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Anker PowerCast M300 Review | 76 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Connection type: USB
  • Transducer type: condenser
  • Max SPL: ?
  • Supported sample rates: 96 kHz
  • Output connector type: USB-c

Anker PowerCast M300 review. Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among microphones and if it is worth buying.

7.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the microphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best microphones on the market.

Score components:

75.0%

7.5

Technical Score

25.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the microphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sound quality, sensitivity, pickup pattern, connectivity, onboard controls, accessories, compatibility, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

8.2

Audio Performance

20.0%

9.1

Recording

16.0%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16.0%

7.5

Controls & Features

10.0%

10

Power

7.0%

10

Compatibility

5.0%

6.6

Connectivity

3.0%

8.7

Design

3.0%

3.6

Accessories

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.

When it matters: When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 10
    Gaming

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    25.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    20.0%

    10

    Mute function

    20.0%

    10

    Volume control levels

    10.0%

    10

    RGB lighting

  • 9.1
    Podcasting

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Cardioid pattern

    20.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    20.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    20.0%

    10

    Audio interface bit depth

    15.0%

    4.0

    Audio interface sample rate

  • 9.2
    Vocal recording

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Max SPL

    20.0%

    10

    Highest frequency

    20.0%

    10

    Lowest frequency

    20.0%

    10

    Cardioid pattern

  • 10
    Streaming

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Loopback support

    25.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    20.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    15.0%

    10

    Mute function

    15.0%

    10

    Volume control levels

  • 6.1
    Camera use

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.1

    Weight

    25.0%

    4.0

    Windscreen included

    25.0%

    4.0

    Shock mount included

    10.0%

    7.3

    Height

    10.0%

    9.4

    Width

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £45

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Anker PowerCast M300 is a budget-friendly USB condenser microphone featuring a large 16mm capsule and a cardioid polar pattern designed to capture focused, front-facing audio with a high 96kHz/24-bit sample rate. Key characteristics include plug-and-play USB-C connectivity, integrated gain and volume control via an onboard dial, a dedicated mute button with a light indicator, a 3.5mm headphone jack for real-time monitoring, and a customizable 23-color RGB base. Its primary pros are its sturdy alloy steel build with a flexible 180° swivel and 360° rotating base, along with its excellent value for entry-level streaming and podcasting. However, some users have noted cons such as a relatively quiet output that requires staying very close to the mic for optimal levels, potential electronic noise when the gain is cranked to maximum, and the lack of official software support for advanced audio tuning.

Technical Specifications of Anker PowerCast M300

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the microphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sound quality, sensitivity, pickup pattern, connectivity, onboard controls, accessories, compatibility, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

?

Audio Performance

20.0%

?

Recording

16.0%

?

Pickup Patterns

16.0%

?

Controls & Features

10.0%

?

Power

7.0%

?

Compatibility

5.0%

?

Connectivity

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Accessories

7.5
Anker PowerCast M300 has a technical score of 7.54 points, which is higher than 76.9% of microphones.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.

When it matters: When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
1.0
Anker PowerCast M300 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 68.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the microphone's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a microphone with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.3
Anker PowerCast M300 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.3 points, which is higher than 70.9% of products in this category.
Microphone type
What it is: The overall microphone class intended for uses such as studio work, lavalier recording, handheld speech, or instrument capture.
When it matters: When you are choosing the right microphone style for studio work, interviews, streaming, or instruments.

Importance: LOW

studio
Transducer type
What it is: The transducer technology used to convert sound into an electrical signal.
When it matters: When you are choosing between condenser, dynamic, or ribbon behavior for your room and voice.

Importance: LOW

condenser
Diaphragm size
What it is: The diameter of the microphone diaphragm that reacts to incoming sound pressure.
When it matters: When you compare small and large diaphragm microphones for vocal detail, room tone, or transient response.

Importance: LOW

16 inch / mm
Capsule type
What it is: The capsule construction used inside the microphone to capture sound.
When it matters: When you compare different capsule designs for tone, detail, or recording style.

Importance: LOW

single
Sensitivity
What it is: The output level produced by the microphone for a given sound pressure reference.
When it matters: When you need enough output level without driving your preamp too hard.

Importance: LOW

?
Show more
Connection type
What it is: The connection standard used to link the microphone with recorders, mixers, phones, or computers.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to plug directly into the device you actually record with.

Importance: LOW

USB
Output connector type
What it is: The type of output connector used by the microphone for sending its audio signal.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to connect to a specific kind of input on your gear.

Importance: LOW

USB-c
Headphone output
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a headphone output for direct monitoring.
When it matters: When you want to hear your own voice directly while recording or streaming.

Importance: LOW

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 includes a headphone output. 62.9% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
What it is: Indicates whether a 3.5 mm audio jack is available for monitoring or direct connection.
When it matters: When you want to plug headphones or a cable directly into a standard 3.5 mm socket.

Importance: LOW

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 includes a 3.5 mm jack. 62.8% of microphones include this connector.
6.35 mm audio jack connector
What it is: Indicates whether a 6.35 mm audio jack connector is present on the microphone or included interface.
When it matters: When your headphones, mixer, or instrument chain relies on a 6.35 mm jack connection.

Importance: LOW

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not include a 6.35 mm jack. 2% of microphones include this connector.
Show more
Supported sample rates
What it is: The digital sample rates supported by the microphone for recording or monitoring.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to support the sample rates used in your recording workflow.

Importance: LOW

96 kHz
Supported bit depths
What it is: The digital bit depth values supported by the microphone for audio capture.
When it matters: When you want more digital recording resolution for editing or processing later.

Importance: LOW

24 bit
Audio interface sample rate
What it is: The audio interface sample rates supported by the microphone for digital capture or monitoring.
When it matters: When you need the microphone interface to support the sample rate used by your recording or streaming setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

96 kHz
Anker PowerCast M300 supports an interface sample rate of 96 kHz which is higher than that of 58.2% of microphones and equal to that of 24.1% of microphones.
Audio interface bit depth
What it is: The audio interface bit depths supported by the microphone for digital recording quality.
When it matters: When you want the microphone interface to support the bit depth used in your recording chain.

Importance: LOW

24 bit
Anker PowerCast M300 supports an interface bit depth of 24 bit which is higher than that of 41.8% of microphones and equal to that of 57.1% of microphones.
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
What it is: The signal to noise ratio of the integrated DAC or headphone interface stage.
When it matters: When you monitor through the microphone headphone output and want that digital path to stay quiet.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Show more
N. of polar patterns
What it is: The number of selectable pickup patterns available for different recording situations.
When it matters: When one microphone has to cover solo voice, room sound, and interview style setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

1
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by Anker PowerCast M300 is 1, which is lower than that of 24.6% of microphones and equal to that of 75.4% of microphones.
Cardioid pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a cardioid pickup pattern for front focused capture.
When it matters: When you want to isolate one speaker in front of the microphone for podcasts, calls, or streaming.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers an omnidirectional pickup pattern for 360 degree capture.
When it matters: When you want to capture everyone around the microphone instead of one voice from the front.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not support an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 26.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Hypercardioid pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a hypercardioid pickup pattern with narrower front focus.
When it matters: When you want stronger rejection of sounds coming from the sides in a noisy room.

Importance: LOW

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not support a hypercardioid pickup pattern. 1.5% of microphones support this pattern.
Bidirectional pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a bidirectional pickup pattern for front and rear capture.
When it matters: When you record two people facing each other with one microphone between them.

Importance: LOW

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not support a bidirectional pickup pattern. 17.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Mute function
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a built in mute control for quickly silencing the signal.
When it matters: When you need to silence the microphone instantly during live calls, streams, or meetings.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 includes a mute function. 67.8% of microphones include this control.
Onboard gain control
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a built in control for adjusting input gain.
When it matters: When different speakers or scenes need fast gain changes without touching the interface.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 includes onboard gain control. 51% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
What it is: The available volume level or volume adjustment provided directly on the microphone or its interface.
When it matters: When you want direct volume adjustment on the microphone or its built in interface.

Importance: LOW

2
Anker PowerCast M300 offers volume output of 2 which is higher than that of 84.6% of microphones and equal to that of 14.4% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a flat DSP mode without tonal processing.
When it matters: When you want a neutral sound profile before adding your own EQ or processing.

Importance: LOW

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not support a flat DSP mode. 25.5% of microphones offer this processing option.
DSP presets
What it is: The number of built in DSP preset modes available for different sound profiles.
When it matters: When you want quick tone changes for voice, streaming, or different recording scenes.

Importance: LOW

0
Anker PowerCast M300 offers 0 DSP presets, which is fewer than 16.6% of microphones and equal to 83.4% of microphones.
Show more
Phantom power required
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone needs external phantom power to operate normally.
When it matters: When you use the microphone with an interface or mixer that may not provide phantom power.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not require phantom power. 90.4% of microphones also operate without phantom power.
Phantom power voltage
What it is: The phantom power voltage required by the microphone for proper operation.
When it matters: When you must confirm that your power supply matches what the microphone actually expects.

Importance: LOW

N/A
USB bus-powered
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can be powered directly through its USB connection.
When it matters: When you want the microphone to run from a laptop or phone without a separate power supply.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
What it is: The expected operating time on battery power during portable or wireless use.
When it matters: When you use the microphone away from wall power for events, field work, or mobile video.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Height
What it is: The overall height of the microphone body, stand, or supplied desktop structure.
When it matters: When the microphone has to fit under a monitor, inside a booth, or into a limited desk space.

Importance: LOW

186 mm
Anker PowerCast M300 is 186 mm tall, which is taller than 51.3% of microphones.
Width
What it is: The overall width of the microphone body or its integrated base.
When it matters: When the microphone must fit between monitors, on a narrow desk, or inside a compact rig.

Importance: LOW

54 mm
Anker PowerCast M300 is 54 mm wide, which is narrower than 59.7% of microphones and equal in width to 2.6% of microphones.
Thickness
What it is: The overall depth or front to back thickness of the microphone unit.
When it matters: When front to back depth decides whether the microphone clears your screen or keyboard area.

Importance: LOW

54.1 mm
Anker PowerCast M300 is 54.1 mm thick, which is thinner than 56.8% of microphones.
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the microphone with its included or attached parts.
When it matters: When you mount the microphone on a small arm, pack it for travel, or hold it for long sessions.

Importance: LOW

544 g
Anker PowerCast M300 weighs 544 g, which is lighter than 56.4% of microphones and equal in weight to 0.6% of microphones.
Body material
What it is: The main material used for the microphone body or housing.
When it matters: When you care about how sturdy, premium, or lightweight the microphone body feels over time.

Importance: LOW

plastic
Show more
Included accessories
What it is: The accessories supplied in the box with the microphone for mounting, protection, or immediate use.
When it matters: When you want the box to include the accessories needed to set up and use the microphone right away.

Importance: LOW

stand; cable
Shock mount included
What it is: Indicates whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibration and handling noise.
When it matters: When desk vibrations or boom arm movement would otherwise travel into the recording.

Importance: LOW

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not include a shock mount. 50% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
What it is: Indicates whether a pop filter is included to reduce plosive sounds during speech recording.
When it matters: When you record speech up close and want to reduce strong p and b bursts.

Importance: LOW

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not include a pop filter. 61.4% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
What it is: Indicates whether a windscreen is included to reduce wind and breath noise.
When it matters: When you record outdoors or close to the mouth and want less wind or breath noise.

Importance: LOW

no
Anker PowerCast M300 does not include a windscreen. 31.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
What it is: The length of the included or attached audio cable supplied with the microphone.
When it matters: When the microphone has to reach your desk, camera rig, or interface without extension cables.

Importance: LOW

1 m
Anker PowerCast M300 has a cable length of 1 m which is shorter than that of 92.9% of microphones and equal to that of 7.1% of microphones.
Two 1m cables included.
Android compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with Android phones or tablets.
When it matters: When you plan to use the microphone with an Android phone or tablet without trial and error.

Importance: LOW

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 is compatible with Android. 65.8% of microphones are compatible with Android.
iOS compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with iPhone or iPad devices.
When it matters: When you want the microphone to work properly with an iPhone or iPad setup.

Importance: LOW

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 is compatible with iOS. 61.3% of microphones are compatible with iOS.
Windows compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with Windows computers.
When it matters: When your recording or streaming setup runs on a Windows computer.

Importance: LOW

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 is compatible with Windows. 100% of microphones are compatible with Windows.
macOS compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with macOS computers.
When it matters: When your audio setup depends on a Mac or MacBook as the main recording machine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Anker PowerCast M300 is compatible with macOS. 99.5% of microphones are compatible with macOS.
Xbox compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone is explicitly compatible with Xbox consoles or controllers.
When it matters: When you want to connect and use the microphone with an Xbox console or controller.

Importance: LOW

no
Anker PowerCast M300 is not compatible with Xbox. 2.3% of microphones are compatible with Xbox.
Reported as not compatible with Xbox.
Show more

Anker PowerCast M300 vs the average microphone

  • Supports loopback audio
    Anker PowerCast M300 supports loopback audio, the average microphone does not.
    Via AnkerWork software.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone supports loopback routing for combining input and system audio.
    When it matters: When you want to send your microphone signal and system audio into one stream or recording feed.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Anker PowerCast M300 supports loopback audio, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes mix control
    Anker PowerCast M300 includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone lets you balance microphone audio and playback audio directly on the device.
    When it matters: When game audio or playback needs to be balanced against your live microphone level.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Anker PowerCast M300 includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
  • 48 kHz higher interface sample rate
    Anker PowerCast M300 supports a higher audio interface sample rate than the average microphone (96 kHz vs 48 kHz). The average microphone audio interface supports 48 kHz.
    What it is: The audio interface sample rates supported by the microphone for digital capture or monitoring.
    When it matters: When you need the microphone interface to support the sample rate used by your recording or streaming setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Anker PowerCast M300 supports a higher audio interface sample rate than the average microphone (96 kHz vs 48 kHz). The average microphone audio interface supports 48 kHz.96 kHz vs 48 kHz
  • Includes LED level indicator
    Anker PowerCast M300 includes an LED level indicator, the average microphone does not.
    Via RGB ring brightness.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone includes an LED indicator for signal or level status.
    When it matters: When you want a quick visual check that signal or mute status is behaving as expected.

    Importance: LOW

    Anker PowerCast M300 includes an LED level indicator, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes RGB lighting
    Anker PowerCast M300 includes RGB lighting, the average microphone does not.
    23 selectable colours.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone includes RGB lighting or decorative status lighting on its body.
    When it matters: When your setup needs lighting cues or you want the microphone to match a gaming desk aesthetic.

    Importance: LOW

    Anker PowerCast M300 includes RGB lighting, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports loopback audio
    Anker PowerCast M300 supports loopback audio, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes mix control
    Anker PowerCast M300 includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
  • 48 kHz higher interface sample rate
    Anker PowerCast M300 supports a higher audio interface sample rate than the average microphone (96 kHz vs 48 kHz). The average microphone audio interface supports 48 kHz.
  • Includes LED level indicator
    Anker PowerCast M300 includes an LED level indicator, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes RGB lighting
    Anker PowerCast M300 includes RGB lighting, the average microphone does not.

Total
Recording
Design
  • 8 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    Anker PowerCast M300 has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (70 dB vs 78 dB). The average microphone has a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB.
  • No pop filter
    Anker PowerCast M300 does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 1 m shorter cable length
    Anker PowerCast M300 has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    Two 1m cables included.
  • 8 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    Anker PowerCast M300 has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (70 dB vs 78 dB). The average microphone has a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB.
    What it is: The ratio between the useful audio signal and background noise produced by the microphone path.
    When it matters: When you record in untreated rooms and want the voice to stay cleaner than the background noise.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Anker PowerCast M300 has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (70 dB vs 78 dB). The average microphone has a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB.70 dB vs 78 dB
  • No pop filter
    Anker PowerCast M300 does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
    What it is: Indicates whether a pop filter is included to reduce plosive sounds during speech recording.
    When it matters: When you record speech up close and want to reduce strong p and b bursts.

    Importance: LOW

    Anker PowerCast M300 does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 4.75x less popular
    Anker PowerCast M300 has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 4.748).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the microphone.
    When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
    Anker PowerCast M300 has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 4.748).1 vs 4.75
  • 1 m shorter cable length
    Anker PowerCast M300 has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    Two 1m cables included.
    What it is: The length of the included or attached audio cable supplied with the microphone.
    When it matters: When the microphone has to reach your desk, camera rig, or interface without extension cables.

    Importance: LOW

    Anker PowerCast M300 has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.1 m vs 2 m
Total
Overall
Audio Performance
Accessories

Graphic comparison of Anker PowerCast M300 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Anker PowerCast M300?

  • Excellent value for the price, often cited as a high-quality budget option
  • Simple plug-and-play setup with compatibility for Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS
  • Clear and realistic vocal quality suitable for meetings, streaming, and podcasts
  • Durable build quality featuring mostly metal parts and a non-slip base
  • Highly customizable RGB lighting with 23 different colors and effects
  • Effective at blocking out background noise due to its cardioid polar pattern

What customers dislike about Anker PowerCast M300?

  • No dedicated power switch; the microphone stays on unless unplugged or the computer is shut down
  • Headphone output can suffer from noticeable electronic noise or hissing
  • Requires the speaker to be very close (ideally within 6 inches) to maintain adequate volume without excessive gain noise
  • High gain settings can introduce electronic background noise into the recording
  • Lack of multiple polar patterns, such as an omni mode, limits its versatility for group recordings

Expert reviews

T
toomanyadapters.com
16/05/2022
Summary of the review
Anker PowerCast M300 Review: A Good Budget Desktop Mic
U
uncovers.fr
21/02/2023
Summary of the review
AnkerWork PowerCast M300 Micro: Simple and Efficient
(Translated)Show original

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