monitoring with computer playback. The tradeoff: cardioid only, no polar pattern selection.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • Cardioid condenser
  • Flat 20Hz-20kHz frequency response
  • High-quality A/D converter
  • Mix control for monitoring
  • Headphone monitoring
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • High-quality A/D converter, cleaner digital signal than most competitors
  • Mix control lets you blend direct monitoring with playback audio
  • Audio-Technica cardioid capsule quality well above price point

Cons

  • Cardioid only, no polar pattern options
  • No built-in processing or software
  • Basic stand, boom arm strongly recommended
Fit check

Should you buy the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+?

Buy it if you're…

  • Shopping for budgets under $100

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Cardioid only, no polar pattern options
  • No built-in processing or software
  • Basic stand, boom arm strongly recommended
Where it ranks

Featured in 2 best-of lists

ListRank
Best Budget USB Microphones Under $100· Best Overall#1 / 5
Best USB Microphones 2026· Best For Recording#3 / 6
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: usb microphones

  1. Dynamic for noisy rooms.
  2. Cardioid suits solo voice.
  3. Hardware controls help.
  4. Headphone jack for live monitoring.
  5. Use stands or boom arms.

Read the full guides

Answers

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+: common questions

Is the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ ranks #1 in our Best Budget USB Microphones Under $100 list (best overall). Its biggest strength: high-quality A/D converter, cleaner digital signal than most competitors. The main caveat: cardioid only, no polar pattern options.

Who is the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ best for?

Based on our research it suits budgets under $100. It's ranked #1 of 5 in our Best Budget USB Microphones Under $100 list.

What are the downsides of the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: cardioid only, no polar pattern options; no built-in processing or software; basic stand, boom arm strongly recommended.

What are the key features of the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+?

Cardioid condenser, Flat 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, High-quality A/D converter, Mix control for monitoring and Headphone monitoring.

What are the best alternatives to the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+?

Worth comparing: Rode NT-USB Mini, Samson Q2U and FIFINE K669B USB Condenser Microphone. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

Do I need an audio interface for a podcast microphone?

No, USB microphones contain their own built-in audio interface (the analog-to-digital converter) and connect directly to a computer via USB. This is what makes them self-contained podcast microphones without additional hardware. XLR microphones (the other standard for podcast microphones) require a separate audio interface or mixer to connect to a computer. USB is the simpler setup for solo or two-person podcasts; XLR provides more control and upgrade flexibility for professional multi-person productions.

What is the most important microphone spec for podcast audio quality?

Polar pattern (cardioid) is the most important specification for podcast recording in an untreated room. A cardioid polar pattern rejects sound from behind and the sides of the microphone, capturing only the voice directly in front. This reduces room echo, background noise, and keyboard clicks that are captured by omnidirectional microphones. All recommended podcast microphones use a cardioid or selectable cardioid polar pattern. Self-noise (the electrical noise floor of the microphone) matters for quiet environments, below 20dB self-noise is the threshold for professional recording.

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