6 Best External Microphones for GoPro in 2024

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker capturing your latest adventure or a vlogger looking to enhance your GoPro footage with high-quality audio, an external microphone is an essential accessory. The right mic can elevate your videos from good to great by providing crystal-clear sound, reducing background noise, and ensuring that every laugh, cheer, and whisper is heard. With the vast array of options on the market, selecting the best external microphone for your GoPro can be overwhelming. Fear not! We’ve simplified the search, homing in on the very best external microphones designed to pair perfectly with your GoPro, promising to make your next recording exceptionally vivid and immersive.

When selecting the best external microphone for a GoPro, it’s crucial to consider several criteria to ensure you get a microphone that meets your needs and enhances your audio experience. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Compatibility: First and foremost, the microphone must be compatible with your GoPro model. Check if it requires an additional GoPro adapter.
2. Sound Quality: High-quality audio capture is essential. Look for microphones with a good frequency range and noise reduction capabilities.
3. Durability: As GoPros are often used in action settings, the microphone should be able to withstand rough conditions and, preferably, be resistant to elements like wind and moisture.
4. Form Factor: Look for a compact and lightweight design that won’t interfere with your activities or the portability of your GoPro setup.
5. Mounting Options: Versatile mounting options allow you to position the microphone for the best sound capture, whether it’s on the camera, on your person, or elsewhere.
6. Battery Life: If the microphone is powered, consider its battery life and whether it matches your typical GoPro usage.
7. Price: Get the best value for your budget without compromising on essential features for your needs.

By assessing these criteria, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect external microphone for your GoPro sessions.

Model	Price (approx.)	Type	Polar Pattern	Frequency Response	Connector	Power Source	Additional Features	Weight
Hollyland Lark 150	$179.95	Wireless Lavalier	Omnidirectional	20Hz – 20kHz	3.5mm TRS and USB	Rechargeable battery	300ft range, Noise Buffer Design, and Smart Signal Processing
Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone	$60	Compact On-Camera	Cardioid	100Hz – 20kHz	3.5mm TRS	Plugin power (no battery required)	No battery required, includes Rycote Lyre shock mount and windshield	42g
Saramonic SR-XM1 3.5mm TRS Omnidirectional Microphone	$25	Lavalier / Clip-on	Omnidirectional	75Hz – 15kHz	3.5mm TRS	Plugin power (no battery required)	Ultra-compact, plug and play, swivel joint for easy positioning	21g
Boya BY-MM1 Compact On Camera Shotgun Microphone	$40	Compact On-Camera Shotgun	Cardioid	35Hz – 18kHz	3.5mm TRS	No battery required	Aluminum construction, includes shock mount and furry windshield	86g
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone	$50	Universal Video Microphone	Cardioid	35Hz – 18kHz	3.5mm TRS	No battery required	Includes shock mount, windscreen, and bag, compatible with smartphones	51g
Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Super-Cardioid Directional Shotgun Microphone	$200	Shotgun Microphone	Supercardioid	50Hz – 20kHz	3.5mm TRRS with Auto-Configuring Smart Technology	Rechargeable battery	Gain control, low cut filter, automatic power function, includes Rycote shock mount	198g

Please note that the prices are approximate and may vary based on the retailer, location, and changes in market pricing.

Hollyland Lark 150

If GoPro is your source to record videos for your content, combine it with the Hollyland Lark 150 to multiply your viewership by providing next-level audio quality. The Lark 150 wireless microphone is made for GoPro creators who seek a quick way to capture excellent sound on their adventures. No need for manual pairing as the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) get automatically paired once you put them and take them out of the charging case. And when you are ready to go on your journey, simply keep the case in your bag and get both units charged for your next project.

Each transmitter of Lark 150 stays functional for up to 4 hours while the receiver battery life is approx. 7 hours. This ensures you can rely on this microphone kit to record a big session. Moreover, this microphone has three recording modes – stereo, mono, and safety track. You can use the mono track to record your audio if you’re a solo adventurer. If you want to record yourself and your friend, you can switch to the stereo mode. Additionally, all audios recorded in the safety track mode have a duplicate file in case you lose the original one. 

And while the GoPro setup is already a bit technical, the Lark 150, on the other hand, saves you from experiencing a complicated configuration. You only need to plug the RX into your GoPro and begin recording after clipping the TX on your shirt. Also, this wireless microphone gives you freedom of movement as you can record voices from a distance of up to 300ft. So feel free to set your GoPro on one side of the hill while you speak to your audience from the edge, painting the picture of the beautiful sunset through your voice.

Specs:

• Max SPL: 112 dB
• TX Battery Life: 4 hours
• TX Charging Time: 45 minutes
• RX Battery Life: 7.5 hours
• RX Charging Time: 65 minutes
• Wireless Technology: 2.4GHz AFH
• Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Audio Latency: Less than 5ms
• Connectivity: 3.5mm TRS and USB (through adapter/cable)

Pros:

• Simple and quick setup
• Most users are delighted with the audio reproduction of this wireless mic
• The TX/RX units, charging case, and supplied accessories are made with high-quality materials

Cons:

• The TX battery life is low compared to other Hollyland models like the Lark M2

Price:

The Hollyland Lark 150 is available for $179.95 on the Amazon store. 

Considering that you have a GoPro, there are more chances that you mostly have adventures to capture. Keeping this point in mind, the Hollyland Lark 150 can be a suitable choice since it has a robust build quality. Moreover, reproduces sound with sheer accuracy and clarity. 

Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone

Overview:
The Rode VideoMicro is an incredibly compact and lightweight on-camera microphone that’s specifically designed to improve the audio quality of your GoPro videos. As someone who’s tinkered with a fair share of audio equipment, I can vouch for the Rode brand’s reputation for quality. This little marvel is no exception. Ideal for vloggers, hobbyists, and professionals looking to enhance their on-the-go recordings, the VideoMicro doesn’t require any batteries, making it a hassle-free addition to your GoPro gear.

Upon testing, I found that the microphone significantly reduced ambient noise, thanks to its cardioid pickup pattern, which focuses on sounds in front of the camera while minimizing background noise. The included furry windshield was exceptionally handy at eliminating wind noise during an outdoor shoot. The overall build quality feels robust for its size, and its plug-and-play functionality is perfect for those who don’t want to fuss with complex setups.

Specs:

• Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient
• Frequency Range: 100Hz – 20kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 75 dB SPL
• Sensitivity: -33.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal
• Connector: 3.5mm TRS
• Weight: 42g

Pros:

• No battery needed, plug-and-play convenience.
• Comes with a shock mount to minimize handling noise.
• Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable.
• The windshield is very effective at mitigating wind noise.
• Very user-friendly for those less versed in audio tech.

Cons:

• The sound may not be as full-bodied as larger, more professional mics.
• Requires a 3.5mm microphone adapter for the GoPro, which is not included.
• May struggle to isolate sound in extremely noisy environments.

Price:
The Rode VideoMicro is often priced around $60, which is a fair investment considering the immediate boost in audio quality for your GoPro footage. Remember, though, that you’ll likely need to purchase a separate GoPro microphone adapter, which adds a bit to the overall cost. Despite this, the price-point strikes a good balance between affordability and audio quality for enthusiasts and semi-professionals alike.

In my opinion, the Rode VideoMicro is an excellent choice for GoPro users looking to significantly upgrade their audio experience without breaking the bank or getting tangled in complicated setups. Whether you’re capturing a serene landscape or the bustling streets of a city, this mic will ensure your videos sound just as good as they look.

Saramonic SR-XM1 3.5mm TRS Omnidirectional Microphone

Overview:
The Saramonic SR-XM1 is an incredibly lightweight and compact microphone that punches well above its weight class. Unlike larger, more cumbersome microphones, the SR-XM1 is the quintessential plug-and-play solution for GoPro users looking to significantly upgrade their audio quality without the hassle. Its unobtrusive design allows you to keep your setup small and nimble which is especially handy for action cam scenarios.

One striking feature about this mic is its flexibility—literally. The microphone’s swivel joint lets you adjust it to the optimal angle, ensuring that it captures sound from the right direction. This can be a game-changer for on-the-go vlogging where setting up the perfect shot in a hurry is often the norm.

Another aspect that I find particularly impressive is the microphone’s ability to capture clear and natural sound. It’s omnidirectional, which means it picks up audio from all around the microphone. This trait can be a double-edged sword, however, as it’s not just your voice or the intended sound that gets captured—if you’re in a noisy environment, this microphone will pick up that background chatter or wind noise too.

Specs:

• Microphone Type: Electret Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 15 kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 75 dB SPL
• Connector: 3.5mm TRS
• Additional Features: No battery required, swivel pivot for audio direction adjustment

Pros:

• Remarkably compact and portable, making it perfect for travel.
• No battery requirement means you’re always ready to record.
• Swivel joint feature offers flexibility in recording angles.
• Easy to use; simply plug it into your GoPro and hit record.

Cons:

• Omnidirectional pattern may capture unwanted ambient noise.
• Lack of advanced features such as gain control or a low-cut filter.
• Does not come with a deadcat windscreen, so it’s less effective in windy conditions unless you purchase one separately.

Price:
At the time of this review, the Saramonic SR-XM1 is generally priced around $25 to $30, depending on the retailer. It’s an affordable option for those looking to enhance their GoPro’s audio on a budget.

In conclusion, the Saramonic SR-XM1 offers great value for money and is a no-brainer for the casual GoPro user who wants to step up their audio game. While it may not satisfy the high-end audiophile or the professional requiring precise sound directionality and isolation, it’s an excellent entry point into better quality audio for your action cam recordings. What the SR-XM1 lacks in advanced features, it certainly makes up for in convenience and improved sound quality over the built-in microphones on most cameras.

Boya BY-MM1 Compact On Camera Shotgun Microphone

The Boya BY-MM1 is a versatile and affordable external microphone that is designed to improve the audio quality of your GoPro recordings significantly. Right out of the box, you’ll notice its robust build and compact size, making it a convenient add-on without adding too much bulk or weight. Unlike some microphones that require you to fiddle with settings, the BY-MM1 touts a plug-and-play design which I find refreshingly straightforward.

This microphone has impressed me with its ability to capture clearer sound compared to the GoPro’s built-in mic. Its cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the sound in front of the camera while reducing noise from the sides and back, an essential feature for vlogging or conducting interviews in noisy environments. Though it’s not purely professional-grade gear, its performance to price ratio is difficult to beat.

Specs

• Transducer: Electret Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 35-18KHz +/-3dB
• Sensitivity: -42dB +/- 1dB / 0dB=1V/Pa, 1kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 76dB SPL
• Plug: 3.5mm TRS and TRRS connector

Pros:

• Great value for money, offering decent sound quality at a low price point.
• No battery required, which cuts down on weight and the need for battery management.
• Solid metal construction feels durable and can withstand regular use.
• Highly adaptable with both TRS and TRRS cables included, allowing connectivity with a variety of devices, not just the GoPro.
• The included shock mount reduces handling noise, which is a boon when moving around.

Cons:

• Sound quality isn’t as rich as higher-end mics, lacking a bit in depth and fullness.
• Wind noise can be an issue without proper shielding, which means the included foam windscreen might need an upgrade in certain outdoor conditions.

Price

As for the price, the Boya BY-MM1 usually retails for an affordable range of about $30-$40, which is a small price to pay for the level of audio upgrade it offers. Given that it doesn’t assume the need for professional audio engineering knowledge, it’s an excellent choice for GoPro enthusiasts looking to up their game without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the Boya BY-MM1 is a noteworthy contender in the budget external microphone category. It strikes a balance between quality and affordability and is a practical solution for GoPro users eager to enhance their audio recording capabilities.

Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone

The Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone is a versatile and compact shotgun microphone that significantly enhances audio quality when paired with a GoPro, especially if you’re venturing into vlogging, interviews, or even just wanting to capture clearer dialogue and ambient sounds during your adventures. This microphone strikes a fantastic balance between portability and performance.

In my personal experience, the Movo VXR10 has been a game-changer. It’s ridiculously easy to set up – just plug it in, and you’re good to go. The robust build quality gives it a reassuring heft, but not so much that it becomes cumbersome on the move. The audio capture itself is where the VXR10 shines: it delivers markedly clearer and richer sound than the GoPro’s built-in mic, without catching too much background noise, thanks to its cardioid pickup pattern.

Specs

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 18 kHz
• Connector: 3.5mm TRS
• Accessories: Windscreen, shock mount, 3.5mm TRS output cable for cameras, 3.5mm TRRS output cable for smartphones

Pros:

• Excellent portability; it’s light and compact, making it a breeze to carry around.
• No need for battery management; it’s a passive microphone that does not require batteries.
• Stellar sound improvement over GoPro built-in microphones, with a focus on clarity.
• Comes with useful accessories, including a sturdy shock mount and a furry windscreen for outdoor recordings.
• Universal compatibility with a range of devices, making it a versatile investment.

Cons:

• While it does a good job minimizing background noise, it might not completely isolate sound in extremely noisy environments.
• Some users might prefer a microphone with optional gain control, which the VXR10 lacks.

Price

The Movo VXR10 is generally priced around $39.95. For its quality and what it brings to the table, I consider it a steal. It’s an affordable entry point into improving your audio recording capabilities significantly.

In conclusion, the Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone is a solid, value-packed option that won’t disappoint. Its ease of use, coupled with the clear audio capture, makes it a worthwhile addition to your GoPro gear. If you’re looking for a boost in sound quality without breaking the bank or drowning in technical complexities, this could very well be the mic for you.

Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Super-Cardioid Directional Shotgun Microphone

The Deity V-Mic D3 Pro is an outstanding contender in the realm of external microphones suited for GoPro devices, lending a professional edge to audio recordings. As I’ve observed, its sleek design pairs beautifully with the compactness of GoPro cameras, while the audio quality significantly transcends the internal microphone offerings. It enhances the overall video experience with its clear, directional audio capture – making it feel as if you’re right there in the scene.

Specs

• Polar Pattern: Super-Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 50Hz-20kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 84dB
• Battery: Built-in rechargeable Lithium battery
• Battery Life: Up to 51 hours
• Weight: 143g (without battery)

Pros:

• Superior sound quality with minimal background noise due to its super-cardioid pattern.
• The stepless gain control allows for precise adjustments on the fly, which is incredibly handy in dynamic filming situations.
• It features a long battery life, which is a real game-changer for prolonged shooting sessions.
• The build quality is solid, which gives a sense of durability and reliability.
• The low-off axis coloration means that sounds from the sides and rear of the microphone are not distorted, keeping audio natural and true to life.

Cons:

• The price point could be a bit steep for hobbyists or those on a tight budget.
• For complete GoPro compatibility, you might need to purchase additional accessories like a 3.5mm TRS to TRRS cable or a GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter, which adds to the overall investment.

Price

Given its professional-grade performance and build, the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro sits at a higher price echelon. The investment however reflects deeply on its quality. Sometimes, the price tags for top-tier gear such as the D3 Pro come off as a “you get what you pay for” scenario, and this microphone is a testament to that fact.

In my opinion, if you seek broadcast-quality sound and are serious about your GoPro videography, the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro is certainly a microphone that won’t let you down. The combination of its audio fidelity and user-friendly attributes make it a valuable tool for content creators who want to elevate their productions to a professional standard. The only caution is that, like investing in any premium gear, one must weigh the cost against their usage and needs to make an informed decision.

Conclusion:

Selecting the best external microphone for your GoPro can take your audio recording to the next level. Whether you’re vlogging, capturing adventure sports, or conducting interviews, the right mic ensures that your audience is just as captivated by the sound as they are by the visuals. From our roundup of the top contenders, consider the compatibility, durability, and audio quality that suit your needs. Armed with a great external microphone, your GoPro footage will not only look amazing but sound impeccable.

FAQs:

1. Do I need an adaptor to connect an external microphone to a GoPro?
   Yes, most GoPros require a 3.5mm mic adapter made by GoPro to connect an external microphone since they typically don’t have a microphone jack.
2. Can any external microphone be used with a GoPro?
   Not all microphones are compatible with GoPro cameras. You need to choose a microphone that is compatible with the GoPro model you have, and you may need an adapter to connect it. Check the microphone specifications and your GoPro’s requirements before purchasing.
3. How does an external microphone improve the video quality on a GoPro?
   While GoPro cameras capture high-quality video, the built-in microphones can struggle with wind noise and may not offer the best sound quality in all environments. An external microphone can provide superior audio clarity, better directional sound, and greater control over audio settings.