There is no second thought that the iPhone delivers a superior video quality than other smartphones. But most content creators look for ways to upgrade their audio to make content more engaging, as the built-in iPhone mic may not have features like external microphones.
Although there are many options for iPhone-compatible microphones, the only problem is their big and heavy size. So, choosing a reliable miniature microphone that integrates smoothly becomes a bit of a quest. In this article, you will explore the 10 best mini microphones for iPhones, which are prominent in 2024.
Comparison Table – 10 Best Mini Microphones for iPhone in 2024
Product | Price | Size | Weight | Compatibility | Impedance | Sensitivity | Frequency Response | Polar Pattern | Connector Type |
Hollyland Lark M2 | $149.00 (lightning connector variant) and $139.00 (USB-C connector variant) | TX = 1” x 0.4” RX = 1.6” x 0.6” x 0.4” | TX = Approx. 9 grams RX = Approx. 14.8 grams | From iPhone 5 up to iPhone 15 Pro Max | N/A | -37dBV +/- 2dB @ 1kHz | 20Hz to 20kHz | Omnidirectional | Lightning and USB-C |
Saramonic SmartMic 5 Di | $75.00 | 5.3” x 0.7” | Approx. 11.3 grams | From iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 Pro Max | N/A | -37 dbV/Pa at 1kHz | 75Hz to 16kHz | Unidirectional | Lightning |
SYNCO P2L | $69.98 | TX = 1.9” x 0.7” x 0.7” RX = 1.9” x 1.18” x 0.35” | TX = 10 grams RX = 5 grams | From iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 Pro Max | 16 Ohm | -26dB | 20Hz to 20kHz | Omnidirectional | Lightning |
Rode iXY-L | $161.95 | 1.6” x 1.8” x 2.2” | 40 grams | From iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 Pro Max | N/A | -42.0dB @1kHz | 20Hz to 20kHz | Cardioid | Lightning |
BOYA BY-M100D | $49.95 | N/A | 9.5 grams | From iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 Pro Max | N/A | -36 +/- 2dB @ 1kHz | 50Hz to 18kHz | Omnidirectional | Lightning |
Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2 | $129.00 | TX = Approx. 2” x 0.7” x 6” RX = Approx. 2.14” x 0.82” x 0.59” | TX = Approx. 14 grams RX = Approx. 12 grams | From iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 Pro Max | N/A | N/A | 50Hz to 16kHz | Omnidirectional | Lightning |
Movo MA5L | $50.78 | 4.65” x 3.19” x 1.73” | N/A | From iPhone 5 up to iPhone 14 Pro Max | N/A | N/A | N/A | Omnidirectional | Lightning |
GALVANOX | $28.99 (lightning connector variant) and $22.99 (USB-C connector variant) | N/A | 17.8 grams | All iPhones with lightning and USB-C ports | N/A | 26dB | N/A | Omnidirectional | Lightning and USB-C |
Altson ATS-01 | $19.99 | N/A | 60 grams | From iPhone 6 to iPhone 14 | N/A | -30dB +/- 3dB/0dB=1v/pa, 1kHz | 35Hz to 18kHz | Omnidirectional | Lightning |
NPTCL | $69.99 | N/A | N/A | From iPhone 5 up to iPhone 15 Pro Max | N/A | N/A | N/A | Omnidirectional | Lightning and USB-C |
10 Best Mini Microphones for iPhone in 2024
When looking for mini mics for iOS devices, there are several things you should take note of before making up your mind. So, to simplify this process and save you time, here’s the list of 10 best mini microphones for iPhones.
1. Hollyland Lark M2
The Hollyland Lark M2 tops the list of best mini mics for iPhones in 2024 and there are some solid reasons for that. To begin with, the company offers a dedicated variant of the iPhone that comes with lightning and USB-C connectors. That widens the span of compatibility to both new and old iPhone models.
The real magic is the mini design of its 2x transmitters and receivers, making it a perfect blend of fashion and technology. Weighing around 9 grams, each transmitter easily clips your clothes. Moreover, you can wear them as a pendant around your neck. Thanks to its coin-like design and magnetic attachment, you can use it discreetly anytime and anywhere.
The Hollyland Lark M2 is not just a vocal mic. It can also serve as a recording device for instruments like a violin. It comes with high-fidelity audio of 48kHz and 24-bit depth. Additionally, it has Environmental Noise Cancellation technology that reduces unwanted noises and ensures keeping the original audio highly clear and rich. Since it’s a 2.4GHz wireless microphone, you can rely on its extended battery time for continuous performance up to 30 hours.
Also, it takes approx. 1.5 hours for all units to get charged. You can use single or both transmitters for up to 10 hours once the battery is full. Contrarily, the combo or camera variant of M2 works up to 40 hours when used with the charging box. Also, the iPhone version of Hollyland Lark M2 offers up to 300 meters of LOS and 60 meters of NLOS wireless transmission range.
Key Specifications of Hollyland Lark M2
- MFi-certified
- 24-bit depth
- 48kHz sample rate
- 115dB Max SPL
- -37dBV +/- 2dB @ 1kHz mic sensitivity
- 2.4GHz wireless technology
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- >70dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Less than 1.5 hours of charging time
- 1-inch x 0.4-inch transmitter’s size
- 1.6-inch x 0.6-inch x 0.4-inch receiver’s size
- Up to 1000ft (300m) wireless range for lightning/USB-C port variants
Pros of Hollyland Lark M2
- Crystal clear sound
- Audio preview without disconnecting the receiver from the iPhone’s port
- Hassle-free functionality – the All-in-One design makes operation quick and smooth
- There is no need to connect adapters since both mobile variants can attach iPhone models starting from iPhone 5
Cons of Hollyland Lark M2
- You may need to remove your phone’s case to connect the receiver
Price
- $149.00 (Price of lightning port version as seen on Amazon)
- $139.00 (Price of USB-C variant as seen on Amazon)
- $179.00 (Price of Combo variant as seen on Amazon)
2. Saramonic SmartMic 5 Di (Mini Shotgun Mic for iPhone)
When talking about renowned microphones, the Saramonic is one of the best brands that thousands of people trust. Gladly, the Saramonic SmartMic 5 Di has a lightning port that can provide great audio quality. It is a unidirectional microphone without a wire connection. You can simply use the port to connect the mic and start recording with minimal background noise interference on your iPad and iPhone.
It is a shotgun-style microphone for live streaming, vlogging, and mobile video recording. Moreover, this microphone is very lightweight but durable, providing a 180-degree adjustable and flexible mic positioning to direct the mic to the source for clean audio.
Another interesting thing about the Saramonic SmartMic 5 Di mini microphone for iPhone is its plug-and-play feature. You don’t have to install any special application to record sound, as the microphone can be captured on any audio or video recording application, including the built-in camera and sound recorder of your iPhone.
This microphone has a condenser capsule that can record voice frequencies ranging from 75Hz to 16kHz. The internal area of this microphone consists of a 2.36-inch interference tube that helps reduce ambient noise from far away distances. The design also comes with a built-in shock mount that mitigates handling noises and vibrations.
Key Specifications of Saramonic SmartMic 5 Di
- MFi-certified
- 16-bit depth
- 48kHz sample rate
- Plug-in mount
- Mono sound field
- Unidirectional polar pattern
- 11.3 grams (0.4oz) weight
- 5.3-inch x 0.7-inch microphone dimension/size
- 60dB Signal-to-Noise ratio
- Electret condenser element
- 75Hz to 16kHz frequency response
- Pressure gradient operating principle
- -37 dbV/Pa at 1kHz microphone sensitivity
- iPhone compatibility starting from iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 Pro Max
Pros of Saramonic SmartMic 5 Di
- Users have reported clear sound from this unidirectional microphone
- Due to its polar pattern, the captured audio has a reduced background noise
- This mic plugs easily right into your iPhone’s lightning port, and in some cases, without removing your phone’s cover
Cons of Saramonic SmartMic 5 Di
- This is a mini mic but due to its shotgun type it may still not fit your pocket
- It lacks built-in noise cancellation – you may need to edit sound at post-production
- Some customers are not satisfied with its material type and find this product fragile
Price
- $75.00 (As seen on Amazon)
3. SYNCO P2L
The SYNCO P2L is one of the variants of the P2 wireless microphones. The P2L version is designed for iPhones with a lightning port. The kit comes with 2x transmitters and a 1x dual-channel receiver that lets you record audio in stereo and mono modes. It is an excellent device for recording two people at the same time, making it suitable for podcasts, live streaming, and vlogs. One of the notable features of SYNCO P2L is the inclusion of nine useful voice effects. Utilizing these effects, you can record audio in its original form, add shades of reverb, and do much more.
The SYNCO P2L is also a lightweight and compact microphone kit where each transmitter is sized like an earbud and weighs around 10 grams. Contrarily, the receiver weighs approximately 5 grams. These specs make the design portable and ideal for mobile recordings, especially outdoors. While some mini microphones don’t have indicators, the P2L has integrated light strips to provide visual cues to ensure your phone captures high-quality audio. Also, this model automatically pairs in a single tap due to the ActiveSense pairing technology.
The kit is available in two unique colors – stone blue and pearl white – that make it look good on the wearer. However, one of the notable traits is P2L’s Syncoder Encrypted Transmission Algorithm, which ensures clean and interference-free transmission signals up to 150 meters (LOS) and up to 50 meters (NLOS).
Key Specifications of SYNCO P2L
- 16-bit bit depth
- 48kHz sample rate
- -26dB sensitivity
- 10 grams TX weight
- 5 grams RX weight
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 1.9-inch x 0.7-inch x 0.7-inch TX size
- 1.9-inch x 1.18-inch x 0.35-inch RX size
- 2.4GHz wireless frequency
- Above 75dB Signal-to-Noise ratio
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- 5 hours of battery life (TX)
- 1.5 hour charging time required (TX and RX)
- 15 hours of operating time when used with the charging case
- 492ft (150m LOS) and 164ft (50m NLOS) wireless range
- Compatible with all iPhones ranging from iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 Pro Max
Pros of SYNCO P2L
- It records voices with outstanding clarity
- The size is small enough to carry when traveling or making outdoor videos easily
- The quick recharging of batteries makes this mini mic convenient for extended recordings
Cons of SYNCO P2L
- The light strips may irritate some users
- Some users find its design and clip-on mechanism less durable
Price
- $69.98 (As seen on Amazon)
4. Rode iXY-L
The Rode iXY-L is a compact and lightweight mini microphone for iPhones. Before diving into the features, let’s appreciate its design. While most mics are somehow similar to one another appearance-wise, this device puts a dent into the market through its unique look. The two mics face each other in a slightly inclined direction that records stereo sound in excellent quality. The lightning port rests at the bottom of the mic, that fits iPhones and iPads with a lightning port. This clears the confusion that this microphone will seamlessly connect to your phone if you have an iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 series.
From the audio capturing point of view, the Rode iXY-L records immersive, rich, natural, and clean sound. So whether you want to record music, podcasts, or voiceovers, this mini mic can be a great solution. It is a cardioid microphone that records sound waves from the front area, making it suitable for recording audio interviews, press conferences, and more. This type of polar pattern also helps reduce background noises.
Moreover, the mic has a 90-degree adjustable design, allowing you to record the sound source flexibly and efficiently. Also, the Rode iXY-L’s build quality is quite impressive. With a robust metal construction, the mic looks reliable and long-lasting.
To ensure this mic doesn’t lose its grip when attached to your iPhone, the lightning connector sits perfectly into the port while the clip mechanism keeps the microphone intact to your phone’s body.
Key Specifications of Rode iXY-L
- 120dB SPL
- 24-bit bit depth
- 40-gram weight
- 48kHz sample rate
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Pressure gradient acoustic
- 0.5-inch microphone capsule
- -42.0dB @1kHz mic sensitivity
- 1.6-inch x 1.8-inch x 2.2-inch mic size
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- Built-in A/D conversion and mic preamp
Pros of Rode iXY-L
- The microphone is exceptionally durable and solid-built
- Using the microphone with the Rode Rec app makes audio recording more convenient
- The included windshield with this mini microphone works extraordinarily well to reduce wind noises
Cons of Rode iXY-L
- Some users have experienced iOS glitches when switching to the internal mic of the iPhone when iXY-L is connected
Price
- $161.95 (As seen on Amazon)
5. BOYA BY-M100D
Reflecting the miniature design through its size, the BOYA BY-M100D is a microphone specifically made for iOS users. The compatibility is not restricted to iPhones, but this little champ can record audio on iPod touch and iPad models with lightning ports. Sizing as big as your finger, the BY-M100D is a portable and ultra-compact microphone with a 180-degree rotatable head. Through the plug-and-play functionality, you can capture sound from all the front and back by simply positioning the mic in the desired direction.
Cream of the crop, the BOYA BY-M100D is an Apple MFi-certified device that further confirms its safe usability with your iPhone. Peeking into the internal components, this mic is instilled with a top-class capsule with an omnidirectional polar pattern. This expands your space to 360-degree sound capturing from a variety of sources. The sound clarity is of high peak since this mini iPhone mic can pick sound as low as 50Hz audio frequency.
However, before opting for this microphone, you should know that the BOYA BY-M100D works on all iPhone models with iOS 10 or later versions and has lightning ports. This confirms that you can use this mini mic with an iPhone 5 and above.
Key Specifications of BOYA BY-M100D
- MFi-certified
- 16-bit bit depth
- 48kHz sample rate
- 9.5 grams weight
- 78db Signal-to-Noise ratio
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- -36 +/- 2dB @ 1kHz mic sensitivity
- 50Hz to 18kHz frequency response
Pros of BOYA BY-M100D
- The sound quality is great, especially for voiceovers
- Great portable mic for on-the-go vlogging with your iPhone
- This microphone works well at capturing sounds from close distances
Cons of BOYA BY-M100D
- One major drawback is ineffective range – you can’t get clean sounds if the audio source is beyond 4 feet
Price
- $49.95 (As seen on Amazon)
6. Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2
The Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2 is a mini omnidirectional microphone with noise reduction capability. The brand claims to provide natural and crystal-clear audio quality throughout 360-degree. Also, the microphone is ideal for various situations, including vlogging, live streaming, interviews, and more, since it captures every detail. The mic package has a foam windscreen to lower unwanted noises due to clothes and skin friction.
This wireless mini microphone kit has 2x transmitters and 1x receiver packed in a charging case. Each transmitter size is approx. 2-inch x 0.7-inch x 6-inch and the receiver measures approx. 2.14-inch x 0.82-inch x 0.59-inch. So, it’s not extremely mini, but the Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2 offers a lightweight and small transmitter that easily clips on your collar. Contrarily, the lightning port version of the receiver connects your iPhone effortlessly.
Once paired together, you can record sound from as far as 100 meters (LOS). However, to ensure the transmitter and receiver units are paired correctly, you need to tap the pairing key from the charging box. That means there is no auto-pairing option. However, with Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2, you can adjust gain levels by selecting the -33dB or -43dB. And once the units are fully charged, each transmitter can work approx. 6 hours. Meanwhile, the receiver remains active for 8 hours.
The Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2 is compatible with Android and iPhone (lightning port). So don’t get confused in making the right choice of connector if choosing this microphone for your iPhone.
Key Specifications of Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2
- Internal antenna
- 14 grams weight of TX
- 12 grams weight of RX
- -33dB to -43dB gain range
- 328.1 (100m) wireless range
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 50Hz to 16kHz frequency response
- Great than 65dB Signal-to-Noise ratio
- 2.4GHz operating wireless technology
Pros of Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2
- The setup is quite simple as units come pre-paired
- The case has a compact design that charges and stores both units
- Users also like the overall performance of this mini mic – from battery life to sound quality
Cons of Godox MoveLink Mini LT Kit 2
- The lack of auto-pairing features requires pairing the units every time you want to use this mic
- Some users reported that the lightning connector sometimes gets jammed into the port (one of the users also used their teeth to take the receiver out of the port)
Price
- $129.00 (As seen on Amazon)
7. Movo MA5L
If you create content from your iPhone and want to escalate your audio experience, the Movo MA5L is a nice little option. By looking at this microphone, you can get an idea that it is made to fulfill your portability needs. Holding it in your palm can almost make this microphone disappear from your vision – that’s how mini it is. But that doesn’t negatively impact the audio quality. The manufacturers claim that MA5L, despite its small size, can deliver crystal clear audio like most professional microphones.
The Movo MA5L easily fits the lightning port of your iPhone. So unless you have the iPhone 15 or later versions, this mini mic can record high-quality audio for all iPhone models with lightning ports. Moreover, it has flexible movement. Once attached to your phone’s port, you can rotate it up to 180 degrees to record sound sources that fall under that specific area.
However, the range is limited to 9.144 meters, making it suitable for recording audio for face-to-face interviews and voiceovers through your iPhone. Also, the Movo MA5L mini iPhone microphone has an omnidirectional polar pattern. Impressively, it is an MFi certification, which further ensures its compatibility with all Apple devices with lightning ports.
Key Specifications of Movo MA5L
- MFi-certified
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- Lightning jack connector
- 4.65-inch x 3.19-inch x 1.73-inch microphone’s dimension
Pros
- It is a pocket-sized microphone, making it friendly for vlogging and traveling
- Despite it being an omnidirectional mic, it records the sound source pretty well when pointed in a particular direction
Cons
- Although the company claims it to be a professional microphone, the sound quality is not better than the iPhone 12
- Fragile body – users report that this mic does not sustain even light accidental hits, such as falling on the ground, even from a short distance
- You have to be closer to the microphone for clear recordings, which is opposite to the claimed range by the manufacturers
Price
- $50.78 (As seen on Amazon)
8. GALVANOX USB-C/Lightning Mic
GALVANOX is a mini microphone with a cord. This product comes in two variations – you can get in with a USB-C or a lightning connector. That means you can use this microphone with all your iPhone models (from iPhone 5 to iPhone 15 Pro Max). One of the notable features advertised by the brand for this mini microphone is its sensitivity. It can capture clear sounds, making it useful for various applications, such as recording podcasts or vlogging. However, upon testing, the advanced sensitivity can also catch environmental noises.
Although the lightning port helps you connect this mic to all iPhones with a lightning port, there are better professional microphones if you take content creation seriously. Nevertheless, users do appreciate the convenience of easily attaching this mic to their iPhones without using additional adapters.
Key Specifications of GALVANOX USB-C/Lightning Mic
- 26dB mic sensitivity
- Wired, clip-on microphone
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 17.8 grams (0.63oz) weight
Pros of GALVANOX USB-C/Lightning Mic
- It has a hassle-free setup
- The mic has a fair audio quality suitable for beginners
- It is an affordable wired microphone for the new and old iPhone models
Cons of GALVANOX USB-C/Lightning Mic
- Too much sensitivity
- The cord length is too short
- Not enough information is available on the Amazon store, and there is no official website
Price
- $28.99 (Price of lightning version as seen on Amazon)
- $22.99 (Price of USB-C version as seen on Amazon)
9. Altson ATS-01 Lavalier Microphone
The Altson ATS-01 makes your iPhone audio recordings more exciting due to its crystal-clear sound production. Being one of the best sellers on Amazon, this mic is made for iPhone and iPad users. Icing on the cake, this bad boy comes at a pocket-friendly cost, making it more attractive. It is a lavalier microphone with an auxiliary cable that ends with a lightning port. The brand also ensures that this mini microphone is suitable for content creation for platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
The Altson ATS-01 is also a reliable microphone for recording music and podcast audio recording. Plus, the sound reproduction is remarkably clean and accurate according to most users. Additionally, connecting this microphone to your iPhone is a picnic. Once it is connected, the iPhone swiftly recognizes it and makes it ready for recording audio.
Moreover, the Altson ATS-01 is made with professional-standard materials. With the omnidirectional polar pattern, this mic works amazingly great at recording vocals and instruments. Also, the cable length is around 1.5 meters, making it convenient for recording videos with good quality sound from a bit distance.
However, while the manufacturers claim that it is a multi-purpose mic. But, upon testing the mic, it appears that you cannot use it for phone calls or video calls.
Key Specifications of Altson ATS-01
- 60-gram weight
- Electret condenser
- 74dB Signal-to-Noise ratio
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- -30dB +/- 3dB/0dB=1v/pa, 1kHz
- 35Hz to 18kHz frequency response
- Compatible with iPhone 6 to iPhone 14 models
Pros of Altson ATS-01
- It is a budget-friendly microphone for video recording purposes
- The recorded sound is clean and crisp, especially in this price range
- This microphone offers a good audio pickup but you must first ensure to fix it properly
Cons of Altson ATS-01
- It captures ambient noises in the recordings
- One of the major drawbacks of this microphone is the lack of support for real-time video calls or phone calls
- You cannot figure out if the microphone is working as no indicator or prompt messages are confirming the connectivity
Price
- $19.99 (As seen on Amazon)
10. NPTCL Wireless Lavalier Microphone
The NPTCL microphone is an affordable audio recording solution for your iPhone. The device serves you wirelessly to capture sounds when filming or video calling with your iOS smartphones or tablets. This lavalier-styled wireless microphone kit comes with 2x transmitters and 1x receiver. Moreover, it is equipped with a DPS chip to mitigate unwanted background noises from entering your audio.
Since it is an omnidirectional microphone, it allows you to capture audio from all directions. Plus, the makers also ensure of providing vibrant and stereo sound outcomes. This NPTCL wireless microphone covers a transmission range of up to 21 meters (approximately). Additionally, the brand claims to have stable connectivity and low latency throughout the recording process.
Talking about compatibility, this mic system is available in two versions – a lightning port and USB Type-C. This gives you ease of choosing the right variant that fits your device. So, for instance, if you have an iPhone 5, iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or iPhone 14, you can choose the lightning port version of this microphone. Contrarily, the USB-C receiver can be easily attached to iPhone 15, as well as, Android phones, such as Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.
Key Specifications of NPTCL Wireless Lavalier Microphone
- Plug and play
- Lavalier form factor
- Integrated DSP chip
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- 6 hours of battery life when fully charged
- 70ft (21.3-meter) wireless transmission range
Pros of NPTCL Wireless Lavalier Microphone
- Users admire its simple and user-friendly setup
- The audio quality is great for beginners (better than most old iPhones built-in mics)
- All essential accessories, such as the windscreen, and charging cable, come with this microphone
Cons of NPTCL Wireless Lavalier Microphone
- Unfortunately, there is no official website of the brand
- There is not enough information available related to the specifications
- This microphone does not come with 1x TX and 1x RX units (you need to purchase the 2-person system even if you don’t want one)
Price
- $69.99 (As seen on Amazon)
Factors to Choose the Best Mini Microphones for iPhone in 2024
To make an informed decision, you should know what to look for when picking up a mini microphone for your iPhone. So, here are the 8 essential factors you should consider before selecting an iPhone mic.
a. Size
Since you want to purchase a mini microphone to use with your iPhone, the first thing you should pay attention to is the mic’s size. This factor plays a significant role in improving convenience and portability.
A compact size ensures the microphone can easily integrate with your iPhone without blocking your handling capabilities. A small-sized microphone is also ideal for quick recording without wasting your time. Remember, the smaller the mic, the more discreet it is. So, a microphone between 1 and 5 inches (maximum) can be an ideal choice.
b. Weight
The next important factor is the weight of the microphone. Mini microphones shouldn’t look bulky and weigh a lot. Otherwise, there is no point in calling them “mini.” Weight does matter because a lighter mic is simple to carry around.
A lightweight microphone will be more convenient if you want to use the mini microphone for quick vlogging. You can confirm the mic’s weight by checking the spec sheets of your desired device. While there is no standard parameter that makes the mic lightweight, starting from 9 grams up to 60 grams is a considerable weight range for mini iPhone mics.
c. Wired or Wireless
Mini microphones can be wired and wireless. This can be tricky as you may still be puzzled about whether to use wireless or wired options. If you choose a wired mini mic, it connects directly to your iPhone’s port. The setup is not complicated at all. However, wired microphones may restrict your movement. Depending on the wire’s length, you may only be able to record audio from a few feet away.
On the other hand, wireless mini microphones are highly flexible. They give you freedom from all the worries a corded mic may provide. You can record audio from several meters of distance. Also, wireless microphones have more features compared to wired mics. You can wear them discreetly and enjoy a completely hands-free operation.
But if you choose a wireless mini microphone for your iPhone, ensure you understand its transmission range and battery life. Microphones like the Hollyland Lark M2 can cover a wireless range of up to 1000ft with a maximum battery life of up to 10 hours. Similarly, some wireless microphones give you the choice of a single transmitter version with a standard receiver, while other comes with a pack of 2x transmitters.
d. Connector Type
iPhones come in three types of connectors. A 3.5mm jack is usually found in older models (before the iPhone 5). Lightning port is the standard connector from iPhone 5 to iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 and its versions have a USB Type-C connector. So, when choosing a mini microphone for your iPhone, make sure its connector supports your phone’s port.
However, since most iPhone lineup is based on lightning connectors, many microphone brands make products with the same connection type, especially in the wired mics category. Contrarily, wireless microphones are available in multiple connectors depending on the variant. For example, the Hollyland Lark M2 comes with lightning, as well as a USB-C connector. That means the mic can be used with iPhone 5 up to iPhone 15 Pro Max.
e. MFi Certification
“Made for iPhone” or MFi means the accessory or device meets Apple’s quality and compatibility standards. In other words, if a mini mic has MFi certification, you can trust its reliability and functionality with your iPhone model. So, it is wise to pick a miniature mic with this standard certification as it ensures that the device has undergone strict testing.
Contrarily, some microphones are not MFi certified, but they work with your iPhone (in most cases). However, since they are non-certified products, the reliability level can be lower than certified devices.
f. Polar Pattern
The polar pattern of a microphone defines the angles or directions from which the mic picks sound. While there are different types of polar patterns (also called pickup patterns), omnidirectional and unidirectional (cardioid) are commonly found in mini microphones for iPhones.
A unidirectional or cardioid mic picks sound waves from a single direction (front side), whereas the omnidirectional microphone picks sound from all directions. So, a cardioid polar pattern can be ideal if you want to use the mini microphone to record vocals or for live performances. But, the omnidirectional polar pattern is highly recommended if you use the mini mic for multiple purposes, such as voiceovers, singing, interviewing, vlogging, podcasting, or outdoor shoots.
g. Impedance
Impedance means the ability of a mic to transfer audio signals to your recording device. Selecting a mini mic with a suitable level of impedance can ensure effective performance and smooth compatibility. Although this is a secondary factor, it is still an important one. Ideally, low-impedance microphones are best for iPhones compared to high-impedance mics. This is because high-impedance mini mics can lead to distorted sound or low volume.
h. Price
A mini microphone for an iPhone can vary in price depending on several characteristics, such as brand, microphone type, and features. You should select a microphone that fulfills your requirements and comes within your budget.
Conclusion
As this article lists the 10 best mini microphones for iPhone, each one has its own unique quality. Also, all these iPhone mini microphones range from $19 to $150. So, if you are looking for rich features with 2.4GHz wireless transmission, the Hollyland Lark M2 can be an ideal option. It is a lightweight mic with a stylish design and a miniature transmitter and receiver.
On the other hand, brands like Movo MA5L, Rode iXY-L, and BOYA BY-M100D are also considerable mini microphones that connect to your iPhone port directly (without wire). But, if you are looking for a typical wired mini mic, you can opt for brands like GALVANOX and Altson.
FAQs
Q1. How do I use the mini microphone on my iPhone?
If you have a wireless microphone, connect the receiver to your iPhone’s lightning port and pair it with the transmitter to use the mic. If you have mini mics with an integrated connector (without wire or wired), simply connect them to your iPhone’s port.
Q2. What mic can I use for the iPhone?
Some of the best MFi-certified mini microphones for iPhone are Hollyland Lark M2, Saramomic SmartMic 5 Di, and BOYA BY-M100D.
Q3. Do iPhones have good mic quality?
Although the built-in iPhone microphone delivers impressive audio quality, it is no match to external microphones.