Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ — Condenser USB
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Condenser USB

82
/ 100
From $149
VS
Shure SM58 wins by 6
Shure SM58 — Dynamic XLR
Shure

Shure SM58

Dynamic XLR

88
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict

Shure SM58 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ lands at 82 and Shure SM58 at 88. That puts Shure SM58 ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ if…

  • ✓Well-known professional reputation
  • ✓Good rejection (dynamic)
  • ✓Plug-and-play USB (where applicable)

Pick Shure SM58 if…

  • ✓Well-known professional reputation
  • ✓Good rejection (dynamic)
  • ✓Plug-and-play USB (where applicable)
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sound

Shure SM58

Compared on the sound sub-score

Shure SM58 leads on sound (88 vs 82).

Features

Shure SM58

Compared on the features sub-score

Shure SM58 leads on features (84 vs 78).

Value for money

Shure SM58

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Shure SM58 more score per dollar ($99 vs $149).

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ 82
vs
88 Shure SM58

Score breakdown

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
82
sound 82
features 78
build 90
value 84
Shure SM58
88
sound 88
features 84
build 90
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ versus Shure SM58 — full spec comparison
Spec Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Shure SM58
Type
Condenser USB
Dynamic XLR

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Pros
  • +Well-known professional reputation
  • +Good rejection (dynamic)
  • +Plug-and-play USB (where applicable)
Cons
  • −XLR models need an interface
  • −Shock mount often extra
  • −Room treatment helps more than mic choice

Shure SM58

Pros
  • +Well-known professional reputation
  • +Good rejection (dynamic)
  • +Plug-and-play USB (where applicable)
Cons
  • −XLR models need an interface
  • −Shock mount often extra
  • −Room treatment helps more than mic choice

FAQ: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ vs Shure SM58

Which is better, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ or Shure SM58? +

Shure SM58 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ worth the price? +

At $149, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in build.

Is Shure SM58 worth the price? +

At $99, Shure SM58 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.

Does Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ or Shure SM58 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ or Shure SM58? +

Shure SM58 — leads on sound (88 vs 82). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for features, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ or Shure SM58? +

Shure SM58 — leads on features (84 vs 78). Compared on the features sub-score.