Head-to-head comparison
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB vs FIFINE K688
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
FIFINE K688
Pros
- Dual USB and XLR for ~$73-80
- Onboard headphone jack with monitoring
- Metal body looks broadcast-grade
Watch-outs
- Lower-tier brand reputation vs Shure/Rode
- USB output is 16-bit
- Stand mount is plastic
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 FIFINE K688 if
You’re building around . The FIFINE K688 is the surprise budget contender — dual USB and XLR, around $73-$80, with a metal body and onboard headphone jack. Looks like a Shure SM7B at a quarter of the price.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB do better than FIFINE K688?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB's standout is "USB-C is more modern than mini-USB rivals". FIFINE K688 doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Dual USB and XLR for ~$73-80" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB; if the second does, pick FIFINE K688.
What are the trade-offs?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: a bit thinner-sounding than the q2u. FIFINE K688: lower-tier brand reputation vs shure/rode. 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 FIFINE K688 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 FIFINE K688 for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.