# Rode NT-USB+ vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Rode NT-USB+ (Rode) and Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X (Audio-Technica) among microphones. Rode NT-USB+ is the cheaper of the two at $157.

## Side by side

| Spec | Rode NT-USB+ | Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $157 | $169 |
| Brand | Rode | Audio-Technica |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB-C |
| Polar pattern | cardioid | cardioid |
| Type | condenser | condenser |
| Sample rate (kHz) | — | 96 |
| Bit depth | — | 24 |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mute button | — | Yes |
| Mount | included desktop tripod stand | included desktop stand; 5/8"-27 thread adapter included |

## Key differences

- Mount: Rode NT-USB+ included desktop tripod stand vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X included desktop stand; 5/8"-27 thread adapter included

## What reviewers say

**Rode NT-USB+** — Only one whitelisted tester, Tom's Hardware, published a genuine hands-on review of the exact NT-USB+; it names the mic an Editor's Choice for rich, low-noise vocals and a sturdy build, but flags no on-mic gain control and clipping on louder sources. No lab-measured numbers were reported. (1 sourced review.)

**Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X** — Two whitelisted hands-on reviewers (SoundGuys, TechRadar) covered this exact model; neither published measured numbers. Both praise its clear voice/sound quality, sturdy all-metal build, and silent touch-mute controls, and both fault the missing gain control plus high sensitivity that picks up room noise. Verdict: excellent for treated, quiet spaces, weak in noisy rooms. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Rode NT-USB+: https://rode.com/en/microphones/usb/nt-usb-plus (rode.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X: https://www.newegg.com/p/0UK-000E-009U8 (newegg.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/rode-nt-usb-plus-vs-audio-technica-at2020usb-x/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Rode NT-USB+ ($157) vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X ($169) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microphones/rode-nt-usb-plus-vs-audio-technica-at2020usb-x/
License: CC BY 4.0.