Best Lavalier Microphones – Top 10 Models For Your Budget 2023 Reviews

Voice capture and recording are an exceedingly important function in today’s media world. Whether in a broadcast studio, in the field, or in a lecture hall. Or even a house of worship, or a sports arena. Therefore, the need for quality audio capture and reproduction that is hands-free, accurate, comfortable, and unobtrusive is of great importance.

The invention of lavalier microphones has given rise to a whole new selection of wearable audio capture devices. A lavalier microphone simply refers to the small microphones that typically clip on to a tie, lapel, or collar.

They offer the convenience and comfort of a small microphone. But, they can deliver the clear and accurate audio capture of a full-sized microphone without the need to hold them.

However, with so many different companies now producing a wide variety of lavalier microphones. It can be a challenge to find the right one for you.

So, please join us as we take a look at the best lavalier microphones available on the market today…

Top 10 Best Lavalier Microphones On The Market 2023 Reviews

1 Rode smartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone

A broadcast-grade, wearable microphone, the Rode smartLav+ is designed to offer you broadcast-quality audio. Therefore, it is easy to use, versatile, and comfortable and excellent for TV, film, journalism, and reporting.

The smartLav+ is a professional-grade lavalier microphone that is discreet at 3.5mm and is easily portable. It is a high-quality omnidirectional condenser capsule with a TRRS jack. A TRRS jack is similar to the standard headphone size jack most are familiar with, but it has one additional signal path.

The acoustic pattern is permanently polarized. While, the frequency range is 60Hz to 18,000Hz, which is ideal for clear and true voice recording.

Employing an omnidirectional microphone allows the smartLav+ to pick up sound equally from all around the microphone. Therefore giving you versatility when mounting the microphone, which works to make it a very user-friendly set up.

This lavalier microphone features a foam pop shield and mounting clips. The pop shield eliminates the distortion from hard consonant sounds like ‘b,’ ‘p,’ and ‘t’ sounds. While the mounting clip is durable a securely fastens to clothes.

It also uses a Kevlar reinforced cable. This ensures you won’t have to worry about the cable being stretched or snapped when being used in the field or in a broadcast studio. While the TRRS jack allows you to plug the Rode smartLav+ directly into any tablet or smartphone. This can then be recorded using the RODE Rec App for iOS and select Android devices.

This useful feature allows you to turn your mobile device into a field recorder. And, with the RODE Rec App, you will get a variety of equalization presets that are suited to whatever recording situation you find yourself in.

Combining the convenience, quality sound capture, and portability of a Rode lavalier microphone. With the simplicity of mobile device operations. Adds up to the Rode smartLav+ being a highly dynamic way of recording in the field or studio. Or basically, anywhere you happen to be with your mobile device. This easily makes it the best lavalier microphone for smartphones.

Never miss a scoop or a story with this little lavalier microphone. Because it is helping advance audio capture possibilities to new heights.

2 Giant Squid Omnidirectional Mono Microphone

Named because of its 6 foot long cable length. The Giant Squid Omnidirectional Mono Microphone is a small lavalier microphone that allows you a good amount of movement away from the recorder.

The high fidelity omnidirectional lavalier microphone capsule has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz. This range is suited to capturing clear and precise vocals in a speaking environment.

The sensitivity of the microphone, rated at -35dB to +4dB, is good for recording vocals at low levels. But makes it more difficult to capture pure and accurate vocal audio in extremely noisy surroundings. The 1/8inch jack is the standard headphone size audio jack. This input jack is specifically designed to work with “plug-in power,” which is not the same as phantom power.

Phantom power typically uses 48V to power various types of microphones. However, with the Giant Squid lavalier microphone, the power requirement is much less. This microphone uses 1.5 to 10 volts, which makes it incompatible with most mixers and cameras.

There are some smartphones and mobile devices which can be used with the Giant Squid if they support plug-in power of a maximum of 10V. But, it does work pretty well with a variety of portable recording units and wireless transmitters.

It comes with a windscreen and an alligator tie clip that is both stable and strong.

3 Rode Lavalier Lapel Omni-Directional Condenser Microphone

The Rode Lavalier Lapel Microphone is an ideal solution for film, TV, and conference rooms. As well as lectures, houses of worship, and speaking presentations. Basically, any application where the microphone needs to be heard but not seen. It is discreet and fastens easily to your lapel or collar. It provides broadcast-quality audio used in close-mic situations of all kinds.

This lavalier microphone is low self-noise. And it employs a user-friendly omnidirectional polar pattern. Omnidirectional microphones pick up all the sounds in the area around the microphone. So your words are heard clearly and accurately.

The frequency range of the Rode Lavalier Lapel Microphone is 60Hz to 18,000Hz. Which is great for close speaking scenarios and works to capture your voice in a balanced and dynamic fashion.

This microphone was designed to have a very minimal appearance, to be very lightweight, and unobtrusive. And a shielded, Kevlar-reinforced cable that is 1.2 meters in length provides enhanced strength and durability. The cable has been tested to withstand up to 10 kilograms of strain. Therefore, making sure that a flimsy connection does not compromise your performance.

However, the Rode Lavalier Lapel Microphone’s most exciting feature is the MiCon Connection System.

Unlike standard lavalier microphones that typically use a 1/8 inch audio jack, the Rode MiCon System uses a connector that can work with practically any kind of adapter. Therefore, you can connect a 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch jack. You can also connect to an XLR port or even a computer to this microphone. And it is also compatible with most wireless transmitters and mobile devices.

All of these connection options have many people calling it the best lavalier microphone for video.

But, it is important to remember that this lavalier microphone requires 48V of phantom power to operate. Therefore you can’t simply plug it into any recording device. You have to first make sure the recording unit is capable of generating 48V of phantom power.

While the Rode MiCon Connection System does offer a great deal of recording versatility. In order to maximize this versatility, it requires a specialized adapter for phone jacks and similar sized ports.

Also ncluded with the Rode Lavalier Lapel Microphone is a mini-furry cover for high wind protection. This works to ensure that the recording is clear and accurate in unfriendly environments. Therefore, you can rest assured this microphone will deliver quality audio capture even when there is a lot of surrounding noise.

It also includes a simple pop shield that reduces distortion for harsh speaking. And there is a cable management clip that helps reduce the visibility of the microphone. It attaches snugly and securely while providing increased mobility for the user.

While a rugged, water-resistant carrying case offers protection and security when traveling.

This microphone is great for any situation where you need to hear your words without any inference.

4 Sony ECM-44 Omni-Directional Electret Condenser Wired Lavalier Microphone

Next up we have the Sony ECM-44. A lavalier omnidirectional microphone that offers the option of either 48V phantom power or power from a single AA battery. It features an XLR connection jack which allows for the microphone to use the phantom power from the XLR port on a recording device. It also houses a nice little preamp, which is powered by one AA battery.

The design is compact and pretty durable. But, the one drawback is using a battery to power the preamp tends to add unwanted noise to the signal. However, the XLR compatibility makes this microphone a good choice for sit down interviews, indoor lectures, and presentations. And also for in-studio reporting where XLR connections are the most commonly used type of connection

However, the XLR jack means it is not ideal for on-the-scene field journalism, outdoor interviews, and mobile documentary films. Because there is no option to connect this microphone to a mobile device or digital camera that require a 1/8 inch jack.

The Sony ECM-44 provides a bright response and good overall balance. It is smooth and stable and delivers solid vocal reproductions without any coloration, that sound natural and authentic. However, the sound quality does depend on where you are recording. In a loud outdoor setting, this lavalier microphone is not ideal.

The lavalier microphone is an omnidirectional condenser microphone that comes with a clothing clip. This allows you to hide the cable during an interview. It also comes with a 12-foot cable that is quite thick and sturdy — allowing the user to extend the cable to the recording unit away from the subject. As well as keeping it hidden from view during an interview.

With all the sound fidelity of an XLR connection, great response, and cable length this mic is also often considered as one of the best lavalier microphone for video.

5 Tascam DR-10L Portable Digital Audio Recorder with Lavalier Microphone

The Tascam DR-10L is a lightweight and portable lavalier microphone and recoding system that offers instant playback so you can check the quality of your recording right on the spot. This makes it one of the best lavalier microphone systems currently available.

This microphone and recorder system is incredibly compact and easy to transport. It weighs around 2.2oz (68g) even with the battery in. The DR-10L uses a single AAA battery to power the system for up to 10 hours. This makes the DR-10L system a reliable and convenient way to record audio on the go.

Tascam’s DR-10L is easy to use and comfortable to wear since it comes complete with a metal wire belt clip. The recorder is kept safely and securely out of view. This makes it a good fit for on-camera talent, lectures, and even filming wedding parties.

The microphone is a high-performance lavalier mic that connects to the digital audio recorder using a 1/8 inch jack with a screw-down lock feature. This ensures the microphone remains fixed to the recording unit. There is a mic clip included that allows you hands-free operation, plus a windscreen that reduces unwanted background noise.

The screw-down lock feature means you won’t need to worry about the mic disconnecting from the recording unit. It also makes this recording unit compatible with lavalier microphones from other brands. The cable is 1.6 meters in length, which gives you enough slack so that you can still move freely without tangling the cable.

Another great feature of this unit is the Sliding Power Switch. This works to make sure you cannot accidentally turn off the unit while using it.

The DR-10L mini-recorder supports WAV and MP3 file formats. It includes a micro USB port that lets you quickly and easily transfer data from the recorder to computers. There is also a microSD/SDHC memory card with 32GB of storage capacity. So you have plenty of space to keep recording for days. It also means that you can inserted the memory card into a variety of digital devices.

The Tascam DR-10L gives you a dual-recording function. Allowing you to capture a “backup” recording at a lower level at the same time as your main recording. The mini-recorder features an automatic level limiter during recordings. The Level limiter function ensures you are going to experience any clipping or distortion when the sound level suddenly jumps.

There are LCD displays for the recording levels and the playback levels. And there is even a headphone output so you can listen to the playback without any disturbance.

The Tascam DR-10L is an excellent choice for those ambitious reporters who need to track down a story. It is also ideal for those busy videographers and film-makers who are constantly on the move.

6 Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone

The Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone is a sleek and discreet microphone that has all the great quality that Shure products are known for. Commonly accepted as the best lavalier microphone for 3.5mm,

with an alligator-style tie clip, you can safely and securely attach the mic to your collar or lapel for hands-free operation. There is also a windscreen that works to reduce external noise and pop sounds while speaking.

This microphone is considered the best-in-class lavalier microphone when it comes to signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. The Shure MVL lavalier microphone is built to be durable and convenient.

Shure’s own RF/GSM Interference Protection feature works to block all unwanted background noise. This ensures you won’t experience any distortion, feedback, or clipping while you are recording using the Shure MVL lavalier microphone.

With this microphone, you can plug-and-play directly into any smartphone and tablet. Or with any mobile device with recording capabilities using the 1/8 inch (3.5mm) TRRS input jack.

Using the free ShurePlus MOTIV App, you can turn your mobile device into a portable recording unit. This app works seamlessly with iOS and Android products. And allows the freedom to quickly and easily start recording anywhere and at any time.

This software also allows you to share your work by email or SMS. Making to a cinch to transfer files from your mobile device to another storage option. You won’t need to worry about running out of space on your device.

The Shure MVL Condenser Lavalier Microphone is perfect for close-up speech recordings. It is an ideal solution for interviews, speeches, lectures, voice-overs, conferences, and presentations.

7 Audio-Technica ATR-3350IS Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Mic

The Audio-Technica ATR-3350IS is an omnidirectional condenser lavalier microphone designed for clear and accurate voice reproductions.

A great microphone for video use. As well as for aerobics and dance instructors thanks to its sturdy and durable construction. The miniature, low-profile design also helps to minimize the microphone’s visibility and makes it comfortable to wear.

The Audio-Technica ATR lavalier microphone features a dual-mono 1/8 inch jack that can connect to video cameras and DSLRs. It also works with handheld audio recorders to produce full stereo recordings.

This lavalier microphone includes a smartphone adapter that works with the newest models for both iOS and Android. This adapter features a microphone input and a headphone input. This enables you to record and hear the audio at the same time.

The condenser lavalier microphone has a frequency response range of 50Hz to 18,000Hz with a sensitivity of 54dB. This means it is a great microphone for capturing speech that is loud or soft without any external interference degrading the signal.

Included with the Audio-Technica ATR 3350IS lavalier condenser microphone are a foam windscreen, a lithium battery, and tie clip.

Its adaptability and rough and rugged construction have helped make it the best lavalier microphone for DSLR.

8 Audio-Technica Condenser Microphone (AT899)

The Audio-Technica AT899 is an incredibly small omnidirectional condenser lavalier microphone. It has been engineered to deliver accurate, clear, and dynamic vocal recordings. The size is only 5mm in diameter. This means it will hardly be visible when fastened to your clothes.

One of the really nice features of this lavalier microphone is the assortment of attachment clips and accessories that come included. There are two windscreen covers, two element covers, tie clip, viper clip, magnet clip, and double microphone holders.

The Audio-Technic AT899 includes its own power supply module. Powered by a 1.5V AA battery or the mic can make use of phantom power from mixers, wireless transmitters, and recording units to power itself. One of the downsides of the power supply unit is that it is 6-inches long and does not have any clothing attachment options.

This microphone offers the typical dynamic frequency response range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, which is the ideal range for voice recordings in diverse environments. The sound levels and the sensitivity will differ depending on if you are using the battery power supply or phantom power.

When using phantom power, the Audio-Technica AR899 has a higher output level and greater sensitivity than when using battery power. However, the sound quality is pretty good considering how small the microphone actually is.

This lavalier microphone is well-suited for interviews, presentations, lectures, and sermons. Its tiny size makes it very comfortable, and the variety of included accessories makes it easy to find the best way to fasten the mic to your clothes.

The AR899 is compatible with many different kinds of wireless transmitters, making it a versatile microphone that is useful in a whole slew of situations. This is one of the reasons that many think of it as the best lavalier microphone wireless.

A handy microphone that produces a big sound in a small package, the AR899 can be a life-saver when there is no room for a boom mic.

9 Sony ECM77B Electret Condenser Lavalier Microphone

Sony’s ECM-77B is an omnidirectional lavalier condenser microphone that offers dual power sources. This microphone has a power supply unit that uses two AA batteries. Or you can use an XLR connection jack on the bottom of the power supply unit to power it.

By having the option of either battery-power or phantom power through the XLR connector, the Sony ECM-77B is excellent for use in many different settings and situations. Therefore, it can be plugged directly into a mixing board, a video camera, or even a USB digital audio interface device with an XLR input. The cable itself is sturdy and strong and has a length of 3 meters.

A great microphone for use in TV settings and in-studio video work. Primarily designed for interviews, journalism, and field reporting, if you were to go behind the scenes in a TV studio, you would be very likely to find the Sony ECM-77B in use. This lavalier condenser microphone has been a favorite in the television industry for quite some time.

The Sony ECM-77B delivers a wide frequency response range of 40Hz to 20,000Hz. This allows the microphone to accurately and clearly capture audio from many different sources.

It comes with a strong and secure tie clip as well as a pop shield.

10 Sennheiser MKE-2PC MKE2 Omni Lavalier Microphone with XLR Connection

Sennheiser’s MKE-2PC is a sub-miniature omnidirectional lavalier microphone. Being specially designed for television broadcasts and theatrical productions, the 4mm diameter makes this one tiny microphone that never gets in the way. And it is also very comfortable to wear.

This microphone has a flat frequency response so that your voice recordings are natural and uncolored. The frequency response range is 20Hz to 20,000Hz, which is why this microphone has such a nice flat response.

There is a unique umbrella diaphragm that helps protect the microphone from moisture damage. This, therefore, ensures that the sound reproduction is high-quality and free from unwanted distortion.

It’s a great microphone for use in all kinds of live recording settings, especially for interviews and speeches. But with enough power, frequency response, and high SPL handling that the MKE-2PC can be used to mic instruments like violins, trumpets, and saxophones.

And the MKE-2PC is lightweight and discreet. Its small size means it is barely visible when used, and it is unobtrusive.

The Sennheiser MKE-2PC features an XLR, three-pin connection jack, making it easy for connection to amplifiers, mixing boards, and audio recording units. And the sound quality from the XLR connection is clearer, more defined, and natural when compared to quarter-inch and eighth-inch connections.

The 1.6-meter cable is stranded, reinforced stainless steel. This offers outstanding strength and little to no contact noise when moving around with the microphone.

Best Lavalier Microphones Buyers Guide

Now that we have had the chance to look at the best lavalier microphones we would like to offer some extra advice.

Lavalier microphones are ideal for media purposes, especially for things like interviews, speeches, worship services, and presentations. However, lavaliers also make great mics for reporting in the field, video, and documentary purposes. As well as, for on-the-go journalism.

If you are going to be using your new lavalier microphone mostly indoors and basically stationary. Then lavaliers with XLR connector and the ones that use phantom power are going to be the most suitable.

On the other hand, if you are primarily going to be outdoors and on the move. Then a lavalier microphone that offers battery power and a TRRS 1/8 inch input jack will make your job a whole lot easier.

So, What’s The Best Lavalier Microphone?

All of the lavalier microphones we discussed here are superb options for pretty much all audio capture and reproduction purposes. Yet, as you know, there is going to one that out-does all the others.

The Best Lavalier Microphone, therefore, is the…

We chose this one because it comes with a mini digital recording unit. Yes, lots of people want to just record directly with their smartphone. But the Tascam DR-10L offers better sound capture and reproduction than any mobile device. It also has a memory card with plenty of storage space. Typically much more space than you would find on a smartphone.

Not only does it have more storage than a smartphone. But it supports Wav and MP3 file formats. So you can use your recording with a wide range of digital products. And it is not limited to brand-name or to a single system. This microphone is usable with lots of different recording units. And has input adapters that give it greater flexibility as to how you can use it.

We really liked the versatility of the microphone. And felt that the lock-screw feature really gave it an advantage, especially for when you are on the move. The design and construction of the microphone and recorder are superb. And come from a leader in the audio/video capture world. Tascam has been around for a while and with good reason.

We certainly hope that you have found this information useful. And you are now ready to go out and get your own lavalier microphone.

In the words of someone who would definitely appreciate a great lavalier microphone, “And that’s the way it is.”