The 10 Best Microphones for Filming 2023: Which One Is The Best & Why?

It doesn’t matter how awesome your shots are, as long as you back them up with poor quality audio, your project will be ruined. And for that reason, we have decided to compile a list of top microphones that can be used for filming.

Ultimately, you don’t want to end up capturing sound unintentionally or have audio that is too soft such that it cannot be comfortably heard. One thing you need to always keep in mind is that poor audio content can distract your viewers and divert attention from the true intent of your content.

By using the right kind of microphone, it is possible to overcome all those limitations. On top of that, it can help you eliminate all the background noise and fuzzy sounds.

But as we have already pointed out, it’s not just any other mic on the market that works. You need to search further and wide in order to make the correct pick.

In particular, I’d like us to talk about some very important pointers that can help you make an informed bet.

• Different types of mics
• Budget-friendly microphones for filming
• How to determine which is the right one for you
• Omni-directional vs unidirectional microphones and so forth

So, which one of those should you settle for? This review and buying guide is meant to help you make a succinct decision which is unique to your needs.

Microphones for Filming – Comparison

Psst! Would you like to save a few more seconds of your day? The list below is a simplified version of the detailed article located further below.

1. Rode-VideoMic Pro Microphone Directional Compact On-Camera

Rode-VideoMic Pro is designed to be used with DSLR cameras, camcorders, and portable audio recorders. You can use it for close-up interviews, motorsport, live music among other events.

Most microphones on DSLR’s are poor, this microphone’s +20dB level boost works to minimize noise from the DSLR, thereby producing quality audios.

The microphone features 1/2″ condenser capsule that provides quality audios with a low self-noise of 14 dB. In addition, it has a super-cardioid polar pattern that reduces any noise not coming from the focus object, further it has a Rycote Lyre based shock mounting system to exclude the unit from other factors like vibrations.

It is compact, making it easy to carry around and also set-up on your equipment.

Pros

• It is powered by a battery that gives up to 70 hours running time
• It produces quality audios and has various systems to minimize unwanted noises
• It is compact and therefore convenient
•  It is competitively priced
• It has its own battery and doesn’t use up the camera’s.

Cons

• The windshield does not manage very strong winds

2. Rode-NTG2 Microphone Multi-Powered Condenser Shotgun

Rode-NTG2 Microphone is designed for professional use in producing videos, films, and television productions.

It features line-gradient acoustic principle and super-cardioid polar pattern to minimize noise. In addition, it comes with a WSVM windshield for reducing noises from eg winds when recording.

It is constructed from metal for durability. Also, the unit weighs only 5.07 ounces and is convenient to carry around and also occupies little space when mounted.

You can power the unit using a P48 phantom power source or internal 1.5V AA battery.

Pros

• It is lightweight and therefore quite portable
•  It is reasonably priced
• It has various noise reduction systems
•  It is durably constructed and covered by a 10-year warranty

Cons

• It is light in weight and requires a support system in windy conditions

3. Rode-NTG3 Microphone RF-Bias Condenser Shotgun 

Rode-NTG3 Microphone is a high-end piece designed to meet the high-resolution broadcast audio needs of boom operators and broadcast audio engineers. It is ideal for outdoor and indoor use.

The Super-cardioid polar pattern in its system ensures a better audio pickup system by enabling off-axis rejections. It also features an RF (Radio- Frequency) interference attributes that blocks any RF source from interfering with its systems like power lines, internet devices, radio antennas

Moreover, it is constructed strong for longevity and features the RF-bias technology which makes it moisture resistant. The unit is lightweight for portability.

Pros

• It is durably constructed
• Moisture resistant feature and great for the outdoors
• It has Radio-Frequency interference attributes to avert noise from RF sources

Cons

• It is expensive

4. Audio-Technica AT875R Microphone Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser

This is your go-to mic if you want a budget microphone. Audio-Technica AT875R Microphone complements broadcast audios and video production. It features a narrow acceptance angle which easily picks long-distance sounds.

The Mic is silent, without a hiss, more so, it filters away low-frequency noises from the rear and sides of the mic. In addition, it is also designed to minimize handling noise and camera noise.

It is 7 inches and it weighs 80 gms and therefore very convenient to carry around. Unfortunately, it does not plug into the camera unit and it has to be operated separately.

Pros

• Quality sounds
• It is reasonably priced
• It is lightweight and shot and very portable
• Pros4

Cons

• It has no battery space and is powered by a 48V phantom

5. Sennheiser MKE600 Microphone Camcorder Shotgun

Sennheiser MKE600 Microphone works on camcorders and DSLR cameras.

It is uniquely designed to capture clear audios from quite short distances, other than that, it is designed with a sound directional pickup pattern for quality audios. It does this by focusing on sounds that are in front of the camera while weakening other sounds.

It has an all-metal construction for durability and comes with a foam windshield for wind blockage. Also, it is powered by both battery and phantom for your convenience and has a low battery indicator. It weighs 1 pound which is reasonably light, it is also short in length.

Pros

• It has a durable construction
• Dual power use
• Its system rejects unwanted noises
• It comes with a form windshield

Cons

• A little bit more pricey than most other brands in the market

6. Youmic Lavalier Lapel Microphone for iPhone X 8 7 Plus 6 6s 5 5s / iOS/Android

Youmic Lavalier Lapel Microphone is a clip on Mic with an advanced system of noise cancellation for great sounds. It is a tiny device that fits in a pocket. It is very effective in speech or video recording and is compatible with various smartphones including iPhone X and Android.

The device produces clear sounds with little effort unlike built-in android mics or iPhone mics, which have faint sounds. It is a plug and play device requiring no powering.

It comes at a bargain price, in addition, it has the manufacturer’s two-year warranty.

Pros

• It is very cheap
• No batteries needed, you simply plug it and play
•  It comes with a warranty
• It is compatible with many smartphones
• It is very tiny and easy to carry

Cons

• It may not work on a PC or laptop

7. Movo LV4-O2 Microphone XLR Phantom Power Lavalier Omnidirectional

Movo LV4-O2 Microphone is a two pack lavalier microphone. It is designed with an omnidirectional XLR (3-pin) connector which provides uniform frequencies and also prevents the pickup of unwanted noise. It is powered by 48v phantom and comes with a 6-feet cord although a longer cord would have served better.

It is constructed with a high- grade material although the clip is plastic and does not hold up.

The affordably priced unit has a one year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros

• It is affordable
• It has a one year warranty
• You get two units
• It is powered by 48v phantom and you don’t require batteries

Cons

• The cord is short

8. Audio-Technica Lavalier Mic ATR-3350IS Omnidirectional Condenser

Audio-Technica Lavalier Mic is a low-profile omnidirectional condenser ideal for sports, dance and aerobics recording. It produces quality audios. It is compatible with many smartphones, and an adapter is included for that purpose.

It comes with a Dual-mono 1/8” plug for connecting easily to DSLR, handheld audio recorder stereo or video camera for recording on the right and left channels.

It comes with a windscreen for outdoor use. It is a very inexpensive unit that is very pocket-friendly.

Pros

• It is an omnidirectional condenser
• It is low-profile for minimum visibility
• It is inexpensive
• An adapter is provided to help with compatibility with many smartphone systems

Cons

• The windscreen does not fit so well

9. Tascam TM-2X Microphone Stereo X-Y for DSLR Cameras

Tascam TM-2X Microphone has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz, which is high performance. The unit is designed to handle high sound pressures of up to 120 dB SPL which produces quality audios in challenging loud situations.

More importantly, it has a noise isolation arm to keep noise away coming from the lens of your DSLR camera or stabilizer system. More so, it includes a fur windscreen which keeps the audio from environmental and wind noise.

Further, it is designed to work with various brands of cameras. Besides that, it is reasonably priced.

It also works with your camera’s battery plug-in power for your convenience.

Pros

• It is engineered to handle high sound pressures
• It requires no external batteries
• It has various noise reduction systems
• A windscreen is included

Cons

• There are cheaper units than this

10. Rode-Lavalier Microphone Lapel Omni-Directional Condenser

Rode-Lavalier Microphone is a lapel omnidirectional mic, meaning it picks up audio sounds regardless of the direction it is facing, with proximity being of high importance. Because of being a lapel mic, it provides great mobility.

Further, the mic is less prone to handling or shock effect and comes with a mini-furry for shielding from high winds.

The mic has a low-profile built and excellent for use where the mic should produce high sound but not seen necessarily.

Pros

• It is compatible with all smartphones
• It is omnidirectional
• It comes with a windshield
• It is designed to have minimum visibility

Cons

• It is a bit expensive

Different Types of Microphones And The Roles They Play

If capturing high-quality audio is of importance to you, the following guide would come in handy. But first, let us explore some common types of mics and their common uses.

Shotgun

These are great for capturing both the foley sounds and the ambient room tone.

Lavalier

This is the ultimate choice of mic when recording interviews because it is hidden under the collar of the interviewee.

Video Mics

They are a sub-category of shotgun mics only that they are more advanced and are typically connected straight into the camera.

So, as far as the different kinds of mic go, your best bet is to understand what exactly you need. The shotgun mics may be great but not as versatile. On the other hand, lav mics seem to work best in enclosed spaces and for sit-in interviews.

It is the video mic category of shotgun mics that seems to work best when high-end sound put is needed. They also tend to be more versatile and easier to transport.

Omnidirectional vs Unidirectional Mics

The former comprises microphones that record sound from all around meaning they pull sound signals from all possible directions. Unidirectional mics, on the other hand, are common with basic shotgun mics and are often used to capture production audio when ambiance is of the essence.

How Much Can You Afford To Pay?

Getting the right answers to this question can go a long way in helping you find something that works best for you. Just be wary of lenses that are too cheap to be true – they probably don’t meet the cut.

The key is to have a flexible budget that is also realistic. Remember, good audio equipment doesn’t come cheap. So, if you can afford to fork out a few dollars for quality, please do so.

Which One Is The Best?

To this end, you might be wondering which one of the 10 microphones discussed above are worthy of your time and money. And while we believe that this debate can be quite subjective, we wouldn’t shy from sharing our top picks.

The Rode VideoMicPro is what in our view qualifies to be the gold standard of the leading microphones for filming. It’s an omnidirectional mic which makes it a perfect bet for anyone looking to record high-quality and rich audio files.

Final Thoughts

Finding a powerful and functional microphone is important especially when planning to capture high-quality video footage to accompany it. And as we have seen in the discussion above, only a well-made microphone for filming will help you achieve that feat.

So, don’t cut corners. Focus on quality. And when you get the best, smile and bring those badass videos home!