15 Best Action Camera Microphone Attachments of 2026

When you’re looking to up your video game, there’s no better way to do it than by finding great action camera microphone attachments.

Let’s face it, sound isn’t always the first thing we think about when it comes to video.

An external microphone isn’t the first thing we buy. We want to spend all our money on a top notch camera and overpriced lenses. Make those visual look as crispy as possible. Then you load it into your computer and realise, whilst it looks flawless, the dreadful audio makes it unusuable.

There are some absolutley awesome microphone attachments you can get to solve all your audio woes. These nifty little devices attach right onto the camera and allow you to capture nice crisp audio while you’re on the move.

Not sure which one to choose? Never fear! Check out my list of the 11 best action camera microphone attachments for 2024!

 

What type of action camera microphone attachment do I need?

External microphones come in all shapes and sizes. Every microphone is designed to record audio in a slightly different way. That’s why it’s important to choose the right microphone for your needs.

If you’re shooting a lot of video in windy conditions, for example, you’ll need a microphone that can handle that kind of environment. Or if you’re trying to capture audio from a distance, you’ll need a microphone with a long range.

So before you go buying a mic, you’ll want to take a quick inventory of how you intend to use it. There is never one best microphone for everyone. It will always depend on your own personal needs.

In general, there are a few types of microphone that you’ll stumble across if you’re looking for an action camera microphone attachment.

Let’s take a quick look at them before we deep dive into which ones are best.

Lavalier microphone

Lavalier mics, or lav mics, are very small microphones that are usually attached directly to your body or clothing.

You can get them in either wireless or wired form.

In the case of a wireless lav mic, you will have a transmitter and a receiver.

The microphone will be attached to your clothing, and the mic wire will run down into a small transmitter pack. You will need to clip this to your belt or stick it in your pocket. This transmitter sends the signal to a receiver where it is captured. You can plug this reciever directly into your camera so that the audio and video are captured together.

Other times, as is usually the case on film sets, that receiver is plugged into an audio interface and is captured externally to the video. In both these situations the recording is initiated by the party with the receiver.

In the case of a wired lav mic, the wire either plugs directly into your camera, or you will have an external pack that records the sound. In the case of an external pack, you will have to press record every time you want to record, and then sync the sound with the video in post. If plugged directly into your camera, the sound will naturally be captured as you record video.

Lavalier mics are generally omnidirectional. That means they capture sound equally in all directions. As a result, when they are placed very near to the subject, they are fabulous for isolating voices in windy environments and getting rid of a lot of unwanted noise. The only down side is that because they sit on or near clothing, you may end up with fabric rustling ruining your recording.

Shotgun microphone

Shotgun microphones are long narrow tubes with slits evenly spaced along each side.

These microphones are highly directional. This means that if they aren’t pointing directly at you, they won’t pick up sound as clearly.

A shotgun mic is a great companion to have if you’re in noisy environments. Their directionality means that you can reduce how much background noise is captured.

However, if you’re in windy environments, prepare for a battle. You’ll need a wind shield of some sort to try and reduce wind noise.

Condenser microphone

Condenser mics are one of the most popular choices for studio recording.

They are highly sensitive microphones that accurately capture sound. You’re unlikely to be buying a regular condenser microphone as a camera attachment, however a pencil condenser is a great alternative.

Pencil condensers look similar to shotgun microphones. They are long, thin and cylindrical.

The major difference is that they are generally far less directional than shotgun microphones. So you don’t have to worry about pointing it in the wrong direction and ruining your sound.

 

What are the best action camera microphone attachments?

Top Picks

To sum it all up before we jump into the specifics, these are my picks for the best action camera microphones:

Best Wireless Set: RODE Wireless GO II (£225 / $230)

An impressive wireless microphone that boasts dual channel recording, 7 hour battery life and over 40 hours of internal on-board recording.

Best Value: EDUTIGE ETM-001 (£50 / $60)

A small but mighty package, that produces excellent sound and doesn’t take up copious amounts of space in your camera bag.

Premium Pick: RODE VideoMic Pro (£139 / $179)

You can’t go wrong with a RODE. The VideoMic Pro is an industry standard that produces superior sound quality for an affordable price.

Best Compact On-Camera: RODE VideoMicro (£40 / $50)

A compact on-camera microphone that’s big on sound and low on price. For even more options you can use it with your smartphone and other mobile devices too.

Best Budget Wireless Microphone: Synco G2 (£120 / $160)

An astounding amount of value for such a low price. The G2 is a fast charging powerhouse that will get you 8 hours of continuous high quality sound.

Best Two-Way Microphone: Boya BY-MM1 (£45 / $50)

A durable, low-cost, two-way microphone, compatible with nearly any device you can think of. Great for recording interviews.

Best GoPro Lapel Microphone: Movo GM100 (£30 / $40)

A lav mic to take on the road that won’t take up a lot of space and will attach to your GoPro with ease.

Best Compact Microphone: Saramonic SR-XM1 (£20 / $25)

Unbelieveably small and surprisingly powerful. Plugs directly into your camera and has a built in joint so you can swivel and point your mic directly at your source.

Easiest to Use: Movo VXR10 Pro (£45 / $50)

This small mic is a user-friendly model that comes with everything you need to get great sound.

Best Wireless GoPro Kit: REMOVU A1 (£125 / $160)

The perfect companion to your GoPro, this wireless, waterproof microphone is a must-have for all water-sport enthusiasts.

Best Vlogging Microphone: Sennheiser Professional MKE 400 (£169 / $200)

Sennheiser is known for it’s superb sound quality. The MKE 400 will give your camera audio the much needed boost that it needs.

Best for Beginners: Sairen VM-Q1 (£25 / $35)

The VM-Q1 is cheap and cheerful. A great mic to get you going. Easy to use and compact, this mic will noticably improve your sound quality and help isolate external noise.

Most Versatile: Saramonic Blink500 Pro (£285 / $300)

An incredibly light weight wireless system, with 8 hours of run time, and dual channel audio.

Best Overall: DJI Mic (£289 / $329)

The DJI Mic delivers exceptional sound, dual channel recording at long-range distances, a sleek design, portability, and wide compatibility. Do I need to say more?

 

#1: RODE Wireless GO II

As an action camera microphone attachment, the RODE Wireless GO II is worth it’s weight in gold. A dual channel wireless lavalier microphone system, it’s ultra compact, affordable and extremely versatile system.

Being a wireless microphone, you can get a decent distance from your camera and still get beautifully clear audio.

The kit comes with two transmitters and a dual channel receiver. This means you can send two channels of audio to a single source. So if you need to record more than one person on your action camera, this system is the way to go.

Pros

• Ultra compact external microphone with a built-in mic. You won’t need any long cables, you simply attach the unit to your collar and it records sound.
• You have the option to plug in lavalier mics too.
• Universal compatibility with action cameras, mobile devices and computers.
• 200m line of sight range (that’s a pretty long way!)
• It records safety audio (-20 dB) in a second channel.
• Connectivity to a Rode Central app where you can access features and settings.
• Has on board recorder and internal memory which stores up to 40 hours of recording.

Cons

• Internal battery isn’t replaceable. Must be sent back to Rode.
• Advanced features require a computer for activation and deactivation.

 

#2: DJI Mic

To give your sound quality a huge boost, why not try the DJI Mic?

The DJI Mic, much like the RODE Wireless GO is a clip on microphone. It comes with two transmitters each with built in microphones and one dual channel receiver. Both support omnidirectional audio.

This system is everything you need in a box.

Pros

• Dual channel recording.
• 250m wireless transmission.
• Up to 14 hours of onboard memory.
• Up to 15 hours of battery.
• A very portable and compact external microphone.
• Receiver has built in touchscreen.
• Receiver has USB-C, Lightening, and 3.5mm TRS ports, making them compatible with most smartphones, cameras and computers.
• Comes with an ultra portable charging case.
• Windscreens lock in place.
• Records a safety track.

Cons

• On the expensive side.
• Not the greatest sound quality at a distance.
• Easy to hit the link button by mistake.

 

#3: RODE VideoMic Pro

If better sound quality is what you’re looking for, look no further than the RODE VideoMic Pro.

The RODE VideoMic Pro is a directional on-camera shotgun microphone. As an actor, I’ve used one of these on my various DSLR cameras for years and they’re always a good choice.

These microphones will get you exceptional audio in a wide range of recording applications. Being an on camera microphone, they are much better if your subject is going to be close to the camera.

If you’re in a windy environment, you may need to invest in a dead cat to cover the mic for additional wind protection.

Pros

• Super lightweight.
• Powered by 9v battery with over 70 hours of use.
• Integrated shock mount.
• High quality foam windscreen to reduce wind noise.
• Excellent sound.
• Any Rode external microphone comes with a massive 10 year warranty.
• Very low noise. Decent off-axis rejection to reduce ambient audio.

Cons

• Requires delicate handling. I’ve always found it a bit of a pain to remove and replace the battery in these.
• New mount may be less tolerant of extreme movement as compared to original VideoMic mount.

 

#4: RODE VideoMicro

The RODE VideoMicro is a high-quality on-camera pencil condenser microphone.

It is a cardioid microphone which means that it only captures sound in one direction. This is great for noise reduction.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design.
• Has built in shockmount.
• Comes with a windshield for outdoor recording.
• No battery required. Simply plug and play.
• Can be used with cameras and smartphones.
• Durable and solid construction.
• A very affordable external microphone.

Cons

• You’ll need to buy a seperate cable for iPhones. It comes with a 3.5mm jack, but a lot of iPhones no longer have that port.
• Can’t record well from a distance.
• Specs indicate it has a high lower limit of frequency response. This only really impacts people who want to record lower frequencies, such as musicians.

 

#5: Sennheiser Professional MKE 400

The Sennheiser Professional MKE 400 shotgun mic is a great first step in the world of audio.

It’s the perfect companion for beginner videographers and travel vloggers looking to enhance their audio.

A lovely external microphone with excellent sound quality, the MKE 400 is definitely something to consider.

Pros

• Compact with sturdy build.
• Integrated headphone output jack with volume adjustment for audio monitoring.
• Automatically powers on/off when connected to DSLR cameras.
• Integrated wind protection and internal suspension mount.
• Interchangable 3.5mm TRS and TRRS connectivity for cameras or mobile devices.
• Onboard headphone jack and volume controls.
• Crisp and clean, highly-directional audio. Sennheiser is known for its superior sound quality.
• Built in shock mount and wind protection.

Cons

• Gain switch only has 3 positions.
• Requires AAA batteries for power.
• Headphone jack only works during active recordings, not for playback.
• Built in windshield isn’t the best at eliminating wind noise.

 

#6: REMOVU A1

One of the best wireless action camera microphone attachments is the Removu A1.

If you’re feeling adventurous and up for a swim, this microphone is the only waterproof mic on our list.

Pros

• Designed specifically for use with action cameras like the GoPro.
• Allows users to connect 3rd party bluetooth microphones as well.
• Comes in a waterproof housing and even records sound underwater.
• A definitely improvement on the internal GoPro microphone.
• Clear and full sound.

Cons

• Works up to 40 meters away which is far from bad, but is a low lower range than other wireless microphones.
• The spongy wind baffle that comes with it isn’t great.
• Sometimes the waterproof housing doesn’t properly close which can ruin your mic.
• Drops out of range easily.

 

#7: Synco G2

The Synco G2 is a dual wireless clip on microphone. It sends clean, clear audio via 2.4GHz digital transmission technology.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to conceal.
• Fast charging.
• Battery supports 8-hour continued working if fully charged.
• Easy to operate.
• East to read true-colour display.
• Built in microphone with external mic capabilities. Can be used with various lavalier microphones.
• Cheaper than other similar solutions.
• It’s a wireless microphone so you won’t get tangled in cables.

Cons

• Build quality could be better.
• Screens aren’t very bright which could cause issues outdoors.
• Range of 100m is significantly lower than competitors.
• Mute button is easy to accidentally press on transmitters.

 

#8: Movo VXR10 Pro

The Movo VXR10 Pro is a very popular and affordable external microphone for cameras and smartphones.

It’s a great plug-and-play solution that can dramatically elevate your audio quality.

Pros

• Battery free design. Powers directly from phone or camera.
• Compatible with any device with a 3.5mm TRS or TTRS port.
• Built in shock mount.
• Affordable and very capable for its price.
• Easy to use.
• Excellent sound quality.
• Small, compact and lightweight.

Cons

• It can be difficult to intsert the microphone into the shock mount.
• Bit of ambient noise in recordings, especially in loud areas.
• Doesn’t offer any built-in settings.

 

#9: Sairen VM-Q1

The Sairen VM-Q1 mini cardioid condenser microphone is an ultra lightweight action camera microphone attachment that won’t break the bank.

This external microphone is a great option to improve the sound quality of your video recordings.

Pros

• Has built in shock mount and wind shield.
• No battery required.
• Low self-noise.
• Sturdy microphone build.
• Cardioid recording pattern to minimise unwanted external noise.
• Very affordable.
• Super compact.
• Does a decent job picking up distant sounds and voices.

Cons

• No headphone jack.
• Slightly flimsy supporting structure.
• Sound quality is good, but not great.
• Only works with Sairen’s proprietary recording devices.

 

#10: Boya BY-MM1

The Boya BY-MM1 is a compact cardioid on camera microphone.

If you’re looking to record high quality audio on a budget, it’s a good mic to keep in mind!

Pros

• Custom shock mount and fur windshield.
• Durable construction.
• No batteries required.
• Cardioid construction reduced ambient noise.
• A very affordable external microphone.
• 3.5mm TRS or TTRS audio jack mean it’s compatible with most smartphones, tablets, cameras and computers.
• This is a dual capsule microphone meaning there is one mic facing forwards and one facing backwards. Very good for filming interviews.

Cons

• The dead cat wind shield isn’t great quality.
• The shock mount is a sturdy plastic meaning it doesn’t do the best job at reducing handling noise.
• Slight distortion in audio if filming outdoors.
• You can only monitor audio during playback.
• The Front+Rear mode records onto a single track, so you can’t seperate the audio.

 

#11: Movo GM100

If you’re looking for a true action camera microphone attachment, the Movo GM100 might be the way to go.

This is a plug and play lavalier microphone for your GoPro.

Pros

• No battery required.
• Omnidirectional pickup pattern.
• Works with GoPro Hero 3, Hero 3+ and Hero4.
• Includes windscreen and wind muff.
• Super compact.
• Crisp audio quality with reduced background noise.
• Portable and compact.
• Cheap as chips.
• Well made.

Cons

• As a lavalier microphone, for the best sound the microphone should be close to your face. So if you plan on holding the camera out in front of you, you’ll have a cable dangling around.
• Will only improve sound quality if you are filming dialogue. As a lav mic, it will reduce other ambient noise, which you may actually want to capture.

 

#13: Saramonic SR-XM1

The Sarmonic SR-XM1 is another good option if you’re looking for action camera microphone attachments.

Action cameras like the GoPro are often very small, so a small but mighty external microphone is a great companion.

Pros

• Unobtrusive.
• No long cables.
• Needs no battery.
• Plugs directly into your recorder, mixer or portable device.
• Flexible, swivel head.
• Easy to use.
• Foam windscreen included.
• Has a built in shock mount to reduce handling noise.
• Compatible with a wide selection of equipment.

Cons

• Not the greatest audio quality. Not bad for the price but if you have a good ear it will bother you.

 

#14: Saramonic Blink500 Pro

The next action camera microphone attachment on our list is the Saramonic Blink 500 Pro.

The Blink 500 Pro is a go to for better audio quality.

Pros

• Incredibly compact, lightweight and easy to use.
• Two transmittors for use with two people.
• Built in microphone.
• Crystal-clear professional audio.
• Budget friendly.
• Ability to plug external microphones in, rather than using built in mic.
• 8 hour battery life.
• Supplied with pop shields which go a long way in reducing win noise.

Cons

• Plastic build.
• A bit of wind noise when using built-in mic.
• 100m range is slightly lower than other alternatives.

 

#15: EDUTIGE ETM-001

For a small but mighty action camera microphone attachment, the ETM-001 has got you covered.

The ETM-001 is a high sensitivity external mic, good at capturing high qualty audio at a distance.

If compact action cameras are your thing, this mic is a great addition to your kit.

Pros

• Comes with foam windscreen to help with wind noise.
• 3.5mm TRS audio jack connects to a range of devices.
• No batteries required.
• Great with action cameras like GoPros and the DJI Osmo Pocket.
• Comes with windscreen.
• Very small.

Cons

• Won’t work with iPhones, iPads, Macs and other smartphones and tablets.
• Sometimes produces popping and crackling sounds.
• Can’t be angled unless you buy an adapter.

 

What is an action camera?

An action camera is a digital camera designed for recording action while being immersed in it.

The most common example of an action camera is the GoPro. They have incredibly high image quality and stabilization.

However, there are many other action cameras out there. Examples include:

• Sony HDR-AS10
• Garmin VIRB
• Panasonic HX-A500E
• Polaroid Cube
• TomTom Bandit
• DJI Osmo Action
• Xiaomi YiCamera

Action cameras after generally associated with outdoor sports.

Due to the nature of their use, they are typically compact, rugged and waterproof. They allow you to jump right into the action and become part of the adventure.

Common places to mount action cameras are on helmets or hates, on the chest, on a harness or on the handlebar of a bike.

 

What is an action camera microphone attachment?

An action camera microphone attachment is a pretty straightforward concept. It’s an external microphone attachment you can use with your action camera.

Often our action camera microphone isn’t good enough to capture the clean, crispy sound we want. In this instance you reach for your trusty microphone attachment, plug it in, and all your sound woes are sorted!

 

Why is sound quality important in video?

Everyone always seems to think that the visual is the most important. High quality audio is taken for granted.

Audio can bring your video to life, and bad quality audio can ruin it. You don’t necessarily realise it, because most of the audio we hear is clean. But when video recordings have poor qulity audio it’s very distracting.

Audio adds a level of engagement to your video. Whether that be voices, sound effects or music. You can use audio to bring your audience on the adventure with you.

 

Do I need an adapter for my external microphone?

Most of the time, external microphones are designed to plug directly into your recorder, mixer or portable device.

However, there are some devices that require an adapter.

If you’re not sure whether you need an adapter for your action camera, check the manual or contact the manufacturer.

Often if adapters are necessary, the manufacturer will already be well aware and sell the adapter you require.

 

How do I connect my external microphone to my camera?

Most external microphones are designed to be compatible with action cameras. They will usually connect using 3.5mm mic jack.

Sometimes you may need a microphone adapter. Usually this is some sort of adapter cable. Before buying an adapter cable, make sure that the mic is compatible with your device. You don’t want to go plugging it in and blowing it up.

For example, GoPro specifically sell a 3.5mm mic adapter which allows you to connect microphones to your Go Pro.

 

How do I improve my audio quality?

Audio quality is dependent on a few different factors.

Obviously, the biggest factor is the microphone you use. When a manufacturer is makes a device like a camera, they need to fit a lot of seperate components together. They need to compromise on some of those less important components.

Usually the most important part of a camera is the image it produces. Most of the time sound is recorded externally, so the camera’s internal microphone doesn’t need to be of groundbreaking quality.

By finding dedicated external microphones, you’re nearly always going to be improving on the camera’s internal audio quality. A microphone manufacturer’s sole focus is the microphone. They don’t need to worry about all the other components that get shoved into a camera. So you should always notice an improvement in your audio when you use an external mic.

Another thing that will impact your audio quality is the environment you shoot in. Pay attention to what is around you. If you’re at the back of a building, surrounded by large airconditioning units, with people walking by and gale force winds, no matter what microphone you have, your audio quality will likely suffer.

It’s also good to keep the mic placement in mind. If you’re using a highly directional shotgun mic and your subject isn’t right in front of the mic, your audio will suffer. If you use a wireless mic and place the transmitter too far from the subject, your audio will sound distant.