The very best cellular microphones for 2025

DJI’s first wi-fi mic equipment was a success with YouTubers and the DJI Mic 2 solely builds on that success with a glossy new design and a few helpful new options. The usual equipment contains two wi-fi microphones and a receiver that connects both through USB-C or Lightning. The mics sound nice with a spread of as much as 820 toes (250 meters), plus DJI added Bluetooth connectivity so you possibly can document with out the receiver or on to different devices you would possibly already personal, corresponding to the most recent Osmo digicam.

As earlier than, the transmitters even have onboard storage so you possibly can document even with no cellphone, and an prolonged battery life (six hours, extendable to 18 through the charging case) — that’s a variety of flexibility in your pocket. With some new pro-level options corresponding to noise-cancellation and 32-bit float recording (which basically eliminates the possibility of ruining recording with the mistaken quantity setting) the DJI Mic 2 is a complete possibility for a large variety of use circumstances.

Rode strikes a superb steadiness between options and worth with its third-generation Wi-fi Go equipment. The mics provide pro-grade sound and match DJI’s superior options like onboard storage, 32-bit float and common compatibility with iPhones, Android, cameras and PCs — and all of that right here prices lower than the DJI Mic 2. The equipment even provides extra onboard storage than its rival. There’s no Bluetooth right here although (if that’s necessary to you), however the Gen 3 Go does join wirelessly to different units, such because the Rodecaster 2, providing you with added flexibility should you’re already utilizing the corporate’s different merchandise.

Maybe most significantly — to creators with a visible eye, at the least — this model of the Wi-fi Go is available in varied vibrant colours to match your channel’s theme or branding. I’m nonetheless a fan of DJI’s stable charging case and the best way the receiver connects on to the cellphone (the Rode’s both want a chilly shoe mount accent/case or they only dangle on the cable), however the Wi-fi Go is vastly well-liked for a cause.

Boya might not be a reputation as acquainted as Rode or DJI, however the firm has gained recognition with creators for making budget-friendly gear that blends important options with first rate efficiency. The Boya Mini provides two teeny-tiny wi-fi mics with a receiver and a charging case for lower than $50. Regardless of the value tag, the Boya Mini provides three ranges of noise cancellation which are efficient sufficient with out introducing any noticeable change to your voice. Then again, there’s additionally an precise “voice changer” possibility, which is extra of a novelty that the majority can possible ignore. The claimed vary is over 300 toes (100 meters), however in our testing it’s much less dependable after about 200 toes (60 meters), however that’s nonetheless a lot for many use circumstances. With six hours battery life, extendable to 30 with the charging case, there’s rather a lot to love with the Boya Mini for the value.

If you happen to want the reliability or aesthetic of a basic wired lavalier (“lav”) mic, our go-to decide continues to be the Sennheiser Professional XS. The comfort of a USB-C connector makes this a seamless selection for newer iPhones, most Androids and even PCs with out the hit-and-miss expertise of headphone adapters. Lav mics are strictly enterprise and don’t have a tendency to supply options corresponding to acquire management or noise discount, however the Sennheiser Professional XS provides a delightful impartial sound, which ought to work nicely for many standups, vlogs and spoken-word recordings. For the value level, it’s a extra skilled possibility than a few of the rival 3.5mm choices — however should you do want the extra conventional connector, there’s additionally a “cellular” version with a TRRS jack for $10 much less.

This was the primary mic I purchased after I began creating movies and podcasts and I nonetheless have it in my equipment bag right this moment. Ignore the unfamiliar model title; this mic gives nice sound and reliability at a worth that’s laborious to argue with. Within the field, you’ll additionally discover a six foot (two meter) extension cable, a magnetic lapel clip, an adaptor for cameras (TRRS to TRS) and a pouch to place all of it in, making this much more of a discount. The one draw back for cellular customers is that you just’ll want a headphone adapter to attach this to your cellphone’s USB-C port.

Of all Rode’s quite a few shotgun mics, the VideoMic NTG is the one I maintain going to after I want one thing that can get nearly any job finished. The USB connection makes it cellular pleasant with included cables for iPhones and Android, however there’s a secondary analog output so it may be used with cameras or the rest with a 3.5mm enter (together with PCs and mixing desks). On-device controls embrace a high-pass filter, pad (to document at a decrease stage to keep away from distortion), high-frequency increase and an choice to document two variations at completely different volumes so you possibly can maximise your acquire but additionally have a back-up ought to that go into the purple. The shotgun format makes it nice for vlogs and social media creators however the VideoMic NTG is flexible sufficient to even be the principle mic in your laptop computer or PC that you could throw in your bag for an on-the-go podcasting possibility.

For these in search of a cellular shotgun, the V-Mic D4 is straightforward to love due to its mix of portability, simplicity, glorious audio high quality and reasonably priced worth. Whereas there’s no native USB/Lightning connection, a headphone adapter is all you want — though Deity additionally sells a bundle with a 3.5mm-to-USB-C cable that can tidy issues up a bit. Regardless of its small type issue, the V-Mic D4 sucks up your voice with shocking ease, making this a terrific choice to maintain in your bag for brief movies and even subject recording. I like the addition of a 3.5mm enter, which permits for including in a second wired mic or perhaps a wi-fi receiver. With that, you’ve got loads of artistic choices for multi-person recording or recording ambient sound with voice in a method that may be combined and edited simply in publish.

The Shure MV7+ is basically a extra reasonably priced model of the corporate’s industry-standard SM7B microphone, nevertheless it’s a much better selection for cellphone recording due to its USB connectivity. Older iPhones will want a USB-C to Lightning cable, however everybody else can plug proper in and begin recording. Shure’s companion app additionally places helpful options corresponding to tone management, reverb and a excessive go filter proper at your fingertips. Better of all, the settings you modify on the mic right here will carry over to some other app should you select to document with one thing else. It’s somewhat higher-priced than different USB choices, however as a dynamic mic it’s good for recording in lower than ultimate settings corresponding to resort rooms or cafes. The MV7+ can also be a terrific selection for house recording, too, so that you solely must spend money on one microphone to have a constant podcast expertise wherever you might be.

Initially conceived as a extra laptop-friendly model of the Rode NT-USB, the Mini quick grew to become a well-liked possibility in its personal proper. The trendy-but-classic design seems nice on digicam, and its bodily power is, nicely, it’s power — it’s constructed like a tank. Handily it comes with its personal magnetic desk stand, making it the right microphone to throw in a bag. A built-in headphone port and a straightforward USB connection to telephones and tablets make the Rode NT-USB Mini a compelling selection. Think about that it’s a 3rd of the value of the MV7+ and which may simply swing it for most individuals. I say most because the NT-USB Mini has a condenser capsule, which implies it’ll decide up extra of the “room” noise in hard-walled, excessive ceiling environments — however for most individuals more often than not, this workhorse microphone is tough to select fault with.

When musical inspiration strikes, the Tula mic is what you need in your again pocket. The retro-inspired design is actually cute, nevertheless it’s the all fashionable options that can push your creativity ahead. The onboard microphone capsule is ideal for recording each vocals and devices, and there’s a 3.5mm enter so a fellow artist can plug into this to be recorded on the similar time. Importantly, the Tula has built-in storage so that you don’t even want a cellphone with you to seize concepts. The included fold-out desk stand is ideal for recording hands-free on the go and it is suitable with most mic stands through an adapter, so the Tula may be a part of your course of from idea proper via to live performance corridor. The corporate typically provides new options via firmware updates, too.

Not like many choices on this listing, the Interview Professional from Rode has laser-like deal with doing just about one job (the trace is within the title). There’s one thing reassuring in regards to the sturdy construct and basic handheld design when speaking to digicam or interviewing somebody on the road. There’s sufficient onboard storage for a beneficiant 40 hours of 32-bit float recordings, making the Interview Professional utterly useful with out your cellphone. It might hook up with cellular units and cameras, too, however you’ll want one among Rode’s wi-fi kits to take action (such because the Wi-fi GO talked about above), which is why we’re pegging this as a “professional” possibility. Talking of which, the Interview Professional additionally connects wirelessly to the most recent Rodecasters, good for public shows and there’s Timecode functionality, too, so your video-editor can have a a lot simpler time chopping up your movies.

The Interview Go isn’t a microphone; it’s an adjunct for Rode’s , and . Slot one into the deal with, add the windscreen et voila you’re a roving reporter for under $30. That’s assuming you already personal a type of wi-fi kits. The most cost effective of these is the Wi-fi ME should you don’t have one already. However right here’s somewhat secret — though not listed as suitable, Rode’s even-cheaper Wi-fi Micro transmitters match simply tremendous. The trick is to slip the Micro’s included magnet into the deal with after which connect the transmitter to that. I’ve examined this with vigorous shaking and it’s by no means come free or added any noise to the recording. The Wi-fi Micro is a good two-mic wi-fi equipment in its personal proper that you need to use for sit-down interviews and standups to digicam, making this a flexible, pocket-friendly combo.

Subject recording with a cellphone comes with an inherent drawback: you both must steadily maintain your cellphone and microphone close to your topic, or depart your units unattended and hope for the most effective. Shure’s MoveMic 88+ is wi-fi, so it side-steps these issues utterly. The 4 built-in polar patterns make recording a sparrow’s chirp or the entire forest round you in stereo so simple as selecting the correct one in your wants. It’s good to see a 3.5mm headphone port right here, as monitoring your audio in real-time can save numerous frustration additional down the road. The mic-only equipment is barely restricted because it solely works with Shure’s personal MOTIV recording app, so you probably have a most popular workflow or want to have the ability to join this to one thing with out Bluetooth, it’s price contemplating upgrading to the bundle that features a wi-fi receiver.