The Best Wireless Microphones in 2024

[@PetaPixel]

Editor's Note: The initial version of this video mentioned the lack of gain control on the Saramonic system. This was incorrect, and the offending portion has been removed.

[@bhgemini]

Thank you for the clarification.

[@Sebartus]

In Hollyland you have a curved line that acts as an arrow indicating where the microphone is. Hollyland also offer budle ( the price is only slightly higher ) with 2 more receivers for USB C and Lightning. Base on price vs performance Hollyland wins

[@iritian]

@@Sebartus There's also an arrow where the magnet is that points where the mic is aiming

[@StreamTeknology]

Great video. I think the biggest feature is reliable audio, over subtle differences in EQ. Fo that, something that records as backup, and knowing it can work in RF hostile environments. So that'd be the DJI and the Rode- which I had used on the NAB show floor, multiple wireless systems, at the same time, and there was zero dropout.

[@richmcgowan]

Just a tip for the Hollylark Lark 2 with the windscreen on. There is a small arrow on the back that shows where the mic is, it is just hard to see because it is all the same color. I filled in the arrow with silver sharpie and it helps a lot.

[@wcsartanddesign]

It's very obvious, not sure why he was being as obnoxious as he seemed to be about it.

[@astrobotnautics5291]

I think you're right the Shure and the DJI are definitely the most compelling options, I'm surprised how versatile the DJI mics are, I had no idea, worth a very serious consideration.

[@pakozdiattila]

A few months ago bought a Hollyland Lark Max Duo ... and a love it... small mic units (lav inputs, 8 GB internal 24 bit/ 48 kHz recording) and a great receiver (i can all parameter remotely change), charging case and 2 lav mic also in the package... and it's now 250 USD The last weekend i recorded a theater performance, so that the two transmitter put the ground of the stage floor. I was 15 meter far away the mics... and no interference, no dropouts... the auditorium was full... tons of smartphones, a few WiFi systems in the area. Because the mics characteristic is cardioid therefore the actors voice undertstandable and the audiences claps and reactions was a little bit quieter. I am so very happy with this set... it is easy to install... and i a want then setup so that the internal recording started automatically... and with one charging it's run more than 6 hours.

[@outofabook]

Wireless microphone reviews may be a smaller audience, but this was a great comparison and I would love even more video-focused videos (including discussing workflows) from Jordan. Let's call it "Jordan Explains it All".

[@manugeee]

A tutorial on how you treat the signals in post, would be very interesting. When I tried a first time external mic, I was shocked by the sound of it. So now I don’t have one anymore. But in the meantime I learned that audiacity has a couple of filters and effects, and there my sound is better. So how would you treat the raw signal of the external mics, tat would interest me very much. :-)

[@MarcoAries]

Is it just me or the Hollyland and the Shure have a lot of self noise?

[@kevindiossi]

Yeah, I’m listening to Jordan talk about how the Shure has the best sound quality, and I’m like….did he listen to this at all? It sounds horrible. The Hollyland and Shure are nearly indistinguishable from each other and appear to have a very high noise floor.

[@ChuckThree]

I think it must have been a settings error, issue with the import, or KZbin upload problem. I’ve heard the Hollyland on a Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) video before (I think a car review) and was reasonably impressed given its size.

[@MarcoAries]

I've seen multiple videos with the Hollyland, but mostly in noisy environments or with background music. I agree, though, it sounds good.

[@zeus94827]

I think the gain setting problem, mine has no lot of noise like that

[@ChuckThree]

Well, Curtis Judd just published a review on the Shure system on his KZbin channel. Haven’t watched it but he’s an audio guy primarily so he’d catch any issues with self noise.

[@SooksVI]

It sort of looks like the Hollyland's have a marker on the back that shows where the mic is facing. I could be mistaken.

[@smc1377]

I bought these Hollylands as soon as they came out. The magnet on the back is round and as such, it can be rotated any which direction. It was just by sheer dumb luck that they had their clip magnetized to the mic in an upward position. That's why it appeared like it was marked where the mic is. With that said, I've NEVER used the windscreen on any of my mic sets (I have 4 different sets) so that issue probably will never affect me. I LOVE these Hollylands especially cause they come with necklace/lanyard attachments. It's so nice to use on sets where I have to swap mics between people real fast.

[@SooksVI]

@@smc1377 they do seem neat and they sound good. I'm not a fan of the logo taking up the entire button though. I got the Hollyland Lark Max sometime last year they have been so versatile. I needed quick audio recently and didn't have time to setup lavs. I just slapped the mics the the metal frame of a table and it worked well enough.

[@smc1377]

@@SooksVI The M2's come with custom stickers that you can slap over the logo on the button mics. So it's just all black. No branding at all.

[@SooksVI]

@smc1377 oh wow, that's great

[@BrianTheCameraGuy]

Nice video Jordan. Please do more video about video!! Those first 2 systems were rough. I love the way the DJI sounds!

[@ÁzsiábaSzakadtam]

The mic direction of the Lark M2 is an easy fix using their ridiculous stickers included in the box. I've cut an arrow out of the white one and used for indicating where the actual mic side is. The dead cat is really the industry worst I'm still figuring what to do about it. I've already lost the bloody thing once - fortunately someone picked it up and handed over. Sony users beware, it produces very strong output volume so in the camera you have to turn the volume down to 1 or else your recording will be screwed up.

[@CalebThomasMedia]

I like to imagine that you just left Chris out in the snow talking about a bunch of lenses and he’s just gradually getting colder and colder while you’re warm and inside making this video 😂

[@PagosaCreative]

For someone on a budget honestly, the best system right now is the DJI Mic 1 system. So so good.

[@unn4medfeel1ng]

Yes, that's a good point. Especially since the Mic 2 came out there's a lot of used ones for good prices.

[@JackieDElia]

I agree. That is what I have and will not be upgrading to the v2.

[@PagosaCreative]

@@JackieDElia it seems like the audio quality overall degraded. The noise cancelling feature ruins the vocals as well. I bought the rode wireless pro for the threaded input but use the DJI mic still for a lot of things.

[@ManuelParodiRamos]

But there are a few budget options nowadays right? Even with internal recording like the ulanzi

[@AdamFunk]

@@PagosaCreative Oh, the Mic 2 _absolutely_ has far worse audio quality than the first one. It's so, so weird how few people have ever mentioned it considering how obvious it is.

[@erbterb]

I am glad fstoppers and petapixel came upon the same problem half a day apart. It cannot be easy wanting a two mic system in march.

[@MrKuschelTieger]

I use the Hollyland Lark Max 2 and very happy about it.

[@PosyMusic]

Fstoppers had a very different opinion on the Shure, which I find remarkable. You had any connection issues with it?

[@JoesVids]

Rode and DJI sounded the best. The Shure didn't sound good with a lot of noise; Hollyland was noisy too, but sounded better than the Shure.

[@dannyelfilms]

someone finally said it! the Shure has terrible sound tbvh

[@xAbhimanew]

shure and first one was not good.

[@eazyasyoulike]

I've been using the Hollyland Lark Max for sometime now & very pleased with it.

[@flcon16]

To my ears, the Rode sounded the best. I live in Chicago and drive by the Shure HQ in Skokie frequently, and tend to buy their products whenever possible if competitive. The high price, lack of being kitted like the others, and audio quality has probably ruled them out for me. I love the DJI featureset, but the audio was not doing it for me. When I make me decision, it will be the 'features' pick. However, if I'm going off the samples I've heard, it's the Rode. Not saying the Rode is perfect, but it feels really neutral and lacks a tininess/hollowness. I feel like with a slight EQ it will sound fantastic.

[@FrenchLouie]

My company shoots with the DJI ronin 4D and we found that if the video transmitter module is installed on the camera but we do not have the wireless video monitor connected and powered on we get quite a bit of feedback on our wireless mics. Maybe that explains the issues you had with the Rode? As soon as the wireless video monitor is powered on and connected to the cam, all the audio feedback disappears.

[@Wildridefilms]

To me, shure sounded the 2nd worst, only better than the saramonic. The DJI and Rode sounded much better than the rest. I would probably go for the Rode but you can't go wrong with either of the two

[@Paul_Rohde]

What's the camera on the table?

[@WaddyMuters]

Asking the real questions ;)

[@paulkovacs6654]

Hollyland Lark Max Duo is great with some drawbacks, most glaring is the screen saver on the receiver that goes extremely dark and hard to monitor.

[@artbreve]

Good stuff, Jordon! And really impressed with your movie posters in the background “Red” AND “Rushmore”!!!

[@PetaPixel]

Thanks! Jules and Jim is back there as well.

[@TheAmartinez34]

Great video! The Shure really sound amazing!! The denoiser feature eats up the background noise

[@xjet]

It's worth noting that when the DJI Mic 2 is used with the Pocket 3 camera it seems to use BlueTooth as the connection so it has quite limited range when compared to using it with the separate receiver unit.

[@ianroe1076]

The fact you can pull real-world use examples of most/all of these from your already published videos is a fantastic bit of effort and proof that you guys really take testing gear seriously

[@RandumbTech]

RODE sounds the best to my ears. But DJI connects so easily to my OP3 and OA4. Lots of great options at reasonable price points.

[@_o__o_]

🤡

[@rrosomasa]

4:58 not sure why he has a problem with the Hollyland's wind screen? You can see a sort of arrow on the clip, which indicates the side of the mic.

[@rowanstrang8072]

Can the shure record internally? Support timecode?

[@isaacblacketercarlson1063]

No and no

[@GM_Productions_Admin]

Great video! Exactly what I needed to help me decide which microphone system to go with. Thank you!

[@FOBulous976]

Have you heard of or worked with the PicoGear lav system? As far as low profile goes, I feel like these are the most discreet. But I haven't used as many mic systems as you so it would be great to know how they compare.

[@lucas_92]

Great review, Jordan! I appreciate not editing out the hiss from all the recordings. What do you do to control it when editing the videos?

[@eanmillerphotos]

AS someone who works with unedited video and audio all day, I agree. The hiss is something that's hard to find in many reviews, and something that matters to me as a creator.

[@area51pictures]

Speaking as an audio professional and someone who works for an audio company where quality is everything, the Rode is the only one that sounds great to my ear on this video. The frequency response is flat and neutral sounding with low noise. All of the others, even Shure's, sound awful. Noise level is awful. There's noticeable missing frequencies, too.

[@jonbikaku6133]

Same!! Im opting for hollyland because its soo portable and plug and play which I need for my usecase(online meetings and vocal recordings), but the Rode's warmth makes me want to lean towards it even though it'll make my setup more bulky.

[@hml]

Does the DJI Mic have the low pass filter on?

[@AutoHeadz]

I have constantly had clipping issues with rode

[@jlwilliams]

This was a very useful review of an extremely relevant topic. It answered all my questions except this one: When are we going to see Chris's Thypoc Simera (09:41) review?

[@funnybeingme]

I'm quite interested in this lens. 28mm f1.4 I'm guessing. 🥰

[@gavinfulton1361]

This is a real nice, concise, breakdown. Would it be possible to explore some UHF options as well? I know they're much more expensive and aren't for the masses, but your in the field and professional experiences would be great to hear if you have any!

[@atta-ul-latifkhawaja8328]

💯 agreed with you, uhf must be included in the list or at least suggestion, feedback and recommendations about uhf system must be shared

[@Chaser90EK]

Is there a way to connect more mics to the DJI kit? Looking for a 4 microphone solution

[@ptasznikproductions]

Just the video I needed. Thank you!!

[@Zack-Hates-Youtube]

Based on the self noise alone I'm going with the Rode system. All the others had WAY more noise.. and the dji sounded hollow.

[@g7productionsphotographyll540]

What is the title of the track you used for your intro and where did you find ? Audiio?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Shame you didn’t try the Hollyland Lark Max which is very similar to the DJI.

[@GixrGuy]

Peace be with you! Thank you reviewing these wireless microphones. Your review was informative. However, IMHO, I would've liked for you to have included the PicoMic 2 Pro that offers external microphone and audio source support and may be the smallest wireless microphone. Thanks again.

[@wooac]

What about the Godox XT1 mics?

[@PeterAlanJohnson]

Love the look and sound of the M2, but note that its mono-only over USB. You can't get left and right signals separately unless you use the 3.5 jack

[@WillNewcomb]

I agree, I like the Shure's audio! BUT the windmuff is absolutely useless, especially knowing the price. Great comparison video.

[@elnitram4313]

Can you use the Dji or Shure for phone calls as well.

[@ChubbyRetro]

KZbin has become 45% infomercials, 45% pranks ,10% quality

[@kmwong1786]

You are shooting with a Lumix S5IIX, do you hear a tjirp sound when connecting a mic cable on your camera and record?

[@ludonut6047]

Would have loved to see you include the PicoMic 2 Pro in this round up to see how it compares. It chargers with the receiver and you can attach lav mics. The only weakness is that it doesn't do onboard recording, but it has one market advantage of being the most discreet and hidden mic which is something that isn't as valued for KZbinrs. For creators doing corporate or client based videos, having a DJI mic hanging on the shirt is unacceptable.

[@gregsLyrics]

Excellent Vid! Rode is clear winner for rich deep sound quality. I wish we could have heard sound quality on dji with lav's...maybe the Senneheizer MK2 pro lav. I know, crazy expensive, but sound quality is that important.

[@jazzstream]

You missed off the one decent mars hollyland system, (stay tuned to a new product soon), what I'd like to know Chris is the post process on the dji mic 2,s you use please.

[@josh6499]

You missed out on a few other contemporary direct competitors. Godox, Neewer and Ulanzi all have solutions in this market segment.

[@csukaskeve4304]

Hi Guys! Can i connect the dji to my pc and use like a wireless microphone ? Thx for helping!

[@eirik_halvorsen]

I’m in a bit over my head have both Rode and DJi! The Rode is not Pro, but the cheaper ME, needs an app to make adjustments, but that’s okay. However I struggled attaching the receiver when using the gimbal. SO I bought the DJi Mic 2 just the transmitter! Great for a one man operation simple setup!

[@TheRogueAttraction]

Why not the Anker mic as well?

[@christo256]

I bought the previous Hollyland version with the charging case but it would actually go flat in a really short time and drain the kit inside it too so unless you charged it right before the shoot it was super risky to rely on. I quickly replaced it of course!

[@PaulG73]

always luv'd ya guys from back in the day, although I have not seen any of your content in a long while I do notice that like with a fine wine comes a bit of loss of that freshness (some of your video is a little out of focus ;) especially at the start I suppose either you forgot and used the manual option or the focus auto was not set to follow your eyes instead your sweater remains in best focus, not upset with you it's okay... from one trained eye to another lol

[@letsgoparkhop]

Given that we're looking into investing in our first pair of wireless mics, this video was an AMAZING help. Thank you!

[@Deeprelaxingmusic172]

Is hollyland reliable? Or should i go with rode wireless me

[@elimaples]

Wasn't featured directly in this video, but I had a similar issue with wireless interference on my RODE Wireless GO IIs a couple years back. Shot an interview in a small business and had to move her iPad cash register and wireless card reader because it was causing a hum on the receiver a few feet away. Still liked using them overall.

[@520RevsBowling]

Awesome video very informative! Looking to wear these when im bowling for my channel.

[@saleem3932]

Would it work with amplifier?

[@IMANOU]

Did you normalize difrent mics signal? volume is jumping all over and it making it hard to compare audio quality.

[@danielgray1874]

Do you have a preferred lav for the dji system?

[@OceanHo]

How come the Hollyland Lark Max is not included? I like it a lot

[@incee_netinai]

have you tried the sennhieser

[@JiajuChen]

Honestly DJI always nails those user friendly industrial designs, ui designs and wireless signal. This makes them really unbeatable in multiple different markets.

[@mem5922]

As a camera sling user, every millimeter counts. I wish you would have made precise dimensional comparisons in this video. For example, holding each mic and receiver next to its competitor to show small differences in height, length and width. Personally, when I am shopping for gear and my choices are close in features and price... I always buy the smaller option for portability.

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

I landed on the DJI Mic II and love the usability. It’s such a straightforward system.

[@gfagan]

Great video, in your opinion would the DJI or Shure be capable as Lavalier for a wedding ceremony and play the signal to a blue tooth speaker? Would you trust them? Are those two 2.4 ghz signal or better? Thanks, Greg

[@rodolfo_mdn]

What about the Godox options? Any opinions from anyone?

[@Weisz]

Have you guys tried the sennheiser AVX setup? I just switched to the DJI mic 2 for most of my shoots, but the auto gain control on the AVX is still second to none. I’m torn, I wish the DJI mic 2 had auto gain control - but it’s way easier to use and has internal recording. Thoughts? Or do you have a version of this video that’s more focused on professional-grade gear, rather than prosumer?

[@loganwebb5449]

Do any of these have drift issues?

[@isothermicotter]

The Hollyland M2 is 125 on Amazon in the US right now.

[@rowanstrang8072]

Are there any that don’t transmit and only ever record internally?

[@nazarepair]

Great Video i woud have liked to see how they behave regarding to noise cancelation. But it was nice.

[@perryguo3632]

Any lav mic recommendations for DJI Mic2?

[@jer3006]

I'm with you on the DJI Mic2, and I even love the DJI Mic (maybe called 1 now?). I use the DJI Action 2 and DJI Osmo Action 4 cameras too as they seem to do a lot of things right. Currently, I don't see the need to try other mic systems so I appreciate your making this video. Thanks!

[@Mac_Choudhry]

It’s funny some others say the Shure is the worst sounding and here they say it’s better. Hearing it on the videos it sounds more muted and muffled to me.

[@peter1820]

Hi! Are they waterproof?

[@briansingh1635]

Great Video. I use the old DJI, not happy with the sound quality. I will try the sure...

[@KevinPaulBell]

There’s an arrow on the back of Hollyland Lark M2 so you can see where mic is. You could also mark on your own.

[@Cachapeluo]

I would like to know which system have a replaceable battery? I don’t want a paper weight in a few years. Even if I need to disassemble and do some light soldering.

[@rodrazvan9656]

Thank you so much for your great videos. A question.... What do you do if you want to interview one person with LAV and transmit the signal to two cameras? Meaning One transmitter to Two Receivers. Thank you again.

[@stevetimko1461]

Is the Shure 32 bit?

[@TDCIYB77]

No internal recording sadly.

[@Ron-FabandBuild]

Great content and review. Have the DJI 1. Will be upgrading to the DJI 2

[@lg.studio]

On the very budget end, you should have add the Ulanzi U-Mic AM18 for 80-100 USD. It even has Internal recording.

[@twotgfltandahalf]

It's amazing, especially considering the price.

[@andrew7539]

Do you have any suggestions for car audio? Would any of these be a strong fit for an engine bay mount and rear/exhaust of the car?

[@TrailerTrashtoTreasure]

I've been happy so far with the audio quality from the Hollyland, but my big complaint is that the receiver doesn't really fit the hotshoe of my Fuji X-T4. It kinda jams in there, but I can't really push it in all the way securely. I've thought about filing it down a bit to fit, but it seems like I shouldn't have to do that. Anyone else have this trouble?

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Lol, yeah the names are ridiculous (& long)! I would've loved to see the Hollyland Lark MAX (duo) bc that's the one I'm leaning towards overall.

[@allveteranspressurewashing]

Im setting up a live stream for my church and need to capture the pastor as well as the music and ambience from the congregation. I am getting a yahama mixer and going to be using a canon r6 M2. What is the best way you think to get the best sound?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Jordan, try out the Hollyland Lark Max if you have a chance. Its got internal recording, a lot more features aiming towards more advanced user like yourself. The lark m2 is nice but really targetiing very beginner users and have a lot of limitations and compromises. i only use the lark max myself even i have both

[@Igyartol2]

Did you guys update the firmware on the rode?

[@Macsrebo]

I'm looking at the DJI (THANKS for the video). I see on Amazon they have DJI 2 and DJI2 with lapel mics. But, the mics are $50 extra. I don't want to downgrade the audio by getting someone else's mics. Do you think the 2 lapel mics are worth the extra $50?

[@totoroutes5389]

If deciding on a first wireless lav, the DJI Mic2 if happen to already have the Pocket3 or the Action4. The pocket3 is a nice improvement in the pocket line.

[@iSpike]

Thank You for producing this video. I love the quality of my Shure SM7B Studio Mic! I chose to move from my Original RØDE Wireless GO mic system to the DJI MIC (Original-V1) The DJI MIC system is so good I have no need to upgrade to anything,... unless I receive another unit for a professional review (free) hint hint.

[@MrAlElmes]

Hmm the shure seems to divide opinions, I’ve seen it at the bottom of some of these lists

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I use the Røde Wireless Go II. It's a little older than the Go Pro and didn't come with a charging case. I had to buy one from a third party maker. But the sound quality is very good, I can adjust the levels, and the deadcat goes on much easier than with the original Wireless Go. I see no reason to upgrade to the Pro model