Best External Microphones for iPhone & iOS Recordings (2025)
Even though the built-in audio quality of an iPhone is pretty decent. But still, if you want to use your iPhone to take regular video shoots or vlogging, you want an external mic to use on your iPhone.
In this article, we ranked and reviewed the 11 best external microphones to use with the iPhone in 2025.
What is the iPhone Microphones?
Here is my top picks for the best external microphone with the iPhone to use this year.
- Shure MV88
- VideoMic Me-L
- Zoom iQ6 X/Y
- Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side
- Blue Raspberry
- Sennheiser ClipMic
- Rode SC6-L
- Rode i-XLR
- Rode IXY-L
- Rode VideoMic Me
Shure MV88
The Shure MV88 is my #1 external microphone choice to use with an iPhone.The built-in all-metal bodies look awesome, and this mic seems to be extremely solid.
According to Apple, this mic is compatible with all of their latest iPhone models with a Lightning connector.
It automatically adjusts EQ compression, which is ideal for optimal audio results. What really makes this mic perfect is that it rotates and pivots according to your needs to position it correctly
You can use the ShurePlus MOTIV app to control the mic right from the iPhone, and this app is available on the Apple Appstore. By using this app, you will be able to record your audio, adjust gain levels, and modify EQ settings.
The MV88/A mic comes with a built-in windscreen, headphone adapter, and a carrying case. Get an AMV88-FUR Rycote Windjammer for the MV88 mic because it will help you to improve the quality of the recording when you are using this mic outdoors.
Zoom iQ6 X/Y
The Zoom iQ6 X/Y mic uses the same condenser mic found on the world-famous Zoom H4n Pro Digital Multi-Track Recorder -Handheld audio recorder. It will pick up sounds automatically and adjust them from 90 to 120 degrees.
You can use this mic for both with a case and without a case. This mic is more compatible with iPhone 7 and higher iPhone models.
VideoMic Me-L
The Rode VideoMic Me-L is just an updated version of the popular iPhone mic called the VideoMic Me model. Looking to shoot outdoor videos on your iPhone and want better audio quality, you should consider getting a Rode VideoMic Me-L model the improve the quality of the voiceover. This mic is totally worth your consideration.
The directional polar pattern and a 3.5 mm TRS headphone jack of this mic is used to monitor the audio recording or backup recording. The VideoMic Me-L model comes with a built-in windscreen, which is always nice.
Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side
The Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side does a similar job compared to the iQ6 X/Y model; However, the only difference is that this mic uses a mid-side microphone configuration, which eventually gives you more flexibility.
The most common issue found in the Q6 X/Y mic model is that you get stuck on what’s recorded. Whenever the Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side allows you to make adjustments in the post-production process of your podcast. Check out a detailed explanation about a mid-side recording from B&H. The extended Lightning connector and removable spacer make this mic ideal for iPhone audio recording and compatible with the latest iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
Blue Raspberry
The Blue Raspberry is the ultimate mobile microphone to record vocals and instruments through an iPhone. The Raspberry model works best in a single host podcast setup. This mic is an ideal microphone for podcasters and home pro studios.
Sennheiser ClipMic
The Sennheiser ClipMic is one of the most popular lavalier microphone options that is specifically designed for the iPhone.The lightning cable of this mic is Apple MFi Certified. The Omnidirectional capsule polar pattern of this mic produces superb quality audio with clarity and speech intelligibility. You will get a built-in metal windscreen and a carrying pouch with the ClipMic.
Rode SC6-L
The Rode SC6-L is known as the mobile podcast Interview Kit. The SC6-L model comes with 2 Lavalier Mics, an ultra-compact Lightning Interface, two windshields, and a small carry pouch. This is a must-have device to take full control over your mobile podcasting setup.
The SC6-L is an impressive Mobile KIT and is highly recommended. If you want additional cord length, you can get an SC1 TRRS Extension Cable specially designed for smartLav+ mics.
Rode i-XLR
The Rode i-XLR is basically an XLR Adapter for Apple iOS Devices. Having this device in your podcasting gear list means now you can now use any professional microphone with your iPhone.
This adapter makes your microphone options endless. If you have any XLR microphones and want to maintain broadcast-quality sound while you are traveling, the i-XLR is the model you should get.
Comica CVM-VS08
The CVM-VS08 is a shotgun-type iPhone mic that produces excellent sound quality. This mic is designed to plug directly into the headphone jack of the iPhone. You get a creative clamp so that you can fix the position of your mic to record clear and better podcast audio.
Rode IXY-L
Currently, Rode is leading in the mic industry, and they have been making quality audio equipment for decades; the IXY-L model is no different. This mic has a built-in metal casing body and records stereo audio at 24-bit, 48kHz* and includes a windshield zip case.
The IXY-L mic model is compatible with iPhone 8 and the latest iPhones on the market. However, this mic comes with 24 24-month warranty.
Rode VideoMic Me
The VideoMic Me is a compact and directional microphone for the iPhone to record distant podcasts. The 3.5mm TRRS output cable can be plugged directly into your smartphone. However, this model is compatible with both iPhone and Android-based mobile phones.
Wrapping Up
When getting an external iPhone to mic for the iPhone, you also want a good quality smartphone tripod mount to position the phone correctly anywhere. The smartphone tripod mount provides more flexibility in the positioning of the iPhone to capture better sound quality.
With the latest iPhone models, You will get excellent video recording with these iPhone mics without spending extra money on a DSLR camera or shotgun mics.