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Shure SM7B — Dynamic · XLR · Broadcast classic
Shure

Shure SM7B

Dynamic · XLR · Broadcast classic

93
/ 100
From $399
VS
Shure SM7B wins by 5
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X — USB · Cardioid condenser · Streamer pick
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X

USB · Cardioid condenser · Streamer pick

88
/ 100
From $149
Specdex verdict

Shure SM7B takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Shure SM7B lands at 93 and Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X at 88. That puts Shure SM7B ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Shure SM7B if…

  • ✓The podcast mic — used by everyone
  • ✓Phenomenal rejection of room noise
  • ✓Built like a tank

Pick Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X if…

  • ✓Studio-grade sound at $149
  • ✓On-mic mute + headphone mix
  • ✓AT2020 capsule lineage
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Winner by scenario

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

Build

Shure SM7B

Compared on the build sub-score

Shure SM7B leads on build (98 vs 92).

Sound

Shure SM7B

Compared on the sound sub-score

Shure SM7B leads on sound (96 vs 92).

Features

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X

Compared on the features sub-score

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X leads on features (88 vs 82).

Value for money

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X more score per dollar ($149 vs $399).

Shure SM7B 93
vs
88 Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X

Score breakdown

Shure SM7B
93
sound 96
features 82
build 98
value 82
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
88
sound 92
features 88
build 92
value 96

Specs side-by-side

Shure SM7B versus Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X — full spec comparison
Spec Shure SM7B Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
Type
Dynamic cardioid
—
Connectivity
XLR
USB-C
Frequency response
50 Hz – 20 kHz
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Pattern
—
Cardioid condenser
Bit depth
—
24-bit
Sample rates
—
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
Weight
—
320 g

Shure SM7B

Pros
  • +The podcast mic — used by everyone
  • +Phenomenal rejection of room noise
  • +Built like a tank
Cons
  • −Needs lots of gain (Cloudlifter recommended)
  • −XLR only
  • −Heavy — needs sturdy arm

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X

Pros
  • +Studio-grade sound at $149
  • +On-mic mute + headphone mix
  • +AT2020 capsule lineage
Cons
  • −No XLR option
  • −Pop filter not included
  • −24-bit / 96 kHz max (no 32-bit float)

FAQ: Shure SM7B vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X

Which is better, Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X? +

Shure SM7B scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Shure SM7B worth the price? +

At $399, Shure SM7B delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in build.

Is Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X worth the price? +

At $149, Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in value.

Does Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X 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 build, Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X? +

Shure SM7B — leads on build (98 vs 92). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sound, Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X? +

Shure SM7B — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Compared on the sound sub-score.