An iPhone external microphone makes your video better — these are the best
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If you're looking for an iPhone external microphone, look no further. Why trust us? We're a company made up of tech experts across the globe, and most of us work from home. For podcasting, great audio for video, and more, we need the best and most convenient mics around. Which one you choose will depend on your specific needs, but we like the RØDE VideoMic Me-L the best overall.
Best Overall: RØDE VideoMic Me-L
The RØDE VideoMic Me-L is a high-quality directional microphone that doesn't require a battery and effortlessly plugs into your iPhone via the Lightning port. The durable aluminum body makes it perfect for taking on adventures like camping and traveling. At the same time, the small and portable design means you can pop it in your bag without any hassle. The RØDE VideoMic Me-L can be paired with a fuzzy windscreen to keep the recorded audio as crystal clear as possible, which is why it's the best iPhone external microphone.
Pros:
- Durable
- Portable
- Good for outdoors
Cons:
- Short sound range
Best Overall
RØDE VideoMic Me-L
Noise blocker
The RØDE VideoMic Me-L is a reliable and rugged external microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and windscreen to provide clear sound.
Best Value: PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone
This little powerhouse of an iPhone external microphone has an omnidirectional mic head that can plug directly into your device, from the iPhone 7 and earlier to newer iPhones with a headphone adaptor (not included), or even into your laptop with an included adaptor. The extra-long cable (155 inches) gives you plenty of room to move around. It comes with three wind muffs in different colors.
Pros:
- 155-inch cable
- Plugs into standard headphone jacks
- Well-priced
- Omni-directional mic head
Cons:
- A few users report it never worked
Best Value
PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone
Bargain-priced
The PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone is a small but mighty microphone that allows you to record sound, speech, music, and more.
Best Lavalier: PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone
The PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone is a noise-canceling clip-on iPhone external microphone that lets you record your voice as crystal clear as possible. You'll need to have a Lightning to headphone jack adapter to use this microphone with newer iPhones. Simply clip and attach it to your clothing, plug it into your iPhone, unravel the 78" cord, and start recording for your iPhone video.
Pros:
- Portable
- Minimal
- Easy-to-use
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited
- Need Lightning adapter
Best Lavalier
PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone
Tiny but mighty
The PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone is a noise-canceling clip-on mic that works effortlessly with your iPhone.
Best for Interviews: Shure MV88 Digital Microphone
The Shure MV88 Digital Microphone is an iPhone external microphone that connects quickly via the Lightning port. Plus, it comes with a free app so you can get the most out of your audio recording. The sleek yet retro design and easy-to-use, easy-to-rotate, and angle of the microphone make it ideal for recording in a variety of different situations. Meanwhile, five different preset modes — speech, singing, flat, acoustic instrument, and loud — allow you to get the perfect recording every time.
Pros:
- Solid build
- Versatile
- Easy-to-use
Cons:
- Pricey
Best for Interviews
Shure MV88 Digital Microphone
Versitile and reliable
The easy-to-use Shure MV88 Digital Microphone is portable with five different preset modes for the ideal recording in any situation.
Most Flexible: Movo VXR10 Universal Cardioid Condenser Video Microphone
The shotgun-style Movo VXR10 Universal Cardioid Condenser Video Microphone will improve the sound of your video, whether you use it with your iPhone or your DSLR camera. When using it with an iPhone 7 or newer, you will need a Lightning to headphone jack adapter. The mic's cardioid condenser capsule helps eliminate peripheral noises so you can focus on your subject. It picks up a wide range of sounds and pitches so you'll need to do less editing later. The furry windscreen for use outside is included.
Pros:
- For use with iPhone or DSLR
- Nicely priced
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Need a Lightning adapter
Most Flexible
Movo VXR10 Universal Cardioid Condenser Video Microphone
Multi-purpose
This well-priced video microphone can be used with your iPhone or your DSLR.
Bottom line
Our top pick for the best iPhone external microphone is the RØDE VideoMic Me-L for its quality and price. It's durable and scratch-resistant. The VideoMic provides sound clarity with its cardioid polar pattern, which eliminates background noise so you can focus on the subject directly in front of the mic. The 3.5mm headphone output gives you live monitoring and playback so you'll know right away if you're getting what you need.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Karen S. Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, and family woman. She loves to travel, play with tech stuff, drink coffee, discover amazing new restaurants, and experience new things.
Cella Lao Rousseau writes for iMore on social and photography. She's a true crime enthusiast, best-selling horror author, lipstick collector, buzzkill, and Sicilian. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @hellorousseau.
Rene Ritchie is a podcasting pro and lover of all things clear-sounding. From audio for Vector to recording on the road, and everything in between, he knows the power an iPhone and a good external mic can truly have.