Audio quality is everything when it comes to creating video content, whether it’s for Youtube, Facebook, TikTok, or whatever platform you're using.
If your audio quality isn’t good, then people won’t stick around and you won’t grow your audience.
That’s why, when it comes to choosing the best microphone for vlogging it’s very important to consider your options.
When we started creating travel videos on our YouTube channel, we did a lot of research into what microphones worked best for different situations.
So whether it was an on-the-go travel vlog or a voice-over travel video, we knew what the best options are.
We’ve found what works best for us, so we thought we’d help you find the best microphone for vlogging that will suit your needs too!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we first need to look at the different types of microphones on offer.
There are 4 main types of microphones that are used for vlogging.
A shotgun microphone, or boom mic, is a directional mic that doesn’t pick up background noise. It’s the perfect choice for close-ups or interview style vlogs, as it can focus on a small area with little off-axis noise.
If you’re vlogging outdoors where the wind can be quite noisy, a shotgun mic can be great as it can be fitted with a windscreen. Another great thing about the shotgun mic is it is an out-of-frame mic, which means less visual distraction for your viewers
However, I’d recommend using this mic only for stationary subjects. You might need a boom operator for a moving subject, especially to ensure the mic is always facing the subject.
You can actually sue a shotgun mic to convert your GoPro (or GoPro alternative) into a great all-round vlogging camera. Which is exactly what we do! More on this below.
A lavalier or lapel microphone is small and usually clipped to your shirt. This means it’s great for moving subjects, especially if you get the wireless one. However, be careful so that your clothes won’t be a source of noise.
If you’re shooting a beauty vlog, for example, where you may be moving around your room or studio a lot, use a lavalier mic instead of a boom mic. You won’t need a boom operator to follow you around.
While lavalier vlogging microphones are certainly more visible than a shotgun mic, you could always clip them in a button-up shirt or hide it with a scarf. Some people would even tape them inside their shirts.
The two most common types are omnidirectional and cardioid. The first sounds more natural but will pick up more background noise, whereas the second can block out off-axis noise and is perfect for isolating individual voices.
If high-quality audio is your number one priority, try a USB microphone. This versatile mic is the easiest and most affordable way to make excellent recordings on your laptop or computer.
The mic contains all the necessary wiring, has no need for additional equipment and it's extremely easy to set up. Plus, it is cross platform so you should be able to use it on most of your computer devices.
I generally recommend the USB microphone for podcasts or conversational or interview vlogs. You can also use it to record your singing and music!
On the downside, it’s not the most ideal mic to record more than one person at once. Even with a bidirectional USB microphone, the two people would need to get up close for the best quality sound.
Nowadays, wireless microphone systems have become more affordable and popular. This cordless system doesn’t have a physical cable connecting it to the sound recording equipment.
Its main benefit is the freedom of movement which you get. I imagine this is very useful for vlogs where you will be moving around a lot.
Additionally, the lack of cables also means they won’t tangle up and cause a lot of annoyance.
At the same time, the problem with wireless mics is the possible interference from nearby wireless devices and systems. Another major downside is the limited range and battery life.
If you’re vlogging away from any power sources, make sure to bring an extra battery pack.
The Rode VideoMicro is perfect if you want an upgrade from your built-in mic without buying large and bulky devices.
This is the microphone we use with our GoPro Hero 8, which transforms it into an excellent vlogging camera. It comes with a windshield so you can use it for outdoor vlogging.
The Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone is small, compact, and an excellent price in exchange for great audio.
We would recommend this microphone for any new vlogger as it can easily enhance the audio quality of any camera or even mobile phone.
Better yet, it comes with a shock mount that can minimize noise from vibrations when you’re handling your phone, mirrorless, or DSLR.
Bottom line: When coupled with a DSLR gimbal, this very affordable microphone offers you a top quality vlogging setup!
If you’re planning to make lots of voice-overs or podcasts, the FIFINE PC Microphone might be for you.
We use this microphone for podcasts, streaming and voice-overs. It offers fantastic audio quality and is perfect for voice-overs on travel films and montages, or even documentary-style videos.
It’s not a great option for on-the-go vlogging, but when editing, this is an excellent microphone for filling in missing audio or even narrating your vlog.
This FIFINE microphone also comes with a headphone jack so you can play back and listen to what you're recording in real-time. Plus the sleek design with detachable desktop stand will make your recording process much easier.
With that said, you may find it tricky to capture a clear multi-person conversation. Like most USB microphones, this one works well when focusing on just a single voice source.
Another USB microphone we really like is Blue Yeti. It’s also great for recording podcasts and voice-overs, and some people even use it as a video conference microphone.
This mic has a tri-capsule array, which means it’s incredibly versatile. You can select the stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, or bidirectional patterns to suit your different recording needs.
The cardioid pattern can pick up quite a bit of the sibilant noises, though this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re recording in a quiet room.
Besides the quality audio results, Blue Yeti comes with a solid and ultra-durable metal base. It’s an excellent choice for a home studio setup!
Unfortunately, it does feature an awkward stand that can be hard to mount on uneven surfaces.
The Rode Wireless Go may be one of the best wireless microphones you can get. It’s small, lightweight and portable.
In short, an essential equipment for any type of vlogger, especially those who are moving around while shooting.
The Rode Wireless Go supports gain adjustments on both its transmitter and receiver, which you can easily change depending on the camera you’re using.
We also love that the transmitter comes with its own built-in lav mic, so you can place it farther from your on-camera mic to capture clear and detailed audio of your subject.
For outdoor use, the two windshields can be clipped on the built-in mic or using a custom solution. When not in use, it's so compact that it slots away in your camera backpack without you even knowing it's there.
The Boya BY-M1 is an excellent lavalier microphone for those on a budget. We recommend this for indoor vlogging where you are moving around a lot.
It’s easy to set up and use while offering decent audio quality. Overall, the Boya BY-M1 is quite versatile and good for podcasts and on-the-go content.
One of the only things that might deter you from buying the Boya BY-M1 is its long cables. It does come with some built-in velcro to help you manage the tangles.
Moreover, this mic is only optimal for recording your own voice. It doesn’t do well in a multi-person setting.
The traditional shotgun microphone offers brilliant audio, but can be troublesome as it requires a boom operator. With an on-camera shotgun microphone like the Rode VideoMic Go, you won’t have this problem.
It’s easy to use but delivers crisp, directional audio. As it has a narrow pickup area that will pick up any sounds directly in front of the mic, it can reduce any background noises.
This is a great mic for almost any type of vlogger, from travel, beauty, to lifestyle. It also features a Rycote lyre shock mount which means you can be moving around and the mic will still be mounted on your camera.
Considering the quality and features it offers, the Rode VideoMic Go is relatively affordable. It’s also very compact and lightweight for a shotgun microphone.
Additionally, there’s no need to struggle with complicated settings to start using the microphone, making it perfect even for those just starting out on vlogging.
The Rode VideoMic Pro is another step up as it combines quality audio with a lightweight and ergonomic design.
You can attach this microphone to various devices, including a camcorder and DSLR camera. Its all-new capsule design boasts lower noise and higher sensitivity, which is especially useful for vlogging.
Just like the other Rode microphone, this is also a great choice for outdoor environments. The shock mounting ensures it won’t move around even with vibrations, while the foam windscreen can block out unwanted noises.
However, note that the Rode Videomic Pro is better suited to pick up detailed ambient noises for an atmospheric vlog instead of focusing on voices.
The Joby Wavo was obviously designed with vloggers in mind, and we think this truly translates in the product. This on-camera microphone uses a super cardioid pattern that clearly captures your voice.
But what’s great about it is its compact size, light weight and portability. You can attach it to your phone, camera or GorillaPod tripod, which means ensuring consistent audio when vlogging with multiple devices becomes super easy.
It also comes with a Rycote Duo-Lyre shock mount and foam windshield. Like we said, everything you would need to make quality vlogs!
The Joby Wavo doesn’t run on a battery. While this means you don’t have to worry about charging or replacing batteries, it may drain your camera battery faster too.
What stands out from the GODOX MoveLink II M2 is the impressive quality and features you get despite its relatively affordable price.
It’s a great budget-friendly alternative to the Rode Wireless Go that performs well with rich sounds.
Overall, this GODOX mic system offers an excellent value with high quality volume and additional cables and accessories that come with the box.
From wind blockers to various clips, you can adapt the mic to your needs.
The mic also pairs easily, while the solid battery time (up to 8h) makes recording much more convenient.
Plus, it works great from a distance and the quality doesn’t change, even at the maximum 100-meter transmission range.
I also love how you can set up the recording in stereo mode when you’re using both transmitters, so you can edit the audio after recording.
And switching between modes doesn’t get easier with a simple button!
Advantages Of GODOX MoveLink II M2 Wireless Microphone System For Vlogging
Disadvantages Of GODOX MoveLink II M2 Wireless Microphone System For Vlogging
If you’re looking for a small microphone with a simple and minimalist design, the Blue Snowball is for you. The unique round design has a metallic white finish and slick coating for a stylish look.
There are no complicated buttons and settings, making this an ideal choice even for beginning vloggers who want to ensure professional-grade audio.
We’d recommend this specifically for podcasts, voice-overs and conversational vlogs. It can pick up the bass sounds in your voice while eliminating most background noises.
One thing the Blue Snowball hasn’t thought of well is the polar pattern switch. Numbered without clear indications of what each is, you might have to read up the manual when using it for the first time.
The Shure SM7B is for sure one of the most impressive and professional microphones for vlogging you can get.
Iconic artists like Keith Urban and John Mayer are known to have used this microphone for live performances and recordings. If that isn’t a testament to its audio quality, we’re not sure what is.
Not only does it offer laudable audio performance, we also love the rugged and classy construction of the Shure SM7B.
With that said, the price of this microphone may not make it suitable for beginners or casual vloggers. But if you’re planning to vlog full-time, the investment can be well worth it.
For any studio recording needs, we highly recommend the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+. This is perfect if you want to create voice-overs for your travel or documentary videos, or even streaming.
Rest assured, you’ll get superb audio quality with its premium A/D converter with a high sampling rate. Whereas the headphone jack and volume control means you can listen to playbacks in real-time.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+ also comes with an internal headphone amplifier, which gives you excellent clarity and more volume.
Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and prerecorded audio.
The Zoom H1 may not be the cheapest of our microphone options, but its quality is quite outstanding and has all the basic features you might need to ensure superb audio in your vlogs.
This digital recorder has straightforward buttons that you’ll find easy to use and navigate. You can even use it as a regular microphone without recording the sound.
One of the best things about the Zoom H1 is its compact and lightweight design, which means you can carry it around in your pocket.
We recommend this for smartphone vlogging, or you can attach it to your regular camera. Either way, it’s a pretty solid microphone that you might like.
We’ve been using the Canon Powershot G7X Mark II as our blogging camera for years now. And there is an interesting hack you can do with this microphone to help massively improve your audio quality.
If you also have the Canon G7X Mark II and are looking to improve your audio quality, check out the video here.
The TAKSTAR SGC-598 is a high-end microphone packed in an affordable price tag. For those wanting an excellent shotgun microphone without breaking the bank, this might be the answer you’re looking for.
Featuring shock mounts, a foam windshield, low-cut switch and +10dB gain boost, it’s the perfect microphone for travel or food vlogging.
You can use it in the outdoors and crowded areas, as the heart-shaped single-point pickup will ensure it doesn’t pick up background noises. Unfortunately, it doesn’t filter out static noise as well.
The TAKSTAR SGC-598 can pick up your voice clearly even up to 6 metres away, which can be useful when documenting your travels and other adventures.
The RodeLink Filmmaker Kit is a wireless microphone system that lets you produce high-quality recording without having to fuss with tangled wires.
It is quite large and not as compact as some of the other mics we’ve featured today. However, if your priority is to provide the best possible audio for your vlogs, you should consider getting the RodeLink Filmmaker Kit.
In addition to the transmitter and receiver, you will get a lavalier mic that can be great if you’re planning to move around a lot when you vlog. This system also ensures a high quality audio output.
The RodeLink Filmmaker Kit has an excellent range of 100m with the possibility to change transmission channels. Despite it not being an all-in-one system, this range means you still have great flexibility!
The audio you get from a built-in microphone will never be as good. Even if you’re a beginner vlogger, we highly recommend investing in a good external microphone. This will ensure your audio and vlog quality are excellent from the get-go.
Of course, some vlogging cameras do come with great built-in microphones, like the G7x Mark II, but it still can’t compete with an external microphone.
If you want to take your audio to the next level, then a microphone for vlogging is an essential investment.
One of the worst things about built-in microphones is they easily pick up unwanted noise. This may not be a problem if you’re vlogging in an isolated area or soundproof room. However, this isn’t the typical setting for most vloggers.
With an external microphone, you can filter out wind and road noise. It also often comes with a windshield to ensure the best possible recording even in an outdoor environment.
When it’s time to edit the audio, you can apply a denoiser for the audio from a built-in microphone. But you’ll give yourself a better chance of removing unwanted noises within a shot by using an external microphone.
If we had to pick one, the Rode VideoMic Pro is the best microphone for vlogging. If you have the budget for it, we recommend investing in this excellent mic. It will completely elevate the audio in your vlogs to a new level, making them much more enjoyable for viewers.
This will depend on what type of YouTube channel you run. If you are podcasting or speaking to the camera, rather than running fast-paced travel adventure, then I’d recommend the FIFINE PC Microphone as a great budget microphone for recording YouTube videos.
One of the best things about external microphones is that you can always add a windshield (like this one), which means it’s usable in windy conditions. While this helps to protect audio from the wind in any microphone, a shotgun microphone works the best with a windshield.
Unfortunately, no. The only solution to improve your audio on a Canon G7X Mark ii is by recording it separately using an external recorder. You will then have to sync it to the video in editing. This video has more details. Alternatively, you can opt for the Canon G7X Mark III, which is the newer version and has a microphone jack built in!
As you can see, there’s quite a range of microphones currently on offer. Whichever one you go for will be dependent on a number of things. Such as:
But from the vlogging microphones above, I’m confident you will find a setup perfect for you.
Now over to you …
Which microphone above are you leaning towards buying?
Do you have a recommendation for a mic not included in this list?
Let me know in the comments below.
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