Rode
Rode NT1 5th gen
Condenser USB/XLR
90
/ 100
From $249
VS
Rode NT1 5th gen wins by 2
Shure
Shure SM58
Dynamic XLR
88
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict
Rode NT1 5th gen takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Rode NT1 5th gen lands at 90 and Shure SM58 at 88. That puts Rode NT1 5th gen ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Rode NT1 5th gen 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)
Rode NT1 5th gen 90
vs 88 Shure SM58
Score breakdown
Rode NT1 5th gen
90 sound 90
features 86
build 90
value 84
Shure SM58
88 sound 88
features 84
build 90
value 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Rode NT1 5th gen | Shure SM58 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Condenser USB/XLR | Dynamic XLR |
Rode NT1 5th gen
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: Rode NT1 5th gen vs Shure SM58
Which is better, Rode NT1 5th gen or Shure SM58? +
Rode NT1 5th gen scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Rode NT1 5th gen worth the price? +
At $249, Rode NT1 5th gen delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Is Shure SM58 worth the price? +
At $99, Shure SM58 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.
Does Rode NT1 5th gen 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.