11 Best modern clip-on microphones (updated 2022)

There are many types of microphones. Practically for each purpose, there is a separate device. The essence of the clip-on microphone is to record one specific voice and filter out all others. They are often used on television, various training courses, presentations or in the theater. In most cases, they are attached to clothes, so clips are often present in the microphone set.

In order not to be mistaken in the choice of the lavalier microphone, we suggest getting acquainted with our top of the best modern clip-on microphones. The rating was based on tests, reviews. We have identified different types: from microphones for smartphones to professional buttonholes.

Check also Best microphone brands

BOYA BY-M1

Based on tests by experts, the Boya clip-on is considered one of the best in terms of price and quality. It can not be attributed to professional equipment, but for those who are just starting, this is the best option. This clip-on microphone is suitable for recording video blogs, various podcasts, presentations, and so on. Everything is focused on recording one person. The main advantage over all other lavalier microphones is the versatility of the Boya BY-M1. It is suitable for video cameras, and for special recording equipment, for smartphones. And while the model does not require additional adapters. Therefore, in order to switch to another mode, you only need to press a special lever.

According to its type of condenser microphone, it has a circular orientation. It operates in the frequency range from 65 Hz to 18 kHz. The microphone itself weighs only 2.5 grams, the power supply for working with the camera is 18 grams. Pleases the length of the wire – 6 meters. The device itself is mounted with a special clothespin. Many bloggers, as regular users, recommend this mic in their reviews.

Available at Amazon

Soonpho Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone

Soonpho Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone

It is a universal omnidirectional loop microphone that can work in tandem with a video camera, mobile gadgets. The condenser capsule guarantees to record without wireless systems. This results in its inexpensive price. Sound will be received from all sides, so any variation in the bracket mounting is possible. The frequency range here is 65Hz-18kHz. The length of the wire is 6 meters, which is more than enough for comfortable recording.

This microphone is suitable for podcasts, radio broadcasting, TV reporting, streaming, and video recording. Feedback notes ease of use, compact size, and good recording quality. The voice can be heard clearly even from a distance of several meters, all thanks to the pie chart.

Connected via USB or mini Jack 3.5 mm. Mounting is metal and secure. If you use wind protection, your voice will be recorded without noise – rustling clothes and others. It is one of the best microphones in the inexpensive category and is ideal for beginner bloggers. The main disadvantages of this model are a short cable and the fixation of extraneous sounds.

Available at Amazon

SENNHEISER ME 2-US

Sennheiser is a famous German brand that boasts the high quality of its products, its reliability. The only obvious disadvantage is the price. In most cases, it can be twice as high as that of similar, but less well-known models. On the other hand, for this money, you get a professional microphone, which is considered one of the best in quality. It is difficult to find a worthy competitor in the market for a Sennheiser clip-on. It is important to know that it was originally designed for its own Sennheiser system, therefore it has a non-standard plug. It may fall out of the nest when using the non-native equipment. But, if you want high-quality sound for reasonable money, or you work with the same German system – this is an option.

The model records in a fairly wide range from 30 Hz to 20 kHz. The microphone is sensitive, circular orientation. It works at a voltage of 7.5 V. The kit includes a 1.6-meter cord, but the main communication channel is wireless. Mounted on the clip. We must not forget that Sennheiser ME 2-US is a professional clip-on, therefore phantom power is necessary for its correct operation. Most reviews note that the model also works with high-quality equipment of different brands, the main thing is to follow the plug.

Available at Amazon

RODE LAVALIER

When we talk about the king among professional clip-on microphones, you can safely remember Rode LAVALIER. You will not be able to find his flaws, from which side you would not look. It can rightly be considered one of the best, but from the TOP-3 it was forced out by more successful and universal competitors. The only thing that can confuse is the price. Compared to other models, it is high. But the microphone level is different. There is nothing that it cannot do. With it, you can safely go and perform at a concert, conduct shows, make films. This is a real professional clip-on. There is no such nuance, which did not take into account.

The microphone has a low level of intrinsic noise, so the recording is clearer. It has a detachable MiCon system and is equipped with a pop filter that protects against moisture and excessive noise. The model works with a frequency from 60 Hz to 18 kHz. It is made of stainless steel and weighs only 1 gram, while others weigh from 5 grams. By type of microphone condenser, omnidirectional. It combines compactness and excellent sound. For beginners, this option is not suitable. But if you need super-high-quality audio, then this is Rode LAVALIER.

Available at Amazon

Audio-Technica ATR3350iS

Audio-Technica ATR3350iS

This model of omnidirectional capacitor type is made in the “Announcer” style. On specificity, functionality, and other characteristics it is called a worthy analog of the world bestseller Boya BY-M1. Differs only in the average price, which means it is the best offer in its price segment. Does not need special change, copes well with removal of extraneous noise, requires minimal processing. The frequency can vary from 50 Hz to 18 kHz, with a weight of only 6 g. For power supply the LR44 battery is used, the connection is wired (6 m cord).

Audio-Technica ATR3350 is a combination of quality and good price. This looped microphone is well suited for speeches such as courses or presentations. It can also be used in the theatre to make the actors better heard. The microphone itself is laconic, so it will not attract extra attention. Convenient fasteners will make use even more convenient.

In reviews, buyers note that the sound is smooth enough and the recording is as natural as possible. Recommended for those who do not have enough cheap looped microphones and want to move to a new level, but no desire to spend extra money on optimal sound.

Available at Amazon

Saramonic SR-LMX1

Mobile networks are evolving, and the video or photo from the phones no longer seems like a bad joke. Many bloggers prefer to use not professional cameras for recording, but smartphones. Working with them is quite simple and you can immediately make processing. The only and often main problem is sound. Because there are background noises, and built-in microphones can rarely allow high-quality sound, if not speak directly into them. Therefore, for anyone who wants to make good recordings on mobile devices, we recommend this model.

This is a lavalier microphone for iOS and Android systems. It should not be used with other equipment, but it will be the best addition to phones. Because it is made in such a way that on smartphones the sound is transmitted qualitatively and clearly, almost at a professional level. The case is covered with a special polyurethane sheath, which will make it more resistant to various damages. Therefore, in their reviews, many travel bloggers recommend this particular microphone. It is not only good for writing but also strong and reliable. The device works in the range from 30 Hz to 18 kHz.

Available at Amazon

RODE SMARTLAV+

At first glance, it may seem strange that a good lavalier microphone is from Australia. The secret is that the company was originally from Sweden, but then it migrated to another part of the hemisphere. It was Rode that took one of the leading places in the production of microphones.

Rode SmartLav + is special because this model is designed specifically for working with phones and tablets. In iOS, there is even a special application for their joint operation. This model has a younger version of the Rode SmartLav, but when choosing, it must be remembered that it works much worse than a fellow. Therefore, you need to carefully watch which option you purchase. This clip-on also works with cameras and camcorders, but you need to buy a special adapter.

The sound quality when connected to any device does not deteriorate. Rode SmartLav + allows you to record a deeper and richer sound without unnecessary noise. This is a circular condenser microphone. A wire is connected to it. Weight is 6 grams, the model is attached to a clip. The operating range is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. In reviews, customers consider it one of the best microphones.

Available at Amazon

3.5mm Omnidirectional Mic

3.5mm Omnidirectional Mic

This is another universal model that can be connected to PCs, mobile devices, video cameras. The new version offers an acoustic 360-degree coverage, electronics – a wide range of frequencies. For connection, there is a stereo mini-jack connector, 2 m long cord, plug with gold-plated contacts. Besides, foam protection against wind and other background noise is provided. The set offers a clipboard for fasteners, adapter, battery. This microphone is available in several configurations. You can choose between 3.5 Interface, Lightning Interface, and Type-C Interface.

The quality of this looped microphone is so high that you can record vocals on it. When still in doubt, you should look at the specifications. The microphone is capacitor and cardioid. This means that its quality work requires a certain direction. At first glance, it is not very convenient and requires more time, but due to this feature sound is much better. The operating range is between 60 Hz and 18 kHz with good sensitivity and sound. The microphone has low self-noise, so the recording is cleaner and clearer.

Available at Amazon

PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone

PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel MicrophoneThe well-known brand PowerDeWise presents an omnidirectional lavalier microphone with a 4-pin 3.5 mm plug. Due to this, the connection of the mic to your device is easy and fast, after which the device is ready for use.

The main purpose of the lapel microphone is to improve the sound recording quality of your videos or interviews compared to the built-in microphone. If your device is at arm’s length when taking a selfie, the volume and sound recording quality may still satisfy you. But if there is a need to capture sound from a distance, it’s extremely difficult to do without the PowerDeWise lapel.

Microphone wind protection allows you to use a microphone on the street without loss of sound recording quality; prevents sudden blows of airwaves; protects the microphone from dust.

The convenient and reliable clip on the microphone allows you to attach a mic to clothes or interior items.

This microphone has proven itself as a high-quality and reliable device for recording pure sound with professional quality among tens of thousands of US residents.

Available at Amazon

Check also 14 Best microphones for GoPro in 2018

Sony ECMCS3

Here is another option. Do not assume that it will be much cheaper solutions, for example, from Audio-Technica; in fact, you will be able to save only a few dollars.

This device is equipped with an electret condenser microphone. Yes, this is a slightly different solution than in other cases, but still, it does an excellent job with its tasks. Its sensitivity is omnidirectional, it is very well assembled.

This gadget is one of the best in terms of sensitivity and overall layout, so be sure you will enjoy the end result. To get the maximum, it is worth keeping it far enough away from the face (mount around the chest is recommended).

Many users say they use it with a portable audio recorder and can simply synchronize audio with post-production. This is a wireless solution, and at the same time is very affordable for the price.

Available at Amazon

Zalman Zm-Mic1

Zalman Zm-Mic1An omnidirectional clip-on microphone with a long cable, good sensitivity and good signal to noise ratio.

The sound is certainly not the best, but the microphone justifies its cost in full. Flexible cable length 3! meter, on which there are convenient clips for fastening. There is also a clip on the microphone itself, with the help of which you can fix it on the cable of your headphones. In the end, you get a completely working headset.

By the way, according to PC Gamer, this microphone is the best in the budget segment. I recommend for those who have headphones without a built-in microphone.

Available at Amazon

Small and high-quality clip-on microphones are almost invisible. The lapel microphone looks simple: it has a head and a mount. The main part of the device is a capacitor, according to its technology, it works like a professional studio microphone. But the quality of the recording will vary depending on the characteristics and price. The clip-on mic is divided into wired and radio. The second is more expensive than the first, but they do not need to be at close range when recording. It is important to remember that the wider the range of frequencies, the better and deeper the sound.

Check also Best lavalier microphones

How to choose a lavalier microphone

On sale, there are hundreds of clip-on patterns that have different amplitudes of the audio signal, tonal balance, etc. Some models are equipped with protective caps and covers. When choosing a lavalier device for working with a video camera, camera, phone or computer, make sure that there is a 3.5 mm input on the device. At the same time, the input on the phone and on the photo/video camera is different, because the connector on the smartphone is used as an audio output for headphones. To ensure the operation of the buttonhole on all devices, you can buy an adapter with TRS or TPRS connectors.

It is better to initially pick up a universal microphone-buttonhole, which will work with smartphones and video cameras without various adapters. Well, if the device package includes not only a clip for mounting but also protection from wind, extraneous noise; this will positively affect the recording quality. The length of the cord can also matter – choose depending on the situation because in some cases, it is convenient if the cable is short.

Pay attention to the frequency range, which the wider the better. No less important are the dimensions and weight of the device. The smaller the two values, the better, otherwise the device will stand out strongly on clothing. If the wired version does not suit you. unable to provide mobility, then select a radio tab with a transmitter. In this case, it is important that the battery of the lavalier serves as long as possible, otherwise, the microphone will stop working at the most inopportune moment. In addition, the frequent purchase of batteries will lead to considerable expenses.

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