10 Best Lavalier Mic Options in 2023

Are you tired of recording podcasts with low-quality audio? Are you struggling to find the right microphone to record audio during group recordings? Or are distortion and background noise in your audio recordings annoying you? Well, you are not alone. Many podcasters, content creators, and stage performers struggle to find the right microphones to record accurate, crisp, clear and professional-quality audio.

This is where lavalier (or lapel) microphones fit the picture. But, you need to choose the right lavalier mic to record audio with no distortion or background noise. While some lavalier mics are extra sensitive to background noise, others lack the durability to withstand regular use.

Through this detailed guide, we will help you find the best lavalier mic on the market.

Roundup of the Best Lavalier Microphones in 2023

How to Find a the Best Lavalier Microphone?

Here’s a list of factors you need to consider when looking for the right lavalier mic to suit your requirements:

1. Connectivity

Lavaliers mics are available as wired and wireless mics. 

Wired lavalier mics come with an easy plug-and-play usage. They typically comprise a lavalier mic, windscreen, audio adapter cable and button battery. Wired lavalier mics are more commonly used for non-professional activities, such as interviews, online teaching and broadcasting.

On the one hand, wireless mics allow you to move as you speak and help you overcome wire tangling issues. And on the other hand, wired mics are free of latency and signal issues commonly observed with wireless mics.

Both wired and wireless mics come with pros and cons.

2. Directionality

Directionality of a lavalier mic is the pattern in which it picks up sound. 

Some lavalier mics are omnidirectional omnidirectional polar pattern and pick up sounds from all the directions, whereas the others are directional and only pick up sound from a single direction.

The choice of directionality will depend on your usage and the environment in which you will use the lavalier mic. 

For example, an omnidirectional mic is best suited for group discussions. Whereas, a directional mic can be a good option for an interview.

3. Sensitivity

A lavalier mic’s sensitivity refers to its ability to convert sound into an electrical signal. In simpler words, the sensitivity of a lavalier mic describes its ability to amplify sound.

A highly sensitive lavalier mic can produce louder sound with better detail easily. On the other hand, a lavalier mic with low sensitivity will require louder sound input for an equivalent output. 

For example, if you are recording wildlife or whispering sounds, lavalier mics with high sensitivity can be a good pick. And if you are recording live concerts, lavalier mics with low sensitivity would be an ideal option.

4. Noise Reduction

Ensure the lavalier mic you are planning to buy comprises built-in noise reduction features. 

Even though noise reduction in a lavalier mic can depend on a host of factors, such as microphone placement, microphone’s self noise, and directionality, it’s best to buy lavalier microphones with good noise reduction capabilities.

5. Size

The size of your lavalier microphone can impact different factors, such as:

• Sound quality: Larger lavalier mics can produce better sound quality as they are more directional. This does not imply that smaller lavalier mics sound bad. They are often omnidirectional and suitable for less noisy environments.
• Comfort: Small lavalier mics are comfortable to wear for extended durations. Therefore, they are suitable for presentations and interviews where you may need to move around.
• Concealment: Small lavalier mics are easier to conceal. Therefore, they can be a good choice for theaters, TV shows, or film recordings where hiding the mic is essential.
• Portability: Small lavalier mics are easier to carry when you are traveling. Therefore, they can be a good choice for content creators and journalists.

Top 10 Lavalier Microphones on the Market

This section will provide an in-depth analysis of the top 10 lav mics in 2023.

1. Rode Lavalier GO Professional Wearable Microphone

Overall Best Lavalier Mic

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• Great build quality
• Professional quality sound
• Compact and discreet
• Includes a high-quality clip mount and pop shield
• Suitable for both beginners and professionals

• Somewhat expensive

Out of all the lavalier mics on our list, we found the Rode Lavalier GO Professional Wearable Microphone to be the most versatile and robust lavalier mic. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals alike. 

Lavalier GO is a compact and portable lapel mic that delivers powerful performance. It is an omnidirectional lavalier mic. Therefore, it picks up clear audio from all directions. Don’t get fooled by this mic’s small size. It’s a powerhouse of excellent-quality audio. 

In terms of usage, Lavalier GO is most suitable for broadcast applications, such as podcasts, presentations, film production and so on. It comes with a 3.5 mm TRS jack; therefore, you can use it with all recording devices that comprise a 3.5 mm microphone input. 

Other notable features of this mic include a foam-based pop filter to reduce vocal plosives and wind noise, and a sturdy mounting clip.

Additionally, it has a tough Kevlar® reinforced cable to endure wear and tear caused during regular use.

In conclusion, whether you are a beginner or professional, the Rode Lavalier GO Professional Wearable Microphone can be a great buy. It works seamlessly with Rode Wireless GO, GO II, and other audio recording equipment that have a 3.5 mm microphone input. In terms of sound quality, we loved the performance of the Rode Lavalier GO Professional Wearable Microphone the best out of all the lavalier mics we evaluated. We barely noticed any distortion or interference in the recorded audio across the wide frequency range. Remember, this microphone does not require phantom power. A high phantom power voltage can damage the microphone.

View on Amazon: Rode Lavalier GO Professional Wearable Microphone

2. Sennheiser Professional ME 2 Small Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone

Best Lavalier Mic for Professionals

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• Good tonal harmony
• Sounds fresh and crisp
• Amplification with no distortion
• Overall decent sound quality
• Solid build quality
• Lightweight
• Easy to set up and use
• One of the smallest lavalier mics on the market

• We did not experience any issues with this lapel mic

Sennheiser ME 2 is a basic omnidirectional wired lavalier microphone. It is suitable for a wide variety of speech and vocal applications and comes with a mini jack for use with wireless bodypack transmitters from Sennheiser’s evolution wireless series, XS Wireless cameras and SpeechLine Digital Wireless.

This lavalier mic is easy to set up and use. All you need to do is simply clip it to your clothes. You can use its mini jack to connect it to bodypack transmitters.

We found that the cable in ME 2 is more sturdy, stretchy, and comfortable to hold, which is a very important factor in the case of lavalier mics. The clip has a cool design; it flips the cable to function as a spring in the event of an unintentional pull. This tiny change helps reduce the unwelcome handling noise.

ME 2’s omnidirectional pickup pattern cancels out external sounds and minimizes distortion in the recorded signal. It has a level, clear, and not overly bright frequency response. Therefore, the tone balance is acceptable, and the bass is well produced. The overall audio quality delivered by this lavalier mic is great.

In conclusion, the Sennheiser Professional ME 2 Small Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone is a great choice is compact, durable, lightweight and convenient to use. Even the loudest recordings with this mic sound distortion-free. For its size, ME2 does an excellent job when it comes to different speech and vocal applications. However, if you’re looking for a professional lavalier microphone with an XLR connector, we highly recommend the Audio Technica AT829CW Lavalier Microphone with a cardioid polar pattern (you can only use it with Audio-Technica UniPak body-pack transmitters). 

View on Amazon: Sennheiser Professional ME 2 Small Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone

3. Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone

Best Lavalier Mic for Interviews and Podcasts

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• Does not clip with loud sounds
• Great sound quality
• Produces balanced and accurate sound
• Equilibrated bass
• Good build quality
• Comes with a clip

• We did not experience any issues

Shure MVL is an enetry-level lavalier mic with a 3.5 mm TRRS connector for portable electronics. It is a member of the Shure MOTIV range and comes with a helpful iOS mobile app. It has a high SPL, making it suitable for recording in loud environments, interviews, and podcasts. This mic produces sounds that are sharp and have a more upbeat, positive tone.

We found the overall construction of Shure MVL decent. The cable length is pretty good and allows enough room for movement. The accompanying metal clip works well and makes it easy to keep the mic in place.

In terms of audio quality, Shure MVL’s performance is great. The mic sounds slightly bright and has a sharp response. It has a relatively neutral frequency response with a well-balanced tone.

The main selling point, however, would be its capacity to operate in environments with extreme sound pressure. Nowadays, most lavs will clip as you yell or clap your hands. Shure MVL, however, is capable of handling significantly louder noises.

In conclusion, Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone is great for streaming on the phone, videography and distance shots. Moreover, it comes with a windscreen, tie-clip, mount, and carrying pouch. So just clip it on, and you’re good to go. Even though Shure MVL is an entry-level lavalier mic, it’s definitely one of the better one we evaluated. It worked well with both Rode Wireless GO, GO II and DJI mic receiver.

View on Amazon: Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone

4. MAYBESTA WM151

Best Budget Lavalier Mic

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• Extremely easy to use; plug and play
• Good sound quality
• Intelligent noise reduction
• Very affordable
• Compact size
• Decent sound quality

• We did not find any issues

MAYBESTA WM151 is an affordable lavalier mic with an omnidirectional recording pattern and good sound quality. You can use it for interviews, Facebook reels, TikTok videos, vlogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and live streaming. Its compact design makes it easy to attach to your collar or pocket, freeing up your hands.

We had our doubts about this wireless lavalier mic because of its low price, but were pleasantly surprised by its crisp and clear audio. The ease of use it provides is commendable. You may begin recording as soon as you connect the wireless receiver and activate the microphone. The mic’s size is also ideal since many wireless models are cumbersome and difficult to use as a lapel microphone.

As far as the sound quality is concerned, we found MAYBESTA WM151 not lacking in any respect. We think the noise reduction on it is a pretty nice feature. It eliminates the wind noise and makes you sound much better than you originally did, which is a real lifesaver in terms of voice quality.

In conclusion, if you want to produce videos for YouTube, MAYBESTA WM151 is as easy as connecting it to your phone’s charging port at the bottom. Those with an artistic bent who often shoot stuff on the go should consider this mini microphone wireless functionality seriously.

View on Amazon: MAYBESTA WM151

5. SabineTek Official SmartMike+ Ultra-Compact Wireless Bluetooth Microphone

Best Bluetooth Lavalier Mic

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• Lightweight and compact
• Bluetooth wireless connection
• Clearly audible audio recording
• Active noise cancelation
• Audio monitoring
• Works seamlessly with iPhone or Android
• Comes with a durable mic clip
• Microphone has an omnidirectional polar pattern

• Requires the Each SmartMike+ app to work

You can use the SabineTek Official SmartMike+ with your mobile device (both Android and iOS). It has a full band pickup (20Hz-20KHz), a transmission range of up to 15 meters, battery life of up to 6 hours, and real-time monitoring. It is one of the best wireless lavalier mics on the market. 

We loved the design of SabineTek Official SmartMike+. It is easy to set up and use provided you follow all the usage instructions correctly. We evaluated its sound performance during some interviews and recorded undistorted and high-quality audio, devoid of background noise. Thanks to the mic’s advanced multi-level noise cancelation. This microphone is an omnidirectional microphone.

The recorded sound is exceptionally robust and clean compared to using only the phone’s built-in mic. You can be up to 15 meters away from your phone and still have your voice recorded clearly and loudly, which is something we can’t say for a phone’s built-in mic.

In conclusion, the SabineTek Official SmartMike+ Ultra-Compact Wireless Bluetooth Microphone is among the smallest and lightest we have tried for Bluetooth wireless microphones for smartphones. It comes with a detailed instruction manual so you don’t need to worry about setting it up. Don’t forget to connect the mic to its SmartMike app if you want to try some really interesting audio-control features. You can also use this mic in the wired mode; however, you need two SabineTek Official SmartMike+ Ultra-Compact Wireless Bluetooth Microphones to use the TR mode.

View on Amazon: SabineTek Official SmartMike+ Ultra-Compact Wireless Bluetooth Microphone

6. Razer Seiren BT: Bluetooth Microphone for Mobile Streaming (Android, iPhone/iOS)

Best Lavalier Mic for Streaming

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• Excellent construction quality
• Eye-catching design
• Reliable and versatile app
• Effective AI noise suppression
• Excellent sound quality and clarity
• Versatile
• Portable and lightweight
• Comprises a USB C port for charging and 3.5 mm jack for monitoring
• Allows you to listen to your phone’s audio, wirelessly, by plugging headphones into the microphone

• Not suitable for professional use
• Lacks a charging case

Razer released a new line of high-quality microphones under the Seiren series to meet the demands of the growing video creation and gaming industries.

Razer Seiren BT also carries on the same goal but caters to a somewhat different demographic. In particular, this Bluetooth lavalier microphone comes with a compact design that caters to the needs of mobile vloggers and those who broadcast in real-time from their smartphones.

The Seiren BT comes with an aesthetically simplistic design with a matte black metal body. Because of its small size and convenient clip-on design, you can start filming immediately, no matter where you are.

When we put it through paces, the Seiren BT’s omnidirectional microphone proved dependable, and we could fine-tune the device’s noise suppression to suit our surroundings.

In conclusion, Razer Seiren BT is an excellent wireless microphone for in-person streaming and video blogging community in mind. It’s also a great microphone for podcast. If you’re a content creator on a low budget, the Seiren BT stands head and shoulders above the others in the same league. However, if you’re looking for a professional-quality lavalier microphone, it may not be the best choice.

View on Amazon: Razer Seiren BT: Bluetooth Microphone for Mobile Streaming (Android, iPhone/iOS

7. MAONO AU-UL10 USB Lavalier Microphone

Best USB Lavalier Microphone

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• Eliminates ambient noise
• High gain
• Connect and play; nothing needs to be downloaded
• Super compact
• Compatible with Mac and Windows
• Omnidirectional pickup

• Mic’s clip comes with a very strong grip

The AU-UL10 USB from MAONO is a convenient plug-and-play choice that you can use with any device with a standard USB type A connector, including PCs, Macs, laptops, and more. The AU-UL10 may be pointed in any direction and can produce sound between 30 Hz and 18 kHz in frequency.

We found that it is a beautiful and functional USB microphone that you may connect straight to your computer. The sound quality is considerably superior to that of the microphones on your laptop or webcam, surpassing the quality of some of the headsets we tested.

MAONO AU-UL10 is sensitive enough to pick up speech from 15 feet away at almost the same loudness as the person wearing it, and it is omnidirectional, so it picks up sound equally from all directions. So, you can seamlessly use it in cross-table interviews. It’s compact, yet the long rope makes it easy to conceal it beneath your clothes. Moreover, we found the audio quality to be outstanding.

In conclusion, MAONO AU-UL10 USB Lavalier Microphone is a great option if you or your subjects tend to talk softly. The mic works well at picking up weaker sounds and putting them into usable audio, so you won’t have to keep telling yourself or them to speak louder. Moreover, it’s compact, and you can use it if you work from home and have to participate in many virtual meetings.

View on Amazon: MAONO AU-UL10 USB Lavalier Microphone

8. Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones

Best Lavalier Mic for Smartphones

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• Sounds fresh and gives broadcast quality audio
• Low self noise
• Excellent value for the money
• Compatible with all smartphone
• Strong cable strengthened with Kevlar

• A short cable may necessitate an extension

Rode SmartLav+ is an omnidirectional, smartphone-optimized lapel mic. It’s not the greatest microphone money can buy but delivers excellent value. In the case of smartphones, far more crucial is the device’s ease of use; you won’t need any fancy software or adaptors, just a plug, and you’ll be all set.

The Rode SmartLav+ is a lightweight, affordable condenser microphone that connects easily to your iPod touch or smartphone for quick setup. It is ideal if you want something straightforward yet of excellent quality in the field because it has a battery life of up to 10 hours on a charge (no transmitter packs are needed).

Undoubtedly, the sound quality produced by this microphone will be far beyond that of any in-built option. With or without video, it works best for recording the voice of a single speaker.

We found this omnidirectional mic works great in any setting we used it in. As long as the capsule is somewhat close to the source of your voice, it doesn’t matter which way you direct it. This kind is far less likely to be damaged by handling noise or stress than others, where one has to keep the microphones aimed in just one direction due to the absence of the proximity effect.

In conclusion, the Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones is a high-quality lavalier microphone that won’t break the bank. In addition, it can cleanly record audio up to 10 feet away from the subject. You may find it a priceless gem if you have a rudimentary understanding of sound recording. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly lavalier microphone specifically for your Apple iPad or iPhone, the Saramonic LavMicro U1A Microphone can be a good option.

View on Amazon: Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones

9. DJI Mic (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)

Best Lavalier Mic Wireless System

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• All-in-one lavalier mic system
• Easy to set up and use
• Versatile
• Durable and sturdy
• Compact and portable
• Excellent battery life; easily rechargeable
• Comes with a receiver
• Omnidirectional pickup pattern
• Low-latency wireless transmission
• Wind shield included
• Backup track recording for safety
• Multi-level gain control
• Dual channel system

• Expensive

The DJI Mic (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) is an all-in-one lavalier mic system. It comprises two transmitters with built-in mic, a receiver and a charging case.

Both transmitters come with built-in storage to prevent audio loss and provide reliable wireless transmission at up to 250 meters.

The overall sound quality delivered by these mics is decent, distortion-free and balanced. Their noise cancelation feature effectively blocks background noise and ensure crisp and clear audio. Their frequency range is also pretty wide.

In terms of design, the DJI Mic (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) looks simple yet eye-catching. The magnetic attachment feature of the mics works wonders and provides great flexibility. You can attach the mics to your clothes on the fly, without requiring any major adjustments.

The receiver comes with multiple connectivity options, such as 3.5 mm TRS, USB-C and lightning to connect your smartphone, laptop, camera and so on. Inside the case, the transmitters and receiver take about 1 hour to get completely charged. The charging case requires about 2 fours for a full charge. Once charged, the transmitters with built-in mics can easily work for up to 5 hours in one go.

During our evaluation, we came across another professional wireless microphone system with a lavalier mic: AKG Pro Audio WMS470 Presenter Set. You may want to explore it if you are looking for a lavalier mic for professional use; however, it is pretty expensive.

In conclusion, the DJI Mic (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) is one of the best all-in-one, dual-way lavalier mic systems on the market. It comes with notable features, such as backup track recording at approximately 6 dB for safety in case of audio overexposure, multi-level gain control to achieve the perfect audio adjustments based on your surroundings, and hot shoe for usage with DSLR cameras. Even though this mic system is a little expensive, it’s worth the price if you are into interviews, vlogging, live streaming, and more.

View on Amazon: DJI Mic (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)

10. Rode Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System

Most Versatile Lavalier Mic System

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• Versatile
• Durable
• Excellent audio quality
• Great battery life
• Easy to set up and use
• Comes with USB-C for charging and connecting to phone, desktop, and so on
• Suitable for both professionals and beginners
• 24-bit on board recorder

• Somewhat expensive

Honestly, you can never go wrong with the Rode Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System. It comprises a dual-channel receiver and transmitter, and is one of most versatile and reliable lavalier mic systems out there. During our evaluation, we did not observe any interference or latency issues with this mic.

You can use Rode Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System for all your content creation projects, on-stage presentations, off-stage presentations, vlogging and more. It comes with multiple connectivity options, such as 3.5mm TRS analog output, USB-C and iOS digital output. Therefore, it is universally compatible with mobiles, cameras, laptops, and desktops.

It is simple to set up and use, making it a great choice for beginners. You’ll notice that both transmitter and receiver are auto paired.

The battery life of GO II is exceptional. You can easily use the mic for up to 7 hours in a single charge.

In terms of design, Rode Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System is compact and lightweight. The Wireless GO II’s unique and cool clip design makes it convenient and quick to attach it to your clothes or a camera cold shoe.

The overall sound quality produced by GO II is excellent. The built-in transmitter mic is omnidirectional, and provides clear and crisp audio recordings.

In conclusion, the Rode Mic Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System is versatile, durable and reliable. Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption can produce excellent audio quality at up to 200 meters. Even in environments with dense RF activity, this mic will not become unstable. We highly recommend pairing it with the Rode Central desktop or mobile app to enhance the quality of your audio recordings and try out some great features.

View on Amazon: Rode Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System

How Does a Lavalier Mic Work?

A lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel mic, neck mic and collar mic, is an electret condenser microphone.

They are small wearable microphones that comprise the following components:

• Transducer
• Diaphragm
• Amplifier

The diaphragm is a wafer-thin, flexible material (typically metal or plastic) that vibrates in response to sound waves. It is a part of the transducer.

As soon as the diaphragm starts vibrating, the transducer begins converting sound waves to electrical signals. The electrical signals are then sent to the amplifier to further strengthen them and send them to a recording device, mixer or other audio equipment to broadcast the output.

You can attach a lavalier mic to your clothes and make the most of hands-free operation.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Lavalier Mics?

• Provide a clear and presentable voice even in extremely noisy environments.
• Are lightweight and portable.
• Most common cameras can readily accommodate lavalier mics.
• Compact and discreet
• Excellent for hands-free recordings
• Versatile; can be used for a wide variety of content creation applications, film production, presentations, and more

• Sound quality can get affected if lavalier mics are not worn correctly
• Rapid battery drainage; you may need to recharge battery frequently

Frequently Asked Questions About Wired and Wireless Lavalier Mics

Final Words

In conclusion, lavalier microphones can be a great choice for anyone looking to improve the audio quality of their recordings. Whether you’re conducting podcasts or interviews, making presentations, or filming video content, a lavalier microphone can discreet placement and hands-free recording for a cleaner and more professional-sounding recording.

Per our assessment, Rode Lavalier GO Professional Wearable Microphone is the best lavalier microphone if you’re searching for the cleanest, clearest, professional-quality lavalier for a film or a streaming show. You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.