Best Android Microphones – Ranked and Tested

Selecting the right microphone is essential for anyone serious about capturing high-quality audio on an Android device.

Whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or content creator, relying on your phone’s built-in mic often results in subpar sound quality and unwanted background noise. To achieve professional-grade recordings, you need one of the best Android microphones.

In this article, you’ll discover the top-rated options for Android microphones, their standout features, and how they can significantly enhance your audio experience.

We’ve tested and ranked these podcast microphones based on sound quality, ease of use, and value for money. Whether you need a compact lavalier mic for interviews, a versatile condenser mic for music, or a robust shotgun mic for vlogging, we’ve identified the best choices for every need.

Let’s dive into the best Android microphones and find the perfect match for your recording requirements.

Best Android Microphones Upfront

• 👑 Top Choice: Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
• 🥇 Most Versatile: Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS Omni Condenser Microphone
• 💰 Best Budget Option: Movo PM10 Lavalier Microphone
• 🎶 Best for Stereo Recording: Zoom Am7 Stereo Microphone for Android
• 🎤 Best for Directional Recording: Rode VideoMic Me Compact TRRS Cardioid Mini-Shotgun Microphone

Types of Microphones Available for Android

Choosing the right microphone for your Android device can significantly enhance the quality of your audio recordings, whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or content creator.

Here are the main types of microphones available for Android devices:

Lavalier Microphones

Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel mics, are small, clip-on microphones ideal for hands-free recording. They are particularly useful for interviews, presentations, and vlogging.

These mics are omnidirectional, meaning they capture sound from all directions, making them perfect for capturing natural soundscapes and conversations. Their discreet design allows for easy concealment, which is beneficial for on-camera work where a visible microphone might be distracting.

For further information on how microphones work, you can check out this article by National Geographic.

Shotgun Microphones

Shotgun microphones are highly directional, designed to capture sound from a specific direction while minimizing noise from other sources. They are often used in video production and field recording where focused audio capture is essential.

Typically mounted on a camera or a boom pole, shotgun mics are great for outdoor recordings and interviews. Their long, cylindrical design helps isolate the desired sound source from background noise, providing clearer audio in noisy environments.

To learn more about using external microphones with mobile devices, you can read this article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are known for their sensitivity and wide frequency response, making them suitable for studio recordings, vocals, and acoustic instruments. These microphones require a power source, usually supplied by the Android device or an external battery.

Condenser mics can capture detailed and high-quality sound but are also more sensitive to background noise, which means they are best used in controlled environments like studios.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic microphones are robust and handle high sound pressure levels well, making them ideal for live performances and recording loud sound sources like drums and amplifiers.

They are less sensitive than condenser mics and do not require external power, making them durable and reliable for various recording scenarios. Their rugged design makes them perfect for use in dynamic and less controlled environments.

USB Microphones

USB microphones connect directly to your Android device via USB OTG (On-The-Go) cables, offering digital audio conversion and high-quality sound without the need for additional interfaces or adapters.

These mics are typically used for podcasting, voiceovers, and home studio recordings due to their ease of use and high sound quality. USB mics are a great choice for anyone looking to simplify their recording setup while maintaining professional audio quality.

Wireless Microphones

Wireless microphones provide the freedom of movement without the constraints of cables. They connect to your Android device via Bluetooth or dedicated wireless transmitters, making them ideal for dynamic environments such as presentations, fitness instructions, and on-the-go interviews.

Wireless mics offer flexibility and convenience, especially in situations where mobility is key.

#1 Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone For Smartphones

First off, we have a microphone by Rode, one of the most respected microphones and sound recording manufacturers in the world.

This comes with a reinforced cable that will allow you to feed this lapel mic up through your clothing without worrying about snagging and breaking the cable itself.

This is perfect for smartphone recording, all you need to do is plug it in and open your default sound recorder. This is ideal for anyone who does not like fiddling with microphones.

This comes with a solid clip that you can be sure will attach very securely to your clothing. The microphone itself is very discreet and you’ll hardly notice it when attached.

This comes with a very solid and durable 3.5mm jack that will slot easily into the headphone jack of most Android phones.

This comes with a few basic accessories that include a carry pouch that will enable you to take it from one place to another without it getting damaged.

Pros

• Durable – this is one of the most solid microphones that you can find on the market. It is made from durable plastic that you can be sure won’t snap if it gets snagged.
• Great for smartphone use – this comes with a jack that you can simply and easily plug into the headphone jack on your phone.
• Wind resistant – this is great if you want to record a podcast or conduct an interview in the great outdoors.
• 1-year warranty – this is great if you want to be sure that if your microphone breaks then you can easily have it fixed.

Cons

• Not that many features – if you want an Android mic that comes with a whole host of features, then you might want to search for a different model.

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones

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#2 Audio-Technica ATR3350xiS Omni Condenser Microphone

Next up, we have a microphone that comes with a jack and a TRS connection, making this one of the most versatile microphones that you can get on this list.

This comes with a few compact attachments that you can use to charge and record. This comes with a compact battery that will be perfect for discreet recording.

This comes with an omnidirectional microphone, which is perfect for group recordings. You can also plug in your headphones to monitor the quality of your sound.

This comes with a clothing clip, which is perfect for attaching this one right under your nose.

This comes with dual output, both mono and stereo. This versatility is great if you know how you’re going to be editing your audio.

This comes with a jack that you can easily use to hook up to your smartphone, tablet or laptop. This is great if you like to record across multiple platforms.

Pros

• Omnidirectional – picking up sound from all different directions is perfect if you are recording multiple people at the same time.
• Switching channels – if you need to switch channels, then this is the perfect microphone for you. You can even pan the sound between L and R channels.
• Separate battery pack – this comes with a separate battery unit that makes it very easy to charge this one up quickly and efficiently.
• Comes with a clip – you can be sure that you’ll have enough to anchor this clip to the inside of your shirt.

Cons

• Small – some users have reported that the controls on this microphone are very fiddly and they find it difficult to alter the sound options.

#3 Movo PM10 Lavalier Microphone

This next microphone comes with crystal clear audio recording, which is great if you want to use your phone as a professional audio recorder.

This comes with a simple plug-in-and-play operation. All you have to do is get this jacked into your phone and you’ll be able to record simply and quickly.

This is great for travel. If you are doing a travel blog and you want to keep your travel studio light, then we would recommend that you use this smartphone and mic setup.

This microphone comes with plenty of accessories including 2 foam windscreens, a clip and a carrying travel bag. This is ideal if you want to keep your delicate microphone away from the elements.

This does not require any batteries, you can charge it straight from your phone. This is ideal if you are looking for something that you won’t have to worry about charging after a few hours.

Pros

• Decent headphone jack – this will deliver you a very solid transfer of sound from your microphone straight to your phone.
• Great for traveling – if you are going to be taking this across the country, you can use your phone and mic for a studio.
• Good accessories – whether it is the lapel clip or the windscreens, you have plenty here to get a reliable and professional sound.
• No need for batteries – this is great if you don’t want to worry about using batteries in your phone.

Cons

• The clip isn’t secure – some users on Amazon have reported that this clip isn’t very sturdy, which will certainly cause problems if you are filming.

Movo PM10 Lavalier Microphone

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#4 Zoom Am7 Stereo Microphone For Android

This next microphone is something a little different from the others on our list. This one you can safely mount on your camera and it will still record in surround sound.

This camera is very secure and durable, giving you the option of mounting it to the top of your Android, which makes it ideal for both sound recording and filming.

This will deliver you a very professional sound recording, which is ideal if you are looking to record a podcast that will sound exactly like the ones you hear on your iTunes top ten list.

This will allow all directions of recording, whether it is at a 90, 180 or 270-degree angle. You can record a crowd of people or individuals with a high degree of clarity.

This comes with a slide wheel that will allow you to visually monitor the trajectory of your sound.

This will work with your camera app as well as most sound recording software that you can find on your Android. This is great for making podcasts while you are traveling.

Pros

• A solid design – when it comes to having the right design and build quality, then you won’t have to worry, this one will certainly survive its fair share of knocks and bangs.
• Free recording app – if you are looking for something that will be easy to use and record, then you should try the free Google app that comes with this microphone.
• Angled sound recording – if you want something that you can angle to record lots of different sounds at once, then this is a great model for you.
• Great price – considering the number of features that come with this microphone, it’s amazing how inexpensive this is.

Cons

• Too heavy – some users have claimed that this microphone makes their phone too heavy on one side, which is especially difficult when using a tripod.

Zoom Am7 Stereo Microphone for Android

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#5 Rode VideoMic Me Compact TRRS Cardioid Mini-Shotgun Microphone

Finally, we have something different from all the Android microphones that have come beforehand. This is a mini-shotgun microphone that you can easily clip into the housing of your phone.

This is a directional microphone that you can clip easily into your phone’s headphone jack. All you have to do is point your phone in the direction of whatever you want to record.

This will deliver high-quality sound, which is great if you are filming outdoors. This also comes with a windshield that you can use to reduce the amount of wind that you’ll get into your microphone.

This comes with a very easy-to-use microphone jack. All you have to do with this one is plug it in and start running your phone’s onboard sound recording software.

Pros

• Great design – this microphone is not only very high-definition, but it will also easily fit into your pocket.
• Jack plug-in – when it comes to easily plug in your microphone, then you can’t get easier than this one.
• Dead cat muffler – this comes with a muffler thrown in, which will help to protect your phone from the harsher wind elements.
• Durable – this is made from solid steel with protective mesh on the inside to stop any intrusive bits from getting into your phone.

Cons

• Too small – some users have complained that this microphone is too small and easily gets lost.

Rode VideoMic Me Compact TRRS Cardioid Mini-Shotgun Microphone

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Buyer’s Guide

When selecting the right microphone for your Android, focus on these key factors:

Durability and Ease of Use

Choose a microphone built with robust materials for long-term use. Opt for models with reinforced cables and sturdy mounts. Plug-and-play options are ideal for beginners.

Cost

Microphone prices range from $20 to $200. Budget options ($20-$50) suit basic needs, mid-range ($50-$100) offer better sound and build quality, while high-end models ($100+) provide professional features.

Connectivity

Ensure compatibility with your Android device. Microphones can connect via 3.5mm jack, USB-C, or Bluetooth. For newer phones without a 3.5mm jack, consider USB-C or wireless options.

Recording Environment

Select a microphone based on your recording setting. For noisy or outdoor environments, choose models with noise-canceling features or directional polar patterns. For indoor recordings, condenser mics with a wide frequency response are effective.

Additional Features

Look for built-in controls (volume, gain), included accessories (windshields, mounts), and software compatibility for adjusting settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Android microphone is essential for achieving professional-grade audio recordings. Understanding the various types and features helps you select the perfect mic for your needs, whether for podcasts, music, or vlogging.

Investing in a high-quality microphone enhances audio quality, making your content stand out. Focus on factors like durability, connectivity, and specific recording requirements to make an informed decision and elevate your recordings.