7 Best Microphones for Mobile Vlogging 2024

published on 10 October 2024

Looking for the perfect mic to boost your mobile vlogs? Here's a quick rundown of the top 7 options for 2024:

  1. Rode VideoMicro: Compact, affordable shotgun mic
  2. Shure MV88+ Video Kit: Pro-level stereo mic with accessories
  3. Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C: Simple, plug-and-play lavalier
  4. Hollyland LARK C1 DUO: Wireless system with dual transmitters
  5. Boya BY-V20: Budget-friendly wireless lavalier
  6. DJI Mic: High-end wireless with long range
  7. Rode Wireless Go II: Versatile dual-channel wireless system

Quick Comparison:

Microphone Type Best For Price Range
Rode VideoMicro Shotgun Budget vloggers $44 - $80
Shure MV88+ Stereo Condenser Pro audio $249
Sennheiser XS Lav Lavalier USB-C devices $60
Hollyland LARK C1 DUO Wireless Dual-person vlogs $179
Boya BY-V20 Wireless Lavalier Budget wireless $40
DJI Mic Wireless Long-range recording $329
Rode Wireless Go II Wireless Versatile use $299

Each mic has its strengths. Choose based on your needs: portability, audio quality, or budget. Remember to check compatibility with your devices before buying.

Rode VideoMicro

Rode VideoMicro

The Rode VideoMicro is a tiny shotgun mic that vloggers love. Here's why:

It's TINY:

  • 3.15 inches long
  • Weighs just 1.48 oz

You can literally stick this thing in your pocket.

What you get:

  • Supercardioid pickup pattern
  • 100Hz - 20kHz frequency response
  • No batteries needed (camera-powered)
  • Shock mount and fuzzy windshield included

Real-world test: We tried it outside the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Crazy noisy, but the mic still picked up clear audio.

Price: $44 - $80 (depends on the model)

Pros Cons
Super portable Not great with low frequencies
Cuts out background noise No fancy features
Cheap Need an extra cable for phones
Comes with outdoor windshield

Perfect for vloggers who:

  • Travel light
  • Are on a budget
  • Want something simple

"The VideoMicro II delivered." - PetaPixel

Quick tips:

  • Set audio levels manually
  • Turn off Automatic Gain Control
  • Use the windshield outside

Bottom line: The VideoMicro is a big step up from your phone or camera's built-in mic. It won't break the bank or weigh you down.

2. Shure MV88+ Video Kit

The Shure MV88+ Video Kit is a pro-level audio solution for mobile vloggers. Here's the scoop:

What's in the box:

  • MV88+ digital stereo mic
  • Mini tripod, phone clamp, cables
  • Windscreen and carrying case

Key specs:

  • 24-bit/48kHz recording
  • Multiple polar patterns
  • iOS and Android compatible

Price: $249

Pros Cons
Top-notch audio Expensive
Works with phones/tablets App needed for full features
Useful accessories Bulkier than some options

The MV88+ excels in interviews, live performances, field recording, and capturing vocals and instruments.

Pro tip: Get the free ShurePlus MOTIV app to adjust gain, polar patterns, and compression on the go.

"The Shure MV88+ microphone kit is filled with tools for capturing excellent audio wherever you go with your phone or tablet." - Tim Gideon, Contributing Editor, Audio

Bottom line: It's pricey, but the Shure MV88+ Video Kit delivers stellar audio and versatility for serious mobile content creators.

3. Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C

Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C

The Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C is a no-fuss lavalier mic for mobile content creators. Here's the scoop:

It's a $60 plug-and-play mic with an omnidirectional pickup pattern and a 2-meter cable. The frequency range is 70 - 18,000 Hz, with -16 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz.

You get the mic, a foam windscreen, a clip, and a pouch. It works with Windows, Linux, and Android devices with USB-C ports (or USB-A with an adapter).

Pros Cons
Easy setup Low gain and max SPL
Multi-device compatible Possible low volume on macOS
Good in noisy settings Limited mounting options

This mic shines in noisy environments, making it great for indoor and outdoor recording. It's compact and portable - perfect for vloggers on the move.

"I grab the XS Lav USB-C for quick self-tape videos or film festival press kits, recording straight to my iPad Air." - SoundGuys Review

The XS Lav USB-C is a solid choice for beginners or budget-conscious creators. It's not pro-level, but it's a big upgrade from built-in device mics.

Pro tip: When clipping this mic, remember it only mounts up or down - not sideways or tilted.

4. Hollyland LARK C1 DUO

Hollyland LARK C1 DUO

The Hollyland LARK C1 DUO is a game-changer for mobile vloggers. This wireless mic system packs a punch with two transmitters and a dual-channel receiver, perfect for capturing two voices at once.

Here's what you get:

  • 656-foot range
  • 8-hour battery life per transmitter
  • Noise cancellation tech
  • 48 kHz/16-bit audio quality

It's a breeze to use. Just plug it in and start recording. The receiver hooks up to your iOS device's Lightning port, powering itself while it grabs audio.

Want to tweak your setup? The LarkSound app lets you adjust volume and toggle noise cancellation. Handy for those windy or noisy shoots.

Pros Cons
Long range iOS only (Lightning port)
Good battery life Pricier than some rivals
Noise cancellation Might need adapter for non-iOS
Compact and light

At $179, it's not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. The charging case gives you an extra 24 hours of juice - perfect for long shoots or travel.

"Excellent quality, great battery life, and on-the-go recharging with the case."

This system shines for interviews, two-person vlogs, or any time you need clear audio from multiple sources. Clip on the transmitters, plug in the receiver, and you're good to go.

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5. Boya BY-V20 Wireless Lavalier

Boya BY-V20

The Boya BY-V20 is a compact wireless mic system that's perfect for mobile vloggers. It's a dual-channel setup with two transmitters and one receiver - great for two-person vlogs or interviews.

Here's what makes it stand out:

  • 2.4GHz wireless with a 50-meter range
  • 9-hour battery life on transmitters
  • USB-C charging port on receiver
  • Noise reduction mode

It's super easy to use. Just plug in the receiver and start recording. Works with most Android devices with a USB-C port.

The noise reduction button on the transmitter is a game-changer for noisy environments. It cuts out background noise, making your voice crystal clear.

Here's a quick spec breakdown:

Feature Spec
Weight Transmitter: 9.5g, Receiver: 6g
Battery Life 9 hours (transmitter)
Charging Time 2 hours
Frequency Response 20Hz-16kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 80dB
Sensitivity -42dB

At $39.99, it's budget-friendly for new vloggers or those watching their wallet.

It's also super portable. The transmitters and receiver are light and small - easy to toss in your bag.

One thing to note: it's designed for Android. iOS users will need to look elsewhere or use an adapter.

The USB-C charging port on the receiver is a nice touch. You can charge your phone while recording, so you won't run out of battery mid-shoot.

Bottom line: The Boya BY-V20 packs a punch with its features, portability, and price. It's a solid choice for mobile vloggers in 2024.

6. DJI Mic

DJI Mic

The DJI Mic is a game-changer for mobile vloggers. Why? It delivers pro-level audio without the headaches.

Here's what you get:

  • Two transmitters
  • One receiver
  • A charging case

But that's just the start.

This little powerhouse boasts a 250-meter range and 6+ hours of battery life. Plus, it packs 8GB of storage - that's 14 hours of recording time.

And the audio quality? It's next-level. The DJI Mic captures 32-bit float audio and uses smart noise cancellation. Translation: Your vlogs will sound crisp and clear, even in noisy environments.

Using it is a breeze. Clip it on, and you're set. The touchscreen receiver makes tweaks simple.

Vlogging outdoors? Don't sweat it. The included windscreens have got you covered.

Now, let's talk DJI Mic vs. DJI Mic 2:

Feature DJI Mic DJI Mic 2
Battery Life 5.5 hours 6+ hours
Charging Case Battery 2,600 mAh 3,250 mAh
Recharge Time Not specified About 1 hour
Price $329 $350

The DJI Mic 2 costs a bit more but offers better battery life and faster charging.

One killer feature? The 32-bit float audio. It's a lifesaver in post-production, letting you fix audio levels without losing quality.

The DJI Mic plays nice with iPhones, Android phones, and cameras. It's like the Swiss Army knife of mics.

At $329, it's not cheap. But for vloggers serious about audio quality, it's worth every penny.

7. Rode Wireless Go II

Rode Wireless Go II

The Rode Wireless Go II is a game-changer for mobile vloggers. This compact system packs two transmitters and one receiver, offering a 200-meter range and 7 hours of battery life.

Here's what makes it stand out:

  • Tiny transmitters (1.7 x 1.8 x 0.7 inches, 1.1 ounces)
  • Clear audio (50Hz to 20kHz)
  • Works with cameras, phones, and tablets (MFi-certified)
  • 40 hours of onboard recording

Compared to the DJI Mic:

Feature Rode Wireless Go II DJI Mic
Range 200 meters 250 meters
Internal storage 40 hours 14 hours
Price $299 $329

The Wireless Go II is a clip-and-go solution. But it's not perfect:

Pros:

  • Small and light
  • Great sound
  • Versatile connections

Cons:

  • No XLR inputs
  • No headphone jack
  • Tricky app

Tim Gideon, Contributing Editor for Audio, says:

"The unique Rode Wireless Go II allows for easy two-mic wireless recording on the go, and works with cameras, smartphones, and tablets."

Pro tip: Use the furry windshields outdoors to cut wind noise.

At $299, it's an investment. But for vloggers needing quality audio on the move, it's worth considering.

Good and Bad Points

Let's break down each mic's pros and cons for mobile vlogging:

Microphone Pros Cons Price
Rode VideoMicro Small, compact, windshield + shock mount, affordable Poor near-field, less ideal with Canon DSLRs, needs special smartphone cables Not specified
Shure MV88+ Video Kit Stereo USB condenser, tripod + cables included, adjustable placement Pricier, app needed for advanced features $249
Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C Clip-on, USB-C, good for interviews USB-C only, may pick up clothing rustle Not specified
Hollyland LARK C1 DUO Wireless, dual transmitters, compact Limited battery, potential RF interference Not specified
Boya BY-V20 Wireless Lavalier Affordable, good for movement, compact Not great for multi-person, long cables, LR44 battery only Not specified
DJI Mic 250m range, 14hr internal storage, charging case Expensive, larger transmitters $329
Rode Wireless Go II Dual transmitters, 200m range, 7hr battery No XLR/headphone jack, tricky app $299

When picking a mic, think about:

1. Size: VideoMicro and BY-V20 are tiny.

2. Sound: MV88+ and Wireless Go II sound great.

3. Flexibility: DJI Mic and Wireless Go II are wireless wonders.

4. Cost: BY-V20 and VideoMicro won't break the bank.

5. Battery: DJI Mic lasts longest, Wireless Go II gives you 7 hours.

Tim Gideon, Audio Editor, says about the Rode Wireless Go II:

"The unique Rode Wireless Go II allows for easy two-mic wireless recording on the go, and works with cameras, smartphones, and tablets."

Outdoor vloggers: MV88+ has a foam shield, Wireless Go II comes with furry windshields.

Check device compatibility. XS Lav USB-C? USB-C only. Others might need adapters.

Wrap-up

Let's break down the top mobile vlogging mics for 2024:

Microphone Best For Key Feature Price
Rode VideoMicro Budget vloggers Compact, windshield -
Shure MV88+ Video Kit Stereo recording Adjustable, tripod $249
Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C USB-C devices Direct connection $59
Hollyland LARK C1 DUO Dual interviews Wireless, dual transmitters -
Boya BY-V20 Wireless Lavalier Budget wireless Affordable -
DJI Mic Long-range 250m range, 14hr storage $329
Rode Wireless Go II Versatile wireless Dual transmitters, 200m range $299

Starting out? Grab the Rode VideoMicro. Want top-notch audio? The Shure MV88+ Video Kit's got you covered.

For wireless freedom, it's a toss-up between the DJI Mic (longer range) and Rode Wireless Go II (more compact).

USB-C user? The Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C is your plug-and-play buddy. Tight budget but need wireless? Check out the Boya BY-V20.

Pick the mic that fits your needs and budget. Happy vlogging!

FAQs

Which mic is best for vlogging?

Picking the right mic for vlogging isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on what you need and how much you can spend. Here's a quick look at some top choices:

Microphone Best For Key Feature Price
Rode VideoMic GO II Budget vloggers Great sound, low cost $100
Shure MV88+ Video Kit Smartphone users Pro audio, compact $249
Rode Wireless Go II Mobile vloggers Dual transmitters, long range $299
DJI Mic 2 Long-range recording Bluetooth, noise reduction -
Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C USB-C devices Direct connection $60

Just starting out? The Rode VideoMic GO II is a good bet. It's a camera-mounted shotgun mic that won't break the bank.

Using a smartphone? Check out the Shure MV88+ Video Kit. It comes with everything you need to get rolling.

Want to move around while you vlog? Wireless mics like the Rode Wireless Go II or DJI Mic 2 might be your thing. They let you roam free while recording.

"Good sound can make or break your vlog. It's what keeps viewers watching and coming back for more."

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