Wireless microphones have become increasingly popular for mobile devices due to their convenience, portability, and quality. Whether you’re recording a podcast, conducting an interview, or delivering a speech, using a wireless microphone for your mobile device can greatly enhance your audio recording experience.
But with so many options on the market, finding the right one for your needs can be challenging. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the 11 best wireless microphones for mobile in 2023. We’ll also cover the key features to consider when choosing a wireless microphone for mobile recording to help you select the best one!
What features should you look for when choosing a wireless microphone for mobile?
Most modern phones come equipped with capable audio recording hardware, so it is imperative to choose a wireless option that acts as a justifiable upgrade. Here are some key features to look out for when buying a wireless mic for your smartphone:
- Compatibility: It’s important to ensure that the wireless microphone you choose is compatible with your mobile device, whether it’s an iPhone, Android phone, or other devices. Some microphones may only be compatible with certain operating systems or models, so be sure to check the specifications before making a purchase.
- Battery Life: Wireless microphones are battery-powered, so it’s important to consider the battery life of your chosen microphone. Look for microphones that offer long battery life or come with extra batteries or a charging case to ensure you can record for longer periods without interruption.
- Sound Quality: The quality of the audio the wireless microphone records is a crucial factor to consider. Look for microphones that offer high-quality sound, with features like noise reduction, directional microphones, and adjustable sensitivity to help capture clear and detailed audio.
- Durability: Wireless microphones for mobile are often used in harsh outdoor settings, so choosing a durable mic that can withstand wear and tear is crucial. Look for microphones made with high-quality materials, like metal or durable plastics, that are resistant to impacts and weather conditions.
- Range: The range of the wireless microphone is also important to consider. If you need to record audio from a distance, choose a microphone with a longer range. Some microphones may offer up to 100 feet of range, while others may only offer a range of 30 feet.
- Portability: If you plan on using your wireless microphone on the go, portability is a key factor to consider. Look for lightweight, compact, and easy-to-transport microphones with features like a clip-on design or a carrying case for added convenience.
Considering these factors will help you select a wireless microphone for mobile that satisfies your requirements and enables you to record high-quality audio in any setting.
Here’s our list of the top 11 best wireless microphones for mobile in 2023:
Table of Contents
Hollyland Lark C1 Compact Wireless Microphone System
The Hollyland Lark C1 is available in two versions; one is for iOS, and the other is Android compatible. Both models feature compact, lightweight transmitters that sync up with a dual-channel receiver. This nifty product comes with a sturdy storage-cum-charging case with an impressive 32 hours of charge!
The lavalier-style clip-on design lets you attach the transmitters to any part of your clothing and is great for two-person interviews and podcasts. As a bonus, the receiver plugs directly into your mobile device, allowing for seamless plug-and-play audio recording.
The Lark C1 is also jam-packed with impressive specs, like a 48 kHz sample rate with 16 bits depth that records crystal-clear digital audio. A robust self-adaptive audio processing algorithm allows for professional-grade audio recording, even on mobile.
| Name | Hollyland Lark C1 |
| Price | $179 |
| Weight | Transmitters- 11.8g, Receiver- 7g |
| Connector Type | Wireless Transmitters, Lightning Port/USB-C for Receiver |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, up to 32 hours with charging case |
Pros:
- Impressive 650 feet long-range transmission
- Records while charging, and also features one-click noise cancellation
- Three-level volume preset, LC3 Codec and enhanced 48kHz/16bit sampling rate
Cons:
- May require removal of mobile phone case for use in both Android and iOS devices
This mic has some pretty ingenious features, including one-button noise cancellation and hi-fi sound capture, even while charging! Overall, the Lark C1 is an excellent wireless mic offered by Hollyland and combines a sleek style with powerful audio recording capabilities.
Hollyland Lark 150
The Hollyland Lark 150 is an excellent microphone system, functional on the wireless spectrum of 2.4 GHz. Although many people consider this frequency range a bit congested and full due to the wireless internet, security systems, and Bluetooth, the Lark 150 can easily overcome this hurdle since it is equipped with the FHSS (frequency-hopping spread spectrum) technology. Lark 150 offers automatic pairing between the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) using the smart frequency selection feature, which ensures zero interference.
Compact Wireless Microphone System with Wide Compatibility.
The Hollyland Lark 150 offers an impressive transmission range of up to 300ft with just 5ms latency. Available in duo and solo versions, the TX and RX are packed in a strong rectangular casing that also serves as a charging unit. Once you remove the device from the case, it automatically activates and pairs. A single transmitter, when fully charged, can work for up to several hours, and the same goes for the receiver.
Its core characteristics make the Hollyland Lark 150 a great match for mobile video recording. Each TX has an anti-vibration design, built-in microphone, and noise-canceling option. Moreover, you can easily attach the transmitter to your collar, pocket, belt, or wherever you feel like it. At the same, you can connect the receiver to your mobile phone.
Furthermore, the Lark 150 has a small screen displaying all the essential information for your convenience. When kept inside the charging chase, the RX shows battery levels. When removed, it indicates signal strength, recording modes, output levels, battery percentage, and more.
| Name | Hollyland Lark 150 |
| Price | $199 |
| Weight | Transmitter – 20.5g, Receiver – 51g, Charging case 227.5g |
| Connector Type | Wireless audio, 3.5mm TRS, USB Type-C charging |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | 4 hours |
Pros:
- It is easy to use and quick to set up
- It captures and reproduces excellent sound
- Lark 150 has a small size, confirming portability
- The package includes all the vital accessories to get started
Cons:
- Bulky case
The Hollyland Lark 150 is a good wireless mic for mobile because of its interference-free audio capturing capabilities, compatibility with most common video recording devices, and compact design.
Compact Wireless Microphone System with Wide Compatibility.
Shure MV88 Portable iOS Microphone
Made especially for iOS devices, the Shure MV88 is a pocket-friendly mic that uses your Apple device’s Lighting connector to allow instant plug-and-play audio recording. It offers the flexibility to tilt, flip and rotate the mic up to 90° to capture stereo audio from any direction.
The MV88’s all-metal construction lets you use the mic in rough outdoor conditions without worry, and the foam windscreen blocks out any unwanted wind disturbances.
It also connects to two free companion apps that let you customize the performance and set-up of the microphone for professional audio capture.
| Name | Shure MV88 for iOS |
| Price | $149.99 |
| Weight | 41g |
| Connector Type | Lightning Connector for iOS devices |
| Polar Pattern | Multipattern |
| Battery Life | N/A (uses device battery) |
Pros:
- Compatible with all iOS devices with a Lightning connector and Apple Mfi-certified
- Sturdy build quality with all-metal frame
Cons:
- May require removal of iPhone case to use
With its Lightning connector compatible design, this mic attachment is not “truly wireless” but still offers portability and convenience. It also uses your device’s battery to operate and may require the removal of your iPhone case to connect. Despite these flaws, the Shure MV88 remains one of the best wireless microphones for iOS devices.
Sennheiser Memory Mic Wireless Microphone:
The Sennheiser Memory Mic is an all-white Lavalier mic that comes with built-in storage for over 4 hours of audio recording. This wireless mic uses your phone’s Bluetooth to connect automatically, so you don’t have to worry about getting out of range.
The Memory Mic uses a rechargeable Li-polymer battery, and the one-touch audio-video sync gives you smooth and wireless audio recordings. The mic also pairs with the Memory Mic app to help you manage, transfer and synchronize data.
The mic uses a 48kHz/16-bit data stream to capture clear audio from your surroundings and is great for vlogging or mobile journalism.
| Name | Sennheiser Memory Mic Wireless |
| Price | $199.95 |
| Weight | 27g |
| Connector Type | Bluetooth |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | 4 hours |
Pros:
- Easy attachment via non-marring magnetic clip
- Automatically connects to your mobile via Bluetooth
Cons:
- Pricey for rather basic features, with no user-adjustable gain
- Only available in one color
Although on the pricier side, this sleek wireless mic by Sennheiser gets the job done, and is a good choice for all your wireless audio recording needs.
Comica CVM-WS50(C) Wireless Smartphone Lavalier Microphone System
The Comica CVM-WS50(C) is a wireless microphone system that features an LCD screen for displaying channels, audio status, power consumption, and more. This mic system has a tripod and a WS50-HTX microphone with a 6-channel recording for crisp audio.
The mic has a sturdy build and comes with a built-in smartphone holder. Equipped with a stepless dial, the CVM-WS50 lets you adjust the volume according to your shooting demands.
| Name | Comica CVM-WS50(C) |
| Price | $194 |
| Weight | 358g |
| Connector Type | Wireless, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | 8 hours |
Pros:
- Nearly 200 feet LOS wireless operable range
- Optional 6 channels with flexible channel matching to prevent interference
- Comes with accessories like a tripod and cold shoe mounts
Cons:
- Batteries aren’t replaceable
With the included accessories, real-time audio monitoring, and rechargeable batteries, this portable mic system can help you take your mobile recording setup to the next level.
Movo WMX-1-DUO Dual Wireless Lavalier Microphone System
The Movo WMX-1-DUO lets you capture crystal-clear audio from your DSLR, smartphone, or tablet. This dual-channel mic system comes with two transmitters and a receiver, perfect for filmmakers, vloggers, and those looking to upgrade their audio game.
The kit also includes belt clips, foam windscreens, and a shoe mount, along with a carry case. The headphone input lets you monitor audio in real time, and the upgraded RF chipset ensures dropout-free audio recording even at longer distances.
| Name | Movo WMX-1-DUO |
| Price | $149.95 |
| Weight | 48g (each unit) |
| Connector Type | Wireless, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (via AAA batteries) |
Pros:
- Over 200 feet LOS wireless operable range
- Comes with accessories like foam windscreens and shoe mounts
Cons:
- Plastic body doesn’t feel very sturdy
- Uses AAA batteries for power
As its name suggests, this mic is a budget-friendly option when you need to record two-person interviews or dialogue, and is a good entry-level mic-system.
Hollyland Lark M1 Compact Lavalier Microphone
This compact mic system by Hollyland features a sleek storage case that doubles up as a charging station. With dual-channel recording, the Lark M1 comes with two transmitters and a receiver that employs the advanced DSP Noise Cancellation algorithm.
This device also comes with a one-click noise cancellation button to completely cut out ambient noise and ensure clear audio recording. The lightweight transmitters use a clip-on design, making them perfect for interviews and podcasts. Apart from this, each transmitter also holds up to eight hours of charge for uninterrupted recording.
| Name | Hollyland Lark M1 |
| Price | $149 |
| Weight | Transmitters- 11.8g, Receiver- 17.5g |
| Connector Type | Wireless audio, 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C charging |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, up to 32 hours with charging case |
Pros:
- 656 feet long-range transmission
- Powerful self-adaptive audio processing algorithm for professional grade recording
- Three-level volume preset, LC3 Codec and enhanced 48kHz/16bit sampling rate
Cons:
- May require removal of mobile phone case for use
Boasting great battery life along with a crystal clear 16bit sampling rate, the Hollyland Lark M1 is an excellent wireless mic for mobiles and a great purchase for beginners and professionals alike.
Rode SmartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
This clip-on microphone by Rode is about as simple as it gets- just plug it into your headphone jack and start recording! The SmartLav+ is a broadcast-grade Lavalier microphone with a TRRS connector for plugging directly into smartphones.
Featuring a high-quality omnidirectional condenser capsule, it delivers crisp, clear audio for a wide range of recording scenarios. It has a pop filter for minimizing plosives and wind disturbances, and its 1.2m (4 feet) Kevlar-reinforced shielded cable is very durable.
| Name | Rode SmartLav+ |
| Price | $99 |
| Weight | 6g |
| Connector Type | 3.5mm audio jack |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | N/A |
Pros:
- Kevlar-reinforced cable is very durable and sufficiently long (4 feet)
- Works well with the Rode Reporter companion app
Cons:
- Not “truly wireless”
- Requires an adapter for iOS devices without a 3.5mm audio port
If you need a simple and cheap clip-on mic that records high-quality audio, the Rode SmartLav+ is a no-brainer.
Movo PM10 Deluxe Microphone
The cheapest mic on our list, the Movo PM10 Deluxe is a simple yet surprisingly effective omnidirectional Lavalier microphone. This tiny, compact mic instantly improves your audio.
Just plug it in, and you can shoot clear audio straight from your phone. Vloggers and amateur filmmakers can also use this mic to block out the echo and wind noises thanks to the foam windscreen.
| Name | Rode SmartLav+ |
| Price | $14.95 |
| Weight | <10g |
| Connector Type | 3.5mm audio jack |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | N/A |
Pros:
- Plug-and-play functionality upgrades your smartphones default mic
- Comes with a foam windscreen
Cons:
- Not “truly wireless,” comes with a 4 feet long cord
- Requires an adapter for iOS devices without a 3.5mm audio port
Cheap and lightweight, this mic is great for recording in any environment. If you’re a beginner looking to upgrade your smartphone’s built-in mic, the Movo PM10 Deluxe is for you.
Saramonic Blink 500 B3 Microphone System:
The Saramonic Blink 500 B3 wireless microphone kit allows you to record broadcast-quality sound from up to two microphones. Ideal for filmmakers, journalists, and vloggers, this lightweight mic’s receiver automatically avoids noise and dropouts.
A compact transmitter clips to clothing and is optimized for up to 5-hours of runtime. The RXDi dual-channel MFi Certified Lighting receiver is space efficient and works perfectly with handheld gimbals.
| Name | Saramonic Blink 500 B3 |
| Price | $169 |
| Weight | Transmitter- 34g, Receiver-10gm |
| Connector Type | Wireless, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | 5 hours |
Pros:
- Plug-and-play receiver upgrades your smartphone’s default mic
- Comes with an extra wired mic
Cons:
- May require removal of the phone case to attach receiver
This is a great option for those looking for a truly wireless experience, with the added bonus of capturing dual-source audio for your iOS device.
Movo PM20-S Dual-Headed Lavalier Microphone:
The Movo PM20-S is a Dual-Headed clip-on mic that lets you record voice-overs or conduct interviews directly through your smartphone. The 3.5mm TRS cable lets you capture sound from up to two mics and monitor both from a convenient cable splitter.
The mic comes with extra foam windscreens, lapel clips, and a carry case for easy storage.
| Name | Movo PM20-S Dual-Headed Mic |
| Price | $29.95 |
| Weight | – |
| Connector Type | 3.5mm audio jack |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Battery Life | N/A |
Pros:
- Simple plug-and-play mic with dual-source input
- Comes with extra long 8-foot cable and a headphone monitoring jack
Cons:
- Requires adapter for iOS devices without 3.5mm headphone jack
If you’re looking for a cheap yet reliable option for inputting dual-source audio, look no further; the Movo PM20 is an excellent option for you.
Conclusion
Thanks to their portability and convenience, wireless microphones for mobile have become an essential tool for content creators, journalists, and anyone who needs to record high-quality audio on the go.
With advancements in technology, there are various options available for purchase. In this article, we have highlighted the top 11 best wireless microphones for mobile that offer excellent sound quality, portability, and range.
For the best mix of price and performance, we recommend the Hollyland Lark C1 Compact Wireless Mic System for smartphones. With this nifty mic, you can be sure to capture clear and professional-grade audio in any environment.
FAQ
Q: What is a wireless microphone for mobile?
A: A wireless microphone for mobile is a device that allows you to capture audio without being tethered to a recording device. It can be used with a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile devices to record audio in various settings.
Q: How does a wireless microphone for mobile work?
A: A wireless microphone for mobile uses radio waves to transmit audio from the microphone to a receiver that is connected to the mobile device. The receiver then processes the audio signal and sends it to the recording app on the device.
Q: What are the advantages of using a wireless microphone for mobile?
A: The advantages of using a wireless microphone for mobile include increased mobility and flexibility, improved sound quality, and reduced background noise.
Q: What is the range of a wireless microphone for mobile?
A: The range of a wireless microphone for mobile can vary depending on the model and environment but typically ranges from 30 to 300 feet.
Q: How do I ensure optimal performance from my wireless microphone for mobile?
A: To ensure optimal performance from your wireless microphone for mobile, you should keep the microphone and receiver within range of each other, avoid interference from other electronic devices, and use fresh batteries or charge the device before use.
