- Anthony
The best iphone microphone? We’ve got you covered! The iPhone has many microphones that can be used for recording, but a few things to consider when selecting the right one.
If your goal is to record audio with the least amount of background noise possible, it’s recommended to use an external mic. There are many types of external microphones available on the market – from clip-on mics that attach directly to your phone or wireless mics that connect via Bluetooth.
Whether you’re looking for a mic attachment for live music recording or something more versatile and durable like a handheld recorder, Hooke Audio has what you need! Read on for our top picks in 2023!
Contents
- 1 Best iPhone Microphones In 2023
- 1.1 Shure MV88
- 1.2 Rode VideoMic Me – L
- 1.3 Rode SC6-L Mobile Interview Kit
- 1.4 Comica BoomX-D2
- 1.5 Sennheiser MKE 200
- 1.6 Comica CVM-VM10-K3
- 1.7 Apogee MIC Plus
- 1.8 Shure MOTIV V5
- 1.9 IK Multimedia iRig MicCast HD
- 1.10 Zoom iQ7
- 1.11 Rode IXY-L
- 1.12 Blue Raspberry
- 1.13 JOBY Wavo Mobile
- 1.14 PowerDeWise
- 1.15 Movo VXR10
- 1.16 Saramonic SmartMic
- 1.17 Zoom iQ6 X/Y
- 1.18 Comica CVM-VS08
- 1.19 Zoom iQ5 MidSide
- 1.20 Blue Mikey
- 1.21 PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone
- 2 A Quick Buyer’s Guide
- 3 FAQs
- 3.1 How Do I Get The Best Quality Microphone On My iPhone?
- 3.2 How Good Is The Microphone On The iPhone 12?
- 3.3 How good is the iPhone mic?
- 3.4 Can my phone be used as a microphone?
- 3.5 Is The iPhone Mic Good?
- 3.6 Can You Connect A Wireless Microphone To An iPhone?
- 3.7 Can you connect a microphone to a cell phone?
- 3.8 What can I do to improve the sound quality of my microphone?
- 4 Conclusion
Best iPhone Microphones In 2023
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| MAYBESTA Professional Wireless... | 4,699 Reviews |
$25.99
$22.99 | View on Amazon |
| 2 |
| PASABIT Wireless Lavalier... | 374 Reviews |
$24.99
$21.24 | View on Amazon |
| 3 |
| Leettus 2pcs Lavalier Wireless... | 285 Reviews |
$29.99 | View on Amazon |
| 4 |
| Kopdkes 2 Pack Wireless... | 1,727 Reviews |
$18.99
$14.99 | View on Amazon |
| 5 |
| 2-Pack Wireless Lavalier... | 30 Reviews |
$49.99
$39.99 | View on Amazon |
| 6 |
| ZealSound USB... | 2,623 Reviews |
$32.95 | View on Amazon |
| 7 |
| PQRQP 2 Pack Wireless Lavalier... | 1,643 Reviews |
$39.99
$25.99 | View on Amazon |
| 8 |
| Guzoea 2 Pack Wireless... | 70 Reviews |
$19.99 | View on Amazon |
| 9 |
| BerrysParadise 2 Pack Wireless... | 107 Reviews |
$13.99 | View on Amazon |
| 10 |
| Kopdkes Professional Wireless... | 380 Reviews |
$22.99 | View on Amazon |
Shure MV88
We won’t mince words. We are proud to present the Shure MV88 as our top pick for iPhone mics overall.
The omnidirectional design makes Shure MV88 ideal for recording interviews with multiple people and any other event where sound must be captured in different directions.
Shure MV88 stereo condenser microphone has excellent audio quality and a foam windscreen that keeps the sound clear in windy conditions.
The app comes with five preset modes: Singing, Loud, Speech, Singing, Flat and Acoustic Instrument. You can fine-tune the recording further using the included apps. You can record uncompressed audio (.wav), adjust gain levels, change the stereo width, and modify EQ settings using the app.
The lightning connects the Shure MV88 directly to your iPhone. This stereo condenser microphone is made from solid and metal materials, yet it is lightweight and portable.
Flexible, too. You can flip, tilt, and rotate the microphone up to 90 degrees to place it exactly where you want. The case is zip-closed, and the adapter cable for standard headphones. Shure MV88 is impressive to see all this at such an affordable price.
Pros
- Audio of the highest studio quality
- Flexible and sturdy
- Five preset modes
Cons
- It’s not the cheapest.
Rode VideoMic Me – L
A directional microphone for the iPhone that focuses on the sound directly in front of it is what you are looking for. Rode VideoMic Me-L is our favorite choice. It offers a sturdy build, high-quality audio, and easy use at a very affordable price.
The best lightning connector microphones allow you to plug them into your iPhone. Rode VideoMic Me-L also has a 3.5mm headphone port that allows you to monitor and record your sound. A clip secures the microphone to your phone and protects against adverse weather conditions.
Pros
- Great price
- Solidly made and robust
- Small and light
Cons
- Non-Apple phones not compatible
Rode SC6-L Mobile Interview Kit
Do you need a microphone for interviews only? Let us recommend the Rode SC6L Mobile Interview Kit. It includes everything you need to record dual audio on the go with your iPhone.
The SC6-L breakout kit connects to your iOS devices using the lightning connection. You can connect the two omnidirectional smartLav+ microphones and your headphones to monitor and playback.
Two windshields are included for protection against plosives. There are also two clips and a storage bag.
The Rode Reporter is a custom Rode Reporter app that allows you to disable or enable direct monitoring, alter boost gain, and choose between summed stereo or dual mono. The cable is also very durable, thanks to its Kevlar reinforcement.
Pros
- Offers great flexibility
- Many accessories
- Durable cable
Cons
- Expensive
Comica BoomX-D2
Here are the best external microphones for the iPhone if you need to talk through a microphone but want to film yourself from a distance. The wireless kit includes two transmitters with built-in microphones and two additional mono microphones plugged into the receivers. The receiver is highly portable and lightweight.
This kit can be used for over 30m (50ft), and the lithium battery built into it can be charged via USB. It can last for up to five hours.
You can also monitor your audio through the 3mm headphone jack. To connect your iPhone 7 or higher, you will need to buy a lightning port to a 3.5mm TRRS adapter cable.
Pros
- 50 feet working distance
- Battery life is excellent
- Compatible with many smartphones
Cons
- Lightning cable not included
Sennheiser MKE 200
Are you just starting vlogging? Do you want something inexpensive that is easy to use and pick up? We recommend the Sennheiser MKE 200. Although it’s not one of the best external microphones for the iPhone, it’s very affordable and easy to use. It does a good job overall.
The MKE 200 measures just 2.7 inches in length and weighs only 1.7 ounces. The MKE 200 is powered by your device, so you don’t need batteries.
Its integrated wind protection and an internal suspension mount reduce background noise. This is especially useful for those still learning how to use the ropes and is prone to bumping into equipment.
The included TRS and TRRS coiled cables can connect the device to various smartphones, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras. The Lightning connector is not included, so you will need to purchase a separate 3.5mm-Lightning adapter if you plan to use it with an iPhone 7 or higher.
Pros
- Cheap
- Compatible with many smartphones
- Compatible with many cameras
Cons
- No Lightning connector
Comica CVM-VM10-K3
The Comic CVM-10-K3 is another excellent option for beginners in vlogging. You get a shotgun microphone, a phone clamp, and an ergonomic one-hand Bluetooth controller.
There’s also a foam windscreen that can be used indoors, as well as an outdoor furry windscreen, along with a carrying case and a TRRS-TRS cable.
It works well in practice, despite the low price. The audio is clear and has great quality. There is no Lightning connector. If you wish to use it with an iPhone 7 or higher, you must purchase a separate 3.5mm-Lightning dongle.
Pros
- Cheap
- Good accessories
Cons
- Lightning connector not available
Apogee MIC Plus
With one of the best IOS microphones, money cannot buy, Wild Apogee Apologies is most suitable for studio use.
A device that is approved will make it easy for you to be a confident buyer. This category includes the Apogee MIC Plus, a great choice because of its superior audio quality.
Professional cardioid condenser microphone capsule featuring a pure digital connection. It produces the pristine sound quality of up to 24-bit/96kHz
Apogee MIC can be connected to many IOS devices as the mic includes a lightning cable for iOS and USB-C and traditional USB-A cables, along with a desktop tripod and adapter. It’s a bit expensive for what it is.
Pros
- Audio of the highest quality
- Broad connectivity
- Apple approves
Cons
- Expensive
Shure MOTIV V5
The Shure MOTIV MMV5 is another Apple-approved IOS microphone. It has a retro-inspired industrial design. It has three DSP presets onboard (Vocals Flat, Instrument), allowing optimal settings for different sources. This makes it ideal for podcasting and music.
Shure MOTIV MV5 includes two cables. One connects via USB, the other via the lightning port. This allows you to use the Shure MOTIV MV5 with Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and iPod.
The Shure MOTIV MV5 comes with an integrated headphone output to monitor real-time, a desktop stand that can be detached, and a free recording application. A special offer in writing gives you two months of Adobe Premiere Rush for every purchase.
Pros
- Retro looks
- Mic connects to the USB and Lightning port.
- Apple approves
Cons
- Not super-portable
IK Multimedia iRig MicCast HD
Marketing people often use the term pocket-sized, but this tiny device is relatively compact. This dual-sided microphone measures just 1 inch in width and can be used with any phone, tablet, or PC.
Ik Multimedia iRig MicCast also comes with Lightning, Micro USB, and USB-C cables. You can also monitor your recording via the headphone jack. It attaches to your iPhone easily thanks to magnetic snap-on mounting, which even works with a case.
Pros
- Lightweight and tiny
- Broad compatibility
- Magnetic mounting
Cons
- It’s not the cheapest.
Zoom iQ7
Do you want to record video and music using your IOS microphone? Zoom iQ7 allows you to capture audio with your microphone.
The iQ7 is another small, portable device with a directional mid-side stereo mic that captures sound from the front and a bidirectional side’ mic that covers all signals around you.
You can adjust the stereo width of your recordings by turning it 90deg to concentrate on a specific sound or 120deg to create a larger soundstage. The included app also provides MS decoding, which allows for variable stereo width.
Zoom iQ7 stereo condenser mic also offers various effects like reverb, six-band EQ and divide, and editing tools such as Normalize or Divide. You can also listen to the clear audio via headphones, as you would expect.
Pros
- Recordings 90, 120, and Mid-Side stereo
- Compact and light
- App for the sophisticated shopper
Cons
- Non-musicians shouldn’t be overly concerned.
Rode IXY-L
The IXYL-L appears compatible with the iPhone 5/6 and iPhone 6, with mixed results for the iPhone 7 and older.
RODE is known for making high-quality sound equipment, and the Rode IXY-L is no exception. The all-metal case protects audio from electromagnetic interference and makes it durable.
A matched pair of 1/2-inch cardioid condenser microphones are included. These external Iphone mics are set up in an XY polar pattern, with a frequency response range of 20Hz -20kHz.
You can record 24-bit digital audio up to 96-kHz using the Rode Rec App. You can also turn on a 72Hz high pass filter to reduce low-frequency noises. The app doesn’t offer a gain control. However, you can use other recording apps to adjust the gain.
Rode comes with a protective zip bag and a windshield.
Pros
- Durable
- High-quality sound
- It is durable and has a long life span.
Cons
- It is not compatible with all IOS devices, and it won’t work if you don’t have a power source.
Blue Raspberry
The Blue Raspberry condenser microphone is desktop-style and includes both lightning and a USB cable. The stereo condenser mic has a 1/4″ thread that can be mounted to tripods and volume control.
The device is plug-and-play, but it still delivers excellent sound quality for recording voice-overs or acoustic guitar.
Pros
- No battery required, sturdy
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Requires 2.5mm connector to fit into iPhone and some Android devices
- No built-in shock absorption
JOBY Wavo Mobile
The JOBY Wavo Mobile is the best external microphone that’s both affordable and simple to use. The standard cardioid condenser microphone does more than the job.
This condenser mic comes with a shock mount attachment and a tripod attachment that can be used with any number of iPhones and camera tripods. It also includes a standard camera attachment thread.
The condenser mic attaches directly to your iPhones. It records signals using an android 3.5mm connector. Users with iPhone 7 and later models will need to purchase the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter, purchased separately.
Even though it isn’t as full-featured, this mic packs a punch and has less brand power than competitors like Rode, Shure, and Sennheiser. JOBY also offers a complete kit for vloggers called the Joby Gorillapod kit.
Pros
- Pocket-sized makes it extremely portable.
- Doesn’t require any additional cables or equipment to connect with your phone or computer
Cons
- No gain control or headphone monitoring
- Sometimes the digital compression in phone recording apps will lower your volume
PowerDeWise
The PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel microphone is an external microphone for iPhone that can cancel out noises and record voice as clear as possible.
To use this microphone with older iPhones, you will need a Lightning-to-headphone jack adapter. Clip the microphone to your clothing and then plug it into your iPhone. Once it is untangled, you can start recording your iPhone video.
Pros
- Portable
- Minimal
Cons
- It is easy to use
- Affordable
Movo VXR10
The Movo VXR10 shotgun microphone is an excellent option to eliminate unwanted noise because of its super-cardioid polar pattern. It is easily one of the most affordable external mics for the Iphone.
This mic has headphone monitoring and a wind muff, which can help record outdoors. However, it depends on the project. These Iphone mics are great for vloggers who want something that can be used outdoors or indoors.
The Movo VXR10 is an affordable choice for those who want top-quality at a reasonable price. If you have an iPhone7 or older, you will need to use a lightning-to-headphone adapter.
Pros
- Very lightweight and compact for travel.
- Line-in cord included for converting sound from non-Bluetooth devices when traveling.
Cons
- It doesn’t work without a phone
- Bluetooth can be unreliable, and the range is short
Saramonic SmartMic
The Saramonic SmartMic is a cheaper option, at around $20. The microphone is made of plastic and can pivot or rotate in any direction. Although you will get better sound quality than the built-in microphone for your phone, this mic is not professional.
It is a mic system, but it is also an audio interface and amplifier and has phantom power. And is perfect for recording podcasts, sounds, and videos with Android or iOS devices.
Pros
- Handles loud sounds well
- Easy to use, good quality sound, and versatile
Cons
- No, gain control, and there is no battery in the microphone itself
- You need to plug it into a power source before recording.
Zoom iQ6 X/Y
Zoom iQ6 X/Y has the same condenser microphones used in the Zoom H4N pro handheld audio recorder. The range of pickup can be adjusted from 90 degrees up to 120 degrees.
You can quickly adjust the mic gain setting by using the numbered wheel on the front. You can also use the headphone/lineout, Jack, for both recording and playing back. This is especially useful if your iPhone 7 doesn’t come with a standard headset jack.
The Zoom iQ6’s removable spacer is a standout feature. It allows you to use it with or without an iPhone cover. The 3 LEDs provide a visual indicator of your levels. Zoom has an iPhone app that records.wav and. Aac files.
Pros
- Audio quality improved (faster).
- App for iPhone
- Setup is quicker
- Mic built in to handle loud environments
- It looks great
Cons
- There is no built-in battery
- No headphone jack
- It would be nice to have a ZOOM button that could turn on/off the power.
Comica CVM-VS08
Comica CVM-VS08 cardioid condenser mic delivers excellent sound on a smartphone. You get a playthrough jack to monitor the device, just like the Rode. This is not live monitoring, to be precise. Aluminum is used to make the body, which is lightweight but extremely strong.
Comica comes with both a foam windshield as well as a furry windscreen. You can rotate the microphone 360° by removing the clamp.
Comica also offers the CVM-VM10 option. The CVM-VM10 is another option from Comica. It has both TRRS (smartphone) and TRS (camera), as well as a shock mounting.
This allows you to switch between devices easily. This has the downside that you will need to mount the microphone and lose the extra headphone jack.
Pros
- Affordable but decently built.
- Excellent sound quality for a smartphone
Cons
- No XLR inputs.
- The recording is not possible.
Zoom iQ5 MidSide
Zoom’s entry-level iPhone mic, the iQ5, is called their midsize model. It feels cheaper than the iQ6 or iQ7 (above). It is worth the $30 extra to get something that will last and has better build quality.
The other models have removable spacers that can be used with cases, and the headphone jack doubles as an extension.
Pros
- High-quality sound quality
- Use headphones with the line out
- No XLR inputs.
Cons
- Cheap build quality
Blue Mikey
The Blue Mikey has been discontinued. Blue recommends the Raspberry, which comes with a Lightning cable but is more of a desktop mic.
If you are still looking for one, here’s the information:
It can handle audio up to 130dB (that’s very loud!). Two custom-designed condenser caps are available with stereo pickup. It features autosensing technology that helps stop distortion and a high-gain and low-gain setting.
Mikey’s unique design and shape are unmatched by other external iPhone microphones. The Mikey has a 230degree tilt and an LED indicator to let you know if your volume is too high. The frequency response ranges from 35Hz to 20kHz.
Another great feature is the line-level input. This allows you to record instruments.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable and tough
- Lightweight
- Great audio quality
Cons
- Only mono input
- Cable not included
PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone
The iPhone 7 and older models have an omnidirectional and external microphone. It can be plugged directly into your iPhone with an adaptor (not supplied) or into your laptop using an adaptor.
You have plenty of space to move with the extra-long cable (155 inches). Three wind muffs are included in the package, each with a different color.
Pros
- Cable length: 155 inches
- Plugs into standard headphones jacks
- High-quality
- Omnidirectional mic head
Cons
- A few users have reported that it did not work.
A Quick Buyer’s Guide
If you are interested in learning more, these basic features of Iphones microphones might be helpful.
- Cardioid and Omnidirectional polar pattern Microphones
- Microphone Frequency Range
- Microphone Windshields
Cardioid Vs Omnidirectional Microphones
Cardioid microphones have the highest sensitivity in the front and the lowest at the back. This makes it more resistant to feedback and isolates it from background noise.
A cardioid polar pattern microphone is ideal for Iphone recording loud sound sources or on loud stages. However, an omnidirectional polar pattern microphone would be more suitable for recording music conference calls, conversations, or meetings and will pick up much more detail.
Frequency Range
The basic terms are frequency response, frequency range, audible frequencies, and frequency’s relationship to musical notes. Understanding how digital audio equipment reproduces and records sound is crucial.
This can also impact the relationship between the recorded sound and the live sound produced by musicians and singers in real-time in the recording environment.
Room size, the proximity of objects of specific shapes or sizes, position next to walls, and other physical elements in the listening or recording environment can all affect frequency response ranges.
It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and limitations before recording audio.
XY Vs. MidSide
When assessing the quality audio of your recording or environment, it is essential to consider how separate mic capsules are arranged in different configurations.
It is not uncommon to capture stereo signals in XY for a larger soundstage or to capture direct conversations in the mid-side format to isolate the subjects.
Both of these formats share an everyday premise. XY, for example, splits the signal into a left- and right-side signal using two separate microphones.
These external microphones for Iphone, often appearing together as one unit, are placed next to each other in a way that allows the diaphragms to be as close as possible to each other without touching.
This allows for a wider stereo image than is possible with a single or two standard separated microphones.
A stereo bar can be used by those with standard XLR connector microphones at their home to apply the same configurations with any matched pair.
Mid-side stereo configurations are used for frequency response in the broadcast. This is because adequately recorded mid-side stereo tracks are always mono-compatible. The mid-side microphone placement is a popular choice for studio recording. It also makes for an excellent choice for live recording.
The main flaw of the XY microphone technology is the inability to change the directionality or placement of the microphones. Sometimes, phase cancellation can occur when tracks are collapsed from XY to mono.
Mid-side microphones give you greater control over stereo images than other setups. You can make adjustments to your tracks more confidently after recording or during mixing.
Microphone Windshields
Many mics ship with various types of windscreens. This is because they are relatively inexpensive to produce. Mics that do not come with windscreens are often not for vocal recording. For example, if you have a great Iphone mic attached to a guitar amp, you don’t need one.
As the external microphone sits within the capsule or sock, they create dead air.
A fluffy windshield or furry cover can remove a lot more wind noise from your audio recording than a foam one. Foam covers are used to shield the Iphone mic from pops and sibilance.
A fluffy windshield is more suitable for recording in windy conditions, at great distances, or to capture sound from moving targets with a shotgun mic.
FAQs
How Do I Get The Best Quality Microphone On My iPhone?
The built-in Voice Memo app on iOS can capture superb audio, but it’s even better when you change the quality to Lossless. Just head into Settings > Voice Memos > Audio Quality and choose your preferred option from there!
How Good Is The Microphone On The iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12’s microphones do a pretty good job at representing sound sources in space. But, when I tested out memos on the phone, distance is also highly realistic, while the localizability of the sound source was relatively poor.
How good is the iPhone mic?
Your iPhone’s inbuilt microphone is fine for making calls and recording voice notes. The audio quality will not be as good if you are creating content for others to enjoy. This includes YouTube videos, Twitch streams, and podcasts.
Can my phone be used as a microphone?
This program allows you to use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB to connect your smartphone’s mic to your computer. It is entirely free, has low latency, and works in all applications like a regular microphone. Next, grab the Android or iOS app. Start the PC program.
Is The iPhone Mic Good?
If you will be recording interviews, YouTube clips, or podcasts with the iPhone regularly, it is highly recommended that you invest in the best external mic. One tip would be to turn on Airplane Mode because cellular feedback will likely occur if not done so.
Can You Connect A Wireless Microphone To An iPhone?
But nope, that doesn’t work. Primarily because Apple built their headphone jack to accept particular types of plugs that carry just the right kind of signal, though it might fit in your pocket, an external Iphone mic will not work like that with iPhones – it needs a little help.
Can you connect a microphone to a cell phone?
An external microphone can be connected to a smartphone in one of two ways: it plugs into the mic socket or connects via micro-USB. The third method is Bluetooth, which seems very limited.
What can I do to improve the sound quality of my microphone?
These are seven tips to make your microphone sound crisp and better when recording
- It is essential to turn off any noises in the room. Turn off any background noise in the room.
- If possible, keep the microphone off your desk. If possible, keep the microphone off your desk.
- Your microphone should be facing away from any noise source. Keep your microphone facing any noise source.
- Keep your microphone at a distance of a few inches from your mouth.
Maybe You Need: How To Improve Microphone Quality? Top Full Guide 2023
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to choose a good external mic Iphone, we have some tips.
The iPhone is an incredible device and has come a long way in terms of video quality over the years– but its built-in microphone still leaves much to be desired when it comes to capturing high fidelity sound.
External mics are often better at recording higher quality sound than those that plug into iPhones as part of their design or via a lightning connector (depending on which model you own).
Even if you don’t plan on using these best external microphones with your phone, they can also serve as handy tools for live performance capture so that musicians can get good-sounding audio without worrying about having enough room in front of them during their performances.
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Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
