Best Lavalier Mic for Interviews

Your Ultimate Guide to the Top Lavalier Mic for Interviews

When it comes to conducting interviews, whether for journalism, content creation, or corporate purposes, the quality of your audio can make or break the experience for your audience and the interview itself. Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel microphones, offer an excellent solution for capturing clear and crisp audio without the bulk of traditional microphones.

In this guide, we explore the best lav mics for interviews, from best overall to best in value.


Which Are the Best Lav Mics for Interviews?

Our top picks

Compared at a glance

At a glance comparison
Photo Model Best for Highlights Buy
DJI Mic 2 Best Overall — Check price

$199.00 List price $269.00 Save 26%

Amazon price as of

RØDE Wireless Pro Best in Versatility and Features Compact microphone with great features Check price

$260.00

Amazon price as of

Shure MVL Best Budget Affordable Check price

$76.00 List price $86.00 Save 12%

Amazon price as of

RØDE SmartLav+ — Can be used with the headphone jack Check price

$55.90

Amazon price as of

Sennheiser MKE 2 — — Check price

$419.95

Amazon price as of

GODOX Cube-SL Wireless Lavalier Microphone — Clear audio quality Check price

$99.00

Amazon price as of

Every pick reviewed

#1 Best Overall

DJI Mic 2

Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The DJI Mic 2 stands out as the premier choice for those who prioritize a seamless blend of quality, convenience, and performance in their interview setups.

One of its most impressive features is its wireless transmission range, which extends up to 250 meters. This extensive range allows for significant freedom of movement during interviews, ensuring that you can stay connected without worrying about signal dropouts.

The battery life of the DJI Mic 2 is another highlight, offering up to 15 hours of operation with the included charging case. This longevity is perfect for lengthy interview sessions, providing peace of mind that your equipment will last throughout the day.

This Lavalier mic also includes a built-in recording feature that offers up to 14 hours of 48kHz 24-bit audio storage. This capability allows you to capture audio directly onto the device, serving as a reliable backup in case of any unforeseen issues with your primary recording setup.

If that’s not enough, then wait until you hear about its design! Due to how compact and portable the DJI Mic 2 is, it is easy to carry and set up, enhancing its convenience for users who are constantly on the go. However, the charging case is on the larger side.

Overall, the DJI Mic 2 delivers great performance with its robust feature set, making it the best overall choice for Lavalier mics in interview settings.


$199.00 List price $269.00 Save 26%

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Sound Quality
Design
Features

#2 Best in Versatility and Features

RØDE Wireless Pro

Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

The RØDE Wireless PRO is a remarkable option for professionals seeking versatility and advanced features in their audio equipment.

This Lavalier mic system excels in flexibility, supporting dual-channel functionality that allows the use of two transmitters simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for two-person interviews, ensuring both voices are captured clearly without the need for additional equipment.

The broad compatibility of the Wireless PRO is another significant advantage, as it works seamlessly with cameras, smartphones, and computers, making it suitable for a variety of recording environments.

A standout feature of the RØDE Wireless PRO is its safety channel, which records a secondary track at a lower volume. This provides a safeguard against unexpected audio spikes, ensuring that even if the primary track is compromised, the backup will still be usable.

Speaking of backup, this Lavalier mic comes with 32GB of internal storage. This will come in handy when you’re recording interviews that seem to go long.

In terms of audio quality, the RØDE Wireless PRO offers “Intelligent GainAssist”, which will help you adjust the levels on the fly. Needless to say, this is one feature that both professionals and beginners would love to have because of the added convenience it brings.

Additional features such as timecode sync and onboard recording further enhance its utility, making the RØDE Wireless PRO an all-encompassing solution for professional audio recording needs.


Read our full RØDE Wireless Pro review

What we like

  • Compact microphone with great features
  • 32-bit float internal recording for high-quality audio
  • Gain Assist technology automatically adjusts sound levels
  • Comes with two Lav mics, a single receiver, and a complete audio kit
  • Long battery life with charging case included

What we don’t

  • Costs more than entry-level wireless mic systems
  • Slightly bulkier compared to alternatives
  • Some features may require a learning curve with the Rode Central software

$260.00

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Sound Quality
Design
Features

#3 Best Budget

Shure MVL

Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Shure MVL offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance, making it a standout option for those seeking high-quality audio without breaking the bank. In fact, we also included this Lav mic in our list of best mics for interviews.

One of the key strengths of the Shure MVL is its tailored frequency response, which is specifically designed for speech. This ensures that voices are captured with clarity and detail, enhancing the overall quality of the recording.

Paired with its electret condenser capsule, the Shure MVL truly delivers clear and precise audio. This is a must to ensure that speech sounds natural and professional during interviews.

The 3.5mm TRRS connector provides straightforward connectivity with a wide range of devices, including phones and other recording equipment. Its compact and portable design adds to its convenience, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go interviews and recordings.

While it does lack advanced features and other frills, the Shure MVL makes up for it with additional accessories such as a windscreen, clothing clip, and carrying pouch. But most of all, an affordable price tag. Thus, the MVL offers great value for its price.


Read our full Shure MVL review

What we like

  • Affordable
  • Can connect with a 3.5mm jack
  • Has a low-profile design

What we don’t

  • Cord vibrations are easily picked up
  • Cord is quite thin

$76.00 List price $86.00 Save 12%

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#4

RØDE SmartLav+

Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

For those new to audio recording or seeking a straightforward solution, the RØDE SmartLav+ offers an ideal blend of simplicity and performance.

This Lavalier mic is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a plug-and-play setup that integrates seamlessly with smartphones and tablets. This user-friendly approach eliminates the need for complex setups or additional equipment, making it perfect for beginners.

The omnidirectional pickup pattern of the SmartLav+ ensures that audio is captured clearly from all directions, providing flexibility in positioning without compromising sound quality. Plus, the durable Kevlar-reinforced cable is designed to withstand regular use, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Affordability is another key aspect of the SmartLav+, making it an attractive option for those on a budget or just starting out in the world of audio recording. Its cost-effective nature, combined with its ease of use, makes it a top choice for entry-level users.

Hence, we’ve even included the RØDE SmartLav+ in our top picks of Lavalier microphones.


Read our full RØDE SmartLav+ review

What we like

  • Can be used with the headphone jack
  • Equipped with an omnidirectional condenser capsule
  • Built-in noise reduction

What we don’t

  • Has a short cable

$55.90

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#5

Sennheiser MKE 2

Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

For content creators who often operate in dynamic and demanding environments, the Sennheiser MKE 2 is the ideal lavalier mic.

Its sweat-resistant design is particularly noteworthy, ensuring reliable performance even during intense activities or outdoor shoots. This makes it a perfect choice for content creators who need durable and dependable equipment.

The high-quality condenser capsule of the MKE 2 records detailed and natural sound, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including video content, vlogs, and professional interviews.

Its versatility is further enhanced by the availability of multiple connector options (3-pin jack, XLR, or open end), allowing seamless integration with various devices.

We dub the Sennheiser MKE 2 as an exceptional choice for content creators who need a reliable, high-quality microphone that can handle diverse recording scenarios.


$419.95

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#6

GODOX Cube-SL Wireless Lavalier Microphone

Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Design:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Features:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

Searching for something convenient and can still give you top-notch audio? The GODOX Cube-SL may just become your new go-to. This compact mic can connect directly to your iPhone, letting you record wherever, whenever. 

It has a stable transmission range of up to 1000ft, allowing you to move freely during your shoots and not worry about losing any signal. Ambient sounds are the least of your worries as the Cube-SL also has a One-Click Noise Cancellation feature, ensuring your voice remains clean even in noisy environments. 

The Cube-SL also has excellent battery life with up to 10 hours of single use. And if that’s not enough, fret not as the convenient charging case of the Cube-SL can give you another 30 hours of usage.

If you’re a vlogger, mobile journalist, or content creator who needs a lightweight and efficient setup, consider the GODOX Cube-SL in your choices.


Read our full GODOX Cube-SL Wireless Lavalier Microphone review

What we like

  • Clear audio quality
  • Stable long-range transmission of up to 300m
  • One Click Noise Cancellation feature
  • Long battery life
  • Lightweight and compact

What we don’t

  • May be susceptible to interference in crowded wireless environments

$99.00

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So, which one should you buy?

Final Note

Using the best lav mic can make all the difference in the experience and quality of the interviews you conduct. While all of the Lav mics listed are great on their own, do remember to choose the one that will fit your preference and intended application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lav Mics Good for Interviews?

The best mic for an interview depends greatly on the recording situation. Many use handhelds or shotgun mics, but lavalier mics are the ones that people usually go for due to their compact size. Lav mics are typically clipped to the interviewee’s clothes and used to record individual dialogue. Many lav mics have an omnidirectional polar pattern, allowing them to record strong signals from all directions.

What Is the Difference Between a Lavalier and a Lapel Mic?

There is no difference between them as lapel mic is just another term to refer to lavalier mic. Aside from being called a lapel mic, lavalier mics are also known as clip mics, body mics, and collar and neck mics.

What Is One Drawback of Using Lavalier Mics?

Lavalier mics excel at capturing dialogue, especially during interviews. However, it has a disadvantage as well. Most lav mics have an omnidirectional pattern and while they can pick up sound from all directions, this also means that they can pick up distracting or unwanted ambient noise like clothes rustling. Fortunately, there are now lav mics that come with a built-in noise reduction feature.

What type of microphone is best for recording interviews?

This depends on the recording situation and environment. You can use lav mics, handhelds, or shotgun mics. You can even use a combination of mics to ensure that you capture sound from all sources.