Ultimate Smartphone Audio Microphone Showdown
Which smartphone microphone works best for filming great smartphone content? We take a deep dive and compare the DJI Mic, AnkerWork M650, Rode Wireless Go II, Hollyland Lark M1, and the Deity Pocket to figure out which works best for your needs!
One of these should work, right? Sound matters even more than video! People will watch a video with poor images as long as it has good sound, but if you don’t have clean audio, it doesn’t matter if you’re James Cameron - no one’s watching your video. So what mic is the best option for the Smartphone Storytellers out there?
Today we’re going to look at five of the top options for capturing clean audio when filming. We’ve got the DJI Mic, Hollyland Lark M1, Diety Pocket, AnkerWork M650, and the Rode Go II. They all approach mobile audio from a slightly different direction, so which is best? By the end of this comparison, you’ll have an idea of which will work best for your needs! One note, the AnkerWork was previously sent to me to beta test, but AnkerWork had no input into my initial deep dive and have had no input into this comparison. The AnkerWork M650 is still running the beta software, which is slightly different than the shipping software, but we’ll still be able to get an idea of how well it’ll work for you! First, an overview of each of the mics.
DJI Mic
The DJI Mic comes in two varieties, either as a single or dual mic setup. The only difference between the two, aside from the price, is that the dual mic includes two mics as well as a handy charger case to hold your microphones and receiver. I’ve got the dual mic setup on hand, and I have to say it’s a great design. The mics auto pair with the receiver as soon as you drop them all into the case, so if you ever have a hiccup with the connection then you don’t need to fiddle with syncing through menus. You’ve got the option to either connect the DJI Mic receiver directly into your phone or camera, or you can use either mic as a standalone recorder. The mics both record internally, so as long as you hit record on the mics, you’ve got a non-stop recording of whatever you’re covering. Worried you’ll forget to hit record? There’s an “auto record” function that starts a recording as soon as the microphone leaves the charging case.
Each microphone allows you to capture audio without any additional microphones, but you also have the option to use your own lapel microphone if you have one you prefer. Attaching the microphone to your talent is as easy as using the clip to attach it to their shirt, or you can use the magnet to place it lower on the shirt.
The microphones have an advertised battery life of 5 hours, which can be extended to 15 if you utilize the charging case. Each microphone can record up to 14 hours of audio, so you easily could use these throughout the day and not worry about offloading until you wrap your shoot. You can make adjustments to both mics using the OLED touchscreen on the receiver, and you’ve got a few options to make sure you’re getting the best audio possible. There’s real time audio meters, multiple gain controls, as well as an option to record a safety track that runs 6db quieter, which means that if you have any sudden loud noises, you’ve got an audio track that shouldn’t distort. The receiver includes a headphone jack so you can audibly monitor your audio as you record. One great feature of the DJI Mic is that the receiver connects directly to your camera, so you don’t need to let it dangle by a wire or awkwardly connect it to a tripod.
DJI advertises a range of up to 820ft if you’re in an unobstructed environment. Retail price for the DJI Mic is $219 for the single microphone or $329 for the dual kit with charging case.
Hollyland Lark M1
The Hollyland Lark M1 is just one of many options in Hollyland’s line of microphones. Just like the DJI, there are two versions - the Lark M1 Solo with a single microphone and receiver as well as the Lark M1 Duo that includes two mics and a charging case. The Lark M1 Duo includes all the cables you’ll need to connect to either a smartphone or camera, while you’ll need to purchase the right cable if you purchase the Solo unit. I’ve actually been using the Hollyland Lark M1 Solo for a few months now and I’ve been very impressed with the results. My wife has been using it to record some speakers at her Women’s study and every week the audio has turned out clean and crisp.
The Lark M1 units do not have any internal recording, so if you’re looking for something that allows for you to continuously record even when your camera isn’t rolling, this isn’t the option for you. When it comes to noise canceling, the Lark M1 includes a noise canceling mode that we’ll take a look at in our comparisons later on. You’ve got three gain control options so you can adjust the audio levels for whatever environment you’re in. Battery life measures in at 8 hours for the microphone and receiver alone, and it can be stretched up to 24 hours if you use the charging case. There’s no screen on the receiver or microphones, so any options you adjust you’ll need to understand the light indicators on the units.
When it comes to other microphone options, the Lark M1 doesn’t offer any options. There’s no place to plug in a lapel mic, so if you’re using this then you’re left to clipping the unit onto the collar of the shirt of your talent. Range is advertised as 650ft The Lark M1 retails for $89 for the Lark M1 Solo unit, or $149 for the Lark M1 duo microphone with charging case. That being said, I’ve seen these frequently go on sale, as I picked up my solo unit for $70 and the dual unit for $99.
Deity Pocket
Diety is a well known name in the world of great, yet budget audio. I was first introduced them when I started to use one of their on-camera shotgun mics and was very pleased with the sound. The Deity Pocket is more of a traditional mic and receiver, built to be used in tandem with a lapel microphone. One of the best features of this mic is that it includes a threaded 3.5mm mic input, which means you can connect your lapel and not worry about the wire slipping out.
Just like the Lark M1, there’s no internal recording here. Your audio rolls when your camera rolls. The Deity Pocket does include their well loved audio limiter, which helps to keep your audio from clipping even when there’s unexpected loud noises. It allows you to, as they say, “record clean audio, worry free.” The receiver includes a 1” OLED screen that shows you live level metering as well as other useful details, so you’re able to both visually and audibly monitor the status of your gear and audio. You’ll get 5 hours of record time from the Deity Pocket and a range of up to 175ft.
There’s one caveat of the Deity Pocket - it’s discontinued. The Pocket was part of their “Connect” line of microphones, and due to difficulty in getting the needed resources, Deity discontinued the entire “Connect” line in 2022. That being said, the Pocket is still widely available and retails for $169 for the microphone, or $199 if you get the Mobile kit which includes a pocket tripod and tripod mount.
AnkerWork
AnkerWork is a recent entry in the audio space. Known for their line of charing accessories, Anker expanded their line to include webcams, speakerphones, headphones, and now microphones. Targeting the world of remote working, they’ve begun to create gear that can be used in both small and large workspaces. The AnkerWork M650 is their first wireless microphone, optimized for both smartphones as well as computers. The M650 includes a charging case, two microphones, and the necessary connections to connect to either Android, iPhone, or a PC.
Both microphones allow for internal recording in addition to the audio recorded to your camera. AnkerWork advertises that these recordings are completely uncompressed, allowing for cleaner onboard recordings and more latitude when you take the audio back to edit. You’ll get 7 hours of uncompressed record time on each microphone. The AnkerWork M650 also includes three levels of noise reduction so that you can pull out a clean sound even in less than ideal situations. The included AnkerWork software allows you to manage the onboard recordings, customize functions, as well as adjust the equalizer and other sound related settings.
The receiver includes a beautiful touchscreen to adjust settings as well as live monitor your audio and recording status. You can also plug in a set of headphones directly into the receiver so you can listen to the audio and make sure you’re happy with the quality. Like the DJI Mic, the receiver connects directly to your phone, so it’s not awkwardly dangling by a wire. It almost becomes a part of your phone or camera, keeping your audio controls at a fingertips reach. Battery life on the M650 clocks in at 6 hours per unit, or 15 if you use the included charging case. The range is up to 656ft, so you’ve got a decent range.
You can use other microphones with the AnkerWork M650s, but unlike the Deity Pocket, there’s no locking mechanism to prevent the mic from coming unplugged. One feature that the M650 has that no other mic offers is that you can change the color of the covers on the transmitters. This allows you to find a cover that matches the clothing you’re attaching it to, giving you an opportunity to hide the mic a bit better. The M650 retails for $249 and includes the full kit - two microphones, a receiver, the needed connections as well as the charging case.
As I noted earlier, the AnkerWork units I am working with are still from the beta test period. From all reports I’ve seen, the hardware is the same on both the beta units as they are on the shipping ones, the only difference being the firmware has been updated to change some settings. I will be sending my units in to be updated soon and should have an updated firmware, but the tests today are all using their beta firmware. The biggest change I am aware of is that they changed their noise canceling system, improving both the terminology as well as it’s performance. As a result, it wouldn’t be fair for me to measure the noise canceling on these units as it’s not representative of what is shipping today, so I won’t be reviewing that. I will mention that when I did use the noise canceling on the beta units, it was impressive with the amount of background sound it was able to pull out, but there was a noticeable impact to the audio quality. Just be aware that it is offered on the shipping units, and from all reports it’s only been improved. I will do an updated deep dive into the Ankerwork M650 mics once I get the shipping software!
Rode Wireless Go II
Rode is one of the most well known names in audio these days. From entry level to high end professional microphones, you’ll find Rode microphones in use on sets all over. The Rode Wireless Go II is well renowned and widely used by videographers and filmmakers. The Rode Go II comes in two versions, either the Rode Wireless Go II or the Rode Wireless Go II Single. The biggest difference between the two is that the Single only includes, you guessed it, a single transmitter. There’s no stock charging case for the Rode Wireless Go II, but quite a few companies offer after-market charging cases that you can add if you so choose.
You’re able to control the level of your audio through gain controls. There’s no noise canceling, but you can use the included Rode Central software to dial in your audio settings and activate the “safety channel” so you’re protected against unexpected spikes in your audio levels. The software also allows you to make fine adjustments to your gain controls, so you can get your recording settings exactly where you’d like them. This software is both on desktop and mobile, so you’re free to make adjustments at the drop of a hat. You also use the Rode Central software to trigger onboard recording.
The Rode Wireless Go II allows you to either record compressed or uncompressed, giving you the freedom to optimize the quality of the audio and record time. When recording compressed, you’ll be able to get 7 hours on each transmitter. If you choose to go uncompressed, you can record a whopping 40 hours of audio before you need to offload. If you don’t offload before filling up the transmitter, it automatically deletes the oldest audio in order to continue to record. Each block of audio is up to 30 minutes long, which means the transmitter breaks the audio up into chunks as it goes. This way if something goes wrong, you don’t lose everything you’ve recorded, just that single block of audio.
The receiver includes a LED screen that displays live levels from each of the attached transmitters as well as battery life and strength of the connections. You’ve got an advertised range of 656ft line of sight. The Rode Wireless Go II retails for $299 while the Rode Wireless Go II Single retails for $199.
Time to test!
See the video for the sound comparison.
Conclusion
So which one is the best? Which one should you go with? Who’s getting your hard earned money? If I were you, I’d buy…
Ok, it’s not that easy. It really depends on your needs. So I’m going to lay out three solutions depending on who you are:
You don’t care about bells and whistles, you just want clean audio for your videos
I’ll be honest - all of these mics are great options. If you can pick any of them up on a deal, you won’t regret your decision. But if you’re just wanting clean audio and don’t care about the extra features, go with the Hollyland Lark M1. These are incredibly simple to use and provide a crisp clear sound. While they lack onboard recording, if you’re using your Smartphone for your video production needs then you are most likely are aiming for simplicity. That’s not a bad thing! The fact that you can plug these mics into your camera and just jump right in is a huge asset, and for the majority of the types of videos I do these are perfect. The fact that you can regularly find them on sale only strengthens them as an option! One thing to note - I recently had an issue using a set of these with an Android phone, so if you use Android then check the approved device list to confirm compatibility.
You want the maximum amount of control over your sound and want the ability to optimize the audio to your hearts content
If you love tweaking settings to perfectly optimize the quality to match your voice and environment, and you’re not scared to get your hands dirty with the nitty gritty, then go with the Rode Wireless Go II. These are already great options right out of the box, but the fact that you can dig into the settings using the Rode Connect app means you can change settings to capture EXACTLY the sound of audio that your ears prefer. The software isn’t for the faint of heart, but the amount of control they give you means you can be the sound engineer of your dreams. The only major downside is that by default you need to use the app to fire your recordings. There is an option inside of Rode Connect to change how you fire a recording, so you’ll need to manually change this if you want the recording to be a bit more convenient.
You want the best and fully featured and gear that will grow with your skills
This one is a toss up - it’s between the DJI Mic and the Rode Wireless Go II. Both mics are easy to use right out of the box, but offer features that you can grow into as you develop your skills and think outside the box.
The DJI Mic has a better footprint if you’re placing the mic directly on the collar of the talent, and the physical controls of the DJI transmitters are much nicer. One of the nice features of the DJI are that when you click the button to record, the unit vibrates slightly to let you know it’s rolling. When you stop the record, it does the same. This is incredibly nice because you have confirmation that your internal recording is rolling and you’re good to go. Additionally, the fact that the receiver integrates so well with your camera or smartphone means that it’s a much more pleasurable experience. Plus, that charging case is a work of art.
On the flipside, if you want the extra controls while still having all the features, you’re not going to go wrong with the Rode Wireless Go II. There are ways to integrate it into your camera rig so it’s not dangling on a wire, you just need to build out your camera rigging a bit more. Otherwise, you’ll need to hold it in your hand or let it dangle. Outside of that, the audio sounds great from the device and the fact that you do have the vast amount of controls means that if you ever find yourself in a tough situation with audio you can try to troubleshoot solutions through tweaking the settings. Plus, Rode is a workhorse when it comes to audio, so you know you’re going with a brand that has proven themselves to be reliable. Plus, as long as you don’t mind slightly compressed audio (that most people wouldn’t even notice was compressed,) 40 hours of record space is pretty insane!
Recording Update!
The day I’m recording this, Rode announced the Rode Wireless ME, a more affordable version of the Rode Wireless Go II. While these are not out in the wild yet for testing, they’re based on the physical design of the Rode Wireless Go II so I would expect a similar results in terms of quality. The biggest difference, aside from price, is that they’ve placed a microphone on the receiver, so the person who is operating the camera can essentially be mic’d as well without requiring an additional transmitter. They’ve also dropped the screen on the receiver, but if you’re using the Rode Connect app then you can still see all the same details. They’re launching at $149 for a single receiver and transmitter. I hope to get my hands on these to test them out, but be aware that it’s another potential option!
Close
No matter what, you can’t go wrong with any of these mics. All of them have clean sound, are simple to use, and integrate beautifully with the phone right out of their case. It really comes down to what budget you’re working with as well as what features are important to you! Did I miss any mics you’ve had your eye on? Drop them in the comments and I’ll keep them in mind for my next audio review! If you haven’t yet, subscribe for more great content to help you tell stories using your Smartphone. Remember this, though. In the end, it’s not about the gear, it’s about the story. The gear simply is a tool to help you more effectively communicate your story. See you later!
FEATURED PRODUCTS:
NOTE: The AnkerWork M650 was sent to me to beta test prior to release, but AnkerWork has had no input into either my initial deep dive nor this video. Mics used in this video: (Products may contain affiliate links - purchasing through these links helps to support the channel!)
DJI Mic (1 TX + 1 RX): https://amzn.to/3LWkLcL
DJI Mic (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case): https://amzn.to/3nQXn8M
AnkerWork M650: https://amzn.to/3MjQmXC
Rode Wireless Go II Solo: https://amzn.to/42OsaSz
Rode Wireless Go II: https://amzn.to/42shzgj
Hollyland Lark M1 (1 TX + 1 RX): https://amzn.to/42ssJS0
Hollyland Lark M1 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case): https://amzn.to/44SBGpm
Deity Pocket: https://amzn.to/44Sc1gq
Deity Pocket Filmmaker Kit (White): https://amzn.to/3W16U9R
