Between the SM58 and SM7dB, the SM58 comes out ahead in several specs, while the SM7dB wins on several specs. Overall, the SM58 scores 67.6 and the SM7dB scores 67.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are evenly matched on the broad strokes; the decision sits on which individual spec advantages weigh more for your use.
The SM58 does not pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec-table groups rather than the headline advantages.
The SM7dB similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable type, polar pattern, connection, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Which should you buy: Shure - SM58 or Shure - SM7dB?
The two products are effectively tied on the current Mars Score.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare the highlighted specifications against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Shure - SM58 if…
Shure - SM58 does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
Choose Shure - SM7dB if…
Shure - SM7dB does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Shure - SM58 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Shure - SM7dB wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Spec
| Spec | Shure - SM58 | Shure - SM7dB |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Frequency response | 50Hz–15kHz | 50Hz–20kHz |
| Max SPL | 150 dB | 150 dB |
Connectivity
| Spec | Shure - SM58 | Shure - SM7dB |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | XLR | XLR |
| Headphone out | false | false |