Lavalier microphones, or lapel mics, are essential when filming interviews, presentations, vlogs, or even a feature film or short film. The best lavalier microphone allows you to clip the mic somewhere discreet and continue filming hands free. With a good lapel microphone, you will be able to capture your videos without worrying about whether you are getting good sound or not.
Whether you are looking for a wired lavalier microphone, a wireless lapel microphone, or one with a headset for public speeches, we have reviewed and compiled the top ten best lavalier mics available for any purpose. Our buyer’s guide at the bottom of the article goes over what criteria is most important to choose the best lavalier microphone for you.
10 Best Lavalier Microphone - Overview
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Lav mics can be wireless, wired, or specific to smartphones. Our guide has all types of lav mics arranged according to who we think might benefit the most from each lav mic.
Sennheiser Omni-directional EW System – Best Professional Lav Mic
This omni-directional system can be used as a lapel mic and is our top choice if you’re looking for a professional, highly-reliable and durable lav mic. If you want studio level sound quality and you know you’ll be filming in a windy or loud location, rest assured that this Sennheiser won’t pick up unwanted noise.
It comes with a transmitter and a receiver that can be attached to a camera or tripod. It’s easy to operate the menu and learn how to control this lav mic system.
This system comes with a number of settings, but the default settings usually works nicely for most occasions. The batteries last 10+ hours, more than enough for most shoots.
Note: this model is battery operated so you need 2 AA batteries for the receiver and 2 for the transmitter.
This professional-grade lav mic system won’t let you down and will give you the best quality sound you could ask for.
Pros
Cons
- Sound quality is unbeatable, there will be no interference
- Multiple customizable settings that are easy to learn
- Long battery life
- Durable (metal casing)
- You need this set-up (transmitter & receiver) for each person
Rode RodeLink FM Digital System – Best for Filmmaking
This RodeLink is a superb choice for filmmakers and provides everything you need to start making videos wirelessly, which includes a transmitter, receiver, and of course the RodeLink broadcast-grade lavalier microphone. It’s a great way to record interviews with all types of digital cameras and will give you professional sound quality without the price tag of a professional sound system.
You are able to jump between frequencies to maintain the strongest signal level up to 100 meters away. The transmitter is fairly light and can be attached to a belt or collar easily with a locking thread to ensure no movement. There is an OLED display with information on battery status for both receiver and transmitter, a mute button, and channel selection.
This is a great choice for filmmakers who want wireless sound that is straightforward and high quality. If you’re an indie filmmaker making documentaries or feature films on a budget, this is an amazing product to get you into professional sounding audio.
Pros
Cons
- Versatile and great for making videos wirelessly
- You won’t lose connection
- Amazing sound quality, especially for its price
- The hot shoe mount is made of plastic and rather flimsy. However, if it breaks, contact Rode and they will likely send you a replacement
Tascam DR-10L – Best Portable Recorder + Lav Mic
This Tascam digital portable record with lav mic is ultra compact and really convenient. It is compatible with most Sennheiser lav mics with the same connector. Playback functionality allows recorded audio to be checked immediately. The body is lightweight and easy to conceal, perfect for documentary or film subjects, or wedding parties.
This recorder does two track recordings, so in case one is damaged, you can use the other. Its battery life records at least 10 hours on a single AAA battery. Also, a belt clip, microphone clip, and windshield are provided.
This is a good choice if you’re looking for a recorder and lav mic simultaneously. Sound quality is good, as is battery life. It’s also a reliable system since it records two tracks, which can come in handy if one of your audio streams becomes damaged.
Pros
Cons
- Portable wireless recorder + lav mic set-up
- Dual recording so you have a back-up
- Long battery life
- On/off switch can be difficult
Wireless Microphone System Headset – Most Versatile / Best Headset
This is an ideal lav mic system for live performances, whether that’s public speeches, teaching, interviews, or weddings. It could also be used for fitness instructors.
Audio performance offers high quality sound transmission through its upgraded noise cancelling technology. The transmission can reach 300 feet with no distortion.
This system comes with three adaptors, 3 microphones, a headset mic, handheld mic, and lavalier lapel mic. You also get a multi-functional tripod, wind shield, and charging cable. The wireless receiver’s universal 1/4 inch plug is compatible with a mixer, PA speaker, and karaoke machines. You can also connect to an mobile device with a 1/8 inch jack, digital cameras, and laptops.
This is a versatile lav mic sound system that is ideal for public performances, fitness or yoga instructors, and interviews. It comes with several accessories and is compatible with most devices. It is a great all-rounder choice that does not sacrifice sound quality for value.
Pros
Cons
- Versatile & great for public events
- Value pack comes with every accessory you need
- Widely compatible (see caveats below)
- Not compatible with Bluetooth Speakers or Macbook
Shure PGXD14/85-X8 Digital Lavalier Microphone – Best for Performances
If you are a performer and you need a good lavalier mic to accompany movement, this Shure wireless system is for you. It will stay in place while you move around and the sound quality is incredible. If you are a singer, you need not worry about it picking up your voice. This is a great quality choice for musicians, street performers, and fitness instructors.
The Shure is easy to set up and use. The transmitter includes handheld, bodypack, headworn, lavalier, clip-on, and combo options. You also have 14 hours of continuous use with the included 2 AA batteries.
The BLX wireless systems combined professional-quality sound with an intuitive and easy to use system. This high-quality lavalier mic will pick up your voice and capture all sound even when you’re moving a lot.
Pros
Cons
- Will stay in place no matter how much you move
- Easy to use
- High-quality sound and easy to use set-up
- May not be compatible with other Shure mics, make sure receiver and body backs are compatible if you plan to use with other Shure models
Audio-Technica PRO 35 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on – Best for Musicians
If you’re a musician worried about sound quality with your instruments, this Audio-Technica comes with a miniature condenser microphone and instrument adaptor, which is particularly good at picking up acoustic instruments.
When used as a clip-on lav microphone, the vocal reproduction is extremely natural sounding. It comes with a clothing clip and guitar mount. The lav mic is equipped with a low-frequency switch that lets you reduce the pickup of room noise. The cardioid polar pattern lets you reduce sound from the side and rear, so that you isolate the desired sound. It operates on phantom power or battery.
This is a great lav mic for musicians, and performers of all kinds. You will be able to pick up instrument sounds with ease and clarity.
Pros
Cons
- Great for acoustic instruments
- Amazing value for what you get
- Can easily clip on and off onto various instruments
- You must route the cable to be secure on clothing, or else there may be unwanted feedback noise
FotoWelt Wireless Lavalier Microphone System – Best for Youtube & Podcasting
This lavalier microphone system from FotoWelt is great for Youtube videos and podcasting because of its easy use, high quality, and compatibility to multiple devices. It is tiny and lightweight, and can also be used for outdoor use or travel.
There is a built-in rechargeable battery that supports type-c charging. The lav mic can be clipped onto your clothing directly, or you can mount it on your camera by the cold shoe at the back of the mic. This mic is compatible with move DSLRs with the 3.5mm jack, most camcorders, smartphones, and gimbals.
This lapel mic has reliable and stable sound, and can work up to 70m. You can use real-time monitoring to test both the transmitter and receiver. If there is any signal interference, you can change the channel while shooting.
Bonus: the FotoWelt team is really responsive with their customer support and will assist you with any questions you have.
If you’re looking for a good microphone for Youtube or podcasting, check out this FotoWelt Wireless lav mic. It is compatible with most devices and will give you superb sound.
Pros
Cons
- Compatible to most devices
- High-quality sound
- Great customer service
- You need an adaptor if you have a newer iPhone as you need the headphone jack
COMICA Wireless Lavalier Mic System – Best for Noisy Environments
This lav mic system is amazing in noisy environments. It has a full aluminum alloy make that gives it superb anti-interference ability. If you are worried about noisy environments and filming, this mic will not let you down.
The WMic-T2 gives you a real-time audio monitoring system so you can control before and during recording how your sound’s volume, channel, and signal are. It has 96 channels, and its auto-scanning function will find the best channel for you quickly and efficiently.
This model supports a 120m working distance in open areas. It features a LCF (Low Cut Filter) mode which cuts off low frequencies for a pure and clear sound. This is especially useful for noisy environments. It comes with 2 wireless transmitters, 1 wireless receiver, 2 lavalier mics, 2 dead cats for the mics, 1 3.5mm to XLR cable converter, 1 3.5mm audio cable, 3 belt clips, 1 cold shoe adaptor for the receiver, and 1 hard plastic soft-lined carrying case. You really get a lot of value for your purchase.
You will be able to capture noise regardless of where you’re filming. This system will give you professional audio, and you will not have to worry about any unwanted feedback or noise.
Pros
Cons
- Amazing for noisy backgrounds
- Auto-scanning finds the best channel for you
- Real-time audio monitoring allows you control all audio settings at all times
- Slightly expensive
PowerDeWise Lavalier Microphone – Best Under $40
If you don’t want to spend over $40 but don’t want to sacrific quality, this PowerDeWise lavalier microphone is for you. The sound is high quality and reliable.
If you have an iPhone 7,8, X, or 11, you need the 3.5mm lightning adaptor from the iPhone box. There is a one year warranty with this mic too. You will be able to stand about 10 feet from your camera, and it comes with an extension cord.
This camera provides great value for price. It is small, portable, and high-quality.
Pros
Cons
- Low priced without sacrificing quality
- Compatible with iPhone X, 8, 8 plus, 7, 7 plus, 6, 6s, 5, 5s, iOs and Android smartphones
- You need wind mufflers if you film outside (inexpensive)
PoP voice Premium 16 Feet Lavalier Microphone – Best on a Tight Budget
If you’re really on a tight budget, this lavalier lapel microphone is great. The lavalier microphone is dual-head so two people can use one microphone at the same time. It is omnidirectional so you can pick up sounds from your environment with ease. The clip-on lav mic is multipurpose and you can use it for interviews, conferences, video recording, and podcasting.
It comes with a very long cord, each one is 16 feet (5 meters). It comes with a phone adaptor and is designed for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Sony, LG, Blackberry & Windows Smartphones, Retina Macbook Pro Air, and other Android devices.
This lavalier microphone is unique in that it has a dual head that can clip onto two different people. It is very inexpensive, but is not compatible with some devices.
Pros
Cons
- Can clip onto two different people
- Very inexpensive
- Not compatible with some devices (see list of compatible devices above)
Buyer's Guide - Best Lavalier Microphone
How did we compile our list? We have listed the top criteria below in what is most important in picking a high quality lavalier microphone.
Sound Quality –
This is the most important thing in considering a lav mic. You need to be able to pick up good audio without feedback or fuzzy noises. If you are going to be in a busy loud environment, make sure to invest in a lavalier microphone that will give you clear high-quality sound.
Build Quality –
Look into the make of the lavalier microphone and make sure it will last the wear and tear that will inevitably occur. You don’t want a lav mic that picks up good audio but is made of cheap material and falls apart easily.
Operating range –
This may be an important factor for you if you need a larger range to capture sound. If you’re a performer, musician, or instructor, you likely need a larger range than if you are recording videos at home. It’s also important to consider if there are obstacles in the room that may interfere with the sound and decrease your operating range.
Conclusion
If you want to improve your video quality, or are looking for good sound and recording while giving a presentation, you should consider a good quality lavalier microphone. We have listed ten of the best lavalier mics available for several categories. Please let us know if you have any questions, or you’d like a lavalier microphone recommendation for a purpose not listed here.
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