When it comes to capturing high-quality audio during your action-packed adventures, having the best action camera microphone attachment is an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re shooting thrilling footage of extreme sports, vlogging on the go, or documenting your outdoor escapades, the right microphone attachment can significantly enhance the audio quality of your action camera recordings. In this guide, we will explore the top options available, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the best action camera microphone attachments on the market, and helping you to choose the right one for your camera to take your action videography to the next level.
Top 11 Best External Microphone Attachments In 2023
The best action camera microphone attachment is characterized by several crucial features that set it apart in the realm of capturing audio in action-packed scenarios. First and foremost, it offers outstanding sound quality, ensuring that the audio recorded is crisp, clear, and free from unwanted noise or distortion. Robust build quality is also key, as these microphones must withstand the rigors of extreme sports and outdoor adventures. Moreover, they are designed to be compact and lightweight, seamlessly attaching to action cameras, helmets, or other gear for maximum convenience. These attachments are vital for anyone who seeks to elevate the audio quality of their action camera footage, be it adrenaline junkies capturing extreme sports, vloggers on the move, or outdoor enthusiasts documenting their experiences. As for pricing, the best action camera microphones come in a range of options to suit various budgets, with some high-end models offering advanced features, while more affordable options still provide substantial audio improvements without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences, but investing in a quality action camera microphone attachment can make a world of difference in the overall video production quality.
You can also read: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using An Action Camera Microphone Attachment
Best External Microphone Attachment – Reviews
1. Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
- Connector: 3.5mm jack
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Batteries: 1x Lithium-ion battery
- Dimensions: 0.83 x 5.12 x 2.44 inches
- Weight: 2.08 ounces
Looking to take your video recording to the next level? Then you need to check out the Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone! This miniature shotgun microphone is perfect for capturing clear and accurate sound, no matter where you are shooting. Plus, its all-metal housing ensures durability and reliability, while the integral shock mount prevents handling noise from interfering with your recordings. It is the best microphone for GoPro. And with adjustable sensitivity, it ensures absolute precision, when used for both long and short distances whether you are interviewing someone or shooting wildlife. Moreover, it is energy-efficient by giving you 800 hours of operation time with a single AAA battery. Best of all, it fits all cameras with a standard hot shoe mount and external mic for the camera. It has a great first-person head mount for POVs wearable with single or double strap options. Moreover, it is slip- and water-proof which ensures it works in all weather conditions. It is the best action camera microphone attachment for water surfing.
Compatibility: GoPro Hero 5 onwards, Osmo Action, Action 2, Insta360 ONE R & Insta360 ONE X2 (with Adapter).
Best uses: Interviews and Sporting Events.
2. Vidpro XM-L Lavalier Condenser Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 65 Hz – 18 kHz
- Connector: 3.5 mm Jack
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Batteries: No battery
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 4 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 3.84 ounces
Vidpro’s XM-L Lavalier Microphone is a perfect choice for when you need to capture high-quality audio with your Go Pro camera! This microphone features an incredible sensitivity of -30dB +/- 3 dB, meaning it will work great no matter what type of noise level the environment may be around. It includes 20 feet of cabling, so you are never too far away from your subject. It also includes some extra goodies like a foam windscreen and lapel clips so viewers can hear everything crystal clear without any interference from outside sounds whatsoever. Plus mic connects with a 3.5mm plug through a 4-foot-long cable making the connection super easy. Thus, it is the best action camera microphone attachment for those who want a comfortable and easy microphone attachment.
Compatibility: GoPro HD Hero, Hero4 Black, Hero4 Silver, Hero Plus, Hero3 (no need for an Adapter).
Best uses: Interviews or Voice Recording.
3. Rode VideoMic Pro VMP Shotgun Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 40Hz – 20kHz (selected HPF @80)
- Connector: 3.5 mm Jack
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Batteries: 1x 9 volt alkaline battery
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 2.25 x 5.2 inches
- Weight: 3.03 ounces
You can capture your audio with unparalleled clarity and precision with the VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone. This rode mic for GoPro is also the best mic for DJI Osmo. Being a top-of-the-line broadcast recording microphone, it is also perfect for DSLRs, camcorders, and other video recording devices. It can be used in two modes, without a filter using its native response or with a high pass filter to cut frequencies below 80Hz. A high pass filter is great for cutting off noises like air conditioners and traffic noise. It also features a 3-way control switch for ambient noise reduction. Plus, it features integrated shock mounting for reduced handling noise. It delivers stunning sound quality no matter what the situation.
With its compact design and ultra-lightweight construction, the VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone is easy to take with you wherever you go. And thanks to its 9-volt battery power and long battery life, you can rest assured that this microphone will be ready to capture amazing sound whenever you need it. With this best action camera microphone attachment, you do not need to hurry when you have a battery that goes the distance.
Compatibility: GoPro Hero5 onwards, DJI Osmo Action, DJI Osmo Action 2, DJI Osmo pocket, Insta360 ONE R & Insta360 ONE X2 (with Adapter).
Best uses: Interviews and Sporting Events & Dialogue to Camera.
4. Rode VideoMicro Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 100 Hz to 20 kHz
- Connector: 3.5 mm Jack
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Batteries: No battery
- Dimensions: 3.15 x 0.83 x 0.83 inches
- Weight: 1.48 ounces
The VideoMicro is a compact microphone designed to improve the audio quality of your videos. It’s 80 millimeters long and only 42 grams, so it’s easy to carry with you wherever you go. And since it doesn’t require a battery, you can use it with any camera that has plug-in power (min 3v). It works great with GoPro models like GoPro Hero5 Black and onward models like GoPro Hero6 Black and GoPro Hero7 Black. Thus, it is the GoPro rode mic. Plus, it comes with a Rycote lyre shock mount and deluxe furry windshield which ensures that your audio remains clear and consistent, even during windy and intense filming sessions. So if you’re looking for better audio quality in your videos and vlog, the Rode VideoMicro is the best vlog microphone attachment for you.
Compatibility: GoPro Hero 5 onwards, Osmo Action, Action 2, Insta360 ONE R & Insta360 ONE X2 (with Adapter).
Best uses: Dialogue to Camera, Interview, Sports, Music.
5. Edutige ETM-008 Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 100 – 12000Hz
- Connector: 3.5mm jack
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Batteries: No battery
- Dimensions: 1.1 x 0.35 x 0.35 inches
- Weight: 1.4 ounces
The EDUTIGE ETM-008 Microphone is a unidirectional 3-pole (TRS) microphone that’s perfect for DSLR cameras, Mirrorless Cameras, GoPros, Action Cams, and Digital Voice Recorders. With its excellent signal-to-noise ratio of 69dB+, the ETM-008 provides high-quality audio for your recordings. It is the best action camera microphone attachment for journalists recording interviews or vloggers recording random videos since it discards the surrounding sounds and records that are in front. And because it’s plug-and-play, there’s no need for batteries – making it easy to use wherever you go. Plus, the ETM-008 comes with a cable and clip so you can use it as a Lavalier microphone when needed. Moreover, it’s small and durable with a gold-plated jack and metallic body.
Best uses: Outdoors, Independent Film, inside the car, and Interviews.
Compatibility: GoPro Hero3, Hero3, laptops, PCs (Skype calls), DSLR cameras, Camcorders, Digital Voice recorders, and MP3 players.
6. Movo GM100 Clip-on Lavalier Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 35 Hz to 18 kHz
- Connector: 3.5mm jack and USB
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Batteries: No battery
- Dimensions: 5.05 x 3.54 x 0.94 inches
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
This mic has an omnidirectional pickup pattern, meaning it will capture sound from all directions, making it a better alternative to your built-in HERO microphone. It’s also very portable and comfortable to wear – the components fit inside many standard camera cases. Plus, the mic windscreen keeps out wind and other noise, giving your recordings a clean and crisp sound. This clip-on Lavalier microphone is compatible with GoPro mic adapters, so you can easily connect it to your GoPro. It is one of the best action camera microphone attachments. It’s compatible with GoPro HERO3, HERO3+, and HERO4 Black, White, and Silver Editions. And since it doesn’t require batteries to work, you’ll never have to worry about missing a crucial shot because your microphone ran out of juice. All this makes it a perfect choice for field interviews, travel vlogging, moto vlogging, and more.
Best uses: Travel vlogs, Moto vlogs, Field interviews.
Compatibility: GoPro HERO3, HERO3+, and HERO4 Black, White, and Silver Editions.
7. AKASO External Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 15 kHz
- Connector: 3.5 mm Jack
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Batteries: 1x Lithium-ion battery
- Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.3 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 1.58 ounces
This external microphone is specifically designed to work with the AKASO Brave 7/ Brave 6 Plus/ V50 Pro action camera. It features a 57-inch long cable, a clip to attach it to your shirt or jacket, and a removable foam pad to reduce wind noise. This allows you to use the mic for clearer audio recordings during your adventures like travel vlogs, moto-vlogs, hiking adventures, and even field interviews. Moreover, it’s plug-and-play, and the camera auto-detects it when you plug it in. This means you can plug it into your helmet camera, clip it onto your shirt and you are ready for your quick motorcycle adventure commentary. So, if you need a quick solution for your Akaso camera then the Akaso external microphone is one of the best action camera microphone attachments to go with.
Best uses: Field interviews, Travel-Vlogs, Moto-Vlogs.
Compatibility: AKASO Brave 7/ Brave 6 Plus/ V50 Pro.
8. SoLID Lavalier Lapel Mic (Omnidirectional)
- Key Specifications:
- Connector: 3.5 mm Jack
- Connectivity Technology:
- Batteries: No battery
- Dimensions: 6.18 x 5.67 x 2.09 inches
- Weight: 2.89 ounces
Make your next video production look like a professional studio shoot with the Clip-On Lavalier Lapel Microphone! This set comes with everything you need to get great sound quality, including extension cords, wind muffs, a Y-connector, an adapter, and a storage pouch. Dual recording capability means you can use two Lavalier mics simultaneously for even better audio results in your footage. You’ll need a mic adopter to use it on your GoPro. But the dual recording capability makes it a great choice for activities like cooking vlogs and nature vlogs where you want to use one mic for your vocals and another one for natural sounds.
Moreover, it is compatible with most iPhones (that come with the headphone jack) and Android gadgets. So, if you are looking for a versatile microphone attachment option, this one can be the best action camera microphone attachment. You can use it with your action camera via an adopter, smartphone, and multiple other devices like laptops and tablets.
Best uses: Cooking vlogs, Nature vlogs, Documentaries, Pank videos.
Compatibility: iPhone iOS 6, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, Android phones, PC, Mac, Tablets, Chromebook, DSLR Video Camera.
9. Removu RM-M1+A1 Wireless Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 44.1 kHz
- Connector: USB
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth and USB
- Batteries: 2x Lithium Polymer
- Dimensions: 5.91 x 7.87 x 5.91 inches
- Weight: 5 ounces
The Removu waterproof Bluetooth Microphone and receiver is the best action camera microphone attachment for your GoPro HERO3, HERO3+, or HERO4 camera. This wireless mic for cameras lets you capture clear, professional-quality audio from up to 40 yards away, making it ideal for recording outdoor activities, interviews, and more. You can use this wireless microphone for GoPro models. The included Lithium battery provides more than six hours of run time and fits perfectly into the standard GoPro BacPac housing – so there’s no need to invest in additional equipment. The Bluetooth microphone for the camera is the perfect accompaniment to your GoPro camera. It comes in a perfect accessories package. The included M1 mic and A1 receiver ensure clear, professional audio, while the waterproof housing lets you take your recordings anywhere. The wind guard helps reduce noise and interference, while the clip and connector let you mount the microphone easily. Plus, the USB charging cable keeps you powered up for all-day shooting.
Best uses: Sporting events and other long-distance recording applications.
Compatibility: GoPro Hero4, Hero3, and Hero3+.
10. Sony ECMCS3 Clip Style Omni Directional Stereo Microphone
- Key Specifications:
- Frequency: 50 – 15,000 Hz
- Connector: 3.5 mm Jack
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Batteries: No battery
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.82 x 1.69 inches
- Weight: 0.422 ounces
Sony ECMCS3 is a clip-style stereo microphone from Sony that comes under 100 $. And despite being affordable, it gives excellent omnidirectional audio quality. It comes with a 360-degree rotation. The clip provides with simple attachment mechanism and can be easily attached to shirts or mounted on the helmet. It is one of the best action camera microphone attachments for your motorcycle helmet camera and despite the blowing wind, you’ll hear your voice clearly in your recordings. It can also be a great option for recording voiceovers and video streaming. It’s 3 segmented and connects directly to the GoPro adapter. It doesn’t require batteries. Moreover, it also works great with camcorders and DSLR models like Nikon D7000. It is the best camera mic for vlogging.
Best uses: Recording VO, Lectures, MotoVlogging, Vlogging, and indoor close proximity usage.
Compatibility: GoPro Hero4, Hero3, and Hero3+, Camcorders, DSLRs.
11. PolarPro Promic Microphone Kit
- Key Specifications:
- Connector: 3.5 mm mini-jack (mini-USB adapter included for GoPro)
- Connectivity: Directly plugs in
- Batteries: No battery
- Dimensions: 2.76 x 1.97 x 0.39 inches
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
With the Polar Pro Promic Microphone Kit, you can take the sound quality of your GoPros to the next level. This kit includes a ProMic, right-angle adaptor, windscreen, and wired Lavalier microphone. The ProMic plugs directly into your Hero2, Hero3, Hero3 plus, or Hero4 camera, and makes it easy to improve the sound levels and quality of your GoPro audio. And when you need to use a wired Lavalier microphone while your wifi is on, the included right-angle adaptor will come in handy. Finally, the windscreen will help reduce unwanted noise and buzzing from wind interference. It doesn’t require batteries and plugs directly into the camera. So, if you’re a beginner looking for a plug-and-play mic, the Polar Pro Promic Microphone kit is a great option to consider.
Best uses: Concerts, Motorsports, and Interviews.
Compatibility: GoPro Hero3+, Hero3, Hero4, and Hero2.
Buyers Guide: Features to look for when buying the best action camera microphone attachment
When it comes to choosing the best action camera microphone attachment, there are a number of factors you’ll need to consider. By thinking about what you’ll be using your camera for, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect microphone for your needs. Here are a few of the most important factors to consider:
Sound quality:
This is obviously the most important factor to consider when choosing the best microphone. The sound quality of the microphone should be clear and distortion-free. Make sure to read reviews and compare different models to find one that offers the best sound quality for your needs.
Compatibility:
Make sure that your action cam accepts the external mic input and that the microphone is also compatible with your camera model.
Connector type:
The most common connector types are 3.5mm, micro USB, and XLR. Make sure the connector type on the microphone matches the connector type on your camera. However, you can consider buying the adapter even if it doesn’t match.
Durability:
If you’re using your microphone for outdoor activities, you’ll want to make sure it’s durable enough to withstand the elements. For an action camera, you’d need a mic that’s waterproof and can stay put during your adventure.
Size and weight:
You’ll also want to consider the size and weight of the microphone, as these factors can be important considerations when choosing a model that is compatible with your action camera. The size and weight of your external microphone should not limit the portability of your action cam by adding too much size and weight to your initial setup. It should be comfortable to carry when clipped to your collar or mounted on your camera.
Price:
Finally, don’t forget to consider your budget when making your purchase. Mics for cameras range in price from around $20 to $200 or more, so make sure to find one that fits your budget.
People Also Ask
Can you connect a microphone to an action camera?
There are action camera models that allow connecting external microphones, and there are some that don’t. However, there are some models that would require an external mic adapter in order to use an external microphone. For instance, most GoPro high-end models like GoPro Hero5 Black and GoPro Hero7 black accept external mic, while 360 GoPro models like GoPro Max or GoPro Fusion and lower-end models like GoPro Hero Session, and GoPro Hero7 Silver don’t. While latest GoPro models like GoPro9 Black and GoPro10 Black would require you to use a Media Mod or adapter in order to use an external mic attachment.
Moreover, some cameras like SJcam and SooCoo have their own mini USB microphones. These mics are plug-and-play and work great with these brands. However, other cameras that come with a mini USB port or micro USB Type-C port require a 3.5mm female jack converter in order to connect an external mic that comes with a 3.5 mm male jack.
You may like to read: Different Types Of Action Camera Microphone Adapters
Why do I need an action camera microphone attachment?
While most action cameras have built-in microphones, the sound quality may not always meet professional standards. Therefore, the best action camera microphone attachments help capture clear and distortion-free sound, improving the overall audio quality of your videos.
What types of microphones are available for action cameras?
There are two common types: shotgun microphones and lavalier (lapel) microphones. Shotgun camera mics are ideal for capturing audio from a distance, such as interviews or sporting events. Lavalier is a compact microphone that attaches to the shirt, making it suitable for close-up recording or voiceovers.
You may like to read: Different Types Of External Microphones For Cameras
Are action camera microphone attachments waterproof?
Most action camera microphone attachments are not designed for underwater use. They are typically not waterproof, so it’s important to protect them from water exposure. However, there are certain models that are slip- and water-proof, making them suitable for various weather conditions
Can I use an action camera microphone attachment with a camera protective case?
The best action camera microphone attachments can be challenging to use with camera protective cases. The case may interfere with the microphone’s connectivity or affect the sound quality. It’s recommended to remove the protective case when using an external microphone for optimal performance.
Are there any affordable options for an action camera with mic attachments?
Yes, there are budget-friendly options available. For example, the Rode VideoMicro Microphone offers good sound quality at an affordable price. It’s a compact and lightweight option that doesn’t require a separate battery.
Final Words
An action cam with an external mic can be a valuable addition to your filming arsenal. By helping to capture clear, crisp sound without any distortion, they can help improve the overall quality of your videos. By considering the factors listed above, you can find the right model for your needs and enjoy crisp, clear audio while capturing impressive footage of all of your outdoor adventures.
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