Cheap microphones are often found with a "less is more" design approach. Companies have stripped down the features and made compromises in their designs so that their microphones sound good and sell for less. Audio-Technica, though unbeatable in the microphone field, is bucking the trend by creating a high-quality microphone for under $100 without completely stripping away the necessary features.

The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, the successor to the now-discontinued AT2020USB, sells for under $70, which is on the higher end of the budget microphone price range. It is a unidirectional microphone ideal for streaming, podcasting, everyday use in the workplace, or playing on Discord.

There is some confusion because AT has several microphones named AT2020, including the AT2020 USB X, a $150 premium USB, and an XLR version of the AT2020 for $100.

Compared to cheaper USB mics, the metal body is designed to take a beating. Those who travel frequently need not worry about the AT2020+. It also comes with a convenient travel pouch, giving you a sense of luxury every time you take it out.

The microphone itself is easy to use. It is plug-and-play and does not require any software to be installed, so you can start recording fairly quickly. There are also controls for headphone volume and mix, a feature not often found on products under $100. For example, my favorite budget microphone, the Razer Seiren Mini, has no additional features. It's always been really clutch to monitor and adjust mic levels during a live stream without having to use third-party software to fine-tune it. But why did Audio-Technica choose to use these controls instead of a mute button or gain control?

These additional features are great, but the most important question to ask of any microphone you might buy is always, "So, how does it sound?"

The AT2020USB+ is one of the best sounding microphones I've used in a long time for under $100.

As you can tell from the samples, my voice is sharp and clear. For those who do a lot of podcasting, narration, or other content featuring my voice, it adds warmth to the vocals. If you make a lot of content featuring your voice, such as podcasting or narration, this is a really good mic that gives you a lot for only $70.

I would recommend buying a pop filter, as the repellent sound was noticeable in the test recording every time I said something with a "p" in it.

Being a single condenser mic, it is less versatile than mics closer to the $100 price range. If your content is just logistically and does not include anything overly complicated, this is still an excellent choice for beginners.

As much as I like the AT2020, its flimsy tripod leaves something to be desired. It never fits perfectly on my desk, and often seems to tip over with a slight bump against the desk. Poor mounting is common with microphones in this price range, but given that this is not Audio-Technica's first USB microphone, it should be better, given its pedigree.

It's also odd that it uses USB Type A. USB Type A is objectively safer and better than micro USB. In a pinch, finding an extra USB Type-A cable must be much harder than USB Type-C.

Audio-Technica's AT2020USB+ proves that you can make a quality microphone for under $100 and find a way to keep it under $100 without cutting back on features. The tripod stand is really poor, but it is still one of the best mics you can buy right now.