In the fast-paced world of content creation, trends come and go, but some things remain constant; audio quality is one of them. Folks who record on theiriPhonesknow that the quality of the built-in microphone is nowhere near the camera quality. But with so many microphone options out there, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
That’s where we come in. In this buyer’s guide, we’ve screened and selected the best microphones for the iPhone in 2024, considering everything from budget to functionality and audio quality. We’ll take you through the ins and outs of each microphone, from the tiniest and most discreet to the ones that pack a serious punch. We’ll break down the tech specs for you and share our honest opinions, so you can make an informed decision. So grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s find the perfect microphone to help you enhance your iPhone audio game.
Saramonic BlinkMe B2
Jack of all trades
The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 is a noteworthy option for creators who wish to capture reliable and high-quality audio on their iPhones. All thanks to its plethora of features, including HD Active Noise Cancellation, secondary track recording, and a customizable touchscreen panel.
For professional content creators, signal dropouts can be quite a bummer. In wireless devices, a signal dropout is a momentary signal loss between two components of a device, and in the case of microphones, you risk losing your audio capture. The Blink Me B2 provides a solution by including on-board recording on the transmitter, which is saved as a high-quality .wav file; in addition, a secondary track is recorded simultaneously.
The HD active noise cancelation allows ultra-low noise recording, ensuring that the unnecessary sounds of the environment, such as wind noise, are significantly reduced. The BlinkMe 2 is an omnidirectional microphone with a long-range transmission (328 ft to be exact) and also features a customizable touchscreen panel to give the user a more personalized experience. It comes with a magnetic cold shoe mount to attach the mic to a camera or smartphone, and it also includes a tripod phone holder.
One downside to this microphone is its bulky form factor; the transmitter weighs down on clothing when clipped and cannot be concealed like other low-profile options. Regardless, it is a feature-packed microphone designed to be an all-rounder for professional sound recording.
Godox WES2 Kit2
Who said you need fat stacks to record audio?
The GODOX WES2 Kit2 is a wallet-friendly wireless mic system perfect for creators who need to capture clear audio without breaking the bank. It’s small, lightweight, and super easy to use, with features like noise cancellation and long battery life to keep you recording all day.
The GODOX WES2 Kit2 is a wireless Lavalier microphone system that prioritizes portability and convenience. Its dual-channel capability allows for simultaneous recording of two subjects, making it ideal for interviews or collaborative projects.
The 200-meter transmission range ensures reliable audio capture at a distance, while the built-in noise cancelation and included windshields work together to reduce unwanted background noise and deliver clear sound.
With its compact and lightweight design, the WES2 Kit2 is easy to carry and wear, ensuring a comfortable recording experience. The system is compatible with Type-C/Android devices, offering seamless plug-and-play functionality and quick charging via the included case. While iPhone users can use the system with a Type-C to Lightning adapter, adjusting the receiver’s parameters requires an Android device.
The WES2 Kit2 is a practical choice for budget-conscious creators. Its dual-channel recording, extended battery life (8 hours per charge), and noise-cancellation features make it a good option for various video/audio content creation scenarios. Though it lacks some advanced features and customization options found in higher-priced models, it offers decent performance and convenience for its price point.
Hollyland Lark Max
Crystal clear
This champion mic is the perfect companion for the interviewer. The high sampling rate, two Lavalier mics that clip on easily, and a multitude of EQ features are what make it the best.
The Hollyland Lark Max is built for those who demand the best. For a professional interview setting, it features two Lavalier mics that attach to your clothing in two ways: magnetic or simply with the clip. The astonishingly high transmission range of 820ft means the signal will not be lost. But to be on the safe side, this mic also comes with 14 hours of on-board recording thanks to the built-in 8GB storage capacity. It has a reasonably long battery life of 7.5 hours and a whopping 22 hours with the charging case, so it will easily last a whole day on set.
The 48 kHz / 24-bit sampling rate ensures studio-like sound quality. In addition, the professional ENC (environmental noise cancelation) ensures no sound other than the interviewer and interviewee gets recorded. If that’s not enough, the receiver’s OLED touchscreen panel gives you complete control of audio with multiple EQ presets. All in all, this microphone is a must-buy for interviewers looking to step up their production value.
Shure MoveMic Two
Shure thing, your content sounds better with MoveMic Two
The Shure MoveMic Two is a pocket-friendly option for capturing professional-quality audio and video on your iPhone. Its compact design and Bluetooth connectivity make it perfect for vloggers, journalists, and content creators on the go.
This two-person wireless Lavalier microphone system makes it a breeze to record audio for your videos,podcasts, or live streams. Setup is as easy as clipping on the mics, connecting them to your iPhone through the Shure MOTIV app, and pressing the record button.
With all that said, you’re probably thinking about what makes it so good. Firstly, MoveMic Two records sound equally from all directions because of its omnidirectional pickup pattern. This means you don’t have to worry about pointing the mic directly at your sound source – whether it’s your voice, a musical instrument, or someone you’re interviewing. Omnidirectional mics are also great for capturing the natural ambiance of a space, which can be useful for things like vlogs or location recordings.
Secondly, it features a high-quality condenser capsule, a microphone component that converts sound waves into electrical signals. Condenser mics are known for their wide frequency response and ability to capture detail, so they’re a popular choice for professional recording applications.
Lastly, with 8 hours of battery life and a durable, water-resistant design, you can take it anywhere and trust it to deliver. So, whether you’re a veteran content creator or just beginning, the Shure MoveMic Two is, without a doubt, a valuable tool for audio recording.
Hollyland Lark M2
Size isn’t everything
The Hollyland Lark M2 is the wireless Lavalier microphone that proves big things come in small packages. This feather-light mic captures rich, detailed audio due to its impressive 24-bit/48kHz recording quality. Whether you’re recording a bustling city street interview or a quiet voiceover in your home studio, the Lark M2 will ensure your voice comes through clear and natural.
The Hollyland Lark M2 truly redefines what is possible in such a compact package. This button-sized microphone boasts a 48kHz/24-bit audio resolution, capturing your voice, music, or ambient sounds with clarity that rivals much larger microphones. Its intelligent noise cancelation can be turned off and on with the click of a button and adapts to your surroundings, ensuring your voice remains clear even in bustling cafes, windy outdoor shoots, or crowded conferences.
Apart from its audio capabilities, the Lark M2 offers a good user experience. Its seamless plug-and-play functionality lets you start recording in seconds, and its intuitive controls allow for easy volume adjustment. With a remarkable battery life that lasts ten hours and up to 40 hours with the included charging case, the Lark M2 is your reliable companion for all-day recording sessions, ensuring you never miss a moment of inspiration. All things considered, Hollyland offers an alternative to bulky microphones for those who value discreteness regarding their recording equipment.
Rode VideoMic Me-L
Decent audio does come cheap
This affordable microphone is designed to plug directly into your iPhone. The simple assembly, wind muff, and decent audio quality make it ideal for low-budget production if you can compromise on a couple of drawbacks.
There is a huge variety of budget microphones for smartphones, and the Rode VideoMic Me-L is among the good ones for a few reasons. For instance, the mic connects directly to an iPhone to the lightning port. It straddles effortlessly onto the smartphone body with the included clip, giving the user a seamless 2-step setup.
The box also includes a muff for recording in a windy setting. Additionally, the headphone jack at the back allows for real-time audio checks, allowing you to record and monitor sound levels simultaneously.
However, there are a few drawbacks. To plug in the microphone, you may need to remove yourphone case, which may not be an option for some people who prefer to protect their phones from drops at all times. Also, the Rode recording app is glitchy, sometimes failing to recognize the smartphone. In conclusion, this microphone has a couple of cons, but if you can look past those, it is the best option for iPhone videography on a budget.
FAQ
Do I need an external microphone for my iPhone videos?
The iPhone’s built-in microphone can capture decent audio, but an external microphone significantly improves sound quality. It helps reduce background noise, enhances clarity, and gives your videos a more professional feel.
Which microphone is best for me?
To answer this you need to consider factors like portability, ease of use, sound quality, and the type of content you create. Refer to our guide for detailed comparisons and recommendations based on different priorities.
Are wireless microphones better than wired ones?
Wireless microphones add to your flexibility, but they can be more expensive and may experience occasional interference. Wired microphones, on the other hand, are generally more affordable and reliable, but they can restrict your movement. Choose the type that best suits your recording style and preferences.
