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6 Best External Microphones for iPhone
Good audio is a must for videos, especially if you’re creating content for your audience. If you publish videos on YouTube, having the right microphone makes a big difference in sound quality.
1. Mini Microphone
Recording, singing, and live broadcasting have never been this fun! Just plug it in and start recording anytime, anywhere, with no external power supply needed. It’s lightweight, durable, and portable.
mic for iPhone
2. Mini Microphone Portable Vocal/Instrument Microphone
With its user-friendly design and compact size, you’ll find this external microphone easy and convenient to use.
For kids tablets, see our best iPads for kids.
At just 60mm long, you can plug and play it however you need. Record, sing karaoke, and broadcast with this fully portable mic. Just plug in and start recording anytime, anywhere without an external power supply.
It comes with a portable desktop mic stand, which adds extra convenience.
If you’re looking for an external microphone for an iPhone that records without lag or unwanted noise, this is a great option.
It doesn’t need any external power supply and connects directly to your iPhone. Keep in mind that you’ll need a separate Lightning to 3.5mm adapter if you use iPhone 7 or later models.
3. Rode IXYL Cardioid Condenser Microphone for iOS with Lightning Connector
Here’s another excellent external microphone from Rode. The biggest difference between this mic and the previous one is its XY stereo configuration, which captures a full stereo signal regardless of placement.
So if you need to record vocals, acoustic guitar, or any delicate audio, this device will seriously step up your sound quality.
This mic also has a built-in digital-to-analog converter that delivers detailed, vibrant audio.
You can pair it with the Rode apps to improve signal quality during recording.
The only downside is that it doesn’t handle loud, noisy surroundings very well.
4. JOBY Wavo Mobile Compact On-Camera Microphone
This external microphone for iPhone is built specifically for content creators who want to level up their vlogging.
Besides being affordable, it comes with a shock mount and tripod to make content creation easier.
The microphone uses Rycote shock mount technology that delivers crystal clear sound while cutting out unwanted noise from camera shakes.
It attaches easily to most iOS devices (except iPhone 7 and later models, where you’ll need a separate Lightning to 3.5mm adapter).
Brand-conscious buyers might not find it perfect for their needs. But if you want a quality external microphone for your iPhone without spending a fortune, this one’s for you.
5. RODE VIDEOMIC ME-L FOR IOS
This compact TRRS cardioid microphone will win you over with its solid design and sound output.
Thanks to its front-facing directionality, it focuses on sound coming from the front while filtering out surrounding noise.
It works on a frequency range of 100Hz to 20kHz and comes with a 3.5mm jack for real-time audio monitoring.
You’ll still need a separate Lightning to 3.5mm adapter for iPhone 7 and later models.
The mic also includes a dead cat (a type of windshield cover) and a clip that help during vlogging in breezy conditions.
If you need a quality microphone for professional vlogging and content creation, this is a strong pick.
6. Zoom iQ7 Stereo Mid-Side Microphone
Zoom is a well-known name in portable field recording, so you can feel confident about this external microphone for iPhone.
This device features a mid-side stereo mic setup with a three-way switch.
The switch lets you choose between 90 degrees (focusing on front-facing sound), 120 degrees (for a wider stereo image), and M-S mode (letting you record RAW audio while adjusting the stereo width).
When using M-S mode, you may need to download the Handy Recorder app from Zoom. The device also has 3-stage LED indicators that alert you to weak signals or clipping issues.
7. IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast with Stereo Mini-Jack
Don’t let the small size fool you. This plug-and-play microphone delivers all the sound quality you need for podcasts and interviews.
With a unidirectional cardioid polar design, it records through a 3.5mm headphone jack.
You also get two free apps (iRig Recorder and VocaLive) that are great for creating and editing sound recordings to match your preferred style.
At a reasonable price, this external microphone is definitely worth picking up.
Bottom Line
All the products on this list of best external microphones for iPhone were handpicked after reviewing ratings and feedback from thousands of users.
Choose the one that best fits your specific needs and budget.
For accessibility-focused picks, check our best iPads for kids with autism.
For more iPhone and iOS tips, see our guide on how to access iCloud photos from any device.
See Also
