A wireless lavalier mic is a small microphone that clips to the clothing of the person wearing it.
This is called lavalier mics because of their name.
Most top budget wireless lavalier microphones are two-piece mics, meaning they have two parts: the transmitter and receiver.
These units are usually housed in a case with a clip for easy portability.
Wireless lavalier mics offer the best of both worlds – the ability to record audio to PowerPoint without the hassle and inconvenience of cables.
If you’re into cinematic filmmaking, then a wireless lavalier mic is just what you need to capture sound on your camera for those dramatic shots.
In addition, wireless lavalier mics can easily be hidden on your actors for discreet on-screen audio recording.
So, what are the best budget wireless lavalier mics? How do you choose them? Read on to find out.
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Table of Contents
How to Choose a Budget Wireless Lavalier Microphone
Five things you should consider before buying a wireless lavalier mic are:
Durability
This will have to do with the quality of the set. Lower-end sets might not be as durable and could break easily when dropped or hit.
Range
The range is one of the major considerations for those in performance. The quality of frequency used by the system depends on range, as does RF interference. Higher-end models can pick up sound up to 100 meters away, but lower models usually top out around 40-50 meters away depending on what frequencies they use.
Audio quality
Audio quality is ultimately what we’re aiming for with a wireless lavalier mic set. Lower quality systems might have crackle or hiss and static. People want their videos to have the best quality audio possible, so it’s imperative that you check the sound quality of a potential set before buying it.
Recording
if you want to record with your mic, you should look for models with recording options included. With such a setup, the sound would come through clearly without having to sync audio in post-production.
Price
The typical price range for a wireless lavalier mic is generally within $300-$500 for a good entry-level set. Some higher-end sets might cost up to $1000, but they offer better sound quality than their lower-end counterparts. You should also look into the durability of the product before committing your money to it.
Whether you’re filming or in theater arts, you’ll probably need a wireless lavalier mic set at some point.
8 Best Budget Wireless Lavalier Microphones
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Shure BLX14/CVL
The Shure BLX14/CVL is a wireless system with a bodypack transmitter, two microphones (an XLR/XLR balanced in-line microphone and a 1/4″ unbalanced handheld condenser microphone), a bodypack receiver, and a pair of Lavalier mics. The system comes with everything you need to put the BLX14 into operation and use it right out of the box.
2. Rode Wireless Go 2
- Ultra-compact and easy-to-use dual-channel wireless microphone system for filmmaking, vlogging, TikTok, streaming, podcasting and video calls (Zoom,...
- Analogue and digital USB outputs that are compatible with cameras Windows and MacOS computers, iOS and Android phones for versatile use in a range of...
- Transmitters have over 40 hours of on-board recording function to ensure flawless audio in all settings - no need to worry about wireless drop-outs
- Tiny form factor and built-in microphones means transmitters can be directly attached to talent or use as a traditional belt pack with a lavalier...
- Fully compatible with the free RØDE Connect podcasting and streaming software for added flexibility when recording, streaming or video calling from a...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Rode Wireless Go is a wireless system with a transmitter and receiver that is a great option for DSLR films and video productions requiring a simple setup. It has an integrated lavalier mic, which works with most DSLRs. In addition, it has a separate 1/8″ stereo mini-jack for a boom pole or any other external microphone. The Wireless Go also comes with an XLR cable and power adapter that can be used with your favorite wireless microphone accessories.
3. Rode RodeLink FM Digital
- Provides everything you need to start shooting video wirelessly, including a receiver, transmitter and broadcast-grade lavalier microphone
- Able to constantly monitor and hop between frequencies to maintain the strongest possible signal level at a range of up to 100 meters
- The receiver features an OLED display with information on level, battery status (receiver and transmitter), mute and channel selection
- Can be mounted on a standard camera shoe mount, 3/8" thread or belt-clip, and the shoe mount can be located in one of two positions
- The lightweight transmitter can be fitted to a belt or clothing and features a locking thread to ensure the mic connection is as secure as possible
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Rode RodeLink FM offers a system comparable to the Sennheiser EW100 G4 wireless system. It is a professional digital wireless system that comes with a transmitter, receiver, and two handheld microphones with a convenient belt pack kit. The back of the receiver offers a 3.5mm input jack for an external microphone or audio device that you may want to connect to it.
The Rode RodeLink FM has an LCD display that shows output levels for both channels, battery strength, and signal indicators.
4. Samson Go Mic Mobile
- 2.4GHz low latency digital wireless system
- Dual-channel receiver mounts directly to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras and tripods
- HXD2 Handheld Transmitter with Q8 Professional Dynamic Microphone capsule
- Up to 100' operating range (line-of-sight)
- Included Lightning, USB Micro B, USB-C and 1/8" (3.5mm) cables
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Samson Go Mic is one of the most compact wireless microphones available. It is designed with a 1/8″ mini jack, which can be plugged directly into a DSLR camera.
The battery lasts for 12 hours, giving the user the ability to work all day long without having to recharge. The receiver has a frequency range of 160–20000 Hz and can switch between channels on the go for a more reliable signal transmission when working in crowded areas.
The Samson Go Mic also includes an XLR adapter and an AC adapter for powering up through household power outlets.
5. Sennheiser AVX ME2 Lavalier Set
- Ultra compact AVX receiver plugs directly into the XLR audio input.
- AVX switches on and off automatically with the camera using P48 Phantom Power.
- AVX automatically sets input sensitivity for optimum recording levels.
- AVX automatically selects operating frequencies to eliminate interference
- 2 year warranty when purchased from an authorized Sennheiser dealer
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Sennheiser AVX is a digital wireless microphone system with a transmitter and receiver that can be used to eliminate audio cable clutter when filming videos. It has everything that you need to put the system into operation right out of the box.
The entire package includes two bodypack transmitters, a receiver, two ME2 microphones (an in-ear clip-on mic and an eyeglass mic), four AA batteries, two belt clips for the bodypack, a gig bag, and an XLR cable.
6. Rode SmartLav+ Omnidirectional
- Broadcast quality, professional-grade Lavalier Mic with TRRS Jack
- High-quality omnidirectional condenser capsule; discrete 4.5 millimeter miniature microphone
- Kevlar reinforced cable ensures that you never stretch or snap your microphone under normal usage conditions
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Rode SmartLav+ is a lavalier microphone designed for use with Apple iPhones, Android smartphones, and Windows phones. It has a frequency range of 50–18000 Hz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 68 dB and an impedance of 100 Ohms.
Despite its small size, the Rode SmartLav+ has a low-profile mic element that is built to withstand heavy winds and rumbles. This makes it ideal for outdoor shoots where there is a possibility of unwanted noises interfering with audio recording.
7. Saramonic LavMicro Broadcast-Quality
- Provides broadcast-quality sound to DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, audio recorders, smartphones, tablets, GoPro cameras and other devices
- Includes a wired clip-on lavalier microphone with an omnidirectional pickup pattern that’s ideal for video and audio recordings because it doesn’t...
- Includes all of the accessories you need to capture excellent audio (clip, windscreen, etc.), 20-foot (6m) cable gives you a generous amount of length...
- Optional battery power makes it compatible with a wide variety of equipment, when used with smartphones the battery is unnecessary and can be switched...
- A low-cost solution for achieving excellent sound quality
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Saramonic LavMicro is a professional-quality lavalier microphone that can be used for professional videos requiring high-quality audio recording. This small, compact lav mic is designed to record stereo audio at up to 48 kHz with a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB. It has a low self-noise of 16 dB and an impedance of 600 Ohms, making it compatible with most digital recorders and cameras.
8. Yamaha SRH440 Micro Wireless Receiver
- Optimized for home and studio recording
- Closed-back, circumaural collapsible design
- Detachable, coiled cable
- Includes SRH440, Threaded 1/4" Gold-plated adapter, carrying bag, and user guide
- Enhanced frequency response delivers accurate audio across an extended range
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’ve got a reasonable budget, or don’t mind doing a little DIY work, then we’d recommend Yamaha SRH440 Micro Wireless Receiver – This receiver clip-to-mic wireless system offers good sound and reliability. It’s also compact and lightweight. Image Quality is quite good for such a small mic (unlike some of the Bose systems that have terrible audio quality). It’s our top pick for a budget lavalier mic.
Types of Wireless Lav Mic Systems: What to Choose?
If you’re looking for a wireless lavalier mic that won’t cost too much, then you really don’t have a lot of options. This is because wireless lavalier mics fall into two categories:
a) Lavalier Lapel Systems
They have 1 receiver unit, which you hook up to your camera. There are no other components and each receiver covers a single lav mic.
b) Radio Systems
They consist of two parts: the receiver and the transmitter. The transmitter clips to the lavalier microphone and you plug your lav microphone into this transmitter. You can then control your audio levels with an audio mixer or a wireless controller.
If you’ve got a reasonable budget, or don’t mind doing a little DIY work, then we’d recommend the following:
Yamaha SRH440 Micro Wireless Receiver – This receiver clip-to-mic wireless system offers good sound and reliability. It’s also compact and lightweight. Image Quality is quite good for such a small mic (unlike some of the Bose systems that have terrible audio quality). It’s our top pick for a budget lavalier mic.