Rather than relying on your action camera’s mic, it’s better to get an external microphone attachment with it for the best audio quality.
Using an external microphone with your action camera is a great idea, especially if you’re a vlogger and need professional sound quality for great-looking vlogs.
In this post, you’ll discover the eight best microphone attachments for your action camera and how to plug them in.
8 BEST Microphone Attachments for Action Cameras
Here are the eight best microphone attachments for action cameras:
Premium Shotgun Microphone Attachment
Rode VideoMic Pro
- Compatibility: GoPro Hero 5 onwards, Osmo Action, Action 2, Insta360 ONE R & Insta360 ONE X2 (with Adapter)
- Best uses: Interviews and Sporting Events & Dialogue to Camera.
- Included accessories: Windshield
- Broadcast recording quality condenser microphone
- Compact design (only 150mm/6 inches length)
- Ultra lightweight (only 85g/3oz)
Our top pick – the Rode VideoMic Pro is a high-end, lightweight, and easy-to-use shotgun-type microphone. You can use it with your compatible action camera to get an awesome total runtime of up to 70 hours with top-notch audio quality. It also has a 3-way control switch for ambient noise reduction.
What’s more, this microphone attachment also offers settings leading to +20dB, 0dB, and -10dB. The Rode VideoMic Pro can be used in two modes: without any filter and with a hi-pass filter that can cut frequency less than 80Hz.
Wireless Microphone Attachment by Rode
Rode Wireless GO II
- Compatibility: GoPro Hero 5 onwards, Osmo Action, Action 2, Insta360 ONE R & Insta360 ONE X2 (with Adapter)
- Best uses: Filmmaking, On-camera Presentation, Interviews, and Vlogs
- Included accessories: Windshield, Carrying Pouch
- Ultra-compact and extremely versatile wireless microphone system
- Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission, 128-bit encryption – crystal-clear audio at...
- 3.5mm TRS analog output, USB-C and iOS digital output – universal compatibility...
Another great product from Rode, the Rode Wireless GO is an ultra-compact digital wireless microphone system. It features a ‘clip & go’ design, a compact form factor, and unmatched economic accessibility. This mic includes one transmitter and one receiver. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a wireless microphone system to be free from those annoying bulky wires.
The Rode Wireless Go microphone is highly portable and incredibly easy to use. It allows you to capture excellent audio with your action camera. It is often hailed as “the best lavalier microphone available”.
Wireless Microphone Attachment by DJI for DJI
DJI Mic
- Compatibility: DJI Osmo Action, Action 2, and all the latest action cameras (with adapter)
- Best uses: Livestreaming, vlogging, and outdoor recording.
- Included accessories: Windshield, Charging Travel Case
- All-In-One Storage, Ready to Use - An all-in-one design makes it ultra-portable and...
- 250m (820 ft.) Range - With a max transmission range of 250 meters (820 feet) in...
- 15-Hour Battery - Enjoy 5.5 hours of battery life from the transmitters, 5 hours from...
Designed specifically for the Osmo Action and Action 2 cameras, the DJI Mic features a cold shoe adapter that lets you use even it with other brand action cameras. This mic has two microphone/transmitter units and a receiver. The transmitters can easily be clipped to clothing, or attached to a magnetic mount.
The DJI Mic package also includes a charging carry case that you can also use to safely store, transport, pair, and charge your mic. It offers an impressive battery life of 15 hours. Plus, the included windscreen helps reduce wind noise. The DJI Mic also has onboard recording and a safety track (of -6 dB). With adjustable gain levels, you can match the receiver’s output as per the needs of your action camera.
Budget Microphone Attachment
Rode VideoMicro
- Compatibility: GoPro Hero 5 onwards, Osmo Action, Action 2, Insta360 ONE R & Insta360 ONE X2 (with Adapter)
- Best uses: Dialogue to Camera, Interview, Sports, Music
- Included accessories: Rycote lyre Shock Mount & a deluxe Furry Windshield
- Compact microphone designed to improve the audio quality of your videos - only 80...
- No battery required (powered by camera plug-in power - min 3V)
- Includes Rycote lyre shock mount and deluxe furry windshield
If you’re looking for a budget external microphone for your action camera, the Rode VideoMicro is the best choice for you. As it’s powered by the camera’s plug-in power, there’s no need for a battery in order to make it work. This mic system features a deluxe Furry windscreen that lets you shoot high-quality audio for your footage even in windy situations.
Overall, this one is a wonderful budget option for recording crystal-clear audio for interviews and vlogs.
Inexpensive On-Camera Shotgun Microphone Attachment
BOYA BY-MM1
- Compatibility: All the latest action cameras (with Adapter)
- Best uses: Interview, Music
- Included accessories: Windshield, Carry Pouch
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Even though it’s significantly inexpensive (almost half as much) as compared to the elite choices on our list like the Rode VideoMicro, the BOYA BY-MM1 mic offers comparable sound quality. This mic also comes with some highly useful extras including a windshield, a shock mount, cables, and a carry pouch.
Overall, the BY-MM1 is a solid performer. However, when it comes to wind noise, the performance is slightly inferior.
Compact On-Camera Microphone Attachment
Rode VideoMic GO
- Compatibility: GoPro Hero 5 onwards, Osmo Action, Action 2, Insta360 ONE R & Insta360 ONE X2 (with Adapter)
- Best uses: Interview, Music, Ambient Audio, Sporting events, and Dialogue
- Included accessories: Windshield, 3.5mm TRS patch cable
- Delivers clear, crisp, directional audio with incredible ease of use
- Rode designed the videomic go with a tight pickup area that focuses directly in front...
- Reduces other surrounding sounds, ensuring that your subject is isolated from...
Another wonderful microphone attachment that’s super easy to use, the Rode VideoMic GO microphone doesn’t have any complex switches or settings. It’s exceptionally light which enables you to carry it anywhere without tiring yourself. This microphone is designed to focus the tight pickup area directly in front of the mic, therefore doing a great job of reducing the surrounding sounds.
All in all, the Rode VideoMic GO does a great job of ensuring that your subject is isolated from any background noise.
Compact Shotgun Microphone Attachment
Sennheiser MKE 400
- Compatibility: GoPro Hero 5 onwards, Osmo Action, Action 2, Insta360 ONE R & Insta360 ONE X2 (with Adapter)
- Best uses: Interviews and Sporting Events
- Included accessories: Windshield
- Highly directional, super-cardioid shotgun microphone for isolated and enhanced...
- Integrated wind protection and internal suspension mount to minimize handling noise
- Built-in low-cut filter and 3-step sensitivity switch for added flexibility and...
A compact yet rugged shotgun microphone for your action camera, the Sennheiser MKE 400 is a miniature microphone that includes an external shock mount for eliminating handling noise. It switches the sensitivity mode depending on the distance so you can record sound with absolute precision.
So, whether you’re interviewing somebody in front of a subject or shooting wildlife in their habitat from afar with your action camera, the Sennheiser MKE 400 is the best choice for you.
Microphone Attachment for Older GoPro Action Cameras
Vidpro XM-L
- Compatibility: GoPro HD Hero, Hero4 Black, Hero4 Silver, Hero Plus, Hero3 (no need for Adapter)
- Best uses: Interviews or Voice Recording.
- Included accessories: Windshield
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Designed for use with the GoPro Hero 4, Hero 3+, Hero 3, and Hero 2, the Vidpro XM-L wired Lavalier Microphone is another wonderful budget external microphone attachment for your action camera. It lets you record crystal-clear audio even if your subject is a bit far. This mic features 20 feet of cabling and clips.
What’s more, the Vidpro XM-L mic also includes a foam windscreen that provides superior shock or wind protection.
Action Camera Microphone Adapters
As I’ve already mentioned, due to the absence of a 3.5mm audio input, almost all the latest action cameras (irrespective of their brand) require an additional microphone adapter in order to be able to connect an external microphone to your action camera. This adapter does the job of connecting the external 3.5mm jack microphone to the USB port of your action camera.
Here are the compatible mic adapters for leading action cameras:
GoPro Media Mod (HERO 12 Black/ HERO 11 Black/HERO 10 Black/HERO 9 Black)
- Built-in directional mic highlights voice audio and reduces ambient noise
- Tough, weather-resistant construction withstands the elements
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
The GoPro Media Modis a wraparound adapter that connects to the USB socket on the action camera. This particular model is compatible with the latest GoPros – HERO 12 Black, HERO 11 Black, HERO 10 Black, and HERO 9 Black. It features a 3.5mm mic port that lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio.
GoPro Media Mod (HERO 8 Black)
- Built-in directional mic delivers crystal-clear audio and reduces wind and ambient...
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
- 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio
The GoPro HERO 8 Black Media Mod is the best accessory for connecting your HERO 8 action camera to an external microphone attachment. It features 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics, or LCD screens. The 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio.
GoProMic Adapter (HERO 7 Black/HERO 6 Black/HERO5 Black)
- Enables high-quality audio capture when using a pro-level external mic.Mounting Type:...
- USB-C power and data extension with 90° connector
- Connects a wide range of external 3.5mm mics
The GoPro official Mic adapter is the simplest solution for GoPro cameras from the HERO 5 to the HERO 7 Black. It helps connect the action camera’s USB-C socket to any external mic with a 3.5mm jack.
Mic Adapter for DJI Osmo Action, Osmo Pocket
- ✅ 3.5mm Female TRS to USB-C adapter cable designed for DJI osmo action camera
- ✅ Portable, Compact and easy to use. Cable length: 6 cm
- ✅ 3.5mm Input for any microphones which feature a 3.5mm mic female jack. Such as...
Specifically designed for DJI Osmo Action (1 and 2) and Osmo Pocket action cameras, this mic adapter precisely fits the camera protection frame, and supports external microphones through the 3.5 mm port.
Mic Adapter for Insta360 ONE RS
- Insta360 One X2 Microphone Adapter : The insta360 mic adapter is a compact device...
- Insta 360 X2 Accessories : The insta360 mic adapter is design for Insta360 X2 /...
- Record and Charger: The Insta360 one x2 audio adapter has a 3.5mm audio input and...
Compatible with Insta 360 ONE RS action camera, this mic adapter converts the USB-C port of your ONE RS into a 3.5mm port that lets you connect a microphone attachment for better audio recording.
Mic Adapter for Insta360 ONE X2
- Insta360 One X2 Microphone Adapter : The insta360 mic adapter is a compact device...
- Insta 360 X2 Accessories : The insta360 mic adapter is design for Insta360 X2 /...
- Record and Charger: The Insta360 one x2 audio adapter has a 3.5mm audio input and...
Built specifically for the Insta360 ONE X2 action camera, this mic adapter is made for your external 3.5mm Microphone. So, connect your favorite external mic to your camera for crisper audio.
Read more on insta360 ONE X2 mic adapter>>>
Find out what are 7 BEST Microphones for Action Cameras
Which Action Camera Microphone Attachment Will You Choose?
When it comes to the best action camera microphone attachment for you, it all depends on your needs and preferences, which include your budget, your purpose of getting a mic, or whether you want a wireless mic or a wired one. In general, the Rode VideoMic Pro microphone is my top pick for any action camera. It has all the high-end features and specs that you would need for top-notch audio quality.
However, if you want simplicity and ease of use, the Rode Wireless Go is an excellent choice for a lavalier microphone. For DJI action camera users, the DJI Mic is another great choice.
Lastly, if you want a solid performer at a budget price point, then the Boya BY-MM1 is a pretty good option owing to the richness of its sound.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you know about some of the best microphone attachments for action cameras 🙂
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