The Best Microphone for Youtube is a Smartphone Mic

So, you’re a content creator looking for a Youtube mic for vlogging or product reviews, but you haven’t decided with which type of camera you’ll be shooting.

We recommend a mobile. This recommendation, however, is because of two main reasons:

1. An external mic for a phone is going to be much more cost-effective
2. Your cell phone makes phone calls, right? Audio quality is already built in to the device.

As Peter McKinnon harps all the time, “50% of making successful Youtube videos is sound design,” the majority of which is audio! Every microphone produces different sound quality, but once you get past a certain price-point, the benefits you’ll see are minimal. With that in mind, we’ve curated a cost-conscious selection of mics made for capturing audio on your phone.

Youtube Microphones for a Phone

Smartphones are capable of creating content comparable to traditional cameras, but sometimes they need a little help to get the audio quality to Youtube acceptable levels. If you’ve done much recording with your smartphone, you may find yourself feeling a bit disappointed by the native sound quality in your videos at times.

If you have experience with traditional cameras, then you know you may find yourself feeling a bit disappointed by the native sound quality in your videos at times.

What better way to improve your audio quality than with an external microphone? Whether you’re a professional mojo (mobile journalist), a content creator, an amateur musician, or live streamer, a smartphone microphone might be just what you’re looking for to capture your target audience’s attention.

No matter how great your content creation is, if your audio quality is subpar, you’re going to lose viewers and followers. Even if your message is life-changing, nobody will want to listen to you if they can’t understand you or hear you over background noises.

3 Best External Microphones for Smartphones

External microphones are an excellent way to add a professional touch to your content. They’re easy to use and pack away comfortably in any gear bag. Plus, microphones are available in a variety of price points, so you’ll be able to find your ideal microphone no matter your budget.

However, if you start searching for a new microphone, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed by your choices. Every brand claims they’re the best in the industry, so how do you know which one to buy?

Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you and found three of the best microphones available on the market in 2020. There are a few differences between the options below, including price, so read on to decide which one will work best for you. Once you choose, you’ll be on your way to recording professional-quality audio, no matter what or where you record.

Shure MV88+ Microphone Video Kit

If you’re looking for a lightweight microphone kit to match your minimalist lifestyle, the MV88+ by Shure is ideal for you. This professional-quality microphone is suitable for use with any smartphone, so whether you prefer iOS or Android, the MV88+ will help you make the most of your mobile device.

At $249, the MV88+ is on the higher end, but you get your money’s worth. This compact yet powerful microphone will take your audio to the next level. Plus, the kit includes everything you need to produce any type of content, so you won’t need to mix and match your gear.

Into Street Photography? The MV88+ video kit is perfect for it.

Not only does the kit include one of the highest quality mobile phone microphones on the market, but you’ll also get a mini Manfrotto tripod, shoe-mount, shock mount, phone clamp, foam windshield, and both USB-C and lightning cables.

The kit also includes a stylish neoprene roll-up pouch to keep your gear bag organized so you’ll never waste time digging around for misplaced equipment again.

The MV88+ features a built-in headphone output so you can monitor your audio in real-time. You’ll be able to hear and address anything that might affect the quality of your sound, rather than realizing it after you’ve finished shooting.

If you plan on recording outdoors, you might also want to consider investing in the Shure Rycote Windjammer – designed for use with the MV88+. It will prevent unwanted background noise on windy days and ensure that your audio is perfect.

With the addition of the windjammer, you’ll find yourself shooting professional-quality audio and spending far less time editing noise out of your video. For only $39, the windjammer is well worth the investment.

To make the most out of your MV88+, be sure to download the ShurePlus MOTIV Video app. The app gives you an awesome audio interface and gives you the ability to choose the audio format or audio capture mode.

With the app, you’ll also be able to save and share your piece of content in a variety of formats. This little perk means less time editing and more opportunities to share your work on social media. The app is iPhone only making this set up a ‘best as IOS mic.’

Deity V-Mic D3 Pro

So, what’re the pros of a Deity Mic? Well, when it comes to the D3 Pro, the fact that Deity mics are advertising for a new offering means the price has plummeted. You may as well take advantage of the deal and get a high-quality Youtube microphone for pennies on the dollar.

Obviously, if Deity is coming out with a new product, they’ve made improvements over the D3 Pro. At the same time, it’s won numerous awards from us. Just because Deity comes out with something new doesn’t make the old offering bad.

Because the Deity V-Mic D-3 Pro connects with your camera via the 3.5mm jack, you’ll get those crisp dual mono-tracks. You can quickly and accurately adjust the audio gain with the bump guard protected dial too.

If you’re looking for the usability of a Røde mic combined with the performance of the Shure offering, then the D3 Pro is for you.

Røde VideoMicro Microphone

The Røde VideoMicro Mini will give you professional-quality video without breaking the bank. This compact mic features a high-quality cardioid condenser microphone capsule that will capture incredible audio, no matter what type of phone you have.

Priced at only $59, this powerful entry-level Røde microphone is capable of reducing obnoxious peripheral sounds and focusing on the sounds directly in front of the camera. The all-metal microphone body is also as stylish and durable as they come. Plus, no external battery is required as Røde microphones work off of your mobile device’s battery.

The VideoMicro Microphone includes a Rycote Lyre shoe mount and deluxe furry windshield, as well as an SC2 3.5mm TRS patch cable, which will connect the microphone to your DSLR or camcorder. The Rode VideoMic is designed to be used with either a smartphone or camera, but you will need to buy the SC7 Adapter Cable if you want the VideoMicro to connect to your iOS or Android device.

The adapter cable features color-coded gold-plated contacts to ensure quality audio without confusion. The cables are colored so that it’s clear that the black end gets plugged into the rear of the microphone while the gray end gets plugged into your mobile device.

If you’re familiar with Røde microphones, you might be concerned about the audio quality when recording indoors, but the VideoMicro Microphone is far more forgiving than the rest. Indoors or out, the audio will be clear, crisp, and natural sounding.

Since many native camera apps don’t support recording audio from an external microphone such as the VideoMicro, Røde suggests using third-party camera apps only. The Video Micro Microphone is also ideal for use with a rig, which is a great way to keep all your equipment handy and organized so you can focus on your subject, not on your gear. The Video Micro is the best mic for gimbal shooting because it’s the perfect blend of performance and usability.

Røde backs up their claim of professional-level quality with a two-year extended warranty, which must be activated by registering your microphone after purchase.