Rank #6 in Best USB Microphone 2026: 10 Ranked, and Why the Big Numbers Lie
MAONO PD100X XLR/USB Dynamic Gaming Microphone, Black
- Rating
- 4.4
- Ratings
- 1,018
- Rank
- #6
Price and rating as shown on Amazon when we collected them. Both change.
The MAONO PD100X Black is a USB/XLR dynamic microphone listed at £48.99, sixth in this guide, and its spec sheet claims a signal-to-noise ratio of 99 dB. That is 39 dB higher than the 60 dB quoted for the £169 RØDE PodMic USB in the same set — the £49 mic out-printing one that costs around three and a half times as much, on a figure no buyer can check from a listing.
The listing also disagrees with itself on frequency response. A bullet advertises a frequency response of 48 Hz–16 kHz alongside a 24-bit/48 kHz sampling rate, while the spec table's own Frequency Response field reads simply "40 Hz". The 24-bit/48 kHz figure is presented as a 50% improvement in sound detail over competitors the bullet describes as 16-bit/48 kHz — the 48 kHz sample rate is identical on both sides, and only the bit depth changes. Everything on this page is taken from the Amazon listing as written, not from any testing of our own.
How those 1,018 ratings break down
An average hides its own shape. This is the spread behind the 4.4 stars.
Specification
Exactly as published on the Amazon listing, field for field.
| Price | £48.99 |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 from 1,018 ratings |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 99 dB |
| Sampling rate (bullet claim) | 24-bit/48 kHz |
| Frequency response (bullet claim) | 48 Hz–16 kHz |
| Frequency response (as listed) | 40 Hz |
| Connectivity | USB and XLR; the listing notes the XLR cable is not included |
| Antenna location (as listed) | Gaming, Podcast, Recording, Streaming, Video Conference, Vocal |
What it is up against
The rivals it was ranked against in Best USB Microphone 2026: 10 Ranked, and Why the Big Numbers Lie.
Questions people ask
What signal-to-noise ratio does the MAONO PD100X claim?
The spec table lists 99 dB. For comparison, this guide quotes 60 dB for the £169 RØDE PodMic USB.
What frequency response does the MAONO PD100X have?
The listing gives two answers. A bullet says 48 Hz–16 kHz, while the Frequency Response field in the spec table says 40 Hz.
What is the sampling rate of the MAONO PD100X?
A bullet claims 24-bit/48 kHz and compares it with competitors it describes as 16-bit/48 kHz. The sample rate is 48 kHz in both descriptions.
Does the MAONO PD100X include an XLR cable?
No. The box contents bullet lists a dynamic microphone, user guide, USB-C to USB-A/C cable and a desktop stand, with a note that the XLR cable is not included.
What is the MAONO PD100X compatible with?
The listing names Windows, Mac OS, PS4/PS5, audio mixers and gaming audio interfaces, and states it is not compatible with Xbox or the iPhone 17 series.
What software does the MAONO PD100X use?
MAONO Link, which the listing says handles noise reduction settings, alongside the onboard mute button, RGB lighting with 3 modes and 9 colour options, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring.
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