7 Best Affordable Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone Kits 2020

7 Best Affordable Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone Kits 2020

Lavalier ( a.k.a “lapel” or “clip on”) microphones make you vlog or short film audio professional. Whatever name you choose, they all work the same way. The design allows you to capture audio from a single subject. However, some systems have multiple microphones sending audio to a single receiver.

The advantage of clipping a wireless lavalier lapel microphone to clothing is clear and consistent audio capture. Regardless of which direction the camera is pointing or the distance to the subject, the audio will remain the same quality.

When is comes to wireless lavalier lapel microphones, the microphone advantages and some disadvantages.

Advantage: No cables means our subjects can move around freely.

Disadvantages: much more costly and connection issues add complexity to audio recording.

When you connect a lavalier mic to your camera via a cable, it’s very reliable. You can also purchase a decent one from as low as $15. Many situations prohibit a mic connected via a cable. For example, when filming actors or when a speaker is on stage.

In this post, I’ll look at affordable wireless lavalier lapel microphone kits. For recording a vlog you don’t need a wireless system costing $1000s. And for low-to-no budget filmmakers, the cost of pro wireless sets is prohibitive. Anyway, you can get some great sounding wireless kits for much less.

Before you purchase, consider whether you need a single mic or multiple mics. Some systems come with more than one or may allow you to add further mics later. Others are a single mic unit only.

Bear in mind, when you are used to recording sound from an mics built in to GoPros, iPhones, smartphones, Osmo Actions or Osmo Pockets, almost any clip on mic will be a step up in quality.

Note on Band Frequency

Traditional wireless microphones operate in the 470-698 MHz bandwidth. Whereas new wireless microphones are coming on the market which use the 2.4k GHz bandwidth (essentially WiFi).

2.4 GHz microphones are a great choice if you only need a few channels and like hassle-free setup. For those who need lots of channels and ultra low latency, UHF mics are still the best choice.

These new wireless systems from makers such as Sennheiser, RØDE and Saramonic generally come with a mic built into the transmitter. But there’s also the option to add a clip on mic, as well.

1. FIFINE

This is a simple 20-Channel UHF wireless lavalier lapel mic system. It’s right at the bottom of the price range, so makes a decent introductory mic. But at this price, it comes with inconsistent durability.

While it’s working, this mic will give you pretty good audio. A big step up from inbuilt camera mics and even mini shotguns (which are only effective at close range). While the range (50 feet or 15 meters) is shorter than more expensive models, there’s everything you need here to get started using a wireless lav mic. Fifine includes a 0.25-inch jack to 3.5mm jack adapter, too.

Find FIFINE Wireless Kit on Amazon

2. PIXEL MK7

A step up in price but also in build quality. The audio quality is also slightly better. The Pixel MK7 is designed to be used with smartphones as well as DSLRs and other cameras.

Using the UHF frequency band, the Pixel MK7 offers 6 channels and claims a range of up to 300 feet (90 meters). However, I imagine that would be in the best case scenario, as that’s quite a range for a low cost wireless mic. Anyway, when vlogging or filmmaking, how many of us need to be that distance from the camera?

Powered by 2 “AA” batteries, the wireless lavalier lapel mic will be powered for 15-20 hours. The set also comes with a durable hard case. However, I noticed the same kit (particularly in the UK) under a different brand name going for less money, but without the case. I personally wouldn’t use the case as it adds unnecessary bulk to my kit bag. So if you feel the same way, it might be worth hunting around.

Either way, this is a decent introductory level wireless lav set up at an affordable price. Check out an audio test here by Matthias Lebo.

Find PIXEL MK7 on Amazon

3. Comica CVM-WS50(C) & CVM-WS60

What I like about this wireless lavalier lapel kit is it is specifically designed to be used with smartphones. They can of course be used with other cameras such as DSLRs and mirrorless. There are 2 models, a single transmitter/mic and a double transmitter/mic.

What I was looking for was a good quality double mic kit which can connect directly to a smartphone and this fit the bill.

We are shooting a short film in a couple of weeks, so I’ve ordered the double set from Amazon (arrive today). I came close to ordering the Saramonic UWMIC9 system, but was stalling over the cost (I would need an extra portable recorder too). Then I saw the Comica and felt it should work better in our situation (a tiny crew) and cost less.

The kit is 8-channels with a maximum 194 feet (60 meter) range. The quality of the microphone is good, too. In addition, the Comica CVM-WS50(C) & CVM-WS60 both come with useful mini LCD screens.

However there are some differences between the single and double mic set. The single kit has a rechargeable inbuilt lithium battery, while the double mic kit needs AAA batteries or external power. The single operates in the 520MHz~526MHz frequency while the double mic kit operates in the 606MHz~614MHz range. The single only has 6 channels while the double has 8 channels to choose from.

Note that the CVM-WS50(B) has a smartphone grip handle instead of a mini tripod. Otherwise it’s the same as the (C) version.

Find the CVM-WS50(C) & CVM-WS60 on Amazon

4. Saramonic UwMic9

Like the Comica above, the Saramonic UWMIC9 comes with a single and double mic kit option. These kits come at a somewhat higher cost, but in terms of audio are approaching pro level quality. While they have the option to connect directly to your smartphone or DSLR, they also come with XLR connectors to feed into a portable recorder.

Bear in mind, if your phone no longer has the 3.5mm headphone jack you will need an adapter. The system offers 96 channels in 2 groups ranging from 514 to 596 MHZ. Range is up to 330 feet (100 meters) in open areas or 200 feet (60 meters) with obstacles.

When compared to a more expensive Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 there’s very little difference in audio quality. While cheaper wireless kits have fixed lav mics, the Saramonic UWMIC9 allows you to swap out the included mics for alternatives. This is useful if you wanted to replace or upgrade the mics, for example.

Find Saramonic UwMic9 on Amazon

2.4 GHz Systems

These are the best wireless lavalier lapel mics I could find, if you are working on a tight budget. However, there is a new breed of affordable wireless mics which are aimed towards vloggers and/or general social media video folks.

These systems, like for example the RØDE Wireless Go II, operate in 83 MHz of spectrum between 2.400 GHz and 2.483 GHz. The same as WiFi. These mics are simple to use, lightweight and convenient.

They generally have lower range than UHF wireless mics. But operating within normal distance to your camera, this shouldn’t be a problem. I mean, if the subject is small figure in the distance, why bother with live audio anyway?

The quality of the inbuilt mics are usually inferior, but good for getting mic’d up in a hurry. Just clip the transmitter to your clothing and off you go – no fiddling around feeding wires under clothing and so on.

5. RØDE Wireless Go II

RØDE designed the Wireless GO  II as a simple solution for wireless audio. Whether you are a small business, a beginner filmmaker or a vlogger, this system could be your entry-level wireless mic.

The Wireless GO system is very compact and lightweight. The RØDE Wireless GO transmitter measures in at 44 x 45.3 x 18.5mm (1.73 x 1.78 x 0.72″) and only weighs 31g (1.05oz).

As mentioned above, the Wireless GO II transmitter has an inbuilt mic. So you can use it as it is, just simply clip the transmitter near the subjects mouth and off you go. You can now also use the transmitter as a stand-alone recorder (no receiver needed).

The basic package is 2 transmitters and the receiver. But RØDE now offer a single transmitter option.

The RØDE Wireless GO II allows you to record audio directly via the inbuilt mic in the transmitter. But for higher quality, as well as being able to add a more discreet mic, you can connect a lavalier mic to the transmitter via the 3.5mm TRS socket.

The sheer portability of the mics can allow you to get creative with placement. The system has an inbuilt battery which lasts up to 7 hours from full charge. As well, each transmitter holds 7 hours of broadcast quality audio (WAV). This means, as a solo filmmaker with 2 transmitters, you can have 14 hours top quality audio before needing to worry about recharging or offloading audio files.

Find RØDE Wireless Go II on Amazon

6. Saramonic Blink 500

The Saramonic Blink 500 is new (and seemingly only available in the US right now). The system is comparable to the RØDE Wireless GO, except for a couple of big differences. One is that you get 2 transmitters and the other is that the lavalier lapel mics come included.

On the down side, the two transmitter feed into one audio file where the 2 channels become mixed. Another is that the receiver is a little bigger than the Wireless GO receiver. The range of the system is up to 164 feet (50 meters).

Again, there is an inbuilt mic in each transmitter. Listening to this YouTube audio test, there seems very little difference between the inbuilt mic and the lavalier. There are different kits with connectors for all kinds of phones and devices: lighting, USB-C and 3.5mm TRRS jack.

Internal batteries last 5-6 hours after a full charge.

You can find all the Saramonic Blink 500 version on the official website.

Find Saramonic Blink 500 on Amazon

7. Sennheiser XSW-D

This is Sennheiser’s version of the 2.4 GHz wireless lavalier mic system. Sennheiser are one of the most trusted makers of audio gear for consumers and professionals alike. So we can expect the audio quality, durability and reliability to be a step above some of the other makers.

The system comes in a variety of versions and separate items which you can mix and match to suit your needs. There’s up to a 250 feet (76 meter) range in optimal conditions. The battery can last up to 5 hours on a single charge.

The system comes with no setting controls. Therefore, no volume control, which could be a problem. Raise your voice and (without some kind of volume control system placed inline), you might get audio clipping.

With all the different mix n’ match combos, the system can be a little complex for those who just want a run and gun mic, without having to research every possibility. Having said that, with this system you get Sennheiser audio quality at an affordable price.

Find Sennheiser XSW-D on Amazon

Smartphone Video – Beginner to Advanced

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