Recording videos, music, podcasts or other audio content using the built-in microphone of a smartphone is already a thing of the past. As a rule, such a sound is filled with interference, breathing, wheezing and other extraneous noise. Fortunately, you can solve this problem by using an external microphone. Read more about what these devices are for, how to learn how to choose them, and which models deserve attention in 2021.
Shure MV88
Best microphone for iPhone overall
9
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Connector: Lightning Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional Dimensions: 35 x 24.9 x 67.1 mm Weight: 40.5 g
pros
- High quality sound
- Lasting
- 5 preset modes
Minuses
- Not the cheapest
We won't beat around the bush. The Shure MV88 is our clear choice for the best overall iPhone microphone. It is omnidirectional, making it suitable for interviewing multiple people or recording any event where sound needs to be received from multiple angles. The sound quality is excellent, and the included foam windscreen ensures clear sound in windy conditions. There are five preset modes (Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic Instrument, Loud), and the included app gives you plenty of options to further fine-tune your recording.
The Shure MV88 connects directly to your iPhone via the Lightning connector. Made from metal and hard plastic, it's durable yet quite lightweight and portable. It's also flexible: you can tilt, flip, and rotate the microphone 90 degrees to position it exactly where you want it. Comes with a zippered carrying bag and a headphone adapter cable. All this at such a reasonable price is truly impressive.
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Voting for the best lavalier microphone with Aliexpress
Which lavalier microphone on Aliexpress would you choose or recommend?
SYNCO G2 A2 G2A2 a1
0.00% ( 0 )
BOYA BY-WM4 Pro K3
50.00% ( 1 )
Debra DV
0.00% ( 0 )
EYK UHF
0.00% ( 0 )
EYK EW-C02, 30-channel
0.00% ( 0 )
Ulanzi UHF
0.00% ( 0 )
Saramonic UWMIC9
0.00% ( 0 )
Hollyland LARK 150 Duo
0.00% ( 0 )
K&F Concept UHF
0.00% ( 0 )
Saramonic Blink500
0.00% ( 0 )
Comica BoomX-U U1 (U2)
0.00% ( 0 )
Debra D-240
0.00% ( 0 )
Relacart LENSGO LWM 328C
0.00% ( 0 )
ETJ-510
0.00% ( 0 )
HANTOPER USB lavalier Microphone
0.00% ( 0 )
Lavalier microphone HANTOPER
50.00% ( 1 )
HAMA 00139901
0.00% ( 0 )
Fywede Lightning Type-C
0.00% ( 0 )
DEFENDER MIC-109
0.00% ( 0 )
Rode VideoMic Me-L
The best directional microphone for an iPhone smartphone
8.8
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Connector: Lightning Radiation pattern: directional Dimensions: 74 x 20 x 25 mm Weight: 27 g
pros
- Affordable price
- Well made and durable
- Small and light
Minuses
- Not suitable for third party phones
Looking for a directional microphone for iPhone that focuses on the sound coming directly in front of it? The Rode VideoMic Me-L is our top pick, offering durable construction, great sound quality, and ease of use at a very reasonable price.
It connects directly to your iPhone via the Lightning connector, and also has a 3.5mm headphone port so you can monitor your audio while recording. You also get a clip to keep the microphone attached to your phone and a filter for inclement weather conditions.
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What kind of microphone can be connected to the phone?
There are three types of microphones that are most often used with smartphones:
- Lavalier microphones. A lavalier is a mini microphone with a long cable and a clip that is attached to the user’s clothing (shirt, T-shirt, etc.). Most often, such microphones are used when recording an interview or shooting a video for a blog.
These devices have a number of advantages. Firstly, they are accessible relative to other types. And secondly, they are easy to use. That is, all you need to do is attach the clip to your clothes and record sound comfortably. At the same time, lavaliers do not belong to the category of directional devices, so they even record extraneous noise. In addition, they are not suitable for recording music because they have a limited frequency range.
- Shotgun microphones. Guns are directional devices that record sound directly in front of them. What does this mean? When listening to a recording, only useful sounds will be heard, without extraneous noise. Such models have good noise reduction and also have an elongated body shape.
Shotgun microphones are great for video shooting. But they are not used for recording music. This is because these devices do not transmit echoes and sound reflections. That’s why the music turns out “dry”.
- Stereo microphones. High-quality audio equipment that is suitable for recording voices and music of various genres, including vocals. Stereo microphones capture all the sound in a room. This allows you to make the compositions “alive” and pleasing to the ears.
If previously such devices were quite expensive, today there are good stereo microphones on sale for less than 10,000 rubles.
Rode SC6-L Mobile Interview Kit
Best Microphone for Two-Party Recording
8.5
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Connector: Lightning Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional Dimensions: 127 x 31 x 177 mm Weight: 75 g
pros
- Has great flexibility
- Lots of accessories
- Durable cable
Minuses
- Expensive
Do you need a microphone primarily for interviews? Then let us point you to the Rode SC6-L Mobile Interview Kit as it contains everything you need for dual audio recording using your iPhone. The kit is centered around the SC6-L breakout box, which connects to your iOS devices via a Lightning connector. You can connect two smartLav+ omnidirectional microphones to it, as well as your own headphones for direct monitoring and playback.
You also get two noise filters, two clips, and a storage bag. There's also a dedicated Rode Reporter app that lets you turn direct monitoring on and off, change gain, and choose between summed stereo and dual mono. The Kevlar reinforced cable is also very durable.
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Setup instructions
Each device has different settings depending on the model. In order to start using the device, you need to complete the following steps:
- turn on the device, then the indicator will appear and show that the bluetooth function is enabled;
- on the paired equipment, find the model identifier in the search bluetooth menu and connect to it;
- open any karaoke APP or select a music file on the device’s player;
- adjust volume, frequency and bass.
Comica BoomX-D2
The Best Wireless Microphone Kit for iPhone
8.3
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Connector: USB Polar pattern: omnidirectional Dimensions: 110 x 70 x 185 mm Weight: 29 g
pros
- 30m working distance
- Decent battery life
- Works with many smartphones
Minuses
- Lightning cable not included
If you want to speak through a microphone but are filming yourself at some distance from your smartphone, here is the best microphone for that. The wireless kit comes with two transmitters with built-in microphones, two external monaural microphones that you can connect to them as an alternative, and one receiver. Everything is very small and light, and the receiver is especially portable.
You can use this kit at a distance of 30m, and the built-in lithium battery, which can be charged via USB, will last up to five hours. There is also a 3mm headphone jack that allows you to monitor the audio. However, keep in mind that if you have an iPhone 7 or later, you'll need to separately purchase a TRRS Lightning to 3.5mm adapter cable to connect it.
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Choosing the Right Adapter
On the Internet you can find universal multifunctional adapters.
When the adapter is connected, the user has the opportunity to connect a microphone and headphones at the same time. Both of these devices will work simultaneously.
For example, StarTech TRS to TRRS can be purchased on popular online platforms for only $7.
They compare favorably to many other devices that only have one headphone jack.
Later in this review, we have collected some of the best examples that can be used to connect to different smartphones.
Sennheiser MKE 200
Best Microphone for Beginner iPhone and Android Vloggers
8.1
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Connector: TRS and TRRS 3.5mm coiled cable. Directional pattern: directional Dimensions: 69 x 60 x 39 mm Weight: 48 g
pros
- Relatively affordable
- Works with many smartphones
- Works with many cameras
Minuses
- No Lightning connector
Are you just getting started with vlogging and want something affordable that's easy to find and use? Then we recommend the Sennheiser MKE 200. While it's not the best iPhone microphone on the market, it's very affordable, easy to use, and generally does a decent job.
The MKE 200 is just 69mm long and weighs just 48g. It is powered by your device, so no batteries are required. And its built-in wind protection and internal gimbal mount help minimize noise, which is especially useful when you're still learning how to shoot.
This device can be connected using the included 3.5mm TRS and TRRS spiral cables to a range of smartphones, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. However, it doesn't have a Lightning connector, so if you want to use it with iPhone 7 and above, you'll need to buy a 3.5mm Lightning adapter separately.
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Comica CVM-VM10-K3
The Best Shotgun Microphone for iPhone and Android Smartphone
7.9
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Connector: 3.5mm Polar Pattern: Directional Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 8.4mm Weight: 34g
pros
- Accessible
- Nice accessories
- Does its job
Minuses
- No Lightning connector
The Comica CVM-VM10-K3 is another great choice for those new to the world of vlogging, and it's actually very affordable. For very little money, you'll get a shotgun mic, a phone clip, an ergonomic one-handed grip, a one-touch wireless Bluetooth controller, an indoor foam filter, an outdoor filter, a carrying case, and a 3.5mm TRRS-TRS cable.
Despite the low price, in practice everything works quite well, with good quality, directional sound with minimal interference. But again, there is no Lightning connector. Therefore, if you want to use it with iPhone 7 and later, you will need to purchase a 3.5mm Lightning adapter separately.
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AKG WMS40 Mini Single Vocal Set
An excellent bluetooth microphone for public speaking, stage and singing.
Fifth place in the ranking of the best wireless Bluetooth microphones is occupied by the AKG WMS40 Mini Single Vocal Set ($100) - a high-quality wireless microphone for public speaking, stage and singing. It works stably and, most importantly, for a long time - about 30 hours of operation on one battery. Also, this wireless microphone transmits voice well, is easy to use, and even the price is reasonable.
Main characteristics
- Frequency range: 40 Hz – 20000 Hz
- Modulation mode: FM
- Signal to noise ratio: 110 dB-A
- Distortion (THD): 0.8%
- Radio signal power: 10 mW
- Range: up to 20 m
- Batteries (1 pc): alkaline LR6 AA
- Working time: up to 30 hours
- Case material: plastic
- Black color
- Dimensions: 230 mm x 51 mm
- Weight: 195 g
Equipment
- Microphone transmitter
- Receiver-base
- Power adapter (multiple outlet)
- 1 AA battery
- Documentation
Video review
- Good sound quality.
- Autonomy.
- Simplicity and stability.
- The optimal operating range is 20 m.
- It makes noise in your hand.
- There is no remaining charge indicator.
Apogee MiC+
Best Apple Approved Microphone for iPhone
7.7
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Connector: Lightning, USB Polar pattern: directional Dimensions: 124 x 38 x 38 mm Weight: 204 g
pros
- High quality audio
- Wide Connectivity
- Apple Approved
Minuses
- Expensive
If you want to be absolutely sure that the microphone will work well with your iPhone, there's no substitute for choosing an Apple-approved device. The Apogee MiC Plus fits right into this category, and as you'd expect, the sound quality is excellent.
You can also connect it to a wide range of devices, as it comes with an iOS Lightning cable, a USB-C cable, and a traditional USB-A cable, as well as a tabletop tripod stand and microphone stand adapter. The only negative is that it is quite expensive for what it is.
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Tips and tricks when choosing lavalier microphones from Aliexpress
Model type
The first thing you need to decide is what the microphone is needed for and where it will be used. Many bloggers and teachers still do without this device, but these savings will not lead to anything. The quality of the session will suffer. Many people get tired of listening to the clarity of the speaker’s pronunciation, straining their ears when music from neighbors is heard in the background or a child starts crying. Viewers disconnect and stop watching simply because they didn’t get what they wanted. The blogger is also disappointed - because he did not take into account the type and purpose of the model. They are for:
- assisting actors when filming a program;
- interview recordings;
- performance of a vocal composition;
- YouTube video blogging;
- seminars for large audiences;
- broadcast a lesson, training or course.
If we are talking about studio recording, then only professional models can be used.
Video - Big test of Chinese microphones
Criterias of choice
Most Aliexpress visitors look at the price tag. It is indeed one of the defining criteria, but in the opposite sense to what those who like to save money would like to see. Cost is directly related not only to the brand, but also to:
- build quality;
- fastening strength. Here the savings may turn out to be too expensive - on most cheap models the mount is weak, the microphone falls and breaks;
- resource of work without recharging. This is especially important if the microphone is needed for long speeches, large-scale seminars, or business trainings;
- recording and sound clarity. With cheap models, the picture often “runs” ahead of the sound. There is no point in using such a microphone: it will not be possible to make a high-quality recording on it;
- noise reduction function;
- frequency range (this is at least 14 kHz).
It is also worth paying attention to the weight of the model, the size of the microphone itself and the transmitter. Small models do not create stiffness or inconvenience for the speaker when speaking, and do not interfere with moving around the stage.
Comparison of the best lavalier microphones from the rating:
Go to product
| Name | Type | Peculiarity | Cost in rubles | Shop |
| For smartphones, unidirectional | The best option for bloggers who don’t want to spend a lot of time setting up. No app needed: plug and play | From 1695 | Go to product |
| For studio recording, wireless | Suitable for those who are looking for a budget option with professional functions. Live broadcast without delays | From 4411 | Go to product |
| For home and studio use | The best option for recording educational courses, trainings, lessons | From 5300 | Go to product |
| For conference calls | Optimal for live broadcasting of seminars, interviews, conferences | From 8900 | Go to product |
| For studio recording, wireless kit with transmitter | For TV programs, interviews, shows, large-scale conferences | From 18000 | Go to product |
| Studio | A godsend for professional video bloggers. Works with Apple devices | From 12000 | Go to product |
Shure Motiv MV5
Best Retro Microphone for iPhone and Android
7.5
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Connector: Lightning, USB Polar pattern: directional Dimensions: 66 × 67 × 65 mm Weight: 544 g
pros
- Connects to USB or Lightning
- Retro style
- Apple Approved
Minuses
- Not the most portable
The Shure MOTIV MV5 is another Apple-approved microphone for the iPhone, and it has a wonderful industrial design with a retro feel. It also has three built-in DSP presets (Vocals, Flat, Instrument) that provide optimal settings for different sources, making it suitable for everything from music to podcasting.
The Shure MOTIV MV5 comes with two included cables, one connecting via USB and the other via Lightning, allowing you to use it with Mac, PC, iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android devices. You also get a built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring, a detachable tabletop stand, and a free recording app.
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TOP 20 best lavalier microphones from AliExpress
| Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |||
| #1 | SYNCO G2 A2 G2A2 a1 | ⭐ 5 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #2 | BOYA BY-WM4 Pro K3 | ⭐ 4.9 / 5 1 - voice | Find out the price | |||
| #3 | Debra DV | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #4 | EYK UHF | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #5 | EYK EW-C02, 30-channel | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #6 | Ulanzi UHF | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| The best lavalier microphones for professionals from AliExpress | ||||||
| #1 | Saramonic UWMIC9 | ⭐ 5 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #2 | Hollyland LARK 150 Duo | ⭐ 4.9 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #3 | K&F Concept UHF | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #4 | Saramonic Blink500 | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #5 | Comica BoomX-U U1 (U2) | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #6 | Debra D-240 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #7 | Relacart LENSGO LWM 328C | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| Inexpensive lavalier microphones from AliExpress: budget up to 500 rubles | ||||||
| #1 | ETJ-510 | ⭐ 5 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #2 | HANTOPER USB lavalier Microphone | ⭐ 4.9 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #3 | Lavalier microphone HANTOPER | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 1 - voice | Find out the price | |||
| #4 | HAMA 00139901 | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #5 | Fywede Lightning Type-C | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #6 | DEFENDER MIC-109 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
| #7 | ONLENY Andoer conference microphone | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | Find out the price | |||
Which lavalier microphone on Aliexpress would you choose or recommend?
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IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast HD
High-quality pocket microphone for iPhone and Android
7.3
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Connector: Lightning, Micro-USB, USB-C Polar pattern: Cardioid Dimensions: 50 x 27 x 50 mm Weight: 68 g
pros
- Tiny and light
- Wide Compatibility
- Magnetic mount
Minuses
- Not the cheapest
"Pocket-sized" is a term that is often overused by marketers, but this fantastically compact device truly lives up to that definition. Measuring just 27mm wide, the two-way microphone comes with Lightning, Micro-USB and USB-C cables, allowing it to be used with all types of phones, tablets and PCs, including the latest iPhones.
There's also a headphone jack so you can keep an eye on your recording too. And it's easy to attach to your iPhone, thanks to a snap-on magnetic mount that even works with a case.
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