OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Microphones Methodology v1.0
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Audio-Technica AT2020USBi Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Connection type:USB + lightningTransducer type:condenserMax SPL:144 dB SPLSupported sample rates:96 kHzOutput connector type:micro-hdmi

Audio-Technica AT2020USBi Review: Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Microphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

75%

6.6

Technical score

25%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 70% of microphones
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Microphones category across these key areas: Audio Performance, Connectivity, Recording, Pickup Patterns, Controls & Features, Power, Design, Accessories, Compatibility.
When it matters
When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

20%

8.8

Audio Performance

20%

6.0

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

6.4

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

8.6

Compatibility

5%

4.0

Connectivity

3%

7.1

Design

3%

3.9

Accessories

â–¼Worse than 56% of microphones
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

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

Technical Specifications of microphone Audio-Technica AT2020USBi

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Microphones category across these key areas: Audio Performance, Connectivity, Recording, Pickup Patterns, Controls & Features, Power, Design, Accessories, Compatibility.
When it matters
When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components:

20%

8.8

Audio Performance

20%

6.0

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

6.4

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

8.6

Compatibility

5%

4.0

Connectivity

3%

7.1

Design

3%

3.9

Accessories

6.6
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Audio-Technica AT2020USBi has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 68.3% of microphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

7.6
Microphone type
studio
Transducer type
condenser
Diaphragm size
16 mm
Capsule type
single
Sensitivity
-37 dBV/Pa
Show more
Connection type
USB + lightning
Output connector type
micro-hdmi
Headphone output
no
Headphone output
no
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
This microphone does not include a headphone output. 62.8% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
no
3.5 mm audio jack
no
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack. 63.3% of microphones include this connector.
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not include a 6.35 mm jack. 2% of microphones include this connector.
Show more
Supported sample rates
96 kHz
Supported bit depths
24 bit
Audio interface sample rate
96 kHz
Audio interface sample rate
96 kHz
â–² Better than 58% of models
Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
This microphone supports an interface sample rate of 96 kHz which is higher than that of 58.5% of microphones and equal to that of 24% of microphones.
Audio interface bit depth
24 bit
Audio interface bit depth
24 bit
â–² Better than 42% of models
Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
This microphone supports an interface bit depth of 24 bit which is higher than that of 42.1% of microphones and equal to that of 56.7% of microphones.
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
N/A
Show more
N. of polar patterns
1
N. of polar patterns
1
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by this microphone is 1, which is lower than that of 24.6% of microphones and equal to that of 75.4% of microphones.
Cardioid pattern
yes
Cardioid pattern
yes
â–² Better than 9% of models
This microphone supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
no
Omnidirectional pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
This microphone does not support an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 26.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Hypercardioid pattern
no
Hypercardioid pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not support a hypercardioid pickup pattern. 1.5% of microphones support this pattern.
Bidirectional pattern
no
Bidirectional pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This microphone does not support a bidirectional pickup pattern. 17.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Mute function
no
Mute function
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This microphone does not include a mute function. 68.3% of microphones include this control.
Onboard gain control
yes
Onboard gain control
yes
â–² Better than 49% of models
This microphone includes onboard gain control. 50.8% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
1
Volume control levels
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This microphone offers volume output of 1 which is higher than that of 34.9% of microphones and equal to that of 49.5% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
no
Flat DSP mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
This microphone does not support a flat DSP mode. 25.6% of microphones offer this processing option.
DSP presets
0
DSP presets
0
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This microphone offers 0 DSP presets, which is fewer than 16.6% of microphones and equal to 83.4% of microphones.
Show more
Phantom power required
no
Phantom power required
no
â–² Better than 10% of models
This microphone does not require phantom power. 90.5% of microphones also operate without phantom power.
Phantom power voltage
N/A
USB bus-powered
yes
USB bus-powered
yes
â–² Better than 14% of models
This microphone supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
N/A
Height
162 mm
Height
162 mm
â–² Better than 71% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 162 mm tall, which is shorter than 70.8% of microphones and equal in height to 2.1% of microphones.
Width
52 mm
Width
52 mm
â–² Better than 66% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 52 mm wide, which is narrower than 65.6% of microphones and equal in width to 6.2% of microphones.
Thickness
52 mm
Thickness
52 mm
â–² Better than 62% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 52 mm thick, which is thinner than 62.1% of microphones and equal in thickness to 6.8% of microphones.
Weight
?
Body material
metal
Show more
Included accessories
stand; cable; mount adapter; carrying case
Shock mount included
no
Shock mount included
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This microphone does not include a shock mount. 49.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
no
Pop filter included
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This microphone does not include a pop filter. 60.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
no
Windscreen included
no
â–¼ Worse than 32% of models
This microphone does not include a windscreen. 31.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
1.5 m
Cable length
1.5 m
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
This microphone has a cable length of 1.5 m which is shorter than that of 82.5% of microphones and equal to that of 6.9% of microphones.
Android compatibility
no
Android compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
This microphone is not compatible with Android. 66.3% of microphones are compatible with Android.
iOS compatibility
yes
iOS compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This microphone is compatible with iOS. 61.3% of microphones are compatible with iOS.
Windows compatibility
yes
Windows compatibility
yes
Category Benchmark
This microphone is compatible with Windows. 100% of microphones are compatible with Windows.
macOS compatibility
yes
macOS compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This microphone is compatible with macOS. 99.5% of microphones are compatible with macOS.
Xbox compatibility
no
Xbox compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone is not compatible with Xbox. 1.5% of microphones are compatible with Xbox.
Show more

Audio-Technica AT2020USBi vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • 23 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    144 dB SPL
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (144 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    144 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • Includes mix control
    Mix control
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This microphone includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
  • 28 dB wider dynamic range
    Dynamic range
    124 dB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <77.5 dB – >130 dB
    This microphone has a wider dynamic range than the average microphone (124 dB vs 96 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96 dB.
    124 dB vs 96 dB
  • 48 kHz higher interface sample rate
    Audio interface sample rate
    96 kHz
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
    This microphone 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
  • 23 mm shorter body
    Height
    162 mm
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone is shorter than the average microphone (162 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    162 mm vs 185 mm
  • 23 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    144 dB SPL
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (144 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    144 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 28 dB wider dynamic range
    Dynamic range
    124 dB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <77.5 dB – >130 dB
    This microphone has a wider dynamic range than the average microphone (124 dB vs 96 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96 dB.
    124 dB vs 96 dB
  • Includes mix control
    Mix control
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This microphone includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
  • 48 kHz higher interface sample rate
    Audio interface sample rate
    96 kHz
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
    This microphone 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
  • 23 mm shorter body
    Height
    162 mm
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone is shorter than the average microphone (162 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    162 mm vs 185 mm
  • No zero-latency monitoring
    Zero-latency monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This microphone does not support zero-latency monitoring, the average microphone does.
  • No mute function
    Mute function
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This microphone does not include a mute function, the average microphone does.
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This microphone is not compatible with Android, the average microphone is.
  • 4 dB-A higher equivalent input noise
    Equivalent input noise
    20 dB-A
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <10 dB-A – >28 dB-A
    This microphone has a higher equivalent input noise than the average microphone (20 dB-A vs 16 dB-A). The average microphone has equivalent input noise of 16 dB-A.
    20 dB-A vs 16 dB-A
  • No headphone output
    Headphone output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a headphone output, the average microphone does.
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack, the average microphone does.
  • 5 older release date
    Release date
    2015
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This microphone is older than the average microphone (2015 vs 2020). The average microphone was released in 2020.
    April 2015.
    2015 vs 2020
  • 6.22x less popular
    Audio-Technica AT2020USBi has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.22
  • 85.7% more expensive
    Audio-Technica AT2020USBi is more expensive than the average microphone (£130 vs £70).
    £130 vs £70
  • 0.3% lower user score
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Audio-Technica AT2020USBi
    the average microphone
    Audio-Technica AT2020USBi has a lower user score than the average microphone (8.00 vs 8.027).
    8 vs 8.03
  • 4.8% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica AT2020USBi has a lower value-for-money score than the average microphone (7.58 vs 7.9).
    7.58 vs 7.94
  • 4 dB-A higher equivalent input noise
    Equivalent input noise
    20 dB-A
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <10 dB-A – >28 dB-A
    This microphone has a higher equivalent input noise than the average microphone (20 dB-A vs 16 dB-A). The average microphone has equivalent input noise of 16 dB-A.
    20 dB-A vs 16 dB-A
  • No headphone output
    Headphone output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a headphone output, the average microphone does.
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack, the average microphone does.
  • No zero-latency monitoring
    Zero-latency monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This microphone does not support zero-latency monitoring, the average microphone does.
  • No mute function
    Mute function
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This microphone does not include a mute function, the average microphone does.
  • 5 older release date
    Release date
    2015
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This microphone is older than the average microphone (2015 vs 2020). The average microphone was released in 2020.
    April 2015.
    2015 vs 2020
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 0.5 m shorter cable length
    Cable length
    1.5 m
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a shorter cable than the average microphone (1.5 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    1.5 m vs 2 m
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This microphone is not compatible with Android, the average microphone is.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

A
audiotechnology.com
07/12/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Audio-Technica AT2020USBI - AudioTechnology
B
bhphotovideo.com
29/08/2017
Summary of the review
6 Reasons the Audio-Technica AT2020USBi is Still Great Bang for Your Buck
M
mixdownmag.com.au
02/12/2015
Summary of the review
Audio-Technica AT2020USBi Condenser Microphone
P
performermag.com
30/11/2015
Summary of the review
AUDIO-TECHNICA AT2020USBi & ATH-M40x Review
T
turquoise-owl-5p5l.squarespace.com
23/10/2025
Summary of the review
Audio-Technica AT2020USBi Condenser Mic Review / Test
B
bonedo.de
20/11/2015
Summary of the review
Audio-Technica AT2020USBi Review - Bonedo
(Translated)Show original
D
delamar.de
04/09/2015
Summary of the review
Audio-Technica AT2020USBi Review
(Translated)Show original
C
clubic.com
11/03/2021
Summary of the review
Audio-Technica AT2020USBi review: This iOS and Windows compatible microphone packs a punch
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Audio-Technica AT2020USBi

  • Studio-quality, extremely clear sound reproduction with 24-bit/96 kHz high-resolution audio.
  • Plug-and-play and highly class-compliant, making it remarkably easy to use with iOS devices, Macs, and PCs without needing extra drivers.
  • Solid, all-metal build quality consistent with the studio-standard AT2020 lineage.
  • Convenient on-body capacitive mute button and physical gain control dial for easy adjustments.
  • Versatile connectivity with both USB and Lightning cables included in the package.

What we don't like about Audio-Technica AT2020USBi

  • The built-in gain dial has no markings or physical indicators to easily reference the exact input level.
  • The bright blue LED power light cannot be disabled, which can be distracting or cause light pollution in streaming or bedroom setups.
  • The LED light stays on even after the computer is shut down, requiring users to physically unplug the mic.
  • As a sensitive condenser microphone, it easily captures background noise, keyboard clicks, and mouth pops if a pop filter isn't used.
  • The micro-HDMI port on the microphone's base is a slightly less common connection type for cables.

Verdict

The Audio-Technica AT2020USBi is a cardioid condenser microphone designed for high-resolution digital recording, featuring an advanced A/D converter that supports a 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate and a wide frequency response of 20–20,000 Hz. Built with an all-metal body and a custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm, it provides excellent off-axis rejection and includes an integrated gain control knob for direct input level adjustment. Its primary advantages include seamless plug-and-play compatibility with iOS devices (via Lightning) and computers (via USB), studio-quality articulation, and a rugged, portable build that makes it ideal for podcasting and field recording. However, it lacks a dedicated headphone jack for zero-latency direct monitoring and does not include a built-in mute button or low-cut filter, which may limit real-time control compared to newer USB models.

Compare Audio-Technica AT2020USBi with other products in the Microphones category

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