Head-to-head comparison
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB vs Boya BY-M1 Lavalier
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
Boya BY-M1 Lavalier
Pros
- Works with phones, DSLRs, and laptops
- Six-meter cord allows real range
- Includes windscreen out of the box
Watch-outs
- Omnidirectional grabs every room sound
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Cheap connector can develop crackle
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 Boya BY-M1 Lavalier if
You’re building around . The budget lavalier that's launched a thousand YouTube channels. Six-meter cord, omnidirectional, works with phones, DSLRs, and computers via a switch on the body.
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Frequently asked
What does Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB do better than Boya BY-M1 Lavalier?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB's standout is "USB-C is more modern than mini-USB rivals". Boya BY-M1 Lavalier doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Works with phones, DSLRs, and laptops" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB; if the second does, pick Boya BY-M1 Lavalier.
What are the trade-offs?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: a bit thinner-sounding than the q2u. Boya BY-M1 Lavalier: omnidirectional grabs every room sound. 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 Boya BY-M1 Lavalier 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 Boya BY-M1 Lavalier for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.