TikTok is an adventure in content creation, a world of endless opportunities and constantly evolving trends. But for your content to flourish, it has to sound good. That’s why picking the best TikTok microphone is such an important choice. You can shoot a video more than once, but no one wants to miss the perfect take because of bad sound.
Selecting the best microphone for TikTok depends on what you’re looking for. Is sound quality your main concern? How vital is whimsy and the size of your mic? Do you need wireless? Do you do live interviews? These are essential things to consider before you spend your hard-earned cash. Here are the best TikTok mics for your next video.
What TikTok Microphone Should I buy?
Rode Wireless ME
Price: $149.00
Rode’s Wireless ME system is a godsend for creators who want to need pro sound in a compact form. This tiny system fits in a wallet size pouch, making it ideal to quickly throw in your day bag. But where it really shines its audio quality and features.
Our favorite innovation is GainAssist, which helps you ensure perfect levels in ever-changing locations. However, that’s just the start. Both the transmitter and receiver have built-in mics. That gives you two mics when you’re doing man on the street interviews.
It’s compatible with both cameras, computers, and smartphones, so no matter how you make your TikTok’s you’ll be covered. Thanks to a 100-meter range, you can even shoot your videos and interviews from a distance.
Just have your interviewer hold the transmitter mic and walk away. It’s also easy set up you and be ready to record in seconds. Rode even brags about how easy the Wireless ME is to connect to any smartphone.
Best of all these units get up to 7 hours of battery life, meaning you can shoot all day without worrying about power. Couple the Wireless ME with Rode’s Capture, Connect, or Reporter apps for even more functionality. Whether you’re a reporter, comedian, artist, or traveler, the Wireless ME brings pro level sound in an affordable package.
Pros:
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 7 hours of life
- Incredible sound quality thanks to Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission over 100m
- GainAssist is a truly quality-of-life-changing feature, especially in changing enviroments
- Compact and durable
- Mics are built-in to both the transmitter and receivers
- Comes with clip on windscreens and wires for both iPhone and Android phones
- Works with cameras, smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Perfect for two-way interviews
- Rode offers incredible free apps for enhanced recording features
- Only $149 for $200 quality mics
Cons:
- No charging case, you’ll need to make a point to charge these before a day of shooting
- You can’t adjust settings directly on the mics, you’ll need to use Rode’s free app to fine tune things
Best Microphone for TikTok You Probably Already Have: Apple Wired Earbuds
Price: $19.99
When you think about it, you shouldn’t be surprised that Apple’s wired earbuds are one of TikTok’s best microphones. They’ve featured in millions of front-facing camera clips, from daily stories to complete songs.
There’s something comforting about a creator holding up the mic on their earbud cords to tell a tale. But beyond being popular, these guys just sound great.
There are a few contributing factors. The direct-wired connection means there’s less interference on your signal. You can control the microphone placement yourself and cup it in your hand to block wind noise.
Plus, Apple makes great products, and even in the shadow of AirPods, these hold their own. The Verge put them against the other most popular earbuds for a product test. You can hear the difference yourself.
Don’t let the price fool you. If you don’t need a wireless mic for visual reasons, this is one of the best options around for iOS. The cost is just a bonus.
Pros:
- iOS users probably already have them
- Incredible sound quality whether making TikToks or taking calls
- Compact and durable
- Has a physical mic you can talk into, unlike AirPods or other wireless earbuds.
- No battery, just plug-in, and use
- Plugs into your Lightning port
Cons:
- The look of talking into earbuds might not fit your visual brand
- Can easily get tangled
- They don’t come with a protective carrying case
Best Alternative to Apple Earbuds If You Have an 3.5mm Port: UliX Rider Wired
Price: $17.99
Apple Earbuds are fantastic, they’re not the only game in town for affordable, high-quality mics for TikTok. UliX’s Rider wired earbuds are the best alternative on the market at the price point for phones with a 3.5mm connection. They’re built incredibly well with an unbelievable five years warranty and a sturdy reinforced cable.
In fact, as someone who uses Apple Earbuds as my walking-around headphones, I wish Apple’s wired earbuds had this build quality. Apple’s sound quality is slightly better to my ears. But with anti-tangle cords or magnets in the buds to keep them together, these are built to last.
Each pair comes with three sizes of ear cushions so you can make sure they fit your ear perfectly. There’s even a little bag to keep them safe while you travel.
Pros:
- 5-year warranty
- Incredible sound quality, whether making TikToks or taking calls
- Compact and durable
- Has a physical mic you can talk into, unlike other wireless earbuds
- Three sizes of ear cushions and a protective bag
- No battery, just plug-in, and use
- 3.5mm connection leaves your charging port free
Cons:
- The look of talking into earbuds might not fit your visual brand
- Will need a connector if your phone doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack
Best Budget Wireless Microphone for Videos on TikTok: Synco Wireless
Price: $24.99
Different creators have different needs, and not everyone wants to hold an earbud cord up to their mouth. Whether you make long-form essay videos, street interviews, or just like talking with your hands, Synco provides. This unit has a powerful 2.4GHz lapel mic with a charging case and a battery life of 5 hours. It comes in USB Type C and Lighting models.
Its sliding protective case holds a clip-on Lavalier microphone and the connection port for your phone. Simply connect the receiver to your phone and hold the button on the mic down for three seconds, and you’re ready.
The wireless connection works up to 50m without losing sound quality. Having used these mics firsthand for podcast interviews, these units produce crisp and clear audio even during movement.
There’s also a built-in auto noise reduction to help focus attention on your voice while recording. Beyond its excellent sound quality, long battery life, and compatibility with any phone, this set has a built-in voice changer. To spice up your recordings, activate nine different effects, including Voice Amplification, EDM, Baby FX, and Monster FX.
Pros:
- Charging protective case holds two full charges
- 5 hours of recording time per charge
- 2.4 GHz frequency mic with a 150m max range and 50m of range without sound quality loss
- Comes in two colors, Stone Blue and Pearl White
- Light clip-on mic is easy to place
- Quick and straightforward connection
Cons:
- Clip on the mic could be stronger
Best Earbud Microphone for TikTok: Sony LinkBuds S
Price: $198.99
It might surprise you that Apple’s AirPods aren’t taking this spot. We realize they’re incredibly popular and sound incredible. However, Sony’s LinkBuds S narrowly edge them out for having the best wireless earbud mic on the market.
Its Beam Forming Microphone delivers crystal clear audio, whether you’re taking calls or making videos. The LinkBuds S microphone does a phenomenal job of cutting through ambient noise, particularly outside.
For most users, the sound quality will be nearly identical to Apple’s AirPods. Both devices produce incredible sound. Where the LinkBuds S set themselves apart are the little things.
Unlike the AirPods, these have replaceable ear cushions to get a snug fit in your ear. Its charging case is slightly smaller. Beyond recording audio for videos, we also prefer the sound quality of music on the LinkBuds S.
However, we should also say that wireless earbuds will never provide better sounds than a proper mic. Sound quality will be better with either wired headphones or a wireless microphone.
Pros:
- Great microphone for wireless earbuds
- High-resolution audio for music listening
- 6 hours of battery life with 14 hours of charge in the battery case
- Get an hour of battery life in five minutes of charging with quick charging case
- Comes with six sizes of earbud tips
- Support for Dolby Atmos
Cons:
- More expensive than AirPods
- Wireless earbuds don’t have the microphone quality of dedicated microphones or wired headphones
TikTok Singing and ASMR Microphones
When venturing into specialized TikTok content like ASMR videos or singing TikToks, the quest for the perfect influencer microphone intensifies. For creators dedicated to these niches, sound isn’t just a detail—it’s the soul of their content.
This necessitates a pivot towards more sophisticated, high-quality influencer mics designed to capture every nuance of sound with pristine clarity.
While the microphones discussed above serve a broad range of purposes excellently, ASMR aficionados and singing talents on TikTok require tools that can handle the delicate intricacies of their craft.
These creators often lean towards mics that offer superior sound fidelity, noise cancellation, and the ability to capture the full tonal range of their voice or the subtle sounds meant to trigger ASMR responses.
For those ready to take their ASMR or singing TikToks to new heights, explore microphones specialized for creating ASMR or the best influencer microphones for content creators.
10 Things to Consider When Choosing a TikTok Microphone
1) Type of Content
If you’re recording music, look for a microphone with a wide frequency range that captures both high and low notes clearly.
Podcast-style talks, skits, or any vocal-focused content benefit from a cardioid microphone, which is designed to capture sound from the front, minimizing background noise.
2) Compatibility
Ensure the microphone is compatible with your recording device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or camera. Most smartphones may require an adapter to connect to traditional microphones.
3) Portability
For creators on the go, portability is crucial. Compact, lightweight microphones that don’t sacrifice sound quality are ideal for outdoor shoots or dynamic settings.
4) Ease of Use
Consider microphones that are plug-and-play, especially if you’re not technically inclined. Some microphones come with apps that offer enhanced features like sound effects and mixing options, which can be particularly useful for adding a professional touch to your content.
5) Sound Quality
Look for microphones with built-in noise cancellation to ensure your audio is clear, even in noisy environments. You also want to think about mic sensitivity. A good mic picks up more sound details, which is great for high-quality recordings, but it may also capture unwanted background noise.
6) Durability
If you frequently record outdoors or in varied locations, consider a microphone’s build quality and durability. A robust design can withstand travel and outdoor conditions better.
7) Power Source
Some microphones require external power sources, while others are powered directly through your device. Battery-powered mics are more portable but remember to consider battery life and replacement costs.
8) Connectivity Options
Wired microphones generally offer better sound quality and reliability, but wireless mics provide greater mobility and are ideal for active or outdoor recording.
For ease of use, especially with smartphones or tablets, a Bluetooth-enabled microphone can be very convenient.
9) Price
Balance your budget with your needs. While higher-priced microphones often offer superior sound quality and features, there are many affordable options that still provide great audio for TikTok videos.
10) Brand and Reviews
Research brands and read user reviews to gauge a microphone’s performance in real-world scenarios. User experiences can provide insight into how the microphone performs under different conditions, which can help you make a more informed decision.
Choosing the right microphone for TikTok involves balancing sound quality, ease of use, compatibility, and your specific content needs. Investing time in selecting the right microphone can elevate your TikTok content by enhancing its professionalism and appeal to viewers.
