The Best Smartphone Microphones
Whether you're a journalist covering fast-breaking stories on the ground or a vlogger without an expensive desktop, smartphone microphones give you the freedom of movement to work your magic on the go. Many of these microphones can plug directly into audio jacks or power ports, while others provide high-fidelity audio wirelessly. If you want to catch all the action at a moment's notice, our top smartphone mics are perfect for capturing unforgettable moments without tedious setup.
PoP Voice Professional Lapel Microphone
Record on your terms
Keeping your hands free and your view clear of obstructions during interviews is intuitive and effortless thanks to PoP Voice’s lapel microphone. Commonly found on television talk shows, lapel mics are a favorite in the AV universe because of their small footprint yet extensive pickup range. PoP Voice’s device, in particular, is omnidirectional, a feature that boosts range and clarity during soft-spoken dialogue. While the aux input is a bit old-school, with the help of an adaptor, this gadget quickly becomes compatible with every smartphone under the sun. Overall, if you don’t want to be weighed down by audio equipment during round tables or interviews on the go, PoP Voice is a professional sight for sore eyes and ears.
Pros:
- Over six feet of cord
- It comes with a three-pin auxiliary adaptor
- Works on tablets and PCs as well
Cons:
- Not a good choice for areas with a lot of background noise or the outdoors
Movo Universal Video Microphone
Capture every moment
Movo’s video microphone is an impressive device that makes muffled recordings a problem of the past. Movo is a miracle for recording video and audio simultaneously because of its sturdy design and top-tier noise-canceling features. To start, the receiver’s cardioid condenser means the mic only records the sound in front of it. Second, the included windscreen is robust and hugely capable of silencing all but the strongest gusts. Lastly, the shock mount does wonders to eliminate vibration without expensive accessories or mounts. No matter if you’re documenting your journies at the gym, on the road, or in the woods, Movo will conquer interference and showcase vocals on the hardware of your choice.
Pros:
- Includes drawstring carrying case
- No battery or internal power source
- It fits in the palm of your hand
Cons:
- Will not connect directly to smartphones without extra equipment
Ttstar Lavalier Lapel Microphone
Plug and pod
This lapel mic from Ttstar turns every room into a recording studio. All you need is an Apple product and a shirt, and you’re in business. The built-in lightning adapter and battery-free design mean you won’t need any extra gear to record conversations indoors with ease. Not only is this device great for podcasts and interviews, but solo artists can benefit as well. This microphone picks up sound from every angle, meaning you can capture unique acoustic performances with the click of a button and securely upload tracks without worrying about distortion or low sound.
Pros:
- Works for both recordings and live streaming
- Fantastic quality for the price
- All metal mic clip for extra durability
Cons:
- High decibel noise such as car motors will drown out recording
Shure Portable iOS Microphone
Crystal clear clarity
While smartphone mics have come a long way, there are still limits most models encounter as far as audio editing. Shure’s portable iOS mic is not one of these devices. The MV88 has an all-metal frame that’s built to last and built-in noise cancellation that blows the clip-on competition out of the water. Although you won’t be able to record without holding your Apple device, you can adjust this mic’s mount to rest properly on flat surfaces while you tinker. If custom stereo patterns and precise equalization mean everything to your recordings, Shure is sure to check all the boxes for your mobile production studio.
Pros:
- Preset settings for conversations, instruments, and more
- Tracks can be edited in the app or desktop suite
- Records video and sound at the same time
Cons:
- Will not work with most phone cases
Movo Lavalier Microphone System
Get the story from the source
For professional recordings on the go, this mic system from Movo offers unique features that enable crisp sound fidelity throughout your project. While the appeal of most cell phone mics depends on their convenience factor, they can be limiting given the lack of ports on most mobiles. This mic system takes a different route by offering wireless transmission to your phone, greatly enhancing the distance you can stray around the set. Furthermore, this hands-free design means you can plug in listening devices to determine the perfect levels the old-fashioned way. All in all, if your needs involve training video shoots or interviews where phone access is essential, Movo will make all the difference.
Pros:
- Includes two receivers, mics, and a hardshell case
- Up to 200 feet of wifi transmission
- Impressive battery life for long scenes
Cons:
- The clips are somewhat fragile
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best microphone type for my needs?
You’ll need to consider the overall microphone style, polar pattern, and diaphragm size before purchasing any microphone. First, the range of recorded sound is determined by your specific polar pattern. For example, one-on-one conversations work best with a figure eight or shotgun-style bidirectional pattern, round-table conversations are best served by an omnidirectional pattern, and solo recording is best on cardioid or unidirectional pickups. Second, larger diaphragms in general translate to a higher air pressure sensitivity and, ergo, sound quality. Third, microphone style varies significantly with sound type, size, and location. Condensers are currently one of the most popular styles because of their high-quality pickup for vocals and near-universal use of USB cables.
How should I ensure clear pickup while using my microphone?
Microphone placement is the most crucial factor for clear sound. In general, every microphone has a sweet spot free from audio distortion regardless of noise-canceling features or wide pickup ranges. As a rule of thumb, your mouth should be no less than half a foot away from the receiver. Furthermore, mouth and instrument direction is just as important as distance. For streamers or podcasters, solo mics will struggle to pick up noise not aimed directly at the pickup, resulting in a flat tone. Straying too close to the mic will also distort vocals, lower the frequency, and give your voice too much bass.
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