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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Microphones for iPhone
Using your iPhone is perhaps one of the easiest and most convenient ways to record any audio and video content nowadays. This all-in-one smartphone device is small, portable, and fits in your pocket, making it easy to record then and there!
However, while models like the iPhone 14 have impressive features, the built-in iPhone microphones in general could still get a bit of help from an external mic to achieve studio-quality sound. With that said, here are our top picks for the best external microphones for iPhones.
Which is the Top Microphone for iPhone?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best in Value |  Best in Noise-Cancelling |
Sennheiser MKE 200The Sennheiser MKE 200 is a straightforward professional super-cardioid condenser capsule microphone suited for recording entry-level vlogging to recording music and instruments. | PoP Voice Lavalier MicrophoneThe PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone is a clip-on omnidirectional mic that is versatile in applications and compatible devices yet affordable. | Shure MV88The Shure MV88 is a powerful plug-and-play stereo condenser mic that has superior noise-cancellation features. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Microphone for iPhone
#1. Sennheiser MKE 200
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re looking for an on-camera microphone that is portable, easy to use, can deliver professional audio quality for recording, and won’t break the bank, then the Sennheiser MKE 200 is the best iPhone microphone for you!
This directional mic is ideal for vloggers, videographers, and even musicians as it can record superior audio quality thanks to its super-cardioid capsule that is great at rejecting unwanted background noise while bringing clarity to your overall in-camera recording process. The super-cardioid polar pattern also helps with producing clear audio.
Recording outdoors won’t be a problem if you use the Sennheiser MKE 200 as your iPhone microphone. Unlike built-in iPhone mics, the MKE 200 has an integrated wind protection and internal suspension mount so it’s great at rejecting direct and peripheral noises. This iPhone mic also comes with a furry windscreen, which adds to its noise reduction and in minimizing sound distortion despite the lack of a shock mount.
Speaking of the outdoors, the Sennheiser MKE 200 is one of the iPhone microphones when it comes to portability. Measuring just 2.7 inches long and weighing 1.7 ounces, the compact and lightweight external microphone won’t be a hassle to bring along whenever and wherever. While you can fit this iPhone mic inside your pocket, we recommend that you purchase a carry case for added protection.
Sennheiser keeps it convenient with the MKE 200 as this external microphone for iPhone can also be used for other devices. The included 3.5mm TRS and TRRS coiled cables make the MKE 200 one of the external microphones in general as it can be used with other mobile devices, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras.
The only downsides to the MKE 200 are the lack of lightning adapters and a headphone jack. You may need to purchase a separate 3.5mm lighting cable so you can connect it to your iPhone’s lightning port and similarly, a headphone jack adapter if need be.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser MKE 200
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Super-cardioid polar pattern ✔ Lightweight, small, and portable ✔ Built-in wind protection ✔ Has an internal suspension mount to minimize unwanted noise ✔ No batteries needed ✔ Furry windscreen included ✔ Compatible microphone for iPhone, DSLR, mirrorless cameras, and other mobile devices | ✖️ Need to buy a separate lightning connector ✖️ No headphone jack |
#2. PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re a video journalist or content creator that tends to conduct interviews, then consider using the PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone. This lapel mic is one of the best iPhone microphones when it comes to value as it is versatile and mighty yet affordable.
The plug-and-play powerhouse microphone that is the PoP Voice Lavalier Lapel microphone can record music, speech, sound, and much more. With an omnidirectional polar pattern, this small mic is mighty enough to record audio around the room just like full-sized omnidirectional microphones. To even help with rejecting background noise, this microphone for iPhone comes with a windscreen assuring you of good audio quality.
Although you will need to purchase your own lightning cable and lightning connector to make it compatible with newer iPhone models, the PoP Voice Lavalier Mic is perfectly compatible with other devices such as DSLRs and smartphones. This Lavalier lapel microphone also comes with a 3mm TRS and a long cable that is 16ft in length, making it the perfect mic system to use if you plan on conducting interviews.
To maximize the use of this lapel microphone for iPhone, check out our guide on the best way to use a Lavalier mic.
Pros and Cons of the PoP Voice Lavalier Microphone
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Affordable ✔ Lengthy cable ✔ Easy-to-use ✔ Comes with a windscreen, clip, and aux adapter | ✖️ Need to purchase a standard headphone jack adapter to make it compatible with iOS devices |
#3. Shure MV88
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Shure MV88 is one of the best iPhone microphones when it comes to noise-cancellation and recording audio on a professional level.
This cardioid microphone comes with a built-in windscreen that is great at rejecting wind noise, background noise, and other peripheral noises so you can achieve high-quality audio each time. It also comes with two modes: cardioid or bidirectional, which is convenient for when you need to switch depending on the environment and application.
Should you want to make use of both modes, then you can achieve a stereo-sounding sound quality. This also allows the Shure MV88 to function as two mics as it can record audio from different directions at once.
Speaking of stereo-sounding sound quality, the Shure MV88 is compatible with the Shure Motiv app, which allows you to control digital signal processing, bit rate, sampling rate, mode switching, stereo width switch, and others that will help you control the stereo image as well as headphone monitoring. Such a feature is exceptionally convenient for on-the-go video recordings!
Another feature that makes the Shure MV88 one of the best iPhone microphones and most convenient mics out there is its Apple MFi certification. This means that the Shure MV88 can be connected to any Apple device and iOS device directly without the need for installations or applications. No lightning cable, headphone adapter, or headphone jack is needed as the Shure MV88 is a plug-and-play external microphone that plugs directly into your iPhone.
For maximum convenience and compatibility, the Shure MV88 can also be connected via a USB cable. When you combine the USB C, polar pattern, and features of the Shure MV88, this makes it one of the best iPhone microphones currently out there.
Pros and Cons of the Shure MV88
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Excellent noise-canceling ability ✔ Microphone kit comes with carry case and black foam windscreen ✔ Travel-sized yet sturdy ✔ Can be plugged directly into any iOS device via lightning cable ✔ Can be tilted to 180 degrees and rotated 90 degrees ✔ Stereo width can be switched | ✖️ No headphone jack ✖️ No shock mount |
#4. PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone is one of the best external microphones for iPhone when it comes to simplicity but quality.
The plug-and-play design that can be directly connected to the iOS devices such as iPhones, iPads, and others with a lightning port makes it convenient to use. However, you will need a lighting-to-headphone jack adapter if you would like to use it in newer iPhone models. Should you need a different type of connector, the PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone can also be connected via a USB-C cable.
Despite the PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone being a professional-grade mic, it’s one of the few external mics that won’t break the bank. It’s noise-canceling, clip-on compatible, and has a 6.5ft extension cable for plenty of room. For maximum convenience and portability, this mic can be charged directly via your iPhone, laptop, or iPad.
Pros and Cons of the PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Omnidirectional polar pattern ✔ Portable ✔ Affordable ✔ Can be connected directly to iPhone | ✖️ Will need lightning to headphone jack adapter should it be used for newer Apple devices |
#5. Apogee Hype Mic
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Apogee Hype Mic is the first directional microphone on our list and is one of the best at what it can do.
This directional microphone can produce one of the best sound quality possible for an iPhone recording — one that can match a studio-quality sound. With a frequency response of 96 kHz / 24-bit and an A/D conversion, this Apogee mic can handle high sample rates and resolutions.
Despite it being an iPhone microphone, the Apogee Hype Mic has a built-in analog compression and gain knob, and will show input levels via the LED. You can even monitor your recording since it comes with a headphone jack.
While it is on the pricier side, the Apogee Hype Mic comes with accessories that make it worth it. It has a travel case, tripod, pop filter, and various cables such as USB-A, USB-C, and lightning.
Pros and Cons of the Apogee Hype Mic
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Comes with multiple microphone accessories ✔ Has a built-in analog compression ✔ Extensive frequency response for an iPhone microphone | ✖️ Expensive |
#6. Røde VideoMic Me-L
Sound Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re looking for a more affordable directional microphone, then choose the Røde VideoMic Me-L.
This robust but lightweight shotgun microphone can be plugged directly into your iPhone via a lightning connector and has a 3.5mm headphone port. Aside from its light weight of 27g, this shotgun mic can easily fit inside a pocket because of its small size of 2.8 x 0.7 x 1”. For added security, the Røde VideoMic Me-L has a clip-on that can be tightly secured to your iPhone and a windshield to keep it safe from the outside environment.
Compared to other condenser microphones, the sound quality of the Røde VideMic Me-L can still be improved. As a solution, you can download a compatible app that will help you simulate various sound effects and adjust the quality of your recordings.
Pros and Cons of the Røde VideoMic Me-L
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Portable shotgun mic ✔ Sturdy and robust design ✔ Affordable | ✖️ Minimal features |
What Mics Can You Connect with an iPhone?
You can connect almost any kind of external microphone to an iPhone provided that the adapters and cables are compatible with the iOS device. In most cases, you will be needing an Apple Lightning to headphone adapter to be able to connect an external microphone to the iPhone.
If your external microphone makes use of a 3.5mm TRRS jack, then you will need an adapter for this. Similarly, XLR mics or devices with TRS will need the corresponding adapters.
Can You Plug a Microphone Directly Into an iPhone?
Unless the external microphone you are using has a lightning adapter that is fit for your iPhone model, then you will need external accessories before you can directly plug it into your phone.
The first method is via Lightning Adapter. Should your external microphone makes use of the standard 3.5mm, then you will need a 3.5mm TRRS adapter that can be connected to your iPhone lightning port.
The second method is via headphone jack and such is the case if you own older iPhone models. For this method, you will need to use a 3.5mm headphone jack. If your iPhone makes use of the traditional headphone socket, then you can plug in the TRRS microphone directly.
Can I Change What Microphone My iPhone Uses?
For you to use a different microphone on your iPhone aside from the internal or built-in one, you will need to make sure that the settings of your iPhone have the external microphone as the default input device.
For iPhone models with iOS 10 or earlier, you will have to do the following steps:
- Open settings
- Go to General
- Select Accessibility
- Turn on the Assistive Touch feature
- Press the Home button in order to open the Assistive Touch menu
- Select Device and open Microphone
- Find the name of the microphone model you are using and set it as the default input device
For iPhone models with iOS 11 and above, you will have to do the following steps:
- Open Control Center
- Press the volume button until you see an orange bar
- Drag the bar to either the left or right to adjust the desired settings
Can You Record From iPhone with an External Microphone?
Aside from using the built-in microphone of your iPhone for audio recordings, you can make use of an external microphone for a more fine-tuned and professional quality. Depending on the intended application and preference, one can have a variety of microphone types to choose from as the iPhone’s external microphone.
Do Bluetooth Microphones Work with iPhones?
Bluetooth microphones can also be paired with iPhones. These are a great choice if you want a device that is completely wireless while still giving you ample range.
One of the top-rated Bluetooth microphones for iPhone recordings is the MAYBESTA Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone. This omnidirectional condenser microphone is a favorite by many video journalists and YouTube content creators, especially if your intended application is for conducting interviews. Despite it being a lav mic, the MAYBESTA is completely wireless but can still be clipped onto the user. It can cover 50ft for signal and can run on 4.5 hours of recording time.
Bluetooth microphones are a convenient choice for iPhone recordings if your smartphone’s battery tends to drain out quickly. Since the lightning port will not be in use, your iPhone can be plugged in and left to charge while you continue on with your recordings using a Bluetooth microphone.
Do USB Microphones Work with iPhones?
USB microphones can work perfectly well with iPhones. You will just need to use additional accessories so the USB mic can be plugged into your iPhone model. Whether your USB mic has a USB type C or micro-USB adaptor, you will be needing a lightning adaptor so it can connect to the iPhone’s lightning port.
Some USB microphones that are great for iPhone recordings are the Shure MV5 and Apogee MiC Plus. The Shure MV5 is a directional microphone that is used by many podcasters. It has three preset modes; vocal, flat, and instrument, which make it easy for the user to choose the setting that will suit their preference. Plus, the Shure MV5 has a retro design making it look extra sleek should you plan on making your microphone visible in your video recordings.
The Apogee MiC Plus is another directional mic that is used by many professionals despite it being a USB mic. It comes with a headphone jack, iOS lightning cable, type-A USB, type-C USB, and USB cables for the user’s convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a headphone jack to connect my microphone to an iPhone?
Needing a headphone to connect your microphone to an iPhone will depend entirely on the type of microphone you are using. For the standard 3.5mm mics, you will definitely be needing a 3.55mm TRRS microphone adapter that can be connected to the port of the iPhone.
Make sure to check the model of your iPhone and see if it will require a port or jack. Although it’s not a dealbreaker or required, having a microphone that has a headphone jack can be quite useful when you want to monitor your sound recordings to a tee.
Choosing the best microphone for an iPhone recording will depend on a number of factors. Aside from the technicalities and specs of the microphone, you will need to account for the intended application, the environment you will be using the microphone in, your preference, and of course your budget.
As each microphone will have its own pros and cons, you will need to conduct your own due diligence and research on each. Hopefully, with this guide we wrote, we were able to help cut out some of the work for you in choosing the best mic for your iPhone.
For many, the Sennheiser MKE 200 is the best microphone to use for iPhone recordings regardless of what model you are using. Due to the performance, design, quality, and price of the Sennheiser MKE 200, this microphone is the preferred choice of many.
However, the preference of others can also play a role in choosing which external microphone is the best for the iPhone. If you would rather use a direct plug-and-play microphone, then the Shure MV88 is also a great choice. With superior noise-canceling features and a portable design, this makes for one of the best external microphones to use for iPhone recordings.
How do I get the best microphone quality on my iPhone?
Achieving the best quality for iPhone recordings is more than purchasing the best external microphone in the market. There are certain tips and steps to follow that can help in assuring that your microphone can perform at its very best so it can capture and produce great sound recordings.
The first step is to make sure that the microphone is void of any objects that can block its sound path. Make sure that your fingers, palm, or any other objects will not muffle out the sound. The same thing goes for avoiding any objects on the table as the microphone can pick up clattering sounds and such.
The second step is to make sure that the microphone is pointed directly toward the sound source you would want it to record. The polar pattern of the microphone will also play a role here, which is why it’s important that you choose the right one and know the proper mic placement.
The third step is placing enough distance between the microphone and the sound source. This can help in avoiding the proximity effect to occur or making the sound recordings sound muddy or boomy. Aside from this, placing the microphone too close to the sound source or speaker can result in wind noise and plosives from getting picked up.
The fourth step is to mute or turn your iPhone into airplane mode. This will help prevent any notifications from apps, messages, or incoming callings from disrupting an ongoing recording. Do make sure that the vibrate mode is also turned off.
The fifth step is to change the settings in the sound quality of your iPhone to Lossless. The lossless audio will help your recordings be bumped up to high-quality files instead of them getting compressed. iPhones with the latest iOS will carry these features, otherwise, you will have to install the latest iOS to enjoy this.
Lastly, enhance the recordings in the voice memos app so it can reduce any echoes and background noises that may be picked up.
Is an iPhone microphone good for videos?
While the built-in iPhone microphone works perfectly well, using an external microphone can further enhance and improve the overall audio recording quality of your videos.
How do I connect my stereo microphone to my iPhone?
Similar to the other external microphones in this list, a standard 3.5mm stereo microphone will need a 3.5mm TRRS microphone adapter so it can be connected to an iPhone’s port.
Final Note
Although the iPhone itself has exceptional tech and a decent enough microphone, using an external mic can further upgrade and elevate the overall audio quality of both sound and video recordings.
If you want to invest in a more extensive mic setup, then check out guides on the best microphone for streaming, YouTube, interviews, and recording.
Editor’s Choice
Sennheiser MKE 200
The Sennheiser MKE 200 is one of the best external microphones for iPhone due to its portability, versatility, and ability to produce quality audio all at an affordable price.
With a super-cardioid polar pattern, audio equipment, and built-in features that help in rejecting background noise, the MKE 200 will surely upgrade your iPhone audio recording for YouTube videos and more.
Just like your iPhone, the MKE 200 is portable and easy to carry around, making it one of the best iPhone microphones out there. Lightweight and compact, yet sturdy, the MKE 200 can easily be transported and is unobtrusive.
Although it does not come with a lightning connector for your iPhone’s lightning port, the MKE 200 is versatile enough to be used for various mobile devices, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras, making it a professional microphone fit for vloggers, filmmakers, video journalists, and more.
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