Best Microphone For Vlogging & YouTube Videos

We pick the best microphone for vlogging and video, from shotguns to lavaliers, wired and wireless alike. Using the best microphone for vlogging is the quickest way to improve your videos. Why?

Because while we’re more forgiving when it comes to the quality of the footage itself. (nobody bats an eyelid at choppy phone footage on the news) We’re far less forgiving of poor sound.

While your camera can capture sound. The best microphone for vlogging will provide significantly better recording capabilities than the built-in mic on any camera body.

These tend to be of lower quality and lack directionality. Leaving you at the mercy of ambient noise. This is a problem whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors.

Related post: 12 Best Smartphones for Vlogging

To control what is heard in your videos and suppress unwanted background noise. An external microphone is key.

Even if you’re using the best 4K cameras for filmmaking or the best cameras for vlogging, having no proper microphone will severely impact the production value of your video in the eyes of your audience. In their ears too, now we think about it.

There are different types of microphone worth considering. A wireless mic is a good choice for interviews or panel discussions; these lavalier mic can clip to clothing and transmit their signal to a receiver on your camera via radio.

Wired versions are also available if you prefer, eliminating the risk of unexpected radio interference. With the drawback that they’ll restrict how far your subjects can move from the camera.

A good catch-all alternative is the shotgun microphone. Which can be mounted directly on the camera, or on a rig near it.

Related Post: The Best DSLR Camera for Beginners

Shotgun mics are directional, and will record audio emanating from whatever they’re pointed at. The quality improvement over the omnidirectional mics built into cameras is significant. And this is a reliable, quick and easy way to suppress background noise.

we’ve divided our guide up into sections for the different types of microphone available. So if you have an idea of what you want then click the headings to skip to your preferred section.

Deciding what the best microphone for YouTube is will largely depend on the type or style of videos you are doing. In many cases, you will want more than one microphone so you that you can use the one that fits your situation best.

If you are doing screen recordings or voiceovers after you record. A USB or XLR studio mic would work best.

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Lavalier microphones are great in a lot of situations where you don’t want to have to worry about how close to the mic you are – just clip them on and start recording.

Shotgun mics are excellent for run-and-gun style videos, vlogging, and sit-down interview-style shots.

Because there are many different types of videos. And different microphones that work well for recording them, we’ve highlighted our favorite YouTube mics by category so you can easily find what will work best.

Types of  Microphone for Vlogging

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As we mentioned above, some microphones are designed to record everything around them. These are called omnidirectional mics. Others are built to record only in one direction (unidirectional).

The most common type used for vlogging is a Cardioid Microphone, which is a unidirectional mic ideal for recording the human voice.

Within the cardioid microphone category there are different types of mic you can choose. Depending on your camera, the type of ambient noise around you, and the type of video you’re making.

Here’s a quick rundown of the options and when you might use them:

A)      USB Microphone for Vlogging

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The vast majority of YouTubers and vloggers opt for USB microphones. USB microphones are definitely the easiest to set up and use, but you are limited in your ability to easily upgrade and expand your audio quality over time.

These are ideal for anything you’re recording near a computer. Including gaming walkthroughs, product demos, tutorials, music, interviews, commentaries, and voiceovers.

You can read about the features of one of our favorites, the Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone, below.

1. Rode NT-USB – Microphone for Vlogging

The Rode NT-USB is a studio cardioid condenser microphone with a USB connection for easy plug-n-play use. The included tripod works well to keep noise levels down, but it can always be improved by using an external shock mount.

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Sound quality is excellent and easily one of the best YouTube mics under $200. There is a headphone jack with volume control as well as a mix control dial so you can blend computer audio with your voice. It is lacking onboard gain control, so you’ll have to set the input volume on your computer.

2. Blue Yeti – Microphone for Vlogging

It’s no surprise that the Blue Yeti is a favorite among YouTubers. It offers great sound quality and a ton of features for the price.

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There are 3 condenser mic capsules, allowing you to choose from 4 different pickup patterns. Most people will probably just need the cardioid pattern for voiceovers.

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But having the ability to turn it into a conference or interview mic makes it more than worth its price. (and the Yeti is frequently discounted under $100 during holiday sales).

It also includes a mute button (very useful!), gain control, headphone jack (with volume dial), and a decent stand.

3. Blue Snowball – Microphone for Vlogging

The Blue Snowball is the little brother of the Yeti and is an awesome USB YouTube mic. There are actually two different models: Blue Snowball and Blue Snowball iCE.

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The first one (Blue Snowball) has 2 mic capsules, allowing omnidirectional (all directions) and cardioid (perfect for voice recording) pickup patterns, an adjustable-height stand, and a slightly better build quality.

B) XLR Microphone for Vlogging

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When you’re ready to really improve your YouTube audio quality, you’ll want to get an XLR microphone.

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That means you’ll also need a USB audio interface to connect it to your computer (our favorite:  Focusrite Scarlett 2i2). You can always add microphone preamps and other equipment down the line as well.

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4. Audio-Technica AT2035 – Microphone for Vlogging

I love that the Audio-Technica AT2035 comes with a shock mount. You’ll need a boom arm to mount it, but your audio quality will be greatly improved and you won’t have to purchase the mount separately.

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The mic also has an 80Hz high-pass filter that will help eliminate really low sounds like computer fans, heaters, and other ambient noise.

This is a condenser microphone, which means you’ll need to provide it phantom power, but you shouldn’t need a whole lot of gain.

5. Rode Procaster – Microphone for Vlogging

The Rode Procaster definitely punches above its price point. It has an internal pop filter to reduce p-pops and an internal shock mount to reduce vibrations and handling noise.

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You can also get the Rode PSM1 shock mount to further isolate the mic.

I highly recommend the shock mount as the included mount is somewhat weak and made of plastic, plus it will be much easier to adjust the Procaster into the right position.

It’s an end-address dynamic cardioid mic that needs a decent amount of gain.

The easiest way to give it an extra boost is to use the Cloudlifter CL-1 or a separate pre-amp like the DBX286s. But I use it straight into a Zoom H5 with the gain set to about 6 without any issues.

6. Shure SM7B – Microphone for Vlogging

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If you want one of the best dynamic studio mics for your YouTube videos, the Shure SM7B is amazing. You won’t need a separate shock mount or pop filter, making its value go up a bit. You also get a thicker removable windscreen should you need it.

That said, you’ll definitely want a Cloudlifter for this mic as it needs a bunch of gain.

(C) DSLR Microphone for Vlogging

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7. Rode VideoMic Pro

A good choice for those prepared to invest in audio. These microphones mount to a DSLR camera hot shoe (some point-and-shoot cameras have them, but not all) and are a good option if you’re filming outdoors or away from your computer.

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The most common types are so-called ‘shotgun’ mics like the Rode VideoMic Pro you can read about below, one of our favorite DSLR camera microphones out there.

It’s a bit more expensive than other options, but if quality is important to you — and if you’re shelling out for a DSLR, it probably is — then it’s worth it to spend a bit more for a quality DSLR mic too.

A little bulkier and heavier than the Rode VideoMic Go is Rode’s VideoMic Pro. This hotshoe shotgun mic shares a similar size and design, but adds extra features for those seeking more flexibility and higher quality recordings.

Although it’s suspended on a similar shockmount as the Go, it incorporates a chamber for a 9V battery (not supplied), which serves as the power source for around 70 hours.

On the back, there are two switches to tailor performance, and these alter the output gain (-10, 0 or +20 dB) or offer the choice between a flat response or one with a low frequency cut.

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The sound quality is excellent, with rich tonality throughout the 40Hz-20KHz range and a flat response all the way through the speech frequencies.

Impressively, there’s a very low noise floor that’s comparable to the Boya BY-M1 lav mic, so only the hypercritical will be concerned about the trace of mic-generated hiss that’s present.

The supplied foam windscreen serves to protect the mic, but outdoors, a furry windjammer is needed to prevent wind noise, and the dedicated Rode model costs another £30/$38.

This aside, The VideoMic Pro is an excellent mic, and more than justifies its price with its features and performance.

(D)Lavalier Microphone for Vlogging

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What is a lavalier mic?

A lavalier microphone is a very small condenser mic that can be clipped to a lapel to remain in close proximity to the mouth of the speaker.

It is also often called a tie-clip mic. Because they are visually unobtrusive and give great audio quality, lavs are now the default choice for TV presenters and interview subjects.

A subset of the lav is the headworn mic, which is either hidden in the performer’s hair or on a small boom that’s clipped around the ears. This ensures the mic stays close to the mouth even if the head is turned.

Lavalier mics are great because they are small and easy to travel with. They won’t get in the way of your video and simply clip or stick to your shirt.

You’ll need to pay attention to the type of connector they use as some are designed for smartphones (TRRS jack) and some for DSLRs and portable recorders (using either TRS or XLR connections).

You can always get adapters, but I just wanted you to be aware that the connections vary.

Lapel or lavalier microphones unobtrusively clip to your clothing and are available as both more expensive wireless systems and budget-friendlier wired systems.

While lavaliers are typically omnidirectional, because they’re clipped close to your mouth, it’s easier to suppress background noise later in editing.

These mics are often used for interviews and conversational vlogging. They’re also popular with vloggers who move around a lot, like yoga or fitness instructors, dancers, and other performers.

The ultra-affordable Audio-Technica ATR-3350IS is a good option that also includes an adapter for use with smartphones.

8. Rode SmartLav+ Microphone for Vlogging

If you want something you can just plug into your phone to get excellent audio, the Rode SmartLav+ is a popular choice.

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It uses a TRRS connection (that’s what your phone uses) but you can always get the Rode SC3 adapter if you want to use it with a recorder or camera.

This is a great choice if you don’t want to spend several hundred dollars on a professional-level lavalier mic.

9. Rode Wireless Go

10. Rode RodeLink Filmmaker Kit – Microphone for Vlogging

Superb miniature wireless mic system that you can take anywhere. The RodeLink Filmmaker Kit is a wireless lavalier kit that is designed to be connected to a DSLR camera or digital recorder.

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This is a high-quality wireless mic system. – Has a price to match. It has three main components: the receiver, which connects to your camera via a supplied cable; the transmitter.

Which can be clipped onto a belt or slipped in a pocket; and a broadcast-quality lavalier microphone. You get a high-quality lav mic that connects to a digital transmitter and a digital receiver.

The wireless connection works from very far away unless you’re in a crowded event like a trade show with tons of other wireless devices nearby.

The Filmmaker Kit can operate across eight channels, each with 1,000 transmission frequencies, which means that two kits can use the same channel without interfering with each other.

It uses 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, which can be used anywhere in the world without a license.

11. Audio-Technica ATR3350iS- Microphone for Vlogging

On a budget? The Audio-Technica ATR3350iS is a killer deal. It has a long (nearly 20′) cable and comes with an adapter so you can use it with a smartphone or a camera.

I have used this mic in fairly noisy environments and it barely picked up background sounds. Highly recommended for those that want a cheaper option.

(F) Smartphone Microphone for Vlogging

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 12. Zoom iQ7

While it’s not the most high-quality option out there, some vloggers on the go opt to use their phones to record.

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If you go this route, an external mic is a must, since the built-in one provides poor quality audio — the Zoom iQ7 is a popular option for iOS devices.

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Best Shotgun Mics For YouTube – Microphone for Vlogging

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A shotgun mic for YouTube will ideally attach to the shoe on your camera and provide you the flexibility to also use off-camera should you want to use it for interviews or other similar tasks.

The boom allows them to be placed as close to the source as possible. While keeping the mic itself just out of frame.

The mic is suspended on a shock-absorbing mount. So the boom can be moved and the mic directed at the sound source without creating any handling noise.

1. Rode VideoMic Pro+ Microphone for Vlogging

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The Rode VideoMic Pro+ just came out in August of 2017. It improved on the VideoMic Pro (no plus) with a ton of new and useful features.

Some of my favorites are auto power on/off, removable cable, safety channel, and rechargeable lithium battery. It’s not cheap, but this is an awesome little shotgun mic.

A little bulkier and heavier than the Rode VideoMic Go is Rode’s VideoMic Pro. This hotshoe shotgun mic shares a similar size and design, but adds extra features for those seeking more flexibility and higher quality recordings.

Although it’s suspended on a similar shockmount as the Go, it incorporates a chamber for a 9V battery (not supplied), which serves as the power source for around 70 hours.

On the back, there are two switches to tailor performance, and these alter the output gain (-10, 0 or +20 dB) or offer the choice between a flat response or one with a low frequency cut.

The sound quality is excellent, with rich tonality throughout the 40Hz-20KHz range and a flat response all the way through the speech frequencies.

Impressively, there’s a very low noise floor that’s comparable to the Boya BY-M1 lav mic, so only the hypercritical will be concerned about the trace of mic-generated hiss that’s present.

The supplied foam windscreen serves to protect the mic, but outdoors, a furry windjammer is needed to prevent wind noise, and the dedicated Rode model costs another £30/$38.

This aside, The VideoMic Pro is an excellent mic, and more than justifies its price with its features and performance.

2. Shure VP83F – Microphone for Vlogging

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What’s cool about the Shure VP83F is that it includes a MicroSD card slot so you can use this mic without a camera if needed.

It also has extremely fine gain control so you can adjust the pickup volume quickly depending on your situation.

Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics For YouTube

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Shotgun mics tend to have trouble indoors if there is a lot of echo. If you’re regularly recording in an environment like this.

You’ll want to consider getting a small diaphragm condenser mic with either a hypercardioid or supercardioid pickup pattern.

1. Audio-Technica AT4053B – Microphone for Vlogging

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The Audio-Technica AT4053B is a hypercardioid boom mic that is highly recommended for indoor dialogue (voice).

The mic capsule is interchangeable, so if you need a different pickup pattern you can simply swap the heads.

2. Oktava MK-012 – microphone for vlogging

A less expensive option is the Oktava MK-012. This is also a modular mic that comes with hypercardioid, cardioid, and omnidirectional capsules – all in one kit! This is what I would start with.

Be careful when you’re shopping around because the MK-012 model name applies to several different capsules. At the very least, you’ll want the hypercardioid version.

Which Microphones Do YouTubers Use?

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The short answer is all of the above. But let’s take a look at what microphones popular YouTube creators use……….

MICROPHONE JARGON EXPLAINED

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Microphones have their own jargon. Here’s a glossary of mic terms to explain what they all mean, what you need to know and how to use this to choose the best microphone.

An external microphone is an essential purchase if you’re serious about getting quality sound recordings on your videos, but which type should you choose?

To help you become more au fait with the world of sound recording, here’s the lowdown on the audio jargon you can’t avoid running into…

1. What is a polar pattern?

The direction from which a mic can pick up sound cleanly is known as its polar pattern, and this varies according to its design and intended use.

In many ways, a mic’s polar pattern is a bit like the audio equivalent of a lens’s focal length. As it tells you how wide or narrow the pickup angle will be.

2. What is an omnidirectional mic?

Omnidirectional mics pick up sound from all around the capsule, and this polar pattern is popular on lavalier mics clipped to a presenter’s clothing, as the wearer is likely to look up and down and turn their head from side to side while speaking.

With omni lavs, it’s also common to mount them upside down. This shields the capsule’s top from plosives and nasal exhales. With only a small decline in high frequency response and sound level.

3. What is a cardioid mic?

Cardioid (heart-shaped) polar patterns are common on many types of mics. These pick up sound from the front and sides of the mic, and it falls off at the rear.

Cardioid patterns are usually seen on handheld vocal and instrument mics, where the lack of rear response makes them less susceptible to feedback.

4. What is a supercardioid mic?

Supercardioid polar patterns offer a narrower pickup zone than regular cardioids. So they reject sound coming in from the sides much more.

They are more sensitive to sounds from the rear than a cardioid though, so you need silence behind the mic when using them.

5. What is a hypercardioid mic?

Hypercardioid mics reject even more side-on sounds and are more focused on sounds directly in front.

As they’re very directional, and have a barrel shape. They’re often called ‘shotgun’ mics. But they’re also sensitive to sounds from the rear.

So as with a supercardioid, you need to ensure all is quiet behind the mic to get a clean recording of the source you’re targeting.

6. What is a bicardioid mic?

The figure-of-eight or bidirectional mic is the last popular polar pattern. This picks up sounds equally well from the front and rear, but strongly rejects anything coming in from either side.

In essence, a figure-of-eight is used like a double-headed mic. So two sources 180 degrees apart can be cleanly recorded.

7. What is frequency response?

Sound waves are carried through the air, and are measured in cycles per second (also known as Hertz). This is essentially how many times the wave vibrates air molecules in a second to produce a ‘note’.

Soundwaves stretch from very low frequencies (think of a very low tone) to high frequencies. (a very high, shrill note). And someone young with perfect ears may hear from as low as 20 cycles per second (20Hz) to a very high 20,000 cycles (20KHz).

This 20Hz-20KHz is the maximum frequency range of human hearing, though falloff occurs – especially at the upper limit – with age. By the time we pass 25, we’re unlikely to hear beyond 15KHz, and this drops down to about 12KHz at 50 years.

To get natural-sounding audio, a mic needs to capture the frequencies we hear. And its frequency response reveals the lowest and highest-pitched sounds it is capable of recording.

Professional mics often also have a frequency response chart. So the user can see how the mic may ‘colour’ the sound with an increase or reduction in sensitivity at particular frequency groups.

If the frequency response is relatively flat across the range of human speech (about 100Hz to 8KHz), then the mic will produce a natural-sounding recording.

8. Phantom and Plug-in Power

Unlike ‘passive’ dynamic mics, condenser mics require power to run. And mixing desks, field recorders and video cameras in the pro sector offer XLR mic inputs with switchable phantom power.

This is sent down the mic lead to fuel the mic’s electronics, so no additional power supplies are needed. Enthusiast condenser mics also need power. But either take a battery or use a different standard with a low voltage, called Plug-in Power (PiP).

This is sent through the mic lead from the device via its 3.5mm jack socket. Many audio recorders, camcorders and DSLRs offer this, so you can use PiP mics, but check your camera’s manual.

If your DSLR only offers a passive (unpowered) 3.5mm jack socket for external mics, you’ll need a mic that offers its own power source in the form of a battery.

Types of Microphones Explained

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1. What is a shotgun mic?

A shotgun microphone is a ‘barrel’ shaped mic with a hypercardioid pickup pattern that’s used extensively in film and TV production to isolate the sound coming from a specific direction.

Shotguns may be mounted on the camera, so they target the sound that the lens is pointing at, or attached to a telescopic boom pole.

The boom allows them to be placed as close to the source as possible, while keeping the mic itself just out of frame.

The mic is suspended on a shock-absorbing mount, so the boom can be moved and the mic directed at the sound source without creating any handling noise.

2. What is a lavalier mic?

A lavalier microphone is a very small condenser mic that can be clipped to a lapel to remain in close proximity to the mouth of the speaker.

It is also often called a tie-clip mic. Because they are visually unobtrusive and give great audio quality. Lavs are now the default choice for TV presenters and interview subjects.

A subset of the lav is the headworn mic. Which is either hidden in the performer’s hair or on a small boom that’s clipped around the ears. This ensures the mic stays close to the mouth even if the head is turned.

3. Large diaphragm condenser microphones

A large diaphragm condenser is the most common mic for studio voice recordings, such as voice-over for programmes or vocals for music.

Because it’s a powered condenser mic, it’s able to record crisp, high frequencies much better than unpowered dynamic mics. And the large diaphragm within the capsule does a wonderful job of recording voices really cleanly.

Although budget studio condensers are available. And are often sold as ‘podcast’ mics that plug in to a computer via USB, top pro-quality models are very expensive, costing several thousand pounds.

4. Handheld mics

A handheld microphone is a medium-sized mic designed to be held by the performer or clipped to a stand.

They’re mainly used for work like speeches and live vocals over a PA system. But examples like Shure’s SM58 is sometimes seen on screen as a general purpose interview mic. Or used as a general purpose post-production tool for voice-overs.

Handheld mics are normally very robust, dynamic mics. So they’ll withstand loads of abuse and require no independent power source for them to work.

5. What is a boundary microphone?

A boundary micrphone is an omnidirectional condenser mic that can be placed on a surface like a table.

Sometimes called a plate mic owing to its flat shape. They’re often used to record meetings or conferences, where speech could be coming from any direction.

In a studio, they may be used to capture the live sound of the room.

6. What is a parabolic microphone?

A parabolic mic is a highly directional mic that works like a satellite dish. To focus the sound waves onto a central point, where the mic is situated.

They’re sometimes used to isolate distant sounds in wildlife recording. But low frequency response is very poor on portable dishes, so they are more common in surveillance use. The Best Microphone For Vlogging.