With podcasters taking to mobile to get their recording done, many have been on the search for top microphones that can be linked to their smartphone. And with Android users representing the largest share of the mobile market, it’s not surprising to see the “best microphone for android” trending consistently around the globe.

But which actually are the best microphones for Android, especially when one has podcasting needs in mind? We have just the lineup of them for you, so keep those eyes on-page to the end. Let’s go!

1. How to choose the best Android microphone?

1.1 Polar patterns

Polar patterns are sensitivity boundary ranges that a microphone can catch as input. Most commonly, these cardioid directivity patterns allow more sound input from the front of the unit, rather than the back and sides, creating a more focused register area. Any unit marketed as the “best microphone for Android” should have this feature built-in to avoid having unwanted sounds and signals to distort the quality of their final recording.

1.2 Mobility

With recording on mobile, it’s a no-brainer to have a microphone setup that is easy to carry along. In most cases, active podders go for a setup like the lavalier, wireless mics, Bluetooth, even USB input units. This feature is a handy thing to have with your mics, especially if your podcast nature demands guest appearances or new locations.

1.3 Connectivity

Going mobile is essentially about the advantage of having multiple, strong connection channels to receive your mic-in with. Loads of microphones made for Android usage come with cable-free connectivity options like USB, Bluetooth, wireless, Of course, there are those that offer analog options as well – micro-USB, Type-C, and TRRS connector jacks – for devices that aren’t wireless-ready.

1.4 Compatibility

In some cases, connectivity alone is not enough – there needs to be a mediator application between your Android device and mic unit. Although most mics are designed as plug-and-plays, there are quite many Bluetooth and wireless mics that require the use of middleman software to manage settings, volume, and toggle it on or off. With these types, be sure that your apps are always updated to ensure optimum recording performance.

1.5 Usability

The final one is of course its usability and sound quality. An external mic for mobile will need to be checked for its dynamic range, pitch quality, stimulus sensitivity, pattern control, and inherent directivity. Also, be sure to have an Android-compatible recording and mixing studio suite to make necessary adjustments to your mic input directly from your handheld.

2. The Best Microphone for Android 2023 List

2.1 BOYA BY-M1 Omnidirectional Lavalier

The BY-M1 is a lavalier microphone for Android with an omnidirectional polarity, allowing for sound input from virtually every angle. Its improved sensitivity, signal-to-noise, and a flat frequency response features ensure you get the best recording quality without compromising on the naturalness of your voice content. It has a TRRS jack and offers a single-switch toggle between smartphone input and camera or DSLR input.

Features:

• Omnidirectional input
• Flat frequency response
• One-toggle mode switch
• 3.5mm 4-pole TRRS output connector
• Comes with a foam windscreen, lapel clip, 1/4” adapter, and an LR44 button battery.

Price Point: starts from  ‎$14.95

2.2 AKG Lyra Multimode USB Microphone

The Lyra is marketed as a mobile, ultra-HD recording unit with USB connectivity. Its highlight feature is its AKG Adaptive Array – a 4-capsule, flexible input pickup – allowing 4 different modes of recording ; Wide Stereo, Tight Stereo, Front, and Front & Back. It’s also equipped with a built-in shockmount and sound diffuser to heighten signal quality, giving your final output the lift it deserves.

Features:

• Mutimode input
• Readily-mounted
• Plug-and-play setup for desktop and mobile
• Internal shockmounting available
• USB Type-C to USB Type-A connectors

Price Point: starts from  $149.00

2.3 Shure MV88+ Stereo Condenser Microphone

Packaged as a Video Kit, the Shure MV88+ is the condenser microphone for Android phone users. It comes with 5 different input presets for multiple recording conditions. Its adaptive polarity patterns lets users record with both cardioid, bi-directional, and combination patterns for top-quality recordings, no matter the surroundings. With a flexible, 5-band EQ, sound limiting, and compression, your final output is guaranteed to be crisp and clear. This mic connects to Android devices through USB connectivity, namely the Type-C connectors.

Features:

• Multi-select combinative polarity for flexible input control
• Internal sound compression
• Links to ShurePlus™ MOTIV™ Mobile and Desktop
• Built-in headphone output
• USB Type-C connector

Price Point: starts from US$199.00

2.4 Rode VideoMic Me-C USB

The next best microphone for Android is the Rode Me-C – an air-pressure-powered, cardioid build. As a video USB microphone for Android phone use, this mobile unit is a plug and play system, complemented by the Rode Reporter, a handheld-only recording studio app. It connects effortlessly via USB-C ports on any device running Android 10 or higher. There’s also a built-in 3.5mm TRRS headphone jack for monitoring input in real-time.

Features:

• Cardioid pickup
• Links to Rode reporter seamlessly
• Tubular build removes need for external shhockmounting
• 3.5mm TRRS headphone jack and USB Type-C connectors

Price Point: starts from $79.00

2.5 Zoom Am7 Stereo Mobile Microphone

The Am7 is a mid-side stereo piece that is perfect for audio and video recording. The rotational mic capsules allow for wider range of sound input and even comes with its own L-R adjustment knob for further precision. Its case adjuster feature lets those with bigger devices to easily connect to the Am7, without the hassle of adapters. The universal USB-C connector allows a single-contact connectivity ensuring secure coupling at all times.

Features:

• Twin mode : 90° and 120° stereo input
• Mic gain control
• Links to ZOOM Handy Recorder App
• Case adjuster for larger devices
• USB Type-C connector

Price Point: starts from US$81.00

2.6 Comica Audio CVM-VM10-K1

Simply search for “Comica microphone for Android phone amazon” and you’ll see the CVM-VM10 ranges right on the first page! But what caught our eye is the mobile, handy, and comprehensive kitting tools that the K1 offers. From a cardioid directivity pattern to reduce interferences, to its universal 3.5mm TRRS jack connector, the unit can easily be one of the best microphone for Android picks. It records both mobile audio and video and comes with an external shock mount for better sound quality.

Features:

• Cardioid polar pattern
• Includes external shockmounting
• 3.5mm 4-pole TRRS output connector
• Includes a flexible smartphone clamp, ¼ screw clamp extender, TRS-TRRS audio adapter cable, and a windmuff

Price Point: starts from US$49.99

2.7 Lewinner Wireless Bluetooth Lavalier

The Lewinner lavalier is often touted as the best Android microphone for recording live music – thanks to its full band, 48kHz Stereo CD audio recording quality. This microphone also comes with real-time mixing abilities – via its complementary SmartMike+ app – allowing users to mesh together voice and surrounding input. Its mobile mic wireless and Bluetooth connectivity allows you to record audio directly on your handheld devices. However, this isn’t what you need for live streaming and other real-time sessions.

Features:

• 48kHz Stereo CD audio quality
• Functions exclusively with complementary SmartMike+ app
• Real-time audio mixing suite
• Bluetooth connectivity

Price Point: starts from US$29.99

2.8 Sabinetek SmartMike+

The next best microphone for Android is the Sabinetek SmartMike+, offering synchronized stereo sound and the ability to capture recordings in their patented 48kHz True Sound quality. With its complementary SmartMike+ app for Android, you’d be able to mix, edit, and add captions to audio and video projects, straight from mobile. Its 2-way Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows for quality data and sound input transfer, minus the hassle of pesky cables.

Features:

• Wireless, clip-on lavalier
• 4-level noise reduction
• Controls via complementary SmartMike+ app
• 6-hr battery life
• 2-way Bluetooth wireless connectivity

Price Point: starts from  $119.90

2.9 YELANGU MIC06-C

This cardioid unit offers a pickup range focused to the front of the microphone for the best quality voice input, chiefly for podcasting. The tubular build of the YELANGU MIC06-C allows it to minimize unwanted mic signals by isolating the recording capsules and lowering chances of shakes and rumbles. It’s also a choice for whenever you’re looking for the best Android microphone for recording live music. It easily connects to your device via a universal Type-C USB connection, just plug and play!

Features:

• Cardioid input
• Tubular design to reduce interference
• USB-C connection port
• Includes windmuff

Price Point: starts from $21.15

2.10 Youmic Lavalier Microphone

The final pick of the best microphone for Android use is the omni-directional Youmic lavalier. Its straightforward construction allows it to power itself from your device and work simply by plug-and-play. What’s unique is that the cord is Kevlar reinforced and can withstand device weights up to 10kg. Its inconspicuous design makes it a great external mic for mobile, especially whenever you need the unit hidden. It connects readily via the headphone port with a standard 3.5mm TRRS jack.

Features:

• Omnidirectional input
• Plug-and-play setup
• Kevlar-reinforced cables
• 3.5mm 4-pole TRRS output connector

Price Point: starts from  $19.19

3. FAQs

1.     Can I use external microphone with my Android?
Most mobile mics are USB-ready, Bluetooth-ready, or come with an analog, 3.5mm male TRRS connector for swift connection. However, do bear in mind that some microphone unit may need the presence of a mediator mobile application to be able to function as intended.  

2.     What is the best microphone for Android?
If we were to pick one best microphone for Android, it would definitely be the BOYA BY-M1. With omnidirectional input, increased capsule sensitivity, and flat frequency pickup, you can record just about any type of content – without having to compromise the natural tone and pitch in your final output.

3.     Which mic is best for voice recording?
The Shure MV88+ stereo condenser is perfect for voice recording – either podcasting, webinars, or most of all livestream needs. Its adaptive directivity design allows you to adjust the pickup of the mic, giving you the flexibility to record voices of varying pitch in pretty much any surrounding condition.

4.     Which mic is best for singing in mobile?
The best Android microphone for recording live music would have to be the YELANGU MIC06-C, which offers all the capabilities you need for recording musical voice input live – cardioid directivity, isolated capsule design, universal USB connection, and no extra wires or shock mounts needed. Just plug-and-play!