There are different varieties of microphones. Some are small, while others are big, but then comes the tiniest mics, which are discreet and capable of recording high-quality audio. However, users are still looking for popular brands that manufacture mini microphones. So, unfortunately, they end up buying products from unreliable companies that won’t last long.
Therefore, this article shows you the 11 best mini microphones famous in 2023. You will learn about their advantages, disadvantages, specs, and main features. Moreover, you will also find their prices on the official websites or Amazon stores.
How to Choose the Best Mini Microphones in 2023?
Here are some factors to consider before choosing a mini microphone.
a. Purpose
The first and most important thing to consider before selecting any mini microphone is knowing why you need it. Mini microphones are mostly used for interviews and audio recordings where they can be easily attached to the wearer’s collar or clothing without being much noticed in the video frame.
b. Brand
One of the major problems users face is not finding a reliable company that manufactures mini microphones. So, instead of choosing a non-branded microphone, it is wise to look for brands with a proven track record. Companies like Sony, Audio-Technica, Countryman, and Kikkerland produce good quality tiny microphones, which are durable and deliver great results.
c. Polar Pattern
There are few polar patterns in mini mics. Since they are tiny, they are either cardioid, directional stereo or omnidirectional microphones. So, choose the polar pattern according to your purpose and recording requirements.
d. Compatibility
Mini microphones are widely compatible with all smartphones with a 3.5mm jack. Moreover, they can also be connected to devices, such as cameras, laptops, and recording machines, with the 3.5mm connectivity option. Contrarily, some mini mics have XLR output, which needs a transmitter or a connector in order to connect it to the devices.
e. Frequency Response
The frequency response of a mic indicates the frequency range it can pick. Most mini microphones have a broad frequency response and can pick up a wide range of audio. Nevertheless, some tiny mics have a limited frequency response, which is ideal for instruments or vocals.
f. Price
The pricing of a mini microphone ranges from $10 to $450, depending on the features, specs, and brand.
Comparison Table – 11 Best Mini Microphones in 2023
| Product | Price | Element | Frequency Response | Connection | Polar Pattern |
| Hollyland Lark 150 | $199.00 | Lavalier | 20Hz to 20kHz | Wireless, 3.5mm jack | Omnidirectional |
| Countryman B6 | $420.00 | N/A | 20Hz to 20kHz | 3.5mm jack | Omnidirectional |
| Kikkerland | $12.00 | Dynamic | 10kHz | 3.5mm jack | Cardioid |
| Sennheiser MKE 2 | $399.00 | Condenser | 20Hz to 20kHz | 3.5mm jack | Omnidirectional |
| Sony ECM-44B | $173.00 | Electret condenser | 40Hz to 15kHz | XLR | Omnidirectional |
| Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS | $29.00 | Condenser | 50Hz to 18kHz | 3.5mm jack | Omnidirectional |
| Olympus ME51S | $55.00 | N/A | 100Hz to 15kHz | 3.5mm jack | Directional stereo |
| Sony ECM-LV1 | $29.99 | Electret condenser | 50Hz to 15kHz | 3.5mm jack | Omnidirectional |
| AKG C417 L | $125.00 | Pre-polarized condenser | 20Hz to 20kHz | Mini XLR | Omnidirectional |
| BOYA BY-M1 | $14.95 | Electret condenser | 65Hz to 18kHz | 3.5mm jack | Omnidirectional |
| RODE SmartLav+ | $79.00 | Electret condenser | 20Hz to 20kHz | 3.5mm jack | Omnidirectional |
11 Best Mini Microphones in 2023
Here is the list of 11 best mini microphones in 2023.
1. Hollyland Lark 150
Compact Wireless Microphone System with Wide Compatibility.
The Hollyland Lark 150 is another piece of art for recording high-quality vocals. The Lark 150 works amazingly through its 2.4GHz wireless transmission, with the proven characteristics of being one of the best mini microphones in the world.
You can record the voices of two people while using any kind of video shooting equipment. So, be it a DSLR, smartphone, or tablet, Lark 150 performs without a break. Talking about its size and weight, the Lark 150 is an almost invisible device when clipped on the collar. Plus, the transmitter unit only weighs around 20.5 grams.
It is also noticed that most users prefer mini mics because they are comparatively lower in price. However, they couldn’t get high audio quality. But the Hollyland Lark 150 provides similar and sometimes even better audio results than most usual mini microphones at a reasonable price.
Also, it is no secret that none of the mini microphones come with advanced noise-canceling features. But Lark 150 ensures cleaner audio even if you are singing, dancing, talking, or exercising due to its noise buffer design. The floating buffer sponge inside each transmitter helps reduce noises caused by body and mic collision.
The Hollyland Lark 150 never ceases you from being active during your recording session, such as podcast and live stream. You can walk, sit, and talk without being caught in troublesome cables, as Lark 150 gives you the freedom of movement of up to 300ft without losing audio signals. Once the receiver and transmitters are fully charged, you can use the TX for 4 hours and the RX for 7 hours.
Features and Specifications of Hollyland Lark 150
- USB-C connectivity
- 1.5 hours of charging time
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 2x lavalier mics inside each TX
- 2-way mute and 3x audio modes
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- 3.5mm headphone and audio output
- 2x windscreens for extra protection against wind noises
Pros of Hollyland Lark 150
- User-friendly functionality
- Small and disguisable design
- Works brilliantly even at long distances
Cons of Hollyland Lark 150
- Battery time could be better
Price
- $199 (As seen on Amazon)
2. Countryman B6
The Countryman B6 is one of the tiniest microphones on this list. It is so small that even a matchstick head looks bigger in front of it. This is a great feature, especially when you need a silent, lavalier microphone that can be easily hidden in the costume, hair, or even taped onto the wearer’s body.
The Countryman B6 comes with white and black clips, 3x protective caps for moisture protection, and a foam windscreen. Moreover, you can also adjust the caps to get a frequency response for crisp or flat sound. Despite its size, B6 delivers top-notch audio quality with minimal distortion, even at high sound pressure levels.
Features and Specifications of Countryman B6
- Lavalier style microphone
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- 120 dB Max SPL
- 3.5mm jack connectivity
- Phantom-powered
Pros of Countryman B6
- Available in 5 colors
- Extremely small size
- It allows you to switch connectors as per your device requirements
Cons of Countryman B6
- Expensive microphone
Price
- $420.00 (Starting price as seen on the official site)
3. Kikkerland Mini Karaoke Mic
The Kikkerland mini karaoke microphone is incredibly small, tinier than your thumb. While most mini microphones are lavalier or clip-on designed, this one is unique in its own way. It has the standard design like most hand-held mics, but way to smaller.
The Kikkerland mini mic is best for karaoke and is compatible with several karaoke apps. But you can also use it for voice recordings on different devices other than smartphones. So if you have a laptop, computer, or tablet with a 3.5mm slot, this mic is good to go. Besides, it has simple plug-and-play setup with no battery requirements.
Features and Specifications of Kikkerland Mini Karaoke Mic
- Mini dynamic microphone
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 10kHz frequency response
- 3.5mm jack connectivity
- Phantom-powered
Pros of Kikkerland Mini Karaoke Mic
- Inexpensive
- Highly portable
- You can use it for voice recordings, phone calls, and karaoke
Cons of Kikkerland Mini Karaoke Mic
- Not a professional mic
- Many important details about the mic are unspecified by the manufacturers
Price
- $12.00 (As seen on Amazon)
4. Sennheiser MKE 2
Some mics are miniature, and then comes the Sennheiser MKE 2, categorized as the subminiature lavalier microphone. Despite its size, the microphone is used for several important tasks, such as film production, theater, field sound engineering, and broadcasting.
The Sennheiser MKE 2 has a tight build with dual-diaphragm construction to combat moisture and sweat, so nothing stops you from the performance. Moreover, this mini microphone is tiny enough to be hidden inside a costume. Besides, this microphone comes with different connectors for hassle-free connection with wireless transmitters.
Features and Specifications of Sennheiser MKE 2
- 142 dB Max SPL
- 7.5V Phantom-powered
- Lavalier condenser microphone
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
Pros of Sennheiser MKE 2
- Superb sound quality (best for professionals)
- It performs consistently on sweaty body
- The multiple connectors option makes this model compatible with several devices
Cons of Sennheiser MKE 2
- Not a budget-friendly microphone
Price
- $399.00 (As seen on the official website)
5. Sony ECM-44B
The Sony ECM-44B is one of its smallest lavalier microphones with exceptional durability, making it suitable for professional projects. While you can find more microphones similar to its size, the ECM-44B is still widely used because of its marvelous outcomes.
The Sony ECM-44B is easy to clip on the wearer’s inside of the shirt or collar, which seamlessly blends into the video frame (it looks classy). The mic is slightly costly compared to other brands since it uses AA batteries instead of phantom power. The batteries long for a quite good time. Moreover, it comes with an XLR connection, which means you can connect it to devices with XLR connectivity options. Otherwise, you will need an XLR to stereo adapter.
Features and Specifications of Sony ECM-44B
- 122 dB Max SPL
- XLR connectivity
- Lavalier form factor
- Electret condenser mic
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- Battery-powered microphone
- 40Hz to 15kHz frequency response
- 5000 hours of operational time on 1x AA battery
Pros of Sony ECM-44B
- Easy to use
- Good sound quality
- Small and portable size
Cons of Sony ECM-44B
- The mic is somehow pricey for its features
- XLR connectivity is a turn-off for most users
Price
- $173.00 (As seen on Amazon)
6. Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS
How can Audio-Technica stay behind when Sony and RODE compete for mini microphones? The Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS is a lavalier microphone known for its low-key design and precise sound capturing. You can connect this microphone through a 3.5mm dual-mono jack to iPhones, Android smartphones, and all other devices with the same connectivity option.
The mic comes with all the important accessories, including foam windscreen, clip, and battery. The Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS is an omnidirectional condenser microphone great for a variety of still and motion applications, such as interviews, vlogging, dance, sports, aerobics, and more.
Features and Specifications of Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS
- Lavalier mic
- Dual-mono output
- Condenser element
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 50Hz to 18kHz frequency response
- 3.5mm TRS/TRRS Male connectivity
- Battery-powered (1.5 V Battery)
Pros of Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS
- Fine pricing
- Good microphone under
- Small size and easy-to-clip
Cons of Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS
- Not a suitable microphone for professionals
Price
- $29.00 (As seen on Amazon)
7. Olympus ME51S
The Olympus ME51S is a uniquely shaped small microphone for different audio recording tasks, especially when you need an external mic. You can attach this microphone directly to your device by inserting its 3.5mm jack. Or, you can use a detachable cable to connect it to your equipment.
The Olympus ME51S has a good sound quality with solid construction, especially compared to other entry-level microphones. Moreover, the microphone has a slightly flexible jack socket that also works as a shock absorber to mitigate the handling impact.
Features and Specifications of Olympus ME51S
- Directional stereo polar pattern
- 3.5mm jack connectivity
- Phantom-powered
Pros of Olympus ME51S
- Simple plug-and-play – no setup required
- Considerable sound quality
Cons of Olympus ME51S
- It is pricey – (You can find more features in a lesser price range)
- It does not capture audio below 100Hz
- Not enough information about the product from the manufacturer
Price
- $55.00 (As seen on Olympus’ official Amazon store)
8. Sony ECM-LV1
Sony is undoubtedly one of the best brands in the world for providing audio and video equipment. Cheers to the Sony ECM-LV1 for being an amazing mic, regardless of how tiny it looks. This microphone is a great option if you want to enhance the audio quality of your videos. So, no wonder if you see this mic hanging on the collars of YouTubers, vloggers, and content creators.
The Sony ECM-LV1 has a 3.5mm TRS connector with a 3.3 ft long cable, allowing you to frame the subject from a 3ft distance without losing sound. The microphone comes with 2x omnidirectional condensers, permitting you to capture 360-degree sound. Since it is only 11 millimeters in diameter and 32 millimeters in length, it goes well and is quite discreet in the video frame when clipped on the shirt.
Features and Specifications of Sony ECM-LV1
- Electret condenser
- Lavalier microphone
- Phantom-powered
- 3.5mm TRS connectivity
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 50Hz to 15kHz frequency response
Pros of Sony ECM-LV1
- Best pocket-friendly microphone
- It delivers clear audio (better than most products at this price)
- Compatible with cameras, recorders, and transmitters
Cons of Sony ECM-LV1
- Low build quality
- Noise suppression could be better
Price
- $29.99 (As seen on Amazon)
9. AKG C417 L
The AKG C417 L is another kid on the block known for its small size. Despite being a mini microphone, it captures high-quality audio. This mic fits numerous purposes, including theater, filmmaking, and streaming. It has an omnidirectional polar pattern with a well-balanced frequency response.
The AKG C417 L comes with a mini XLR connector and can be connected to AKG wireless transmitters. Digging deep into the appearance factor, the mic is tiny enough to be hidden behind clothing. Besides, you get all the essential accessories in the package, including a windscreen, tie pin, and attachment clip.
Features and Specifications of AKG C417 L
- Lavalier microphone
- Phantom-powered
- Mini XLR connectivity
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- Pre-polarized condenser mic element
Pros of AKG C417 L
- Durable design
- Discreet and small
- Flat audio reproduction
Cons of AKG C417 L
- It is a relatively expensive microphone
- The connectivity option limits its integration with many devices
Price
- $125.00 (As seen on the official website)
10. BOYA BY-M1
Although the BOYA BY-M1 looks small, its audio quality is remarkable. The microphone helps enhance the impact of your sound by boosting bass levels. Also, there is a great treble balance to ensure the audio sounds professional. Since it’s an omnidirectional microphone, it captures audio from all directions.
The BOYA BY-M1 is a multi-purpose microphone compatible with tablets, laptops, DSLRs, handy cams, and Windows, Linux, and Mac computers. However, the functionality is different depending on the device. Thanks to the mode switch to make this happen in a blink. So, if you want to connect this microphone to Linux, Windows, or DSLRs, you have to set the mode to ‘Camera.’ To use this mic on smartphones and Macs, you have to switch the mode to ‘OFF/Smartphone.’
Features and Specifications of BOYA BY-M1
- Battery-powered
- 3.5mm TRRS connectivity
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 65Hz to 18khz frequency response
- Lavalier microphone with electret condenser
Pros of BOYA BY-M1
- Great price
- Easy to use
- Small and portable
Cons of BOYA BY-M1
- Not a suitable mic for recording two or more persons
- The sound quality could be better
Price
- $14.95 (As seen on Amazon)
11. RODE SmartLav+
The RODE SmartLav+ is a mini compact lapel mic specifically designed for users who love to capture audio and video through their smartphones. You can easily connect it to your mobile through the TRRS jack and enjoy high-quality sound despite its tiny size. Besides, this microphone is compatible with all devices having a 3.5mm TRRS connection. However, to use with DSLRs, you will need a TRRS to TRS adapter.
The RODE SmartLav+ is small enough to be hidden behind the collar or shirt of the speaker. This mic also works with several audio recording applications, including iOS Voice Memo. Nevertheless, the only drawback is that it doesn’t work with new iPhone models with a lightning port. The product is best for news reporting and vlogging.
Features and Specifications of RODE SmartLav+
- 110 dB Max SPL
- Phantom-powered
- Electret condenser
- Lavalier microphone
- 3.5mm TRRS connectivity
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
Pros of RODE SmartLav+
- Affordable
- Very portable
- It works great at reducing ambient noise
- Easy pairing with the RODE Reporter application
- The mic is extremely responsive to overtones and voice frequencies
- It comes with accessories like clip, Kevlar-constructed cable, and windshield
Cons of RODE SmartLav+
- It does not work with the latest iPhone models
Price
- $79.00 (As seen on Amazon)
Conclusion
A mini microphone can be used for wide purposes, especially if you want to keep the video frame clear from a big microphone’s appearance. From the size point of view, Hollyland Lark 150, Countryman B6, Kikkerland Mini Karaoke mic, Sennheiser MKE 2, Sony ECM-44B, and Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS are clear winners. Conversely, microphones like Olympus ME51S, Sony ECM-LV1, AKG C417 L, BOYA BY-M1, and RODE SmartLav+ are celebrated for their mini size but are slightly visible on the collar or clothing.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best 3.5mm mini microphone?
Some of the best 3.5mm mini microphones are Sennheiser MKE 2, Countryman B6, Sony ECM-LV1, and RODE SmartlLav+.
Q2. What is a mini mic called?
Mini microphones are also known as clip mics, body mics, lapel mics, neck mics, and collar mics.
Q3. What small microphones do YouTubers use?
Most renowned YouTubers use Audio-Technica ATR3350XiS, RODE SmartLav+, Countryman B6, and Kikkerland mini karaoke mic.
Q4. Why do influencers use tiny microphones?
Tiny microphones help creators and influencers capture improved audio. Plus, they can easily be connected to several voice recording apps.
