Best Android Microphones (All Budgets)

Looking to shoot YouTube videos or record a new podcast episode on mobile? You want an Rode SmartLav+ to do that.

Whether you are recording videos for YouTube or podcasting, if your audio quality sucks, your overall content also sucks. That’s why audio is one of the most important factors to decide whether people will consume your content or not.

The built-in audio quality in Android phones is not as decent as the iPhone. You always want to use an additional microphone with your smartphone.

First of all, the most popular external Android mic option that works in almost every situation is called lavalier mics, as they are easy to clip to your shirt.

The other option can be using shotgun-style microphones to record audio and video just by plugging them right into the smartphone. They work fine in most cases.

In this article, we ranked and reviewed 11 best external android microphones for video and podcasting.

What is the Best External Android Microphones For Video & Podcasting?

Here is my top picks for the best external Andriod microphone to use for podcasting and YouTubing this year.

• Rode SmartLav+
• Audio-Technica ATR3350iS
• Movo PM10
• Shure MVL
• Saramonic SmartMic
• Rode VideoMic Me

Rode SmartLav+

The Rode SmartLav+ is a widely used lavalier mic in the video industry. They offer excellent sound quality with smartphone recording for both Android and iPhone.

You will get a pouch, clip, windscreen, and a 1-year service warranty with the SmartLav+ lavalier mic in the box.

Shure MVL

The Shure MVL is an omnidirectional microphone that easily connects with android smartphones. However, this mic is an excellent value for money with superior acoustic clarity. The RF interference protection and high signal-to-noise ratio make producing excellent audio quality for videos and podcasting easy.

You will get a windscreen with the MVL mic when you purchase it. Lastly, if you are looking for the best omnidirectional mic for Android, the MVL is an excellent choice to improve your audio quality.

Audio-Technica ATR3350iS

The Audio-Technica ATR3350iS is designed to capture accurate voice production. You will get a built-in headphone jack to connect the headphones to monitor the audio of the recording, and a TRS cable to connect the mic to any Android device.

However, this mic requires a small battery to operate correctly for long hours, so make sure that you pick up some extras.

Audio Technica includes a six-meter cable with a 3.5mm plug to connect the mic with Android smartphones and iPhones.

Movo PM10

The Movo PM10 is the cheapest microphone on this list. The PM10 model will improve your audio quality over your built-in iPhone mic. This mic is an ideal mic to produce business and interview-style podcast videos. Moreover, the PM10 models specialize in video production to serve the various needs of videographers and filmmakers.

This model operates under the plug and play system, meaning you won’t need to purchase any extra drive to run it. The omnidirectional polar pattern of this mic captures sound from the front and back ends. It includes a four-foot connecting cord and a carrying case, making it easy to travel with at any destination around the world.

Saramonic SmartMic

The Saramonic SmartMic is a battery-free shotgun mic with a 3.5mm headphone jack designed to connect to your smartphone. This mic will increase the quality of your audio sound when compared to an external microphone.

The smart mic is a little mini condenser-type mic that offers complete flexibility in the positioning of the mic.

You can easily rotate this mic up to 90 degrees. Being a condenser mic, It wouldn’t be a great pick if you are recording in a busy environment. If you want a super cheap mic with a great ability to produce sounds in the studio, the Saramonic SmartMic is built for you.

Comic CVM-VS08

The Comic CVM-VS08 is a directional shotgun microphone for smartphones. The VS08 model uses a super-cardioid polar pattern that focuses only on the sounds you are pointing toward it.

The built-in aluminum body of this mic makes it look tough and lightweight. The CVM-VS08 is a condenser shotgun design microphone with a super-cardioid polar pattern, meaning that this mic is very sensitive to sounds.

Quick note: the super-cardioid polar pattern is more directional than a cardioid polar pattern. This mic is an awesome choice for content creators recording videos in the studio and indoors.

Rode VideoMic Me

The Rode VideoMic Me is a DSLR shotgun-type mic with a compact body and a lightning connector. This mic is relatively small in size and remarkably lightweight. The 3.5mm socket of this mic makes it easy to connect with android smartphones.

This mic uses a built-in 3.5mm TRRS headphone output for direct plugging into your smartphone. The VideoMic Me also includes a deluxe furry windshield for shooting outdoors.

Lastly, the video mic offers a wide range of options for Android smartphones. This mic is an awesome choice for content creators.

Wrapping Up

If you are serious about the sound quality of your video recording or podcast recording, just go for the Rode Smartlav+ mic and start recording indoors and outdoors. You will often see this mic used by many content creators.

If you don’t see a mic on the YouTube videos, they are recording their videos on this mic by clipping it on their shirts. Rode SmartLav+ is the most used Android mic in the YouTube content creators community.