The general rise of social media consumption has led content creators to level up the quality of their videos using better sound devices like lapel microphones. As the appeal of lapel microphones rose due to advances in technology, more and more people in the media industry and the education field have been using them for the delivery of content and instruction.
If you are looking for a high-quality lapel microphone, we're here to help you with our buying guide, reviewed by sound engineer Jojo Ariola. Before you click that 'Add to Cart' button, read on for our 10 best lapel microphone recommendations! We made sure to include a wide range of productsーfrom brands like Boya, Rode, and more!
Quick List - Top Lapel Microphones
Saramonic
Superior Sound Quality in an All-in-One Wireless Mic System for Different Kinds of Use
Jojo Ariola has been working as a front-of-house live sound engineer for almost 20 years. He also has trained several students regarding the field. He has worked with famous local bands, and he has also worked as a DJ in bars and clubs around the metro. He is the audio engineer for music videos of artists like Miguel Escueta and Leanne & Naara. Lastly, he is also a vendor of sound and lights system rentals.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
You might have seen news presenters or vloggers speaking into a tiny microphone clipped to their collars to improve the volume of their voices. Those are lapel microphones. They are usually weightless and allow users to be hands-free. Due to this convenience, they are heavily used in speaking engagements like teaching, hosting, and even in giving homilies in churches.
Also known as lavaliers, lavs, or lavalier microphones, lapel microphones work by picking up the sound from the source and sending it to a transmitter. In turn, the transmitter converts the audio signal to a receiver, which can be either a laptop or a camera recorder. Nowadays, you can even plug your lapel microphones into phones and DSLRs.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Lavaliers are categorized according to their pick-up pattern. The two most common types are directional and omnidirectional lavaliers. Read on to know the differences between the two.
Directional lapels have a focused pick-up pattern. By reducing feedback and lowering crowd noise, directional microphones normally concentrate on only one sound source instead of also picking up background noise. Also known as proximity lapel microphones, they emphasize the speaker's voice hence they are generally placed close to the speaker's mouth or chest.
This makes directional lavaliers an excellent choice if you’re attending an online meeting or speaking in a lecture or seminar. This is also ideal when you need to film or record outdoors since it has great wind and background noise resistance.
Look for the best position to attach your lapel mic. Make sure that it doesn't rub on your clothing or skin and stays at a distance from the mouth.
Omnidirectional lapel microphones pick up noise from everywhere, regardless of distance. This means that they need not be as close to the source as directional types. You can wear an omnidirectional lav around the ears, head, eyeglass frames, or hats, and it will still be able to pick up sounds.
Otherwise known as transparent lavaliers, they produce a more natural sound, giving the audience an experience much like listening to a normal conversation. However, it might distract your listener with its characteristic pick-up pattern as it catches many surrounding sounds.
Are you going to plug the mic into a headphone jack, or will you need a dongle or adapter cable? The hardware and software combination should also be one of your considerations when selecting a lapel mic. A mismatch can lead to the mic not working. Hence, you must check the compatibility of your lapel mic with your other devices, such as phones and DSLRs, to name a few.
Microphones that allow for hands-free operation are ideal for phones. If you’re using an iPhone or an Android phone, check whether the mic can be used directly or if an adapter is needed. For your cameras, specifically, DSLRs, take note of the microphone inputs since these often differ in size from those of professional video cams. To be safe, choose a lapel mic specifically made for DSLRs.
Remember to always have adapters for the microphones! It will save you time and hassle in the future.
Lapel mics are available in wired and wireless models. Take a closer look at the pros and cons for each type to determine which one is best for your needs.
Mobility is one of the obvious reasons for choosing a wireless lapel microphone. If mobility affects your overall video production and creates unnecessary sound distortion for you, then you must get a wireless mic. For outdoor use, check if the wireless lapel mic is waterproof or at least water-resistant, as electronics are naturally vulnerable to water and humidity.
You may invest in an IPX7 or IPX8 rating microphone that can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as an into-the-jungle coverage or an open-air concert while it's drizzling. An IPX7 rating also indicates that the lapel mic has complete protection against water submersion up to a depth of 1 meter. Also, check the frequencies that the wireless lapels are using to avoid radio frequency (RF) interference.
Remember to check your country's list of allowed radio frequencies that can be used for wireless microphones!
A wired lapel microphone is more reliable in the sense that when using one, you can get through your conference, video production, or lecture without worrying about its battery life or static noise. Aside from being reliable, it is also more cost-efficient than a wireless one and maintains a consistent sound quality throughout your video recording and other long-term live streaming.
Keep in mind that the length of the wire cable should be appropriate for specific activities. For instance, wire cables for news reporting should be at least 79 inches, which is more than enough for close-distance interviews.
In very unpredictable events, such as event videography, where mobility is key, wireless lapel microphones take less time to set up, and you can walk freely with no worries about the length of your wire cable. However, it's common to have battery issues with the wireless type, as it runs down very fast compared to the wired counterpart. Aside from this, a high-powered wireless lavalier can be quite expensive.
Wireless lapel microphones work at an operating distance. The transmission distance is normally defined by the power of the transmitter and the sensitivity of the receiver. Some manufacturers provide a "typical" range instead of quoting a specific maximum distance operation. Operating ranges may vary from within 100 feet (30 meters) to 1000 feet (300 meters).
You can invest in range extenders and boosters for wireless microphones to lengthen the operating distance.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Boya BY-M1 Pro Lavalier Microphone | ![]() | The Go-To Mic of Content Creators | |
2 | Saramonic Blink 900 B2 Dual Channel Wireless Microphone | ![]() | Superior Sound Quality in an All-in-One Wireless Mic System for Different Kinds of Use | |
3 | ETCAM Bluetooth Lapel Microphone | ![]() | Plug and Play Microphone Ideal For Lectures and Public Speaking | |
4 | UGREEN Wireless Microphone | ![]() | Provides CD Level Sound Quality For Your Music Recordings | |
5 | RØDE SmartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone | ![]() | Broadcast-Grade Sound to Upgrade Your Content | |
6 | Shure Lapel Microphone | ![]() | Fast Charging Capability ffor When You’re in a Hurry | |
7 | Telesin UHF Wireless Microphone | ![]() | An Option That Uses UHF Frequency For Static-Free Operation | |
8 | Xiaokoa Rechargeable Wireless Microphone | ![]() | A Rechargeable Find for On-the-Go Vloggers | |
9 | JBL Wireless Lapel Microphone | ![]() | A Small and Ultra Lightweight Mic Ideal For Making Videos on Your Phone | |
10 | Agila Mobile Phone Microphone | ![]() | The Budget Mic For Your Basic Needs |
The BY-M1 Pro from BOYA is a universal lavalier microphone since it is compatible with smartphones, PCs, cameras, audio recorders, and other recording devices. It is very popular among content creators and vloggers because not only is it ideal for making Youtube videos and for live streaming on various social media platforms, but it is also affordable and very easy to use.
Engineered with intelligent noise reduction technology, the BY-M1 Pro makes sure that your recording is always clear. It also allows you to monitor the sound via headphones when in smartphone mode. Furthermore, its 6-meter-long cable lets you enjoy stable transmission without having to worry about its distance from your recording device. It also comes with a foam windscreen and lapel clip for clearer sound and hands-free movement.
The industry leader Saramonic’s Blink 900 B2 is a dual-channel microphone system that comes with various accessories making it an all-in-one solution for different kinds of use, such as vlogging, streaming, podcasting, interviews, online teaching, and more. It also comes with multiple types of cables in the package that can connect to cameras, smartphones, tablets, computers, and more.
The Blink 900 B2 provides incredibly clear sound thanks to the high-quality condenser capsule inside its transmitter. It prevents static noise and audio dropouts for a professional audio recording experience. This mic even operates at a range of up to 200 meters and its battery can last up to 6 hours. Best of all, it comes with a vivid LCD screen that displays vital information allowing real-time monitoring to control each recording moment.
This voice amplifier with a headset mic from ETCAM may be small yet it is very powerful. Its directional (cardioid) mic collects only the voice without any background noise, making a clear and perfectly amplified sound even when used outdoors. Thus, it is the perfect mic for teachers, tour guides, coaches, product promoters, and any public speaking event.
Weighing only 133g, it is lightweight and very easy to carry around or be hung on the waist, shoulder, or clipped on the belt. It also functions as an FM radio and music player since it can play mp3 files. Highly rated, its users love how easy it is to use and how long its battery lasts. This device is made of high-quality, durable materials and also comes with a 2-year warranty, so you can use it worry-free.
With this wireless microphone from UGREEN, you can record crystal clear, CD level sound quality from your smartphone, tablet, or DSLR camera. It features a high sensitivity mic that easily picks up sound and reduces interference from the surrounding environment. Equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, it provides a faster, smarter, and more stable connection.
No need to worry about running out of power in the middle of a recording since this wireless mic has a battery life of up to 6 hours. You can also record at a further distance since it can accommodate wireless transmission of up to 10 meters. It even comes with an earphone monitor so you can listen to your recording in real time. The ideal lapel mic for iPhone and Android, this wireless microphone is easy to use and there’s no need to download any app to make it work.
The RØDE SmartLav+ is a broadcast-grade lavalier microphone with a TRRS connector for plugging directly into smartphones. Perfect for game streaming or making video tutorials, it has a high-quality omnidirectional condenser capsule that delivers crisp, clear audio. It comes with a clip and can easily be hidden under your clothes, but it can easily pick up sounds from any angle.
The SmartLav+ comes with a pop filter or windshield for minimizing plosive sounds. It also features a 1.2-meter Kevlar-reinforced shielded cable that is extremely durable. This no-nonsense lapel mic is compatible with any audio app and has been designed to pair perfectly with the RØDE Reporter app.
SHURE’s lapel microphone captures HD sound quality through its 360° Omnidirectional radio feature, which receives sound from all directions and restores clear vocal recording sound details. Equipped with the upgraded 2.4G wireless technology, it supports automatic frequency matching and provides stable signal transmission of up to 30 meters.
This wireless lapel microphone boasts a 10-hour-long battery life and Type C fast charging capability that can fully charge in 1-2 hours. This makes it suitable for many occasions like video shooting, live streaming, classroom teaching, and interview recording. Portable and lightweight, it features a stable back clip so you can move freely without worry.
This wireless microphone system from TELESIN is powerful and provides stable signals. It makes use of the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band for an interference-free operation. It also has a noise value control system feature that reduces background noise dramatically and operates at a dynamic wireless transmission range of up to 50 meters.
This wireless lapel mic transmitter has an LCD display that shows its battery status, channels, and other important information. It comes with a high-definition lavalier mic, a hand mic, and a headset mic, making it ideal for any situation. It is also compatible with your laptop, PC, DSLR, camera, amplifier, DV, camcorder, smartphone, mixer, etc., and even comes with a camera shoe mount that can be directly fixed to your DSLR camera and other shooting equipment.
With a working time of up to 6 hours, this wireless lapel microphone from XIAOKOA is perfect for on-the-go vloggers. It is rechargeable using a two-way charging cord that powers up both the transmitter and the receiver. It also comes with a free 4-pin to 3-pin adapter to make it easier for you to connect with your devices.
This mic also has an intelligent noise-reduction feature. In fact, many of its satisfied users have stated how this mic makes their voice crisp and more realistic. It can easily be clipped onto the collar of your shirt and is capable of transmitting within a distance of 50 meters, making it a good choice as well for teachers and lecturers who move around as they speak.
JBL’s wireless lapel mic is as big as your fingertip, making it convenient to wear when making videos on your phone. Weighing only 2.5 grams, you can move freely while wearing it, and it takes up almost no space at all. But don’t let its small size deceive you, this mic is highly sensitive and can capture every sound detail. And with its stable signal, you can record at a range of up to 20 meters.
This mic also has a built-in smart noise reduction chip that can identify the original sound in a noisy environment so recording still comes out clear. Since it comes with a Type C receiver and a lightning adapter, it works with both iPhones and Android smartphones. It is also very simple to operate, just plug the receiver into the phone and turn on the mic.
Nothing can beat the price of this wired microphone from Agila. It has all the basic features you’re looking for in a mic, like 360-degree surround sound capture, noise reduction capability, and no sound distortion. It comes with a 1.5-meter cable and a metal clamp that holds the microphone firmly in place when you clip it on the collar of your shirt.
This mic is also compatible with smartphones, computers, tablets, and cameras. Many of its users rave about how affordable it is and that it gets the job done. So, if you’re a student on a budget, a newbie vlogger or streamer, or just someone looking for an inexpensive option, this lapel microphone may be your best bet.
Whichever product you choose or use, bear in mind to avoid rustling noise during recording, lapel mic placement is very important. Also, invest in decent lapel mics made by credible manufacturers, and be sure to use long-lasting batteries so that your lapel mic doesn't die mid-use.
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by sound engineer Jojo Ariola.
It should not, but it depends on the polar pattern of the microphone.
Your lapel mic may sound muffled because the placement might be wrong, or the battery might need to be replaced.
While you may be fiddling with the idea of becoming a vlogger, it won't hurt to think of adding these items to your own personal space. With these suggested items, you can create not just online content for your future followers, but your own personal mementos.
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Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Boya|BY-M1 Pro Lavalier Microphone
No. 2: Saramonic|Blink 900 B2 Dual Channel Wireless Microphone
No. 3: ETCAM|Bluetooth Lapel Microphone
No. 4: UGREEN|Wireless Microphone
No. 5: RØDE|SmartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
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