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 2025: 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.
James Trew for Engadget Best wireless mic for most people DJI Mic 2 DJI’s first wireless mic kit was a hit with YouTubers and the DJI Mic 2 only builds on that success with a sleek new design and some handy new features. The standard kit includes two wireless microphones and a receiver that connects either via USB-C or Lightning. The mics sound great with a range of up to 820 feet (250 meters), plus DJI added Bluetooth connectivity so you can record without the receiver or directly to other gadgets you might already own, such as the latest Osmo camera. As before, the transmitters also have onboard storage so you can record even without a phone, and an extended battery life (six hours, extendable to 18 via the charging case) — that’s a lot of flexibility in your pocket. With some new pro-level features such as noise-cancellation and 32-bit float recording (which essentially eliminates the chance of ruining recording with the wrong volume setting) the DJI Mic 2 is a comprehensive option for a wide number of use cases. $342 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $350 at Best Buy
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. 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. $285 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $300 at Best Buy
BOYA Best budget wireless mic Boya Mini Wireless Lavalier Microphone 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 offers two teeny-tiny wireless mics with a receiver and a charging case for less than $50. Despite the price tag, the Boya Mini offers three levels of noise cancellation that are effective enough without introducing any noticeable change to your voice. On the other hand, there’s also an actual “voice changer” option, which is more of a novelty that most can likely ignore. 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 for the price. $45 at Amazon
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. $240 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $259 at Adorama
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