Lavalier microphones, also called lapel microphones, are small, lightweight clip-on mics for capturing hands-free audio. They clip directly onto your clothing, remaining a constant distance from the subject's mouth for consistent results.

But you don't need to spend a considerable amount of money on a lavalier microphone. Instead, you can pick up a cheap lavalier mic, and most people won't realize you're using a low-cost mic.

Here are the best budget lavalier microphones available today.

Suppose you're looking for a wireless lavalier microphone but have a limited budget to play with. In that case, the Alvoxcon Wireless Headset Lavalier Microphone System could be the perfect option for you. It's a budget wireless dual lavalier microphone designed for public address systems, mixers, and recorders with a 1/4-inch MIC IN input jack.

One highlight is that you can simultaneously mic up to two people, which is ideal for interviews and podcasts. In addition, it comes with excellent accessories, including adapters for phones and DSLR cameras so that you can use it with just about any recording device.

The Alvoxcon Wireless Headset Lavalier Microphone System has an effective range of about 100 feet with fast, one-key auto-pairing. The transmitters have a small display showing the battery status and frequency, along with two buttons for you to adjust the volume or select the ideal frequency. Built-in batteries power the receiver and transmitters, and they recharge via micro-USB.

Key Features
  • 100-foot range
  • Selectable channel and volume control
  • Dual transmitters
  • Two lavalier mics and headset mics
Specifications
  • Brand: Alvoxcon
  • Type: Lavalier
  • Pattern: Unidirectional
  • Power: Built-in battery
  • Battery: Rechargeable
  • Audio Sensitivity: -40dB
  • Connector: 1/4-Inch plug
Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Can mic two people simultaneously
  • Useful accessories
  • Fast pairing
Cons
  • Picks up some background noise
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Alvoxcon Wireless Headset Lavalier Microphone System

The Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone is suitable for voice recording using smartphones, tablets, laptops, or any portable devices with a 3.5mm input jack.

It delivers Shure's classic signature sound with excellent clarity and less noise without breaking the bank. In addition, it's lightweight and portable and comes with a metal clip, a protective carrying pouch, and a windscreen to minimize wind noise and plosives.

The device works with the ShurePlus MOTIV mobile recording app, which provides advanced recording options such as metering, equalization, and wind noise reduction for the best sound quality.

Key Features
  • Effective RF interference protection
  • Less susceptible to distortion
  • Includes windscreen, protective case, and removable tie clip
Specifications
  • Brand: Shure
  • Type: Lavalier
  • Pattern: Omnidirectional
  • Power: Plug-in Power
  • Battery: Not required
  • Audio Sensitivity: -44dB
  • Connector: 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRRS
Pros
  • Excellent audio clarity
  • Wide compatibility, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops
  • Works ShurePlus MOTIV recording app
Cons
  • Short cable
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Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone

The Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone Kit may not have the premium sound of more expensive mics, but it offers a lot of bang for the buck. It's a great alternative if you're on a tight budget and looking for a universal lavalier mic that works with many portable devices.

The kit includes a lavalier mic with a TRRS connector for devices with a 3.5mm mic input jack, like smartphones and laptops. You can also use it with a DSLR camera, Zoom portable recorders, and GoPro HERO models with a mini USB port (HERO 2 up to HERO 4) using the bundled TRS and mini-USB adapters.

The captured audio is much better than the built-in mics on most smartphones and laptops. The mic firmly clips to a tie, shirt, or blouse, and it blocks a decent amount of background noise with the attached windscreen, which you can swap for the included fuzzy windscreen when recording in windy environments.

Key Features
  • Compatible with smartphones, tablets, and laptops
  • Includes drawstring pouch, extra tie clip, fuzzy windscreen, and adapters
  • Long 4.9-foot cable with extension cord included
Specifications
  • Brand: Purple Panda
  • Type: Lavalier
  • Pattern: Omnidirectional
  • Power: Plug-in Power
  • Battery: Not required
  • Audio Sensitivity: -40dB
  • Connector: 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRRS
Pros
  • Good value
  • Decent sound capture
  • Wide compatibility
  • Useful accessories
Cons
  • Poor build quality
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Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone Kit

The Sony ECM-LV1 is an excellent choice if you want an affordable lavalier microphone to use with a camera or recorder. With a TRS connector, this small, unobtrusive mic works flawlessly with most DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and digital voice recorders like the Zoom H4n Pro.

The ECM-LV1 delivers outstanding sound quality and clarity with its omnidirectional sound pickup and impressive noise reduction. When recording outdoors, you can use the included windshield to minimize wind noise and block out plosives, ensuring crisp and balanced sound recording in any environment.

Build quality is impressive, given the price. The 360-degree rotating clip makes it easy to attach the microphone to different types of clothes when rocking an official look for interviews or casual wear for vlogs. Overall, if you want a high-quality lapel mic for your camera or recorder without paying a premium, it's hard to go wrong with the ECM-LV1 from Sony.

Key Features
  • TRS jack for DSLR cameras and voice recorders
  • 360-degree rotating clip
  • Windshield included
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Type: Lavalier
  • Pattern: Omnidirectional
  • Power: Plug-in Power
  • Battery: Not required
  • Audio Sensitivity: Not provided
  • Connector: 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRS
Pros
  • Clear stereo sound
  • Flexible attachment
  • Excellent quality
Cons
  • Not compatible with smartphones as it needs a TRRS adapter
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Sony ECM-LV1 Stereo Lavalier Microphone

If the Sony ECM-LV1 is still out of your budget, the Movo DOM1 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone might be an excellent alternative budget lavalier mic for your DSLR.

It's cheaper and has the same TRS connector, compatible with most digital cameras and recorders with a 3.5mm TRS mic input. The DOM1 is optimized for cameras and features an omnidirectional pickup pattern to capture crisp, natural-sounding recordings.

It relies on plug-in power from the recording device so that you can shoot endlessly without interruptions. The build quality isn't as impressive as the Lavalier GO, but you still get a metal clip and windscreen muff for outdoor use.

Key Features
  • Omni voice pickup pattern
  • Optimized for DJI Osmo 4K handheld camera
  • Includes a metal clip and windscreen muff
  • One-year warranty
Specifications
  • Brand: MOVO Photo
  • Type: Lavalier
  • Pattern: Omnidirectional
  • Power: Plug-in Power
  • Battery: Not required
  • Audio Sensitivity: -30dB
  • Connector: 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRS
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Decent sound quality
  • Strong clip
Cons
  • Feels cheap
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Movo DOM1 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

The TTStar Lavalier Microphone Professional for iPhone might not be from a well-established brand. Still, it's the best budget lavalier microphone you can buy for your iPhone and earlier iPad models with a Lightning connector.

This cheap lavalier mic connects to your iPhone without needing an adapter. It has a Lightning connector, a 6.6-foot cord, a secure clip, and two wind muffs for outdoor use. The mic is omnidirectional, so you get positioning flexibility and a wide voice pickup range.

The mic supports noise cancellation but still picks some background noise, which is an issue with most cheaper mics. However, the overall sound quality is noticeably better than recording with an iPhone, and you don't have to shout or speak louder to reach the best performance. It's a great iPhone lavalier mic for the money.

Key Features
  • Lightning connector for iPhone and iPad
  • Omnidirectional voice pickup
  • Noise-canceling capabilities
Specifications
  • Brand: TTStar
  • Type: Lavalier
  • Pattern: Omnidirectional
  • Power: Plug-in Power
  • Battery: Not required
  • Audio Sensitivity: -30dB
  • Connector: Lightning
Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Plug-and-play on iPhones
Cons
  • Picks up some background noise
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TTStar Lavalier Microphone Professional for iPhone

PoP Voice is another excellent brand for high-quality, affordable lavalier microphones. Its POP-TC02 USB-C Lavalier Microphone is a perfect option for anyone looking for a USB-C lavalier microphone for use with an Android phone, laptop, or tablet, including the most recent iPads.

The mic plugs into your device via USB-C and allows you to record clear and high-quality sound from just about anywhere. It can capture voice from all directions, giving you plenty of flexibility when positioning the mic. It also does an excellent job of blocking background noise thanks to the built-in noise reduction chip and included windshield.

With a 6.6ft USB-C cable, the POP-TC02 USB-C Lavalier Microphone is the perfect length for most use cases. It comes with a carrying pouch as well as an extra windshield sponge and metal clip for replacement down the road. It's an excellent option for recording at home or on the go with your smartphone, and the extra accessories make it a much better value.

Key Features
  • Built-in noise cancellation chip
  • 6.6ft USB-C cable
  • Includes an extra windscreen, mic clip, and carrying pouch
Specifications
  • Brand: PoP Voice
  • Type: Lavalier
  • Pattern: Omnidirectional
  • Power: Plug-in Power
  • Battery: Not required
  • Audio Sensitivity: Not provided
  • Connector: USB-C
Pros
  • Excellent sound clarity
  • Durable metal clip
  • Great for phones, tablets, and laptops
  • Easy to carry
Cons
  • Cable feels cheap
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PoP Voice POP-TC02 USB-C Lavalier Microphone

The Movo LV4-O Omnidirectional XLR Lavalier Microphone is perfect for audio interfaces, mixers, and recorders with an XLR input like Zoom and Tascam digital recorders. It's a budget XLR lavalier microphone that operates on 48V phantom power, so make sure your device can supply phantom power.

Elsewhere, you're getting a decent lavalier microphone with good sound quality and superb build quality. The XLR connector is made of metal, and you get a windscreen to minimize wind noise.

The only downside is that the cable is too thin, and there is no strain relief at the XRL end. However, if those things don't concern you, you're getting an excellent XLR lavalier mic for filmmaking, shooting, podcasts, and YouTube recording without breaking the bank.

Key Features
  • 360-degree voice pickup
  • Includes a six-foot cord, windscreen mic cover, and metal clip
  • Operates on 48V phantom power
Specifications
  • Brand: MOVO Photo
  • Type: Lavalier
  • Pattern: Omnidirectional
  • Power: 48V Phantom Power
  • Battery: Not required
  • Audio Sensitivity: -38dB
  • Connector: XLR
Pros
  • Great value
  • Good sound quality and clarity
  • Easy setup
Cons
  • No strain relief on the XRL connector
Buy This Product
Movo LV4-O Omnidirectional XLR Lavalier Microphone

FAQ

Q: What Should I Look for When Buying a Lavalier Microphone?

Lavalier microphones are clipped and positioned the same way, but the connectors are adaptable for different devices. You'll need a lavalier mic with the same connector as your device's mic input jack.If you're using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you'll need a lavalier microphone with a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRRS connector. It looks similar to the connector found on cameras, but they are different.Most DSLR and digital cameras and recorders use a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRS mic input jack. A TRRS connector has three black rings, while TRS has two.For computers, an iPhone, or the latest smartphones, look for a lavalier mic with a USB, Lightning, or USB-C connector. In some cases, you use an adapter to connect a lavalier mic with different devices.

Q: Are Cheap Lavalier Mics Any Good?

Lavalier mics used to come at a premium, but lately, we've seen cheap and inexpensive lavalier microphones with excellent sound quality and clarity. Established brands such as Shure, Rode, and Sony offer superb lavalier mics that don't break the bank.

Q: Does a Lavalier Mic Need Power?

Like all microphones, a lavalier mic needs power to operate. Some lavalier mics come with built-in or replaceable batteries, but most rely on plug-in power, meaning the host device or recorder provides the required power to the mic. In this case, the mic itself won't require batteries.If you're buying an XLR lavalier mic for a USB audio interface or mixers, make sure your device can supply 48V phantom power.