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The best lavalier microphones, which is sometimes called a lapel mic or clip mic, is mostly used for public speaking, conferences, TV, and sometimes other things like theater or rock concerts. Their main benefit is that they free up the user’s hands.
The best lavalier microphones, which are also called lapel microphones, are the best choice for both film audio and stage production because you can broadcast and record audio without a handheld or visible microphone.
Lavalier mics pick up clear, clean sound in a small, light package so that people can use their hands for other things. It’s best lavalier microphones, and these clip-on mics have been doing it well for decades, whether they’re used on a movie set, news broadcast, live presentation, or podcast.
Best Lavalier Microphones Comparison Table
Microphone Model | Genre | Modes | Price (approx.) | Official Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rode smartLav+ | iOS/Android | Omnidirectional | $80 | Visit Website |
Sony ECM77B | Professional | Omnidirectional | $485 | Visit Website |
Sanken Cos-11D | Professional | Omnidirectional / Directional | $385 | Visit Website |
Sennheiser MKE1 | Professional | Omnidirectional | $599 | Visit Website |
Sony ECM-44 | Professional | Omnidirectional / Directional | $299 | Visit Website |
Joby Wavo Lav Pro | Mobile/Prosumer | Omnidirectional | $80 | Visit Website |
Rode Lavalier | Professional | Omnidirectional | $199 | Visit Website |
Rode smartLav+

Specification | |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Condenser |
Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
Sensitivity | -35.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (17.80mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz |
Connector | TRRS |
Rode’s smartLav+ is one of the best lavalier microphones on the market. It is a discreet choice for users who want the best look when recording both video and audio at the same time. It has a TRRS connection that works well with smartphones, tablets, and many computers.
The 1.2-meter cable of this mic is made out of Kevlar to make it more durable, and its omnidirectional pickup means that it can pick up sound from any direction. It doesn’t have the highest max SPL (Sound Pressure Level) at only 110dB.
The Good
- It is easy to use and move because it is small and portable.
- It works with iOS devices and other smartphones, which makes it a great tool for creating content on the go.
- The sound from a high-quality condenser microphone is clear and natural.
The Bad
- May pick up background noise that you don’t want in noisy places.
- Compared to other professional-grade lavalier microphones, this one has a limited frequency response.
Sony ECM77B

Specification | |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Electret Condenser |
Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Frequency Response | 40Hz-20kHz |
Sensitivity | -44dB (6.3mV) |
Connector | XLR-3-12C |
If you don’t want to spend a fortune, the Sony ECM-77B is the best lavalier microphones for a professional sound without breaking the bank. There’s nothing else on this list that sounds as good as this one.
This means that you can record anywhere without having to bring a microphone preamplifier with you. But preamps can have big benefits, like letting you change your sound and frequencies in real time.
The Good
- It is perfect for making movies and TV shows because it is small and doesn’t get in the way.
- The sound from a good electret condenser microphone is clear and natural.
- With an omnidirectional polar pattern, you can pick up sound consistently from all directions.
The Bad
- Compared to other lavalier microphones on the market, this one is pricey.
- Needs a separate source of power, like a battery or phantom power.
Sanken Cos-11D

Specification | |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Electret Condenser |
Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
Sensitivity | -36dB (15.8mV) |
Connector | 3-pin Lemo |
The frequency response of the Sanken Cos-11D condenser mic is 50Hz to 20kHz, and it picks up sound that is wide, open, and natural. This 4mm lavalier is easy to hide under clothes, and a small boost in the upper-mid frequencies helps to counteract any muffled effect.
The best lavalier microphones picks up sound clearly even when it’s not on the axis. It’s pretty forgiving when it’s not in the right place. A mesh screen built into the phone helps stop RF interference and protects against sweat and smudged makeup to a certain extent.
The Good
- The sound from a good electret condenser microphone is clear and natural.
- With an omnidirectional polar pattern, you can pick up sound consistently from all directions.
- The fact that it doesn’t get wet makes it perfect for use outside in harsh conditions.
The Bad
- Compared to other lavalier microphones on the market, this one is pricey.
- Needs a separate source of power, like a battery or phantom power.
Sennheiser MKE1

Specification | |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Electret Condenser |
Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
Sensitivity | -44dBV/Pa |
Connector | Sennheiser proprietary |
The Sennheiser MKE1 Miniature Lavalier Microphone is one of the best lavalier microphones on the market. This means it can record high-quality sound without being too obvious. In total, its diameter is just 3.5 mm.
So, it’s easy to hide it in the clothes and hair of your subjects or on props. The mic also has a wide frequency response and a polar pattern that works in all directions. It records clear audio, especially voice, this way.
The Good
- Its small size and light weight make it perfect for use in film and TV production without being seen.
- The sound from a good electret condenser microphone is clear and natural.
The Bad
- Compared to other lavalier microphones on the market, this one is pricey.
Sony ECM-44

Specification | |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Electret Condenser |
Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Frequency Response | 40Hz-15kHz |
Sensitivity | -51dB (2.8mV) |
Connector | XLR-3-12C |
The Sony ECM-44 is best lavalier microphones from the wired lavalier mics that came before it. It has an XLR connector, so you’ll need a mixer, USB interface, or something else with an XLR input to use it. These are easy to use on stage or with a Zoom recorder that you can take with you.
It comes with two metal clips, one for a single mic and one for two lav mics. The wire is thick and strong, and you can use a battery to power it. The sound quality is accurate and feels natural, but you should think of this as a mix between the “entry-level” mics.
The Good
- The sound from a good electret condenser microphone is clear and natural.
- With an omnidirectional polar pattern, you can pick up sound consistently from all directions.
The Bad
- May pick up background noise that you don’t want in noisy places.
Joby Wavo Lav Pro

Specification | Description |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Lavalier microphone |
Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Frequency Range | 20Hz to 20kHz |
Sensitivity | -35 ±3dB (0dB = 1V/Pa, @1kHz) |
Impedance | 2.2k Ohm |
Connector | 3.5mm TRS |
Cable Length | 1.2m |
Compatibility | DSLR, mirrorless, smartphone, tablet, computer, audio recorder, etc. |
The ultra-small capsule on the Joby Wavo Lav PRO lavalier mic makes it easy to hide. The 2.5m cable lets you send sound from an interviewee’s hard-wired mic straight to the camera while giving you enough space to frame a classic “talking head” shot.
You can plug it right into the mic port of a DSLR to improve the sound quality right away, but it won’t work if you plug it straight into the headphone jack of a smart phone. The best lavalier microphones is also makes other sound kits in the JOBY Wavo range more useful.
The Good
- A polar pattern that picks up sound from everywhere is called omnidirectional.
- Sounds from 20Hz to 20kHz, which is a wide range, are recorded.
The Bad
- For some recordings, the length of the cable may not be long enough.
Rode Lavalier Lapel Omni-Directional

Specification | Description |
---|---|
Microphone Type | Lavalier microphone |
Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Frequency Range | 60Hz to 18kHz |
Sensitivity | -33.5dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (21.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2dB @ 1kHz |
Impedance | 3000 Ohm |
Connector | 3.5mm TRS |
Cable Length | 1.2m |
Compatibility | DSLR, mirrorless, smartphone, tablet, computer, audio recorder, etc. |
Rode has made a condenser microphone that is on par with the best lapel microphones in terms of performance. This best lavalier microphones can pick up sound from all directions and will give you sound that is good enough for broadcast.
The four-foot-long connecting cable is made of Kevlar and can be taken off. Its strength and durability have been tested. Clips make sure that cable management works well. They hide the operation from view and give the user the freedom to move around.
The Good
- A polar pattern that picks up sound from all directions is called omnidirectional.
- With a wide frequency range from 60Hz to 18kHz, you can record sound in great detail.
- High sensitivity of -33.5dB means clear and accurate audio capture
- Includes a sturdy carrying case for safe transport and storage
- Compatible with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to DSLRs
The Bad
- In some recording situations, the length of the cable may not be long enough.
- Some users say that if the microphone is not in the right place, it can pick up background noise.
FAQs
What is a “lavalier” mic?
A lavalier microphone is a small microphone that is usually clipped to clothing or other surfaces, like a tie or lapel, so that it can be used without using your hands.
What makes a lavalier microphone directional or omnidirectional?
Omnidirectional lavalier microphones pick up sound equally from all directions. Directional lavalier microphones only pick up sound in the direction they are pointed.
Directional microphones are often used in places where there is a lot of background noise because they can help isolate the target sound source.
Why would you want to use a lavalier microphone?
The main benefit of using a lavalier microphone is that it can be used without the user’s hands. This is especially helpful in situations where the user needs to move around, such as in an interview or presentation.