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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Wireless Microphones
Wireless microphones are incredibly convenient as they have no physical cable connections, allowing any user to freely move around and still be able to transmit an audio signal. However, it’s worth noting that getting wireless microphone systems to work consistently is not an easy task. The best wireless microphones are those that work well with only a few hiccups and are able to deliver clear, incredible audio quality in different applications.
A substandard wireless mic can cause great anxiety to performers and sound engineers as low-quality mics can have a lot of problems when it comes to reliability. It’s important to acquire a wireless microphone that has excellent standards and is worth your money so that you’ll be able to lessen your worries. To help you with that, we’ve rounded up the best wireless microphones that are currently available in the market. Have a look and find the perfect wireless microphone system for you.
In a Hurry? This is the Best Wireless Microphone
Shure PGXD24/SM58-X8
Shure is a legendary brand in the industry so it’s not a surprise at all to find out that they offer the best wireless microphone system around. The Shure PGXD24 is an exemplary wireless system that features the industry gold-standard Shure SM58 microphone.
Tailored for vocals and popular for its bright mid-range frequency response, the PGXD24/SM58-X8 delivers an impressive sound perfect for on-stage use. It employs a cardioid polar pattern, has great noise reduction, and can run for up to 9 hours using two AA batteries. This wireless microphone system is undoubtedly one of the best investments that you can make.
Which is the Best Wireless Microphone?
THE BEST OVERALL
Shure PGXD24/SM58-X8
Shure’s world-class SM58 microphone is paired up with a PGXD24 wireless transmitter, creating the PGXD24/SM58-X8 wireless system. Offering an…
BEST PREMIUM
Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935
One of the most trusted brands in the industry is Sennheiser so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they produce one of the best wireless microphones around. Composed…
BEST MIC FOR JOURNALISM
Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 135P G4
Are you a journalist who needs to have a mic with you wherever you go? Then here’s one that you should consider adding to your arsenal. The Sennheiser Pro…
BEST MIC WITH SPACE DIVERSITY
Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102
One of the best names in the industry is Audio-Technica, well-known for its wired and wireless microphones that always have a great value for money. Among…
BEST FOR LIVES
Shure QLXD24/B58
If you’ve ever attended concerts and other performances, you’ll notice that most artists tend to use wireless microphones. These cord-free mics allow artists to freely…
BEST MIC FOR OUTDOOR USE
Shure BLX288/PG58
Shure has cemented itself as a legend in the industry, having earned the trust of professionals across the globe. The BLX wireless systems range is aimed towards…
BEST WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM
Phenyx Pro PTU-7000A
If you need multiple microphones but have a limited budget, the Phenyx Pro PTU-7000A is your best bet. With this system, you get four wireless microphones and…
MOST USER-FRIENDLY MIC
AKG DMS100
Are you someone who has little to no knowledge about setting up a wireless system? While some systems can be complicated to configure, the AKG DMS100 is a…
BEST LAVALIER MIC
Sennheiser EW 122P G4-A
Lavalier microphones are highly convenient especially when you have a presentation and you need your hands to be free. Lav mics are also great to use in journalism…
BEST BUDGET
TONOR TW-620
The best wireless microphones can be quite pricey or expensive depending on the brand, technology, and features they have. While it may seem that way…
Are There Any Wireless Microphones?
Yes, wireless microphones do exist. Wireless microphone systems are used all over the world in different applications: music-making, performances, filmmaking, broadcasting, journalism, business, education, and a whole lot more. Wired microphones can be inconvenient and impractical in some cases, and there can also be times when they just simply can’t be used.
Also called a cordless microphone, wireless mics were first made sometime in the 1950s. Since then, the development of technology also improved the quality of wireless mic systems. Today, wireless mics have become more reliable and offer an incredible sound quality that’s on par or even better than wired mics.
How Do Wireless Microphones Operate?
The typical microphone works by converting audio signals into an electric signal, sending them through a cable. On the other hand, wireless microphones pick up audio signals but instead of using cables, it converts the signals using radio frequencies, just like mobile phones, remote-controlled toys, and Bluetooth devices. Certain frequencies can be awful for wireless microphones to transmit and receive on as they’re sensitive to too much interference or require huge antennas.
To reduce those, wireless technology utilizes VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands to operate. Microphones that work on the VHF range fall between 169MHz to 216MHz; this range offers great sound quality, minimal transmission loss, and acceptable interference.
Meanwhile, microphones that function on UHF are in the dynamic range of 300MHz, allowing for numerous systems to work simultaneously and making them handy to use in loud stages, concert halls, large venues, festivals, and the like.
Is a Wireless Mic Worth It?
Like most things, there are pros and cons to using a wireless mic. Its number one advantage is that it allows you complete freedom of movement when you use it. It can come in three types: handheld, lavalier, and headset. A lavalier microphone and a headset mic allow you to be hands-free which can be helpful when it comes to presentations. A wireless microphone also eliminates tripping hazards and makes your stage look clean and less cluttered.
On the other hand, most wireless microphones, if not all, have built-in batteries and the mics cannot be used while charging. Sometimes, there are dead spots in the area you’ll be using your mic in, and the mic won’t work in these places.
A wireless microphone comes together with a transmitter and a receiver in the same package; if you mix brands or components from different systems, your device may not work.
All in all, while it certainly has its pros and cons, a wireless microphone is extremely adaptable to numerous scenarios and virtually has unlimited uses. It’s certainly worth considering.
Top 10 Best Wireless Mics
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shure PGXD24/SM58-X8 | • Uses Shure SM58 Microphone • Automatic setup • Best for vocals and musical instruments |  |
| Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935 | • Interchangeable capsule • All-metal construction • High RF output | |
| Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 135P G4 | • Best for journalism • 8-hour battery life • All-in-one wireless mic system | |
| Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102 | • Reasonably priced • Three levels of diversity • Easy to operate | |
| Shure QLXD24/B58 | • Has AES-256-bit encryption • Ideal for live performances • Robust build | |
| Shure BLX288/PG58 | • Includes two microphones • One-touch Quick Scan • Ideal for outdoor use | |
| Phenyx Pro PTU-7000A | • Comes with four microphones • Battery life of up to 16 hours • Dynamic microphones | |
| AKG DMS100 | • Easy to use • Comes in two versions • Affordable | |
| Sennheiser EW 122P G4-A | • Lavalier microphone • Cardioid pickup pattern • Broadcast quality sound | |
| TONOR TW-620 | • Affordable • Easy to set up • 200 feet range | |
Let’s Go Over Each Microphone
Best Overall: Shure PGXD24
Shure’s world-class SM58 microphone is paired up with a PGXD24 wireless transmitter, creating the PGXD24/SM58-X8 wireless system. Offering an excellent sound quality, this wireless system makes use of 24-bit/48Hz technology, allowing incredible precision when it comes to audio recording. The receiver utilizes 48KHz UHF while the body pack provides 26dB of audio gain.
Those who aren’t familiar with wireless systems don’t have to worry about using the PGXD24 as it has an automatic setup right out of the box. It also employs a one-touch sync that links the transmitter and the receiver automatically. Additionally, the PGXD24/SM58-58 offers up to five compatible channels per frequency band.
Perfectly tailored for vocals and most musical instruments, the wireless version of the SM58 mic has a bright, mid-range frequency response and a bass roll-off. With its cardioid pickup pattern, robust construction, and integrated pop filter, you get the feeling that Shure has designed this microphone for live performance use.
You can also get up to 9 hours of battery life with its two AA batteries. It’s an expertly crafted professional wireless system that’s one of the best investments you can make.
Pros and Cons of the Shure PGXD24
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Dynamic microphone ✔ Automatic setup out of the box ✔ Five channels per bandwidth | ✘ Has no on/off switch |
Best Premium: Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935
One of the most trusted brands in the industry is Sennheiser so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they produce one of the best wireless microphones around. Composed of an SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter with a dynamic MMD 935-1 cardioid capsule, this capsule can be swapped with any of the others in Sennheiser’s G4 lineup. Its interchangeable design allows you to use a variety of dynamic and condenser capsules, making it highly versatile.
The rack-mountable receiver of this mic system has a large, clear OLED display and can output RF signals up to 50MW. It also has up to 88MHz bandwidth with up to 3,520 selectable frequencies, giving you the absolute freedom to pick and play with any frequency you desire. Its metal construction also ensures that it’s tough, solid, and able to take any situation. Powered by two AA batteries, the EW 500 G4-935 is a premium, advanced wireless mic kit that guarantees users an exceptionally stable performance.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Robust, premium build ✔ Up to 88MHz bandwidth ✔ High RF output | ✘ Frequencies can be limited in use in other countries ✘ Expensive |
Best Mic for Journalism: Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 135P G4
Are you a journalist who needs to have a mic with you wherever you go? Then here’s one that you should consider adding to your arsenal. The Sennheiser Pro Audio is an all-in-one wireless system that you can take with you anywhere. Its portability makes it the perfect microphone pick for interviews, mobile journalism, and documentary use. Even the transmitter is designed to be compact, making it fit neatly and subtly on a person.
One of this microphone’s greatest strengths is its fast setup time. If you need to do a quick interview, this microphone has your back. It offers an impressive range of 330 feet, providing you with a powerful wireless transmission. Audio-wise, the EW 135P G4 exhibits a warm and smooth sound quality. Along with that, this mic also has great SPL handling and feedback rejection. It has a great battery life too, clocking in at about eight hours, more than enough to cover a full day of interviews.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 135P G4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Portable and flexible ✔ Great for interviews ✔ All-in-one system | ✘ Pricey |
Best Mic with Space Diversity: Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102
One of the best names in the industry is Audio-Technica, well-known for its wired and wireless microphones that always have a great value for money. Among their product line-up, the System 10 ATW-1102 is a full system that comes at a reasonable price. This mic system has an easy-to-understand design, allowing both newbies and professionals to operate with little to no issues.
The ATW-1102 lets users instantly select a channel or sync the microphone to the receiver. Even with such a simple set-up, this system doesn’t sacrifice sound quality and utilizes a 24-bit/48kHZ wireless operation.
One of the best features of the ATW-1102 is its three levels of diversity based on space, time, and frequency response. These diversity options ensure interference-free communication whenever you use the microphone. It can also comfortably manage a distance of up to 200 meters from the source without any problems.
Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Simple and easy operation ✔ Three diversity options to maximize signal integrity ✔ Exceptional sound quality | ✘ Battery life may be quite short |
Best for Lives: Shure QLXD24/B58
If you’ve ever attended concerts and other performances, you’ll notice that most artists tend to use wireless microphones. These cord-free mics allow artists to freely move around the stage and be able to interact with the audience without accidentally tripping or unplugging any cables. If you wish to move as much as you can on stage, one of the best wireless microphones that you can use is the Shure QLXD24/B58.
A single handheld wireless system, the QLXD24/B58 features 24-bit digital audio and a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. This system also utilizes AES-256-bit encryption and networked control options, streamlining your performance. The Beta58 capsule employs a supercardioid polar pattern, providing great sound rejection and feedback rejection.
Aside from its stock capsule, you can also interchange it with the SM86, Beta 87A, and SM58 capsules if you desire. Offering outstanding sound quality, long-term durability, and consistency, you can’t go wrong with the QLXD24/B58 when it comes to maximizing your live experience.
Pros and Cons of the Shure QLXD24/B58
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Best for live applications ✔ Interchangeable mic capsules ✔ Compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS for easy remote operation | ✘ Can get expensive if creating a large system with multiple microphones |
Best Mic for Outdoor Use: Shure BLX288/PG58
Shure has cemented itself as a legend in the industry, having earned the trust of professionals across the globe. The BLX wireless systems range is aimed towards consumers who would like a great quality microphone without having to pay an enormous price tag.
Their latest innovation is the BLX288/PG58 which is armed with a 300-foot operating range, integrated PG58 microphone capsule, and a one-touch Quick Scan automatic frequency band selection.
The BLX288/PG58 system comes with two microphones that offer clear and consistent sound quality with a top-notch durable design. It has a built-in spherical filter, keeping background noise at bay. Its rugged metallic exterior ensures that it can hold up no matter the performance, making it a superb choice for any application, especially outdoors.
Pros and Cons of the Shure BLX288/PG58
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Sturdy construction for outdoor use ✔ Comes with two microphones ✔ Quick Scan frequency range selection technology | ✘ Use of ultra-high frequency is limited in other countries |
Best Multiple Wireless Microphone System: Phenyx Pro PTU-7000A
If you need multiple microphones but have a limited budget, the Phenyx Pro PTU-7000A is your best bet. With this system, you get four wireless microphones and a receiver with four XLR outputs. It also allows the usage of multiple microphone systems simultaneously, with the feature to adjust the frequency band as needed. The PTU-7000A lets you control the volume and frequency of each microphone as well.
Its receiver unit is rack-mountable, with antennas equipped on it for minimal interference. The PTU-7000A has a range of up to 328 feet, as long as you’re in the light of sight of the receiver and there are no walls between you and the unit. The four dynamic mics you get in this system have color-coded anti-roll rings, allowing you to identify which mic is which.
This system from Phenyx Pro also clocks a battery life of up to 16 hours with its AA batteries. It’s relatively affordable too, making it attractive for those who need to set up multiple units conveniently.
Pros and Cons of the Phenyx PTU-7000A
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Comes with four mics ✔ Ability to use multiple systems simultaneously ✔ Receiver can be rack-mounted | ✘ The mics are slightly fragile |
Most User-Friendly Mic: AKG DMS100
Are you someone who has little to no knowledge about setting up a wireless system? While some systems can be complicated to configure, the AKG DMS100 is a system that is very user-friendly. If USB microphones are also referred to as plug-and-play mics, the DMS100 system can be called “unplug and play.” Its 2.4GHz operation will work well in most environments.
The DMS100 has an audio quality of 24-bit/48KHz and also has a built-in AES 256-bit encryption to protect the signal. Up to four DMS100 compatible systems can be synced together for simultaneous use. AKG offers the DMS100 in two versions: one is a cardioid handheld wireless mic, while the other version comes with a body pack transmitter that can be used with a headset or a lavalier microphone.
Pros and Cons of the AKG DMS100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Easy to use ✔ AES encryption ✔ Affordable | ✘ Maximum range of 50ft. |
Best Lavalier Mic: Sennheiser EW 122P G4-A
Lavalier microphones are highly convenient especially when you have a presentation and you need your hands to be free. Lav mics are also great to use in journalism, video production, interviews, and outside broadcasts. One of the best wireless lavalier microphones is the EW 122P G4-A, produced by Sennheiser. This system is designed for convenient use and a quick setup.
Sennheiser has armed this system with the ME-2, an omnidirectional lav mic that also has a cardioid pickup pattern to improve sound isolation. It has a range of up to 328 feet and packs about 8 hours of battery life. The lav mic is compact and portable but also, it’s tough and robust enough to withstand occasional hits that may happen. Sennheiser also offers the option to pair the 122P G4-A with a handheld wireless microphone for a price.
Pros and Cons of the EW 122P G4-A
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Easy to set up ✔ Excellent build quality ✔ Professional broadcast sound quality | ✘ Pricey |
Best Budget: TONOR TW-620
The best wireless microphones can be quite pricey or expensive depending on the brand, technology, and features they have. While it may seem that way, budget mics do exist in the market. The TONOR TW-620 is a handheld transmitter that has a cardioid pickup pattern and covers a 65-foot range. This affordable device can be used in various settings: church, classroom, speech, home karaoke, small program, PA system, and more.
The TW-620 has a range of up to 200 feet within line of sight. With its frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, the TW-620 offers sound quality that has a strong bass and bright mid-range. It also isn’t susceptible to RF interference thanks to the frequency band it operates in. This system has a simple operation and can support up to 15 sets simultaneously.
The TW-620 operates on two AA batteries, with a battery life of 8 hours. Compared to other mics in the same price range, the TW-620 offers better quality in terms of signal consistency and sound, making it a good value-for-money favorite.
Pros and Cons of the TONOR TW-620
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Highly affordable ✔ Uncomplicated setup ✔ Battery life of up to 8 hours | ✘ Sound quality may not be up to par with more expensive mics |
Best Wireless Microphone Systems Comparison
| Image | Model Name | Sound Quality | Design | Features | Price | Total Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shure PGXD24/SM58-X8 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.3 | |
| Sennheiser EW 500 G4-935 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.3 | |
| Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 135P G4 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.3 | |
| Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | |
| Shure QLXD24/B58 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | 9 | |
| Shure BLX288/PG58 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8.8 | |
| Phenyx Pro PTU-7000A | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | 8.5 | 8.4 | |
| AKG DMS100 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | 8.2 | |
| Sennheiser EW 122P G4-A | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| TONOR TW-620 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | 7.9 | |
Final Note
There you have it, a list of the best wireless microphones in the market available today. Whether you’re a newbie or a professional in need of a wireless system, this list has you covered. Do remember that when choosing a wireless microphone, always go for the newer systems as they offer better quality and improved technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wireless microphones do pros use?
Our top pick, the Shure PGXD24, is just one of the many mics that pros use. Some professionals also use the Shure BLX288 and the ATW-1102. The previously mentioned mics are all handheld mics. For headset mics, pros tend to go for the Shure BLX14/SM31 or the Samson Concert 88 system. As for lav mics, the Pyle Pro PDWM2145 and the Movo WMIC80 are popular picks.
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