The Best Lavalier Microphones

Best image of lavalier microphones
Photo: Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel Microphone Kit - Clip-on Omnidirectional Condenser Lav Mic Compatible with iPhone, iPad, GoPro, DSLR, Zoom/Tascam Recorder, Samsung, Android, PS4
UPDATED DECEMBER 20, 2024

To help you find the perfect lavalier microphone, we continuously put forth the effort to update and expand our list of recommendable lavalier microphones. Our team collects, edits and publishes new information, in order to present it to you in an accurate, significant and neatly arranged way.

Our Picks

Rode GO Professional Wearable Microphone image
A professional-grade wearable microphone designed to perform excellently in a...
ECOMXIA 2 Pcs Wireless Microphone image
WHAT’S ADVANTANGE THAN OTHERS - WM300 wireless lapel microphones with chargin...
Neewer CM28 Wireless Microphone image
【Professional Wireless Lavalier Mic Set for Camera】 NEEWER CM28 is a mini Wir...
Our Choice
Rode GO Professional Wearable Microphone image
A professional-grade wearable microphone designed to perform excellently in a...
ECOMXIA 2 Pcs Wireless Microphone image
WHAT’S ADVANTANGE THAN OTHERS - WM300 wireless lapel microphones with chargin...
Low Price
Neewer CM28 Wireless Microphone image
【Professional Wireless Lavalier Mic Set for Camera】 NEEWER CM28 is a mini Wir...

5 More Lavalier Microphone Alternatives

Our microphone and charging case are brand new products. Because the product has a laye...

Dual Wireless Microphones: Our wireless lavalier microphones are only 0.5oz, set built-...

Plug & Play: Suphyee Wireless Microphone No Bluetooth, No APP needed! Just plug the RX ...

Superior Sound with Active Denoise: Experience exceptional sound clarity with the GoorD...

Plug &Play with Intuitive Interface: GoorDik wireless mini mic is an effortless operati...

Long Battery Life Keep Recording: Enjoy extended recording sessions with the GoorDik mi...

INTUITIVE STATUS: Achieve seamless recording with our plug&play 3 IN 1 wireless lavalie...

MULTIPLE MODES: Switch effortlessly between three audio modes with multi-functional lav...

LONG LIFE: Enjoy up to uninterrupted recording with our compact, long-lasting lapel mic...

【Wireless Mic with Active Noise Reduction】This Wireless Lavalier Microphone is build-in...

【Rechargeable Lapel Mic with Charging Case】Our mini lavalier microphone can provide up ...

【80FT Transmission Range】This microphone for iPhone has the high-quality DSP chip can e...

【Professional Wireless Lav Mic Set for USB C】 NEEWER Microphone Kit comes with two tran...

【One Click Powerful Noise Reduction】The mini lapel mics support one touch effective noi...

【Omnidirectional Condenser for High Fidelity】 The omnidirectional condenser mic is high...

Buying Guide

Want to create video content and simultaneously capture live audio at high quality? Whether you're a budding journalist or an aerobics teacher who's getting tired of shouting, a lavalier microphone, also known as a lav or lapel mic, can help you generate superior sound that cuts out nearby noises.
As with most production hardware, no two lapel microphones are quite the same. These differences manifest in many ways, including the price and quality of specific devices. Here's how to find options that make the most of your production budget.

Getting to Know the Lavalier Microphone


Lavalier mics capture audio without requiring that the user holds them in their hands. Most take the form of small devices that clip on to the collar or front of your shirt. The audio signals that they generate travel via wires to another piece of recording hardware, such as a control board, computer or camera. Wireless models connect to belt-mounted radio transmitters that let you pick up the sound from a distance.
Lapel mics' small form factors also make them useful in instructional settings. You may have seen college instructors or lecturers using them to present material to large audiences.
With some wired options, you can plug in to a PA system or stereo for an impromptu broadcast. Manufacturers like Movo even advertise some of their devices as being intended for use with mobile phones, although this isn't uncommon.

Lavalier microphones typically deliver lower sound quality than options like directional or boom microphones. You can, however, use them when you're creating videos where you don't want to see the sound operator in the shot. Regardless what you're doing, it's important to position your mics carefully so that they don't rub up against clothing, hair or other substances that can create loud noises in the recording.

Important Lavalier Microphone Features


Don't get overwhelmed by the huge array of lapel mics on the modern market. Just understand the following characteristics:

Microphone Type


Microphones leverage different technologies to convert sound pressure waves into electrical signals. Individual designs also have unique audio recording properties.

Varieties

Many modern lapel microphones use electret condensers that combine fair performance with low cost. For instance, devices like the Stony-Edge SIMPLE LAV and Pyle Pro's PLMC15 both promise to use the technology to produce clear sound, albeit for significantly different prices.
Condenser microphones, like Audio-Technica's ATR3350, offer somewhat better output quality, but they may need external power. For instance, the ATR3350 is geared towards more active users, like fitness instructors, but you'll have to install an LR44 watch battery to keep it running.
Other devices employ dynamic technology that may deliver superior studio-grade sound in more robust packages. Dynamic mics, like the Shure SM11-CN, usually can't achieve the same small package sizes as electrets or condensers. Many are also more expensive, but if you're looking for something to capture on-stage vocals or live performances, then it may be worth paying extra.

Polar Patterns

Due to their construction, all microphones exhibit response behaviors known as polar patterns. In short, this means that they may be more sensitive to sounds coming from certain directions. For instance, omnidirectional devices like the Sennheiser ME2 should pick up identical sounds equally well from any direction as long as they originate at the same distance from the microphone.
Although omni lapel mics are the most common variant, you may also see other patterns. For instance, cardioid, or unidirectional, hardware is typically sensitive to sounds coming from in front of the mic, and bi-directional devices let you capture sounds from the front or back.
Certain professional-grade devices, like the Shure MX150B/C-XLR, come in your choice of omni or cardioid options. Directional mics are better at isolating sounds, such as the wearer's speech, but they may be more expensive than generic omni models.

Frequency Response

Microphones don't capture all frequencies equally loudly. Cheap lav mics may miss out on many of the lower and higher tones.
Most companies usually design their products to perform well with the mid-range frequencies contained in human speech. Some professional options, such as Audio-Technica's PRO 70, cater to musicians and performers with low-frequency roll-off switches that you can engage as needed to cut out ambient noise.

Manufacturers describe frequency performance in hertz, or Hz, ranges. Although you'll get basic functionality with a smaller range, a better response may grant you fuller sound. Higher-end manufacturers, like Rode, commonly publish frequency test results in their product listings.

Size and Weight


What difference does a couple of extra ounces make? The smallest devices may compromise on the rich sound quality you find in larger alternatives, but they're more comfortable to wear.
What should you pick? Let your usage situation be your guide. If you're creating an independent documentary, then seeing your interviewees miked up might not be too distracting for audiences, but a lav would look totally out of place in a historical period drama.
If you're lecturing, think about how long you'll have to wear the mic. Choose something that's both low-weight and easy to keep out of the way while you demonstrate concepts or move across the stage.

Wired vs. Wireless


Wireless microphones are far more expensive, but they're much more convenient when you're shooting on the go. For instance, if you're starting an online news network, then equipping your anchors with wireless lavs is a much better idea than forcing them to dodge tangled cables and stay within a certain distance of the sound engineer.
Some wireless devices also offer a bit more interchangeability. For instance, Sennheiser's ew 100-ENG G3-A lets you switch the microphone out while using the same transmitter when you eventually upgrade. On the other hand, you can achieve similar results by using plug-in devices and just ordering transmitters and other hardware separately.
Independent plug-in mics are also more compatible with items like DSLR cameras. They can be handy when you'd rather not worry about bringing your sound and video files together and lining them up properly using editing software.
Some wired lapel mics come with 3.5 mm jacks that plug in to standard line-in ports. Others sport the XLR connectors found on professional microphones. Choose whatever's compatible with your other audio capture equipment.

Construction Quality


Lavalier microphones typically receive far more abuse than studio hardware does. From scraping up against seat belts to being exposed to the weather and accidental falls, these devices must be hardy.

Fortunately, most lav mics are rugged enough to survive casual handling and usage, and the fact that they're so small can help minimize damage. With wireless devices and other hardware that requires belt-mounted attachments, however, you may have to be slightly more careful.

Finding the Perfect Lavalier Microphone


Now that you understand a bit more about lav and lapel mics, what kind will you choose? In addition to thinking about the factors listed above, pay close attention to the particulars of your shoot or project to ensure that you find a good match. For more great audio and recording tips, check out our other buying guides and blogs.

Top Rated Lavalier Microphones

If you're looking into finding the best rated lavalier microphone, you should probable check out the Rode GO Professional Wearable Microphone. We looked at various sources of reviews and found this one to have the best mix between review count and average rating stars.

Rode GO Professional Wearable Microphone

The Lowest Price We Could Find

Often, going for the best price is a simple but good option. With a price of $25.99 (last checked this morning), we do not list any other lavalier microphone cheaper than the GoorDik USB C Microphone. Just remember that it's not always the best option to go for the cheapest one.

GoorDik USB C Microphone

The Lavalier Microphone With the Most Reviews

With at least 0 reviews and counting, the Rode GO Professional Wearable Microphone might be another option to consider. This large amount of reviews signalizes that many people are using it, with most of them beeing satisfied.

High Quality Lavalier Microphones

It's quite rare that the saying "You get what you pay for" turns out incorrect. If you have the money on the sideline, feel free to choose the most expensive item from our list: The Neewer CM28 Wireless Microphone currently sells for $129.00.

Neewer CM28 Wireless Microphone

The Lavalier Microphone With the Most Clicks

If you trust us and our users, feel free to check out the Rode GO Professional Wearable Microphone. Our statistics say that it is the most favorite Lavalier Microphone from the list above.

Our Bestseller

If you're still undecided, I would recommend that you go with the masses and choose the top selling lavalier microphone: The ECOMXIA 2 Pcs Wireless Microphone is the hottest bestseller in this category right now.

ECOMXIA 2 Pcs Wireless Microphone

Lavalier Microphone Reviews

There are no reviews on lavalier microphones, yet.
Be the first to write a review, or check for additional reviews in the Further Reading section below.

Further Reading on Lavalier Microphones

New: Our editorial list of additional articles. We decided to gather informartion all around the internet and present you a list of helpful, external links to interesting reads about reviews, pros & cons and similar products.
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Research

Do you want to know more about lavalier microphones? Check out the links below to gain knowledge about the whole topic of lavalier microphone products.

Useful Videos

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Disclaimer: This video was not made by us, but we found it interesting enough to embed it here.

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