The best microphone for you depends less on the microphone and more on the room it will be used in and how many people share it.
Dynamic or condenser
Dynamic microphones are less sensitive, which is a feature, not a limitation. They pick up less of the room, tolerate loud voices and handle untreated spaces well. They are the usual choice for podcasting and for anyone recording in an ordinary room.
Condenser microphones are more sensitive and capture more detail and more of the room. In a treated space they sound open and detailed. In a kitchen they capture the kitchen.
If your space is not treated, choose dynamic.
Polar pattern
Most voice microphones are cardioid, meaning they hear mostly what is in front. That is what you want when several people are recording in one room. Omnidirectional microphones hear everything and are best only in controlled spaces. Avoid multi pattern modes unless you understand why you are switching.
USB or XLR
USB microphones connect directly to a computer and are simple, portable and enough for a solo show. Their limits appear when you want several microphones at once or want to change one part of the chain.
XLR microphones connect to an interface or recorder. This is the route for multi person recording, separate tracks per person and future upgrades.
How many people
One microphone per person, always. A single microphone shared between two people cannot be fixed in editing: you cannot lower one voice without lowering the other, and both sound distant.
What actually improves the sound
- A stand that holds position so distance stays consistent.
- A pop filter or foam to control plosives.
- Recording a hand span away rather than across the desk.
- A softer room.
These cost little and matter more than moving up a price bracket.
Before you buy
Listen to recordings made with the microphone by people in rooms like yours, not in a demonstration studio. Consider hiring one for a session first. Many equipment owners rent microphones by the day, which is a cheap way to try before committing.