A lavalier microphone (also called a lapel mic) is a small clip-on mic that sits on a speaker’s clothing, keeping the mic out of the camera frame while capturing close, consistent speech. They’re the standard for video interviews, presentations, vlogging and theatre, available in both wired and wireless forms.
Quick answer: For most creators, a wireless system like the Rode Wireless GO II or DJI Mic is the easiest, most flexible pick. For broadcast-quality wired lavs, look at Rode, Sennheiser and DPA.
What to look for in a lavalier microphone
- Wired vs wireless: Wired lavs are cheaper and rock-solid but tether the speaker; wireless lavs free movement at a higher cost. Choose by how much your subject moves.
- Polar pattern: Omnidirectional lavs are most common and forgiving of head movement; directional lavs reject more room noise but need careful placement. See polar patterns explained.
- Connector and compatibility: TRS, TRRS, locking 3.5 mm or proprietary — match it to your camera, recorder or transmitter.
- Power: Many lavs are condensers needing plug-in power or phantom power — see what phantom power is.
Best wireless lavalier systems
Wireless is what most video creators reach for today because it’s quick to deploy and lets subjects move. A lav is just one type of cable-free option, so it is worth seeing how it compares to other wireless microphone systems before you commit.
- Rode Wireless GO II: Tiny, dual-channel and hugely popular; the transmitters double as clip-on mics or take an external lav.
- DJI Mic / DJI Mic 2: Compact wireless kits with onboard recording and easy pairing, great for run-and-gun video.
- Sennheiser EW series: Professional UHF wireless lav systems for broadcast and event work.
Best wired lavalier mics
Wired lavs are affordable, reliable and ideal for fixed setups like seated interviews or podcasting.
- Rode Lavalier II / smartLav+: Clean, compact lavs; the smartLav+ plugs into phones for mobile recording.
- Sennheiser ME 2: A long-standing omnidirectional lav used widely with wireless packs.
- DPA 4060 / 4061: Premium broadcast and film lavs known for natural, detailed sound.
How to choose the right lavalier for your work
The “best” lav is the one that matches how you actually shoot. Before comparing brands, picture the situation you record in most often and work backwards from there.
- Solo vlogging or talking-head video: A single-channel wireless system is usually enough. Onboard recording is a useful safety net if your camera audio drops out.
- Two-person interviews: A dual-channel wireless kit, or two separate systems, lets you record each voice on its own track so you can balance them independently in the edit. If you shoot a lot of these, our roundup of the best microphones for interviews weighs lavs against handheld and table-mounted options.
- Seated podcasts or fixed presentations: A wired lav into an audio interface or recorder is cheaper, has no batteries to manage and never drops a wireless signal.
- Stage, theatre and houses of worship: Prioritise discreet beige or skin-tone lavs, secure mounting and a professional UHF wireless system with good frequency coordination so multiple mics don’t interfere.
- Outdoor and run-and-gun: Look for solid windshields, sweat-resistant mounting and reliable range, because location work is where cheap gear fails first.
Budget matters, but spend it in the right order: a dependable transmitter and good placement beat an expensive capsule that is clipped on badly. If you are still weighing lavs against handheld or shotgun microphones, the wider microphones hub covers how each type is meant to be used.
Placement and noise tips
- Clip the mic about 15–20 cm below the chin, centred, for even level.
- Use the supplied windscreen outdoors and tuck cables to avoid clothing rustle.
- Keep the capsule clear of stiff fabric, zips and jewellery that tap or scratch.
- Record each speaker on a separate channel for easy editing.
- Compare with other formats in our microphones hub and the guide to condenser vs dynamic microphones.
Common lavalier mistakes to avoid
Most disappointing lav audio comes down to a handful of repeatable errors rather than the mic itself. Watch for these:
- Mounting too low or off-centre: Placed too far down the chest, the voice sounds thin and uneven when the head turns. Keep it high and centred.
- Ignoring cable strain: A cable pulling on the capsule transmits handling noise. Loop the cable into a small loop behind the clip so movement is absorbed.
- Forgetting a backup track: Wireless dropouts and clipped levels are unrecoverable. Where possible, record a safety track — many systems and recorders can capture a second copy at a lower gain.
- Setting levels too hot: A loud laugh or cough that clips cannot be fixed in the edit. Leave headroom and aim for healthy but conservative levels.
- Skipping a quick test: Record ten seconds, listen on headphones, and check for rustle, hum and level before the real take. It costs a minute and saves a reshoot.
Frequently asked questions
Are lavalier microphones good quality?
Yes. While the tiny capsule isn’t as full-range as a studio mic, good lavs deliver clear, broadcast-usable speech, and their consistent close placement often beats a distant mic in real-world video.
Wired or wireless lavalier — which should I get?
Choose wireless if your subject moves or you film on location; it’s flexible but pricier. Choose wired for fixed, seated setups where reliability and lower cost matter more than mobility.
Why does my lav mic pick up clothing rustle?
Rustle comes from fabric brushing the capsule or cable. Mount the mic away from stiff or moving clothing, use a clip and loop the cable for strain relief, and add a fuzzy windscreen outdoors.
Do I need phantom power for a lavalier mic?
It depends on the mic. Many lavs are condensers that need power, but how they get it varies: wireless transmitters and small recorders usually supply plug-in power, while some studio-style lavs expect 48 V phantom power from an interface or mixer. Check the connector and the mic’s requirements before you buy.
How many lavalier mics do I need for an interview?
Use one per speaker and record each onto its own channel. Sharing a single lav between two people forces a compromise on placement and makes editing far harder, so a dual-channel system or two mics is well worth it for any conversation.
