There are so many options out there when it comes to microphones, and typically when you’re shopping for a microphone you’re looking for two things: great audio quality at a reasonable price.
Truth be told, wireless microphones have never been on my radar at a high level simply because as a remote podcaster, I’ve never really had the need for one.
But the more and more I talk with podcasters about their various and unique setups, the more I see the need for a post that covers the best wireless microphones, which is exactly what I’ll be breaking down in this post.
How to Choose the Best Wireless Microphone
The more options, the harder it becomes to choose which one is the best.
The most important thing to consider is this:
What do you need for your specific setup and desired outcome?
Just because a wireless mic is great for one person doesn’t mean it’s going to be great for everyone. Your sound quality requirements might be different, the amount of background noise you’re dealing with might be different, and so on.
Lucky for me, I help run the largest online podcasting community in the world, Podcasters’ Paradise. So when it came to finding out what the best wireless microphone is, I immediately turned to our community and asked them to weigh in.
Who better to ask than those who are out there testing and using a wireless system already?
Plus, I not only asked our community members for a vote, but also for a quick summary of their thoughts around the wireless mic they selected.
Podcasters’ Paradise Members Weigh In
Mario Richard Fachini, host of the Expert Authority Effect™ Interviews Podcast said, “I’d advise Rode Smart Lav+ …just plug in your phone and you’re done. Great quality and less than 30 seconds to be ‘camera’ ready!”
Judging by Mario’s feedback, the ease of use sounds pretty great!
Mario has been producing his video podcast for nearly two years now. His set up is high-level, and he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to setup and equipment.
Also, Rode is known for great audio quality, and so after hearing Mario’s positive feedback on the Rode Smart Lav+, I figured there must be other options from Rode, too.
Before we get into those, let’s check out the Smart Lav+ and see what it has to offer…
Rode Smart Lav+
The Rode Smart Lav+ is an omnidirectional lavalier microphone. Omnidirectional just means it picks up audio in all directions, and this mic will clip right onto your shirt.
It’s specifically built for smartphones, so you’ll definitely want to keep that in mind. If the best setup for you includes using your smartphone for recording, then here’s your match!
Be sure to get a connector if necessary (as you can see in the image above, the headphone jack might be different from what your smartphone accepts.)
I took a couple of points from the description on Amazon in order to share the manufacturer’s details with you – straight from their mouth:
- Broadcast quality, professional-grade Lavalier Mic with TRRS Jack
- High-quality omni-directional condenser capsule; discrete 4.5mm miniature microphone
- Kevlar reinforced cable ensures that you never stretch or snap your microphone under normal usage conditions
Pretty straight forward, and for the investment, which is right around $80, the Smart Lav+ might be top of your list.
They also have a polar pattern image on their Amazon listing, so I’ll include that here, too.
The polar pattern is what shows the sensitivity to sound based on the direction the sound is coming from. Again, in this case, the Rode is omnidirectional, so you’ll see in the image below the sounds is equal in all directions.
Let’s look at another Rode Wireless option, which was also recommended by Mario.
While he specified the Rode Wireless Go is a little fancier and not necessary if you’re simply looking for good audio at home, it does serve a pretty unique purpose: it comes with a transmitter and receiver.
Let’s check it out…
Rode Wireless Go
The Rode Wireless Go set is a compact wireless microphone system that comes in two: a transmitter and a receiver.
Here’s the description from Amazon:
- Combo clip-on microphone or beltpack transmitter for lavalier / headset mic / built-in omnidirectional condenser mic for broadcast-quality sound
- Audio delivers crystal clear audio under any conditions / up to 70M range but optimized for shorter-range operation
- Power TX and RX have built-in USB-C rechargeable batteries / up to 7 hours on a full charge including a battery saver mode
- Portable super-lightweight and ultra-compact
- Advanced the transmitter and receiver pair in just 3 seconds / 3-stage output pad 0 -6dB and -12dB / use up to 8 systems in one location
If you check out the video that is listed for the Rode Wireless Go on Amazon you’ll get a good feel for the various ways you can leverage a wireless system like this.
This system is a step up from the Smart Lav+, and therefore the investment is a bit higher: this set comes in at around $200.
Now that we’ve checked out Rode, let’s take a look at another brand.
Lij Shaw, host of the Recording Studio Rockstars Podcast said, “Sennheiser makes the best that I have seen so far. They come with an XLR cable, too, so you can plug whichever mic you want into the transmitter.”
Lij has been podcasting for several years, and, well, his podcast is about audio and recording, so… yeah, Lij knows a thing or two about sound quality!
Let’s check out one of the Sennheiser’s he recommended.
Sennheiser EW 112P G4
The Sennheiser EW 112P G4 is an omni-directional wireless lavalier microphone system. Unlike the Rode Smart Lav+, which needs to be plugged into your own recording source (like your smartphone), the Sennheiser EW 112P G4 in an all-in-one mic and recorder.
Here’s are the details from Amazon:
- Rugged all in one wireless system with high flexibility for Broadcast quality sound
- Easy to use and fast setup time
- Range: up to 100 meters/ 330 feet
- Up to 8 hours of operation time
- Excellent sound and construction quality.HDX compander for crystal clear sound
Judging from the pictures on Amazon, this is likely most similar to what you’ve mic’d up with when speaking on stage or at a live event.
This Sennheiser set is a big investment. It starts around $500.
As we continue exploring different brands, let’s dive into one of my favorites: Audio-Technica.
Audio-Technica PRO 88W-R35 VHF Wireless Lavalier System
The VHF Wireless Lavalier System comes with an ATR35 mini omnidirectional clip-on microphone and is another system that came recommended by Mario.
Within the Audio-Technica family, the ATR-2100 is one of my go-to microphones, and it’s what I’ve been using since I started podcasting back in 2014. It’s not wireless – it’s a handheld mic – but it’s a great one if you’re not concerned with having chords involved.
Because I know Audio-Technica makes a great dynamic microphone, when it comes to wireless I’m confident they won’t disappoint.
Let’s check out some of the details of the Audio-Technica PRO 88W-R35.
Here are the highlights from the description on Amazon:
- Provides freedom of movement for video production, computer applications and business presentations
- Features two switchable frequencies for interference-free operation and high-band VHF operation for superior sound
- Normal operating range from 100′ up to 300′ under optimum conditions, and the durable, flexible antenna can be positioned for best reception
- Real-time monitoring capability with included earphone
- Rugged design and construction with handsome non-reflective finish and a quick and reliable mounting system for camcorder use
- Receiver and transmitter are each powered by a single 9V battery
With a price tag right around $150, this is the option I would go with if I were looking for a wireless mic system.
Samson Go Mic
Samson is another audio and microphone brand I’ve consistently heard great things about. The Samson Go Mic is a mobile professional lavalier wireless system specifically for video production, and has a price tag of about $200.
Get started fast with a simple setup and frequency selection options.
Here’s the description from Amazon:
- 2.4GHz low latency digital wireless system
- Dual-channel receiver mounts directly to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras and tripods
- PXD2 Belt pack Transmitter with LM10 Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone. Frequency response of 10Hz–22kHz. Receiver offers up to 13 hours of battery life via rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Up to 100′ operating range (line-of-sight)
- Included: Lightning, USB Micro B, USB-C and 1/8” (3.5mm) cables
The images on Amazon give a clear picture of what to expect from this system.
Sony ECMAW4 Wireless Microphone
If you’re looking for a true wireless solution, the Sony ECMAW4 clip on mics provide a special level of ease of use.
Description from Amazon:
- Interactive Communication
- Two-way communication, up to 150 feet from the camcorder. Wireless microphone for recording clear sound from up to 164.04 feet away
- Shoot while still talking to each other
- In the box : Recording Cable; Wind Screen; Carrying Pouch; Arm band; Earphones; Earphone Hanger
Shure BLX288 / PG58 Dual Channel Wireless Microphone System
The Shure BLX288 Dual Channel Wireless Microphone Systems comes with with 2 PG58 handheld vocal mics.
Karaoke anyone?!
A wireless microphone Shure-style is unique from the others we’ve covered here.
Amazon does have a note that this system has been discontinued by manufacturer, but if you’re willing to invest there are options available from $500 – $1,000.
If you’re looking for a handheld microphone, this is one of the best options I’ve found. And with a frequency range of up to 300 feet, any video or audio recording within the same room shouldn’t be an issue.
Here’s the description from Amazon:
- Included: BLX88 dual wireless receiver; 2 BLX2/PG58 handheld transmitters with integrated PG58 cardioid dynamic microphone capsules; 2 microphone clip
- Power and battery status LED
- Adjustable gain control
- Quick & easy frequency matching
- 2 AA batteries (included) provide up to 14 hours of continuous use
- 300 feet (91 m) operating range (line of sight)
The Best Wireless Mics Available
As with all things equipment and software related, there are a lot of options available. And it can feel a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to find “the best”, whether it be a wireless microphone or other podcast-related tool.
Hopefully this overview of some of the best wireless mics available helps you in making your decision.
Remember, most important thing to keep in mind when choosing your wireless mic is this:
What do you need for your specific setup and desired outcome?
Just because a wireless mic is great for one person doesn’t mean it’s going to be great for everyone.
