Hi all,
You are looking for a vlogging microphone. The question you may get confusing: “What is the best vlogging microphone for youtube?”
I used to be in your position, so I researched on youtube, Quora, Reddit, and specific forums. And this article will answer that question.
- Reading more: 5 BEST Cheap Microphones for Youtube videos – under $100
I also review and picked out some GOOD cheap vlogging microphones for youtube. Hopefully, my article helps you save time.
Let’s get started!
There are plenty of sorts microphones on the market. Each microphone is suitable for specific activities.
As for the best microphone for vlogging, there is 4 type of mic are best suited to vlogging: Shotgun Microphones, Lavalier Microphones, Wireless Lavalier Microphones, and Portable Recorders.
I will cover features of all 4 types of the microphone at below, and recommending some best vlogging microphone for the money as well.
1/ Shotgun Microphones:
This mic is a directional microphone. You have to point the shotgun mic to target sound source for recording.
Shotgun mic only captures and record sound from the front. They don’t capture sound at back and side (known as reducing background noise)
The distance that shotgun microphone can capture sound source clearly is 15 inches to 200 inches (it depends on the type of shotgun microphone)
Here are two best cheap shotgun microphones for the money. I highly recommend for youtube vlogging:
Rode VideoMic GO Review – BEST Shotgun microphone for smartphones
The Rode Video Mic GO is pretty good for the price! Do you need an external mic for your DSLR but not has that crazy budget? If so, the Rode Video Mic GO is my very first recommendation.
How about the audio quality?
When comparing its sound to the internal mic of Lumix GH5, the Rode Video Mic GO is warmer and more bass than the internal mic of Lumix GH5.
Plus, this is a shotgun microphone, and directional microphone as well. It means that Rode Video Mic GO only captures sound in front of the mic. Hence, you can reduce ambient noise efficiently.
- Reading more: Best Shotgun Microphone for DSLR & Smartphones
In short, the Rode Video Mic GO is the best choice for YouTubers who want to record sound in front of, and close to the camera.
The best distance for capture clear sound is around 90 inche. If the distance is larger, you will need lavalier mics or handy recorders.
Rode VideoMicro Review – BEST Shotgun microphone for smartphones
Being compact and very lightweight, Rode Video Micro is one of the BEST external mics for smartphones, especially iPhone.
Moreover, it is not just suitable for smartphones but also works well for DSLR.
As for the sound quality, just like Rode Video Mic GO, the sound of Rode Video Micro is warm and clear. It is really a good deal for the quality sound.
In short, a smartphone, a gimbal, and a Rode Video Micro are what you need for on-the-go vlogging.
Rode VideoMicro Review on youtube:
2/ Lavalier Microphones:
Lavalier microphones are small and attached to collar or clothing by a clip.
The lavalier mic has another name is lav microphone, lapel microphone, clip microphone, body microphone, collar microphone, neck microphone.
This is a small microphone. It is sensitive and captures sound clearly at close distance – around 10 inches.
Lav microphone is popular for vlogging and interviewing because of small and hands-free operation
Below are the two best lapel microphones. I highly recommend for youtube vlogging:
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone Review – BEST mic for vlogging
I record youtube vlogging by smartphone. I used some lav microphones before but the sound is poor.
Honestly, I’ve become a fan of Rode smartLav+ Mic after using it mainly for my sister’s wedding. I feel sound better than the internal mic of the smartphone so much.
Why is Rode smartLav+Microphone?
The first, Rode is the professional microphone, a reliable brand you can trust for.
The sound when recording via Rode smartLav+ is warm and clear. The background noise is almost zero.
Another thing I love Rode smartLav+ is, I connect the Rode smartLav+ to a handy audio recorder such as Zoom H1n. And then BOOM! I have a wireless lavalier microphone.
Note: you will need 3.5mm TRRS to TRS Adaptor if you connect Rode smartLav+ to handy recorder or camera.
You can read the details Rode smartLav+ Lavalier microphone review at here.
Rode smartLav+ Features:
- Warm and clear sound
- Reducing background noise well
- 2m (10′) length
- 4 gold ring 3.5mm TRRS connector to plug into an iPhone or Android devices
Shure MVL Lavalier Microphone Review – Another good choice for youtube vlogging
Shure MVL lav microphone is also another BEST choice for youtube vlogging. Why?
Shure is a famous microphone brand in many years ago.
I tested the Shure MVL sound, and then compare with Rode smartLav+ sound. Both have the clear sounds without background noise.
Shure MVL vs. Rode SmartLav+ : the sound of Shure MVL has a little bit brighter than Rode smartLav+
If you like bright sound, the Shure MVL is worth buying, else the Rode SmartLav+ with warm sounds is the best choice.
Shure MVL Lavalier Features:
- Bright & clear sound
- Reducing background noise well
- 2m (10′) length
- 4 gold ring 3.5mm TRRS connector to plug into an iPhone or Android devices
3/ Wireless Lavalier Microphones:
Wireless lavalier microphones are similar lavalier mic above.
The main different thing is the wireless lavalier microphones have a transmitter and a receiver. They connect together via a wireless signal.
Wireless lapel microphone has a big convenience is no physical cables connect from the camera to you. So you are in freedom when performing.
However, the price of the best wireless lapel microphone is higher than wired lav microphone.
If you are a beginner and looking for the best wireless lavalier microphone on a budget, The Saramonic SR-WM4C is a good choice.
Saramonic SR-WM4C Wireless Lapel Microphone Review – BEST cheap wireless lapel microphone for vlogging
You will be surprised about the quality sound of Saramonic SR-WM4C. It’s a good solution for people on a tiny budget, or anyone needing a low-cost wireless lapel microphone system.
Features:
- Using 2 AA battery
- LED indicator indicates the battery life
- 3 VHF bands
- Record audio up to 50 meters away
And here is Best budget wireless lavalier Saramonic SR-WM4C review on youtube:
4/ Portable Voice Recorders:
Portable voice recorders are another good choice if you are looking for the best microphone for youtube vlogging.
You can use a portable recorder as a handy microphone.
Or you can combine a lapel microphone and the portable recorders together into the wireless lavalier microphone (the most of portable recorders support external jack 3.5mm for the plug-in external mic).
However, you will need to synchronize the audio file and video file together in the post-production.
One of the best cheap portable voice recorders that I recommend in this article is Zoom H1n at below:
Zoom H1n Handy Portable Digital Recorder Review – BEST portable audio recorder for the money
Zoom H1n is the best digital voice recorder on a budget. It has two mics that are facing each other at 90 degrees inside, that is good for recording stereo sound.
Zoom H1n is very portable, and can be used for many different situations. It can be used as a dynamic microphone, a shotgun microphone, a portable voice recorder, and a wireless microphone.
You can combine Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone and Zoom H1n. This is a good solution in case you can’t afford for an expensive wireless microphone or your camera doesn’t come with a mic jack.
That is why Zoom H1n becomes the favorite recorder of a lot of videographers and youtube vloggers.
See Zoom H1n Handy Recorder review on youtube:
Conclusion
These are the Best Cheap Vlogging Microphone for Youtube that I pick up based exactly on the user purposes and price point.
All of the mics have been got many positive reviews, so if you want to buy any one of them, go for it!