Best External Mic for GoPro Cameras
If you’re at all interested in action cameras, you know that a GoPro is the best of the best. Tech-whizzes will know that the GoPro range, which launched in 2002, has revolutionized action photography. Although they are expensive, the tiny GoPro cameras feature wide lenses that make shooting wide scenery a pleasure.
Whether you want to capture your surfing experience or take in the sprawling beach view (GoPros are waterproof!), or even snap a bike race or any manner of traveling expeditions, the GoPro has you covered.
Now, while all GoPros do have built-in mics, they do tend to be a bit on the average side. If you’re a big audio freak and you have specific requirements from your GoPro, such as vlogging, you might need to invest in an external mic. The best external mic for GoPro depends on your needs, but anything that provides you crisp audio and is easy to travel with (like the GoPro itself) is a pretty decent match.
However, before we examine some of the candidates for the best external mic for GoPro, we should probably remind you that the GoPro doesn’t have a mic jack. So, you will need an adapter before you can use your external mic (and you should still remember that a couple of GoPros don’t accept external mics, regardless of adapters).
So let’s look at two adapters that will serve your purpose and then move on to the external mics.
BEST MIC ADAPTER FOR GOPRO
1) GOPRO MEDIA MOD
This is from the GoPro store, so it will fit in very well with your GoPro HERO8. It’s around $80, but you get way more than a 3.5mm mic jack for your external mic. This is a Media Mod, so it comes with a bunch of ways for you to customize your GoPro. Although it’s not waterproof, so you should be careful where you carry it.
The Media Mod has a built-in shotgun mic, so you can experience clear and crisp audio without the annoying interruptions of wind and extraneous noise. If you’re interviewing someone outdoors or just shooting in a semi-noisy room, this should be quite beneficial. Aside from attaching an external mic, there are mounts, so you can also attach LCDs or lights. The Type-C port is also useful.
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2) GOPRO PRO 3.5MM MIC ADAPTER
This is also an official GoPro accessory and is compatible with several GoPro models. Although it is cheaper than the previous adapter, it’s a bit bulkier and doesn’t have a wraparound design, so it depends on how you set it up.
The 3.5mm mic jack will allow you to connect to any compatible external mic, and you can also connect audio recorders or mixers. For what it is, the price tag of close to $50 might seem a bit excessive.
However, as a GoPro user, you might be limited in terms of choice and reliability, so if you buy this, you’ll get something that’s a quality match for your GoPro.
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LIST OF BEST EXTERNAL MIC FOR GOPRO REVIEW
10 BEST EXTERNAL MIC FOR GOPRO REVIEW
1. MOVO VXR10 UNIVERSAL VIDEO MICROPHONE
This external mic from Movo isn’t quite dirt-cheap, but it’s got great compatibility features. In terms of versatility, this is probably the best external mic for GoPro, as it will work seamlessly with a lot of different devices and can be used in a variety of shooting scenarios.
The VXR10 microphone is small and light and doesn’t require any battery. As a cardioid microphone, it’ll do very well for live concerts and shooting action videos with your GoPro, but it’s great for a studio setup as well. If you like, you can also switch it up and use it with your iPhone or your camera, so it’s a good universal external mic to have on hand. If you’re using it with equipment beyond your GoPro, it’s definitely a good investment, and the $40 price tag won’t be much of a deterrent for you.
The mic has an aluminum build, so it’s bound to last you a while, and it also comes with a 3.5mm TRRS adapter. Movo also includes a shock mount which helps to cut down on any vibration noise that will interfere with the audio.
This can be particularly useful when shooting on GoPro with an adapter, as there’s a lot of equipment to manage, and keeping things steady might be a challenge. You’re really getting your money’s worth with this external mic.
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2. RODE STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO RYCOTE CONDENSER ON-CAMERA MICROPHONE
If you want to match your GoPro for quality, you can opt for this mic from Rode. If you’re looking for premium, high-end options, this is the best external mic for GoPro for you, although it is expensive. This is ideal if you’re a musician or you like filming concerts. The Stereo VideoMic Pro is a high-sensitivity cardioid microphone and is perfect for building a layered audio scene.
Its ergonomic design makes it very easy to pair with DSLRs, although when you’re pairing it with your GoPro, you might have to fiddle around a bit to set it up because it is larger in size. However, this is a quality product, so there’s no compromising on that front.
The built-in shock mount is great for preventing vibrations from disrupting the audio, and its thermoplastic construction ensures that it’s sturdy enough to support the mic easily. The fact that the mic is a great choice for capturing a natural atmosphere makes it a good candidate for live sports videography as well.
You might lose out on the portability factor because you will probably have to have a dedicated setup for this when you’re pairing it with your GoPro, but the audio will be top-notch.
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3. SARAMONIC SMARTMIC MINI CONDENSER FLEXIBLE MICROPHONE
For more budget-friendly options, this is a very well-priced external mic from Saramonic. It’s marketed towards iPhone and iPad users (although it is generally quite compatible), so it’s quite small. This makes it ideal for use with a GoPro, and in terms of size, it’s probably the best external mic for GoPro because you won’t have to have a whole rig set up to support the mic.
It weighs less than an ounce, which makes it pretty handy to carry around. The mic also doesn’t require batteries, which is a huge plus. You don’t have to worry about it randomly running out of juice while you’re in the middle of taking videos.
The Saramonic SmartMic also has a swivel design, so you can adjust it and position it closer to the sound source. It has a built-in shock mount to manage vibrations or to handle noises and requires a standard 3.5mm audio jack. It’s a plug-and-play mic, so it’s fairly fuss-free.
It will vastly improve your audio quality and has an aluminum build for added durability. It works well for interviews, but it can capture just about anything. The anti-interference function is a nice plus. For just $25, you really can’t go wrong with this mic.
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4. POP VOICE PROFESSIONAL LAVALIER LAPEL MICROPHONE OMNIDIRECTIONAL CONDENSER MIC
This is another budget microphone that will hardly be a pocket-pinch. You won’t have to spend more than $15, but you’ll really get your money’s worth. This is a lapel microphone, so you can clip it to your collar or attach it to someone else’s. It’ll work perfectly whether you’re recording music, conducting an interview, or vlogging for YouTube or TikTok.
It’s also highly compatible and should work on phones, laptops, and tablets, aside from your GoPro. Pop voice will include a PC adapter as well, in case you want to use it with your computer. The mic is tiny, so it’s easy to carry around and also requires no additional setup or support because you can attach it to your lapel. The cable is very long, so it gives you a lot of range if you’ve set up your GoPro somewhere and you’re filming at a distance.
The mic also has a thick anti-interference cable which helps give you clearer audio. It’s high-sensitivity and also comes with extra wind muffs to prevent outdoor noises from becoming an issue. If you’re shopping on a shoestring budget and you’re looking for a simple but effective piece of tech, this is it.
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5. IUKUS PC MICROPHONE WITH MIC STAND
If you’re on a $10 budget, this is good news for you. It’s amazing how well this mic can perform, considering how little it costs, but that’s the wonder of technology. Of course, you can’t expect miracles, but this is a solid bit of tech. It comes with a tripod stand, the base of which is 180° adjustable, so you can angle the mic however you like.
The shaft on the base can be rotated a full 360°, so the stand is a very convenient addition. The mic can be handheld as well, but the stand is quite reliable and has an anti-slip function to hold the mic steady. The mic itself records crisp and high-fidelity vocals and is a great little tool for everything from interviews to recording YouTube videos.
When you’re not shooting with it on your GoPro, it can also come in handy for gaming or podcasting. It’s compatible with PCs, laptops, smartphones, and other devices and is a great bargain.
In terms of price and value for money, this might just be the best external mic for GoPro out there. Not only does the mic come with a highly adjustable tripod stand, but you also get a headphone adapter. Considering you’re barely paying anything, this is a product that knows how to deliver.
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6. WIRED LAVALIER LAPEL MICROPHONE
Again under the $10 mark, this is a lapel microphone from LFEEY. It’s small and easy to carry around, and the long cord gives you a decent bit of range so you can record from a relative distance if you like. This isn’t just ideal for shooting interviews and YouTube videos with your GoPro; you can also use it to chat to your relatives on Skype or in live streams.
It’s widely compatible with all mainstream systems, as well as your GoPro, of course. It connects via a 3.5mm jack and includes a wind muff which will come in handy when you’re shooting in challenging conditions outdoors. For a product that’s under $10, you’re really getting bang for your buck.
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7. VENUS LAOWA 60MM F/2.8 LENSMOUKEY MCM-1 DSLR CAMERA MICROPHONE
At around $27, this is a pretty solid option from Moukey. The aluminum body of the microphone will protect the sound from interference and also lend it some durability. This is a battery-free mic, and it functions as a plug-and-play device. The built-in shock mount works to absorb handling noises and vibrations.
This is a top-quality microphone, and you get a lot of additions that also make it worth the money. The audio itself is top-notch, and the mic is compatible with DSLRs as well, so if you’re bored with shooting on your GoPro, you can switch out the mic and try it elsewhere.
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8. EIVOTOR CONDENSER MICROPHONE
EIVOTOR has an eye-catching mic design that comes in two colors. Although this mic is a decent size, so it won’t be as portable as some of the others on this list, it might just be what you’re looking for. It does come with a 270° tripod mount, so you can set it up easily, and the mount is foldable as well.
The dual-layer pop filter on the mic makes it ideal for recording music. If you’re a musician, then this is probably the best external mic for GoPro you can get. You can also just sing into it handheld.
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9) COMICA CVM-VM10II
If you’re interested in options closer to mid-range, this is a metal external mic from Comica that’s around $40. The aluminum build gives it a super anti-interference feature that prevents any vibrations from messing up your audio. It also has off-axis rejection to prevent unwanted sounds from creeping in while you’re recording.
A shock mount is included to keep handling noise to a minimum as well. For the price, this is a fairly high-grade mic you’re getting, and the high-sensitivity make is suitable for picking up clear audio.
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10) CENAWIN UNIVERSAL CAMERA MICROPHONE
Finally, Cenawin has a microphone that’s particularly made for vlogging. If that’s your end goal, then this is the best external mic for GoPro you could opt for, and the aluminum construction gives it a long lease on life, so it’s a good investment at under $30. It’s also small-sized, so you can just slip it into your pocket or your wallet, and you’re good to go.
It’s compatible with TRS/TRRS 3.5mm lines, and it should be the perfect companion for your GoPro, but you can also attach it to any other device you have.
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CONCLUSION
That’s that, hopefully, you’re well-read on the various external mic options available for your GoPro by now! A GoPro is a pretty big investment, so it’s understandable that you might want to spend cautiously when you’re buying accessories for it. However, almost all the options on this list are budget-friendly or close enough.
You can easily get a high-quality external mic for a very low cost, and often, the brand will include some useful accessories as well. So if you’ve decided on what you think is the best external mic for GoPro on this list, make sure you buy it asap!
