RØDE - PodMic

Been using the rode podmic 1 for 4 years now. Recorded 200+ eps. And its still going strong. Get it!

I recommend a dynamic mic like the Rode Procaster or the PodMic. I feel that those produce the crispest sounds.

Don't get a condenser. Dynamic mics are far better for spoken word and untreated audio environments. Fine 688, Rhode podmic, shure MV7 are a few of my recommendations. Blue yeti, quadcast all that should be avoided.

I use a [Rode PodMic](https://rode.com/en-gb/products/podmic) - they have a [bunch of arm/stand options,](https://rode.com/en-gb/accessories/stands-bars) run into a [Focusrite Scarlett 2i2](https://focusrite.com/products/scarlett-2i2). Not sure if this fits your budget or might be slightly over, but there are Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas sales coming up, so those might be good times to grab these.

Personally i went with a RODE podmic XLR version, i find it decent. Havn't had anyone complain about it, no background noise issues either.

Rode PodMic XLR with the Elgato Wave XLR.

I use the RØDE PodMic which is inexpensive, and has served me very well for the last few years, though it’s an XLR mic, which would require an audio interface/mixer in addition However, there’s also the RØDE PodMic USB, which is essentially the same microphone, but you can choose between USB and XLR connection, allowing you to switch to an XLR setup down the line if you so wished. It’s about £150, but I assume you’re talking US Dollars if you’re saying “bucks”, so it may be a little over budget. But a great mic to have if you can stretch your budget

I unfortunately don't have very up to date information on affordable interfaces, but Focusrite is usually considered to have some of the best budget options. Their Vocaster One interface looks like a good option for you. Regarding mics in my opinion a used Shure SM57 or SM58 is great value, really some of the best bang for your buck. Røde Podmic is a good option of if your budget allows, you might see those on black friday sales. For like actual budget mics the Fifine K669D seems like crazy good value at 35-ish dollars.

No microphone is going to remove background noise, so you want to get it as close to you as possible. Your best bet is a dynamic microphone, for example, the rode podmic, on a boom so it can be right in front of your face. If you can't get a dynamic mic, then a condenser right in front of your face

And don't try to save money by buying any "open box" or refurbished. Those are all used by some teen wanna-be influencer who broke it, lost the accessories, and returned it. 3 failures out of 3 (Podmic USB) and finally just ordered directly from Rode. But the USB version is a bit out of OP's price range. The XLR-only isn't, though, if he has a preamp.