Best Microphones – under $500

The Rode VideoMic NTG gives video content creators, run-and-gun filmmakers, voiceover artists, and podcasters the sound of the highly regarded NTG shotguns in a convenient camera-mount mic.

It doesn't require additional adapters to work with cameras, smartphones, tablets, portable recorders, and USB-equipped computers.

For mobile video creators in need of a cost-effective and unobtrusive upgrade from their device's built-in mic, the Saramonic Vmic Mini shotgun microphone offers a quality solution that won't impede the flow of work.

This lightweight and ultracompact shotgun microphone mounts directly to DSLR, mirrorless, and video cameras, or to smartphones and tablets with an adapter (available separately), and yields considerably improved sound compared to the built-in mics on these devices.

The new Hollyland LARK MAX confidently goes head-to-head with the DJI Mic, without any sense of inferiority, matching it eye to eye in terms of performance and capabilities.

Its overall sound quality is very nice and “rounded”. Between DJI Mic, RØDE Wireless GO II, and LARK MAX, the Hollyland is our winner. The kit seems to be complete with two mic/recorders and a variety of useful features. Operating the mics, in general, is straightforward. On the downside, it would be preferable if both the main and safety tracks could be recorded as separate channels within the mic/recorder itself, rather than the current setup where the safety track is recorded in the mic/recorder while the main track is outputted to an external camera for recording.

Things to like

• Audio quality. Very convincing sound quality for the price! We all know how bad the letter “S” can sound on some systems. On this one, it is surprisingly good!
• Quick setting lock/unlock is possible with a short button press.
• Very strong magnets made for attaching the mics inside a shirt for a smaller “mic footprint”.
• Noise reduction quality: Strangely enough (or not), our remark here is on the positive side, but it belongs below in the “what can be enhanced” paragraph, too.
• The assortment of cables included in the package provides everything you need to get started. These include a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable (for connecting the receiver to the camera), USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, and USB-C to Lightning cable. It’s worth noting that this audio system can be connected to your phone and even controlled through the Hollyland App.
• Transmission strength is solid as long as you keep your eyesight with the camera (receiver). We were about 100 meters away from the camera and as long as we saw it, the recording quality was fine.

What can be enhanced?

• When filming outdoors in bright sunlight, the small blue/green indicator and the separate red indicator on the mic/recorder are useless. It is simply very difficult to see if those are activated or not. Almost the same can be said about the receiver itself although not to the same degree. The AMOLED touch screen remains visible, but efforts should be made to improve the readability of the information displayed on it.
• Either when pressing the REC button or when starting to record automatically, we would have appreciated a “physical sign” that recording had actually begun. With DJI Mic you have that short vibration as an indication. It is not available on this device.
• Like with DJI Mic, to our taste, the internal audio recording levels of the mic/recorder itself are too low. We wish there was a way to record internally a bit on higher levels.
• Back to noise cancellation, this can be applied to both mic/recorders only. There is no way to choose only one device and leave the other without this setting.

Expanding on the original Wireless GO with updates allowing for two-person shoots.

A greatly extended range, and flexible output options of the Rode Wireless Go II system lets videographers, vloggers, and mobile journalists confidently and quickly incorporate wireless audio into their setup regardless of their experience level or what device they're recording to.

Shorter and lighter than the NTG3 and with a flatter bass response, the Rode NTG5 moisture-resistant shotgun microphone lets you capture natural, uncolored sound indoors or outside for your next indie film, TV shoot, or documentary project without weighing down your rig.

Professional-level features such as ultralow-noise circuitry, a smooth off-axis response, and a tightly controlled low end make it ideal for a range of location recording scenarios. Plus, it includes a furry windshield and a pistol grip shockmount that can be attached to a boompole for increased versatility.

Designed to provide a noteworthy improvement in sound quality over microphones built into cameras, smartphones, and portable recorders.

The Deity Microphones V-Mic D3 Pro is a camera-mount shotgun microphone offering directional audio capture, adjustable gain and filtering, and broad device compatibility for for mobile journalists, vloggers, YouTubers, and run-and-gun videographers.

The MKE 600's high sensitivity and low-noise circuitry unlock improved sound quality without extreme gain on noisy camera preamps.

With a natural roll-off at 40 Hz and a selectable low-cut filter at 100 Hz, the MKE 600 can deliver clear intelligibility while attenuating low-frequency noise such as rumble. Plus, its frequency response incorporates a gentle rise in treble to enhance speech clarity.

The Sanken COS-11D Miniature Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone is intended for professional speech capturing in sound reinforcement, presentation, theatrical, broadcast, and recording applications.

Its miniature capsule yields a wide frequency response, omnidirectional polar pattern, and moisture resistant construction while measuring just 0.15" (4mm) in diameter.

The Tram TR50 is a professional omnidirectional electret condenser lavalier microphone with a low-profile design resulting in low visibility.

The TR50 features a frequency response that enhances the character and frequencies associated with speech. The polar pattern provides a generous pick up response at the direct and off-axis sections of the microphone capsule. This enhances sensitivity and minimizes noise associated with movement, wind and clothing contact. The TR50 features minimum sound coloration and is available in a variety of connectors for direct integration with wireless transmitters. This version features a 1/8" (3.5mm) connection for use with Sennheiser EW wireless transmitters.