If you’re looking for the best microphone for YouTube, this post is going to help. Learn what some of the top YouTubers use for on-camera mics, with specific models and settings compared. Plus, I include a set of other great mics, including the cheapest mic for YouTube to improve your audio.
Table of Contents
Guide to the Best YouTube Mics
It’s easy to make a list of random gear. But an actual recommendation is something else. What gear are YouTubers actually using?
In this post, we breakdown the top five mics that YouTubers are actually using. The first four are on-camera mics, and the fifth one is more of a stationary mic. Three of these mics also work great on a boom pole – something to keep in mind as you do other types of video.
How did we compile this list? It is a combination of watching videos (seeing the gear in use), direct YouTuber recommendations (in comments and in-video) and research by other bloggers. Did I miss something or make a mistake? Let me know in the comments. This post is a work in progress and will be continually updated.
This is a pretty big post. If you just want to find the best mic, we put together this short list. Here are the top five mics that we’ve identified many YouTubers using.
- Rode VideoMicPro (39 votes by YouTubers) See current price on Amazon
- Rode VideoMic Camera Mic (10 votes by YouTubers) See current price on Amazon
- Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone (8 votes by YouTubers) See current price on Amazon
- Rode VideoMic Pro+ (7 votes by YouTubers) See current price on Amazon
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone Black (5 votes by YouTubers) See current price on Amazon
We consider every YouTuber that is/was using a mic as a “vote”. We have summarized the list by votes – that is, actually using the gear. That counts as a vote for me. Plus, you can hear how it actually works before buying it.
| Rode VideoMic Pro | Rode VideoMicro Compact | Rode VideoMic Camera Mic | Rode VideoMic Pro+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  |   |   |   |
|
| Votes | 39 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Features | Most popular | Includes boom pole | Lightest | Premium |
| Connector | 3.5 mm minijack | 3.5 mm minijack | 3.5 mm minijack | 3.5 mm minijack |
| Price | See current price | See current price | See current price | See current price |
| Shock mount | Rycote Lyre | Rycote Lyre | Rycote Lyre | Rycote Lyre |
| Weight | 3 oz (85 grams) | 6.2 oz (176 grams) | 1.5 oz (42 grams) | 4.3 oz (122 grams) |
| Batteries required | 1 - 9V battery | 1 - 9V battery | No. Powered by camera plug-in power - min 3V | Built in rechargeable battery, USB powered, and AA batteries |
| Boom compatible | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Learn more about mic booms (and other audio accessories) at the end of the post.
5 Best On-Camera Mics for YouTubers
With the summary out of the way, let’s get to the detail. Here are the top on-camera mics, according to some of the biggest YouTubers.
1. Rode VideoMic Pro Camera Microphone
See list of YouTubers who use this mic, below the microphone summary.
Here’s a summary of the VideoMicPro. It is a directional, on-camera microphone. And from what our research tells us, it’s the most used mic on YouTube.
- Brand: Rode
- Features: Most popular mic
- Mount: Rycote Lyre
- Price: Check current price on Amazon
- Connector: 3.5 mm mini jack
- Weight: 3 oz (85 grams)
- Batteries Required: Yes, a 9V battery
- Boom mount: Yes. Camera shoe mount with 3/8″ thread for mounting to boompole.
The Rode VideoMic Pro Camera Mic is used by at least 39 YouTubers, including:
- Adam LZ
- Adelaine Morin
- Alisha Marie
- Aspyn Ovard
- Bella Fiori
- Casey Neistat
- Caspar Lee
- ChrisMD
- Claire Marshall
- Claudia Sulewski
- Clothesencounters
- DanTDM
- Devin Graham
- Dulce Candy
- Emma Blackery
- Exploring With Josh
- FaZe Teeqo
- fouseyTUBE
- FunForLouis
- Grace Helbig
- Guava Juice
- Ilikeweylie
- Jake Paul
- Jim Chapman
- Joe Weller
- Kianlawley
- Lilly Singh
- Logan Paul
- Marcus Butler
- Mark Dohner
- Mark Wiens
- McJuggerNuggets
- Mel Joy
- Morgz
- Nadeshot
- Nicole Guerriero
- NikkiPhillippi
- Samantha Maria
- Tanner Fox
As you can tell, the VideoMicPro is extremely popular among big YouTubers.
2. Rode Videomic Rycote Camera Microphone
See list of YouTubers who use this mic, below the microphone summary.
This is a great deal, coming with the Rycote Lyre suspension mount, boom pole, and a well rated mic.
- Brand: Rode
- Features: Includes boom pole and mounts
- Mount: Rycote Lyre
- Price: Check current price on Amazon
- Connector: 3.5 mm mini jack
- Weight: 6.2 oz (176 grams)
- Batteries Required: Yes, a 9V battery
- Boom mount: Yes. Camera shoe mount with 3/8″ thread for mounting to boompole. This mic comes with boom pole, adapter, and extension cable.
The Rode VideoMic is used by at least 10 YouTubers, including:
- Ali-A
- Joe Sugg
- Kandee Johnson
- MakeupByTiffanyD
- Manny Mua
- miniminter
- Nicole Guerriero
- Olivia Jade
- Rclbeauty101
- RiceGum
3. Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
See list of YouTubers who use this mic, below the microphone summary.
This is the smallest, lightest, and least expensive mic on the list. It includes the shock mount and furry windshield.
- Brand: Rode
- Features: Lightest mic (and least expensive)
- Mount: Rycote Lyre
- Price: Check current price on Amazon
- Connector: 3.5 mm mini jack
- Weight: 1.5 oz (42 grams)
- Batteries Required: No. Mic is powered by camera plug-in power – min 3V.
- Boom mount: Yes, well sort of. It isn’t really meant for a boom, but some users have connected it. Camera shoe mount with 3/8″ thread for mounting to boompole. You’ll need an extension cable if you plan to use a boom pole.
The Rode VideoMicro Mic is used by at least 8 YouTubers, including:
- Alfie Deyes
- Alisha Marie
- Emma Chamberlain
- Jon Olsson
- Julien Solomita
- MyLifeAsEva
- Ryan Higa
- Zoella
4. Rode VideoMic Pro+
See list of YouTubers who use this mic, below the microphone summary.
It is similar to the VideoMicPro (see the first mic on the list) but with a few significant improvements. These include: 3 power options with automatic power, easy battery replacement, and digital switching.
- Brand: Rode
- Features: This is the premium option in the list.
- Mount: Rycote Lyre
- Price: Check current price on Amazon
- Connector: 3.5 mm mini jack
- Weight: 4.3 oz (122 grams)
- Batteries Required: No, but it accepts batteries. There are three power options: it has a built in rechargeable battery, USB power, and AA batteries.
- Boom mount: Yes. Camera shoe mount with 3/8″ thread for mounting to boompole. This mic comes with boom pole, adapter, and extension cable.
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is used by at least seven YouTubers, including:
- Casey Neistat
- Jake Paul
- JoJo Siwa
- Logan Paul
- Mark Dohner
- Tanner Braungardt
- WolfieRaps
5. Blue Yeti USB Microphone Black
See list of YouTubers who use this mic, below the microphone summary.
I didn’t include this mic in the chart at the top of the article, because it isn’t an on-camera mic.
But if you are going to be filming from a desk or table, this might be the right mic for you. You might consider this mic if you’re a gamer, singer, or interviewer.
- Brand: Blue Yeti
- Features: This mic has been around forever. It’s popular with YouTube gamers and podcasters.
- Mount: Rycote Lyre
- Price: Check current price on Amazon
- Connector: 3.5 mm mini jack
- Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
- Batteries Required: Yes, 1 Lithium ion battery required.
- Boom mount: Yes. Mic can be mounted to a boom arm. Because it’s a USB mic, it isn’t meant to be used in the field. You’ll likely use this in front of your laptop.
The Blue Yeti Mic is used by at least 5 YouTubers, including:
- Avxry
- Daequan
- Kenith
- Logan Paul
- Myth
Here’s how to choose the best 4K video camera.
More reading: How to use a DSLR as a webcam
5 Other Mics for YouTubers
Here are some other options to consider for your videos.
Wireless Microphones
Wireless Mics: Ditch the wires and go wireless. It is more expensive and you’ll have to consider battery life, but you’ll also have more freedom of movement – and can film without a boom mic.
Sennheiser AVX Digital Wireless Mic System (ME2): Plugs directly into the XLR audio input. DECT 1.9GHz transmission and AES-256 encryption. No license required to operate this system. See current price. - Sennheiser Wireless Lavalier Mic System (EW 112P G4-A): Range of 330 feet (100 meters) with up to 8 hours operation. This all in one system produces broadcast quality sound. Includes bodypack transmitter, camera receive, clip-on mic, and connection cables and batteries. See current price.
USB Microphones for YouTube
USB Mics: If you are going to be somewhat stationary, a USB mic might be the right fit for you. This includes gamers, beauty bloggers, podcasters, and singers.
- Rode NT-USB: This is a solid cardioid mic. It includes desk stand, ring mount, 20′ (6 meter) USB cable, and storage pouch. Mic also has 3.5 mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring. See current price.
- Blue Yeti X Professional: This is the upgraded version of the Blue Yeti that we covered in the primary list. The Professional model includes 4 pickup patterns (omni, cardioid, stereo, and bidirectional mode). See current price.
Cheapest Mic for YouTube
If you just want some good audio for cheap, here are the best mics to keep it simple.
Lavalier Lapel Mic (Clip on): This mic by PowerDeWise is probably the cheapest, and simplest way to improve your audio.
It works with phones, computers and DSLR cameras. It includes a required adapter for DSLRs and laptops. The mic comes with a 59″ cord. The kit also comes with a 79″ extension cord, so you don’t have to be directly in front of your camera.
The price is super affordable and is especially well reviewed. See current price.
Why does a cheap mic help so much? When you are more than 3 feet away from your camera, you can get an echo. Outside, your built-in mic will pick up wind and road noise. And if you are handholding your camera while filming, the mic can pick up the noise (which is very distracting in playback).
A clip on mic eliminates (or reduces) all these issues. Even an inexpensive one like this.
Mic Accessories for Great Audio
Mic Boom
This is a great addition to your audio setup.
Koolerton Boom Pole: This has a standard 3/8″ screw hole that will fit the Rode mics above. It extends from 38 to 118 inches (97 to 300 cm). Makes a great boom pole or monopod. See current price. At just over 2 lbs, it is super lightweight. Which is what you’ll want if someone has to hold this overhead for any amount of time.
AmazonBasics Tripod Boom Stand: At just 3.3 lbs, this is a lightweight mic tripod. Has both 3/8″ and 5/8″ connection. It also has clip on cable holders for your wired microphone. If you just need a stationary mic stand, this one by AmazonBasics should do what you need. See current price. It can be configured up for standing, down to record instruments, or horizontally for a boom mic setup.- Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand: This is going to be the best desk mount for your mic. It comes with shock mount, double screen pop filters, and more. See current price. One of the nice features of a scissor stand, is that it can be easily moved into/out of position, without reclamping. It keeps your gear safe and your audio crisp.
Rode DeadCat Mic Wind Shield
The fur mic wind shield is pretty important for audio quality. It comes in a variety of sizes: Dead cat, dead kitten and dead wombat – depending on the size you need for your mic.
Make sure to check the mic you’re ordering to see if it already comes with a wind shield in the box. If not, it’s a good item to toss in your cart.
How does a wind shield improve audio? The artificial fur is specially designed so as to minimise wind noise while remaining acoustically transparent.
The DDC-VMPR is used by Jake Paul, Logan Paul, and Tessa Brooks.
Replacement Audio Cables
It’s a good idea to have a spare cable or two when you’re heading out on a shoot. Funny things can happy that might cause your cable to fail.
- Here’s a replacement 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRRS patch adapter cable. This will connect your Rode, Boya, and Movo mics to your iPhone or Android phone.
- And here’s a 3.5mm TRS patch cable to connect your Rode mic to your DSLR camera. It extends from 170mm to 400mm in length.
Common Questions
What is Rycote Lyre?
Rycote Lyre is a microphone suspension system. The actual mount is a “Lyre” and the suspension design is Rycote.
Rycote Lyre is a popular mic mount because it provides shock isolation – keeping the audio crisp and clean.
What is a lavalier mic?
A lavalier is a small mic that is clipped on the collar, tie, or other clothing, allowing for hands free operation.
Lavalier microphones are also known as lapel mic, body mic, lav, collar mic, or clip mic.
Examples of lavalier mics include this and this.
Thinking about picking up an old fashioned webcam? Here are the best webcams for YouTube.
Want to improve your GoPro audio? Learn more in our Vloggers Guide to GoPro Microphones.
Planning your new vlogging channel? Make sure to check out Our Recommended Vlogging Equipment
Your Turn
Which mic did you settle on? Have a tip or question? Let me know below. I’ll try to answer every question.
Also, if you have a detail about gear a specific YouTuber is using, let me know. I would love to add that to the post.
Happy shooting!
- About the Author
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Bryan Haines is co-founder and blogger on ClickLikeThis. We cover action cameras and outdoor photography with a focus on GoPro cameras.
He is a travel blogger at Storyteller.Travel and co-founder of Storyteller Media, a company he started with his wife, Dena.