Looking for the best microphone for your iPhone? This guide reviews 7 top picks, from budget-friendly lavaliers to pro-grade shotgun mics, helping you capture clear audio for vlogs, podcasts, and more without breaking the bank. Find the perfect mic to elevate your iPhone recordings.
Hey iPhone enthusiasts! Mahima Khan here, your go-to guide for all things iPhone. We all love our iPhones for their incredible cameras, but what about the audio? Whether you’re a budding vlogger, a podcast aficionado, or just want crystal-clear sound for your video calls, the built-in iPhone microphone can sometimes leave you wanting more. That’s where an external microphone comes in! It can make a world of difference. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Today, we’re diving deep into the 7 best microphones specifically designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone. Get ready to upgrade your audio game!
Our Top Tested Picks
| Image | Product | Brand | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Wireless GO II Dual Channel Wireless Microphone System | Rode | $299 at Amazon | See It |
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VideoMic NTG Hybrid On-Camera Shotgun Microphone | Rode | $249 at Amazon | See It |
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D4 Duo Directional and Omni-Directional Microphone | Deity Microphones | $149 at Amazon | See It |
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MKE 400 Mobile Shotgun Microphone | Sennheiser | $199 at Amazon | See It |
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BoomX-D PRO 2.4GHz Wireless Lavalier Microphone System | Comica | $229 at Amazon | See It |
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Lavalier Microphone for iPhone (2 Pack) | PoP Voice | $39 at Amazon | See It |
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MV88+ Video Kit with MOTIV Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone | Shure | $249 at Amazon | See It |
Individual Product Reviews
Rode Wireless GO II
The Rode Wireless GO II is a revolutionary dual-channel wireless microphone system that’s incredibly versatile and user-friendly. It’s perfect for capturing clear audio from two sources simultaneously, making it ideal for interviews, dual-person vlogs, or even for miking two actors.
Price: $299 at Amazon
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Excellent sound quality, compact and portable transmitters, long battery life (up to 7 hours), dual-channel recording, built-in rechargeable battery, easy to use, good range.
- Cons: Can be a bit pricey, requires a receiver (included) and a cable for iPhone connection, no physical gain control on the transmitter itself (adjusted via app or receiver).
Why We Picked It
The Wireless GO II truly sets a new standard for wireless audio. Its sheer convenience and broadcast-quality sound make it a top contender. The ability to record two separate audio sources wirelessly and the flexibility to connect to various devices (including your iPhone with the right adapter) is a game-changer for content creators who need reliable and high-quality audio on the go.
Who It’s For
This microphone system is for content creators, videographers, journalists, and anyone who needs professional-grade wireless audio for interviews, vlogs, or any situation where freedom of movement is essential. It’s particularly great for those who often record with a partner or need to capture audio from two different subjects.
Specs & Configurations
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Wireless Lavalier System (Transmitter + Receiver) |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz Series IV Digital Transmission |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours (transmitter) |
| Range | Up to 200m (line of sight) |
| Weight | Transmitter: 35g, Receiver: 35g |
$299 at Amazon
Rode VideoMic NTG
The Rode VideoMic NTG is a powerful, versatile shotgun microphone designed for both on-camera and boom operation. It offers incredible sound quality and features like adjustable gain and a unique infinitely variable output, making it a fantastic all-rounder for serious creators.
Price: $249 at Amazon
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Exceptional sound quality, versatile (on-camera or boom), built-in rechargeable battery, 3.5mm and USB-C output, adjustable gain control, highly directional, headphone output for monitoring.
- Cons: Requires a shock mount for best results (often sold separately), can be a bit large for some compact setups.
Why We Picked It
The VideoMic NTG is a professional workhorse. Its ability to adapt to almost any recording situation, from mounting directly on your iPhone rig to being used on a boom pole, coupled with its pristine audio capture, makes it an indispensable tool for anyone serious about audio quality. The built-in battery and headphone jack are also huge conveniences.
Who It’s For
This microphone is perfect for filmmakers, YouTubers, podcasters, and journalists who demand top-tier audio quality and need a versatile microphone that can handle various shooting scenarios. It’s for those who want a microphone that can grow with their production needs.
Specs & Configurations
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Shotgun Microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm TRS, USB-C |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours (via USB-C) |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz – 20kHz |
| Output | 3.5mm, USB-C |
$249 at Amazon
Deity D4 Duo
The Deity D4 Duo is a unique and innovative microphone that offers both a front-facing shotgun mic and an omnidirectional capsule on the back. This dual-capsule design allows for incredibly flexible audio recording, capturing focused sound and ambient room tone simultaneously.
Price: $149 at Amazon
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Unique dual-capsule design, excellent build quality, internal battery with USB-C charging, includes a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack, very affordable for its features.
- Cons: The dual-capsule recording needs careful handling in editing to blend properly, can be slightly larger than some compact mics.
Why We Picked It
Deity Microphones has impressed with the D4 Duo. The ability to capture a focused sound source and the natural ambience of a room in a single microphone is a powerful creative tool. For filmmakers and vloggers looking to add depth and realism to their audio, this mic is a standout choice, especially at its price point.
Who It’s For
This mic is ideal for indie filmmakers, vloggers, and content creators who want to experiment with richer soundscapes. It’s for those who appreciate innovative design and the flexibility to capture multiple audio perspectives at once, without needing two separate microphones.
Specs & Configurations
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-Camera Shotgun Microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid (front), Omnidirectional (rear) |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm TRS, 3.5mm TRRS (for cameras/smartphones) |
| Battery Life | Up to 48 hours (internal rechargeable battery) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
$149 at Amazon
Sennheiser MKE 400
The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a compact and powerful shotgun microphone designed specifically for mobile creators. It delivers clear, directional sound and features a built-in headphone monitoring jack, making it an excellent choice for improving your iPhone’s audio quality for vlogging and video production.
Price: $199 at Amazon
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Compact and lightweight, excellent sound quality for its size, built-in headphone monitoring, easy to use, includes both TRS and TRRS cables for compatibility, good wind protection.
- Cons: Battery life is decent but not outstanding, gain control is not adjustable, can pick up handling noise if not mounted properly.
Why We Picked It
Sennheiser is renowned for its audio expertise, and the MKE 400 is a testament to that. Its compact size makes it perfect for iPhone rigs, and the inclusion of a headphone jack for real-time monitoring is a feature often missing in microphones at this price point. It’s a straightforward, high-performance solution for anyone looking to seriously upgrade their iPhone audio.
Who It’s For
This microphone is ideal for vloggers, mobile journalists, and content creators who need a portable, easy-to-use microphone that delivers significantly better audio than their iPhone’s built-in mic. It’s perfect for on-the-go shooting where size and simplicity are key.
Specs & Configurations
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | On-Camera Shotgun Microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm TRS, 3.5mm TRRS |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (2x AAA batteries) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz – 20kHz |
| Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
$199 at Amazon
Comica BoomX-D PRO
The Comica BoomX-D PRO is a compact and powerful 2.4GHz wireless lavalier microphone system that offers impressive features for its price. It’s a great option for mobile creators who need a reliable wireless setup for interviews, presentations, or any situation where you need clear, discreet audio.
Price: $229 at Amazon
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Affordable wireless solution, compact transmitters and receiver, good sound quality, easy pairing, long battery life (up to 8 hours), supports mono/stereo modes, built-in mic on transmitter.
- Cons: Range can be affected by interference, build quality is good but not as premium as higher-end brands, requires an adapter for iPhone connection.
Why We Picked It
Comica has positioned itself as a strong contender in the affordable wireless microphone market. The BoomX-D PRO offers a compelling package of features, including the convenience of a wireless lavalier system, without the hefty price tag of some competitors. It’s an excellent entry point for anyone looking to ditch their iPhone’s internal mic for a wireless setup.
Who It’s For
This wireless system is perfect for vloggers, podcasters, presenters, and mobile journalists who need a cost-effective yet high-quality wireless microphone solution. It’s a great choice for those who want the freedom of wireless audio for interviews or on-camera performances without investing in premium brands.
Specs & Configurations
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | 2.4GHz Wireless Lavalier Microphone System |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz Digital Wireless |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours (transmitter) |
| Range | Up to 100m (line of sight) |
| Weight | Transmitter: 36g, Receiver: 36g |
$229 at Amazon
PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone (2 Pack)
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a significant audio upgrade, the PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone is an incredible value. This pack comes with two microphones, each designed to plug directly into your iPhone (with the correct adapter) and capture clear, close-up voice audio.
Price: $39 at Amazon
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Extremely affordable, excellent value for money, clear and crisp audio for voice, comes in a 2-pack, simple plug-and-play operation, long cable length.
- Cons: Build quality is basic, not suitable for loud environments or capturing ambient sound, requires a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter for newer iPhones.
Why We Picked It
For beginners or those on a strict budget, the PoP Voice lavalier microphone is a no-brainer. It offers a massive improvement over the iPhone’s built-in mic for spoken word content at a fraction of the cost of other options. The fact that you get two mics in a pack makes it perfect for interviews or even as a backup.
Who It’s For
This microphone is perfect for beginner YouTubers, podcasters, or anyone who needs to record clear dialogue for interviews, presentations, or voiceovers. It’s the ideal budget-friendly option for those just starting out and wanting to improve their audio without a significant investment.
Specs & Configurations
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Wired Lavalier Microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm TRRS connector |
| Cable Length | 78 inches (approx. 6.5 feet) |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz – 18kHz |
| Power | Plug-in power (supplied by iPhone) |
$39 at Amazon
Shure MV88+ Video Kit
The Shure MV88+ is a premium digital stereo condenser microphone that transforms your iPhone into a powerful recording device. It’s part of a complete kit that includes a tripod and phone mount, making it an all-in-one solution for high-quality audio and video capture.
Price: $249 at Amazon
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Exceptional stereo recording quality, compact and portable, intuitive ShurePlus MOTIV app for control and editing, multiple pickup patterns, includes tripod and phone mount, robust build.
- Cons: Higher price point, can be overkill for simple voice recordings, requires charging via USB-C.
Why We Picked It
Shure is a legendary name in audio, and the MV88+ lives up to that reputation. Its ability to capture pristine stereo sound, coupled with the versatile ShurePlus MOTIV app that offers granular control over gain, EQ, and stereo width, makes it a fantastic choice for creators who want the best possible audio quality directly from their iPhone. The included kit makes it incredibly convenient.
Who It’s For
This microphone is for serious content creators, musicians, podcasters, and filmmakers who prioritize audio fidelity and want the flexibility of stereo recording. It’s for those who are willing to invest in a premium accessory to achieve professional-sounding results from their iPhone.
Specs & Configurations
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Stereo (Mid-Side), Mono (Cardioid, Bi-directional, Raw Mid) |
| Connectivity | Lightning (via included cables) |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours (via USB-C charging) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| App Support | ShurePlus MOTIV App |
$249 at Amazon
Additional Must-Haves
Beyond the microphone itself, consider these accessories to complete your iPhone audio setup:
- Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter: Essential for iPhones without a headphone port (iPhone 7 and later). Apple’s official adapter is reliable. You can find it here (link to Apple Support for reference on adapters, not direct purchase).
- Tripod or Grip: For stable shots and to mount your microphone. Many creators use small, flexible tripods like the Joby GorillaPod or a dedicated iPhone cage with mounting points.
- Windscreen/Deadcat: Crucial for outdoor recording to reduce wind noise. Most shotgun mics come with a basic foam windscreen, but a furry “deadcat” offers superior wind protection.
- External Battery Pack: If you’re doing long recordings, an external battery pack can ensure your iPhone doesn’t run out of power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need a special adapter to connect a microphone to my iPhone?
- Yes, if your iPhone doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack (iPhone 7 and newer), you’ll need Apple’s official Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter. Some microphones come with both Lightning and USB-C cables, which can connect directly to newer iPhones or iPads.
- What’s the difference between a lavalier microphone and a shotgun microphone for iPhone?
- A lavalier (or lapel) mic clips onto your clothing and is great for capturing clear voice audio directly from the source, minimizing background noise. A shotgun mic is directional, meaning it picks up sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear, making it ideal for focused sound capture in various environments.
- Can I use any microphone with my iPhone?
- Generally, microphones that connect via Lightning or USB-C, or those with a 3.5mm TRRS connector (which includes a microphone channel), will work with your iPhone. Always check the product description for iPhone compatibility.
- What does “TRRS” mean for iPhone microphones?
- TRRS stands for Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve. It’s a type of audio jack that carries both stereo output and a mono microphone input. Standard TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) connectors found on many cameras and audio devices only carry stereo output and lack the microphone channel, which is why an adapter might be needed.
- How important is a headphone jack on a microphone?
- A headphone jack on the microphone or its receiver is extremely important for real-time audio monitoring. It allows you to listen to exactly what the microphone is picking up, helping you catch any issues like clipping, background noise, or incorrect mic placement before you finish recording.
- Are wireless microphones reliable for iPhones?
- Yes, modern wireless microphones, especially those using 2.4GHz digital transmission, are very reliable for iPhone use. They offer great freedom of movement and are significantly easier to set up than older analog systems. Just ensure you have a good line of sight for optimal range.
Choosing the right microphone for your iPhone can genuinely elevate your content. Whether you’re aiming for crystal-clear dialogue for your next vlog, professional-sounding audio for a podcast, or just want to make your video calls sound that much better, there’s a perfect mic out there for you. From the versatility of wireless systems like the Rode Wireless GO II to the focused audio capture of shotgun mics like the Rode VideoMic NTG and Sennheiser MKE 400, or the incredible value of budget-friendly lavaliers like PoP Voice, these options provide a fantastic starting point. Don’t forget the essential adapters and accessories to get the most out of your setup. Happy recording!
