When it comes to recording audio with an iPhone, having the right external microphone will dramatically improve your experience. External microphones are a fantastic tool for anyone looking to create professional audio recordings on their iPhone. Microphones come in a variety of shapes and sizes and typically plug directly into your iPhone Lightning port.
Finding a microphone best suited to your needs can be challenging, but we’ve compiled external microphones with the most competitive pricing, noise cancellation, and audio quality that we think you should consider for your device. Microphones can be expensive, but we know you’ll be confident in your purchase after reading our comprehensive buying guide.
Choosing the Best Microphone for iPhone Users
As we compare the best microphone for iPhone users, it’s important to consider the price, sound quality, noise cancellation, range, and intended use of the microphone. After reading our pick for the top 5 external microphones, you can feel good knowing your purchase is the best value for your money and will last you for years to come. To get your money’s worth, here’s our list of the best microphones available for your iPhone:
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Microphone For iPhone Users
- EASIEST TO USE: Zoom iQ7
- BEST OVERALL: LESYAFEL Microphone
- MOST VERSATILE: COMICA CVM-VM10-K2
- Video Microphone with Adapter
- BEST BUDGET MIC: Wireless Lavalier
Choosing the Best Microphone for iPhone Users
As we compare the best microphone for iPhone users, it’s important to consider the price, sound quality, noise cancellation, range, and intended use of the microphone. After reading our pick for the top 5 external microphones, you can feel good knowing your purchase is the best value for your money and will last you for years to come. To get your money’s worth, here’s our list of the best microphones available for your iPhone:
The Studio Genie is dedicated to helping streamers and YouTubers or anyone looking to have their own home studio. The author, Felicity Martinez, have been helping out streamers and YouTubers for years.
The goal is to provide a free resource for anyone looking to build a quality home studio. The reviews below are a result of hours of research and analysis. We provided the pros and cons and ranked each product to help you make a quick decision.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Our Top Picks for Microphone for iPhone Users
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
EASIEST TO USE  | Zoom iQ7
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
BEST OVERALL  | LESYAFEL Microphone
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
MOST VERSATILE  | COMICA CVM-VM10-K2
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Video Microphone with Adapter
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
BEST BUDGET MIC  | Wireless Lavalier
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
1. Zoom iQ7 Stereo Mid-Side Microphone
We’re kicking off our list with our most expensive recommendation, but if there’s one word to describe this microphone, it’s “quality.” This compact and lightweight mic is small enough to fit in your pocket but goes further than most when it comes to audio quality. The mic is also compatible with most apps that support audio input and even has its own recording app.
Zoom iQ7’s native app is easy to use and takes advantage of some of the most advanced software we’ve seen in a microphone app. If you’re looking for audio format options, comprehensive controls, and the ability to upload files remotely, this is the microphone for you.Simply plug the mic into your Lightning port and enjoy a high-quality audio recording that limits background noise and performs well in a variety of settings.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 0.3 lbs
- Size: 2.1 x 1 x 2.2 inches
- Connectivity technology: Lightning connector
- Selectable stereo width: 90˚/120˚/M-S
- Mic configuration: Mid-Side (MS) stereo
- Polar pattern: Bidirectional
Pros
- Very durable and will survive a light fall
- Audio quality is cutting edge in any environment
- Zoom app is intuitive and makes the recording process easy
- Weight and size of the device make for easy carry
- Files upload to cloud and can be shared across devices
- Includes a directional “mid” mic and a bidirectional “side” mic
- No need for a Lightning adapter
Cons
- Lightning port attachment creates a point of stress where mic can break off
- Design inhibits mic plug-in if you have a case on your iPhone
- Software known to be buggy and can glitch during a session
- 25MB cap when emailing files from the device
- Susceptible to radio interference
2. LESYAFEL Microphone
If you’re looking for a simple studio setup, go no further than the LESYAFEL Microphone. This directional microphone is fantastic at picking up vocals and can single you out in a noisy environment.
The LESYAFEL Microphone allows you to play and record music at the same time. The included accompaniment port allows you to plug in your instruments so you can get the most out of your music. You can plug directly into your iPhone Lighting port, or you can connect via Bluetooth.
The design includes various modes such as chat mode and sing mode, which make it easy for the user to optimize the device for a particular purpose. To capture the highest quality voice recordings, the mic uses professional dual DSP chips so that voices are thicker and clearer.
Unlike many microphones, the LESYAFEL comes with its own tripod. With this setup, you can be confident that your next studio recording will be top quality.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
- Size: 10.23 x 2.16 x 6.88 inches
- Color: Gold
- Connectivity technology: Bluetooth, USB
- Material: Zinc alloy
- Mic configuration: Directional
- Noise level: 85 dB
Pros
- Beautifully designed
- Easy to switch modes between chat and sing
- Spectacular audio quality, especially while recording vocals
- Extended lightning cable makes it easy to place the mic in any position
- Unmatched range compared to other directional microphones
- Accidental unwanted noise almost nonexistent
- Can pick up the softest of voices
Cons
- Physical switches on the mic could be improved
- Connector port is fragile and can be broken if plugged in aggressively
- Difficult to pick up peripheral noise due to directional quality
- Plastic covering may deteriorate over time
3. Comica CVM-VM10-K2
Without a doubt, we think this is the best microphone for iPhone users seeking adventure. We’re recommending this all-in-one audio and video kit due to its versatility, compact fit, and outstanding audio quality.
The Comica CVM-VM10-K2 kit includes a tripod that can be placed or held to record the best audio possible. This makes it perfect for on-the-go Vlogs, streams, and even filmmaking.
We know you’ll love the cardioid pick-up pattern, which is not only high-quality but cuts down on background noise and creates crisp audio. Additionally, the Comica CVM-VM10-K2 comes with a foam windscreen and shock mount that dramatically cuts down on wind interference.
This mic is easy to set up and can be used in almost any environment. On top of everything, it also includes a carrying case, which makes it easy for you to take the microphone anywhere you like. No matter the iPhone model, the Comica CVM-VM10-K2 is a reliable choice for any content creator.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Size: 9.25 x 2.6 x 7.95 inches
- Color: Black
- Connectivity technology: 3.5 mm Jack
- Material: Plastic
- Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid
- Frequency range: 60HZ～20KHZ
4. Unidirectional On-Camera Microphone
This directional microphone is fantastic for on-the-go audio recordings requiring a tripod or hand mount. It also comes with a furry windscreen with foam inside so that wind and noise don’t ruin your recordings.
We recommend this mic because it delivers outstanding sound quality and functionality. Simply plug in the mic to your iPhone with a 3.5 mm jack connected to a dongle and enjoy professional-quality audio recordings.
Not only do you get a mini tripod, but the microphone kit includes a phone clamp and antishock mount ready to attach to any iPhone.
Users reported that the mic was of higher quality than some of its most expensive competitors, including Rode. With a highly competitive price, this is a fantastic on-camera microphone for any enthusiast looking to level-up their audio recordings.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 1.0 lbs
- Size: 6.6 x 5.4 x 2.4 inches
- Color: Black
- Connectivity technology: 3.5 mm Jack
- Material: Acrylic
- Polar pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency response: 20.2 Hz
Pros
- Easy to set up and portable enough to be carried almost anywhere
- Lightweight tripod and hand-mount make on-the-go recording easy
- Furry windscreen works great to limit wind noise
- 3.5 mm-to-Lightning dongle included in the box for guaranteed iPhone compatibility
- Audio quality on par with its most expensive competitors
- Battery-free so it never needs to be charged or swapped out
Cons
- Customers have noted the sound quality needs improvement
- Unable to use the mic and headset at the same time
- Recording audio more than 8 feet away is tricky and should be avoided
- iPhone-to-mic connections have failed, leading to poor audio quality
5. Wireless Lavalier Microphone
This wireless lavalier microphone is easy to use and compatible with almost any iPhone. The sound quality is fantastic and you can expect the best when it comes to directional audio.
The device includes an adjustable transmitter knob, making it easy to decide how loud you’d like your audio to be. For such a small microphone, this lavalier stands out due to its unique audio adjustment settings.
Users have spoken positively about the 400 mAh battery, as it lasts up to 5 hours without needing to be recharged. With a long battery life and Bluetooth functionality, you won’t have to worry about iPhone-to-microphone connectivity.
To get the best recordings with your wireless lavalier mic, it’s important to clip it as close as possible to your subject’s mouth. In practice, this means attaching it to your subject’s shirt, collar, tie, broach pin, or bra. Once the mic is attached, have your subject move around to be sure you won’t pick up rustling fabric or other unwanted noises.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 0.33 lbs
- Size: 32.68 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches
- Color: Black
- Connectivity technology: Wireless
- Material: Plastic
- Polar pattern: Unidirectional
- Number of channels: 25
Pros
- Easy to setup and use
- Great functionality in small package
- Excellent for capturing voice audio during video recording
- Up to 100 foot wireless connection distance
- Battery provides up to five hours of usage
Cons
- Can only pair with a single mic
- Some user complaints about system failing after a few uses
- Some complaints about audio hiss in recorded files
Buyer’s Guide
If you’re looking for an external microphone for your iPhone, we’ve got you covered. All the microphone systems we covered in this guide are capable of recording studio-quality audio in almost any environment. With the information we’ve provided, we’re confident you can make a purchase that suits your needs and budget.
To get your money’s worth, it’s important to consider the type, size, audio interface, quality, and range of each microphone. Lavaliers are great for interviews, cardioids are versatile and an easy solution for on-the-go recordings, and directional mics are perfect for the studio. All the mics presented here are tried and tested in a variety of settings.
Best Budget Mic
Even though the Wireless Lavalier Microphone comes in a small package, its excellent sound quality and versatility make it our top pick for those of you looking for an affordable recorder. Of all the types of microphones, this lavalier is usable in almost any circumstance—just make sure you have it clipped to your subject.
It’s also a great choice for those who wish to record audio for video and can be positioned so that it’s hidden from the camera while still picking up sound.
Most Versatile Mic for Outdoor Recording
If you’re on the go and require the best when it comes to on-location recordings, look no further than the Comica CVM-VM10-K2 cardioid microphone. Whether you’re Vlogging, streaming, or making a travel video, this cardioid mic is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for quality audio in a travel-sized kit.
With a windscreen and shock mount attached to the mic, you can expect reduced wind noise and crisp audio no matter the environment. At a highly competitive price, we guarantee you’ll love the Comica CVM-VM10-K2 for years to come.
Easiest to Use Mic
When it comes to usability, nothing comes close to the Zoom iQ7 Stereo Mid-Side Microphone. Inside a small package comes a powerful mic that plugs directly into your lightning connector. Simply download the Zoom app and start learning about all the tools and features this microphone offers.
The stereo and bidirectional mics can be used interchangeably in order to record quality, multidirectional sound. This omnidirectional microphone is incredibly easy to use and shouldn’t be overlooked due to its price.
Conclusion
Finding the best microphone for iPhone users is a serious challenge, but we’re here to help! Our buyer’s guide should give you the knowledge and confidence to find the best recording tools for your situation and make a purchase that fits your needs and price range.
Whether you’re looking for a good price, versatility, accessibility, or top-notch audio quality, our buyer’s guide has it all. If you’re looking for more information, hop on over to our comprehensive product reviews page.2.
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