Alternatives to Behringer XM8500
9 Behringer XM8500 alternatives,
ranked.
Looking for something different from Behringer XM8500? We rounded up the 9 closest equipment tools — what they do, what they cost, who they're for.
Why people look for alternatives to Behringer XM8500
The Behringer XM8500 is the rock-bottom dynamic — currently around $25-$65 depending on retailer. Genuinely usable for guest mics, backup mics, or pop-up podcast setups. Tone is thinner than the Shure SM58 it's modeled after, but the price-to-quality ratio is real. Comes with a clip and case.
The common trade-offs:
- Tone thinner than the SM58 it copies
- No shock mount included
- Build feels light
The 9 alternatives below all sit in the same equipment category and address similar use cases — but each has its own personality. Here's how they compare.
All 9 alternatives to Behringer XM8500
Direct comparisons
Want a side-by-side breakdown? See how Behringer XM8500 stacks up against each alternative.
Frequently asked
What's the closest alternative to Behringer XM8500?
Electro-Voice RE20. The RE20 is the broadcast-industry standard for a reason — Variable-D pattern means proximity effect stays minimal even when you move close. Currently around $399-$499 at major retailers.
Why would someone switch away from Behringer XM8500?
The honest answers: tone thinner than the sm58 it copies; no shock mount included. Whether either matters depends on your specific workflow — for plenty of people, neither does.
Are there free alternatives to Behringer XM8500?
Not in this category — most equipment tools in our list charge from day one. Worth checking each tool's site for new free tiers.
How is Electro-Voice RE20 different from Behringer XM8500?
Electro-Voice RE20 leans into "Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)". Behringer XM8500 leans into "Very cheap (~$25-65 across retailers)". They overlap in the equipment category but solve slightly different parts of the workflow.