There’s nothing more frustrating than shooting the perfect reel only to realize that the audio sounds like garbage. For budding creators, it’s a frustration; for those looking to make more professional content, it’s a dealbreaker. Fortunately, the world of mobile-specific (or phone-friendly) microphones has exploded with great options in the last few years. Whether you’ve been tasked with recording candid moments at a relative’s wedding, shooting a friend’s dance moves or are a journalist out in the field traveling light — there’s an option out there that will be perfect for you.
We’ve tested a wide range of popular microphones with a mobile focus so that you don’t have to. Below is our hand-picked list of the very best options for a variety of use cases. Some microphones — the wireless lavalier kind, for example — will be more versatile and convenient, useful for a number of different applications. Others, such as our musician or field-recording picks, are where we explore more exotic form factors such as shotgun mics and mobile-friendly desktop options. As always, above everything else is sound quality and general performance. The good news for you is that we’ve done all the hard work for you. Happy recording!
Best phone mics for 2026: Best wireless mics for creators
“Creator” is a broad term, but for the purposes of this guide, it’s anyone that wants to make videos or recordings to share on the internet. This is possibly the most exciting category right now with excellent options from brands such as Rode and DJI, but also some compelling budget options too. Once the domain of TV and pro productions, wireless lavalier mics are now the go-to choice for anyone creating in front of (or even behind) the camera. They usually sound great, offer hands-free flexibility and premium models come with extra features that will streamline your creative process.
Rode Best wireless mic for most people - runner up RØDE Wireless GO (Gen 3) Rode strikes a good balance between features and value with its third-generation Wireless Go kit. The mics offer pro-grade sound and match DJI’s advanced features like onboard storage, 32-bit float and universal compatibility with iPhones, Android, cameras and PCs — and all of that here costs less than the DJI Mic 2 and Mic 3. The kit even offers more onboard storage than its rival. There’s no Bluetooth here though (if that’s important to you), but the Gen 3 Go does connect wirelessly to other devices, such as the Rodecaster 2, giving you added flexibility if you’re already using the company’s other products. Perhaps most importantly — to creators with a visual eye, at least — this version of the Wireless Go comes in various vibrant colors to match your channel's theme or branding. I’m still a fan of DJI’s solid charging case and the way the receiver connects directly to the phone (the Rode’s either need a cold shoe mount accessory/case or they just dangle on the cable), but the Wireless Go is hugely popular for a reason. $186 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $200 at Best Buy
BOYA Best budget wireless mic BOYA Mini 2 Boya may not be a name as familiar as Rode or DJI, but the company has gained popularity with creators for making budget-friendly gear that blends essential features with decent performance. The Boya Mini 2 offers two teeny-tiny wireless mics with a receiver and a charging case for less than $50. Despite the price tag, the Boya Mini 2 offers noise cancellation that is effective enough without introducing any noticeable change to your voice. There’s also a companion app where you can tweak the EQ and switch between mono and stereo modes — a feature usually reserved for more expensive models. The claimed range is over 300 feet (100 meters), but in our testing it’s less reliable after about 200 feet (60 meters), but that’s still plenty for most use cases. With six hours battery life, extendable to 30 with the charging case, there’s a lot to like with the Boya Mini 2 for the price. $45 at Amazon
Sennheiser Pro Audio Best wired lav mic for most people Sennheiser Pro XS Lav (USB-C) If you prefer the reliability or aesthetic of a classic wired lavalier (“lav”) mic, our go-to pick is still the Sennheiser Pro XS. The convenience of a USB-C connector makes this a seamless choice for newer iPhones, most Androids and even PCs without the hit-and-miss experience of headphone adapters. Lav mics are strictly business and don’t tend to offer features such as gain control or noise reduction, but the Sennheiser Pro XS offers a pleasing neutral sound, which should work well for most standups, vlogs and spoken-word recordings. For the price point, it’s a more professional option than some of the rival 3.5mm offerings — but if you do prefer the more traditional connector, there’s also a “mobile” edition with a TRRS jack for $10 less. $49 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $61 at Best Buy
James Trew for Engadget Best budget wired lav mic PowerDeWise Lavalier Mic This was the first mic I bought when I started creating videos and podcasts and I still have it in my kit bag today. Ignore the unfamiliar brand name; this mic provides great sound and reliability at a price that’s hard to argue with. In the box, you’ll also find a six foot (two meter) extension cable, a magnetic lapel clip, an adaptor for cameras (TRRS to TRS) and a pouch to put it all in, making this even more of a bargain. The only downside for mobile users is that you’ll need a headphone adapter to connect this to your phone’s USB-C port. $25 at Amazon
James Trew for Engadget Best shotgun mic for most people Rode VideoMic NTG Of all Rode’s numerous shotgun mics, the VideoMic NTG is the one I keep going to when I need something that will get almost any job done. The USB connection makes it mobile friendly with included cables for iPhones and Android, but there’s a secondary analog output so it can be used with cameras or anything else with a 3.5mm input (including PCs and mixing desks). On-device controls include a high-pass filter, pad (to record at a lower level to avoid distortion), high-frequency boost and an option to record two versions at different volumes so you can maximise your gain but also have a back-up should that go into the red. The shotgun format makes it great for vlogs and social media creators but the VideoMic NTG is versatile enough to also be the main mic for your laptop or PC that you can throw in your bag for an on-the-go podcasting option. $199 at Amazon
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