Top 6 Action Camera Microphone Attachments for 2023

As much as the high quality videography is necessary, a good audio quality is a must too, or even more! Sometimes a bad sound quality of a video can ruin your entire video even if all the shooting angles and lightings are amazingly done.

And, in case you are relying solely on your camera microphone for entire audio quality, then you might have to regret that decision sooner or later. You can save yourself from this horrible situation by just purchasing the the external microphone attachments. But, with your action cameras, the solution isn’t as swift as just buying any kind of external microphones, you have to look for an action camera microphone attachment, since a lot of cameras don’t have a microphone input oftentimes.

But, don’t panic! Choosing the best action camera microphone attachment is not as difficult as it sounds, and with this article too, we bring you the best action camera microphone attachments in 2023, have a look!

What kind of mics are ideal for action cameras?

Before jumping right onto the best action camera microphone attachments, let’s take a quick look at all the kinds of mics available to be paired alongside action cameras. In 2023, there is a wide range of external microphones available in the market, and can be categorized according to the way they record audio, their connection, their shapes, usage, and even according to their polar pattern.

Some of the mics that are compatible with action cameras are:

Dynamic Mics

Dynamic mics, are the ones that are categorized on the basis pf how microphones sound. These kind of mics make use of electromagnetism in order to convert sound into electrical signals. These are very versatile and are generally affordable.

Condenser Mics

These condenser mics are generally more accurate and offer amazing audio quality in comparison to the previously discussed dynamic mics. These are the expensive types and can be omnidirectional or bidirectional.

ShotGun Mics

Like the name itself, the ShotGun Mics literally look like a shotgun barrel. These kind of mics are highly directional and amazing at separating the sound sources and focusing on one at a time. The off-camera mics are more directional than the on-camera ones. In order to select the sensitivity better, it is necessary for the pickup pattern, that can be super cardioid, hyper-cardioid or ultra-cardioid.

Lavalier Mics

Lavalier mics are usually called the lapelmics or clip-on mics, and these are designed in a way to be attached to the broadcaster’s or reporter’s clothes directly. These are mostly used for films and other broadcastings, that require recorded dialogues. Appropriate distance of about 20-30cm from the mouth is required is required for this mouse to give clear audio.

Top 6 Picks

Below discussed are the best six picks handpicked by us for the best action camera microphone attachments in 2023. Let’s take a look!

1. Rode VideoMicPro – Our Top Pick

Rode VideoMicPro
Rode VideoMicPro

The Rode VideoMic Pro is undeniably one of the best action microphones you can get in the market in 2023. It is small, compact and lightweight and this external microphone gives you pro-level quality sound. The compactness of these microphones make it very useful for people who are mostly outdoors.

Not just that, the Rode VideoMic Pro is also designed to capture sound from various sources. This feature makes it very easy to record two-person interviews plus backup recordings. On top of that, the battery life is also quite good so you don’t have to constantly worry about the battery running out when you’re on the go. The internal storage of the Rode Wireless Go II is also pretty impressive, for it can keep up to about 24 hours of compressed sound or 7 hours of uncompressed recordings.

The materiality of this action microphone speakers is also made fully of solid materials, making the camera microphone attachment one of the best in 2023 for outdoor photographers. Plus, it’s high-pass filter optimizes in integrating high pass filter that reduces background noises considerably in outdoor settings.

Specifications

Compatible DevicesDSLR or any other camera having 3.5mm jack
Connector Type3.5mm jack
Power Source1.9V Battery
Audio Sensitivity14 dB
Polar PatternUnidirectional (super-cardioid)

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Gives high sound quality.
  • Condenser capsule offers sharp and clean audio.
  • Super-cardioid polar pattern isolates external noise depensing on environments.
  • Attachable to a boom pole.
Cons
  • Needs a 9V Battery.
  • Doesn’t feature a deadcat windscreen.

2. PowerDeWise Lavalier Clip-On Microphone

PowerDeWise Lavalier Clip-On Microphone
PowerDeWise Lavalier Clip-On Microphone

The Power DeWise Lavalier Clip-on microphone is great if you are in need of a semiprofessional microphone, that’s one step above the built-in microphones. It is definitely not a big microphone but is able to record audio in a variety of settings.

While it is still not the most professional microphone, it still features a 79’’ cord length, letting you customize the distance between the user and your camera. 
The 2023 version of this clip-on microphone also features a deadcart windscreen, helping to reduce background noise, that might be a problem with omnidirectional mics.

Specifications

Compatible DevicesiPhone 7, DSLR, Canon, Nikon, Sony digital cameras or any other camera having 3.5mm jack
Connector Type3.5mm jack
Power Source1 Lithium-ion Battery
Audio Sensitivity74 dB
Polar PatternOmnidirectional

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • A good value for money.
  • Offers good sound quality.
  • Features TRS and TRRS mic adapter.
  • Has a discrete clip-on.
Cons
  • Likely to pick up background noises when attached to clothes.

#3. Sennheiser Professional MKE 200

Sennheiser Professional MKE 200
Sennheiser Professional MKE 200

The Sennheiser MKE 400 is also a great action microphone attachment you can purchase in 2023. It is a highly directional microphone, with a lot of great features imbued in it, one of which is a vibration proof design. This design is very advantageous for photographers since it reduces and minimizes movement and lets the camera stay steady.

This action camera microphone attachment comes with a jack plug having integrated control, making a perfect pair for an action camera featuring a headphone jack too. One thing that’s great about this model, is that it can even be used in harsh environmental conditions that’s to its water-resistant build. It also features a slip proof covering making it feasible to hold and grip the device.

This action camera microphone attachment also comes with TRS to TRS microphone cable giving you trouble free connection. Powered by two AAA batteries, you are able to record 100 hours of audio on this. Plus a cold shoe mount feature, makes this attachment compatible with any shooting device.

Specifications

Compatible DevicesDSLR, iPhone/Android smartphones or any other camera having 3.5mm jack
Connector Type3.5mm jack
Power SourceCorded Electric
Audio Sensitivity-33 dB
Polar PatternUnidirectional (super-cardioid)

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Very appropriate for activities like vlogging.
  • Comes along with a carrying case and deadcat.
  • Features a sleek, and subtle design.
  • Gives clear sound and good sensitivity.
Cons
  • Likely to pick up background noises pretty quick.
  • Can be used best at arm’s length.

4. Drift Ghost 3.5mm External Microphone

Drift Ghost 3.5mm External Microphone
Drift Ghost 3.5mm External Microphone

The Drift Ghost 3.5mm external microphone, especially the cameras by the Drift brand have a lot of uses and are popular among motorcyclists and road bloggers as helmet cams.

Now, the most common issue with these kind of external microphones is the wind noise. And that is why the Drift Ghost 3.5mm external microphone is very valuable. This attachment can go inside of your helmet, removing extra noises and permitting commentary when driving. It is however very important to understand that this mic fits along most drift cameras, and you’ll need a Drift Ghost XL microphone adapter, in case you have the Drift Ghost XL.

Specifications

Compatible DevicesDrift Ghost XL, Drift Ghost 4K, Ghost X, Drift Ghost-S, and HD Ghost
Connector Type3.5mm jack
Power Source1 lithium-ion battery
Audio Sensitivity100 dB
Polar PatternUnidirectional (cardioid)

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Best action camera microphone attachment for motorcycle vlogging and other activities.
  • Reduces background noises, especially wind noise effectively.
  • Affordable option.
Cons
  • Requires the adapter in case you have the Drift Ghost XL.

5. Rode Wireless GO II

 Rode Wireless GO II
Rode Wireless GO II

Our best and top pick for wireless best action camera microphone attachments in 2023, this Rode Wireless Go II is definitely worth the puchase. Without much hassles of the wires, this added action microphone delivers high quality audio performancy.

The Rode Wireless Go II has the newest version available in 2023, and these feature amazing sound quality, along with other added features like the Rode Central App to make the control of audio even more precise. There are also two small transmitters and and one dual-channel receiver available in this model, giving you the option to clip these transmitters, and make use of them as-is or with lavalier microphones (not included). 

Not just these features, the Rode Wireless Go II has a built-in internal storage of about 40 hours of audio, including two tiny, furry, wind muffs.

Specifications

Compatible DevicesDSLR, iPhones/Androids or any other camera having 3.5mm jack or USB-C
Connector Type3.5mm jack or USB-C
Power SourceCorded Electric
Audio Sensitivity
Polar PatternOmnidirectional

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Top notch audio quality.
  • Compact size.
  • Wireless.
  • Able to remain connected with the receiver within 200m.
Cons
  • Highly priced.

6. Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone

 Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone

The Movi VXR 10 Universal video microphone os a popular and compactly sized shoggun microphone attachment. It features an aluminum casing and an internal shock mount.

Being nearly about the size of the middle finger, the Movi VXR 10 has been able to set itself as one of the best action camera microphone attachments in 2023, big thanks to it’s complete accessories suites, carrying case for better portability. It also featured a deadcat windscreen, mic adapter for both devices and DSLR cameras (these two adapters are referred to as TRRS and TRS, respectively).

Specifications

Compatible DevicesCanon EOS, Nikon DSLR, iPhone, Androids/Smartphones or any other camera having 3.5mm jack
Connector Type3.5mm jack
Power SourceCorded Electricity
Audio Sensitivity76 dB
Polar PatternUnidirectional (cardioid)

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Compactly sized ideal for phones.
  • Reasonably priced option.
  • Deadcat windscreen eliminates wind noise.
  • Features a complete suite of accessories.
Cons
  • Unable to handle loud noises effectively.

Our Final Thoughts

All in all, having a action camera microphone attachment alongside you high image camera will just add a different feel and light to the videos you take. It is important, however, to understand that the microphones should be paired well and must be able to reduce as much background noises as possible to make the audio quality sound crisp and clean. The microphones are categorized on the basis of different aspects and in this article we handpicked the best one from almost all categories of microphone usage in action cameras like vlogging, commentary, etc.

If you have any kind of question or queries regarding the article, and about the best action camera microphone attachments in 2023, then don’t forget to leave comments. We will be happy to answer them!

Related: BEST ACTION CAMERA PROTECTOR FOR YOUR GEAR

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you connect microphone to an action camera?

Yes, of course! You can definitely connect external microphones to an action camera. But, you might definitely need a microphone adapter. Direct plug in from the action camera microphone attachment is possible via a 3.5mm audio jack, and sometimes other cameras are connected via a USB Type C- but you’ll need an adapter cable for this. In other cases, for some Go Pros, Media Mods can be used for external mics as well as built-in microphones.

Do action cameras have sound?

Yes, most action cameras and 360 cameras contain a built-in microphone, but they are not of the great quality. In order to improve sound quality, you might wanna add an external microphone.

Which GoPro has an external mic?

The GoPro Hero 10 Black, GoPro Hero 9 Black, GoPro Hero 8 Black, GoPro Hero 7 Black, Go Pro Hero 6 Black, GoPro Hero 5 Black, GoPro Hero Session, GoPro Hero 4 Black and Silver, GoPro Hero 3+ Black, and GoPro Hero 3 Black, are all the Go Pro action cameras that feature an external mic.

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