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Smartphones have come so far ahead from when they started. These are now pocket devices that can carry out pretty much everything that you want. Modern-day android phones are packed with impressive hardware and a number of handy features. The one sector that smartphones have completely revolutionized is smartphone photography and videography.
However, the problem is, that while the quality of the video is setting the new benchmarks, not much progress has been made in the audio section. Thus, in order to record a video with decent sound, you need the best external microphone for an android phone.
In this article, we would enlist some of the best external microphones for android phones that are available on the market. We have targeted a wide audience for this list which is why it would have a piece for everyone. The list has high-end options and budget-friendly options and we have also thrown in some options that are in between these extremes.
So, without any further ado, let’s dive right into our list of the best external microphone for android phones. However, before getting into detailed reviews let’s take a bird’s eye view of what the best external microphone for an android phone has to offer.
10 Best External Microphone For Android Phone
| Microphone | Polar Pattern | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rode VideoMic Me | Unidirectional | Shotgun | Check Price |
| Boya M1 | Omnidirectional | Lavalier | Check Price |
| Dayton Audio iMM6 | Unidirectional | Shotgun | Check Price |
| Rode SmartLav | Omnidirectional | Lavalier | Check Price |
| Boya MM1 | Unidirectional | Shotgun | Check Price |
| Movo PM10 | Omnidirectional | Lavalier | Check Price |
| Shure MVL | Omnidirectional | Lavalier | Check Price |
| PowerDeWise | Omnidirectional | Lavalier | Check Price |
| Movo Bundle | Unidirectional | Shotgun | Check Price |
| Movo WMX-1 | Omnidirectional | Wireless | Check Price |
1- Rode Video Mic Me – Record The Interview In Crisp Clear Audio
- Excellent sensitivity
- Light-weight
- Comes with a wind shield
- Affordable price tag
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
Rode VideoMic Me is the first one to make it to our list of the best external microphone for android phones. It is one of the mid-range microphones that are compatible with Android and as well as with iOS.
However, it is a wired microphone and connects via a 3.5mm jack. Thus, if your smartphone does not have a headphone jack you would need a dongle to connect it to your phone.
From the design point of view, it is fairly simple and comes in all black colour. The 3.5 mm jack is built-in that goes straight into your headphone jack. And it has a back support that makes sure the microphone does not fall out of its place.
Furthermore, you also have a port on the mic itself where you could connect your earphones. Moreover, the weight of the microphone is just about 0.03kg which is pretty lightweight. What it means is you would not feel any additional weight that can hold you down.
Moving on, the polar pattern on the microphone is unidirectional or cardioid. These microphones can pick up the audio from only one direction.
Thus, it will only pick up your sound when you are speaking directly into it and would eliminate the noise from other directions. This makes it the best external microphone for android, especially for people who are into podcasts and recording interviews.
The frequency range on this microphone is 100Hz-20,000Hz which is quite decent. However, the lower limit is a little high which means it might struggle to record the audio in lower tone. And the microphone is also fixed.
This essentially means that you would have to bring the microphone closer to the sound source in order to record it clearly. However, it is not as tricky or bad as it sounds, it would get the job done.
Apart from that, everything on this microphone is pretty much sorted. The sensitivity is great which should make up for the fact that it cannot record a little low frequency. Plus, the noise level is also minimal. And it comes with a deluxe furry windshield that should enhance the noise reduction even further. All in all, it makes a great package and is the best external microphone for an android phone you can get your hands on.
2- BOYA M1 Lavalier – Long Wire Gives You Liberty To Move Around
- Comes with a long wire
- Compatible with all smartphones
- Very cheap price tag
- Low noise level
- Excellent sensitivity
BOYA by M1 Lavalier is one of the most popular smartphone microphones in the market these days. The factors that have contributed to its popularity are affordability and convenience. It is the microphone that costs just under 15$ and delivers impressive sound quality. This is what makes it the best external microphone for an android phone.
It is a wired microphone that connects to a smartphone via audio jack. Thus, you would have to purchase a convertor if your smartphone does not have an audio jack. The wire on the microphone is pretty long which means you do not have to shove the smartphone in front of the people that are speaking. You can simply attach the microphone on the shirts and record the audio from a significant distance. This also lets you capture from a wide angle that makes a better frame.
The polar pattern on this microphone is omnidirectional which means it can catch the sound from all directions. The most obvious advantage of this pattern is that you can attach the microphone pretty much anywhere on the person’s clothes. Since it is capable of capturing the audio from all directions, it will pick up the sound from the person no matter what.
Plus, you do not have to remove and attach the microphone over and over again when a different person is speaking. All you have to do is to place the mic somewhere in the middle and the microphone would pick up the sound from both sources. This makes it ideal for podcasts and interviews. Plus, you can also record the sound of nature including the chirping of birds, sound of rain and thunderbolts.
However, the disadvantage of such microphones is that they can also pick a lot of noise. Thus, while using this microphone you would have to be a little careful about the surroundings you are planning to shoot.
The remaining features on this microphone are great including high sensitivity, low equivalent noise and the noise reduction. The audio that you would get will be crisp, clear and would not need much editing. And do not forget that you are getting all this in just 15% which is mind boggling. This is what makes it the best external microphone for an android phone.
3- Dayton Audio iMM-6 – Light-Weight Microphone To Make Your Audio Crisp Clear
- Light-weight
- Comes at an affordable price
- Flat and wide dynamic range
- Low equivalent noise
- Easy connectivity
Dayton Audio is similar to the Rode microphone we discussed earlier at the start of this list of the best external microphone for android phones. However, this microphone comes at a much lower price than the former which makes it an appealing option. And, it is probably why it is Amazon’s choice.
From a design perspective, it is a really compact unit, one that can easily fit into your pocket. And it connects to your phone via a 3.5mm standard headset jack. Plus, the weight of this unit is really light which means it would not weigh your mobile down. However, there is one problem, the mic is pointed straight out of the headphone jack. And it is really hard to speak directly while recording the video from the same mobile phone.
Moreover, it features unidirectional polar pattern which means it would be able to catch the sound from one direction only. Thus, you would have to speak directly into it in order for it to record your audio. This is not possible when you are out in the field as it will catch a lot of noise. However, in the room setting, where noise is minimal, it will deliver the best of results.
Moving on, the noise reduction is impressive in this microphone because of the fact that it is a condenser microphone. These microphones have the ability to isolate the main sound from the noise to deliver crisp and clear audio. Thus, it makes the best external microphone for an android phone.
The best thing about this microphone is that it supports both android and iOS. And on the top of that, you do not have to worry about the complexities of installing it in your phone. All you have to do is to connect the mic in just like your headset and it will be up and running. You can download the applications if you want to have a little control over the unit but even without that it works perfectly fine.
The microphone also has a headphone jack that makes about a 45-degree angle from the microphone. You can connect the headphones with it to listen to the audio it is recording in real time and make adjustments accordingly. Another benefit of this headphone jack is, it can be used as a stand to support the mic.
Moving on, one of the best things that you would notice in this microphone is the consistency of the response. The dynamic range of the frequency is both wide and flat. You would not notice much fluctuation between the response of the different frequencies. Plus, the equivalent noise is really low and the sensitivity is pretty decent.
All in all, it is the best external microphone for android phone that comes with a very affordable price tag. This might not be the ideal option to record outdoors but in the indoor it delivers some of the exceptional results. Thus, if you are looking for something to do your podcasts with, this might make a good microphone.
4- Rode SmartLav Lavalier – Versatile Microphone With Outstanding Results
- Kavaler enforced wires
- Wide and flat dynamic range
- Excellent noise reduction mechanisms
- Gives you the liberty to move around
- Options to choose from for mouthpiece
Rode SmartLav is a high-end microphone that is very versatile and delivers some of the best results. From the price point of view, it is somewhat expensive but the capabilities of this microphone make up for that.
Moving on, it is a microphone that comes with a long wire and thus gives you liberty to move around while recording. And it features a 4.5 mm microphone jack that should fit in pretty much every smartphone available in the market. However, you would have to use a convertor if the smartphone does not have the headphone jack. And that might compromise the quality of audio this microphone delivers. The point is, make sure your smartphone has the audio jack.
From the durability standpoint, it is one of the best external microphones for android phones that are available. The wire of the microphone is reinforced with Kevlar, a heat-resistant and strong fiber, that imparts strength into it. This reinforcement ensures that the cables do not snap or stretch from the usual activities.
Furthermore, you can choose from the two mouthpiece options or get the both depending on the jobs you are going to take from it. You can either go with a mouth piece that attaches with the collar or with the one that goes around your neck. In either case, you will get the best of results.
The polar pattern on this microphone is omnidirectional which means it can pick the sound from all directions. This is what makes this unit so versatile. You can use it to record podcasts, voiceovers, and even the sounds of natural objects and phenomena. Furthermore, this is a condenser type microphone that dampens the noise of the air and breath while you are speaking. This gives you crisp clear audios and makes the best external microphone for an android phone.
Moving on, the response to frequency is as wide and flat as you can imagine. The microphone’s frequency dynamic range is 60Hz-18KHz and the response is flat as the dead person’s ECG. This is what makes it a high-end unit and capable of recording to the audios without any fluctuation between the response to different frequencies.
The impedance is high but that should not worry you because you cannot attach additional wire with it. The length of the wire has been adjusted accordingly which should deliver you outstanding results. This is what makes it the best external microphone for the android phone.
The bottom line is, it is one of the premium microphones that are available in the market. The unit is durable, has exceptional performance and connects to smartphones without any issue or whatsoever. All of these make it a highly appealing option and the best external microphone and android phone.
5- BOYA On-Camera Shotgun – Brings Quality To Your Live Streams
- Metallic construction
- Comes with two output cables to make connectivity easy
- Wide and flat dynamic range
- Integrated shock mount
- Compatible with all the smart devices
If you are someone who is looking for a microphone one could do a live streamed with, you have stumbled upon just the right unit. This microphone by Boya is specially built for the live streaming and delivers unmatchable results.
The microphone is a high-end unit and you immediately notice when you pull it out of the box. It features a rugged metallic construction that makes it one of the highly durable microphones available on the market. Moreover, it connects to smartphones via a 3.5mm jack which means most people should not have any problem with using it.
However, those with the smartphones that do not have headphone jacks can use specialized adapters to connect with their phones.
The polar pattern on this microphone is unidirectional which means it can catch the sound only from one direction. This microphone comes in handy when the only voice you need is yours. All you have to do is to point the microphone towards your mouth and start speaking. It will isolate your sound and dampen the noise to give you crisp clear audio.
Moving on, the microphone also features a shock mount that absorbs the vibrations while you are carrying it around. Plus, it comes with a really fully wind shield. Both of these make an excellent combination that work effectively to reduce the unwanted noise from atmosphere and breath sounds.
The best thing about this microphone is the fact that it can connect with a specialized stand. Though you have to buy the stand separately, it will make your entire experience a delight. The microphone goes at the top of the stand while the smartphone sits in the middle of it. This way, you can record the video and the sound with great stabilization even when you are moving around with it.
Furthermore, the weight of the microphone is very light and the dimensions are pretty compact. In addition, it comes with a leather case that you can use to store the microphone after using it.
Moving on, the specifications of this unit are exactly what a high-end microphone like itself should feature. The frequency response ranges from 35-18KHz which is exceptional. You might come across the microphones with higher upper range but hardly ever that have lower limit range. The sensitivity is also quite high which means it would pick your sounds even when you are speaking in really low tone.
Moreover, it connects with pretty much all the smart devices that are out there in the market. These include tablets, cameras, MacBook and even with the desktop. Plus, it comes with the two separate output cables to make sure you do not have a problem with connecting to either of these devices.
All in all, it is the best external microphone for an android phone you can get your hands on. It is one of the most durable microphones with really great sensitivity and dynamic range. The sound quality it delivers is second to none. These are what makes this microphone very appealing. Thus, if you have some money laying around and you want to bring quality to live streams, this microphone should be your go to option.
6- Movo PM10 Lavalier – Versatile Microphone To Help You Grow Your Audience
- Comes with a long wire
- Versatile microphone
- High sensitivity
- Easy connectivity
- Affordable price tag
Movo PM10 is the best android microphone there is and the fact that it is Amazon’s choice on Amazon.com seconds me on this. This best android microphone is ideal for the individuals who are into vlogging, interviews and recording voice overs for YouTube.
From the design point of view, this best mic for android features a wire that is quite long. This long wire gives you liberty to move around while recording the audio. It is, as the name indicates, a lavalier microphone that connects to the clothes via lapel pins.
This best mic for android connects to your smartphone via 3.5mm jack which should not be a problem for most people. However, for those with modern day flagships, you might need a special adapter to connect it to your phone.
The microphone features omnidirectional polar pattern which means it can catch the sound from all directions. This is what makes it versatile and can be used in a number of situations. Plus, it is a condenser microphone that will dampen the sound of your breath and the noise of air around you. This will result in very clear audios that will need little to no editing in post operations.
Plus, it comes with a windshield that will help in dampening the sound even more. The point is, noise in the audio is something that you should absolutely not worry about.
Moving on, this best microphone for android has very high sensitivity at about 30dB. The 30dB is the loudness of an average person whisper, this should tell you how greatly it captures the sound. This high sensitivity essentially means that you would not have to put the microphone in front of your mouth. You can simply place it near you and start recording. This is what makes the best microphone for android.
Furthermore, the dynamic range of the frequency in this best microphone for android is really wide and flat. This means you should get a consistent response at consistent frequency with minimal fluctuation. This is another area where a lot of time goes into editing, however, with this microphone you can spend that time into other areas, like in footages, to make it more appealing.
All in all, it is the best external mic for smartphones that comes at an affordable price as well. This best external mic for smartphones would make your footage, voiceovers, and podcast significantly better, as far as the audio is concerned. Thus, if you are looking for a mic for either of these activities, this microphone should deserve a shot.
7- Shure MVL Lavalier – Premium Experience At Affordable Price
- Affordable price
- Long and durable cable
- Easy connectivity
- Excellent signal to noise reduction
- Discreet appearance
When it comes to the best mic for smartphones, it is very hard to ignore what Shure has to offer. This company is a leading manufacturer of audio equipment and has delivered quality products over and again. This microphone is not any different either and hence I called it the best mic for smartphones straight away.
It is a lavalier microphone that uses a long wire and lapel pins to connect with clothes of the individual that are speaking. The cable of the mic is really durable and does not snap or break with the normal usage. Thus, if you are worried about durability, that area is sorted.
The polar pattern on this unit is omnidirectional which means you can attach it anywhere on the person’s cloth and it will start picking. Plus, this polar pattern makes it versatile as well and can be used for a number of purposes. You can record voice overs, podcasts, interviews and much more with it.
Another feature that deserves mention is the sleekness and discreteness of its design. The wires and microphone itself are very thin and if you attach it at the right area, they would be pretty much invisible in the footage that you upload. This is what makes it the best microphone for an android phone.
The microphone connects to smart devices with a 3.5mm standard jack. Thus, most people should not have a problem with connectivity. This is what makes it the best microphone for smartphones.
Moving on, the microphone works exceptionally well when it comes to blocking the noise and other interference. The final piece would be free of interference and erratic noises which would cut down the time you spend on editing. This is what makes it the best microphone for an android phone.
In a nutshell, it is the best microphone for smartphones not just because of how well it works but also because of the easy connectivity. Plus, it comes at with an affordable price tag as well. All of these make it an interesting buy and the best mic for android phone.
8- PowerDeWise Lavalier Microphone – Delight For Apple Users
- Wide dynamic range
- Noise cancellation mechanisms
- Easy to connect
- Delivers quality audio
- Does not need a third-party app
PowerDeWise Lavalier is the microphone intended for the individuals with iPhone 7 or higher. I know this is off topic but it would be unfair for the people with iPhones looking for the best mic for smartphone.
It is a lavalier microphone that features a lightning jack to ensure it connects with iPhone 7 and higher models. The connectivity is pretty easy. All you have to do is the plug the mic in and it would be up and running. You would need a third-party application to make this work. Perhaps, this is the reason, this microphone is Amazon’s choice on Amazon.com.
Moving on, the cable of this microphone is pretty long and is reinforced with acrylic to impart strength. This makes it a durable cable that would not snap or break even when the pressure exceeds a little bit from normal. And the connector is also pretty durable unlike the notorious Apple’s data cables.
The polar pattern on this microphone is omnidirectional which means it captures the sound from all directions. Plus, it has a noise cancellation mechanism built-in to ensure only the voice of the speaker is being captured. This together with the fact that it is a condenser microphone should deliver audio with almost zero noise.
Plus, it comes with a windshield which should also contribute to the noise reduction in the microphone.
The dynamic frequency range is also pretty wide at about 20-20,000 and the response to signal is almost consistent. Thus, you would not encounter much fluctuations in the response of the microphones.
All in all, it is one of the best external microphones that is available on the market for apple devices. The price tag is also pretty affordable which is one more reason to try out this product. You can also combine it with the complete vlogging kit to make it even more to carry it around. Thus, as an apple user, who is looking for something to record quality audio this is something you should really consider.
9- Movo Bundle – All in One Solution To Your Audio Related Problem
- Easy connectivity with both iOS and Android
- The excellent noise reduction mechanism
- Unique design
- Comes with 1 year of warranty
- Decent sensitivity
Movo Bundle is one the most convenient mic for android that you would find on the market. And it has a very unique design that makes it a versatile mic for android as well. Thus, if you are looking for something that can work as a multi-purpose mic, you should really consider this unit.
The construction of the microphone is carried out using the aluminum that in addition to imparting strength, also makes it light-weight. It features a design where the microphone can move in a sideway direction. And the audio jack can move in 360 degrees. Thus, you get a microphone that can move in every direction and you do not have to adjust yourself while speaking in it.
The polar pattern on this microphone is unidirectional which means it could pick the sound from one direction only. This polar pattern would isolate the main source of sound and dampen the noise around it. Plus, it comes with a windshield as well. Consequently, you get a microphone that would record crisp clear audio that would not need much editing in post-production.
Moving on, the microphone connects to the smartphone via a headphone jack which makes the connectivity much easier. Plus, if you are an iPhone user you can get the lightning cable dongle to connect it with your phone as well. And don’t worry about the mic falling out of place while using it, the dongle is constructed specially to keep the microphone in place.
The overall construction is pretty durable and you would not encounter any issues for the most part. However, even if you do, all the parts of this microphone come under 1 year of warranty. Thus, you can get them repaired or even replacing the former is not possible.
Furthermore, the equivalent noise of the microphone is really low which should deliver a noise free clip. The sensitivity is high which means it would be able to pick quietest of voices as well. The point is, you would have no issues with the microphone unless you start nitpicking.
The bottom line is, this best mic for an android phone is the one solution to all of your problems related to audios. It can be easily connected with both android and iOS. And it delivers the sound that is free is all the erratic noise. This is what makes it the best mic for android and an appealing choice for users looking for something to podcast with.
10- Movo WMX 1 – Microphone Cannot Get Any Better
- Wireless unit
- Compatible with all smart devices
- Can record outdoors with great clarity
- Comes with a decent protective pouch
The last unit to make it to our list of the best external microphone for android phone is Movo WMX 1. It is a wireless microphone system that is different from all the microphones that have been mentioned so far on our best external microphone for an android phone.
The microphone has two components a receiver and a mouth piece. The mouthpiece can be placed anywhere and can transmit signals to receivers that are attached to cell phones within 200fts. Thus, you do not have to deal with the wires and focus on the interview or the podcast you are recording. This is what makes it one the best microphones for the for android phones.
The construction of both receiver and microphone is sturdy and rugged. And the components fit into phones and onto clothes without any issues or whatsoever. The point is durability and connectivity are not going to raise any problem for you.
While getting one of these units, you would have to make sure that the connector/receiver you are getting is the right type. Three types of receiver are available that include one with 3.5mm jack, one with USB type-C and lightning port. Thus, make sure the one you are getting is compatible with the device you want to run it on.
The polar pattern on the unit is omnidirectional which would pick the sound from all directions. However, it does not mean that it would pick the noise as well. There are noise reduction mechanisms in place that can isolate the sound source from noise and other interference.
Moving on, the sound quality of this unit is simply exceptional. It records natural voices that are free of noises even when you are shooting outdoors. This is what makes it one of the best microphones for android phones.
Buyer’s Guide For Selecting The Best External Microphone For Android Phone
While selecting the best external microphone for an android phone there are certain factors you need to take into account. In this section of the best external microphone for android phone we would enlist those factors.
1. Type of Polar Pattern
Polar pattern determines the area from where the microphone is able to pick the sound. Usually, you would find two patterns, unidirectional and omnidirectional. The unidirectional microphone can record from one direction only. Thus, it would eliminate all the other sound sources available in the certain area except the one that is pointed towards it.
Omnidirectional on the other hand, records from all directions which makes them versatile. The choice of polar pattern should depend on the job you are going to take from them. If you are strictly looking for something to podcast with unidirectional is the best but if you dabble around with other activities as well, omnidirectional is the best for you.
2. Compatibility with smartphone
Compatibility is the most important factor while looking for the best external microphone for an android phone. You need to make sure the microphone that you are getting is compatible with your microphones. Some dongles are available that can help you work around even if it is not compatible but those dongles compromise on audio quality which is something that you do not want.
3. Type of Mic
While looking for the best external microphone for android phones you would come across two types, shotgun and lavalier. The choice should be based upon the type of activity that you are going to use them in. If you want something to vlog with you should go with the shotgun as you would not have to worry about the wires sticking out.
However, if you are someone who goes outdoors and features other people in the interviews, lavalier would be the best option. Lavalier microphones have long wires that give you the liberty to move around the mic without moving the phone. This is what you do not get with shotgun microphones.
Rode VideoMic Me
In my opinion this is the best portable microphone for smartphone because its super lightweight, and sounds amazing. Its just plug and play microphone just plug it in to your phone and you’re ready to go. Its manufactured by Rode which a popular and trustwarthy brand. It’s all metal constructed.
Conclusion- Best External Microphone For Android Phone
There folks! You have it. Everything that we had on the best external microphone for an android phone. We hope this article on the best external microphone for android phone has helped you in finding the right microphone. In case there is anything that you want to add or ask about the best external microphone android phone, let us know in the given section. We would love to respond.
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