Best Microphones for iPhone of 2021 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Considering how amazing iPhone camera quality is, it comes as no surprise that people are using their iPhones for making YouTube videos and other professional content. 

While it does a great job of capturing the video, your iPhone probably lacks in the audio department. 

A quick and simple solution to this problem is buying an external microphone. Not only do these microphones improve the audio quality, but they are also very easy to work with.

In this article, we’ll mention the best microphones for iPhone 2021 that you can use for your next podcast or video. 

Comparison Table of Best Microphones for iPhone 

Here’s a comparison table of the best microphones on our list with their prominent features. 

Best Microphones for iPhone 2021

1. Shure MV88 Portable iOS Microphone: Best Overall 

When it comes to microphones, you have to start by mentioning Shure as the company has a reputation for making some of the best microphones in the market. 

This MV88 is a portable microphone that connects to your iPhone with a lightning connector and lets you record crisp audio. 

Since the mic is Apple MFi-certified, it can be used with all iOS devices. While recording, you often have to travel a distance, and carrying extra equipment only makes things different.

Luckily, this microphone is compact and can be carried in your pocket. You can take it around wherever you are recording your next short film or podcast. 

Also, it is fully adjustable so you can tilt or rotate it as you want. Often, to get the best sound quality, you have to rotate or flip the microphone in a certain direction. This mic lets you do that with ease.

In addition, it is compatible with two apps from the App Store: ShurePlus MOTIV audio and ShurePlus MOTIV video. Using the apps, you can customize the recording experience for the best performance. 

The mic comes with an attached windscreen, which keeps the wind noise out. Whether you are shooting outdoors or indoors with the fan on, you won’t have to worry about the background noise. 

Thanks to its metal construction, the microphone are built to last. Engineered to meet the needs of all artists, this mic will last for years.

It comes with a zip carry case so that you don’t end up damaging the mic while traveling. 

2. Rode VideoMic Me Mini-Shotgun Microphone

Remember the good old iPhones that had headphone jacks? Turn out they are still in use as many people are using them for creating content.

This Rode mic has a frequency range of 100Hz – 20kHz and has been designed for iPhone users. With a 3.5mm headphone output, the mic weighs on 34 grams and is very easy to carry.

If you are shooting out in harsh weather, you’d be grateful for the furry windshield on this mic. It keeps the wind noise out to give you sharp and clear audio. 

Using this microphone, you can record audio for a video report, podcast, audiobook, and pretty much everything else. 

With an equivalent noise level of 20DB, the mic does a better job of recording clear audio that many other mics in the same price range.

3. Zoom iQ6 Stereo X/Y Microphone

If you’re looking for a mic that you can use with your iPhone and then connect to your iPad too, this is the one. It works with any Apple device that is lightning-equipped. 

Moreover, it is also compatible with apps such as Camera, Vine, and Voice Memos. The mic is likely compatible with the app you use for external audio input. 

The stereo X/Y recording lets you record audio from all sides while getting the sounds from the center clear and sharp. 

You can rotate the mic from 90 degrees to 120 degrees to get a wide range of noises. 

Whether you want to conduct an interview or make an aesthetic video of the sunset, you’ll get every sound in. 

On top of that, it comes with the Handy Recorder app. Using this app, you can edit your final audio and add effects to it.

4. Rode IXYL Cardioid Condenser Microphone

This Rode microphone is available in the Lightning and 30-pin versions. No matter which iPhone you’re using, you can attach the mic to it.

The metal cases ensure that the mic stays safe during outdoor shoots and can last the test of time.

Also, the 72Hz filter helps in reducing and removing unwanted audio. Often, low-frequency sounds contaminate the final audio cut and ruin the whole recording. The filter prevents it from happening. 

Moreover, it has a windshield for keeping out the wind noises. As a result, you’ll get a sharp audio quality without any disturbances. 

The cardioid condenser ensures that you can capture sound from the front and sides. 

5. PoP voice Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone

This mic is an ideal choice for people who are looking for a budget-friendly option for recording audio for their content. 

Although it has been designed for smartphones, it also works well with laptops. You can connect it to your laptop using a four-pin or three-pin adaptor. 

Along with being highly-compatible with mainstream devices, the mic also delivers remarkable performance in terms of audio capturing and clarity. 

When you start recording with this mic, you’ll notice a significant betterment in your audio quality.

Owing to the high-quality mic head, your audio will be collected by the mic efficiently. If you’re using it to record a podcast or hold an interview, you can further use GarageBand, as the mic is compatible with the app. 

6. YouMic Lavalier Lapel Microphone

The company making this mic advertises it as a must-have for Youtubers and content creators. Without a doubt, this mic will enhance the audio experience and give a much better output that your phone’s internal mic.

Due to the easy plug and play functionality, you do not have to download any drives to use the mic. Simply plug it into the headphone jack, and it’s ready to use.

It also comes with an adapter for a camera and a computer. So, you can use the same mic to record audio on your phone and camera. If you have Skype meetings or conferences, simply connect it to your computer. 

On top of that, the mic is compact so fits in your pocket without any difficulty. A storage pouch is included in the package to keep the mic safe during travel. 

While using the mic, if you have any trouble, you can get in touch with customer support, which is very responsive. 

Overall, this YouMic mic can help you step up your audio game for any platform. 

7. Saramonic Mini SmartMic Directional Condenser Flexible Microphone

If you don’t have a huge budget for buying a new mic for the iPhone, you can get many features in this decently-priced microphone.

It is a lightweight mic that is easy to carry around and connects to your phone with a 3.5mm plug. Without having to install any drivers, you can start recording top-notch audio for your next video. 

By using a directional condenser system, the mic takes in sounds from all sides. So, if you are going to interview someone or make a vlog, the mic will help in catching all sounds around you. 

Since the head is multidirectional, you can angle it as you want. When working inside, wind noise is not much of an issue, but in the outdoors, it can ruin the whole audio. 

The wind noise is canceled by the windshield that you can remove when working inside. 

It roughly weighs 1 ounce, so you wouldn’t even notice its weight no matter how long you’re shooting for. 

8. Shure MV51 Digital Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

With five preset modes, this Shure mic is an innovative option for taking your audio recording to the next level. It lets you record audio as flat, instrumental, acoustic, singing and speech.

Since all these audios have a different pitch and frequency, it is essential to capture that accurately in the mic for the best result.

You’ll see the control panels on the front that you can touch to control the volume and mode. These controls are also used for muting the mic.

Once you are done recording yourself, you should be able to listen to how different or better you sound. Owing to the built-in headphone audio, the mic lets you listen to yourself when recording.

Made of metal, this mic has a vintage design but is equipped with all features needed by a modern content creator. 

Since it has an integrated rear kickstand, you can position the mic according to your needs. 

9. Comica CVM-WS50(C) Smart Phone Lavalier Microphone

Although it is a bit heavier than other microphones mentioned on the list, the Comica CVM take help you make the audio experience much better for your audience.

The mic comes with an LCD screen that shows you the audio status and lets you monitor power consumption. This real-time monitoring gives you control over the final result and lets you make changes as you go along.

Furthermore, it has six optional channels that can be used for preventing disturbance from the surroundings. Whether you want to use it for podcasting, giving, or taking an online course or live-streaming, you’ll be surprised by the quality of the audio it delivers.

Also, the in-built audio monitor can be used to streamline the recording process and improve it over time. 

The mic works at up to a distance of 197ft, which is suitable for filmmakers. In addition, the ball-head design lets you rotate the mic in 360 degrees and tilt it up to 45 degrees.

Moreover, the strapless volume adjustment feature lets you adjust the volume as you like. If you intend to take your content creating to the next level, you’ll find this mic helpful. 

10. Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Microphone

If you’re looking for a mic for iPhone that has an old school vibe to it but is modern in its functionality, then you need to look at this Blue Raspberry mic.

Along with being stylish in appearance, the mic has an Internal Acoustic diffuser, which helps in focusing on the vocals while blurring the background noise. 

Due to the easy plug and play functionality, you can use the mic anywhere you want. Simply take it to your studio, home, or an outdoor place and start recording. 

It comes with a suede carrying pouch, which keeps it safe from abrasion and scratching.

The voice that goes into this mic comes in contact with a connection insulator and shock absorber made of rubber. This internal setup allows the mic to record disturbance-free, clear audio.

11. Apogee ClipMic Digital Microphone

With a digital interface, this mic has been specifically designed for Apple devices. Fortunately, it has a plug and play functionality; there is no need to download any drivers to use the mic.

Since it has a long cord, you can use the mic from any distance. Simply keep the phone in your pocket and keep recording as you’re walking down the road. 

Also, it’s omnidirectional, so it captures sound from all directions. If you’re making a travel vlog and trying to capture the rush of the city, you need to make sure that you get every sound in your video. This mic helps you do that. 

If you want to take the mic with you while traveling, put it in the carrying pouch it comes with to keep it safe from physical harm. 

Besides, the mic is compatible with the Apogee MetaRecorder App, which has been made especially for it.

Using this app, you can mark the input levels, reduce hissing, and eliminate overload to get the perfect audio every time. 

12. Boqha Grade Lavalier Lapel Condenser Microphone

This Boqha microphone for iPhone has noise cancellation features to pick up only the sound that matters. 

Its omnidirectional recording pattern lets you capture audio from all sides while keeping the background noise out. 

You can use the mic for taping your voice, recording podcasts, streaming, and conducting lectures. 

Since it’s a clip-on mic, you don’t have to hold it in your hand while recording. Simply clip it to your collar and record audio efficiently. 

Without the need for any adapter and drivers, you can start using the mic as soon as you get it. The cable is 4.9 feet long, allowing you to use it over a distance.

13. PoP voice 196” Single Head Lavalier Lapel Microphone

Working with Lapel mics is much easier as they are easy to control and carry around. You can use the mic for podcasts, videos, interviews, YouTube content, and social media videos. 

Since it has an extra-long 16 feet cord, it lets you record audio over a long distance. When recording a video, you can easily move around with the cord for audio recording. 

If you want to record videos of the environment around you or capture the city life, this mic will help you record audio from all sides.

The mic is omnidirectional, catching sounds from all directions. As a result, you get a clear and sharp sound for your videos. 

Buying Guide 

To choose the best microphone for the iPhone, there are a few features and specifications to keep in consideration. 

Before you buy a mic, make sure that you make a checklist of all the features you specifically want in a mic. Not every mic will be fit for your needs because everyone’s requirements are different. 

A podcaster will need a different mic from a Youtuber. Depending on what you want to use the mic for, you will need some specific features. 

Therefore, when buying a mic, look for the following features, and choose accordingly. 

Polar Pattern 

The polar pattern of a mic determines where the voice will be recorded. While some mics only capture audio from one direction, others catch the voice from all directions.

Similarly, there are some mics that only take in noise from the front while others capture noise from the background.

Depending on what kind of audio you’re recording, you can choose the polar pattern that suits you best. For example, if you are using a mic for conducting interviews, you’ll need a bidirectional or multidirectional mic that takes in sound from the front and behind.

If you want to record multiple people at once, you should use an omnidirectional mic. 

A cardioid mic is the one that captures sound from the front and a little sound from the sides. You can use this mic for recording vlogs or personal videos. 

Directional mics only capture voice from the front. These mics are suitable for people who use mics for recording lectures or audiobooks. For these tasks, you do not need surrounding sounds, so directional mics are the best.

Using directional mics also ensures that the unnecessary voices from the sides are excluded from the final cut.

Most companies make the same mic in different versions, so you can get the same features with different polar patterns. 

Bit Depth

The bit depth determines the quality of sound. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the bit depth, the better quality sound will be. 

If you are using a mic for personal things, 16-bit depth is suitable for you. On the other hand, if you’re recording for professional purposes, opt for mics with 24-bit depths. 

The bit rate tells how much information will be present in each sound sample. As the bit rate goes higher, the information in the sound sample will also increase, leading to a crisper and nicer sound. 

Types 

When you’re looking for a mic, you’ll see that there are many types, and it gets confusing some times. Let us explain the difference between the different types so that you can make a wiser decision. 

X-Y: These mics are directional and let you capture sounds from multiple directions. Mostly, you can rotate these mics and angle them according to where you want to get audio from. 

If you’re making a video in which you have to move around a lot, you should use these mics. They capture sound from the front direction and some sound from the sides. 

Lavalier: These mics are suitable for people who don’t want to hold a mic in their hand during recording. 

They are also called lapel mics. You can simply hook the mic to your shirt collar and make a video while recording audio. 

Even though these mics are slightly further away from your face, they capture the sound well. 

Condenser: These are the most common mics you’ll find in the market. You can use them for your studio or at-home workspace. 

If you have a podcast or are interviewing someone, you can use these mics, as they are very sensitive to sound. 

Frequency Response 

The frequency response determines the sound pitch that a mic will pick up. Different mics have different frequencies, and you should choose a mic that is best for what you want to record. 

For example, if you want a mic for instrumentals or recording music, you should choose a mic that can capture the highs and lows. 

Connectivity 

Microphones for iPhones either connect through the lightning connector or the headphone jack. When buying a mic for your phone, make sure that you are choosing the right connectivity option.

For older iPhones, you can choose mics with headphone jack connectivity. However, the newer iPhones do not have headphone jacks, so lightening connecter is your only option.

When you search the features of any mic, you’ll see its compatibility. Along with the iPhone model, some mics are also compatible with certain operating system updates.

If your phone does not have the required update, the mic will not be of any use to you.

App Compatibility

As mentioned in our reviews above, some mics are compatible with certain audio recording apps. These apps are present in the App Store, and you can download them for free.

You won’t always need an app for modifying or correcting your audio. However, if you do want to use an app for adding filters to the audio, make sure that you buy a mic that is compatible with that app. 

Other than this, some companies have their own apps that you can use to control their mics. You can use the company’s app to monitor the audio in real-time or control the input as you want. 

Additional Accessories 

After checking these basic necessities boxes, you can go on to additional accessories if you need them.

For example, some mics come with carrying boxes or pouches. Although you can carry iPhone mics in your pocket, it is not always safe to do so. You might end up breaking the cord or damaging the mic head. 

Instead, you can keep the mic in its pouch when traveling. Windscreens are also an additional accessory that you won’t find in all mics.

If you record in the outdoors often, buy a mic that comes with an in-built windshield. You can remove the windshield when recording inside as they are removable. 

Keep in mind that as the accessories increase, the cost of the mic also increases. Don’t get carried away with additional perks and stick to basics if you have a limited budget. 

Steps for Choosing Your First iPhone Microphone 

Instead of being confused by the tons of options you have, you should start by determining your needs. 

This will make it easier for you to choose the right mic. First of all, keep in mind why you’re buying a mic. Is it even essential for you? 

If you want to improve the audio in your videos, then you should invest in a mic because it will be a long-term investment. Here are the steps to follow when buying a microphone:

Step 1: Setting a Budget

Mics start from a reasonable price and go up to a few hundred dollars. Your first mic doesn’t have to be the most expensive one available. 

When you set a budget, you can find the best mic in this range. Find a mic that checks all the boxes. 

Step 2: Determining what to Record 

Then, you have to determine what you’re going to record. Are you a vlogger, or do you want to record your songs? 

Guitars: If you’re going to record guitars, you should choose a high-quality mic such as those from Shure. 

The mic should be able to differentiate between the highs and lows. For such mics, you’ll have to spend some extra money, but it will be worth the price. 

Instruments: For acoustic instruments, choose a mic that has a diaphragm condenser. These mics are suitable for stereo recording. 

They capture a realistic audio experience, making the listener feel that they hear the audio in real-time. 

Step 3: Choose Recording Environment

It is not just the mic that determines the quality of audio but also the environment where you’re recording. If you’re recording out in the open, you’ll get a lot of background noise from traffic, people, and birds.

When recording inside, you might hear the sound of your fan in the background. Thus, you should opt for a mic with noise cancellation features.

Such mics cancel the background noise or, at least, lessen it so that it does not affect the foreground audio. 

Dynamic mics work the best in untreated rooms. These rooms have a lot of background noise, especially the one coming from the echo. 

Most mics come with windshields that cancel the wind noise for outdoor recording. If a mic does not have such features, you’ll notice a lot of disturbance in the final audio. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that will help resolve your queries about iPhone microphones. 

Conclusion

It’s frustrating how internal mics in almost all phones have a poor audio output. However, this does not mean that you cannot use your phone to make video content or holding interviews.

Nowadays, when people are doing so much on their phones, you can use your phone to increase the audience and make money. 

Having an external microphone can help you improve the audio quality in your content significantly. In this article, we mentioned some of the best microphjones for iPhone 2021 that you can invest in. 

Hopefully, you would have a suitable option in your mind after reading this guide. Let us know why you’re looking for a mic and which one you think is the best for you.