On that note, we got you some of the best external microphones for iPhones that you should definitely give a shot.
Saramonic Blink 500
The Saramonic Blink 500 is a compact and lightweight pro-grade wireless mic system for your iPhones.apart from the iPhones, it works flawlessly with the iPads and other iOS devices. The unit is like a handheld vlogging device that has a great clip-on transmitter coupled with an inbuilt mic. The microphone for iPhone is lightweight and clips onto your shirts. The MFi lightning dual-channel receiver is also easy to use and connect. The transmitter works on wireless connectivity. You also get the Lavalier mic that looks amazing and offers good sound reception capabilities. This wireless mic for the iPhone operates on the 2.4GHz spectrum and automatically moves to free channels to avoid static noise and audio dropouts. The mic works at a max range of 50m and offers excellent sound quality even during harsh conditions. This iPhone mic is useful for youtube vlogging and ideal for filmmaking. The microphone for iPhone comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that offers a battery backup of up to 6 hours on a single charge. Key Features: Wireless connectivity | Lightning port | LavalierMic support | Omnidirectional | Wireless range: 164 ft/50m | MFi certified | Li ion battery | 6 hour battery backup |
Impressive sound qualityLightweight and extremely portableZero audio interferenceuseful for Vlogging and filmingExcellent battery life
Battery indicators are not reliable
Shure MV88+
The Shure MV88+ is an MFi certified mic that connects via the lightning connector. It is compatible with the type C enabled smartphones and offer good sound reception. The included phone mount is compatible with almost all smartphones. It allows you to connect with any standard tripod. With this mic, you can get the most of your youtube vlogs thanks to its higher audio reception capabilities. With access to the ShurePlus Audio and Video apps, you can edit and customize footages with ease. You can track the performance of your footage without the need for any cumbersome setups. There is headphone compatibility that connects with your Bluetooth headphones with ease. The microphone for iPhone allows pass-through charge but you need a USB A cable thou. This iPhone mic comes with a wind foam screen that comes reduces the effect of wind in your footage. Key Features: Tripod design | Lightning port | USB Compatibility | Omnidirectional | | foam windscreen | ShurePlus MOTIV Audio | Multiple stereo control | Pass on charging(iOS devices) | MFi Certified |
Strong audio qualityExcellent appSyncs audio to match phone videosTop-notch tripod holds mic and phone
Cables are a bit short
Rode VideoMic Me L
The Rode VideoMic is a lightning port-enabled omnidirectional mic that’s made for the iPhones. Its compact, lightweight design makes it suitable for vlogging and pro filming. The device plugs into the device and works by using the device’s internal power for instant plug n play. With this, you don’t need any extra batteries or occasional recharging. Apart from the lightning port, there is a 3.5mm audio jack on the rear that allows audio play-through in real-time. With good audio reception, the microphone for iPhone reduces external noise to a great extent. You can align the mic in the desired position to get the best audio qualities. This iPhone mic comes with a deluxe furry windshield. It is suitable for outdoor shooting. This windshield does a great job in reducing the external noises including the effects of wind. Key Features: Lightning port connectivity | MFi certified | Plug n Play | Lightweight and portable | 3.5mm AUX support | Wind shield | Directional
Compact TRRS cardioid microphone designed for iOS devicesHigh-quality directional micMuffles background noiseComes with a windshieldWorks with DSLR Cameras
Short cables No wireless connectivity
Zoom iQ7
The Zoom iQ7 is a mid side stereo condenser mic that is compatible with the iPhones and the iPads. It is lightweight and perfect for capturing audio with crystal clear clarity. This external mic works with any lightning port equipped devices. There is the Mid Side Recording that offers adjustable stereo width with perfect mono levels. Zoom iQ7 has a unique rotating mechanism that ensures the best left-right stereo calibration. The microphone for iPhone comes with a 3 segment LED meter and an analog mic gain wheel. It lets you calibrate the mic’s accuracy with ease. There is also a headphone jack that doubles itself as an output line. Getting the Free Handy Recorder app from AppStore gives you a lot of audio editing possibilities. You can edit, convert and add effects to your recordings. A thing to note is that this external mic isn’t versatile enough for vlogging and video shooting. It is suitable for all our audio recordings. Key Features: Mid-Side recording | Lightning port connectivity | manual gain and peak adjustor | Lightweight and portable | headphone jack | Handy Recorder app |
Amazing sound qualityManual gain Peak level indicatorDirect monitoring via headphones
Battery issueNo micro USB port for pass through charging
Rode SmartLav+
The Rode SmartLav+ is a versatile external mic that suits every smartphone. It connects to your phone via the 3.5mm audio jack. It is a wearable mic that is useful for blogging and broadcasting. The high quality omnidirectional condenser capsule collects audio from all directions. There is also a windshield on the mic that removes noises and other sound effects. A thing to note is that there isn’t any connectivity support other than the 3.5mm jack. Also, the microphone for iPhone draws power from your smartphone itself. The lavalier mic attaches to your shirt or cloth with the help of a clip. The clip is quite sturdy and designed to get the maximum mic reception always. Key Features: Omni directional | Versatile compatibility | 3.5mm connectivity | Lightweight and portable | Rode app setup | Foam windshield |
Portable and lightweightGood quality sound with a clean signal to noise ratioIsolates sound well
Lavalier mics aren’t excellent for complex soundThe omnidirectional mic takes more than the required ambient noises at time
Boya MM1 Shotgun
The Boya MM1 Shotgun is a decent external mic for your iPhone that comes with a reasonable price tag. The cardioid design makes it look stylish and even has a fluffy foam windshield to help reduce ambient noise. With both TRS cable and TRRS output cables, it can work well with smartphones, cameras, and other devices. This external mic for iPhone is compact and has durable aluminum construction. The Plug N Play design helps you to connect with your smartphones or cameras through the 3.5mm audio jack. The microphone for iPhone has an anti-shock mount which reduces unwanted noises. This iPhone microphone doesn’t have a battery and draws power from the phone itself. We aren’t commenting on this cause there could be mixed opinions on that. Key Features: on-camera mic | Cardioid Polar pattern | Versatile compatibility | 3.5mm connectivity | Lightweight and portable | metal construction | furry foam windshield
AffordableDurable construction3.5mm connectivityVersatile compatibility
As there is no batteries included, the device eats up a lot of phone charge
Saramonic SmartMic+
The Saramonic SmartMic+ is a compact iPhone mic that is ideal for vlogging, live streaming, and mobile videography. It comes with lightning port connectivity and suits almost all iPhones and iPads. The lightweight, directional design makes the microphone for iPhone easy to use and portable. The metal construction and the simple Plug n Play connection make it worth giving a shot. This mic for iPhone offers excellent sound by plugging it into the lightning port for shooting videos. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack that lets you connect your headphones so that you can track the audio. The directional pickup pattern clearly captures sounds in front of the mic while rejecting ambient noise. You can adjust the mic according to your preference thanks to the rotatory action. A con that you might feel is that the mic costs a pretty penny more compared to the wire connected mics. Key Features: Lightning port connectivity | MFi certified | 3.5mm audio jack | Lightweight and portable | metal construction | foam windshield
Delivers high quality crisp audioFull metallic construction3.5mm connectivityExcellent wind shielding
Expensive no wireless connectivity of any kind
Movo VXR10
The Movo VXR10 is a durable and sturdy mic with a shock mount. It is compatible with the iPhones and the iPads and connects through the 3.5mm AUX cable. Apart from the iPhones, it works with Android smartphones, DSLR cams, and most of the audio recording devices. This portable mic for iPhone comes with a cardioid polar pattern that minimizes background noise. To enhance the audio reception, you also receive a furry windshield that goes on top of the mic unit. There is the shock mount that makes the microphone for the iPhone stable within your iPhone. This iPhone mic comes with durable aluminum construction and has a battery free design. This in turn makes it draw power from your connected device. With the whole delivery, you get a furry windscreen a soft case, a 3.5mm TRS, and TRRS output cable. Key Features: Aluminum body | MFi certified | furry windshield | 3.5 mm port | Stability due to the aluminum mount | metal construction
Value for moneyGood stability and reduces ambient noise to a great extendThe mount and other accessories are of good quality
No battery Reduces battery of the connected device
Boya DM200
The Boya DM200 is a high quality stereo mic that plugs directly into your iPhone. It comes with a lightning connector snd can work with any iOS devices including the iPads. With two inbuilt mic capsules, the Boya DM200 creates a splendid stereo sound without compromising on the quality. This microphone does well during your vlogging and mobile videography. There is only the lightning port connectivity and no wireless connectivity. Moreover, there is no 3.5 mm audio jack support. With the whole delivery, you get a furry windshield and a foam windscreen. These wind screens reduce the effect of ambient sounds and give crystal clear audio. The device comes at a reasonable price tag and is made of good quality material, making it durable and long lasting. Key Features: Lightning port connectivity | MFi certified | Plug N play | Foam and furry windshield | Compact and lightweight | Aluminum mount | carry pouch
Value for moneyGood stability and reduces ambient noise to a great extendThe mount and other accessories are of good quality
Occassional audio glitchReduces battery of the connected device
Sairen VM Q1
The Sairen VM Q1 is yet another shotgun mic that’s compatible with almost all smartphones and cameras apart from the iPhones. It houses a high quality cardioid electret condenser capsule that produces great audio recordings. This compact iPhone mic can actively cancel the background noise and reduces audio interference. It is a directional microphone and you can position it as per your need. The device also offers foam and a furry windshield that cancels external noise to a great limit. The On camera mic design offers very low self noise. The strong and sturdy mount gives you better stability. The Sairen VM mic comes with TRS and TRRS cables. This makes it compatible with a wide range a wider range of devices including the DSLR cams and action cams. Key Features: Polar Pattern Cardioid | Low self-noise | Plug N play | Foam and furry windshield | Compact and lightweight | 3.5mm port | All metal microphone body
AffordableLightweight and easy operation Reduces ambient noises to a great limit
Connectivity issuesNo headphone connectivitydraws power from phone bttery
Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
As a matter of fact, some of the devices come with the 3.5mm jack. So, in order to eliminate the fuss, it is better to get the best Lightning to 3.5mm adapter. The Apple lightning to 3.5 mm adapter is the right choice cause its exclusively made for iPhones. This adapter lets you connect devices that use a 3.5 mm audio plug to your Lightning devices. It works well with all devices that have the iOS 10 and above, including the iPad Touch, and the iPads.
Best External Microphones for iPhone-Buying Guide
Why You Need an external microphone to Record Audio on your iPhone? The iPhones have limited capabilities when it comes to the audio recording. To capture and enhance the ambient sounds and voices, it’s always better to get the external microphones. What type of external microphone should I get for my iPhone? You can choose from a wide range of external microphones that come with different modes of connectivity. There are both wired and wireless microphones that can enhance the audio recording. Make sure to get the MFi certified ones to get the best quality.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
If you are seriously planning to get an external microphone for your iPhone, then make sure you keep these in mind;
Cardioid and Omnidirectional Microphones: A cardioid microphone has the most sensitivity at the front and is least sensitive at the back. They are highly specific and can work well as an interview mic. On the other hand, the Omnidirectional mic offers uniform sensitivity to almost all directions. They are excellent for vlogging and filming.Type of connection: You can choose from the wired or the wireless depending on your needs. The wired ones can connect to your iPhone with the help of the Lightning port or the 3.5 mm audio jack. The wirelessly connectable devices offer Bluetooth or Wifi. XY or Mid Side: The XY styled mic splits the audio signal into a left and right component using two different microphones. They are more useful for interviews and other stuff where voice clarity is important. On the other hand, Mid-side mic placement is a useful studio recording. Its overall flexibility makes it a good choice for live recording as well.Microphone Windshields: There are a lot of mic windshields that you can choose from. The most common ones are the fluffy and the foam type. The Fluffy windshields reduce a lot of wind noise and are apt for outdoor shooting. The foam windshield works more like a pop shield and protects the mic from pops and other sounds that accidentally occur during the speech.
Choosing the best microphone for iPhone depends on what content you are making, or what kind of quality you are looking for. There are iPhone mics that are suitable for videos and podcasts alone. Hope you found yourself the best external microphone for your iPhone.
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