Rode
Rode NT-USB+
$157Cheaper
Released 2022
Best Microphones · head-to-head
Rode NT-USB+ vs Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Rode NT-USB+ is cheaper at $157. Every spec and price links to its source.
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
$169
Released 2022
Which is better: the Rode NT-USB+ or Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Rode NT-USB+ is the cheaper at $157.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2022 | 2022 |
Sources — Rode NT-USB+: rode.com (verified 2026-06-15). Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X: newegg.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Rode NT-USB+ and Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (1 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Rich, detailed vocals with very little self-noise; Sturdy, well-built metal body with included detachable pop filter; USB-C plus zero-latency headphone monitoring; one of the better-sounding USB mics tested.
Flagged: No on-mic gain control or mute; Still clips on louder audio sources; Studio-quality but not high-res (24-bit/48kHz).
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.)
Praised: Clear, professional voice/sound quality; Sturdy all-metal build quality; Silent touch-sensitive mute with LED indicator and easy controls.
Flagged: No gain control; high sensitivity picks up ambient/room noise, poor in untreated spaces; Only a single cardioid pickup pattern (no pattern switching); No onboard noise reduction.