iPhones have pretty decent audio for a cell phone, but if you frequently record interviews, videos, or podcasts, you may want to invest in an external iPhone microphone. These microphones can also be used on camera, or when recording music, meetings, and more. 

Bonus Tip: When recording, it's a good idea to turn on Airplane Mode, otherwise you'll probably hear cellular feedback or distortion.

Also, to check your current microphone quality, functionality and it's working check your mic at mic test online. This tool delivers accurate results with insights about microphone.

As a result of Apple's recent choice of the lightning port for its iPhone, we will focus on the best iPhone mics in 2021 designed for the lightning port, though a few models with the headphone jack will also be included.

Shure MV88 is our top iPhone mic for most people.

Here are the best mics for Vlogging with the iPhone and iPad

As long as the iOS device has a lightning port, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 5, these external microphones will also be compatible with an iPad or iPad Pro. Thus, if you own an iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8, X (10), 11, or 12, you can use these mics.

My top pick for an external iPhone microphone is the Shure MV88. Built of metal, it uses both a stereo and directional pickup, and the build quality is excellent. One of the reasons it is the best choice is that it rotates and pivots so you can position it exactly where you want it.

It is impressive to use the free ShurePlus MOTIV app. Recording uncompressed audio (.wav) is possible, in addition to adjusting gain levels, changing stereo width, modifying EQ settings, and swapping left and right. Visit our MV88 review to learn more about the app and microphone.

You also get a carrying case, a headphones adapter, and a foam windscreen. If you plan to use this outside, the Shure AMV88-FUR Rycote Windjammer would be a better choice.

Update: Shure has released the MV88+ Video Kit in January 2019, which includes an upgraded microphone with USB-C and Lightning cables and a headphone jack, as well as the Manfrotto Pixi tripod and phone mount.

With the Zoom iQ6 X/Y, you get the same condenser microphones that come standard with the Zoom H4N Pro handheld recorder. Its range of pickup can be adjusted between 90 and 120 degrees. On the front, you'll see a numbered wheel that allows you to adjust the mic gain without going into software. Both recording and playback can be done using the headphone/line-out jack. A headphone jack is no longer found on the iPhone 7 because it doesn't have one.

Zoom iQ6 is one of the most innovative products on the market, thanks to the removable spacer that can either be used with or without an iPhone case. You can see your levels visually thanks to the three LEDs on the device. Zoom also offers an iPhone recording app that can record .wav or .aac files.

A mid-side microphone configuration gives the Zoom iQ7 much more flexibility than the iQ6, which used a side-facing microphone. X/Y recording poses the problem that once you download, you have to use the recordings. Post-production adjustments can be made to mid-side recordings. Mono-compatibility always applies to the middle side. If you wish to learn more about mid-side recording, B&H has a great explanation.

On the right, there is a switch that allows you to select M-S, 120-degree stereo, and 90-degree stereo. The iQ6 also offers hardware mic gain control, and the headphones/line-out jacks are front and center. Microphone capsules can also be rotated in multiple directions to ensure that they are positioned appropriately for your subject or scene.

Earlier this month, Rode announced the VideoMic Me-L, an updated Lightning version of the well-known VideoMic Me. That version of the device is listed farther down the page in the 3.5mm headphone jack section.

You can plug headphones into it to monitor your audio. A cardioid directional pickup pattern is featured, as is a frequency range between 20Hz and 20kHz.

A windscreen is also included in this version, which is always a nice feature.

A new Rode interview kit has just been released, the SC6-L.
A small carry pouch is also included with the kit, along with two smartLav+ microphones, two windshields, and two lapel clips.

In addition to being a great value, it allows you to record interviews wherever you are.

As a bonus, the Rode Reporter App allows you to record separate tracks for each microphone if need be, as well as provide direct monitoring, gain control, and more.

Recommended, this is a great little kit.

You might prefer to have some additional cord length with the smartLav+, and Rode offers the SC1 20′ Extension Cable.

Featuring a Lightning cable as well as a USB cable, the Blue Raspberry is a desktop-style condenser microphone. For live monitoring, there is a headphone jack with volume control. To mount the monitor to a tripod, there is a 1/4′′ thread. You can record anything from voices to instruments with this plug-and-play device that gives you excellent sound quality.

Sennheiser ClipMic is one of many lavalier microphones designed specifically for iPhones. A similar omnidirectional microphone capsule to that of the Sennheiser ME2 is used. The Lightning connection is Apple MFi Certified, and the analog audio signal is converted to digital 24 bit 96 kHz by Apogee hardware (see that box in the picture? That's what it does).

It's lightweight and comes with a windscreen and a carrying pouch.

Finally, this converter converts lightning to XLR! As a result, you can use all types of professional microphones with an iPhone. Your options with the Rode i-XLR are endless - but you'll have to travel with more gear - and probably larger gear.

With this microphone, you can maintain broadcast quality while adding some portability to your existing XLR microphone.

Designed to use with smartphones, these microphones can also be used with laptops if they can be made to fit as they use the same TRRS headphone jack.

With the Rode VideoMic Me you can use a mic to capture your voice on virtually any smartphone that has a headphone jack. Both iPhones and Androids can be used with it.

This device houses a headphone jack that allows you to listen to your recordings without removing the microphone. Mounts can also be adjusted so that any device can be securely attached. Rode provides a 2-year warranty upon registering the mic in addition to a furry windshield. For under $70, this is a great little mic.

It provides excellent sound quality for a smartphone with its cardioid condenser shotgun mic. There is a play-through headphone jack for monitoring, just like the Rode above. It is important to understand that this isn't a "live" service. Aluminum made body allows it to be light and very strong at the same time.

As well as the foam windshield, Comica includes a furry windscreen. This microphone can be rotated 360 degrees thanks to the removable clamp.

In addition to the CVM-VM10, Comica offers the CVM-VM10. In addition to being equipped with both TRRS (smartphone) and TRS (camera) connections, it also comes with a shock mount. Switching between devices is simple with this device. It has the disadvantage that you have to mount the microphone to something, and you lose the additional headphone jack.

Alternatively, you can opt for the Saramonic SmartMic, which usually runs for around $20. Although it has a plastic body, the microphone can pivot and rotate pretty much in any direction. Although you will get a better sound than what is built into the phonemic, this won't be as good as a professional system.

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Update: The IXY-L appears to be compatible with the iPhone 5 and 6 but mixed results with the iPhone 7 and later.

This Rode IXY-L doesn't disappoint, as Rode manufactures high-quality audio equipment. Its all-metal casing makes it tough and prevents electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio. There are two 1/2-inch cardioid condenser microphones set in a pattern of X-Y’s that cover the 20Hz-20kHz range.

Rode Rec App allows you to record 24-bit audio at up to 96 kHz using the free Rode Recorder. To reduce low-frequency sounds, there is also a 72Hz high-pass filter that can be turned on. However, other recording apps that allow you to control gain can be used if the app does not have a gain control feature.

 
Rode comes in a package that includes a high-quality protective zip case and windshield.

Update: Zoom iQ5 no longer appears to be for sale. I would recommend the iQ7.

 
A mid-level iPhone microphone, the Zoom iQ5 is the company's entry-level model. As a result, I consider it to be a lot cheaper than the iQ6 and iQ7 (above). To get something with better build quality and that will last, I recommend spending the extra $30. These models also come with removable spacers, so you can use them with a case, and the headphone jack serves as a line out jack as well.

Update: The Blue Mikey is no longer available. It's a desktop microphone with a Lightning cable, but it's the Raspberry that Blue recommends now.

If you still want to find one, here is the information:

 
The device can handle audio up to 130dB (that's loud!). A pair of custom-built condenser capsules have been used along with stereo pickups. The device features auto-sensing technology to prevent distortion, as well as a high-gain and low-gain setting. The design and shape of Mickey's external iPhone microphone set it apart from its competitors. It swivels 230 degrees and features an LED indicator to let you know whether you are being too loud or not. This product ranges in frequency from 35Hz to 20kHz.

 
Additionally, the line-level input, which allows you to record instruments, is very useful.

I recommend getting a quality tripod mount for your smartphone regardless of which iPhone mic you choose. As you will not have to hold your phone in the same position, you will have more flexibility and better audio quality. With this mic, you can also record video (and who wouldn't want to?!). You'll need at the very least a tripod and mount.

There are many iPhone models with excellent cameras, and it is possible to record amazing video with some extra equipment without having to spend thousands of dollars on a DSLR and a shotgun mic.

Which model is your favorite? Does anything need to be added to our lineup? Tell us in the comments!