Last updated: June 2026
With digital cameras and smartphones now capable of stunning high-resolution video, aspiring content creators have turned their attention to the moving image. But great visuals mean nothing if your audio lets you down. Whether you’re vlogging, podcasting, recording music, or shooting video professionally, this microphone buying guide will help you find the right mic for your setup.
Do I need an external microphone?
Built-in microphones on cameras and smartphones have improved significantly, but they still have real limitations — particularly when it comes to background noise, directionality, and recording quality in less-than-ideal environments. If you’ve ever been frustrated by muffled audio, wind noise, or your subject being drowned out by background sound, an external microphone will make an immediate difference.
External mics are essential for:
- Vlogs, YouTube videos, and social media content
- Podcasting and voice recording
- Live music and performance recording
- Interviews and documentary-style shooting
- Professional video production
Understanding microphone technology
Before choosing a microphone, it helps to understand a few key concepts:
Connection type. Professional video cameras often use XLR inputs, while most DSLR and mirrorless cameras use a 3.5mm jack. Smartphones typically use TRRS connections or USB-C. For recording directly to a computer, USB microphones are the simplest option — plug in and go, no additional hardware required.
Dynamic vs condenser. Dynamic microphones handle loud sounds well and are suited to live music and outdoor recording. Condenser microphones are more sensitive and capture greater detail, making them ideal for studio environments, podcasting, and voiceover work.
Polar pattern. This describes the direction from which a microphone picks up sound. Cardioid (front-facing) is the most common for video and podcasting. Supercardioid and hypercardioid (shotgun) patterns are highly directional and reject background noise. Omnidirectional patterns capture sound from all directions, useful for group recordings.
Which type of microphone should I buy?
Shotgun microphones
Shotgun microphones are highly directional — they capture sound from the source they’re pointed at while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This makes them ideal for video production, filmmaking, and run-and-gun shooting where you need clean audio without a mic in frame.
They mount directly to your camera’s hot shoe or a boom pole, and work best when positioned close to your subject. Popular options include:
- Rode VideoMic NTG — a versatile on-camera shotgun mic with USB-C charging, a high-pass filter, and a safety channel for capturing backup audio at a lower level.
- Rode VideoMic Go II — a compact, lightweight option ideal for mirrorless cameras and run-and-gun shooting, with both 3.5mm and USB-C outputs.
Wireless microphones
Wireless microphone systems have become one of the fastest-growing categories in content creation. They give you the freedom to move without being tethered to your camera, making them ideal for interviews, presentations, vlogging, and any situation where your subject needs to move freely.
Modern wireless systems are compact, easy to set up, and deliver excellent audio quality. Popular options include:
- Mirfak WE10 Wireless Microphone System — a compact dual-channel wireless system with a USB-C receiver that plugs directly into your camera or smartphone.
- Rode Wireless M2-GO — a handheld wireless microphone system combining the Rode Wireless GO II transmitter with an M2 handheld capsule, ideal for interviews and presentations.
Lavalier microphones
Lavalier (lapel) microphones are small, discreet, and clip directly to clothing — positioning them close to the speaker’s mouth for consistent, clear audio. They’re ideal for interviews, presentations, corporate video, and any situation where you want a hands-free, low-profile solution.
While they will be visible in shot if used for video, their small size makes them far less intrusive than a boom or on-camera mic. Popular options include:
- Rode Lavalier II — a professional-grade omnidirectional lavalier with a broadcast-quality capsule, ideal for film, TV, and corporate production.
- BOYA BY-M1 — an affordable and versatile lavalier compatible with cameras, smartphones, and computers, making it a great entry-level option for vloggers and content creators.
USB and podcasting microphones
USB microphones connect directly to your computer without any additional hardware, making them the simplest choice for podcasting, voiceover, streaming, and remote work calls. Most are plug-and-play, and many include built-in headphone monitoring so you can hear yourself in real time.
Popular options include:
- Rode NT-USB+ — a studio-quality USB condenser microphone with a built-in headphone output, high-pass filter, and pad switch. Ideal for podcasting, voiceover, and music recording.
- Rode PodMic USB — a broadcast-quality dynamic USB microphone designed specifically for podcasting, with an internal pop filter and a tight cardioid pattern that rejects room noise.
Stereo microphones
Stereo microphones use two separate capsules to capture a wider soundscape with a greater sense of space and depth. They’re well-suited to recording live music, ambient sound, and environments where you want to capture the full acoustic character of a space. They’re less suited to isolating a single voice from background noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a shotgun mic and a lavalier mic?
A shotgun mic is mounted on your camera or boom pole and captures directional audio from a distance. A lavalier mic clips to your subject’s clothing and captures audio up close. Shotgun mics are better for run-and-gun video where you don’t want a mic in frame; lavaliers are better for interviews and presentations where consistent, close-up audio is the priority.
Do I need a wireless microphone?
If your subject needs to move freely, or if you’re shooting at a distance from your camera, a wireless system is a significant upgrade. Modern wireless mics like the Mirfak WE10 and Rode Wireless GO II are compact, easy to use, and deliver excellent audio quality without the hassle of cables.
What microphone should I use for podcasting?
For most podcasters recording directly to a computer, a USB condenser or dynamic microphone is the simplest and most effective choice. The Rode NT-USB+ is ideal for a studio-quality sound, while the Rode PodMic USB is a great option if you’re in a less-than-ideal acoustic environment, as its dynamic capsule rejects more room noise.
What microphone is best for a mirrorless or DSLR camera?
An on-camera shotgun microphone is the most practical choice for mirrorless and DSLR users. The Rode VideoMic NTG and Rode VideoMic Go II are both excellent options that mount directly to your hot shoe and connect via 3.5mm or USB-C.
Can I use a microphone with my smartphone?
Yes. Lavalier microphones with TRRS connectors work with most smartphones via the headphone jack (where available), and many wireless systems now include USB-C receivers that plug directly into modern Android and iOS devices. The BOYA BY-M1 and Mirfak WE10 are both smartphone-compatible options.
What’s the difference between a condenser and dynamic microphone?
Condenser microphones are more sensitive and capture greater detail, making them ideal for studio recording, podcasting, and voiceover in controlled environments. Dynamic microphones are more robust and handle loud sounds better, making them well-suited to live music, outdoor recording, and noisier environments.
Start capturing better audio today
Nothing makes people skip past your content faster than poor audio. The good news is that a quality external microphone is one of the most affordable and impactful upgrades you can make to your video or podcast setup.
Visit the Ted’s Blog for more buying guides and content creation tips, or drop into your nearest Ted’s Cameras store for personalised advice from our team.