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When you use the best iPhone microphones, the sound will be much better than when you use the mic that comes with your phone. So, whether you’re recording voice or video or using your phone as a webcam, your content will seem much more professional.
Most of the best mics for vlogging can be made to work with your iPhone if they have the right plugs and stands. But there are so many that it can be hard to know where to begin. So, in this piece, we’ve put together a list of the best iPhone microphones on the market right now.
Each of these choices has great sound, is small and easy to carry, and works well with iPhones. So, if you want to stream, record, or just sound clear and crisp on important phone calls and videos, these are the best iPhone mics you can buy right now.
First, though, some important information. If you have an iPhone 7 or later, the Lightning connection is the only way to connect a microphone. Most of the mics on this list will plug right into this, but you may need to buy an adapter for a few of them.
Best iPhone Microphones Comparison Table
| Microphone Model | Type | Connectivity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser MKE 200 | On-Camera Mic | Wired | $100-$200 |
| Boya BY-XM6-S2 | On-Camera Mic | Wired | $30-$50 |
| Apogee HypeMiC | Handheld Mic | Wired | $300-$400 |
| Shure Motiv MV88+ Video Kit | On-Camera Mic | Wired | $250-$350 |
| Maybesta Wireless Lavalier | Lavalier Mic | Wireless (2.4G) | $30-$50 |
| Ttstar iPhone Lavalier Mic | Lavalier Mic | Wired | $10-$20 |
| RØDE VideoMic Me-L Microphone | On-Camera Mic | Wired | $70-$100 |
Sennheiser MKE 200
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | -33dBV/Pa |
| Connector | 3.5mm TRS |
| Weight | 48g (1.69oz) |
Want to start a vlog but don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that’s hard to use? Then the Sennheiser MKE 200 is a Best iPhone Microphones. Even though it’s not the best iPhone microphone on the market, it’s very cheap, easy to use, and does a good job overall. The MKE 200 is not too big or heavy. It is only 2.7 inches long and weighs only 1.7 ounces. It gets its power from the device you use, so it doesn’t need batteries.
And its built-in wind protection and internal suspension mount help keep noise down. This is especially helpful when you are still learning how to use your gear and tend to bump into things and make noises. With the 3.5mm TRS and TRRS coiled cables that come with this gadget, you can connect it to a number of smartphones, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras. But it doesn’t have a Lightning connection.
The Good
- The supercardioid pattern helps cut down on background noise.
- Compact and portable design
- Price-wise, the sound is good.
- Includes a windscreen with fur
The Bad
- There is no shock mount.
- The 3.5mm TRS plug might not work with all devices.
Boya BY-XM6-S2
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | -35dB +/-3dB (0dB=1V/Pa, at 1kHz) |
| Connector | 3.5mm TRS |
| Weight | 80g (2.82oz) |
If you’re on a tight budget, the Boya BY-XM6-S2 mic system is a good place to start, and it will definitely improve the sound quality of your footage and the Best iPhone Microphones. It also works right out of the box, so if you are new to wireless mic systems, you won’t have to learn a lot. Its closest competitor is the JOBY Wavo AIR, but this is a better choice because it has more features, like an on-screen display, and costs less.
The Boya BY-XM6-S2 does a good job for a cheap portable mic kit, sending clear and clean sound from the speaker to the recording device. There is a problem with signal loss when the presenter turns away from the camera, but most of us talk to the camera anyway, so the Boya lets us move around and still be heard from a long way away (as you can hear in our test video).
The Good
- Cardioid helps cut down on background noise
- Foam windscreen and shock mount are included.
- Smartphones and cameras can use it.
- There’s a long cable (6m/19.7ft) as well.
The Bad
- If it’s not in the right place, it might pick up some handling noise.
- The quality of the build may not be as strong as with other options.
Apogee HypeMiC
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | -36dBFS/Pa |
| Connector | USB-C, Lightning, USB-A |
| Weight | 439g (15.49oz) |
The most interesting thing about the HypeMiC is its analogue limiter, which makes loud and soft sound sources sound the same. There are three settings: Shape, Squeeze, and Smash. Each one compresses your data more than the last. In the real world, it can be used to add life to delicate instrument recordings or to separate quiet voices from busy backgrounds. We thought the effects were very interesting, almost like magic. You also have fine control over the recording process with the HypeMiC.
A big gain wheel makes it easy to change the gain right away. A triple LED meter shows when the gain is too high by turning red. The headphone port at the bottom of the HypeMiC lets you listen to the input sound without any delay. You can also mix in the output from your DAW. The HypeMiC is by no means the cheapest option here, but it does come with a nice travel case, a sturdy tripod, and a pop filter. It also comes with a few cords that let it work with most iOS devices, Apple Macs, and even Windows PCs.
The Good
- The sound is good.
- Includes a stand for your desk and a headphone jack
- Can connect to multiple devices using different connectors
- Gain and compression that can be changed
The Bad
- Compared to other choices, it is expensive.
- May be big and hard to move.
Shure Motiv MV88+ Video Kit
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Adjustable (Mid-Side stereo, Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional) |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | -37.0dBV/Pa at 1kHz |
| Connector | Lightning |
| Weight | 79g (2.79oz) |
The Motiv MV88+ no longer uses Apple’s Lightning standard. Instead, it uses USB and comes with both USB-C and Lightning connections, making it much more compatible. The Video Kit version (which, confusingly, seems to be the standard version in some areas) also comes with a phone clamp, a Manfrotto tripod, and a shoe-mount mic clip, making it a good deal if you’re starting from scratch. Even though it says “Video,” this kit is also useful for field recordists because it will keep your gear clean and organized and make everything easy to reach.
The Motiv MV88+ is smart because it works with the great MOTIV app from ShurePlus, which is available for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. With this, you can dig deep into the Motiv MV88+’s DSP settings, change the EQ, adjust the gain, choose different mic setups (stereo, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, mid-side, etc.), change the stereo width settings, and do a lot more. This makes the Motiv MV88+ a very flexible microphone system that can be used for a wide range of artistic projects.
The Good
- Polar patterns that can be changed give you options for different recording situations.
- The sound is good.
- Comes with a windshield and a tripod stand
- works with Apple products
The Bad
- May not work with devices that aren’t Apple.
- Compared to other choices, it is expensive.
Maybesta Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | -30dB +/-3dB (0dB=1V/Pa, at 1kHz) |
| Connector | 3.5mm TRS or Lightning |
| Wireless Range | 50ft |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
| Weight | 42g (1.48oz) |
The Maybesta wireless microphone is Best iPhone Microphones as a good iPhone wireless microphone. The music quality is not very good. But it is one of the easiest microphones on our list to use. You just plug the main unit into your iPhone! After that, you press a button on the wearable microphone, and you’re ready to go! This lavalier mic can record for 4.5 hours straight. This time should be enough to finish an interview. But it might not be enough time to walk around town for a whole day.
The microphone can pick up sound from all directions. This can pick up noises from up to 50 feet away. It has noise control that is smart. And it works with the most common programs. This means that you can record directly to your YouTube or TikTok account. People who want a cheap and easy-to-use microphone should get the Maybesta portable mic. It’s a good product to buy because it’s quick and easy to set up. As a backup mic, it can be very useful.
The Good
- The wireless design gives you freedom to move.
- A polar pattern that picks up sound from everywhere is called omnidirectional.
- Both 3.5mm TRS and Lightning connectors work with it.
- Small and easy to carry
The Bad
- May have problems in places with a lot of radio frequency traffic
- If you use the battery a lot, it may last less time than expected.
Ttstar iPhone Lavalier Mic
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Frequency Range | 50Hz – 16kHz |
| Sensitivity | -30dB +/-3dB (0dB=1V/Pa, at 1kHz) |
| Connector | 3.5mm TRRS |
| Cable Length | 1.5m (4.9ft) |
| Weight | 11g (0.39oz) |
Ttstar has a cheap collar microphone of its own. With an iPhone, it works great. The best thing about this mic is that it just needs to be plugged in and turned on. This means that when you plug it in, it works right away. It doesn’t need anything else to be set up. Ttstar says that their active noise reduction is very sensitive. They also talk about their anti-interference ticker wire, which should help get rid of noise. This won’t be good enough for a skilled job. But it’s much better than the mic that came with the phone.
The thing that sells the microphone is how easy it is to use. It weighs only 18 grams, and it is also light. This mic works best for casual chats, live streaming, and recording YouTube videos. I also think this is a good idea for video calls. It’s great for professors who have to stream lessons from their phones. It helps the kids understand them better.
The Good
- Affordable price point
- works with most mobile phones
- Easy to carry and not too heavy
- Comes with a bag to store it in.
The Bad
- A polar pattern with no direction may pick up more background noise.
- Compared to other options, it has a smaller range of frequencies.
RØDE VideoMic Me-L Microphone
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | -35.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (17.80mV @ 94 dB SPL) |
| Connector | Lightning |
| Weight | 28g (0.99oz) |
The RDE VideoMic Me-L Microphone is a Best iPhone Microphones high-quality focused microphone made to work with Apple iPhones and iPads. It is a small and light microphone that can be connected to the device’s Lightning port. The mic has a cardioid polar pattern, which helps it pick up clear sound from the front while lowering noise from the sides and back.
It also has a 3.5mm ear jack so you can listen to the sound as you record. The microphone is made of high-quality materials and is easy to use with the RDE Rec app or other recording apps that work with it. Overall, the RDE VideoMic Me-L is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality microphone for their iPhone or iPad that can be attached to the camera.
The Good
- Directional cardioid polar pattern helps cut down on background noise
- Compact and portable design
- works with Apple products
- It has a furry windscreen and a pouch for storage.
The Bad
- May not work with devices that aren’t Apple.
- Some users have had trouble with how long things last.
FAQs
An iPhone microphone is a small microphone that is built into every Apple iPhone. It is used to record sound for phone calls, voice memos, videos, and other audio files.
Yes, you can use a microphone from outside the iPhone. There are many external microphones like clip-on mics, shotgun microphones, and wireless microphones that can be used with your iPhone.
An external microphone can improve the sound quality of your recordings and cut down on unwanted noise. It is especially helpful for recording interviews, music acts, and videos where sound quality is important.