Which Is The Best On-Camera Mini Microphone For Under $100? Rode vs. Deity vs. Sennheiser vs. Movo

These 5 mini microphones are small, all under $100, and offer some interesting features and functions. They can be great for all sorts of vlogger and online video creator... but which is best?
↓↓ LINKS TO THE MICROPHONES ↓↓
Rode VideoMicro → geni.us/videomicro01
Deity V-Mic D4 Mini → geni.us/deityd4mini_01
Deity V-Mic D4 Duo → geni.us/deityd4duo
Sennheiser MKE200 → geni.us/sennheisermke200_01
Movo DoubleMic → geni.us/movodoublemic
Check out the Brand New Accusonus ERA6 Bundle here → bit.ly/era6bundle
A portion of this video is supported by Accusonus
=============================
Table of Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - The Microphones
1:56 - Pros and Cons of Mini Mics
3:23 - Rode VideoMicro Features
4:25 - Deity V-Mic D4 Mini Features
5:15 - Sennheiser MKE200 Features
6:04 - Deity V-Mic D4 Duo Features
7:08 - Movo DoubleMic Features
9:30 - Microphone Audio Quality Tests
11:33 - My Thoughts & Recommendations
=============================
Follow Me:
▸ Instagram - / dunnadidit
▸ Twitter - / dunnadidit
▸ Vero - vero.co/dunnadidit
▸ Website - www.dunnadidit.com
=============================
My Presets, Partnerships, and More:
▸ Dunna Did It Store - www.dunnadidit.com/store
=============================
I get my MUSIC & STOCK FOOTAGE from the following amazing services. Use these links for free trials or sign-up bonuses!
▸ Artlist - bit.ly/dunnaartlist
▸ Musicbed - bit.ly/musicbed01
▸ Epidemic Sound - bit.ly/dunnaepidemicsound
▸ Artgrid - bit.ly/dunnaartgrid
▸ Storyblocks- bit.ly/dunnastoryblocks01
▸ Audiio - bit.ly/dunnaaudiio01
▸ SoundSnap- bit.ly/dunnasoundsnap01
=============================
Recommended Channel Tools:
These are invaluable tools that I use to run my KZbin channel. Highly recommended if you're trying to take your channel to the next level.
▸ Rev (captions and subtitles) - bit.ly/dunnarev01
▸ Tubebuddy (channel optimization) - www.tubebuddy.com/dunnadidit
▸ Morningfame (better titles and video optimization) - morningfa.me/invite/dunnadidit
=============================
Main Gear Use to Make My Videos:
Cameras:
▸ Sony A7Siii - geni.us/sony_a7siii
▸ Sony A7iii - geni.us/qLI5Ly
▸ Sony a6600 - geni.us/XIPEXXT
Full Frame Lenses:
▸ Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (best all around) - geni.us/O8eum
▸ Sony 16-35 f2.8 GMii (best wide angle zoom) - geni.us/aUDS
▸ Tamron 28-75 f2.8 (affordable all around) - geni.us/tamron28_75
▸ Tamron 17-28 f2.8 (affordable wide angle zoom) - geni.us/UaJIF33
Aps-c Lenses
▸ Sigma 16mm f1.4 (best wide angle) - geni.us/Dunna16mm
▸ Sigma 30mm f1.4 (great mid range) - geni.us/dunna30mm
▸ Sony 18-105 f4 (best all around) - geni.us/Dunna18105
Audio:
▸ Deity D3 (on camera mic) - geni.us/zLdKx
▸ Deity D4 Duo (tiny dual on camera mic) - geni.us/deityd4duo
▸ Rode Wireless Go (compact wireless system) - geni.us/rH9ou0
▸ Rode Podmic (voiceover & podcast mic) - geni.us/rodepodmic_01
Lighting:
▸ Aputure 300d ii (key light) - geni.us/aputure300dii_01
▸ Aputure 120d ii (rim/hair light) - geni.us/QEuqps
▸ Aputure MC (pocket sized rgb accent light) - geni.us/c8HAAnq
Other:
▸ WANDRD PRVKE 31L (best backpack) - geni.us/wandrdprvke31l
▸ iFootage Gazelle Tripod (main studio tripod) - geni.us/GCnlDP
▸ iFootage Tripod Head - geni.us/7fEG7hG
▸ 3Legged Thing Punks Brian Tripod (travel tripod) - geni.us/BAqA
Complete Gear List:
▸ www.kit.co/dunnadidit
=============================
Disclaimer:
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.
🛒 Amazon - geni.us/shop_amazon
🛒 B&H Photo - bhpho.to/2KgLwwX
🛒 Moment - geni.us/shop_moment
=============================
Monetarily Supporting The Channel:
If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: www.paypal.me/dunnadidit
This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to enjoy my content.
=============================
Professional & Sponsorship Inquiries:
=============================
For professional and sponsorship inquiries, please use the contact form on my website or email [e-mail]

[@dunnadidit]

UPDATE: I misspoke about the headphone output on the MOVO DoubleMic. Unfortunately, that headphone output does not work how I thought it did. It only works for playback when you're using it with a smartphone, not as a monitoring solution with cameras that don't have headphone outputs.

[@DIWINGSTON]

Everyone makes mistake dunna no worries 😉 ✌️🙏

[@aluumina]

This was such a well produced video in terms of organization and tests. Answered exactly what I was looking for, especially that last part about using the D4 mini from the back. Take my like!

[@superboy1661]

Thank you! You are great help. Finding affordable gear for creating content is a challenge. Most of us starting off don’t have the money to spend an arm or leg. I was about to go for the rode, because alot of people have complaint about the deity duo in regards to wind. I was not aware there is also a mini version. I just researched the deity mini everybody seems to talk good about it. And thanks to you I found out about the product.

[@ha_dua_o]

This is what I was looking for, straight to the point and give us REAL final conclusion.. Thankyou very much and keep up your great work!!

[@jerrynieves7689]

This was so helpful. I am on a budget and I really needed this comparison.

[@IsomPhilips]

Totally agree with your findings. I've owned them all but the Movo and the Deity D4 mini is now my go to and it's the least expensive. Add the extra input and I think Deity knocked it out of the park. Great Review!

[@dunnadidit]

They really did!!

[@noahcameron1762]

Incredibly useful and well organized video! Helped me to make a swift and easy decision. Thank you!

[@kristinpotenti8126]

Thanks for the awesome video! I also like the D4 Mini and Rode the best. I have a hard time telling the difference in the audio quality from those mics. I'll take your word for it that the Deity lets more audio from the back of the mic in which is important for me because sometimes I'm filming my husband but asking questions or responding from behind the camera.

[@Max-pi7ri]

Great video Mate ! Informative with great production quality Thanks this video helped alot

[@Mike_Virata]

Man, I'm so glad I subbed to your channel, you have so much good stuff!

[@mermadone6465]

This video helped me out big time, thanks!

[@CalMacBeth]

I've just stumbled across your channel, this being the first video of yours I've seen - it was really well put together and I've taken a lot away from it! Thank you and keep up the good work :)

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@michaelmottlau5941]

Great review, very well done, helped me a lot.

[@YuiSenpai]

thanks for the comprehensive review m8!

[@dag221]

I own(ed) the Movo DoubleMic and the Sennheiser MKE400. Once I got the 400 it stayed on my camera permanently because it sounded great but also it was a little sleeker and more solid with the hard connection to the camera. The shock mounts on the other small mics tend to get a little wobbly and in the way it seems. My Sennheiser mic was stolen ( along with my camera,lens etc) so now I almost exclusively find myself using my old Movo VXR10 microphone which for around $40 is probably the best sounding and easiest to use camera mic on the market. A lot of the Deity and Movo specialty mics like the D4-Duo and DoubleMic get a bit confusing with the different cables and switches to go from smartphones to cameras. I know the Deity has some auto smart detection but I've had some issues with them in the past. Even the Movo DoubleMic took some troubleshooting to get working and I just don't have time for that. Plug in and record is all I want the mic to do. Maybe I will try some more tests on my mics this morning.

[@HumanThords]

i owned both Deity D4 Duo and Sennheiser MKE200 and i'm love it. i've been using them on my omso pocket 1 and pocket 2. quite expensive but the audio is superb.

[@mc256]

what do you think about the frequent criticism of the sound of the mke 200?

[@JasonLorette]

Great comparison Dunna...Deity are awesome microphones (Have the D3 Pro and the Lav). It was disappointing to hear the Sennheiser did so poorly, I love the look of that mic.

[@choeungul]

This is the best comparison for all the legit microphones out there!! I think Diety D4 is the best as it blocks the ambient noise best.

[@woodies11]

OMG! That trick to get the Rode Video Micro to stay upright is exactly what I need. Couldn’t use the deadcat with it on my ZV1 before because the thing would keep coming into my shot. THANK YOU!

[@dunnadidit]

Bam!

[@laredocollegemediacenter1508]

very nice and informative video. very organized and planned. congratulations!

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks!

[@AlienDrones]

Thanks, man! Nice review as always!

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for watching!!

[@fudgebucket21]

Great video! Which one would you recommend for a desk/home environment? I find most of the popular desktop microphones and mounts to be too bulky and obtrusive. I was thinking of just getting something small like this with a gooseneck mount to the side of my desk. Thank you!

[@The_Rad_Dad_Chad]

Another advantage of a small microphone is that it makes balancing a gimbal easier. Great video!!!

[@dunnadidit]

Truth!!

[@rubencantu6504]

Thank you for this most helpful comparison. I am an actor and I often film auditions with a reader, who is behind my Samsung S21 Ultra smartphone camera. Which of the two Deity mics would be better for this kind of filming, i.e. the main subject in front of the camera and the reader behind, where both, but mainly the front subject, need to be heard? Your reply would be most welcome. Thanks so much! 🙂

[@markwiemels]

Probably most surprised at the d4 duo, really enjoyed the tone and clarity of that mic. Nice work as always.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks a lot!

[@DJILLEE]

I own the mic and it was a huge disappointment. The wind noise makes it unusable and it doesnt handle loud volume well. Great idea but I hope they improve it over time.

[@MrSoccerface]

Thank you so much for talking about the Rode shock mount sagging fix, I thought I bought an defective product because it sags so much, now I don't need to return!

[@arranpbrown]

Great video Dunna! 🙌 The Deity sound great for the price - think I’m going to stick with the Rode VideoMicro until I find a need to actually upgrade, it’s a great little mic!

[@dunnadidit]

Nice! Glad to help!

[@PuchoWebSolutions]

Hello from New York City! Which mic was used to make the start of this video? Thank you for your informative video.

[@AdamNevins]

Great video. Thanks man.

[@dunnadidit]

Glad you liked it!

[@sky.london]

I was looking at getting the Sen 200 but it doesn't sound anywhere near as good as the D4 mini, definitely going to go with that. Thanks

[@dunnadidit]

The Senn MKE400 sounds great too so it was a bit disappointing that the 200 didn't share that.

[@davidmotemusic3975]

I was wondering if I could record my vocals and my guitar simultaneously with the deity D4 mini. I really need to know your thoughts on this. Thank you

[@charlesmoeller-vu9nq]

😊Thank you and I just bought the Dirty V4 Professional Amazon $99. I'm just venturing into video using my newest old dslr Nikon D5600.

[@aman__ansari2035]

Your video was really helpful dear friend, thank-you so much...! 😇😇😇

[@DarrinRigo]

All these people here talking about mics and no one talking about Dunna being the newest and greatest Spice Girl.

[@dunnadidit]

I’ll be pumpkin spice

[@TrueNorf]

...or Spiced Dunna! 🤔🤩

[@BackpackingVideos]

Great comparison review! I'm looking for a super compact mic with a tiny deadcat. Any thoughts on the MOVO windscreen on the Deity mini? My Rode Video Micro is just too bulky for my application. Thanks!

[@ExploringWorldYouTube]

Wonderful video, thanks to share it. I use Lumix GH6, do you know it and its ampli? In your opinion which mini nic. could I buy? However, I don't have to speak in front of the microphone, I only make documentaries but not in the city. I shoot people in the open and remote countryside. Then ... difference between Deity D4 Mini and Duo? Which is better for normal use? Thanks

[@keithk1799]

The RODE cable being in one's face with use of the viewfinder is a biggie!!! Thanks :-)

[@DRBahadorHasanzade]

great review

[@pandezyderiusz3744]

good job, thanks

[@TrueNorf]

Love the intro, Dunna! 😂 I called it! Deity takes the Gold and Bronze spots!! D4 Mini, Rode Video Micro then the D4 Duo! Great review as always!! The Rode and Deity mics are close, but for me and my vocal tones, I much prefer the reproduction of the Deitys! Oh and double bubble on two reason 2's and why not, I say!! ✌🏾😁

[@dunnadidit]

Haha nice!

Bought a D4 Mini with your link!

[@shorelinesquad2592]

Great video, thanks. I ordered the deity d4 duo. What movo wind screen do you use that fits the d4 duo?

[@timothyawe5103]

Great review.!

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks!

[@liqm88]

What a great video!

[@ElGhostPresents]

You can get a Boya MM1 for $18 and it’s totally worth it. I been using mine for a while and haven’t had any issues. Only downside it doesn’t do so well on high winds but where I live there’s rarely any wind. So I’m very happy with the Boya. If you want to spend $60 on a mic I recommend getting 2-3 boya mics instead, just in case you need backups or extra mics.

[@johnxmzzhang]

Thanks for the heads up on the Movo double mic recording both channels on the same track. That's definitely a deal breaker for me. I was really close to buying that mic but I think I'm better off saving to get the D4 Duo now instead. Thanks again!

[@dunnadidit]

Happy to help!

[@GregTardif]

I’ve been happy with the D4 Duo. I have the MOVO (not double) and that one is pretty neat, a bit hotter than a rode micro go

[@dunnadidit]

The DUO is solid for sure! I wish they had slightly more robust windscreens for it though.

[@johnxmzzhang]

@@GregTardif I also have the Movo single mic and was really hyped when they announced that they were releasing a dual capsule mic similar to the d4 duo at a more affordable price, but man it definitely looks like the d4 duo is the way to go.

[@GregTardif]

@@johnxmzzhang I hear that (pun intended)

[@sopheakverta4825]

Best Video for me yet, I’m still considering which Mic to buy 😀This really help me out.

[@dunnadidit]

Glad I could help!

[@davidmotemusic3975]

Awesome video. Gleaned so much. Was wondering though, what mike do you use for your videos, also do you prerecord in then sync it with the video? also if you are recording vocals and video in real time the seems decently far enough to be invisible on the audio, okay that's why I'm interested in the knowing what mike it is. Thank you. Anticipating your reply.

[@IrishFootyVlogs]

Which one would you recommend for smartphone?

[@DIWINGSTON]

This video is really helpfull dunna awesome 👏 ❤️

[@dunnadidit]

My pleasure 😊

[@DJILLEE]

Does the MOVO reverse the polarity of one of the mics? If not that would be a HUGE oversight.

[@rolyvirsamodal]

This is what im talking about, Fav kind of content

[@dunnadidit]

Glad to hear!

[@travisxpickle]

What mic did you record this video with, particularly in the field? Sorry if you mentioned, didn't catch it.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

Hey Dunna...I have the Rode Micro...not bad...but when I use it with my Sony FX30 during a wedding reception I would like a mic that not only records from the front but also records from all around...I guess I want a mic that has a cardiod pattern and also and additional setting for ominidirectional....just wondering...maybe the Deity Duo?

[@annebokma4637]

Which one is good enough for backup and is sturdy enough not to break when put in pocket? Yups mke200 it is... Getting the mke400 though, dont mind the battery and is still sturdier then any thing under 200€

[@VanezzaLoren]

the audio test is hilarious 😂

[@RobertRodriguezTV]

Excellent video and a very professional explanation. That Deity Mini microphone is apparently going to be a bestseller. It is very interesting in a compact size.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks a ton!

[@JanineMJoi]

thank you. I was able to skip to the end to find out which one. I'm buying the deity mini d4 as you suggested. I'm wondering if I should also buy the deity lav mic. Thoughts?

[@thage0]

did u get the d4?

[@Qulic]

Quick question, I enjoy playing the piano in my spare time and am wondering which mic you would recommend for me, as I will often record some melodies I make with my phone (iPhone 11) and don't really have a whole lot of money to throw around (hence why im here), but i am looking for something that will hopefully give better audio quality when recording and listening back on them afterwards, I only really intend on using it for that and probably wont need it for any voice recordings.

[@IbrahimLucas]

Hey Dunna, nice video! At 8:21 you say that the Movo has a headphone output so you can monitor audio with a camera. The Movo looks very similar to the Boya BY-MM1+. When I reviewed that microphone I found that you can only listen to the audio during playback while using it on a smartphone. There are work arounds to use the headphone output while recording, but that’s also only available when recording with a smartphone. Can you check if this is also the case for the Movo? Maybe worth mentioning in the description or comments?

[@dunnadidit]

Just double checked this! You're totally right! Will add something in the description.

[@IbrahimLucas]

@@dunnadidit Thank you for the quick reply! 🤙🏽

[@samueleshun5727]

Can you share what gimbal was used when testing the sounds? could not find that in the gear list

[@bobbtopgun]

Hello, can the 3.5mm input on the Diety D4 Mini supply plug-in power to a condenser lavalier mic like the Shure MVL?

[@Bo_Hazem]

I actually find the Deity D4 Duo being handy with both ends as both have different sensitivities. The front seems to catch more audio and the rear one seems to be a bit isolating. You can use a hack and flip the mic and use the rear one as mono for more noise cancelation when needed, while the front one would be great for nature or when you want more audio. Getting the Sony ECM-B1M when it's available, but the Diety D4 Duo should work good for the camera cage when needed.

[@IDOLCAM1]

We have the IDOLCAM VlogStar V2 shotgun microphone, can we send you one for the next mic review you are doing?

[@robwoolley]

Great simple video. The low spec Rode sounds great. What are Sennheiser doing? Lol

[@loganhenning4850]

I love the closing clip haha so relatable

[@HoundDogMech]

The problem with every one of those wind screens (Dead Cats) is they aren't worth a crap. I've learned that putting a finger from a surgical rubber glove or like thin rubber device over the mike before installing the DEAD CAT, really eliminates wind noise. The other option Like I did over 15 years ago is invested in a GOOD ($160 Dead Cat) for the Shotgun Mic that came with My now DEFUNCT Canon LX-1. I still use this mic with my Canon XA-30. This DEAD CAT actually stops wind noise upto 15 to 20 mph depending on the direction in relation to the Mic. Anyways you get what you pay for when you know what your buying.

[@andrewblackburn1426]

Been using the Rode VideoMicro for about six years - actually started with the VideoMic Go and switched to the VideoMicro because it was smaller and sounded better. What's not to love? Used it with a variety of Panasonic mirrorless cameras, Sony video cameras, and iPhones and it's worked great in all of those situations. That said, I'm using my rig for recording music performances so the greater directionality of the Rode works well for my application. Thanks for the comparison video!

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!!

[@mikeseps]

Rode Micro and Deity Duo have been battling it out for a while! I ended up going with the Deity a while back, because I felt like the Rode had a little bit more noise. Maybe it was my camera, who knows.

[@davearchbell9921]

Would the Deity work for birds? Not a pro very casual but would like to record birds with sounds.

[@DougPVlogs]

Does anybody know if the Diety D4 Duo will work with a GoPro Hero 8 or 10?

[@beardedmounjarbro]

Nice video! I am currently recording free guitar lessons on my channel and looking for the best mic for the iPhone and am currently using the Shure MV88. What would you recommend for the best mic for recording voice and instrument together?

[@rasalapatuski78]

Will this work on a Live Band rehersal in Studio?

[@sanycco]

I have tried MoVA duo, with iPhone (MoVA lightning adapter) Streaming live, lots of sound distortion due to Bluetooth interference.

[@matthamlin703]

What mic did you use to fil me this video?

[@CMK-Security]

Smoothness at it's finest If you Shazam any of the Songs Played Here 👌🎶👍

[@ChrisFlores22]

Which movo deadcat do you use on the rode video mic ntg?

[@JeffCorcelius]

I like the Diety D4 Mini but honestly the shock mounts are horrible and break just as fast as the rode version. I started buying the cheaper movo mounts. They seem to last (a little longer) and no wiggle noises.

[@ankerschilling8630]

Did you try the Movo dead cat on the Deity mini?

[@chizzlebeatz]

i really really want 1 of these

[@i-techone]

Excellent

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

We must have very similar ears as I completely agreed with you across the board. Movo was just...bad. Sennheiser was too thin. The Deity Mini sounded just a bit better to me than the Rode. Great video!

[@dunnadidit]

Yes, exactly! Noice!

[@MsCankersore]

How do you mount a deity mic on top of a phone??

[@HoundDogMech]

A lot depends on this being a U'Tubby Video and their Compression CRAP for one. Then for two what is your audience listening to this/your video on. Is it a Cell Phone Speaker/Ear buds? A Laptop or computer speakers or a 5.1/7.1 Dolby Surround sound system Like I use connected to my Editing Laptop. Or possibly a GOOD set of Headphones. Really doesn't matter what the Mic picks up if your audience don't have a GOOD speaker set up. It's like creating 5.1/7.1 Surround content with Davinci Resolve and uploading it up to U-Tubby and they compress it and send out only Stereo.

[@djmatt1]

While I'm generally not a fan of the Diety mics I do agree with your choice here, and am quite disappointed in the Sennheiser, which I love their professional shotgun mics.

[@TheShabazzProduction]

That was a serious test.

[@mico7292]

The DEITY D4 mini is a cardioid (the others are supercardioid I believe): is this a real problem to pick up the sound of the voice on the back when it is attached to the camera?

[@dunnadidit]

If picking up the voice from behind is super important, definitely go with the deity d4 duo. All the other mics have pretty good rear rejection.

[@Jakereviewsall]

I purchased the Movo vxr10 as my first mic and it sucks, I use it in a pinch but I do voice overs for the majority of my stuff. I do need to invest in a decent mic.

[@HviteVinger]

Any tips for level settings on Sony cameras for the VideoMicro? Having it on 4 right now... Thanks in advance.

[@dunnadidit]

Every camera is a bit different, generally, I try to get it so that my voice (for the videos that I shoot) is regularly hitting about -12 on the meter on the camera.

[@HviteVinger]

@@dunnadidit thanks for your reply. Have the A7iii, so it's difficult to check the screen while recording. 🙈 Really miss the flippy screen of the Panasonic, which made such things a breeze....

[@nelsonngu]

Dunna! HAHAHA! Staaaappp it with Spice Girls's song! Loving it!

[@bluebellrailwayfan]

I got the small red one and plugged it into my camera but no sound is coming out

[@jonnyfarmer]

Deity V-Mic D4 Mini is the clear winner.

[@DavidZhou]

Dunna Did It, the budget filmmaker's best friend :)

[@dunnadidit]

Haha 😂 I dunno… I get enough comments from people saying I make them spend all their money to question this lol

[@NimaiNitaiDasa]

How do you get such good audio outside on a bench?!

[@wayneholmes637]

I went with the mke200 on my camcorder and the mke400 on my DSLR. Works for me, for now anyway...

[@kogden4]

Were you using your D3 to record this video?

[@dunnadidit]

Rode ntg5

[@etofok]

Your left shoulder is much lower than the right! Thanks for the video

[@tss3393]

I was wondering if you were going to keep quoting Spice Girls in your tests 😂 you didn't disappoint!

[@anthonypc1]

I listened twice without looking at which mic was being sampled, and easily liked #2 the best for quality. That's the Deity D4 Mini. Glad you mentioned this: 14:00 because I expect I'll often be in that practical pinch.

[@dunnadidit]

If you’ve seen my Porsche road trip video, that was all with the D4 mini and it sounded great to my ear!

[@sudiptasarker3027]

Your audio quality is supppop

[@davocreative]

*VideoMicro is the way to go!*

[@mustang2005]

Does the d4 mini deadcat block wind better than the d4 duo?

[@dunnadidit]

Yes.

[@mustang2005]

@@dunnadidit Awesome. Thank you for this video.

[@scottlee4664]

So if I have rode wireless go. I may get d4mini instead duo?