Are you an interviewer or broadcaster searching for an audio projector that is high quality but unobtrusive? Or perhaps you want to start your own personal vlog on YouTube and need to be able to move freely while providing clear audio for your audience. In these cases and others, a lavalier microphone with a clip-on system is a perfect solution. We have compiled this list of lavalier microphones and answered some common questions to help you find the best lavalier microphone for your needs.
Enter your text here…
Product FAQ
1. What Is a Lavalier Microphone?
A lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel mic or a lav mic, is a small, dynamic microphone that fits near the neck of the user and clips to their clothing to project audio through a speaker easily. These hands-free devices can be used as external mics for DSLRs and for other applications, such as public speaking, theater, television, smart devices, interviews, YouTube videos, newscasters, and more.
2. What Are the Types of Lavalier Microphones?
Lavalier microphones can either be wired or wireless. Wired lavalier microphones connect directly to a video camera or audio recorder through a cord. Wireless lavalier microphones use a radio transmitter that hangs on the back of your waistband with a receiver connected to the device. There are also lavalier microphones manufactured specifically for use with smartphones that only require a 3.5mm audio jack and audio recording app to turn the phone into the audio recorder.
3. What Are the Advantages of Lavalier Microphones?
Lavalier microphones are very convenient, giving hands-free control, and can be almost unnoticeable on the wearer’s garments. They also provide a good quality of voice transmission and have a wide application of uses.
4. What Are the Disadvantages of Lavalier Microphones?
Lavalier microphones are not good for use during a studio session, and they can become quite expensive if you need a wireless option for recording audio because you have to buy a set with a separate transmitter and receiver.
5. What Features Should I Consider When Choosing a Lavalier Microphone?
When choosing a lavalier microphone, you want to first decide which type of microphone is best for you. The next feature you want to pay attention to is the sound quality. If you’re looking for a microphone that will produce a high-quality, mellow sound or that can work with instruments, then a condenser microphone is best for you because it is very sensitive to sound. You want to make sure that the microphone has enough energy efficiency to last you several hours on one charge or with the same batteries.
You also want to find one that is compact and unobtrusive in its design for a truly hands-free experience. Make sure that whatever device you hook it up to has an output that matches your microphone’s input. Finally, you want to ensure that they microphone fits within your personal budget, as some types, typically wireless types, can become exponentially more expensive depending on the accessories and capabilities.
How We Reviewed
We were able to make this list of best lavalier microphones after reading countless reader reviews and conducting research on each model. We reviewed the following microphones based on their features, price, and where they can be bought. By comparing each microphone across these three categories, we are able to provide the most accurate list possible.
Overall Price Range
Lavalier microphones have a large price range, with prices ranging from around $10 to around $500 depending on the quality. Some of the higher priced microphones may have additional features such as wireless capabilities, condensers, longer battery energy, phantom power ability, and accessories. We made sure to include a good range of microphone prices so that you can find the best lavalier microphone for your personal budget and needs.
What We Reviewed
- Rode SmartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
- Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone
- Audio-Technica PRO 70 Cardioid Condenser Lavalier/Instrument Microphone
- Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel Microphone Kit
- Sony ECMCS3 Clip Style Omnidirectional Stereo Microphone
- Sennheiser Condenser Microphone
- Giant Squid Omnidirectional Mono Microphone
- Audio-Technica ATR-3350IS Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Mic
- AKG CK99 L
- Sony Business Microphone | ECM-CS3
Rode SmartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
[amazon box=”B00EO4A7L0”]
Features
The Smartlav+ is one of the most popular wired lavalier microphones. It is smartphone-compatible, able to be connected using the headphone jack of your phone. It works with any type of app that can record directly from the microphone input. It also includes an app from the manufacturer, Rode, that allows you to edit and publish your recordings.
The microphone comes with a carrying pouch and a clip to attach it to clothing. The moisture-proof cable provides rain protection, while the foamy pop shield is convenient for recording in windy weather.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone
[amazon box=”B01AG56HYQ”]
Features
The PowerDeWise Lavalier Microphone is one of the best lavalier microphones if you need a cheaply priced model that doesn’t skimp on quality. This wired microphone is compatible with smartphones, connecting through a 3.5mm TRRS audio jack. It is also compatible with laptops, PCs, and cameras that do not have an active microphone. It comes with a free 79″ extension cord wrapped in velcro, allowing you to move around the room without unplugging it. It also includes a free storage case for portability.
- Price
- Where to Buy
Audio-Technica PRO 70 Cardioid Condenser Lavalier/Instrument Microphone
[amazon box=”B001CITVNQ”]
Features
The Audio-Technica Pro 70 is one of the more expensive models on the list for good reason. It is made by one of the leading microphone manufacturers, provides excellent performance, and includes a variety of accessories. This is a condenser microphone, which makes it great for use with both instruments and for vocal performances. It is well-built, sturdy, and includes a garment clip-on and a mounting system for an acoustic guitar.
This microphone also features the metal grill as a pop filter which greatly improves the sound quality, making it sound like a professional microphone. It also has a switch that can cut off low frequencies. It can be powered either by batteries or by phantom power from the device it’s connected to. This is truly one of the best lavalier microphones if you’re looking for high-quality, professional-sounding audio recording. The only disadvantage is that you can hear it if you rub the wire, though this can be worked around rather easily.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel Microphone Kit
[amazon box=”B01MSKI46R”]
Features
The Purple Panda Lavelier Microphone provides a lot of good accessories for a lower price point. It comes with a mini-USB adapter and a TRS adapter, allowing it to connect to various devices such as smartphones, cameras, GoPro cameras, and others. There are two sturdy clips in the package, providing a free replacement clip, and it comes with a 9.8-foot extension cord.
The microphone has a fuzzy windscreen to provide wind protection, though it is only minor and may affect your recording quality to a significant degree. It also comes with an e-book for beginners to get started with making video and audio recordings and recording techniques. All of this comes with a pouch to store everything in.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
Sony ECMCS3 Clip Style Omnidirectional Stereo Microphone
[amazon box=”B0058MJX4O”]
Features
The Sony ECMCS3 is one of the best lavalier microphones if you want a cheap, high-quality microphone without a lot of additional accessories. This microphone comes with the mic itself, the cable, and the clip. It features a minimalist styling that suits all clothes. It includes microphone rotation in the design, allowing it to be positioned easily any way you want it. The microphone is omnidirectional, but the polar pattern can cause it to collect a good bit of ambient noise while recording.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
Sennheiser Condenser Microphone
[amazon box=”B0711SN3JM”]
Features
The Sennheiser Microphone provides some of the best sound quality on the list because it is a condenser microphone. It comes with a circle polar pattern that prevents pickup of almost all ambient noise and provides ultimate sound clarity. It is designed to fit any kind of garment and comes with a mini-jack and a heavy duty cable, making it compatible with most wireless systems.
Though it doesn’t come with any accessories and is quite expensive, the sound quality and design make this microphone one of the best lavalier microphones for use in the professional industry. You’ll see it being used on numerous TV shows and by pro journalists all around the world.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
Giant Squid Omnidirectional Mono Microphone
[amazon box=”B00HWMG44U”]
The Giant Squid Mono microphone is a good microphone in the mid-price range. The sleek and non-intrusive design will fit most outfits and it comes with a simple gator clip to hold it in place. The mic can be covered by a small windscreen for outdoor recording. The windscreen does not negatively affect sound quality. It is omnidirectional, allowing it to be adjusted in whichever direction is needed for good audio recording.
This microphone delivers good sound quality and can even be used as a microphone for an acoustic guitar. However, the cord cannot be detached, and the windscreen has a tendency to loosen over time. But these problems for the price point make it a worthwhile choice.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
Audio-Technica ATR-3350IS Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Mic
[amazon box=”B00HZA6EJO”]
Features
Another Audio-Technica model has made it on the list of the best lavalier microphones; this time the ATR-3350IS. This condenser microphone detects sounds at frequencies from 50 hertz to 18 kilohertz. It has a sensitivity of -54dB, allowing it to provide a wide range of frequencies and good sensitivity. It has an omnidirectional polar pattern and a removable clip-on to allow the user to adjust it in whichever direction is needed. Its wire is 6 meters long.
The microphone is powered by a single accumulator battery LR44 and it also includes an on/off switch button on the housing. It comes with a foam windscreen for protection during windy weather. It can be paired with DILs and DSLRs and also comes with an adapter for use with any smartphone. The only drawbacks are that users note that the retaining clip is flimsily designed and there are no battery level indicators. For the high sound quality and adaptability, though, this microphone definitely deserves its place on this list.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
AKG CK99 L
[amazon box=”B006VSMHE2”]
Features
The AKG CK99L Lavalier microphone is a hands-free system with an ergonomic and attractive appearance. It can be used for conferences, presentations, interviews, talk shows, and the like. This corded microphone is famous for its low noise threshold. It can also suppress extraneous radio waves through the high-tech materials that were used to produce the microphone case and capsule and in producing membranes. The sound transmission is high-quality and does not excessively distort audio frequencies.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
Sony Business Microphone | ECM-CS3
[amazon box=”B004KVIZJ8”]
Features
The last of the best lavalier microphones, but certainly not the least, is the Sony Business Microphone. This condenser stereo microphone can work with audio devices that have a 3.5mm audio jack. It is designed as a symmetric gray capsule and has an omnidirectional polar pattern for easy adjustment of direction for the best audio.
It has a wide range on the frequency spectrum with a response from 50Hz – 15,000Hz and sensitivity of -38dB. This range allows it to have great sound sensitivity. The only drawback to this microphone is that the 1m cable is quite short and may not reach as far as you need it to.
- Price
- Where to Buy
$
The Verdict: The Best Lavalier Microphone
After comparing all the technical specifications of these models, we choose the Audio-Technica Pro 70 as the best lavalier microphone. The fact that it is a condenser microphone that can work for both vocal performances and with instruments puts it a step above most other microphones.
Some other features that we enjoy include the metal grill that functions as a pop filter, the low-frequency cutoff switch, and the phantom power charging capabilities. With rubbing the wire disturbing audio being the only reported drawback, we definitely feel this high-quality microphone deserves to be called the best.
