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Rode PodMic vs Audio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone

Both are XLR dynamic podcast mics with all-metal bodies and internal shock mounting, so the choice comes down to pickup pattern and price. The AT2040's hypercardioid pattern rejects more room noise, which matters in an untreated room. The PodMic has a fuller low end and a much larger review base. The AT2040 is $109.00 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026, and the PodMic's current price is not shown here, so check its live price before deciding.

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Rode
Rode PodMic Dynamic Podcasting Microphone

Rode PodMic

Rode PodMic Dynamic Podcasting Microphone

4.8(1,200 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Rode PodMic if you want a warm, broadcast-style sound, a built-in pop filter, and a mic with a long track record and deep review history.

Pros
  • Rich, balanced broadcast tone with strong low end
  • Internal pop filter and shock mount cut plosives and vibration
  • 20 Hz to 20 kHz range and 148 dB max SPL
  • Very large, high-rated review base
Cons
  • Heavy at 937 g, so a sturdy arm is needed
  • Cardioid pattern picks up more room sound than hypercardioid
  • Stand mount not listed as included
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone

Audio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone

Audio-Technica AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone

4.7(67 ratings)
$109.00at WalmartObserved at 7:50 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart

Choose the Audio-Technica AT2040 if you record in a noisy or echoey room and want tighter off-axis rejection plus a pivoting stand mount in the box.

Pros
  • Hypercardioid pattern rejects more room and background noise
  • Multistage windscreen with foam mesh filters pops and hiss
  • Pivoting stand mount included
  • Lighter at 615 g
Cons
  • Rolled-off top end at 16 kHz
  • Higher 600-ohm impedance
  • Only 67 ratings, so less proven in the field

What separates them

Rode PodMicAudio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone
Pickup patternCardioidHypercardioid
Frequency response20 Hz to 20 kHz80 Hz to 16 kHz
Impedance320Ω600 ohms
Weight937 g615 g
Included mountInternal pop filter; stand mount not listedPivoting stand mount included
Max SPL148 dBNot published
Review base4.8 out of 5 from 1,200 ratings4.7 out of 5 from 67 ratings
PriceNot shown here$109.00 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026

Price history

$109.00$87.99
Nov 2Nov 8
  • Rode PodMic: lowest $87.99 on Nov 2 at Techinn.com.
  • Audio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone: lowest $109.00 on Nov 3 at Adorama; $109.00 on Nov 8.

Prices at every store

Rode PodMic

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • Micro CenterCheck price at Micro Center
Prices and history →

Audio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $109.00Free shippingObserved at 7:50 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • AdoramaNew

    In stock

    $109.00Free shippingObserved at 7:50 PM
    Visit Adorama
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $109.00Free shippingObserved at 7:50 PM
    Visit Newegg
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Austin BazaarReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $109.00Observed at 7:50 PM
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • Abt ElectronicsCheck price at Abt Electronics
  • Guitar CenterCheck price at Guitar Center
  • Musician's FriendCheck price at Musician's Friend

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRode PodMicAudio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone
Connector TypeXLRXLR
InterfacesXLRXLR
Wireless TechnologyWiredWired
Included AccessoriesInternal pop filterPivoting stand mount
Power SourceNot requiredCorded Electric
DirectionalityCardioidHypercardioid
FormatSingle microphoneDynamic
SubtypeDynamicDynamic
TypeStudio microphoneMicrophone
Diaphragm SizeLargeLarge diaphragm
Signal TypeAnalogAnalog (XLR version)
UsePodcastingPodcasting
Show all 39 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRode PodMicAudio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone
Impedance320Ω600 ohms
Form FactorDynamicDynamic
DurabilityDurabilityAll-metal construction
MaterialAll-metal constructionMetal
Cable Length9.8-foot (3m)3 m
Depth109 mm25.7 cm
Height62 mm145.3 mm
Weight937 Grams615 g
Width172 mm52 mm (maximum body diameter)
Frequency Response

What reviewers say

Rode PodMic

  • 4.8 / 51,200 ratings

Owners rate it highly for broadcast-style sound and build at its price. Many say it sounds close to far more expensive dynamic mics once placed correctly. Complaints center on its weight and the gain it needs from basic interfaces.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners describe a warm, balanced tone suited to close-mic speech.
  • BuildPraisedThe all-metal body is repeatedly called sturdy and long-lasting.
  • PlosivesPraisedThe internal pop filter keeps plosives down without extra gear.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 937 g it strains light boom arms and desk stands.

Audio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone

  • 4.7 / 567 ratings

Owners rate it highly, praising its broadcast-like sound and strong rejection of room noise for the price. Complaints center on the lack of an included cable and the need for a decent interface to get enough gain.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners describe a clear, broadcast-style voice tone with good body.
  • Noise rejectionPraisedThe hypercardioid pattern keeps room and background noise out of recordings.
  • BuildPraisedThe all-metal body and shock mount feel sturdy and well made.
  • CableCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for a noisy room?
The AT2040. Its hypercardioid pattern rejects more sound from the sides and rear, so it picks up less room noise and echo than the PodMic's cardioid pattern.
Which sounds fuller?
The PodMic. Its 20 Hz to 20 kHz response reaches lower, giving a warmer, more broadcast-style low end. The AT2040 rolls off at 80 Hz and tops out at 16 kHz.
Do either need phantom power?
No. Both are dynamic mics that need no power. You still need an XLR audio interface or mixer to connect them.
Which is easier to mount?
The AT2040, which ships with a pivoting stand mount. The PodMic weighs 937 g and its listing does not include a mount, so budget for a stand or boom arm.
Is the AT2040 worth it at $109.00?
Yes if room noise is your main problem. It was $109.00 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026, with no lower price recorded since November 3. Compare it against the PodMic's live price before buying.

More comparisons

  • Shure BETA 58A Professional Studio Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Mic Microphone vs Audio-Technica AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone
20 Hz to 20 kHz
80-16,000 Hz
colorBlackBlack
StyleVintage dynamic microphones design notes—
Max SPL148 dB—
actual_colorBlack—
Sensitivity—-53 dB (2.2 mV) (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)
Signal To Noise Ratio—76 dB
Wireless—No
6.3 mm (1/8") TRS—No
Stand Included—Yes
Clip-On—No
USB—No
Mute Button—No
Microphone Type—Dynamic
3.5 mm (1/8") TRS—No
Polar Patterns—Hypercardioid
Suitable for—Broadcast & Television, Podcast
XLR—Yes
Buyers note the XLR cable is not included and must be bought separately.