How to Choose a Wireless Mic for Your iPhone or Android Phone

A wireless mic sits close to your mouth, so your voice stays clear even when your phone is across the room. The right one depends on how you record.

Wireless mics connect to your phone in one of two ways. A transmitter, which is the mic you wear or hold, and a receiver that plugs into your phone. The transmitter sends your voice to the receiver over a wireless connection.

There are also mics that skip the receiver and connect via Bluetooth. Some of these mics only work inside the maker’s app. In some cases, the sound quality with Bluetooth can be lower than using a receiver.

On iPhone, most camera and recording apps pick up a plugged-in mic. On Android, it depends on the phone. If your built-in camera app doesn’t use an external mic, try a free third-party app like Open Camera. In its settings, go to Video settings > Audio source and choose External mic.

With a single mic, you can move it between you and the person you’re talking to. This works well for interviews.

If two people are talking back and forth for a while, give each person their own mic. Some kits come with two transmitters, and others let you add a second one later.

If you use two mics, check how the kit sends both voices to your phone:

• Mixed: Both voices are combined into one track. This is the easiest option if you post straight from your phone.
• Split: Each voice goes to its own channel, so you can balance them when editing. If you post a split recording without editing, each person can end up in only one ear.

If you’re not sure what to look for in a mic, here are some common features to compare:

Adjustable noise cancellation

Noise cancellation reduces background sound, but strong settings can make your voice sound thin. Look for levels you can choose, plus a way to switch it off.

Windscreens in the box

Outdoors, a furry windscreen blocks wind before it reaches the mic. Noise cancellation can’t remove strong wind on its own.

Auto gain with a manual option

Gain sets how loud your voice comes through in your recording. Automatic gain control (AGC) adjusts it as you speak louder or softer, which is a good place to start. In places with constant background noise, like air conditioning or traffic, AGC can raise that noise along with your voice, so setting the gain manually gives you more control.

Built-in voice processing

Some mics clean up audio on the device itself, such as a low-cut filter, or a limiter that catches sudden loud peaks.

Battery per charge and in total

Check both the runtime per charge and the total with the charging case or handle.

Charging while you record

Some receivers have a charge-through port, so you can charge your phone while the receiver is plugged in. Some ports only deliver about 5 W, which charges slowly and may only slow the battery drain during a livestream. For long livestreams, look for a port that supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD). This is the fast-charging standard most chargers use.

Maximum range

The advertised range assumes nothing is in the way. Your body, walls, and other wireless devices nearby can shorten it.

Water resistance

If you often shoot in the rain or near water, check whether the kit has an IP rating.

Backup recording

Some transmitters save a copy of your audio on the device, sometimes in 32-bit float, a format that records loud peaks without clipping so you can turn them down in editing.

If you want one mic for both talking to camera and interviews, consider Wave Go. Clip it to your shirt, or slot it into the included Smart Handle to use it as a handheld mic. It sets your levels automatically, comes with two furry windscreens, and works with USB-C phones and computers. Whichever mic you choose, our tips for recording better audio on your phone cover where to place it.