It is not a secret that if you want to attract more viewers and provide high-quality videos on your YouTube channel, do not forget that audio quality is just as important as video quality.
As a reason, we reviewed the best Microphones for YouTube and vlogging.
Related Articles
The fact is that most YouTube vloggers are using built-in camera microphones, and they are not bothering to buy a separate one with higher audio quality.
Here’s the kicker:
Microphones that are installed in the cameras typically have lower audio quality and can transfer unnecessary sounds very quickly.
So if you want to find out what are the top microphones for YouTube in 2023, continue reading this article.
Our Favorite Mics for YouTube
Types of Microphones
If you don’t know what kind of microphone you need for your vlogs – read this section carefully. I’m going to review all types of microphones for recording Youtube Videos, and I hope it will help you to pick the correct one.
Remember: When choosing the right microphone for your YouTube videos, there is no right or wrong way to do this.
With so many types of microphones, you can get a bit overwhelmed, so always try to the consulate with the provider or just read this review, which will help you to find out what is best for your YouTube vlogging quality.
Lavalier Microphones
Also known as Lapel microphones, the Lavalier mics are small hand-sized microphones usually unobtrusively clipped on clothing.
Great for vlogging, this kind of microphone comes in handy when you are filming alone or interviewing another person. Besides, if you put this microphone correctly, it can be invisible and barely noticeable. This could be one of the best microphones for recording your vlog or even the podcast.
Purchased as either a wired or wireless lay mic, the microphone is used by a lot of vloggers who move around.
All in all, this is a very common microphone that is being used all over the world on any occasion, not only for YouTube vlogging. It is very comfortable because you can walk, talk and record your voice into this microphone, as it is hands-free.
As they are small and have excellent quality, they can be used with any type of camera or even a smartphone.
Smartphone Microphones
Although there are not the highest quality options when it comes to microphones, smartphone microphones are popularly used by vloggers.
Mostly used by beginners who are on a tight budget, the smartphone microphone is ideal for most scenarios.
You can use it to record interviews, basic demos, any type of vlogs, or even improve the presence of conference calls.
Shotgun Microphones
This is quite a different type of microphone than the Lavalier.
Unlike Lavalier mics, the Shotgun microphones are literally attached to your camera and protrude towards you, thus the name shotgun.
Mostly mounted on DSLR or mirrorless cameras, the microphone is perfect for vloggers filming outdoors or just away from your computer.
This type of microphone is an excellent choice for video creators if you want to avoid all additional sounds except your voice. The tone of your voice goes straight into the directional capsule, and it has a “defense” to all additional sounds.
Besides, if you cannot get closer to get a particular sound of an object that you are filming – this microphone can get handy for you. The shotgun microphone captures the sound from a distance easily and without any additional sounds – so it is making like a “sound tunnel” and captures the sound.
USB Microphones
Last but not least are the USB microphones.
These microphones are mostly used by YouTubers and Vloggers, who are usually working near a computer.
Moreover, they are also used when recording with a webcam or an exterior camera on a tripod.
The microphones are perfect for product demonstrations, music, gaming walkthroughs, interviews, commentaries tutorials, among others, and sure podcasting.
Best Microphones for YouTube
| Name | Short Description | Check |
|---|---|---|
Rode SmartLav+ Omnidirectional | TOP Lavalier Microphone for YouTube Videos | Price |
PowerDeWise Professional | Best Cheap Lavalier Microphone for Vlogging | Price |
RODE Wireless Go Compact | Best Wireless Lavalier Mic System for Vlogging | Price |
Shure MV88+ Video Kit | Best Smartphone Microphone for Making Vlogs (Android / iOS) | Price |
Comica Video Kit | Best Budget Friendly Vlogging Microphone for Smartphones | Price |
Rode VideoMic NTG Shotgun | Best On-Camera Microphone Under $300 | Price |
Rode VideoMic with Rycote Shock Mount | Best Shotgun Microphone for YouTube Videos Under $200 | Price |
Rode VideoMic Go | Best On-Camera Microphone for Daily Vlogging Under $100 | Price |
TAKSTAR SGC-598 | Best Camera Microphone for Vlogging Under $50 | Price |
Rode VideoMic Pro+ | Best DSLR Camera Microphone Under $300 | Price |
Blue Yeti | Best USB Microphone for Streaming Under $300 | Price |
Blue Snowball | Best USB Microphone for YouTube Beginners Under $100 | Price |
TONOR TC-777 | Best USB Microphone for Streaming, Gaming Under $50 | Price |
Audio-Technica AT4050 | Perfect Microphone for Recording Podcasts for YouTube | Price |
AKG Pro Audio C214 | Perfect Microphone for Recording Vocals | Price |
Lavalier Microphones for YouTube Videos
Rode SmartLav+ Omnidirectional – TOP Lavalier Microphone for YouTube Videos
Do you record your YouTube videos using smartphones, tablets, or cameras? Then Rode SmartLav + might be the best microphone for you.
Known to offer excellent sound, the microphone is ideal for online meetings, podcasts, interviews, and even recording vocal demos or daily podcasts outside.
The best part is the condenser capsules enable you to capture clear sound in any scenario, such as a windy or noisy environment.
What’s more, this microphone has the same audio quality as a USB microphone, meaning you can record audio sound from all directions of the mic.
DESIGN:Made out of premium plastic and metal blend, Rode SmartLav+ has a compact and robust design. It has a black cable with two jacks’ cable range and includes a carry pouch, clip and foam cover.
- Acoustic Principle: Permanently Polarised Condenser
- Active Electronics: JFET
- Capsule: 10″ Condenser Microphone
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 60Hz – 18kHz
- Output Impedance: 3 0Ω
- Maximum SPL: 110dB SPL
- Maximum Output Level: 189 mV
- Sensitivity: 35 dB +/- 2 dB
- Equivalent Noise Level: 27dB
- Weight: 6 g / 0,01 lb
- Output: TRRS jack
- Power Option: Supplied by a camera, smartphone, or tablet
- Low self-noise
- Compatible with smartphones
- Great quality
- Has a foam pop shield
- It sounds clear and natural
- It has a short cable which may require an extension
- Omnidirectional
Despite being omnidirectional, Rode SmartLav+ is one of the TOP Lavalier microphones out there. From its great design, amazing compatibility across all devices, and excellent audio quality, you also get other essential features making it ideal for YouTubers and vloggers. Aside from being an exceptional and best microphone for YouTube videos, you do get your money’s worth.
Check the Price
PowerDeWise Professional – Best Cheap Lavalier Microphone for Vlogging
Have you been searching for a dependable cheap lavalier microphone to conduct a YouTube interview, video conference, or podcast? Then look no further than the PowerDeWise Professional Grand Lavalier Microphone.
Perfect for the home, office, or outside activities, the microphone records clean and clear sound due to its noise cancellation enabling you to have flawless results.
With no batteries or drivers required to work with your smartphone, all you need is to plug the jack, start recording and when you are done, unplug to listen.
DESIGN:Black in color, this particular microphone is compact, meaning it easily fits in your pocket, or you can keep it in a storage case.
Designed with extra durable wind muff and metal clips, the microphone is truly well built and sturdy. Made to work with Android and Apple devices, the 3.5mm jack can also work with laptops and Windows PCs when an adapter is included.
- Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient
- Active Electronics: JFET
- Capsule: Condenser Microphone 0.10″
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Output Impedance: 350Ω
- Maximum SPL: 140dB SPL
- Maximum Output Level: 0dBu
- Sensitivity: 46dB +/- 2 dB
- Equivalent Noise Level: 25dB-A
- Weight: 30 g / 0,06 lb
- Output: 5 mm TRRS jack
- Power Option: Supplied by a camera, smartphone or tablet
- Low self-noise
- Compatible with smartphones
- Great quality
- Has a foam pop shield
- It sounds clear and natural
- Extra cable
- Basic wind protection
If you have been just introduced in the world of Lavalier lapel microphones, PowerDeWise Professional Grand is a great microphone to start with, especially for a super good price. It provides good signal clarity for a decent 10 feet distance and it’s easy to use since you only plug and play.
Check the Price
RODE Wireless Go Compact – Best Wireless Lavalier Mic System for Vlogging
According to our test, RODE wireless Go is the best wireless Lavalier mics in the market for vloggers, YouTubers, filmmakers, on-camera presenters, and many more in 2023.
Built to provide excellent sound quality, the mic is easy to set up as well as travel with due to its wireless nature.
Available in two colors, black and white, the Wireless Go offers secure digital transmission and easy operability for anyone using it. That means you don’t need to use a menu, but just press a button and you are all set to record.
Note that the mic is extremely versatile as you can use it both indoors as well as outdoors.
DESIGN:When it comes to design, the Wireless Go is ultra-compact, and super-lightweight, meaning it is easily clipped on clothing or your camera’s cold-shoe mount. Additionally, the mic includes two fur windshields meant to minimize noise from wind and rustling clothes.
On top of that, at the auto pairs, there is a transmitter and a receiver, which are both the same size. Both of them have rechargeable internal batteries charged via USB-C and can serve you for around 7 hours.
On the transmitter, two blue LED lights show the power and are linked to the receiver as well as an inbuilt microphone. To top it off, you get a 3.5mm input usually used to plug in a lavalier microphone.
- Acoustic Principle: Pre-polarised pressure transducer
- Active Electronics: JFET
- Capsule: Electret Condenser Microphone
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 100dB SPL (1kHz @ 1m)
- Maximum Output Level: + 3dBu
- Sensitivity: 35 dB
- Equivalent Noise Level: 8dB
- Weight: 31 g / 0,06 lb
- Output: 5 mm TRS
- Power Option: Battery/ USB connection
- The systems are extremely compact
- Easy to use
- Has a great audio quality
- The micon the transmitter is a great touch
- Can mount on the hot shoe of the camera
- Wireless mic
- There is no locking system on the microphone input socket
Though there is the possibility of the lavalier mic being pulled out of the 3.5mm input, the RODE Wireless Go is still one of the best wireless microphones to buy. Apart from it being easy to use, you can travel it with you anywhere without worrying about any extra weight. Generally speaking, a wireless system will make you feel much easier and more comfortable while recording a video blog.
Check the Price
TOP Microphones for Filming with a Smartphone
Shure MV88+ Video Kit – Best Smartphone Microphone for Making Vlogs (Android / iOS)
If you usually use a smartphone to record your YouTube videos, then there is no better microphone to own than the Shure MV88+.
One of the best smartphone microphones any vlogger may need, the MV88 + has all you require to capture great content anywhere, at any time.
A legendary name in the manufacturing industry, Shure is known for making top-notch studio equipment and has not been disappointed when it comes to microphones.
Apart from the MV88+, the kit also includes a small tripod, shoe mount, wind guard as well as a headphones jack.
DESIGN:One unique factor about the microphone’s design is that it pocket- friendly, solid, and simple to use.
There’s no power button and you don’t need to swap a battery since it draws the power from your smartphone.
At the back of the mic is a 3.5 mm jack that enables you to hear live levels as you are recording. Next to the jack is a micro USB port that connects the microphone directly to your smartphone or tablet.
- Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient
- Active Electronics: JFET
- Capsule: 2 x Condenser Microphone
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Output Impedance: 17Ω
- Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL
- Maximum Output Level: 10 dBu
- Sensitivity: 37dBFS/Pa
- Equivalent Noise Level: 4 dB
- Weight: 5 g (with windscreen)/ 79 g (0,17 lb) (without windscreen)
- Output: 5 mm monitor output
- Power: Supplied by smartphones
- It has a built-in headphones output
- Compatible with most iPhones and Android devices
- Premium audio quality
- The phone mount is compatible with any tripod
- Comes with different accessories such as USB-C- cable, phone clamp, roll-up bag, etc.
- A bit pricey
- Tripod adjustment hard to press
Although it is not compatible with all Android devices, the Shure MV88+ is still a great piece of kit and adds amazing sound to videos. So, are you ready to take your vlogging career on your smartphone to the next level? Then invest in the MV88+ today.
Check the Price
Comica Video Kit – Best Budget-Friendly Vlogging Microphone for Smartphones
A perfect handheld microphone for YouTubers and vloggers on a tight budget. The Comica CVM-VM10-K2 will provide a better shooting experience when it comes to sound.
Created to make your video have that professional touch, the microphone has a frequency response that gives you a wide audible range.
Also, the SPL of 100 dB enables you to record louder sounds without any unnecessary noise.
Known to support all smartphones with a 3.5 mm audio input jack, the mic comes with other accessories. These include a tripod, wind muff to pair with a windscreen for outdoor uses, a flexible smartphone clamp, a portable case, an audio output cable for smartphones, and a user manual.
DESIGN:Purely meant to operate with smartphones, the Comica CVM-VM10-K2 microphone is small and lightweight. Made of Aluminum Alloy, the mic also comes with a super shield and anti-interference function.
What’s more, the mic has a professional shock absorption stand made of silica gel. The gel is there to avoid any shaking while you record your YouTube videos.
