Top 10 Microphones for Vlogging

Image by Ryan McGuire.

Us humans are primarily visual creatures – which is probably why it can be so tempting for vloggers to focus almost entirely on buying the right camera, and forget about the audio. But this is the wrong approach! Audio can make or break a blog, so it pays to invest in a high-quality microphone.

We’ve put together a list of the 10 best microphones for vlogging. No matter what kind of vlog you have, there’s a microphone here that will suit your needs. And, to make things easier for the budget-conscious vlogger, we’ve ordered them by price, from lowest to highest.

1. Neewar 3.5 mm Mic – £4.50 on Amazon. Buy here.

This basic lapel mic is one of the most budget-friendly options around, meaning that high-quality audio is within reach for even the most cash-strapped bloggers. Simply clip it onto your clothing and plug it into your computer to enjoy hands-free recording, While it doesn’t boast the best audio out there (at this price, who could expect it to?), it is still a notable step up from your camera or computer’s internal mic, and as such represents a great value buy.

2. Plantronics Audio 300 Microphone – £7.21 from BT Shop. Buy here.

Another affordable buy, this mic is a great option for vloggers who do all of their recording at their desk – just mount it to your monitor, plug it into your computer and away you go. The noise cancelling tech will cut down on annoying background sounds, leaving your voice crystal clear and easy to hear. Aesthetically it’s nothing special, but in terms of audio quality it’s a real bargain.

3. Samson Go Mic – £24.99 from Inta Audio. Buy here.

For vloggers on the go, this mic is ideal. It’s portable (it folds in on itself for easy transportation) and compact enough to balance on whatever small surface or nook you have handy. It even comes with a neat little carrying pouch, and can be mounted onto your computer when needed. Best of all, the audio quality is surprisingly good for such a small microphone, rivalling many larger mics on the market.

4. Røde smartLav+ – £38.99 on Amazon. Buy here.

This is widely regarded as one of the best lapel mics around, which is pretty impressive considering the affordable price. The audio quality is top-notch, the build is solid, and it’s incredibly easy to use too. We especially like the dinky foam pop shield that comes with it, and the fact that it can plug directly into your iPhone or iPad.

5. Røde VideoMic GO On Camera Microphone – £51.88 from Amazon. Buy online.

This mic produces clear, directional audio in a compact, easy-to-use package. Simply clip it on top of your DSLR, plug it in, and point it at whatever you want to record – no switches or batteries required. Don’t have a DSLR? You can also connect the VideoMic GO directly with your iPhone or iPad using an SC7 cable and special mount.

6. Samson UB1 – £56.49 from Amazon. Buy here.

This round, omnidirectional mic is ideal for capturing discussions involving two or more individuals – just place it in between the speakers to ensure clear and crisp audio quality. It plugs directly into your computer’s USB port, and has an extra-long 10ft cable, meaning that it can be placed in the centre of large tables and the like. If your vlogs regularly involves group interviews or panel discussions, this is the mic for you.

7. Samson Meteor – £57.95 from Amazon. Buy here.

This USB mic produces great audio at a surprisingly affordable price. While the mic itself has a large diaphragm, making for a large recording surface area, its collapsible legs make it easy to fold up for easy transportation and storage. What’s more, you can plug it directly into your computer or smart device, making it a good choice for both desktop and on-the-go recording.

8. Blue Snowball – £59.99 from Amazon. Buy here.

This little guy is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing mics on the market – it comes in a range of colours, and is so pretty it seems a shame not to bring it on-screen! What’s more, you can easily switch between omnidirectional and directional modes, and the audio quality for both is fantastic. The only disadvantage is that the Snowball can’t be mounted onto a camera (although it does come with its own mini tripod).

9. Blue Yeti – £99.99 from Currys. Buy here.

Widely regarded as the crème de la crème of desktop microphones, the Yeti is the mic to invest in if you’re willing to spend a little more on ensuring your audio is of the highest possible quality. You can switch between single directional, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo settings, making it incredible versatile – you can use it for everything, from voiceovers to group discussions. What’s more, it plugs straight into your computer’s USB port, making it incredibly easy to use.

10. Røde NT-USB – £118.99 from Amazon. Buy here.

If your vlog requires particular clear, rich audio, the NT-USB won’t disappoint. It rivals the Yeti in terms of superb audio quality, although it is more suited for picking up a single individual than pairs or groups. It comes with a sturdy desktop tripod stand, not to mention a handy storage pouch and, most usefully of all, a professional-level pop filter. Simply plug it straight into your computer or iPad and away you go.

 

We hope this list helps you find the right microphone for your vlogging needs. Invest in one of these, and we’re confident that both you and your viewers will be enjoying clearer, crisper audio in no time!

Do you have any microphone tips or recommendations that you’d like to share with other vloggers? Let us know in the comments below.