Best wireless microphones in comparison - Wireless microphones review - Lavalier microphones
Our winners in the segments:
Category “Mini” devices:
under 150$
under 250$
from 300$
- Use our affiliate links and support our work.
Our website is free of advertising banners and we state transparently when we have been sent a product. By purchasing from our affiliate partners you do not pay more and support us. Thank you!
The new category of mini microphones
The Hollyland Lark M2 was the first microphone on the market that wanted to be subtle and small. Røde and DJI also realized relatively quickly that this was a good size to convince content creators. There is now a whole mini series of wireless microphones.
3rd place: Hollyland Lark M2 - small button, big sound
The M2 was actually the first usable mini microphone. These are cheap, small and come with a charging case and accessories. Users are people who record with their smartphone. However, the M2 is now available in several versions
- Camera (with jack output)
- Smartphone USB-C
- Smartphone Lightnig
- Combo with all of the above receiver types
The price above is for the smartphone USB-C device.
★★★★☆
The Hollyland Lark sounds good for the size.
★★★★★
The Mic performs well here, thanks to the different available models
★★★★☆
The Lark seems a little cheaper than other microphones in the “mini” class
2nd place: Røde Wireless Micro - Better than most Røde Wireless products
The Røde Wireless Micro is the first time that Røde has offered a complete package that performs really well. You get a charging case (which is not the case until the Wireless Pro for around €350), a smartphone receiver and small, subtle transmitters.
This is actually a good overall package for this manufacturer. As you would expect from Rode, the sound is still good. It is noticeable that the microphone sounds better in the hand in front of the mouth than on the collar.
The microphone is available for smartphones with USB-C and Lightning connection. There is no option to connect it to a camera.
★★★★★
As usual, it takes first place in the sound category. It sounds balanced and of high quality.
★★★★☆
Rather mediocre, as you are limited to USB-C and Lightning.
★★★★★
The Wireless Micro looks high-quality and modern, we have nothing to criticize about it
1st place: DJI Mic Mini: The best overall package
The DJI once again impresses with its quality. Above all, the overall package simply stands out positively. You have really small transmitters, a charging case and a bag for all the accessories. The case is robust and everything feels high quality.
You also have the option of connecting the receiver in ONE device via USB-C, Lightning (although this costs $19 and is not included) and via a jack (i.e. to the camera). No one in the mini segment can do that.
The sound is also absolutely great, making the DJI Mic Mini the winner in the mini microphone segment!
★★★★★
Not much worse than the Wireless Mirco, very balanced and clear.
★★★★★
Camera, USB-C and Lightning in one “mini” receiver is simply good!
★★★★★
The case and the microphones look high quality and the small magnets are super strong.
Wireless microphones under 150€ (Rode Wireless Me and alternatives)
Since March 2023, the market leader in this segment, Wireless Go, has been joined by Wireless Me, which is tailored to content creators. This wireless solution represents an affordable entry-level segment. We looked for and tested two alternatives! You can read the results of our test here or watch our YouTube video.
3rd place: Hollyland Lark C1 - wireless microphone for smartphones
The Lark is a dual system, i.e. there are two microphones with an integrated transmitter and a receiver. The receiver is plugged into the iPhone via a Lightning connector. To be honest, the Hollyland Lark C1 does not make such a high-quality impression. The case, which is actually practical, is not a perfect fit for the devices. They rattle loudly when you move the case.
We were personally very surprised by the speed of the connection, we were able to plug the receiver into the iPhone, waited 2 seconds and the signal was ready to be recorded via the Apple voice memo app. That’s incredibly fast. However, we had already discovered a function unintentionally during the first connection. As we assumed that the microphones had to be connected manually, we pressed the button on the side of the microphone and the microphone and transmitter lit up green instead of blue.
However, green means that the “noise reduction” mode is active. Blue means that the microphone is connected and noise reduction is not active. We strongly advise against making a recording with this function, as this “feature” totally destroys the microphone signal. Regardless of whether there is hiss or other background noise, the function severely affects the sound and makes it sound much worse.
This brings us to the sound of the Lark C1, which is identical to the Lark M1* except for the receiver. The sound is unfortunately very unclean, especially in comparison to the Røde and the Fulaim, you can clearly hear in the video that the Lark has the worst sound. It neither sounds full in the bass nor does the treble sound clean. It sounds unbalanced, muddy and not of high quality. What’s more, you can’t connect a lavalier microphone! Click here for our Hollyland Lark C1 test.
Hollyland Lark C1 = Smartphone models selectable with USB-C and Lightning
Hollyland Lark M1 = Camera model with jack connection.
★★☆☆☆
The Hollyland Lark unfortunately does not sound high quality, it sounds muddy and inferior
★★★★★
This is where the model shines, the connection works in seconds
★☆☆☆☆
The Lark looks a bit cheap, the case is not a perfect fit
2nd place: Rode Wireless ME - Audio quality is the priority!
Update: The Wireless ME is now also available as a DUAL version, a more up-to-date version of the Wireless GO II
The Røde Wireless GO set a new standard for wireless microphones in 2019. Its smart operation and low price brought pressure to the industry, which was otherwise dominated by Sennheiser, AKG and Shure. It was no longer about frequencies in mhz on which to transmit, but about simple, fast connections for content creators, for example. The technology became cheaper and simpler.
This is exactly where the Rode Wireless Me comes in, because it was designed to be even cheaper and simpler. Because the Wireless ME has one microphone on the transmitter and one on the receiver, there is no need for one device.
You can still record an interview, for example, if you connect a lavalier (e.g. the Lavalier GO II) to both devices. You should then connect the receiver in your pocket to your smartphone using the supplied cable and you have two clean microphone signals for little money! You could even leave out the lavalier microphones, but then you would have to get a longer USB-C to Lightning (or USB-C to USB-C, depending on your smartphone) cable and hide it.
The sound is definitely convincing, in a direct comparison we clearly heard that the sound is the cleanest, the bass is clearly defined, the treble is clear but not too exaggerated. We personally think that the glossy surface on the transmitter and receiver looks classy, but scratches too quickly and constantly gets greasy marks. As the device is particularly suitable for use on the move, this is not a good combination.
The Røde apps help the Wireless ME in terms of connectivity, as the microphones do not connect as quickly as the other two in the test. However, this connection can be checked using the apps, and everything usually connects very quickly after the initial setup. You can also use the apps to adjust the level and the LEDs and adapt the recording configuration (merged or stereo split). The only disadvantage is that the new Rode Capture app is not available for Android. These users have to fall back on the somewhat older but still good Rode Central or Rode Reporter. Click here for our Røde Wireless Me Review.
★★★★★
1st place for the sound, which is balanced and of high quality
★★★★☆
Slight difficulties the first time, but still very good thanks to the Røde apps
★★★★★☆
Very good workmanship, feels high-quality, lacquer look superfluous (scratches quickly)
1st place: Fulaim X5M - Our surprise
The Fulaim X5 also has the classic two wireless microphones and a receiver plus case. Like the Hollyland, the case is rechargeable and convenient, as it is more or less a power bank. If you put the devices in the case, they charge directly and are easily stowed away. The difference to the C1 is that the devices sit better in the case and it also looks much more valuable.
The microphones were connected super quickly and you can connect the receiver directly to a USB-C or Lightning device using a mini adapter, which is practical. However, the construction with the adapter seems a little fragile, so you might want to get a cable adapter to prevent the receiver from breaking if you do get to it.
As with the Røde Wireless, you can connect a lavalier microphone to the transmitter and also connect the receiver to a camera via a 3.5mm jack, for example, to record the sound there. There is also an internal memory. The Fulaim therefore combines the fast connection of the C1 and the flexible connections of the Wireless ME. The Fulaim also has two transmitters.
For the price, this is our big surprise, as we didn’t expect much from this model. The Fulaim also performs well in terms of sound, although it doesn’t come close to the Røde, as the treble sounds a little exaggerated. You can judge the sound for yourself in the video above. Click here for our Fulaim X5 review.
★★★★★
Doesn't sound much worse than the Wireless Me, very balanced
★★★★★
Everything connects fast, there is also a model with internal recording
★★★★★☆
Good workmanship for the price and range of functions
Wireless microphones up to 250€ (Rode Wireless GO II and alternatives)
3rd place: Wireless GO II - You can see its age - New Wireless Go Gen 3 below
You can’t blame the Røde Wireless GO II, because it was one of the first really professional microphones. And that was in early 2021! Since then, many new models have appeared on the rapidly developing market and have overtaken the Røde.
Only in terms of sound can it still keep up with its younger competitors. If you want to buy a model from the Røde brand, we recommend the newer Wireless ME Dual.
★★★★☆
Very balanced, there is still not much wrong with the sound. The poor connection (crackling) is a negative factor
★★☆☆☆
Not good for the price. Outdated cables, no case, worst in the connection test
★★☆☆☆
The workmanship itself is fine, the lacquer look is not particularly practical and the overall quality is really getting on in years
2nd place: DJI MIC 1 - “outdated” but really young at heart!
The DJI MIC 1 was DJI’s first challenge to other established manufacturers on the audio market. And you can still see that today! The DJI MIC 2 is already available, but the predecessor model doesn’t look particularly old. The case and workmanship in particular are still very user-friendly and the sound is good.
If you want noise reduction and 32-bit float, you should opt for the second generation, but the first generation is perfectly adequate as an entry-level model. Or you can go for the winner in this price range…
★★★★★
High quality, clear and without crackling or noise
★★★★☆
Good! The case means you have everything with you, all adapters are included and it's easy to use
★★★★★
The workmanship is very high quality
1st place: Hollyland Lark Max - Our surprise and recommendation!
The Hollyland Lark Max surprised us with its packaging. It was almost emotional, Apple-like packaging. Not only does it come with a charging case, but also a robust bag that looks waterproof.
In addition to the perfect scope of delivery, the design and workmanship are also successful. You get noise reduction, good displays, internal recording in the transmitter and other PRO features for €249! We were really positively impressed by the Hollyland Lark Max, perhaps it is also the winner of our hearts, as it packs useful features into a product for a reasonable price.
For this number of features and build quality, you have to pay more with other manufacturers. We have also written a detailed review of the Hollyland Lark Max.
UPDATE: The normal Lark Max Duo isn’t available on Amazon, only the Duo with some lavalier mics. Thats why it’s over 250$ now.
★★★★★
Even the noise reduction sounds good, internal recording sounds very clean!
★★★★★
Very good and above all transparent. You get visual and haptic feedback when changing functions
★★★★☆
The workmanship is high quality, although there is no metal here, but this is only found in higher price ranges.
Wireless microphones from 350€ (Rode Wireless Pro and alternatives)
So let’s move on to the prosumer area, which is mainly about quality. We are already moving into the more professional area here, but the products are still user-friendly.
4th place: Sony ECM-W3 - More expensive does not mean better
Let’s be clear: just because the Sony ECM-W3 is the most expensive model doesn’t mean it’s the best wireless microphone. Sony has a completely different concept to the other models. The ECM-W3 is designed to be plugged into the camera’s MI hot shoe (MI = Multi Interface) and immediately record two separate audio channels onto the video file.
The W-3 also works well via USB or jack connection, but the connectivity is unfortunately poor. No cables are supplied and the ECM-W3 was not recognized as a compatible accessory on our Sony A6600, although the camera is not so old or cheap that this would be an excuse.
The Sony is also the only wireless system over 350€ that cannot record internally, and 32-bit float recording is also not possible. Overall, we therefore have to deduct a few points, we would not recommend this system unless you are sure that your camera is compatible! Click here for the Sony ECM-W3 Review.
★★★★☆
Very balanced, but sounds compressed in places, sometimes crackling due to faulty connection
★★☆☆☆
Not good for the price. No cables, the MI hot shoe is not compatible with many Sony cameras.
★★☆☆☆
Not so good for the price either, plastic that doesn't look robust and not a bag but a pouch
3rd place: Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 - 32 bit float without charging case
The Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 is the long-awaited new generation of the well-known Wireless GO and actually has some new features to offer! The focus is once again – typically Røde – on sound quality. With 32 bit float recordings and Gain Assist, it’s almost impossible to get the microphone to clip/overdrive. The design has changed slightly and has noticeably moved in the direction of Wireless Pro.
And that’s the point: the third generation has a much lower performance and scope of delivery for a few euros less. With the Wireless Pro you get almost all the features of the 3rd generation GO and you get a charging case and two lavalier microphones. At the moment, it makes no sense to choose the GO III over the Pro.
There is also the Wireless Me Dual mentioned above, which has more or less replaced the Wireless GO II, as it has a very similar range of functions for a lower price. The third generation is not a bad microphone in itself, but the other two models definitely make more sense as an investment in the overall package. You can find more details in our individual Rode Wireless Go 3 Review.
★★★★★
The transmitters sound absolutely clean, internal 32 bit recordings ensure good quality
★★★★☆
There is nothing wrong with the connectivity, a charging case is missing for the price
★★★☆☆
The workmanship of the devices is good, the accessories are inadequate for this price segment
2nd place: Rode Wireless PRO - Going professional
The Rode Wireless PRO is the more professional brother of the well-known Wireless GO and really packs a punch! The scope of delivery is absolutely impressive compared to the Sony, because you not only get two cases, but also all the necessary cables (USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, TRRS), but also two lavalier microphones (Lavalier II from Rode) if the transmitter is a bit too big for you. Rode wins more than just one point here, that’s great!
Two cases? Exactly! A charging case with battery for transmitter and receiver and a case for accessories such as windscreens, lavalier microphones, etc. This can be practical, but DJI has also found a good solution for Mic 2: A bag in which the charging case and accessories fit, so you only have to think about a bag.
The Wireless Pro can record 40(!) hours in 32-bit float internally, which is more than enough. It is also the only device that is timecode compatible, which makes synchronizing audio and video a breeze! Click here for our Røde Wireless Pro Review.
★★★★★
The transmitters sound very clean, the lavalier microphones sound professional
★★★★★
Internal recording, the case is recognized as a data carrier. The only disadvantage is that you need the Rode software
★★★★★
High-quality workmanship, protective case, good scope of delivery
1st place: DJI MIC 2 (approx. €349) - winner of the hearts
The DJI MIC 2 is logically the successor to the DJI MIC 1 and therefore an optimized version. With many of the new features, you get the feeling that usability has really come to the fore. As a significant change, not only has the display become larger, but the DJI can also record internally in 32bit float. So you can be sure that there will be no connection errors or clipping, a really good feature!
The workmanship of the charging case has also improved, it is the only one of the wireless microphones compared that is made of metal and only opens when you press the button. The workmanship and usability of the bag, which holds the charging case and accessories including cables and windscreen, is also really good. You have a small bag that you can put in before a shoot and you simply have everything with you.
The only downside we noticed was the small Lightning and USB-C adapters, which are plugged into the receiver with a small connector plate. Unfortunately, these adapters are not of such high quality and are a little fiddly to convert.
Overall, however, the DJI MIC 2 totally won us over technically (and admittedly also emotionally). An absolute recommendation! Click here for the DJI MIC 2 Review.
★★★★★
The sound of the DJI transmitters is high quality, the 32-bit float recordings ensure that you have good sound!
★★★★★
We had no problems connecting the DJI to the camera with existing cables or via Lightning and even Bluetooth
★★★★★
There is nothing wrong with the workmanship, especially the bag and the charging case are very well made and user-friendly
Are you missing a microphone?
Of course, we can’t test every single wireless microphone. If you are convinced that the model you are using is better than a 1st place in the category, please send us an email to info@soundandgo.com. We’ll be happy to take a look 🙂
Conclusion: Wireless microphones - better audio recordings simply, quickly and wirelessly
We are surprised that the Fulaim X5 could offer such a good performance! The Rode Wireless Me retains first place in terms of sound, in the future we will also test the other Rode models including alternatives!
We were also surprised by the Lark Max, which can deliver a really good overall package. In our test we were completely satisfied, good accessories, good functions. The sound is also really good.
In the expensive segment, the decision is clear on the one hand, as the Sony virtually disqualifies itself due to its price-performance ratio. DJI Mic 2 and Røde Wireless Pro are in a neck-and-neck race, with the Røde winning in terms of accessories and professionalism. The DJI is more consumer-focused and can be operated more intuitively.
If you’re also looking for wired alternatives, we also compare interview microphones. Can’t get enough? Check out our comparison of podcast microphones! For clean sound recordings, check this out: how to remove microphone background noise.
Links marked with * are affiliate links. There are no additional costs for you, some of these links are with an automatic discount for you. We mark these links for transparency and would never recommend bad products. Find out more here: Our partners.
