Best iPhone external microphones for video 2022

Best
iPhone external microphones for video
iMore
2022

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 into 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.

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.

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-inch cord, and start recording your iPhone video.

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.

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 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.

Listen up!

Whether you use an iPhone 13 or any other model, one of these microphones will improve the sound quality of your videos. 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. Looking for more accessories to get the job done remotely? Check out our list of the best accessories for working from home.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Karen S. Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, podcaster, and family woman. She loves to travel, play with tech stuff, drink coffee, discover amazing restaurants, and experience new things.

Rene Ritchie is a podcasting pro and lover of all things clear-sounding. From audio to recording on the road and everything in between, he knows the power an iPhone and a good external mic can truly have.

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