Anyone who creates high-quality video content absolutely needs to invest in the finest microphone for vlogging. It’s possible that you believe you can get by with just the microphone that comes built into your camera, but if you want to make anything other than home movies, you’ll need to invest in an external microphone in order to achieve the level of quality that online viewers have become accustomed to expecting.
The sound that is of low quality is the single best indicator of an amateur’s status. A high-quality microphone is essential to have if you want to be considered seriously as a filmmaker or vlogger. This post compiles the best bargains available today and covers a wide range of fashions with its recommendations.
A shotgun mic is a fantastic option for general use because it can be attached to the hotshoe of the camera and will capture anything you direct it to record. When conducting interviews, a wireless or lavalier microphone might be an excellent choice because these types of mics can be attached to a person’s clothes to record their speech in an undistorted manner. If you don’t feel comfortable using a wireless connection, you may alternatively purchase wired lavalier microphones.
A studio microphone is the most suitable option when it comes to recording group conversations such as podcasts. These function in either direction and they are often straightforward to plug into a computer for straightforward configuration. And if you are absolutely new to this and are already feeling overwhelmed by the technical phrases, don’t worry; just click here to get to our microphone jargon buster, where we explain what all of the important terms imply.
10 Best Microphones for Vlogging
1. Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti microphone has rapidly become a common sight in recording studios for podcasts as well as at desks where streams are being produced. Anyone can figure out how to use this microphone because it is a plug-and-play device, and its sound quality is also quite high-grade. Therefore, whether you need to record only yourself or want to catch the entirety of a group discussion, this is an excellent option for you to consider.
You are able to tailor the audio capture to the requirements of your studio or setup by using this mic, which utilizes a three-capsule technology to power four recording patterns. Adjusting the volume or toggling the cough/mute button is made simple as a result of the controls’ well-designed layout and the ease with which they may be used. In addition, the style is absolutely on point.
The fact that the Digital Camera World staff utilizes the Blue Yeti Studio microphone is the highest praise that we are able to bestow upon this device.
2. Joby Wavo POD
This is a more affordable alternative to the comparable but well-established Blue Yeti USB mic, which is already popular among voice-over artists and podcasters. It has fewer polar patterns than the Yeti, but if you podcast via the front of the mic while set to the cardioid mode, it will record fantastic sound.
The orange pop shield is detachable and gives a burst of color to the microphone. It also helps reduce the audio bangs that are created by plosive consonants and may be used to show off the mic on YouTube. A convenient knob with many functions allows you to change the volume of your headphones as well as the volume of your input sounds. Excellent cost-benefit ratio.
3. simorr Wave U1 Condenser Microphone
The combination of the simorr Wave U1’s low price, tiny size, and huge sound enables it to stand out in a market that is already rather competitive. As a result of this, it is an excellent option for those on a tight budget. Because it is just about half as tall as a Blue Yeti, it won’t take up nearly as much room. In addition, there is a touch-sensitive Mute button, a physical input dial for adjusting the sound levels, and a headphone connector for evaluating the audio output. Overall, the quality isn’t the best it could be, but it’s unquestionably better than the microphone that comes pre-installed on your personal computer (PC), and at this price point, it’s an excellent alternative for novices who are just starting started in vlogging or filmmaking.
The Shure SM58 is an XLR microphone that is most commonly used by musicians and entertainers all over the world. However, it is not unheard of for podcasters and video bloggers to employ its services. Why? Typically, this is due to the fact that they already possess one for usage with music. However, another reason is that it is extremely tough and can withstand a lot of abuse.
If you are going to be moving around a location and doing interviews with numerous persons, this dynamic microphone is an excellent option to consider. To mitigate the effects of handling vibrations caused by the operation, it is equipped with a pneumatic shock mount system integrated right in. The cardioid pickup pattern is unidirectional and has a continuous frequency response along the axis. Its frequency range is between 50 and 15,000 Hz. It is pricey, and probably overkill for the majority of vloggers, but if you can afford one, it will serve you well, especially if you tend to be clumsy or careless. If you can afford one, it will serve you well.
5. DJI Mic
The DJI Mic is a very dependable piece of equipment. It is a wireless two-mic lavalier system, and it has magnetic clips that make it easy to attach one of the transmitters to a person’s clothes or to an item. Additionally, it has a built-in rechargeable battery. The audio quality is really good, and the transmission range is a reasonable 250 meters; nevertheless, the charging case is the true selling feature of the system, which is surprising given how it is designed.
It may not seem all that exciting, but having a simple and small charging case that you can pop the transmitters and receiver into any time you’re not using them is such a valuable feature that it’s hard to overstate how important it is to have. It vastly increases the length of time that you are able to shoot with the microphones, and the fact that the case automatically re-pairs the transmitters with the receiver each time that you place them in there is a convenient way to save time. The DJI Microphone is pricier than the Rode Wireless Go (seen below), but if you don’t mind spending a little extra, it’s an excellent investment.
6. Rode Wireless Go
For the overwhelming majority of users and situations, this lavalier microphone is currently the greatest option that can be purchased. It is said to be the smallest and lightest in the world, and considering that both the receiver and the transmitter weigh just 31 grams, we have no trouble believing this claim. They have dimensions of around 44 x 46 x 18.5 mm and come with rechargeable batteries already integrated into the device.
The Rode Wireless Go is an excellent piece of equipment to have in your vlogging arsenal because it is designed to record clear-spoken audio even in noisy environments. The receiver attaches to a camera by way of a short 3.5mm lead that is included with the package. The lead links the camera to the receiver, which is then placed on the camera’s hotshoe. The transmitter may then be worn by the person you are interviewing, and it comes equipped with its own microphone; however, you can also utilize the connector to attach a lavalier tie-clip microphone if you so want.
The Hollyland Lark 150 is a revelation in comparison to the Rode Wireless Go, which was a revolution in its own right. The addition of tactile dials is, in our opinion, the feature that makes this ultra-compact microphone system with intelligent pairing stands out the most among its many endearing qualities. Simply spin the knob to adjust the volume, and you won’t need to jab at buttons, navigate menus, or utilize preamps ever again. This makes level management extremely user-friendly.
Also deserving of praise is the fact that the Lark 150 records a Safety Track at -6db, which helps prevent unintentional clipping in the case that the levels are set incorrectly or the levels are not checked. This will come in handy at some point in the future! In addition, there is a charging case that resembles AirPods. This case not only allows you to charge all of the units at the same time, but it also includes a battery that allows you to keep the units powered up even when you are not near an outlet.
This is a terrific option that really provides a better value since it has transmitters that are even more compact than those of the Wireless Go, as well as being more reasonably priced overall.
8. Rode Rodelink Filmmaker Kit
This is a high-quality wireless microphone system, and the price is appropriate for its level of performance. The receiver, which is attached to your camera by means of a cable that is given with the product; the transmitter, which may be clipped onto a belt or slipped into a pocket; and a lavalier microphone that is of broadcast-quality; these are the three primary components of the product.
Due to the fact that the Filmmaker Kit is capable of operating over eight channels, each of which has 1,000 transmission frequencies, it is possible for two Filmmaker Kits to use the same channel without interfering with each other. It employs a digital transmission at 2.4GHz with 128-bit encryption, which means that it may be used anywhere in the globe without the need for a license.
9. Saramonic Blink 500 B2 2-person kit
This system, which offers excellent value for the money, gives users the opportunity to operate with twin transmitters without the prohibitively high cost. The 500 B2 system has a battery life of four hours on a single charge and can be charged up by (or operated off of) a power bank due to the USB-C connection. It operates using the widely used license-free 2.4GHz frequency, which has a maximum line-of-sight distance of up to 50 meters.
Because the antennas are located inside, the devices may be built to be spherical and tiny, and each transmitter weighs just 34 grams. The clip on the receiver is designed to fit into the hotshoe mount on your camera. If you’d rather connect the receiver to a smartphone rather than the camera, you may use the TRS cable to do so; nevertheless, the vast majority of people will want to record straight to the camera.
The transmitters are equipped with a microphone so that you can just clip them on the person you are interviewing and hit the record button. However, the transmitters also come with inputs so that you can, if you so want, plug in a regular lav mic (the SR-M1 type is included in the package). The units are linked with one another by pressing down on the corresponding buttons, and after that, they are ready to use from that point forward, which, once again, will speed up the process and the time it takes to set up.
This kit’s main selling point is its dual-channel receivers, which allow for the simultaneous recording of interviews with two individuals at the same time.
10. Saramonic Blink 500 Pro B2
Since we are great fans of the original Saramonic Blink 500 system (which comes in at number 8 on our list), the release of the Blink 500 Pro has caused us to feel a lot of excitement. The new models are the same size as the previous ones, but they come with a variety of upgraded features. These features include an increased battery life by 60 percent, an increased operating range by 100 percent, an improved signal-to-noise ratio, OLED screens, dedicated 3.5mm main and headphone receivers, improved built-in microphone sensitivity, included furry shields, and, most significantly, the addition of a charging case that looks like AirPods and has a capacity of 3000 milliampere
The basic Blink 500 is a product that is suitable for those who are just starting out, while the Blink 500 Pro provides a great lot more value for the same price. It also has a slight amount of latency in the audio, which is not noticeable by most people but is enough to cause micro-sync issues, which may cause audiophiles to twitch. Most people won’t notice this, but audiophiles probably will.
11. Boya BY-M1
The Boya BY-M1 is a lavalier microphone that is hardwired and features a selectable power supply. It is powered by an LR44 button battery and requires that you either turn it on when recording from a ‘passive’ source or turn it off when recording from a device that uses plug-in power.
It comes with a clip that you can attach to your lapel and it also has a foam windshield that can assist reduce the noise caused by wind and plosives. It has a frequency response that ranges from 65 Hz all the way up to 18 kilohertz, and it has an omnidirectional polar pattern.
Even though it does not have as many features as some of the other tie-clip microphones on this page, it works quite well for capturing voices. The plastic construction of the capsule is somewhat more cumbersome than that of professional lav mics; nonetheless, the lead length of 6 meters is sufficient to mike up your presenter while maintaining order inside the frame.
The BY-M1 surpasses all expectations in terms of its audio quality, especially taking into account how affordable it is. It does have a hotter output than the others here, and since there isn’t an attenuator to lower the volume, there is a chance that the signal will become distorted on some of the equipment.
However, the upshot was an exceptionally low noise floor on our Canon EOS 5D Mk III, which resulted in great recordings that were free of hiss. This is a great small mic, but because of the build quality, it needs to be handled with care so that it doesn’t break.
12. Rode Lavalier Go
The RDE Lavalier GO is compatible with the majority of cameras and recording equipment since it has a 3.5mm TRS mic input. This is despite the fact that it was meant to work in conjunction with the wireless microphone known as the RDE Wireless GO.
Featuring a Kevlar-reinforced cable and an omnidirectional condenser capsule, this lavalier microphone is designed for use in professional settings. A foam pop shield, a brass clip, and a storage bag made of fabric are all included with the purchase of this item.
When used in conjunction with the Wireless GO or when linked directly to a camera, the RDE Lavalier GO produces excellent sound quality. Although the pop shield does offer some protection from the wind, it is not nearly as effective as a windshield, which is why it is recommended that you invest in one (such as the RDE Minifur-Lav) if you want to shoot frequently in the open air. If you want to be really covert, you may also hide the microphone under your clothing using this method.
13. Audio-Technica ATR 3350
The ATR 3350 is a lavalier microphone that, like the Boya BY-M1, is powered by a switchable power unit that is fueled by an LR44 button battery. However, the frequency response of the ATR 3350 is significantly larger, ranging from 50 Hz to 18 kHz.
A lengthy cable of 6 meters guarantees that the wire may be tucked away out of view, and it is quite conceivable for presenters to stroll in or out of the frame while wearing it. A foam windscreen is included, but if you want to use it outside, you might consider purchasing a tiny fuzzy wind muff, which can be found for a low price online.
The quality is acceptable for recording voices, and the fact that it has an omnidirectional polar pattern means that it can pick up sound coming from any direction. It outputs at a lower level than the BY-M1, and it is also noisier, with a more high-frequency hiss. Despite the fact that it delivers a little more bottom end in recordings, it is not as good as the BY-M1.
The overall construction is somewhat more polished, and the capsule itself is somewhat more diminutive. And the ATR 3350 would be worthwhile overall if it weren’t for the fact that the BY-M1 is available at a lower cost. It’s not a terrible microphone by any means, but the BY-M1 wins out since it has less background noise and costs less money.
14. Rode VideoMic Go II
Rode manufactures a wide variety of video-specific audio gear, ranging from equipment aimed at enthusiasts all the way up to high-end broadcast gear. The VideoMic Go II is located on the more reasonably priced end of the spectrum and may be attached to a hotshoe. Additionally, it features an efficient shock mount that can cut down on handling noise.
Because it draws power from the microphone socket of the camera, it does not require a battery, and the circuit board does not have any controls that attenuate the output or vary the polar patterns.
Simply put it in, adjust the volume level on your recording device, and you’re ready to start filming. It comes with a foam windshield to decrease wind noise, but if you live in an area with a lot of wind, you may want to consider purchasing the optional “dead cat” WS12 windjammer for an additional £20 or $25. The frequency response ranges from 20 Hz all the way up to 20 kHz, but because the recordings were so full and rich, we didn’t feel it to be deficient in the bass. In general, this microphone is of high quality, has a pleasant sound, and is quite simple to operate.
15. Rode VideoMic Pro
Rode’s VideoMic Pro is a tad more cumbersome and one pound heavier than the company’s VideoMic Go. This hotshoe shotgun mic has a similar size and form to its predecessor, but it provides additional functions for users who are looking for greater recording versatility and improved audio quality. Although it is supported by a shock mount very similar to that of the Go, it also has a compartment for a 9V battery, which must be purchased separately and acts as the device’s power supply for around 70 hours.
On the back of the device, there are two switches that can be used to customize performance. These switches either change the output gain (to -10, 0, or +20 dB) or provide the option to select a response that is either flat or has a low-frequency cut. The sound quality is exceptional, boasting a rich tonality across the entire 40Hz-20KHz frequency range and a response that is completely flat all the way through the speech frequencies. Given the mic’s impressively low noise floor, which is on par with that of the Boya BY-M1 lav mic, only the most hypercritical users will be bothered by the slight amount of mic-generated hiss that is audible.
The foam windshield that is included helps to cover the mic, but when used outside, a furry windjammer is required to block out wind noise. The specialized type offered by Rode costs an additional £30 or $38.
Aside from this, the VideoMic Pro is an outstanding microphone that, when considering its features and performance, more than deserves the high price tag it carries.
16. Sennheiser MKE 200
Whenever you purchase a Sennheiser product, you can rest assured that the audio quality will be of the highest caliber; however, despite its relatively low cost, the Sennheiser MKE 200 lives up to the brand’s reputation in every respect. This microphone is capable of recording high-quality audio in harsh environments, regardless of whether it is connected to a camera or a smartphone (cables for both are included) (thanks to the built-in windshield with an optional dead cat if you need it).
The construction and design are of superior quality, both in terms of appearance and performance. The built-in shock protection is very effective, and the absence of an external shock mount that can move around gives this microphone a more professional appearance than competitors such as the Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone. However, the MKE 200 comes in at a higher price than the Rde. Considering that their sound performance is roughly equivalent, the VideoMicro might be a better option for you if you aren’t concerned with how it looks.
The MKE 200 is also perceived to be more pocketable than its predecessor (and more robust for slinging in your camera bag). This, in addition to its generally favorable ergonomics, positions it as a more desirable option in our estimation.
17. Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Generation)
Because the original Sennheiser MKE400 was such a popular mic with novice filmmakers and video bloggers, it is not surprising that the company decided to give it a little bit of a facelift in 2021. This most recent version has been completely rethought from the ground up, which results in a number of significant improvements.
The new MKE400 is incredibly straightforward to set up and operate with a smartphone, which is one of the reasons why there is a definite emphasis on making it appealing to a new generation of vloggers who may be filming on a smartphone. It comes with 3.5mm TRS and TRRS locking cables and can also be purchased as part of a Mobile Kit along with a GorillaPod tripod and a smartphone clamp. Both of these cable configurations are included in the package. Any smartphone shooter would be wise to invest in this accessory because it provides a very noticeable improvement in audio quality when compared to the microphone that comes built into their device.
It is compatible with cameras as well, which goes without saying, and vloggers of all stripes will find that it performs an admirable job in the majority of scenarios. The windshield is now located within, although an additional fuzzy one is provided in case the weather is really windy. It is convenient to have a headphone port on the side of the camera if you are using a camera that does not have one. Although the controls are not the most advanced, they do make it simple for you to eliminate undesirable low-frequency noise.
The Comica Traxshot is without a doubt the most adaptable microphone now available. It is a shotgun mic that can be transformed into four distinct recording configurations owing to its twin capsule arm system, making it unquestionably the most versatile microphone currently available. Audio patterns can be recorded in mono (with both arms facing forward), two-level stereo (with the arms positioned at either 30° or 90°), or bi-directional (with one arm facing forward and one arm facing back, to record subjects both in front of and behind the camera) depending on how the arms are pivoted.
The Traxshot is constructed to an exceptionally high standard, with a sturdy metal body that gives the impression of dependability and sturdiness. The rear illuminated OLED panel provides helpful feedback and makes it simple for you to set up the recording configuration you desire, while the built-in Air-float Shock Mount achieves remarkable levels of stabilization. The best part about it is that it has a USB-C rechargeable battery, which means that you can charge the gadget even if the power runs out while you’re using it.
The number one enemy of the smartphone vlogger is poor audio quality, and the use of even a simple microphone like Joby’s Wavo Mobile can make a huge difference in the watchability of a video. This portable and high-quality microphone is created with vloggers who record their content on smartphones in mind. It has dimensions of 81 by 22 by 22 millimeters and weighs only 50 grams.
The Rycote Duo-Lyre and Hytrel shock mounts are included with the Wavo Mobile, which features a directional cardioid polar pattern for bringing out and isolating the voice. It is possible to attach its cold shoe to the top of Joby’s mobile smartphone mount, to the thread of any 1/4-inch tripod, or straight to any camera. In addition, it comes with cables that can be used to attach it to any phone or camera, in addition to a windshield that can significantly improve your experience when you are out and about.
The Comica CVM-VM20 is a useful microphone for DSLR and mirrorless video shooting, where you may be exposed to a wide variety of scenarios due to the design of the microphone as a kind of all-purpose device. The lithium-ion battery inside of it has a very outstanding lifespan. Although it has a rating of 60 hours, in practice, you should be able to get at least a couple of days’ worth of recording out of it before having to recharge it.
The Comica CVM-VM20 has a sturdy construction and delivers a sound of consistently excellent quality. Additionally, it has two separate low-cut frequency settings that may be utilized to eliminate noise in a variety of environments. This provides you with even more shooting versatility, and the stepless gain control enables you to make adjustments that are both speedy and seamless in the event that the circumstances change.
The mic has a particularly low profile, making it an ideal companion for mirrorless cameras, which also benefits from the useful OLED screen that displays the current battery level. It does not have some of the more advanced features that other microphones have, such as the capability to record multiple tracks at different levels at the same time. However, that is the reason why those microphones are more expensive.
