The 5 Best Vlogging Microphones for YouTube
As modern digital cameras continue to push the capabilities of photography and videography, the rise of vlogging has spotlighted one of the most crucial factors for a successful YouTube video - audio. Even with 8K video recording, or a full-frame sensor capturing dynamic images, if your audio is subpar, your audience will lose interest very quickly.
Although manufacturers are pushing the limits of video recording and image capturing, less attention has been given to in-camera microphones. Much like your smartphone’s camera won’t compare to a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, the internal microphone on your camera pales in comparison to a dedicated external microphone. If you want to make your content sound as good as it looks, you’re going to need to invest in a microphone for vlogging.
To help you on your journey to recording clear audio for vlogging, here’s a list of the five best microphones for YouTube.
Mirfak N2 - a portable high-quality audio solution
- For DSLRs, Mirrorless cameras & more
- All-aluminium body
- USB TYPE C plug
- TRS and TRRS output connections
- Cardioid Directional condenser microphone
The Mirfak N2 is a lightweight and affordable YouTube microphone, suitable for use with Mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and more. Being a cardioid directional condenser microphone, the N2 picks up sound from the front of the microphone, excluding ambient noise. Directional microphones like these are great for recording audio or specific sounds, just not surround sound. This handy feature makes it a great microphone for windy conditions, or if you’re going to be vlogging out and about on the town a lot.
Coupled with its rugged all-metal construction, the Mirfak N2 comes with a shock mount to minimise handling sounds as well as a furry windshield, making this compact on-camera microphone one of the best microphones for travel vlogs.
Rode VideoMicro - plug and play on-the-go recording
- Solid all-metal construction
- Only 3 inches long
- Weighs just 42 grams
- Powered by camera plug-in power - no battery required
- Rycote Lyre shock mount included - cuts down vibration noises
One of the best external microphones for YouTube, The Rode VideoMicro features a cardioid condenser microphone capsule with a highly directional quality that excludes distracting peripheral sounds. Its compact size and use of plug-and-play functionality make it a fantastic pairing with Mirrorless and advanced compact cameras.
Top that off with a sleek and stylish all-metal build; the VideoMicro includes a shock mount and furry windshield to enhance the clarity of your audio. You can even hook the VideoMicro up to your smartphone with the Rode SC7 TRS to TRRS cable, making it a highly versatile vlogging microphone and adaptable option for plug-and-play on-the-go recording. It’ll become an essential part of your vlogging equipment setup!
Boya BYMM1 - a mini shotgun mic that packs a punch
- 3.5mm TRS & TRRS plug
- Hotshoe mount
- Includes fur windjammer
- No battery required
The Boya BYMM1 is a simple to use, budget-friendly mini microphone suitable for various devices, including mirrorless and DSLR cameras and even smartphones, thanks to the included 3.5mm TRS & TRRS cables. Boasting a directional microphone, the BYMM1 captures sound from in front of the camera, excluding background noise. Paired with the included shock mount and windshield and its portable build quality, the Boya BYMM1 delivers premium audio quality.
Rode VideoMic Pro + - a professional upgrade
- 3.5mm Mini-Jack Output, Dual Mono Output
- Lithium Battery Lasts Over 100 Hours
- Includes Micro-USB & TRS Cables
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
- Perfect For DSLRs, Camcorders & More
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a high-quality shotgun microphone that’s perfect for recording YouTube videos. As the name suggests, the RodeVideo Micro Pro+ is a professional-grade microphone, and with over 100 hours of battery life, it’s one of the best microphones for YouTube, whether you’re planning to record your videos indoors or out and about.
A TRS cable and a Micro USB cable are included with the Rode Videomic Pro + for compatibility with a range of different devices, plus a digital switching function for fine-tuning audio capture with a 2-stage high pass filter 3-stage gain control and a high-frequency boost. Power this handy vlogging microphone via plug and play power, or with the included lithium battery, for off-camera use.
Rode VideoMic Go - a microphone for beginners
- Powered by your camera’s external mic input
- Shock mount avoids bumps in your sound
- Directional microphone- Great for isolating certain sounds
- Easy to use
Weighing in at 73 grams, this featherweight is the lightest vlogging microphone in the Rode VideoMic lineup, making it the best microphone for travel and run and gun-style vlogging. With its 3.5mm mini-jack output, cold shoe mount and passive power, the Rode VideoMic Go is an ideal pair for compact cameras and mirrorless models.
Background noise is all but eliminated thanks to the directional design of the microphone, and the Rycote Lyre shock mount ensures bumps and vibrations are also limited for precise and detailed audio recordings for your YouTube videos. Very easy to use and budget-friendly, it’s a great vlogging microphone for beginners who are dipping their toes in YouTube but still want to capture crystal clear audio.
Capture crystal clear audio for your vlogs
Ready to build your microphone setup for YouTube? Browse all microphones online at Ted’s Cameras, and if you’re new to vlogging, read our blog about vlogging tips for beginners. Or if you need more assistance, talk to the experts at your local Ted's store.
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