Let’s be honest – one of the main lacking features of any iPhone model is its built-in microphone. No serious recorder wants to record audio from the microphone on an iPhone, whether it’s for a podcast, vlog, music, or an interview.
So, when you’re out and about and need to use your iPhone to capture something, you need a decent microphone that attaches to the smartphone to pick up the best quality sound.
While this equipment might sound too good to be true, these microphones do exist, and they’re a must-have for any audio recorder!
If you’re looking for a microphone to attach to your iPhone and record your podcast on the go, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our guide to help you find the best microphone for iPhone!
Best Podcast Microphones for 2023
#1 Rode VideoMic Me-L – Best Iphone Microphone
Designed primarily for video work, the VideoMic Me-L connects via Lightning and offers high-quality directional audio capture. It comes with a windshield for outdoor recording.
Specifications:
- Connector: Lightning
- Polar Pattern: Directional
- Dimensions: 74 x 20 x 25mm (2.8 x 0.7 x 1 inches)
- Weight: 27g (1oz)
Why Buy?
✔️ Value for money
✔️ Sturdy and well-crafted
✔️ Compact and lightweight
Considerations:
❌ Exclusively for Apple devices
Overview:
The Rode VideoMic Me-L is a top contender for those in search of quality without breaking the bank. With a solid build, superior audio capture, and user-friendly design, it stands out in the affordable category. Directly connect it to your iPhone using the Lightning port and benefit from its added 3.5mm headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring. The package also includes a phone clip and a windshield for outdoor recordings.
#2 Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone – Top Auido Quality
A popular choice for many iPhone users, the MV88 offers detailed sound quality with five preset DSP modes (Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic Instrument, Loud). It’s versatile, compact, and plugs directly into the iPhone using a Lightning connector.
Usability:
- Audio Quality: Records in 48 kHz/24-bit, delivering near-professional, crisp and clear recordings.
- Modes: Cardioid mode for focused direction, bidirectional for multi-directional capture, or use both modes for a stereo-sounding outcome.
- Integration: Pairs perfectly with the Shure Motiv app, reducing post-production work and offering versatile control over recording parameters.
Build:
- Compatibility: Similar to the Rode VideoMic Me L, the MV88’s Lightning connector might be too short for some phone cases, requiring removal before connection.
- Durability: Boasts a sturdy metal construction.
Speciality:
- Accessories: Comes with an effective windscreen for noise reduction during recordings.
- Monitoring: While it lacks a headphone jack due to Apple’s design choices, Bluetooth headphones can be used for audio monitoring with high-quality sound.
- Performance: Can handle sound levels up to 120 dB without distortion, ensuring clear and dynamic audio capture.
Pros:
✔️ Superior sound quality for professional-grade recordings.
✔️ Versatile cardioid and bidirectional capsules.
✔️ Time-saving integration with Shure Motiv app.
✔️ Durable and robust design.
✔️ Compact windscreen for minimalistic design.
Cons:
❌ Short Lightning connector requires removal of phone cases.
❌ Reliance on Bluetooth for audio monitoring may introduce latency.
Specifications:
- Form Factor: Mobile Mic
- Sound Field: Mono, Stereo
- Capsule: Condenser
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Output Connectors (Digital): Lightning
- Headphone Connector: None
#3 Maybesta Professional Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone For iPhone
If you’re looking for a microphone that is easy to set up, look no further than the Maybesta microphone.
This microphone doesn’t come with an adapter or Bluetooth connection, because it simply doesn’t need it. Instead, the receiver is simply plugged into the lightning port of the iPhone, and the microphone is paired automatically.
This means that you can hold the microphone to yourself or another person without having to move either the receiver or the iPhone itself – the microphone can be used simply as a handheld one.
Plus, the wireless receiver has a lightning port (and appropriate charging cable) that is compatible with iPhones and other Apple products like iPads.
The iPhone microphones audio quality itself is fantastic thanks to its high density sponge and sensitive microphone, ensuring that it picks up every detail at a crisp, clear quality.
It’s also equipped with noise reduction technology, which is designed to cut off interference during the recording session.
When testing this product, we appreciated its versatility. It can be used as a handheld microphone or it can attach to your shirt, and it has a signal range of 50 feet. So, if someone else is holding your iPhone, you can interview or record while away from it.
Pros:
- Easy connection – Attaches to any Apple device with a lightning port
- Wireless – Don’t have to worry about tangled wires or staying close to the receiver
- Good quality – Produces fantastic audio quality
Cons:
- Only for certain devices – Doesn’t attach to a device without a lightning port
#4 Ttstar Lavalier Lapel Professional Microphone For iPhone
If you’re not too bothered about a wire, then check out the Ttstar iPhone microphone. This microphone is designed to attach to any IOS device thanks to its lighting port connectivity.
While some might not appreciate the wire, the wire is covered by an anti-tensile cable that prevents breakages.
Plus, the wire means that you don’t have to worry about charging the microphone or receiver. Simply plug it into your iPhone, and you’re ready to go!
This is ideal for recording YouTube videos, interviews, and quick snippets for podcasts. The wire is 6.6 feet long, with enough room to move further away from the iPhone.
As for the audio quality, this microphone is equipped with a high-quality anti-interference cable and technology, which is designed to prevent sounds that interfere with the microphone while recording.
It’s also equipped with an anti-friction windshield (which also helps to reduce interference) and 360-degree recording.
When testing this product, we liked how the highly sensitive microphone head picks up sounds from every angle to prevent muffling (see also ‘Why Does My Mic Sound Muffled?‘) and distortion. This was ideal for recording podcasts, interviews, and vlogs.
Pros:
- No charging needed – Long wire means the microphone is ready to use without charging
- High-quality – Excellent audio quality with 360-degree recording and anti-interference technology
- Versatile – Can be hand-held or clipped to shirt
Cons:
- Wire – Some might not like the idea of a wire being in shot
#5 ZealSound USB Microphone
If you’re looking for something a little more sturdy than a hand-held microphone, take a look at this Zealsound microphone.
This stereo microphone is reminiscent of traditional recording microphones for music and podcasts, making this an ideal option for those starting out in the world of podcasting.
The microphone attaches to virtually any device thanks to its included USB cable, Type C adapter, and lightning adapter, making it the most versatile microphone on our list in terms of compatibility.
So, if you need to connect the microphone to your iPhone or laptop, the options are there.
This microphone is sturdy, equipped with an external stand base made of metal that keeps the microphone upright without having to hold it.
It comes with a mute button, an adjustable volume knob, a noise-canceling chip, and an LED light to show when it’s on. It also comes with a foam head to further prevent sound interference.
When testing this product, we were pleasantly surprised by how professional it feels to use. Despite its budget-friendly cost, this microphone is ideal for podcasters as well as streamers, gamers, online meetings, recording music, and even recording ASMR.
Pros:
- Professional microphone – Reminiscent of professional studio microphones thanks to brilliant audio quality
- Sturdy base – Comfortably sits on desk without having to hold or move the microphone
- Versatile compatibility – Comes with three different ports to connect to virtually any device
Cons:
- Portability – Not as portable as hand-held and wireless microphones
#6 Ckokc 2-in-1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone
What’s better than one microphone? Two microphones, of course! Sure, not everyone needs two microphones to record at one time, but the fact this product comes with two microphones means you can always keep one on charge while using the other.
So, you never have to worry about having to wait for your microphone to charge!
These microphones are equipped with fantastic 360-degree sound delivery, picking up crisp and clear audio from every angle. The noise reduction chips help to prevent interference, ensuring good quality recording no matter the weather or environment.
As wireless microphones, they have a connective distance of up to an impressive 65 feet, which is the longest distance for a wireless product on our list.
So, if you’re recording someone for an interview or YouTube video, you don’t have to worry about being too close to the iPhone and receiver.
When testing this product, we were especially pleased with the 6-hour-long battery time of each microphone. Not only did this mean we could record for hours at a time, but we could double that recording time with the second charged microphone.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 – Two microphones means one can remain charged while the other is in use
- Wireless – Don’t have to worry about a visible wire thanks to the long connection distance
- Great sound quality – Provides a crisp, clear sound from every angle, and automatically reduces interference
Cons:
- Very small – Make sure to always keep the microphones in their respective case to avoid losing them
#7 Mercase USB Condenser Microphone
If you’re a streamer or podcaster who doesn’t want to hold a microphone during your recording session, check out this Mercase microphone.
Equipped with a sturdy metal base, the microphone simply sits on a desk and doesn’t need to be moved to pick up sounds from a 360-degree angle. This is also ideal for online meetings and recording music.
This microphone is compatible with a range of devices, as it can connect with a Type C adapter, USB port, and a lightning port.
So, it doesn’t just need to be attached to an iPhone to work – it can also connect with a laptop, desktop computer, iPad, and more! It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack to allow you to hear the audio through headphones.
As for the audio quality, this microphone has a sensitive head and anti-interference technology thanks to a noise reduction mode, allowing all audio to sound crisp, clear, and free from interference.
It is also equipped with an adjustable echo effect (see also ‘How To Stop Echo On A Mic‘) and volume dial located at the front of the microphone.
When testing this product, we enjoyed playing around with the echo effect to allow for reverberation sound. We also liked the removable foam head, which helps to reduce even more interference.
Pros:
- Professional microphone – Used in professional settings like studio recording sessions
- Compatible – Versatile connectivity with multiple devices
- Great sound quality – Crisp and clear audio that is adjustable
Cons:
- Portability – Not as easily transported compared to wireless microphones
Buyer’s Guide
Buying a microphone for an iPhone isn’t too difficult a task, but there are some things to consider when looking for one.
Compatibility
There’s no point in buying a microphone that isn’t compatible with your iPhone. Fortunately, most microphones for iPhones come with a lightning port, which is the default port for iPhones.
If you want the option to connect the microphone to other devices, however, then look out for a product that has multiple connectivity options, such as a USB port and Type C adapter. These microphones are typically the standing ones.
Sound Quality
Above all else, you need to prioritize the sound quality of the microphone. Look out for microphones that pick up 360-degree audio, so you don’t have to point the microphone a certain way to get sound.
Also, make sure the microphone has anti-interference technology. This prevents cracking and distortion from external sounds, such as weather or technology faults.
Before you start recording a YouTube video, podcast episode, or before you tune into a Zoom meeting, make sure to test the sound quality first.
Wireless vs Wired
This mostly comes down to personal preference, as there are pros and cons to wireless and wired microphones.
Wireless microphones are great for portability and not having to worry about a wire getting in the way, but they require regular charging.
Wired microphones mean you have less freedom of movement thanks to the wire, but these microphones don’t require charging. You simply plug them in and they’re good to go!
Hand-held vs Standing
This also comes down to personal preference. Hand-held microphones are typically small and are good for moving the microphone to different sound sources, such as an interviewee. These microphones can often clip to your shirt for convenience.
Standing microphones, however, mean you don’t have to constantly move the microphone around, allowing for an even amount of audio at all times. These are especially useful for recording podcasts or gaming.
However, they aren’t as portable as hand-held microphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use External mic with iPhone?
Yes, you can use an external microphone with an iPhone, as long as the microphone is compatible with the device. As every iPhone model has a lightning port, you’ll need to find an external mic with a lightning port adapter to connect to the iPhone.
Does iPhone have a Good Microphone?
The built-in microphone on an iPhone isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s not great. While it’s fine for communicating with others, the quality isn’t comparable to a microphone.
So, if you’re recording a podcast, YouTube video, music, or streaming, then you should invest in an external microphone instead.
