Head-to-head comparison
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB vs Behringer XM8500
Two of the equipment tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
Pros
- USB-C is more modern than mini-USB rivals
- 24-bit/192kHz USB output
- Decent rejection for a budget dynamic
Watch-outs
- A bit thinner-sounding than the Q2U
- No boom arm or shock mount included
- ~$70-80 puts it just above Q2U
Behringer XM8500
Pros
- Very cheap (~$25-65 across retailers)
- Decent rejection for the price
- Great as a spare or guest mic
Watch-outs
- Tone thinner than the SM58 it copies
- No shock mount included
- Build feels light
Which one should you pick?
Pick Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB if
You’re building around . Audio-Technica's answer to the Samson Q2U. USB-C and XLR dual outputs, around $70-80.
Pick Behringer XM8500 if
You’re building around . 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.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB do better than Behringer XM8500?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB's standout is "USB-C is more modern than mini-USB rivals". Behringer XM8500 doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Very cheap (~$25-65 across retailers)" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB; if the second does, pick Behringer XM8500.
What are the trade-offs?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: a bit thinner-sounding than the q2u. Behringer XM8500: tone thinner than the sm58 it copies. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB and Behringer XM8500 together?
Both are equipment tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB for one show or episode type and Behringer XM8500 for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.