The 8 Best Budget Lavalier Microphones

February 2024 ยท 11 minute read
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Lavalier microphones, also called lapel microphones, are small, lightweight clip-on mics for capturing hands-free audio. They clip directly onto your clothing, remaining a constant distance from the subject's mouth for consistent results.

But you don't need to spend a considerable amount of money on a lavalier microphone. Instead, you can pick up a cheap lavalier mic, and most people won't realize you're using a low-cost mic.

Here are the best budget lavalier microphones available today.

Premium pick

1. Alvoxcon Wireless Headset Lavalier Microphone System

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Suppose you're looking for a wireless lavalier microphone but have a limited budget to play with. In that case, the Alvoxcon Wireless Headset Lavalier Microphone System could be the perfect option for you. It's a budget wireless dual lavalier microphone designed for public address systems, mixers, and recorders with a 1/4-inch MIC IN input jack.

One highlight is that you can simultaneously mic up to two people, ideal for interviews and podcasts. In addition, it comes with excellent accessories, including adapters for phones and DSLR cameras so that you can use it with just about any recording device.

The Alvoxcon Wireless Headset Lavalier Microphone System has an effective range of about 100 feet with fast, one key auto-pairing. The transmitters have a small display showing the battery status and frequency, along with two buttons for you to adjust the volume or select the ideal frequency. Built-in batteries power the receiver and transmitters, and they recharge via micro-USB.

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1. Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone

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The Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone is suitable for voice recording using smartphones, tablets, laptops, or any portable devices with a 3.5mm input jack.

It delivers Shure's classic signature sound with excellent clarity and less noise without breaking the bank. It's lightweight and portable and includes a metal clip, windscreen to minimize wind noise and plosives, and a protective carrying pouch.

The device works with the ShurePlus MOTIV mobile recording app, which provides advanced recording options such as metering, equalization, and wind noise reduction for the best sound quality.

Read More Key FeaturesSpecificationsProsConsBuy This Product Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone Shop at amazon Best value

1. Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone Kit

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The Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone Kit may not have the premium sound of more expensive mics, but it offers a lot of bang for the buck. It's a great alternative if you're on a tight budget and looking for a universal lavalier mic that works with many portable devices.

The kit includes a lavalier mic with a TRRS connector for devices with a 3.5mm mic input jack such as smartphones and laptops. You can also use it with a DSLR camera, Zoom portable recorders, and GoPro HERO models with a mini USB port (HERO 2 up to HERO 4) using the bundled TRS and mini-USB adapters.

The captured audio is much better than the built-in mics on most smartphones and laptops. The mic firmly clips to a tie, shirt, or blouse, and it blocks a decent amount of background noise with the attached windscreen, which you can swap for the included fuzzy windscreen when recording in windy environments.

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1. Rode Lavalier GO

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The Rode Lavalier GO is the best budget lavalier mic for DSLR, video cameras, and recording devices with a TRS mic input jack. It's also optimized for the Rode Wireless GO, a compact and portable wireless mic system.

The Lavalier GO offers professional, broadcast-quality sound in all environments. The omnidirectional polar pattern ensures the mic picks up voices from all angles, giving you a lot of flexibility in positioning the mic. Additionally, the clip has a cable hook for easy tugging and to help achieve that neat, professional look.

The build quality is impressive for a lavalier mic at this price. The Kevlar-reinforced cable is durable and robust, ready for your shooting adventures. You also get a protective carrying pouch and a foam pop shield, which comes in handy when recording outdoors.

Read More Key FeaturesSpecificationsProsConsBuy This Product Rode Lavalier GO Shop at amazon

1. Movo DOM1 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

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If the Rode Lavalier GO is still out of your budget, the Movo DOM1 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone might be an excellent alternative budget lavalier mic for your DSLR.

It's cheaper and comes with the same TRS connector, compatible with most digital cameras and recorders with a 3.5mm TRS mic input. The DOM1 is optimized for cameras and features an omnidirectional pickup pattern to capture crisp, natural-sounding recordings.

It relies on plug-in power from the recording device so that you can shoot endlessly without interruptions. The build quality isn't as impressive as the Lavalier GO, but you still get a metal clip and windscreen muff for outdoor use.

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1. TTStar Lavalier Microphone Professional for iPhone

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The TTStar Lavalier Microphone Professional for iPhone might not be from a well-established brand. Still, it's the best budget lavalier microphone you can buy for your iPhone and earlier iPad models with a Lightning connector.

This cheap lavalier mic connects to your iPhone without needing an adapter. It comes with a Lightning connector, a 6.6-foot cord, a secure clip, and two wind muffs for outdoor use. The mic is omnidirectional, so you get positioning flexibility and a wide voice pickup range.

The mic supports noise cancellation, but it still picks some background noise, which is an issue with most cheaper mics. However, the overall sound quality is noticeably better than recording with an iPhone, and you don't have to shout or speak louder to reach the best performance. It's a great iPhone lavalier mic for the money.

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1. Pyle Compact USB Lapel Microphone PDMIUSBLP14

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If you're looking for a budget lavalier microphone for your laptop or PC, you will want to consider the Pyle Compact USB Lapel Microphone PDMIUSBLP14. It's a USB lavalier mic with a standard USB Type-A connector that also works with Macs and many newer Android phones through the included Type-C adapter.

The mic is ready to plug-and-play on both Mac and PC, making it an excellent option for Zoom calls, video conferencing, and podcasts. The sound quality is impressive. It does an incredible job of minimizing background noise and plosives. The cable is long enough, and there is an inline mute button for you to mute yourself when in a call.

Like most lavalier mics, you get a foam windscreen and a carrying pouch. Pyle also included a cable wrap to neatly tuck the mic in the pouch to avoid it getting tangled.

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1. Movo LV4-O Omnidirectional XLR Lavalier Microphone

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The Movo LV4-O Omnidirectional XLR Lavalier Microphone is perfect for audio interfaces, mixers, and recorders with an XLR input such as Zoom and Tascam digital recorders. It's a budget XLR lavalier microphone that operates on 48V phantom power, so make sure your device can supply phantom power.

Elsewhere, you're getting a decent lavalier microphone with good sound quality and superb build quality. The XLR connector is made of metal, and you get a windscreen to minimize wind noise.

The only downside is that the cable a little too thin, and there is no strain relief at the XRL end. However, if those things don't concern you, then you're getting an excellent XLR lavalier mic for filmmaking, shooting, podcasts, and YouTube recording without breaking the bank.

Read More Key FeaturesSpecificationsProsConsBuy This Product Movo LV4-O Omnidirectional XLR Lavalier Microphone Shop at amazon

FAQ

Q: What Should I Look for When Buying a Lavalier Microphone?

Lavalier microphones are clipped and positioned the same way, but the connectors are adaptable for different devices. You'll need a lavalier mic with the same connector as your device's mic input jack.

If you're using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you'll need a lavalier microphone with a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRRS connector. It looks similar to the connector found on cameras, but they are different.

Most DSLR and digital cameras and recorders use a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRS mic input jack. A TRRS connector has three black rings, while TRS has two.

For computers, an iPhone, or the latest smartphones, look for a lavalier mic with a USB, Lightning, or USB-C connector. In some cases, you use an adapter to connect a lavalier mic with different devices.

Q: Are Cheap Lavalier Mics Any Good?

Lavalier mics used to come at a premium, but lately, we've seen cheap and inexpensive lavalier microphones with excellent sound quality and clarity. Established brands such as Shure, Rode, and Sony offer superb lavalier mics that don't break the bank.

Q: Does a Lavalier Mic Need Power?

Like all microphones, a lavalier mic needs power to operate. Some lavalier mics come with built-in or replaceable batteries, but most rely on plug-in power, meaning the host device or recorder provides the required power to the mic. In this case, the mic itself won't require batteries.

If you're buying an XLR lavalier mic for a USB audio interface or mixers, make sure your device can supply 48V phantom power.

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