Last Updated on January 22, 2021 by Jay
Grabbing the best microphone for iPhone video shooting has become the need of the hour for videographers and content creators. Here’s a list of the best external mic for iPhone to get right now, and how to pick the right one for your needs.
Audio and video recording devices have existed for as long as entertainment and media industries have circulated content across the radio spectrum. Since then, technology has advanced rapidly, with communication going digital from analog, taken to a next level with mobile devices.
Mobile devices such as the iPhone took it all to a whole new level, with a microphone and camera built-in, allowing you to shoot content in high-definition, and record audio while you’re at it. Video quality of the iPhone has significantly developed since its early days, with the ability to record video content in 4K Ultra-HD.
The latest generation of iPhone comes with multiple arrays of microphones for noise isolation and audio capturing. In the modern world where social media is all the rage right now, easily creating content on the go, making vlogs, and capturing live moments in real-life quality is made easier. However, you might need the best microphone for iPhone video shooting, especially if you’re making a video podcast where the clarity of audio matters. Whether you’re an independent reporting capturing the latest headlines on the road, or setting up an impromptu interview on the streets, an external mic for iPhone is a must-have accessory.
Best Microphone for iPhone Video Recording of 2021
Unless you’re an expert on audio equipment and have plenty of know-how about microphone equipment, you will need some assistance in picking the best mic for iPhone. There type of different external microphones for iPhone also wide vary in features and price as well, which makes it even more of a hassle to pick the right one. Sieving through the long list of contenders that are out there, we’ve handpicked the cream of the crop so that you don’t end up spending hours doing market research.
Zoom iQ7 – Best Stereo Microphone for iPhone
The Zoom IQ7 Stereo Mid-Side Microphone for iPhone is one of the best Microphone with the Lightning Connector for the best audio quality with physical controls and rotatable dual-microphone pods for adjusting the audio quality and direction with the dial and quick toggle triple switch for 90 (for interviews) 120 (for wide audio angle) and a master switch for tailored audio recording. The Zoom iQ7 gives complete freedom on how you want to record with the Zoom App’s physical controls. For optimal use, the iPhone should be in Airplane Mode.
Build Quality: The Zoom iQ7 has metal build quality for the housing and metal caging for the dual rotatable Microphone. The Lightning Connector has a plastic spacer for compatibility with iPhone cases.
Features: The Zoom iQ7 has dual rotatable adjustable Microphone Pods to allow 90, 120, and Mid-Side recording stages and other use case scenarios. With the physical dial and quick toggle switches for record stages, you can quickly adjust the settings for your use on the go without using an app for the settings.
App and Connectivity: The ZoomiQ7 connects via a Lighting Connector and can be used with any app which supports recording with an external microphone. (i.e., Garage Band, Voice Memos, Camera app) With the Zoom HandyRecorder app, you get more customization and editing options and file formats for the recordings.
Shure MV88 – Best Attachment iPhone Mic
Shure has been the industry leader when it comes to microphone equipment, and the Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Mic for the iPhone allows high quality clear audio source recording. The Shure MV88 uses a Lightning connector for iOS devices, and it’s unique 90 degrees hinge allows for many use cases such as music production, podcasts, and videography with the iPhone. With a small form factor and robust build quality with a metal housing, the Shure MV88 is the most versatile microphone set up for many uses. And with the MV88 app, you can tune even the minute settings for the audio source you need to record for cristal clear quality. The microphone also comes with a carrying case and a foam wind protector.
Build Quality: The Shure MV88 uses a metal casing for the Stereo Mic’s housing and metal mesh. The Lightning connector has a plastic spacer, which makes the microphone compatible with a case. The 90-degree arm hinge is made up of dense plastics.
Features: The Shure MV88 has a Digital Stereo Condenser Mic setup with Right-Left Mics for crystal clear audio recording. With the 90-degree outer hinge, you can record audio sources like interviews, scenery, and concerts. The MV88 app allows for a wide range of audio recording settings or camera recording through its multiple apps.
App and Connectivity: The MV88 uses a Lightning Connector to connect with iOS devices. With the ShurePlus MOTIV Audio and ShurePlus MOTIV Video apps, you can tweak the audio recording settings or video recording with the MV88.
Rode IXYL – Best Lightning iPhone Mic
The Rode IXYL is similar to the Zoom iQ7’s Microphone Pod design, but the Rode IXYL does not come with an adjustable Pod design and physical Microphone controls. The Rode IXYL uses a particular metal casing for enhanced durability and electromagnetic interference immunity for crystal clear audio recording. The IXYL has a physical home button as the Microphone housing covers the Home button, and it is compatible with physical Home Buttons with a Lighting port. (does not support iPhone 7 and 8). It can also be used with the latest notch iPhones.
Build Quality: The Rode IXYL uses metal for the housing, and with the Home Button casing, it provides more structural rigidity to the microphone from accidental knicks.
Features: The Rode IXYL uses a fixed Dual Stereo Mic Pod set up in the metal housing, which provides clear audio recordings and noise cancellation features. With the included foam windshield, the microphone records clear audio in windy areas, and it is ideal for interviews, podcasts, and videography with a handheld tripod with the iPhone.
App and Connectivity: The IXYL connects through the Lighting connector with iOS devices. The microphone can be used with any app which supports external microphones. To have the best audio recordings, you need the Rode Rec app for professional customization options and high-quality audio recording.
BOYA DM200 – Best iPhone Microphone for Video Outdoors
The BOYA DM200 has everything you need to set up for a basic microphone recording set up on the iPhone. The Boya DM200 uses a single Cardioid Condenser Microphone, and it is ideal for Vlogs and interviews with a direct audio source recording. With its extended 90-degree angle, the microphone can be directed towards you for a Vlog session or directed toward your guests in a broadcasting interview session. For the best audio recording quality, you will need to turn the Airplane mode on the iPhone.
Build Quality: The BOYA DM200 uses dene matt black plastics for the housing and metal grills for the side and Microphone holes, making it one of the best microphone for iPhone video recording in the natural environment.
Features: The BOYA DM200 uses a Lightning connector for iOS devices and, with the Cardioid Condenser Microphone Technology, records clear audio quality when iPhone is in Airplane mode. The extended 90-degree microphone is ideal for Vlogs and video interviews. The microphone also comes with foam and fake fur windshield protectors for the microphone.
App and Connectivity: The BOYA DM200 connects with the Lighting connector with iOS devices. The microphone can be used with apps that support external microphones for recording audio or video.
Altson Ultra Lightning Wired Microphone – Best Lightning Lavalier Mic
One of the main advantages and are preferred of a wired microphone is that you won’t receive any signal interference, and you don’t need to turn the Airplane mode on the iPhone. The Altson Ultra Lighting Wired Microphone is the best and budget-friendly wired microphone solution for iPhone with the Lighting port. The Altson uses an Omnidirectional mic and has a 9.8 feet long cable for convenience for recording. With the included microphone clip, you can attach the microphone to a shirt collar for the source’s best audio recording quality.
Build Quality: The Altson Microphone uses a thick rubberized cable and a plastic clip for making videos.
Features: The Omnidirectional microphone with the noise cancellation feature delivers good quality audio recordings from the source, and with the included microphone clip, speech is recorded with high quality and clear quality as the distance from the source and mic is less. It also includes a foam wind protector.
App and Connectivity: The microphone has a 9.8 feet Lighting connector cable for iOS devices. Apps with external microphone support can be used with the Altson Microphone on the iPhone.
PowerDeWise Lightning Wired Microphone – Premium Lavalier iPhone Mic
The PowerDewise Lighting Wired Microphone is the second Lightning cable microphone on this list and the best one you can find for your iPhone. The PowerDewise Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone features a Lightning connector for direct plug and plays microphone for iPhone. The microphone features an impressive 12 feet long rubberized cable with a velcro cable tie and a microphone clip for cable management and interviews. The package also includes a good quality cable bag for carrying around and extra foam wind protectors.
Build Quality: The PowerDewise has a good quality 12 feet rubberized cable with MFI certified Lightning connector. The microphone uses dense plastics and metal grills.
Features: The PowerDewise is simple to use with the Lightning connector for iOS devices. The Omnidirectional microphone with a noise cancellation feature allows clear audio recording from the source. The 12 feet long good quality cable and velcro strap, and a metal clip are some of the best creature comforts for ease of use of a wired cable.
App and Connectivity: The PowerDewise is a simple plug and plays a Lightning connector microphone. It does not have a dedicated app but supports all apps that support an external microphone.
Lewinner Bluetooth Portable Mic – Best Wireless iPhone Clip-on Mic
It’s the times of cord-cutting and freeing up the ports, and a Bluetooth Microphone is a must for a cordless hassle-free audio recording experience. The Lewinner Bluetooth Portable Mic is the most valued Bluetooth Microphone on the market and the most feature-rich in the price segment. The Lewinner best microphone for iPhone video recording features Bluetooth 5.0 for long-range connectivity and low latency recording with a battery life of up to six hours. All are encased in a compact metal housing to store and clipping to clothes.
Build Quality: The Lewinner Bluetooth Microphone uses metal for the housing, and it is robust build quality. The circular metal housing allows for easy carrying and using while recording videos.
Features: The MFI Certified Bluetooth microphone features a Lavalier Omnidirectional Microphone with noise cancellation features for clear recording quality. With Bluetooth 5.0 technology and 110mAh battery capacity, there is low latency, and the range of connectivity is up to 50 feet. The Bluetooth microphone is ideal for all use cases imagined for game streaming, vlogging, for Youtubers, interviews, online classes, and many more. The microphone has a single button and an LED indicator with a metal clip. It also comes with a hard storage case.
App and Connectivity: The microphone connects to an iPhone with Bluetooth 5.0. With the Smartmike+ app, you get many customization options, with noise reduction, auto transcription, and auto-sync features. The Lewinner can be used with any app which allows external microphones on an iPhone.
SabineTek SmartMike+ Bluetooth Microphone – Best Minimal Bluetooth iPhone Mic
The SabineTek is similar in functions to the Lewinner Bluetooth Microphone and the same specs. Still, the SabineTek has some more color options for Youtubers who want to color match, a deeper metal clip for secure placement of the collar and boxy design for easy carrying around.
Build Quality: The SabineTek uses premium quality materials for the housing and a metal clip for clothes while recording videos.
Features: The SbineTek Bluetooth Microphone features an Omnidirectional Microphone with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for iPhones and other devices. The Microphone delivers clear audio output for recording and online platforms such as video conferencing or social media platforms.
App and Connectivity: The SabineTek has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for low latency and a connectivity range of 50 feet. The Smartmike+ app gives more customization and editing options. The Bluetooth Microphone can also be used with other apps supporting external microphones on an iPhone.
Movo Daul Interview Microphone – Best Dual-Array iPhone Mic
The iPhone is one of the best pocket cameras for video recording, and your iPhone can be a part of something revolutionary with the Movo Dual Interview Microphone. Although the Dual Interview Microphone has the dead 3.5mm jack, a Lighting adapter can be used with the dual mic set up. The Movo mic features a single cable with dual jacks for the included set of interview microphones for easy carrying. It is the best portable interview set up for an iPhone recording an interview with the iPhone.
Build Quality: The Movo Dual Interview Microphone uses dense plastics for the housings and rubberized cables and connector housing.
Features: The Movo Professional Dual Interview Microphone features to connect two microphones using a sing breakaway cable. With the included set of Omnidirectional microphones with foam wind protector, you can easily interview two persons and clear audio quality.
App and Connectivity: The microphone cables connect via a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Lighting adaptor can be used for iPhones. Apps with external microphone support can on iPhones can be used with the microphone.
Rode SmartLav+ – Best 3.5mm iPhone Microphone
Rode is the number one choice for microphones with the 3.5mm jack connector when it comes to wired microphones. The Rode SamrtLav+ with the Lightning connector for the iPhone is one of the best quality microphones you can get with a wired connection.
Build Quality: The Rode SmartLav+ has good build quality with good plastics and rubberized cable. It also comes with a premium carrying pouch for traveling.
Features: The Rode SmartLav+ features an Omnidirectional microphone with a foam windshield, which provides clear voice quality for audio recordings and videos. The SmartLav+ also has a metal clip and a velcro strap for easy cable management.
App and Connectivity: With the SmartLav+ app, you get a lot of recording customization for audio and video camera.
COMICA HRM-S Interview Microphone – Best iPhone Handheld Mic
Mobile journalism is the spine of independent online media since it helps reliable information from the ground directly to the viewers. COMICA HRM-S is one such external mic for iPhone that allows you to get the experience of a robust handheld microphone without any of the cable or clutter that comes along with it.
Build Quality: The COMICA HRM-S comes with a long and narrow handle that makes it easy to hold, crafted out of aluminum for durability, and the microphone capsule itself is gold-plated.
Features: Built with complete analog connectivity, the COMICA HRM-S is crafted for audio perfection with a cardioid pattern that enhances audio reproduction and improves noise isolation. The frequency response rate of 60Hz – 120Hz is on point when it comes to clarity, making it ideal for interviews, speeches, and more.
App and Connectivity: With just the 3.5mm headphone jack connector that can be hooked to the latest iPhones with a Lightning adapter, COMICA HRM-S is one of the more basic iPhone microphones you can find.
Wired iPhone Microphone Vs Wireless Mic for iPhone
Technology has progressed and the newer Bluetooth standard has made it possible to reduce latency and improve audio quality over the air. Similar to wireless earbuds and speakers, wireless mics have also made their way to the market, which can certainly be useful in the context of smartphones. But how well do the wireless microphones for iPhone fare against the traditional and reliable wired ones?
Wired microphones come with no RF interference or drop in connectivity like the wireless alternative does, leading to a clearer and direct signal. Since the connection is analog, it requires lesser additional equipment, which makes it failproof. There’s no need for an external power source, since the wired microphones for iPhone are battery-free, and are usually the more affordable choice. Being tethered can be a problem with the wired mics, and it isn’t ideal for outdoor situations, especially when used alongside a smartphone for recording.
A Bluetooth mic for iPhone offers freedom of movement, which is just what vlogging and mobile videography require. Since there is no physical wire present in the setup, constantly moving the microphone won’t damage the input wires in any way. The disadvantage of the wireless mic comes with the need for constant recharging and some degradation in the overall audio quality due to the digital-analog exchange.
What are the Different Types of External iPhone Microphones?
Lavalier mic for iPhone
Also known as body mics and lapel microphones, these are commonly used for interviews and in one-to-one conversations. Usually available in both wired and wireless forms, the lavalier mic comes with a clip-on attachment that allows it to be easily hooked to the collar or to the buttons of the shirt so that the microphone end of the device is in close proximity to the speaker’s mouth. The minimal size of these types of external smartphone microphones makes them suitable for close-miking scenarios for journalism.
Handheld external iPhone microphone
The classic microphone that has been the choice for the entertainment industry, media houses, and speechmakers. Available in both, wireless and wired options, a handheld iPhone mic is ideal for on-to-go reporting, managing direct interactions in a public environment, but they’re only a limited number of options available in this particular dated design.
Attachment iPhone microphone
Ever since mobile-centric microphones became a popular buy, manufacturers have begun created external microphones for iPhone that attach directly to the Lightning port. These attachments microphones are usually MFi (Made for iPhone) certified, which allows them to work officially with iOS devices. With the audio chamber, microphone, and drivers installed right on the iPhone Lightning port itself, the audio quality is significantly enhanced.
iPhone Stereo mic
For those who are uptight about the audio quality of a video recording with the iPhone, a digital mono audio microphone won’t cut it. Stereo microphones for iPhone offer the ability to capture the natural and realistic audio from scenes, speeches, or just the natural environment. With dual-microphone arrays, the device is able to create two separate audio channels for an overall improved listening experience.
Wireless Mic for iPhone
There is always going to be an argument over how analog audio is better than digital, but there’s no denying the convenience of a wireless microphone. A Bluetooth microphone for iPhone allows you to connect to the smartphone directly over the air, so that the mic itself can be clipped closer to the mouth for podcasts and interviews, or closer to the object in case of regular videography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug a microphone into an iPhone directly?
Up until the iPhone 7, Apple offered a 3.5mm headphone jack that not only allowing you to connect wired earbuds to the device, but also hook up an external iPhone mic. Even without the 3.5mm headphone jack, you have the ability to use the proprietary Lightning port to connect a wired microphone directly to the device, Apart from the Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter, you could even use the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter to connect a USB wired microphone directly to your iPhone.
Which is the best iPhone external microphone for video recording?
Depending on the video scenario you have set up, you might want to think about the microphone you pick for videography on your iPhone. For instance, a lavalier microphone is the best for capturing dialogues for, podcasts, interviews, and speeches, due to its design and close placement to the subject. However, if you want to capture the environment and create a production-quality video, a digital stereo condenser mic is the better choice to go with.
Does the iPhone not have a built-in microphone?
The iPhone comes with not just one but three different microphones, with two of them located right next to the speaker grill, and one near the camera on the back. Apart from allowing you to make phone calls, these microphones are designed to improve the overall audio quality using noise isolation, with the microphone camera dedicated to good audio quality during video recording. However, an external iPhone microphone is incomparable to the ones built into it, since it offers a much larger diaphragm for audio recording.
Final Words
From podcasters commenting on the current political climate around us to adventure vloggers giving you a glimpse of the most wondrous locations across the globe, content creators are always looking to get their voices across. There’s nothing more off-putting than stuttering audio that is muffled and can even ruin the video experience, which is the primary reason so many wired as well as a portable wireless mic for iPhone exists in the first place. We’ve boiled it down to the best mics for iPhone that money can buy, so you don’t have to go down the rabbit hole looking for the right one.
Which of the best microphone for iPhone video recording are you going to pick up from the list above? Do share your thoughts in the comments section down below and let us know what you think.
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