Shure SM7B vs Shure MV7+ vs RØDE PodMic USB
Three dynamic broadcast mics that streamers and podcasters compare when they move past their first USB mic. All three focus on your voice and reject much of the room; the difference is how they connect. The SM7B is XLR only, while the MV7+ and the PodMic USB offer both USB-C and XLR.
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Spec by spec
| Spec | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Interface | XLR | USB + XLR | USB + XLR |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Bit depth (USB) | Not listed | Not listed | 24 bit |
| Arm included | No | No | No |
| Price | $439 | $299 | $209(Best in this row) |
| Setuplify score | Setuplify score: 9.0/10(Best in this row) | Setuplify score: 8.7/10 | Setuplify score: 8.6/10 |
| Value score | Value score: 7.0/10 | Value score: 7.6/10 | Value score: 8.2/10(Best in this row) |
Highlighted values are the best of the row. Prices are for United States.
Where each one wins
Shure SM7B
Our pick overall
Serious podcasting, streaming and voice-over
- Wins on
- Setuplify score
- Falls behind on
- Price, Value score
Shure MV7+
Podcasts and streams in untreated rooms
- Wins on
- No clear spec win: this one is about feel and fit.
- Falls behind on
- Never last in a row.
RØDE PodMic USB
Best value
Podcasting and streaming from a desk
- Wins on
- Price, Value score
- Falls behind on
- Setuplify score
Who should buy which
Pick the MV7+ if you want the simplest great-sounding setup: plug it in over USB-C, let Auto Level Mode and the denoiser do the work, and move to XLR later. Pick the PodMic USB for the same USB-now, XLR-later idea with a classic broadcast look and RØDE's APHEX processing, as long as your arm can carry its weight. Pick the SM7B if you already own, or plan to buy, an interface with plenty of clean gain (or an inline preamp), and want the studio reference with bass roll-off and presence switches. None of the three comes with a stand or arm.
Also worth a look
Other microphones we rate that sit close to these two.
Questions people ask
Can I plug the Shure SM7B into my computer over USB?
No, the SM7B is XLR only. You need an audio interface with plenty of clean gain, and sometimes an inline preamp. The Shure MV7+ and the RØDE PodMic USB both have a USB-C output as well as XLR.
Do these mics come with a stand?
No. None of the three includes a stand or an arm. The PodMic USB is heavy, so pick an arm rated for it, such as the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP, which supports mics up to 2 kg.