The iPhone audio quality is pretty decent, but if you record podcasts, YouTube videos, interviews, you’ll definitely need to invest in the best microphone for iPhone (external). You can also use this mic for recording music.
In this article, we will primarily focus on the best microphone for iPhone of 2021 that uses the lightning port ( the lightning port is used for the most recent iPhone). But we’ll also provide you a few that use the headphone jack.
Our Top Picks Best Microphone for iPhone:
1. Shure MV88
- iOS LIGHTNING CONNECTION: Apple MFi certified and compatible with all iOS devices with a Lightning connector
- POCKET-FRIENDLY: Capture powerful audio recordings on the move without the need for large and heavy audio equipment
- FULLY ADJUSTABLE: Flexibility to tilt, flip and rotate the microphone up to 90° to get stereo clarity, whatever your sound source
- TWO FREE APPS: ShurePlus MOTIV Audio & ShurePlus MOTIV Video allow you to customize the performance and set-up of the microphone for professional audio and video capture. Download directly from App Store
- NO WIND NOISE: Includes a black foam windscreen (part number AMV88-WS); please note that the windscreen comes attached and can be removed if desired
- BUILT TO LAST: All-metal construction and quality Shure engineering that has stood the test of touring and live stages across the world over the past 90 years
- PROTECTION IN TRANSIT: High-quality zip carry case included for protection when traveling
- IN THE BOX: 2-Year Warranty, MV88 microphone, foam windshield, carry case, headphone monitor adaptor cable
The Shure MV88 is our top picks for the best microphone for iPhone 2021. It is fully made of metal, it has both stereo and directional pickup. One important feature of MV88 is that it rotates and pivots, allowing you to position it very precisely.
This particular Shure MV88 is specially made for iOS devices. It is backed with 24-bit \ 48 kHz audio quality which provides amazing sound quality.
You will be provided with a free app (ShurePlus Motiv App) which is impressive. It allows you to record uncompressed audio (.wav), changes the stereo width, adjust the gain levels, modifies EQ settings, swap left & right and more.
Shure MV88 also comes with a headphone adapter, foam wind screen, and a carrying case.
2. Zoom iQ6 X/Y
- The same condenser microphones as the world-famous H4n
- Adjustable microphone angles from 90 to 120 degrees
- Able to be used both on phones with cases and without
- Compatible Devices - iPhone (5, 5s, 5c, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, SE, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus and X),iPod touch (5th and 6th Gen),iPad (4th, 5th and 6th Gen, Air, Air 2, mini, mini 2, mini 3, mini 4, Pro and Pro 2). Supported iOS - iOS 6.0 or newer
- Audio quality is 44.1 khz 16 bit. Maximum input sound pressure is 130 db
It is the first XY mic iOS mic on our list. It comes with lightning connectivity and it is small enough to fit in your pocket. There is a MIC GAIN wheel that allows the user to adjust the volume. It also allows the range of pickup to adjust from 90 degrees to 120 degrees.
The presence of LED Light in Zoom iQ6 lets you know if you’re recording or not. It also has a dedicated headphone jack. Like Shure MV88 it also got its own recording app.
The quality of this device is amazing as it is a condenser microphone. This will be a great combination if you have a new iPhone 7.
3. Rode i-XY
- Provides up to 24-bit/96k recording
- Matched pair of 1/2 inch cardioid condenser capsules
- Fixed in a perfect 90 degree alignment gives the Rode iXY mic immersive and true-to-life stereo reco
- Comes with foam windshield for outdoor recording as well as a reinforced zip case
- Comes with foam windshield for outdoor recording as well as a reinforced zip c
The second XY mic in our list. The XY stereo of this mic is amazing. Rode XY mic has built-in A/D conversion for lighting and 30-pin connectivity. The XY feature allows you to wide-area recording. You can record up to 24-bit / 96k audio quality, giving you the clarity of even most USB microphones out there.
It is also backed with a foam wind shield and protective zip case, which is a great option for those who are traveling or who record outside. It also got its own recording app ( Rode Rec App).
4. Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side
- Compatible with iOS Devices with Lightning Connector (airplane Mode required)
- Works with free handy recorder app as well as video camera
- Allows 90, 120, and Mid-Side record
The Zoom iQ7 Microphone is similar to above Zoom iQ6. But this iQ7 uses a mid-side microphone configuration, giving you much more flexibility.Mid-side recordings, adjustments are also allowed in post-production and mid-side is always mono-compatible as well.
There is a switch on the right that allows user to adjust between M-S, 120° stereo, and 90° stereo. Similar to Rode iQ6 iQ6, there is a hardware mic gain control front and center, and it also has a headphone/line-out combo jack. Another important feature of this device it that, the microphone capsules can also rotate multiple directions to get them positioned properly for your subject or scene.
5. Blue Mikey
- Superior quality audio recording with built-in USB charging port
- Made for Apple iPod Touch 4G, iPhone 4S/4, iPad 2 and iPad
- Works with most popular recording applications; advanced processor for future app compatibility
- Input jacks for guitars, mics and any device with line-out
- Automatic or manual gain cont
We all are familiar with the blue microphone. The brand is becoming popular day by day. Blue Mikey cheaper than the previous two spoken about, and it comes with 44.1 kHz / 16-bit audio quality. If they are concerned with stability don’t go for this.
Unlike other, it doesn’t have its own recording app but you can try other third-party apps. It’s a great combination of affordability and quality, and that’s exactly why it’s one of the Best Microphone for iPhone 2021.
Note: Blue has come out with a new model, the Blue Raspberry — it’s a bit more expensive, but a USB microphone that’s compatible with iOS devices.
6. Rode VideoMic Me-L
The Rode VideoMic Me-L is an updated Lightning version of the popular VideoMic Me. It has a 3.5 mm jack that allows you to plug headphones in to monitor the audio, a directional cardioid pickup pattern, and a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range.
Like other mics, it also comes with a wind screen.
7. Blue Raspberry
- Ultimate mobile USB microphone for podcasting, voice-over, streaming, Skype and music
- Patented Blue premium capsule circuitry for detailed, studio-quality sound
- Patent-pending Internal Acoustic Diffuser (IAD) focuses vocals while minimizing room noise
- Headphone volume control, mic level and mute for effortless live monitoring
- Plug-and-play 24-bit/48kHz resolution with PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad. iOS compatibility made for iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Pro (12.9-inch), iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini, iPad (4th generation), iPod touch (6th generation), iPod touch (5th generati
The Raspberry from Blue is a desktop-style condenser microphone that includes a USB cable. and a Lightning Cable. It is also loaded a headphone jack that allows you to control volume for live monitoring and a 1/4″ thread allows you to mount it into tripods.
One important feature of this Blue Raspberry is that it designed to be plug and play but still gives excellent sound quality for anything from voice to instrument recordings.
8. Movo PM10
- CRYSTAL CLEAR AUDIO: The Movo lapel lav mic for iphone (lightning dongle not included) upgrades your built-in Smartphone or iPhone mic
- PLUG AND PLAY: No batteries required. Simply plug the included 3.5 MM TRRS compatible jack into your smart phone and hear drastically improved audio (newer iPhones require lightning dongle)
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY: We’ve got your back. Our products are designed to ease your technical woes, not add to them. Our friendly US-Based support is here to help
- TRAVEL FRIENDLY: Compact travel case is easy to take on-the-go for quick on-location or active vacation videos. An essential content creator accessory!
- VALUE KIT EXTRAS: Includes 4ft cord, 2x foam windscreens, 2x metal clips, and a carrying travel bag. The metal clip is solid and clamps on secur
We also have a cheap solution for those who want something value for money. Movo PM10 is Lavalier Microphone and Lapel Microphone for iPhone, iPad, and Other Smartphones. It is super cheap compared to others on this list. But, the quality won’t dissatisfy you.
It doesn’t require a battery and it comes with a little case, windscreen, and clip. Simply, you need to plug the 3.5 mm jack into your smartphone and enjoy the drastically improved sound quality. It’s in our opinion the best microphone for iPhone 2021 for those on an extremely strict budget.
9. Apogee Mic 96k
The Apogee Mic might be the best microphone for iPhone because it can make recordings with less equipment than ever before.
You can also record straight into your tablet or any other smartphone apart from iPhone.
This special type of microphone is highly reviewed and tested. You can check the reviews by clicking the link below.
While most USB mics record digital audio at 16bit-44.1kHz, this one records at 24-bit/96kHz, which is a higher resolution than even some pro studios will use.
10. Saramonic SmartMic
- Saramonic iMic is professional microphone specially designed for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.
- Works with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch etc.
- Increased sensitivity compared with the built-in mic.
- Shotgun design reduces unwanted sound from back and sides. Ideal for video use!
- Tech Specs - Type: Electret Condenser / Connector: 1x 1/8 (3.5 mm) to iOS device / Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 18 kHz / Signal/Noise: 74dB SPL / Weight:
If your mic under 25$ then Saramonic SmartMic is a great option for you. It is a headphone jack microphone. It also has a plastic housing. You can rotate it in any direction.
You’ll get better sound than what you would get from the built-in phone mic, but don’t expect professional quality from this one.
Conclusion:
After doing hard research, we found these best microphone for iPhone 2021.
All those above information are collected from the internet and we personally tested some of the mics. I hope that this mic buying guide of the best microphone for iPhone will help you out to choose the best one for you.
However, keeping your budget in mind, we have done the hard work for you so that you go ahead with your purchase without having much to worry about.
Also Read: best microphone for recording YouTube videos
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