10 Best Lavalier Microphones You Can Go for in 2023

Lavalier mics are the best friend of a sound engineer. Every videographer and sound recordist have one in their studio. These tiny, yet useful things are a blessing of modern technology that has made recording noiseless clips and live streaming so much easier.

Since they are so portable and easy to use, they are preferred and vastly used by journalists and news presenters for on-the-spot recording and streaming.

I’ve been using lavalier mics for a long time. Over the years, I have come across some brands and models that have stuck with me.

These are some of the best lavalier microphones that made a mark on my career as a sound engineer. 10 to be exact. You’ll find short reviews denoting my experiences with them along with some quirks and negatives as well.

I have divided my list into two sections: Wired mics and wireless ones. I’ll be mentioning the best ones I’ve come by from both of these categories in this writeup.

Oh, and you’ll find a buying guide at the end of the article. This little guide will aid you in your own research as a video content creator as well.

Quick Summary: Top 3 Best Lavalier Microphones

Best Wired Lavalier mics

Wired microphones have their own fanbase because they offer secure connectivity. These things don’t get disrupted due to radio/Bluetooth/any other kind of signals midway. They are mostly preferred for recording or streaming indoors, but they can be used outdoors as well.

Rode SmartLav+

Rode has been known for making quality microphones for decades. And they have made some exceptionally good lapel mics. SmartLav+ is one of them. It’s a professional-grade lavalier mic with TRRS jack.

The discreet 4.5mm miniature microphone has an omnidirectional condenser capsule that picks up sound equally from all around the microphone, allowing for versatility while mounting and ensuring a high degree of user-friendly operation at the same time.

A foam pop shield is supplied to minimize wind noise and vocal plosives (such as hard ‘b’, ‘t’, and ‘p’ sounds), along with a durable mounting clip that has built-in cable management.

Its Kevlar reinforced cable ensures that you never stretch or snap your microphone under normal usage conditions.

The mic is perfect for use in a wide range of film, television, and broadcast scenarios. People can use it whenever broadcast-quality audio is required in a discreet, portable format without the complication and expense of additional wireless equipment.

To use it, you simply need to mount the microphone on the talent, collect it to a smartphone or tablet headset jack, and start recording or streaming using the RØDE Rec app for iOS, or any other audio app of your choice.

The smartLav+ is compatible with any audio app that accepts input from the headset connection, however, it has been designed to pair perfectly with the RØDE Rec app for Apple iOS devices.

It turns the user’s iOS device into a fully-featured field recorder, with a wide range of equalization presets to suit various recording situations. On top of that, it offers professional-level editing functions and the ability to publish to SoundCloud and Dropbox directly from the app.

Here’s an interesting bit of information for you guys. If you want to plug it into a camera, or another device with an external mic jack, you will need to buy the Rode SC3 adapter.

The Reason is that devices with a jack for an external microphone do give off power to run that microphone, so the extra function of the TRRS tip is not necessary.

That Rode SC3 adapter will change the plug from TRRS to TRS, which can then be used with your Nikon DSLR, or another device with a 3.5mm external microphone jack.

Shure MVL

Shure is another brand that has been trusted by musicians, radio artists, performers, and sound engineers for decades. I personally am a huge fan of their mics.

They did a pretty good job with this collar mic over here. The Shure MVL is one of my favorites among the ones I have used over the years. Let me tell you why.

First of all, it’s got really easy-going connectivity. There is a 1/8" (3.5 mm) TRRS connector that you can plug into any mobile phone or tablet with a headset microphone input jack.

It works with any mobile phone or tablet equipped with recording capabilities, so you can get started with it simply by plugging it directly into the headphone jack.

Even if you don’t have your camera or fancy recording kit on you, you can easily pull out your smartphone from your pocket and start recording. You just need to pair this mic for better sound quality.

The MOTIV MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone is a quick and easy solution for clear audio in close-mic digital speech recording applications. You don’t need an additional audio processor to get a clear, noise-free recording or streaming.

The brand prioritizes mobility and quality audio and it shows. The mic has a sleek and miniature housing for discreet appearance onscreen. So, when you’re making a video, the clip of the lapel mic will clip discreetly onto your clothing and won’t ruin the aesthetics of your appearance.

If you’re recording voice or speech, the Shure MVL plug and play condenser lavalier mic provide excellent windscreen clarity for speech.

The MVL is ideal for recording speeches, interviews, lectures, voiceovers, and other close-mic applications. Record using either the MOTIV App for iOS or other digital recording platforms, then share via email or any other messaging or sharing platform.

Every operation needs a mission control, and the ShurePlus MOTIV app is just that. Designed for use with all MOTIV products, the free app provides an arsenal of smart features that will help you optimize your sound on the move. It also lets you share your files via email, text, and SMS. It allows for real-time adjustments.

Audio-Technica ATR-3350IS

Audio Technica has been making some top-class audio and recording devices and equipment since the beginning of their journey. It would be rather unfair of me to have the best lavalier microphones reviewed and not mention them.

In fact, the ATR-3350IS was one of the first clip-on mics that I used for a long time around the beginning of my career. Let me tell you why I liked it so much.

First things first, when I first bought a lapel mic, I didn’t have much idea about what aspects to look out for and what to avoid. I just knew the brand Audio Technica from having used their headphones, and that was enough to earn my trust for them. And let me assure you that my trust was not broken.

The mic is engineered for intelligible, accurate voice reproduction. Its Omni pickup pattern offers full coverage responding equally to even the weakest sound signals from its surroundings. This makes it ideal for use in videos, and also makes it "Great" choice for aerobics/dance/sports instructors.

The lapel mic’s low-profile design assures minimum visibility. You won’t be able to spot it at a distant shot if you’re really not trying to. It comes with a smartphone adapter that provides instant compatibility with any smartphone or mobile device from the newer generation. While being connectible to any phone, computer, or tab from older generations via its own jack.

The mic’s dual-mono 1/8” output plug connects to a video camera, DSLR, or handheld audio recorder stereo 1/8” input, to record audio on both the left and right channels. So that you get a dynamic and ambient audio output whether you are recording or streaming live.

 The mic is powered by an external LR44 cell battery which is kind of unusual for lavalier mics. That's because they are powered with the battery of the device you plug it into. But this comes with some additional benefits. Even with heavy use, the battery lasts for about a month, and the windscreen blocks out most of the background noise while recording or streaming outdoors.

BOYA by M1 Lavalier Microphone

Here’s another cool clip-on mic from a lesser-known brand. The BOYA by M1 is an omnidirectional mic that captures sound signals from all around while blocking out most of the background and handling noise.

The brand is known for its production of electro-acoustic products. The company has a central laboratory, electro-acoustic research and development institutions, covering all kinds of microphones in every area.

They are a leading brand in their homeland China, and they specialize in microphones for DSLR Cameras, Camcorders, Audio recorders, etc.

The brand pays attention to producing a high-quality R&D The Omni-directional condenser microphone has a 6m cable, standard 1/8 inch 4-pole gold plug and includes ¼ inch adapter. Thus, it is compatible with any device that has an input jack.

The sensor of the mic can capture even the mildest of audio signals from its surroundings. This tiny sensor is capable of distinguishing between the sound that you want to catch and the background noise. This thing blocks out most of the noise delivering you a clear audio output.

The versatile collar mic can be used with smartphones, DSLR cameras (both Nikon and Canon) camcorders, audio recorders, and PC/laptops.

Just like the previous mic, this one also runs on an LR44 battery. The battery lasts almost a month after heavy use.

On the downside, it can be a bit difficult to come by at your local stores. The type of battery that this mic uses is usually used in watches, so you should be able to find one in a watch store or repair shop.

I have just the tip for you: Make sure to have the microphone switched off before connecting it to your phone or camera.

PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone

This is an excellent lavalier mic made by PowerDeWise that I still use an adore. And I can testify that this will take your sound recording to another level. Due to a well-established technology process, the microphone has quality, reliability, and protection from extraneous noise.

With its compact design, the microphone can be easily hidden with apparel and kept in your pocket after you put it into the storage case that comes included.

When it comes to connectivity, it offers a simple plug-‘n’-play option that allows you to connect it directly to your smartphone, PC, or tablet. For iPhone 7, 8, X, and 11... use a 3.5mm-lightning adapter from your iPhone box.

With its compact design, the microphone can be easily hidden with apparel and kept in your pocket after you put it into the storage case that comes included.

Shooting a video that you want to make all natural-looking while catching the sound clearly? Just clip it on to your shirt and record with ease, forgetting that you’re recording.

Along with everything else, the package comes with an extra cable so that you don’t have to feel held back while recording from a distant sound source just because the cord is not long enough. And the rotating clip makes it easy to clip it into any kind of apparel you’re wearing.

I even clip it onto the soundhole of my guitar when I jam live and get excellent noiseless and plosive-free sound.  And there is also a 4 to 3 pin adapter that allows you to plug the mic into any kind of device with no hassle whatsoever.

Keep these things in mind when using this baby for the first time:

• Properly plug the microphone into your phone or any supported device.
• Press record and start recording your desired audio.
• To listen to your recording, unplug the microphone and then press play.

The invention of wireless mics itself testifies why they are so desirable. What can be more wanted by a sound recordist than a mic that offers the portability and the invisibility of a lavalier mic while being free from the shackles of wires? Here are some of my favorite picks.

Rode RodeLink FM Digital Wireless

This amazing clip-on mic by Rode certainly deserves to be among the 10 best lavalier microphones reviewed for its own reasons. It is capable of constantly monitoring and hopping between different sorts of frequencies.

Using a series II 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, it can constantly monitor and hop between frequencies to maintain the strongest possible signal level at a range of up to 100 meters (over 100 yards).

Since this thing runs on batteries, obviously it should have some sort of indicator to show the battery percentage and other statuses. And it does. The receiver of this mic features an OLED display that provides information on level, battery, status (receiver and transmitter), mute, and channel selection.

It can be mounted on a standard camera shoe mount, a 3/8” thread or belt-clip, and the shoe mount can be located in one of two positions.

The lightweight transmitter (TX-BELT) of the RodeLink FM can be fitted to a belt or clothing.

It also features a locking thread to ensure that the mic connection is as secure as possible.

Along with the pressure-gradient mic, comes a complete package including a receiver, transmitter, and broadcast-grade lavalier microphone. Everything you need is here to start shooting video wirelessly. The microphone is omnidirectional and provides the highest possible audio reproduction quality.

The thing is extremely lightweight with an extremely convenient TX-BELT transmitter. It weighs 190 grams only. The TX-BELT transmitter can be fitted to a belt or clothing.

The belt also features a locking thread to ensure the microphone connection is locked securely in place. On top of that, it has a discreet, internal antenna with a 100-meter range and 3.5-millimeter TRS socket with dual mono output. It can be powered by 2 AA batteries or charged internally using USB.

The RX-CAM receiver accepts the audio signal coming from up to 8 transmitter channels. It can be mounted on a camera shoe or also be clipped onto a belt or clothing.

The OLED display will how battery status, level, mute, and channel selection. Last but not the least, the 3.5-millimeter TRS locking jack socket will send audio directly to the camera or recording device.

It picks up frequencies from 60 Hz to 18 kHz, so you can be assured that whether your subject’s voice is high or deep the audio will be recorded with broadcast quality.

Sennheiser XSW-D PORTABLE LAVALIER SET w/ ME2-II Lav

Here is a tiny mic made by a giant. Sennheiser is a brand that is used and adored by musicians, sound recordists, audio engineers, and pretty much everyone who is associated with the sound business.

Apart from offering top-notch German quality, the brand also works on improving its devices using smart technology continuously.

The ME 2-II is a small, omnidirectional clip-on microphone with high speech intelligibility. It is best suited for speech and vocal applications (duh). That makes it ideal for interviews, narrations, and audiobooks, as well as live streams such as public speeches, presentations, and lectures.

Wireless mics should never miss the moment. XS Wireless Digital brings great audio within reach; making it an ideal tool to effectively capture sound for videographers and mobile journalists alike.

Now, you can enhance your work with consistent, clean audio without the burden of a complex set-up. Your sound should be as boundless as your ideas. Forget about having to set frequencies and step into the world of digital. Using a 2.4 GHz transmission, sync and go anywhere, anytime—effortlessly.

Just like the iPhone, The ME 2 was crafted with the concept, the fewer buttons, the less hassle in mind. As a result, it introduces the 1-button, 1-LED concept with a single-button interface and status indicator that handles all the power and linking tasks for you effortlessly.

It’s simple, each XS Wireless Digital has only one button. Press to power up and link simultaneously, click once to mute, and hold to power down.

The miniaturized and lightweight transmitters and receivers of the Sennheiser lavalier mic make for a sleek and professional design. The entire unit can be hidden and stored easily for on-the-go recording.

All XS Wireless Digital A4V sets include one cold shoe mount compatible with all standard DSLR cameras. The mic embodies features such as portability, connectivity, and compatibility.

Every set is pre-paired and all accessories for a quick start are included; featuring automatic channel allocation and interference management.

Each A4V set contains different interfaces depending on your particular needs: 3.5mm mini-jack transmitter for use with lavalier mics or XLR transmitter for use with a handheld mic. Digital transmission of audio - license-free using 2.4 GHz bandwidth.

And the USB-C charging feature makes things a whole lot easier than ever before. It provides up to 5 hours of battery life from a single charge. And not just that, the devices can also be charging during operation. Only 1 hour of charging is required to reach 50% battery life.

Shure BLX14/CVL Wireless Microphone System

Here’s another whacky wireless tool by Shure. The BLX14/CVL Wireless Microphone System. This mic is designed for professional presentations requiring a microphone that is heard but not seen. It is extremely discreet yet extraordinarily active.

The Centraverse CVL Lavalier Condenser Microphone offers a compact clip-on design and simple, no-nonsense setup. The unidirectional cardioid polar pattern of this device rejects unwanted sound for superior audio quality and vocal reproduction. It’s precision-engineered to last and serve for years to come.

The durable BLX1 features a lightweight, ergonomic design and adjustable gain control for use with BLX Wireless Systems. The receiver offers a quick and easy frequency matching, while the convenient, and ergonomic design makes room for an easily accessible on/off switch.

The BLX1 Bodypack Transmitter’s TQG connection makes it compatible with Shure lavalier, headset, earset, instrument mics, and guitar cables.

The durable BLX4 features simple setup, intuitive controls, and microprocessor-controlled internal antenna diversity. It offers up to 12 compatible systems per frequency band (region dependent), a One-touch Quick Scan frequency selection quickly locates the best frequency.

The internal antenna controlled by a microprocessor gives the best audio input within its range. XLR and ¼” output connectors are also present in the unit.

The entire unit runs on 2 AA batteries (included in the pack) and they last for up to 14 hours of continuous use. And there is an LED indicator for power and battery status, along with showing audio frequency in two colors (Green: Normal audio levels / Red: Excessive audio levels). The transmitter offers a decent 300 ft (100 m) operating range (line of sight).

Alvoxcon Wireless Headset Lavalier Microphone System

This is an incredible UHF wireless lapel microphone that delivers crystal clear sound while the "Metal Belt Pack transmitter with mini receiver offers a noise-canceling transmission range up to 40 feet. Minus any kind of feedback or distortion, of course. 

This inherently earns this mic a spot on my list of 10 best lavalier microphones. However, there ARE other reasons as well.

The condenser headset microphone offers secure wear for vocal performance. The clip-on microphone offers invisibility on your shirt’s collar. Both working together to make it hands-free to use in interviews, classrooms, gym, stage, prayer hall, and meetings.

Since it has the look of a headset, it can be a great companion for voice calls and conferences as well as for call centers and radio shows.

The wireless receiver with universal 1/4” plug works great with mixer, PA speaker w/ 1/4 MIC IN Jack, and PC, smartphone, laptop (with adaptor included), basically any mobile device.

You name it, they included it. The single-channel wireless microphone delivers multi frequencies and volume control. And it’s super easy to set up. Just press buttons on the transmitter to select your desired frequency and volume level to reach its best performance without interference.

The Alvoxcon UHF Single channel wireless headset/clip microphone system comes with 1 portable and rechargeable belt-pack transmitter (headset/clip-on microphone) and 1 mini receiver.

Just plug the head-worn or clip microphone to the bodypack transmitter and plug the mini receiver with hot shoe mount to your DSLR camera or phone (There is even an adapter cable included with the pack to get the job done!), and voila!

You are ready to start shooting your exciting video! It is preset with 902- 928 MHz and complies with the new FCC regulations for wireless microphones, which makes it ideal for filming, vlogging, and YouTube recordings.

1/4” output plug from this wireless microphone receiver works with any mixer, PA system, loudspeaker, voice amplifier that has 1/4” MIC IN input jack. So, it’s ideal for concerts and TV/radio shows.

Movo WMIC50 2.4GHz Wireless Lavalier Microphone System

Equipped with a separate transmitter and receiver, this cordless mic system includes along with the microphone itself a transmitter with belt clip, a receiver with camera shoe, a tripod mount, and 2 earphones.

The functionalities of the headphones are unique. The receiver headphone features a second isolated microphone to communicate with the transmitter headphone while blocking audio from passing through output.

Now, you don’t need to stop and replay the tester to make sure your audio is recording properly. The receiver earphone allows active audio monitoring and one-way communication with the transmitter. Let the receiver-side (camera operator) talk to the mic-side (interviewer) without audio passing through to output!

The kit features an audio input/output: 3.5mm and TRS audio signal cable, just in case you feel like using the system in wired mode. You can easily plug it into any mobile device, or speaker without an adapter or processor and get going.

You can also connect it with any camcorder. DSLR or mirrorless camera with an external audio jack that is provided in the package.

The 2.4GHz Wireless system features internal boost antennas with 164- foot (50-meter) range. That is a huge range for any kind of recording or streaming you do, indoors or outdoors.

The unit is perfect for YouTube interviews, tutorials, as well as presentations, recordings, and podcasts. Both the transmitter and the receiver are powered by two separate AAA batteries, and they provide a runtime of up to 4 hours. Enough for a concert!

The thing is so flexible and user-friendly that you can use it with and without a headphone. That's because along with the one-way mic shoe in the receiver... there is an optional headphone shoe in the transmitter.

The entire thing is simple, portable, and easy to use. Especially great for musicians, stand-up comedians, and people who give out vocal performances in large hall-rooms.

Buying Your First Lavalier Mic? Here Are Some Things to Consider

Lavalier mics have been adored by public speakers and news presenters as well as TV show hosts for years and for good reason. Due to their apparent invisibility, they were equally loved by pastors as well as broadcasters.

With the addition of wireless technology, users got the freedom of moving around and sounding awesome, while keeping their hands free.

If you’re going to buy a lavalier mic, for the first time or not, there are some factors you must keep in mind so that you get the best value for the money. Such as:

The use

To decide which lavalier mic would be the most compatible to fit your needs, at first you need to identify what your needs exactly are.

For example, if you are a video content creator, your primary focus should be on two things: how good the mic sounds, and how discreet it is. You wouldn’t want a gigantic mic showing up the mid focus of your video and ruining all the aesthetics of it.

For this purpose, most videographers prefer a wired lapel mic with a clip-on feature.

The Environment

There are two basic types of lavalier mics: wired and wireless. The type you choose will be determined by the environment you are most likely to be recording in.

Whether it is a concert hall or a studio or outdoors. Because apart from determining the type, the environment you plan to shoot in will also determine the range of your mic should you choose a wireless one.

Price and Value

This is an important factor not just in case of buying lapel mics, but for buying most things in general. You need to ask yourself if the price you are paying is worth the service you will be getting out of the products.  Because no matter how rich or poor you are, money matters. Always do a double check on the price-to-performance ratio of the product you’re buying.

Brand

Some brands and manufacturers are embodiments of trust. You can just buy a product seeing the brand’s name and know that you are going to get exactly what they are promising. Go for such internationally renowned brands and along with quality products, you should also get some excellent options for servicing and replacements in case there is a flaw in your purchase.

To Conclude

If you’ve read thorugh my article on the best lavalier microphones up until now, I must commend you. I tried my hardest to bring some of the top-notch products to your attention. These babies perform like they preach and never miss the mark. Well, there are occasions when they might falter a bit.

You see, lapel mics, lavalier mics, collar mics, no matter what name you give them… these tiny little things have been a blessing to those who’ve used these products.

That’s why, you cannot play favorites with these babies. As users, people need to use it and see it for themselves. As for me, I prefer Shure from Wired Lavalier Mics and Sennheiser from the wireless ones. There you go, I gave you two mics to go on from my arsenal of goods.

Even in this era of smart technology, they have not lost their market one bit because of the excellent service they provide. Of course, there ARE other alternatives as well. People just have to do the research the correct way. The buying guide towards the middle of the article should be a good place to begin with.

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