10 Best Interview Microphones for the Clearest Dialogs Possible

This is the crème de la crème of all the lavalier mics out there. It comes second to none in terms of sound quality and usability. The special mic can be paired with smartphones and a lot of other devices.

The Rode Smart Lav is conveniently small and slim enough to fit into any pocket-size while the mic is clipped to the upper part of a shirt or top. You don’t have to deal with any exposed wires when using the mic as it doesn’t require any extra equipment to function.

Even more, you get to record files that you can later transfer to other devices via FTP. This is on the account of the Smartlav+ software that allows you to access files from the browser easily.

Another praiseworthy thing about this omnidirectional mic is, of course, its sound quality. It can capture crisp, clear sounds that you can broadcast. Plus, it has technology that can block out background noise.

What makes it stand out?

• If high-quality audio, ease of use, and portability are your top considerations, then this is a solid bet. The Rode Smart Lav offers more than just superb sound quality. It has a noise-canceling technology and a designated app. You also get a couple of accessories like a clip for attaching the mic and a pouch to keep it safe for storage or during travels.

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• The Smartlav+ app cannot be accessed without upgrading to the premium edition. It is also known to be susceptible to freezing.

No shotgun mic holds a candle to the superior Road NTG4+. Rode outdid themselves with this high-performing entry-level shotgun mic as other models and brands compare badly to it in terms of sound quality.

Shotgun mics are widely known to be noisy, with annoying low-hissing sounds in the background. The Rode NTG4+ stands out as it does a fantastic job of minimizing unwanted background noises. It owes this outstanding noise cancellation capability to its exceptionally high sensitivity of over 25mV/Pa and a 10dB pad that filters out noise.

So, you can comfortably hold your interview in both favorable and unfavorable conditions and still get to broadcast top-tier audio quality.

With this mic, you are not limited to interviews only; you can as well record band and choir performances and then perform them without post EQ.

Essentially, the Rode NTG4+ has a top-quality lithium battery that provides a whopping 150 hours of power. This is pretty impressive, given most standard mics can’t even last half the time.

What do we love it for?

• This mic is such a huge steal, especially for beginners. It offers premium quality at a not-so-premium price point. On top of its top-notch functionality, it has myriad little impressive features like a USB and a windshield that enable you to record high-quality sounds.

What were we disappointed with?

• Professionals might not make the most of this mic as beginners would.

This is another beautiful lavalier to buy for the interviews. It’s as good as the smartlav+ models, even better in various aspects as it delivers more than just a superior sound quality. It’s a bit on the pricey end but an absolute worthy buy.

The mic is conveniently compact and highly portable, thus vocally stable. It is incredibly easy to use and can be attached to any kind of clothing. Its crisp sound delivery is unmatched thanks to its high speech intelligibility and mini-jack that features body-pack transmitters that enhance the mic’s sound delivery.

What’s more, if you choose to invest in a wireless Sennheiser system, you are likely to get this as the mic that comes with it.

When you purchase this mic, you will have a good amount of pocket change as you wouldn’t have to spend a dime on extra accessories. It comes with a clip for clipping it onto clothes and a sturdy metal windscreen.

What makes it special?

• This is one of the best lavalier mics on the market for both professionals and amateurs. It offers unmatched convenience with its small build, vocal stability, and extra accessories.

What cons did we find?

• There are a few complaints about the mic’s clip getting loose too quickly.

Shure is a world-famous brand that has earned its success and reputation with a relentless commitment to quality. Every product they make is a solid proof, including the VP83F mic. The compact condenser shotgun mic is one of the best camera-mount mics in the industry.

The mic allows you to capture high definition audio with great detail when you are video recording with camcorders or DSLR cameras. You can also use it with portable audio recorders.

You will enjoy natural audio reproduction on the account of the mic’s low self-noise with a wide frequency range and very high sensitivity. Plus, its highly directional supercardioid polar pattern rejects any unwanted sounds and focuses on capturing the intended sound source clearly.

One of its key features is the integrated flash recording that offers unrivaled convenience by allowing standalone operation. It also enables WAV file capture at an impressive 24-bit/48kHz sampling rate.

Moreover, you can use the mic fast and easy in almost any environment thanks to its super-intuitive menu and one0button recording function. You can monitor all your activity on the easy-to-read backlit LCD screen.

As if that’s enough, the mic features a durable alkaline battery that can last you a good 10 hours.

What are our favorite features?

• It is hard to come across such a high-performing camera-mount microphone that delivers all its promises on quality and top-notch functionality. Its incredible features like an exceptional audio performance and intuitive controls make it one of the best podcasting interview mics for both professionals and amateurs.

What could be better?

• The mic has a premium price tag, and it is not the best to use in windy conditions unless you have a wind muff.

It’s hard to have a list of interviewing microphones that doesn’t purely consist of Rode products. That’s just how good Rode is, and this is another one of their exquisite mics that will blow your mind.

The shotgun mic is superbly lightweight and compact, coming in at a mere 86g and 15cm. It is conveniently compatible with various video-enabled SLRs.  It works pretty well without overwhelming video cameras.

You will get the most out of this mic in terms of sound quality when you point it directly to the user. However, it is capable of isolating unwanted noises during performances and interviews.

Further, the mic features a 9-volt mic that will give you a solid 70-hour recording time. With the built-in battery door, replacing it is such a breeze. You can also power the mic continuously via USB. It also comes with a windshield, though it is well capable of functioning without one.

If you are a run-and-gun shooter, this mic is a fantastic choice for you because it has an automatic power function. When you unplug it from the camera, it goes off automatically.

Why did it make our list?

• A 10-year warranty is more than enough proof that this is no mickey mouse interview mic. It offers solid durability and incredible sound quality.

What is not ideal about it?

• The mic is not compatible with a few devices, and some users have complained about some buzzing sound.

Shure mics are a sure bet, and the V64A is one of the best handheld microphones to be ever made. It is a high-output omnidirectional mic designed for professional-level audio and video production. It combines top-tier performance and a comfortable feel perfectly, and it offers excellent value for money.

The mic has a handsome appearance with a compact but solid build that is easy to handle. It is perfect for close-ups, and you can use it both indoors and outdoors. It has a mesh grill that is virtually waterproof and a windscreen that makes it one of the best interview microphones for high-wind areas. Its omnidirectional polar pattern offers uniform pickup on or off the axis, so you can forget about critical microphone positioning.

Another fantastic feature of the VP64 is the tailored frequency response that has an upper midrange presence rise. It adds crispness and clarity to speech. As if that’s enough, there’s an internal rubber isolation mount that does a great job reducing the noise produced due to handling. You can pass the mic around without worrying about some disturbing noises.

What are its best features?

• There are zero qualms about this mic's reliability. It prioritizes top sound quality and comfort in its build. It is also a great weatherproof option as it can function pretty well in challenging weather conditions. Plus, you don’t have to decimate your bank balance to get this baby!

What could be improved?

• There aren’t any complaints so far.

Yet another dependable handheld microphone. The Movo-HM-M2 is one of Movo’s most dynamic broadcast quality mics that guarantee you seamless reporting and interviewing. It is painstakingly developed for clear voice reproduction. You will be able to record crisp, clear audio for your podcasts, Youtube, interviews, reports, and more.

The mic is made to hold up well to the test of time. It is made of top-quality aluminum alloy, which is a sure durability bet. Its black matte finish gives it a discreet appearance on camera.

The mic features an isolated omnidirectional filter with an internal pop filter that isolates unwanted noise, especially when handling it. This ensures you always only capture what you need.

The frequency response of the mic, 70Hz-15kHz, is a clear indication that it is tailored for speech. It is a perfect range for rejecting environmental interference while optimizing the sound and clarity of vocalization. Therefore, it can excel in various environments.

With the XLR jack, you would never need phantom power or extra batteries.

Why is it special?

• Affordable omnidirectional mics are hard to come across, and this Movo mic is an excellent option for beginners and professionals alike. It is well-built, easy to use, and has the best sound quality with minimum interruption from the environment.

What are the flaws?

• There are a few complaints about the mic not working well with some XLR jacks.

As the name suggests, this is the best mic you can get for professional reporting and interviewing. Like other top of the line interview mics, the reporter features a frequency response range tailored for speech.

The build quality of the Rode reporter is out of this world. It is made of rugged die-cast aluminum that will certainly give you a good bang for your bucks. It will last you forever.

Along with the optimized frequency response, the mic has an omnidirectional polar pattern that allows you high levels of freedom when in use. You will be able to move freely during an interview without interfering with the mic’s sound quality.

The frequency response offers optimum intelligibility and delivers top-notch sound quality performance regardless of the environmental conditions in your surroundings. Additionally, the mic features a microphone capsule mounted in an internal shock mount to reduce noise.

Why is it special?

• With a 10-year warranty, you can count on this mic to deliver its high-performance and durability promises. Plus, it comes with a couple of accessories, including a microphone flag, a zip pouch, and documentation.

What are the flaws?

• You may find the mic not loud enough for some situations. This might force you to use a preamp.

This is the absolute interviewing mic kit that money can buy out there. The lavalier interviewing and recording kit is the perfect mic set up for a smartphone, iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac. This is because it is a dual-channel wired lapel mic, and it comes with a USB, USB-C, and lightning outputs.

The mic set includes; a main interface body with a belt clip, 2 lavalier mics with windscreens that you can use individually or simultaneously, and mic clips. You can control gain on each of the mics separately on the main interface.

Also featured is a headphone input that allows you to listen to your audio in real-time so you can be sure of accurate sound recording.

The mics and the interface are both powered by the input device. You won’t ever need batteries.

What do we love it for?

• The mic set offers real value for money because it comes with a myriad of accessories like USB cable, mic clips, windscreens, and a carrying case. Plus, there is a 1-year warranty backing, which is enough proof that the mic set will ease your technical woes more than add to them.

What were we disappointed with?

• Zero complaints so far.

Now, this is what you get if your pocket doesn’t run so deep. It is remarkably affordable, yet it offers virtually everything you would need from an interview mic. The Amazon Basic Lapel mic is specially tailored to capture on-the-go audio on a laptop or smartphone.

The mic is ideal for interviews, podcasts, webinars, meetings, and more because it picks sounds from all directions. It boasts a rugged exterior made of robust metal and plastic for long-lasting performance. It also features a mini metal clip that you can use to secure it to your interviewee’s shirt, collar, tie, or pocket.

The mic is a plug and play. It grabs power from any device you plug it in with the 3.5mm audio jack provided. This means you don’t need batteries or drivers. However, do note that the mic doesn’t work with desktop PCs and DSLR cameras without a PC adapter.

Why are we impressed?

• The main selling point of this mic is its super-attractive price point. It also has a rugged build and is perfect for capturing clear sounds in any kind of environment. Its plug-and-play makes set up and using it such a breeze, and the manufacturer has got your back with a full year’s warranty.

What negatives must you be aware of?

• The mic is not compatible with smartphones without 3.5mm 4-pole TRSS. You also can’t connect to a desktop PC or DSLR camera without a PC adapter.