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Experts recommend Shure SM57 more than Rode NT1

As of 3 Jan 2025, experts prefer Shure SM57 over Rode NT1, but both Microphones have solid expert endorsements.

As per this month's meta ranking, Shure SM57 received 2 recommendations: from Music Radar (26 Jun 2024) and PianoDreamers (25 Jan 2023). Rode NT1 was also endorsed 2 times: by PCMag (26 Nov 2024) and Music Radar (26 Jun 2024). However, experts generally ranked Rode NT1 lower than Shure SM57 in their articles, which caused it to rank lower in ReviewFinder ranking.

Rank Change Price Microphone
IGN
PCMag
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
2
- $99
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
16
+1 Check price
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.
-
6
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
-

Curious to see this month's entire Microphones ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

  • On 26 Jun 2024 Music Radar ranked Shure SM57 as #1 and Rode NT1 as #6
    Rank Microphone Comment
    #1 out of 22 Shure SM57
    The best for loud guitar cabinets
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 22 Rode NT1
    The best affordable condenser mic for vocals
    ... ... ...
  • On 26 Nov 2024 PCMag ranked Rode NT1 as #6
    Rank Microphone Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 8 Rode NT1
    Best for USB and XLR Inputs
    ... ... ...
  • On 25 Jan 2023 PianoDreamers ranked Shure SM57 as #1
    Rank Microphone Comment
    #1 out of 11 Shure SM57
    The King of Versatility
    ... ... ...

After counting and adding up the 92 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Shure SM57 outranks Rode NT1. This is not to say that Rode NT1 is a bad option. Like Shure SM57, it is recommended by experts, but less.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, Shure SM57 outranks Rode NT1 by 14 positions. This indicates that, as of 3 Jan 2025, Shure SM57 is more critically acclaimed than Rode NT1.
Rank Change Price Microphone
IGN
PCMag
MusicTech
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
PC Gamer
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
1
- $100
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers.
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-
11
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-
-
1
1
-
2
- $99
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
3
- $120
Elgato Wave 3
The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
8
-
-
-
-
-
1
3
-
-
4
+12 $279
Shure MV7 Plus
5
7
-
-
-
6
-
-
3
-
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [16]

84
Total expert reviews: 16
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 11
Highest score by microphonegeeks.com
100
Average score based on 16 reviews
84
Lowest score by Tom's Hardware
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Expert reviews [8]

96
Total expert reviews: 8
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by homestudiobasics.com
100
Average score based on 8 reviews
96
Lowest score by SoundGuys
89

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
From Seller:
  • Extremely Low-noise Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with SM6 Combination Shock Mount Pop Screen
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM57-LC delivers high-quality vocal reproduction, thanks to its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange for clear and present vocals.
  • INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM57 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ready to bring any performance to life. From the club to the stadium, Shure has your back.
  • Read more
Video Reviews Most popular unboxing/review videos.
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Shure SM57 Dynamic Mic Review / Test
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Very popular! 237K views!
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Shure SM57 [REVIEW] - Dynamic Microphone - Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar Test
Review by Nico Soro
Popular! 13K views!
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Shure SM57 + Unboxing And Test! AKA New Studio Mic
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