Best Android Smartphone Microphone
Best iPhone Microphone
Best Smartphone Microphone Reviews
Are you looking to improve the sound recording quality on your device? Are you done with using the lower quality microphones that are built-in to your Smartphone to record your audio and video?
These days almost everyone is doing some sort of recording, whether it’s for video, podcasts, vlogs or live streams. Whether you’re a business person, social media maven, musician, traveler, videographer, journalist, or someone who just wants to share something with the world from the comfort of your own home, most of us who spend a lot of time in close quarters with media have good reason to purchase a higher quality microphone to use with their portable devices. And even if you think of yourself as more of a dabbler than a professional, it’s still worth investing in a good quality smartphone microphone. If you have something important to broadcast to the world, you may as well make it count!
There are plenty of good smartphone microphones on the market, and if you’re not a tech or audio expert, it could be a little bit confusing trying to figure out which is best for you. You’ll want to have something better than the built-in mic if you are doing any kind of recording, even just a casual podcast or recording Skype business meetings for work. That’s why we’ve narrowed down some of the best smartphone mics available today and created this list to outline each microphones specs and features. If you enjoy video and audio production and are looking for a quality portable mic, there’s bound to be something perfect for you on this list.
Check out my articles on the best GoPro gimbal and best android tv box.
If you’re wondering which smartphone mic is best for your needs, you’ll need to take a look at the special features on the different mics to see which one is best for your needs. Some come with accessories like carrying cases, and some are more effective outdoors versus indoors. Some are literally pocket/lapel mics, which are great if you are in the field conducting interviews. The more upscale/professional models will have extras like converters and wind screens. When shopping for a smartphone mic, you’ll want to figure out whether you need a wireless mic or a corded mic. You’ll also want to know whether you need an omnidirectional type mic, which typically picks up sound from every direction at equal volume levels.
Best Android Smartphone Microphone
1. Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones
The Rode smartLav+ is very useful for when you’re on the road and recording video, presentations, doing interviews or live streaming from a smartphone to Facebook. This is one of the best lavalier mics, and it’s super small and subtle for purposes like journalism and video production. It’s the same type that is typically used in professional film production, and the sound quality is surprisingly high.
This mic really allows for clear sound in the preferred direction without a lot of background noise getting in the way. The Rode smartLav+ also comes with a long cable and strong clip, so you can feel confident about recording outdoors in noisy or windy areas without extra movement or background noise. The clip is sturdy enough that, as long as the item it’s clipped to is sturdy, it shouldn’t shift and cause unexpected noise.
The frequency range of the Rode smartLav+ is 20-20000Hz, which is incredibly broad for a mic in this class and price range, in other words, you won’t be disappointed with the results. It is also omnidirectional, which means it captures sound waves evenly from all angles. This versatile mic features a frequency range between 60 and 18k HZ, and at 6 grams, it’s super light.
To use the Rode smartLav+ all you need to do is mount it on a lapel and it stays connected to your actor or interviewee. It’s built to stay clear even through a lot of movement. And the best part is that it’s near invisible on the user. This mic is great for those who are into shooting plays and movies like if you’re in film school making shorts outside. This mic is easily connectable to a smartphone and is compatible with the RODE recording app, which is one of the most versatile apps around today for all types of recording. RODE offers equalization and editing options, and even lets you send recording files directly to Soundcloud and Dropbox. The mic comes with a windshield, a durable mounting clip and pouch for taking it out in the field. The foam shield means that even in adverse weather, you won’t get static or muffling.
Features:
- Acoustic Principle – Pressure Gradient
- Omnidirectional condenser
- 4.5 mm mic
- Durable Kevlar cable
- 0.10 capsule
- 20Hz – 20kHz frequency
- 1-year warranty
Best iPhone Microphone
2. Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
The Shure MV88 iOS mic provides very high-quality audio sound in this price point and class. You have your choice of recording in 1 of 5 DSP modes, each one specifically designed for optimizing a different type of sound recording: singing, acoustic, talking, and instrumental. This mic not only handles a range of sounds and frequency at a surprising quality level, it also will handle sounds of 120 decibels. The MOTIV suite software and app have a huge range of features to play with on the production end as well, including a compression function for capturing live music recordings and other types of performances that might be prone to distortion. The mic also offers has a really cool auto-adjust EQ feature which allows you to adjust levels easily while recording.
This mic is a great choice for anyone looking for clean, professional sound when recording anything from live streams to podcasts. Maybe you have friends that are musicians, or you want to help another friend build his business using YouTube, you can count on the Shure MV88 for top quality sound production. Physically, this mic is all-metal, and the sturdy construction means it can withstand some wear and tear if you are using it as a portable mic. And the MOTIV site software app makes for an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The Shure MV88 is designed specifically to work with most newer Mac products and is compatible with OS 7 and up. The Shure MV88 could easily be purchased in lieu of a fully separate digital recorder since it has everything you need for basic level adjustments and production in one package. It’s very portable and easy to adjust when it’s attached to your phone.
Features:
- DSP Modes (Presets): Speech, Singing, acoustic, loud, flat
- 24-bit recording for indoor or outdoor
- Compatible with iOS
- Lightning connector
- Rotating design to cover a wide range of angles
- Sold with windscreen, headphone adapter cable and carrying case
- 2.4 ounces
3. Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone Omnidirectional Mic with Easy Clip On System
Sometimes when we first start recording ourselves, we don’t love the sound of our voices. Often this is due to a poor-quality mic that doesn’t have the right qualities to ensure clarity through the range of sounds we naturally make while speaking. You know it’s a good quality mic when you actually like hearing yourself speak. The noise-cancelling feature of this mic creates pristine results that will keep you going back for more, whether you’re using it for work or play.
There won’t be any glitches or extra time spent setting up with the Power DeWise lavalier mic, and because it’s noise-canceling, it works well if you’re trying to record in places with a lot of background noise. Use this mic for clear sound on YouTube shows, Garage Band, and podcasting. It’s solidly compatible with Apple, Android and Windows products, as well as some cameras. Phone customer service if you are not sure whether it’s compatible with your device as there could be compatibility options with older devices. It comes with a small clip you can depend on for a hands-free option for work or school presentations.
You can count on this mic for everything from clearer Skype calls to recording personal promo videos. It will boost your sound quality on laptops and PCs, which is needed, in most cases, since laptops and PCs have notoriously bad mics. You’ll want to take it to work or classroom presentations to ensure that your information comes through clearly. This offers a 3-in-one pack with free Velcro wrapped extension cord for optimal movement range and there’s also a storage case for extra portability and protection.
Features:
- Sold with clip, wind muff and pouch and 78 in. extension
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 56dB signal / noise ratio
- Frequency Range: 50-16,000Hz frequency
- Noise-cancelling
- 3.5mm TRRS cable jack
4. Apogee MiC 96k Professional Quality Microphone for iPad, iPhone, and Mac
If you’re looking for a studio quality, professional mic that even looks the part, you need to stop what you’re doing and check out the Apogee 96k. It’s completely compatible with your iOS-based devices and will make your sound soar. This is a great choice for anyone who is willing to the extra mile and invest in something that will really last, for instance, if you’re recording audio or video professionally and are certain you’ll be doing it for years, this will be worth it. Maybe you are podcasting, or developing more quality audio or video out of your home, you’ll want something that features up to 96Hz HD recording. If a little plug-in mic won’t suit your needs, this is the next level, with superior quality and easy set-up. You can take this little puppy anywhere and use it to record any instrument, even drums. If you’re recording a drum track, though, you’ll want to take advantage of the compression feature on the app to minimize distortion. This is honestly one of the best-sounding USB mics out there and is worth every penny you invest.
Apogee is a forward-thinking company that has worked to produce the work of many award-winning performers, so they definitely know what they are doing when it comes to product development. The brand is a top choice for professional producers. This particular model includes a LED and is made from super durable materials and comes with a USB cable meant for Mac as well as a mic stand adaptor. This is a little on the sturdier and bulkier side, but it’s an investment that will last. It’s portable enough, but should be handled with care. This mic is better suited for stationary studio recording than it is for the types of productions where one is walking around a lot.
Features:
- 24-bit recording up to 95Khz
- Sold with Lighting and USB cable
- Connection-powered
- 6.4 oz
- Comes with adaptor
5. Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Microphone for PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad
If you’re looking for superior quality sound for podcasting, streaming, Skype calls and music production, look no further than the Blue Raspberry Mobile USB mic. Featuring mobile USB and capsule circuitry for clear, detailed sound and an internal Acoustic Diffuser, this mic picks up vocals in a way that you’ve never heard them before. It also features a standard camera mount and 3.5mm jack for multiple inputs. This mic has a really sweet vintage-type capsule design, and it makes sense: it not only looks cool, but the sound quality is optimal. This is the look that originally started bringing the public such amazing music several decades ago. Use this mic with USB port for best results on your voice-overs, videos, live streams, podcasts or Soundcloud tracks.
The raspberry does this sweet little thing called condensing when it’s recording both voice and instrumental tracks. The sound is deep and dramatic, much more intense than your Mac or PC mic. The Internal Acoustic Diffuser (IAD) design is similar to those used in very high-profile sound environments like opera studios, so it’s built to stop background soundscape noise. The frequency response on this is excellent, as is the gain, so there’s no doubt that this purchase will take you the extra mile.
The Raspberry comes with special noise-isolation features like shock-absorbing feet to minimize shaking and noise. You can connect this mic quickly and easily to any new portable device, both Mac, and PC, via USB or lighting cables, and start recording your project in minutes. You can also connect the Raspberry to cameras and tripods if you’re looking to record videos.
Features:
- Plug-and-play 24-bit/48kHz resolution with PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad
- Weight of 1 oz.
- Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10
- Use with at least a USB 2.0 port and 64 MB RAM
- Power with USB or lightning
- 14 mm Electret condenser
- Unidirectional polar pattern
- 16-bit/24-bit
- 20Hz-20kHz frequency response
6. Olympus ME-51S Stereo Microphone
This is a great mic for any kind of recording if you are looking for better audio and video sound quality. You’ll want to have something better than the built-in mic if you are doing any kind of recording, even just a casual podcast or recording Skype business meetings for work. The Olympus provides clear, high quality and works especially well with those who are looking to record outdoors. The mic brings you clear sound in all recording context and is designed to work specifically in close quarters and while making videos.
The Olympus ME-51S works particularly well with new model GoPro cameras and dSLRs. It’s also super portable and affordable. Anyone can use the Olympus ME-51S as setup is clean and clear. Setup is also very quick for those moments you want to capture spur-of-the-moment performances.
One thing you should know if you’re is that you need to adjust your audio before recording, rather than relying 100% on post-production variables. Obviously, there are plenty of options for mixing post-recording, but the bottom line is that if the raw input isn’t quality, the result won’t be either.
Features:
- Real-time LCD display
- Plug-in mini microphone
- 3.3-foot extension cable with tiepin-clip
7. Professional #1 Best Lavalier Lapel Microphone Omnidirectional Condenser
This is probably the least expensive lavalier mic you’ll find, and it works well with most newer portable devices. It’s compatible with most newer smartphones and Apple devices, including the MacBook Pro Air. You should be sure to reset the plug feature as you start up this mic that will offer you optimal performance, no matter what you are using it for. It comes with a year-long warranty, which means that customer service is completely ready and willing to help should there be any problems with your purchase.
You get extremely high performance for a mic in this class and the omnidirectional design means that it works quite well for single-track voice recordings in particular. You’ll get a super high-quality lavalier mic at an affordable price. The mic is made out of steel, but is tiny and lightweight, essentially making it invisible on your performers. It won’t weight down your leading performer. Use this professional-quality mic for optimal sound during phone meetings and video recordings. This device is superior in its class in terms of overall quality and price and it will give you a quality result.
The device stands out amongst the other mics in this range. It’s great for film, interviews, television, video chat, network sing, auditorium and classroom setting, car drivers and wherever it may be necessary to record audio in broadcast quality. Plus, the extra-long cable helps with all types of recording, extending range where needed
Features:
- Comes with clip, wind muff, and microphone bag
- 20 KHz frequency
- 59“ cable
- 5.5 mm diameter
- Omnidirectional polarity
- Weighs only 1 oz
- 60-day guarantee and 1-year warranty
8. Saramonic SmartMixer Professional Recording Stereo Microphone Rig for iPhone and Android Smartphones
This super sturdy Saramonic SmartMixer mic setup is really is a one-stop shop for all of your recording needs. The mic is remarkably compact and portable, yet delivers high-quality sound at a professional level. The Saramonic is compatible with both iPhones and Android and comes with an audio mixer for the highest quality sound. Take it out to the field, use it in your car, and record almost anything with professional-level sound. This mic is great for those who love to make YouTube videos or Vlogs from home, for those who want to start recording work meetings, or if you have podcast or music recording to do.
The Saramonic features two stereo mic inputs and two condenser microphones, which can be more sensitive to certain sounds than dynamic microphones. This mic also features equalization settings that clearly show your sound balance as you go, which is great if you are recording a few instruments at once. The system is set up to plug other mics (for instance, a lavalier mic) into it if you need to have multiple sound sources. It also comes with a headphone jack which, with the visual equalizer, is amazing for monitoring levels as you record. Monitor your recordings on the go with adjustable meter display and headphone input. The tripod attachment is also super useful if you are recording professional video in your home or in the field. If you want sound stability, this mic should be your go-to piece of equipment.
This mic brings clear, smooth, even sound and is easy to install right out of the box. It’s simple and there’s no muss no fuss, no messing around with drivers. The 3.5mm TRRS mini-jack makes this piece possible to use with pretty much any smartphone or portable device. On reading through the specs, you’ll also notice that the company offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty to offer consumers confidence with their purchase. If you’ve recently practiced recording and producing social media videos or professional development workshops, this is the perfect mic for you. It’s a superior choice for students and social media people who are looking to make good quality videos on their smartphones, especially when filming solo and outdoors, as travelers and journalists might do.
Features:
- 9v battery
- 3.5mm mini-jack with TRRS
- mini-jack output with two rings
- mini-XLR input
- LCD level monitoring
- video stabilizing grip
- 3.5mm output cables
9. Deluxe Lavalier Lapel Microphone for Apple iPhone, iPad, Android Smartphones, Tablets
This Deluxe Lapel mic is an excellent choice for those who looking to create perfect video and audio recordings on their smartphones. This mic is super tiny; in fact, it’s so small that you likely won’t notice it and neither will your audience. The mic comes with a clip-type stand for secure recording and produces a pristine, professional sound. The 3.5mm jack works with almost any device and the cord is super long too. It also comes with a case and wind muffs to keep it protected when you’re carrying it around. This mic works very smoothly with iPhones and other smartphones. It’s sensitive and has its own volume output, so you can adjust easily according to activity and soundscape.
The microphone is adept at picking up sounds from various directions and comes with a sweet little case, wind protecting muff and lapel clip. Use it to record informal videos with family, in work meetings, or playing around with friends. This is a great option for those who play small instruments like violins or flutes and need an invisible, hands-free amplification or recording device. It’s clean, simple, and small and while it’s not professional-grade mice, it’s quite capable of holding its own in more casual recording situations.
It is omnidirectional, which means it’s going to have lower distortion than directional mics. Omnidirectional mics are less sensitive to background and random noise, in a general sense, and pick up close-proximity sounds at an even volume from different angles. They also have smooth live sound, but feedback is possible with lower range or bass noises. This type of mic is good for single track, basic recordings like podcasts or instructional videos on YouTube.
Features:
- 1.6 oz
- comes with wind muff
- sold with 1.5m cord
- 3.5mm TRRS jack
- sold with pouch
10. Wireless Karaoke Portable Bluetooth Microphone for Apple iPhone Android Smartphone Or PC
The Wireless Karaoke mic is a super fun and inexpensive mic that’s actually designed specifically for karaoke practice, but can also be used for a variety of other things. Coming with bluetooth connectivity, this is a super fun and affordable device that will help add a little sparkle to any gathering. If you or anyone you know are karaoke lovers, this is a wise choice as it’s compatible with most smartphones and even an Apple watch.
This mic comes complete without special cables or a specific setup method, you just connect it with your devices and play right away. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices and also has a USB input option.
The mic is super easy to set up, hold, and operate so easy, in fact, that kids of all ages will easily be able to join in the fun on their own. If you have youngsters that like to perform or any Karaoke-loving friends, this is a great wireless starter mic that will help them get on stage and move around freely. With special features like echo to enhance anyone’s singing voice, this mic will make you feel and sound like a star. The rechargeable lithium battery will last up to 10 hours so you can party all night.
This is such a fun, cool idea for a gift for the budding rock stars on your list, or for those who just love to get together for singalongs. It’s also great for basic recording sessions for those musicians on your list who might just be starting to sing and play together since it has advanced audio processing features. This karaoke mic is so lightweight you can take it in the car, on your next trip, or to a family reunion, and you’ll be pleased with its performance and your own!
Features:
- Sold with Micro USB cable, Audio cable, Instruction manual
- Charges in 2 hours
- Frequency range is 100Hz-10KHz
- Comes in black, pink, gold and many more colors
- Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity
- Lithium Battery that charges in 2 hours
- High-Quality Noise Reduction
11. Movo PM10 Deluxe Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone for Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android Smartphones
For people who are looking for a mic but don’t need all the whistles and bells of a professional level device, the Movo PM10 Lavalier mic is a solid choice that’s comparable to some of the others at a slightly higher price point. It’s not super fancy, but it works well to boost the quality of simple vocal recording activities like YouTube videos, group video or audio conferencing. This unit comes complete with a one year warranty too, so you don’t have to worry about breakage. It’s a tiny, lightweight unit that doesn’t use batteries, so it’s super easy to take out in the field.
This little mic offers surprisingly clear and precise sound quality considering its size and relatively low cost. It is compatible with all recent portable Mac devices as well as Android and Windows smartphones. Even in situations with a greater possibility of distortion, like wind outside or just a singer with a naturally loud voice, this will handle the excessive volume. You’ll want to be careful with position, but mostly it will hold its own with regards to levels and gain.
The Movo PM10 is an omnidirectional type mic, which means it’s going to have lower distortion that its directional counterpart. Omnidirectional mics are also less sensitive to background and random noise, generally, and are good for things like podcasts where they can be put in the center of a room or table. While this isn’t necessarily what people who are doing more high-end productions want, it’s perfect for single track, basic recording in small areas. With the special features that it offers, expect to never get caught in less-than-stellar sound recording situations again. You can expect a Signal to noise ratio of about 74dB SPL.
Features:
- 3.5 mm TRRS male connector
- Compatible with Apple and Windows smartphones
- Sold with case, wind muff, lapel clips and 1.2 m cable
- 35 Hz to 18 kHz frequency response
- 74dB SPL signal to noise ratio