Best Video Microphones 2025

Top-rated video microphones 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

SE Electronics sE 6160 Stereoset - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

SE Electronics sE 6160 Stereoset

YouTube DSLR Camcorder
Key Feature:
• Professional video standard
✓ PROS
  • • Often include shock mounting
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Can be affected by wind outdoors
  • • Limited to video applications

SE Electronics sE 6160 StereosetCondenser Directional MicrophoneSmall diaphragm true condenser capsulePolar pattern:...

4.7/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Sennheiser Profile Wireless - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sennheiser Profile Wireless

Video Production DSLR Documentary
Key Feature:
• Professional video standard
✓ PROS
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Quality varies significantly by price
  • • Can be affected by wind outdoors

Sennheiser Profile Wireless, 2-Channel Wireless Set, Compact complete system consisting of a 2.4 GHz two-channel...

4.6/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
SE Electronics sE 6160 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

SE Electronics sE 6160

Vlogging Video Production DSLR
Key Feature:
• Professional video standard
✓ PROS
  • • Professional video standard
  • • Often include shock mounting
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to video applications
  • • Quality varies significantly by price

SE Electronics sE 6160Condenser Directional MicrophoneSmall diaphragm true condenser capsulePolar pattern:...

4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Audio-Technica BP 4029 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Audio-Technica BP 4029

YouTube Documentary Camcorder
Key Feature:
• Professional video standard
✓ PROS
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Quality varies significantly by price
  • • May pick up camera handling noise

Audio-Technica BP 4029Condenser Stereo Camera MicrophoneEspecially for broadcastingVideo and recordingSwitchable...

4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser MKE 440 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sennheiser MKE 440

Video Production DSLR YouTube
Key Feature:
• Professional video standard
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to video applications
  • • May need external power or batteries

Sennheiser MKE 440Stereo Video Microphone for CamerasWith two connected tuned mini shotgun microphonesEfficient...

4.5/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Sennheiser MKE 400 MKII MZW Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sennheiser MKE 400 MKII MZW Bundle

Vlogging Camcorder YouTube
Key Feature:
• Often include shock mounting
✓ PROS
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to video applications
  • • Quality varies significantly by price

Sennheiser MKE 400 MKII MZW Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Sennheiser MKE 400 MKII*Condenser Camera-Microphone*Polar...

4.9/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Sanken CS-1e - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sanken CS-1e

DSLR Documentary Vlogging
Key Feature:
• Professional video standard
✓ PROS
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • May need external power or batteries
  • • Can be affected by wind outdoors

Sanken CS-1eCondenser Shotgun MicrophonePerfect for use with a camcorder – or on a fishing rod in confined...

4.6/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Audio-Technica AT8024 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Audio-Technica AT8024

Camcorder Vlogging YouTube
Key Feature:
• Professional video standard
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
✗ CONS
  • • Can be affected by wind outdoors
  • • Quality varies significantly by price

Audio-Technica AT8024Electret Video MicrophoneFor mounting directly on the hot shoeSuitable for video and DSLR...

4.5/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Sennheiser MKE 600 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sennheiser MKE 600

Video Production Vlogging Documentary
Key Feature:
• Directional pickup reduces background noise
✓ PROS
  • • Professional video standard
  • • Designed for camera mounting
✗ CONS
  • • Quality varies significantly by price
  • • May pick up camera handling noise

Sennheiser MKE 600Condenser Camera Directional MicrophonePolar pattern: Supercardioid / LobarFrequency range: 40 -...

4.9/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Rode VideoMic Pro Rycote - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Rode VideoMic Pro Rycote

Camcorder Video Production Documentary
Key Feature:
• Designed for camera mounting
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
  • • Designed for camera mounting
✗ CONS
  • • May need external power or batteries
  • • Quality varies significantly by price

Rode VideoMic Pro RycoteCondenser Directional Microphone for Camera AssemblyDirectional characteristic:...

4.5/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Rode VideoMic Pro+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Rode VideoMic Pro+

Documentary Vlogging DSLR
Key Feature:
• Lightweight for handheld use
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for camera mounting
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to video applications
  • • May need external power or batteries

Rode VideoMic Pro+Directional condenser microphone for mounting on a camera1/2" capsule with supercardioid polar...

4.5/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Behringer Video Mic X1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Behringer Video Mic X1

YouTube Documentary DSLR
Key Feature:
• Often include shock mounting
✓ PROS
  • • Professional video standard
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to video applications
  • • Quality varies significantly by price

Behringer Video Mic X1X/Y stereo condenser microphone for video camera applicationsFrequency range: 50 to 18000...

5.0/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Shure VP83 Lenshopper - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Shure VP83 Lenshopper

DSLR Video Production Vlogging
Key Feature:
• Often include shock mounting
✓ PROS
  • • Often include shock mounting
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
✗ CONS
  • • Quality varies significantly by price
  • • May need external power or batteries

Shure VP83 LenshopperDirectional Condenser Camera MicrophoneSupercardioid and lobe polar pattern50 - 20000 HzSwitchable...

4.9/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Rode VideoMic NTG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Rode VideoMic NTG

DSLR Video Production YouTube
Key Feature:
• Directional pickup reduces background noise
✓ PROS
  • • Often include shock mounting
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to video applications
  • • May need external power or batteries

Rode VideoMic NTGDirectional Condenser Microphone for Camera MountingSupercardioid polar pattern with high directivity...

4.5/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Sennheiser MKE 200 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Sennheiser MKE 200

Video Production YouTube DSLR
Key Feature:
• Directional pickup reduces background noise
✓ PROS
  • • Professional video standard
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Quality varies significantly by price
  • • May need external power or batteries

Sennheiser MKE 200Condenser Camera MicrophoneDirectional characteristic: SupercardioidIntegrated wind...

4.5/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10

How to Choose the Best Video Microphones

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced video microphones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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