The 9 Best Microphones For iPhones
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in October of 2018. For all the technological advancements that Apple has brought to market, the microphones on their iPhones still leave something to be desired, especially by anyone who is interested in recording live music, hosting a podcast, live streaming, or making a film. These models, however, offer users an option that will dramatically increase the quality of anything they record. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Blue Raspberry
2. Shure MV88 iOS Digital
3. Apogee Mic Plus
Editor's Notes
January 20, 2021:
In addition to ensuring high-quality recommendations, one of our main focuses during this update was to remove any models that required adapters, as the more connections you have, the more chances there are to introduce unwanted noise or interfere with the quality of the recording. Since iPhones these days no longer have a headphone jack, that meant all the models we were willing to include had to plug directly into a Lightning port. The Blue Raspberry and Shure MV88 iOS Digital, along with some others, are still proving to stand the test of time, and we are just as happy to recommend them today as we were on the last update. The Apogee Mic Plus is a new inclusion that takes the place of the Apogee MiC 96K Professional, as it offers more precise gain adjustment and Windows 10 compatibility. It is also equipped with a newer and better microphone capsule. The Shure MV5 is another new addition, which we like for its retro style, but also its ease of use for beginners.
November 02, 2018:
A wide variety of options here. The intent was to prioritize audio quality above all else, unless a significant issue with build quality or functionality knocked an item down on the list, as was the case with the Zoom iQ7. It's a great sounding unit, but it has connectivity issues. As expected, Blue and Rode had excellent offerings, but one big surprise was the quality of IK Multimedia's iRig condenser, which proved rather versatile.
4. Shure MV5
5. IK Multimedia iRig Studio
6. IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast HD
7. Sennheiser Apogee ClipMic Digital
8. Saramonic Di Mini
9. Zoom iQ7
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.