Best Video Microphones Under $100 2025

Affordable video microphones under $100 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

Rode VideoMicro II - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Rode VideoMicro II

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

Rode VideoMicro IICondenser directional microphone for camera mountingPlug&Play - no battery requiredFull metal...

4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Sennheiser MKE 200 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Rode VideoMic Me-L - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Rode VideoMic Me-L

Camcorder Documentary DSLR
Key Feature:
• Professional video standard
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for camera mounting
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Can be affected by wind outdoors
  • • May pick up camera handling noise

Rode VideoMic Me-LShotgun Microphone for iPhone and iPadSuitable for all iOS devices with Lightning connector for...

4.9/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Behringer Video Mic X1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Behringer Video Mic - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Behringer Video Mic

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

Behringer Video MicCondenser Shotgun MicrophoneFor video camera applicationsIdeal for journalistspodcasters or video...

4.7/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Behringer Video Mic MS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Behringer Video Mic MS

Camcorder Documentary Vlogging
Key Feature:
• Directional pickup reduces background noise
✓ PROS
  • • Professional video standard
  • • Lightweight for handheld use
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to video applications
  • • May pick up camera handling noise

Behringer Video Mic MSStereo Condenser Directional Microphone for Camera MountingMatched pair of condenser capsules in...

4.7/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Zoom ZSG-1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Zoom ZSG-1

DSLR YouTube Vlogging
Key Feature:
• Designed for camera mounting
✓ PROS
  • • Designed for camera mounting
  • • Directional pickup reduces background noise
✗ CONS
  • • Limited to video applications
  • • May pick up camera handling noise

Zoom ZSG-1Condenser Camera MicrophonePolar pattern: Supercardioid14 mm Electret condenser capsuleFrequency range: 50 Hz...

4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10

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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