Your smartphone is a powerful multipurpose tool that can fit right in your pocket, and you’ve likely used it to capture videos or voice memos, among other functions. But what if you want to get higher-quality audio without using a different recording device? There are many options available for smartphone microphones depending on your needs, whether you’re recording musical instruments, dialogue or other sounds.
One of the best smartphone microphones is PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone. This versatile microphone offers different placements when recording due to its rotating clip and long cord. The Lightning connector makes it easily compatible with an iPhone or iPad, and it works seamlessly with 3.5-millimeter adapters to connect to other types of smartphones.
What to know before you buy a smartphone microphone
Types of microphone polar patterns
Microphones can be categorized by their polar pattern, which is the amount of sound they pick up around them depending on placement.
- Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound all around the room.
- Directional microphones pick up sound only in a specific radius, which can be useful for dialogue or recording instruments.
- Cardioid microphones pick up everything in front of the microphone and block everything else.
- Figure-8 microphones pick up everything in front and directly behind, which is great for stereo recording or for recording more than one instrument (or person).
Most smartphone microphones are omnidirectional.
Types of microphones
- Dynamic microphones are made with magnetic coils and are very resistant to high levels of noise and handling. They're typically used in theatre or live music.
- Condenser microphones are made with a thin sheet of metal that vibrates to pick up sound, using capacitors instead of magnetic coils. This gives them a more precise quality, which makes them excellent for recording music in the studio.
- Ribbon microphones are made with a lightweight ribbon that captures very high frequencies, or pitches. This makes them a good choice for recording string instruments or higher singing voices.
Most smartphone microphones are condenser microphones.
Connectors and adapters
Some smartphone microphones have a 3.5-millimeter connector, which is also known as a headphone jack, and a more universal style. Others have a Lightning connector to be used with Apple products. There are adapters available to convert these microphones for use with other devices. Some adapters allow you to split your audio signal between two different recording devices and some allow you to connect via USB.
Recording software
Some smartphone microphones come with video or audio recording software. There are many free or low-cost software options available for various smartphone models, in addition to the built-in recording feature on your smartphone.
Frequency response
The human ear can hear frequencies, or pitches, from 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. Most microphones are capable of picking up this entire range, but some built-in smartphone microphones only pick up a range up to 15,000 hertz. This limited range helps to reduce unwanted noise during phone calls.
Smartphone microphone features
Wind muffs
Most microphones feature a wind muff or shock mount, which is usually made out of foam or fabric and fits over or around the microphone to help cut down unwanted background noise, as well as mic handling noise.
Clips and mounts
Most smartphone microphones are lavalier, or clip-on style, which is a versatile format. They can clip onto a shirt collar and easily capture clear dialogue. They can also be taped under tables if you need to record two or more people at once but don’t want the mics to be seen in a video shoot. Some smartphone microphones come with a stand or mount which allows you to either place it on a tabletop or on a studio-style microphone boom stand.
Smartphone compatibility
Most smartphone microphones are compatible with most smartphone operating systems and models, as well as many tablets and computers. Some models are more specifically designed for a Mac or PC but with the correct adapters, can still work for other devices.
Smartphone microphone cost
Smartphone microphones range in cost from about $10-$110, with the higher price range being typical of professional film, television and music microphones.
Smartphone microphone FAQ
What makes smartphone microphones different from my smartphone’s built-in microphone?
A. Most smartphones have two built-in microphones, one of which helps to filter out background noise from phone calls. However, there may be situations where you'll want to get a louder and clearer audio recording without having to hold your phone right up to your subject. You might also want a fuller-sounding recording, which can be difficult with built-in smartphone microphones since they capture a narrower frequency range.
I’m trying to record with my smartphone microphone and there’s a buzzing noise — how do I fix this?
A. Check the connectivity of the microphone as well as your cables and headphones. If neither of these are the culprit, make sure your phone isn't plugged into an ungrounded outlet while recording, as this can cause a low-pitched hum.
Which smartphone microphone should I get?
Best of the best smartphone microphone
PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone: available at Amazon
Our take: This plug-and-play microphone comes with a long 12-foot cord and extra wind muffs. Its Lightning connector makes it easily compatible with most iPhones and iPads.
What we like: Clip rotates 360 degrees. Has noise-canceling technology. Affordable price.
What we dislike: Some users report difficulty with Zoom setup. Requires adapters to work with non-Lightning devices, which some users find frustrating or expensive.
Best bang for your buck smartphone microphone
Miracle Sound Wired Lavalier Lapel Microphone: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable microphone has an omnidirectional pickup pattern, making it a great choice for recording music or dialogue, as well as conferences and meetings.
What we like: Amazon has promotional options if you buy more than one. Has a 3.5-millimeter jack, making it compatible with most smartphone and tablet devices. Easily handles high and low frequencies without distorting. Works with Lightning adapters for newer iPhones or iPads.
What we dislike: Some users feel the cord is too thin and fragile. The wind muff does not completely cut down distortion from wind or handling noise.
Honorable mention smartphone microphone
PoP Voice Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone: available at Amazon
Our take: This versatile omnidirectional condenser lapel microphone works with a variety of devices and operating systems. It comes with an adapter for PCs and a 6-foot cable.
What we like: Amazon sells a two-pack option. Pickup pattern is very sensitive and good for music as well as dialogue. Works well with a free video recording app. Picks up voices easily even when not clipped to a shirt.
What we dislike: Some users report that audio levels can be too high, causing distortion. The clip can be hard to open.
Adrian Wengenroth is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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