If you own a GoPro camera, I’m sure you already know that all these camera devices have a built-in microphone. Yes, it’s cool and useful feature, but at a certain point and when I say a certain point, I mean mediocre and ordinary audio quality.
There is no way in heaven or on earth that you can possibly achieve any professional vocal or voice control in clarity without including an extra mic. So, what do you do?
Obviously, seek help from an external microphone because nobody wants to see the video or a vlog where the unnecessary noise trafficking is leading the whole recording.
Now, up-to-date models and newer versions include a waterproof case, so not even unpleasantly rough weather won’t get in your way.
Believe me, adding an extra external mic will make a huge difference in audio quality. Plus, you can use it for work-related purposes in your Zoom meetings too.
Let’s cut the chit-chat and jump straight to the best gopro microphones.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | 10 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Runner Up  | 9 | Check Latest Price | |
Most Versatile  | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
Best For Price  | 8.8 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Budget  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price |
Presenting the Top 5 Best GoPro Microphones
1. Rode VideoMicPro- Best Overall
The ultralightweight body and shotgun-shaped design is built from premium materials that give the expensive feel. This microphone by Rode VideoMicPro targets camcorders and, DSLR cameras including the GoPro Hero series 5 and above, Osmo Action, and Insta360 ONE R.
You can use the Rode VideoMicPro shotgun microphone in different scenarios like interviews, dialogues, and sporting events. Since the GoPros are action cameras, this gopro microphone will become your indispensable accessory.
Rode VideoMicPro shotgun microphone is unidirectional which means it operates in a single direction only. It features Rycote Lyre shock mounting to secure the mic and reduces noise and vibration in comparison with other conventional mic mountings. Besides, the standard wind-shield foam is also available.
Rode VideoMicPro is equipped with 9V battery power which is located underneath the mic. The manufacturer claims that the battery life will last 70 hours of a lifetime and there’s an LED indicator to let you know how much battery has left. This is definitely the best GoPro microphone out there.
Technical Specs:
- Type: Electret Condenser
- Orientation: Unidirectional
- Sensitivity: 14 dB
- Frequency Response: 40Hz – 20kHz
- Sound Pressure Level: 134dB SPL
- Connector: 3.5mm TRRS jack, XLR
- Dimensions: 9 x 3 x 5 inches
- Weight: 3 ounces
- Power Supply: 9 V (70 hours battery life)
- Operating Conditions: Not Specified by Manufacturer
Why Should You Buy It?
The compact size is ideal for GoPro
Great sound quality
70 hours of battery life is quite high
Blocks out the unnecessary noises from the ambient
2. Sennheiser MKE 400- Best Runner Up
Sennheiser MKE 400 is the existing proof of the quote “old but gold” even though it was released a long time ago, it is still indispensable in customers’ eyes. The rugged all-metal construction shows great durability and can handle very well sudden drops.
MKE 400 also is shaped in a shotgun form and mainly targets YouTubers, vloggers, and social media content creators as well as smartphone videographers and indie filmmakers.
This camera has versatile compatibility, you can use it with camcorders, DSLR cameras, and smartphones. It has a 3.5mm jack, so, to connect your GoPro, you going to need to purchase a gopro mic adapter.
Sennheiser MKE 400 most useful feature is the auto-power function. It can automatically detect when it’s on, and I feel like it’s a life-saving function for videographers. You will how the noises glow, the sounds come deeper and super clear instead of distant. Plus, the gopro microphone works in multiple direction too.
Ultimate battery life. MKE 400 offers 300 hours of battery with 1 AAA type. The connectivity technology allows you to use the gopro microphone either wired or wirelessly.
Technical Specs:
- Type: Lobar, Super-cardioid
- Orientation: Highly Directional
- Sensitivity: 20dB
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20 kHz
- Max Sound Pressure Level: 126 dB SPL
- Connector: 1) 1/8″ (3.5 mm) TRS Mini cable
- Dimensions: 0.83 x 5.12 x 2.44 inches
- Weight: 2.08 ounces
- Power Supply: 1 AAA battery (300 hrs.)
- Operating Conditions: 32°F- 104°F
Why Should You Buy It?
Versatile Compatibility
Superior voice clarity
Highly directional
Blocks out the unnecessary noises from the ambient
3. Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel Microphone- Most Versatile
Purple Panda Lavalier microphone comes in an ultimate kit. The high level of durability and lightweight design of this lavalier microphone can withstand bad weather conditions. Inside the GoPro microphone, there are 5 useful accessories like 9.8 feet cable, a mini USB adapter TRS (2 rings) adapter, a fuzzy windscreen, and an eBook for an orientation on how to use it.
The affordable price tag of this lavalier microphone and the audio quality does not match. The voices come pure clear and it is one of the best background noise-canceling microphone.
The versatile compatibility includes tablets, both smartphone models like iPhones, Android devices, DSLR cameras, and most of the GoPro series such as Go Pro hero 2+ till the hero 10 models. It requires GoPro’s “Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter or GoPro Media Mod. Zoom and Tascam recorders, PS4 controllers, and TRS and TRRS microphone inputs. It’s a perfect kit for gaming, filmmaking, vlogging, reel videos, and YouTube videos.
Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel GoPro microphone works with cords, so it needs extra batteries.
Technical Specs:
- Type: Electret condenser
- Orientation: Omnidirectional
- Sensitivity: -40 dB
- Frequency response: 40 Hz to 16 kHz
- Signal-to-Noise ratio:
- Connector: Mini USB, TRS (2-ring) adapter
- Dimensions: 5.5” x 1.5” x 4”
- Weight: 3.2 oz.
- Power supply: Cords (No Batteries)
- Operating conditions: Not Specified by Manufacturer
Why Should You Buy It?
Versatile Compatibility
Excellent background noise-cancelling feature
Extreme Compact
Doesn’t require batteries
Great Sound quality
Budget-friendly price tag
4. EDUTIGE ETM-001- Best For Price
Another great compact GoPro microphone at a great price point. EDUTIGE ETM-001 is quite a small microphone that either can be placed in the camera or can be clipped into clothes. It is built from a metallic body and gold 3.5mm connector.
About the sound quality, all I can say is it’s very pleasing and nice for a such tiny microphone. The size is perfect which means without effort, unplug your GoPro camera and put it with other compatible devices in seconds.
A -23dB sensitivity and wide frequency range make EDUTIGE ETM-001 perfect for more quiet ambient. Feel free to shoot YouTube videos, create social media content interviews, dialogues, or even use it as a voice-over recording. EDUTIGE ETM-001 is an omnidirectional GoPro microphone which means the voices come from multiple directions.
Besides GoPro action cameras, there is a diversity in the compatibility, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, digital audio recorders, laptop, PC with the required mic input.
Technical Specs:
- Type: Electret condenser
- Orientation: Omnidirectional (360 degrees)
- Sensitivity:-23dB (1 kHz at 1Pa)
- Frequency response: 50 – 18000Hz
- Signal-to-Noise ratio: 58dB +
- Connector: 3.5 mm 3-pole gold-plated
- Dimensions: 0.75 x 0.39 x 1.18 inches
- Weight: 0.208 ounces
- Power Supply: Plug-in (no batteries)
- Operating Conditions: 32°F- 104°F
Why Should You Buy It?
Perfect for quiet environment
Extremely sensitive and produces clear voices from distance
No batteries needed (plug-in)
Great Sound quality
All metal body construction
5. Movo GM100 Clip-on Lavalier- Best Budget
The mini compact size of the Movo GM100 is meant to fit inside every standard camera model. It is very convenient for adventure seekers and travelers. Extremely suitable for vloggers, YouTubers, hikers, motor riders, car videos, and every other sports event.
Movo GM100 offers super clear audio production by managing to block background noises that get in your way, so the editing part would be much easier. The omnidirectional type allows picking voices from all directions. Just a friendly reminder that do not use the microphone without a windscreen, because it is likely to catch wind, breath, and rustle.
It is super sensitive at 30dB and performs excellently in a silent environment. The wide frequency range catches the voices in clarity and detail from the distance.
Movo GM100 Clip-on Lavalier Microphone is compatible with GoPro HERO3, HERO3+, and HERO4 Editions. Inside the box, there is a mic adapter dedicated to Go Pro.
In the budget category, this is one of the best budget gopro microphones out there.
Technical Specs:
- Type: Electret condenser
- Orientation: Omnidirectional
- Sensitivity: 30 dB
- Frequency response: 35 Hz to 18 kHz
- Signal-to-Noise ratio: 74dB SPL
- Connector: 3.5mm Male with female 3.5mm to Compatible with GoPro USB adapter
- Dimensions: 5.04 x 3.54 x 0.94 inches
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Power supply: Plug-in (no batteries)
- Operating conditions: Not Specified by Manufacturer
Why Should You Buy It?
Superior voices while in action (motorcycle, vlogging, YouTube video, sports event)
Creates clear voices from distance
No batteries needed (plug-in)
Great performance in silent places
Inexpensive price point
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need External Microphone for GoPro Camera?
Well, if you want to create professional-grade videos and crystal clear sounds, purchasing one is a must, otherwise, you can’t reach the same quality with the camera’s built-in mic alone. Vice versa, if you are a casual user and don’t need it professionally, it’s fine not to add anything extra.
Why Should You Get A Microphone for GoPro Hero Camera?
Since you’re a professional videographer, photographer, or action video shooter, you have to act like it because the camera can shoot in high resolution (1080p and 4K). Sometimes the voice clarity doesn’t add up with the video quality, so, you need a voice-oriented technology or external mics which will match that quality.
Can You Use A Microphone Under the Water on GoPro Hero Camera?
Well, it’s not preferred but you can try it out if you want to try it out yourself. Using your GoPro camera under the water, you need to check the IPX rate if it’s up to 7 or IP67 (it is tested positive to withstand underwater for 30 minutes) you can, otherwise it’s not worth trying. Remember, the manufacturer introduces the camera as waterproof featured not water-resistant. These two features aren’t the same.
Moving on to the main answer. No microphone except “Hydrophones” can shoot underwater, well at least they aren’t compatible with GoPro Hero cameras.
How to Get the Best Sound Quality from GoPro Camera?
- Picking the right microphone is the first step in creating voice clarity.
- Use Windscreen to avoid any unnecessary background noises.
- Choose wisely which editing app will you use. Some best apps are Audacity, GarageBand for Mac, Adobe Audition for live music, Hindenburg Journalist Pro for podcasting, and lastly for smartphones, there are AudioLab for Android OS and Logic Pro X for iOS.
- Get an extra protective case, avoid using GoPro Hero without a case or any protective accessory.
What is so Special About GoPro Cameras?
- GoPro devices are action cameras that allow you to shoot stunning pictures and videos that no professional cameras, drones, and smartphones can do. Comparing their compact size with other cameras is way more portable and lightweight where you can place them anywhere like your chest, helmet, or even wrist.
- GoPro cameras maybe don’t have a viewfinder, but they do the job better than the ones that have one. A wide-angle view is a perfect point, so you can easily catch wider landscapes.
- GoPro cameras have special accessories so you can easily shoot in the middle of an action securely and clearly.
- Most of the models are shockproof and waterproof (not water-resistant). With some models, you can create vlogs underneath the water too.
- GoPro cameras have extreme durability for difficult weather conditions and they won’t get damaged.
- Also, GoPro cameras aren’t that expensive comparing the offered features.
- They can shoot 1080p or some newer versions have 4K resolution.
- You can use a GoPro camera for promoting your business without spending too much money on social media marketing tools. Since video marketing is an essential part of business, don’t think twice about getting a GoPro camera.
What Do You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Microphone for GoPro Camera
- Research whether your camera is compatible with external mic, not all GoPro Hero cameras are.
- Always use the official adaptor that comes with GoPro. The offered cheap prices usually don’t work.
- Having Media Mod would be nice, but only Hero 8, 9, and 10 version features that. They include the so called directional mic that decreases the ambient noise, so you can create even more clearer videos, vlogs or interviews with the external microphone.
- The external microphone must be compact considering the small size of the GoPro cameras, it wouldn’t be secure to pick a huge mic above that can drop in an unexpected way.
Final Thought
External microphones aren’t a luxury but take place as an essential part towards creating crystal clear videos or vlogs. If you are a casual user, it’s not necessary to buy any external microphones, you can use GoPro’s built-in mic.
The first rule to check out is whether your GoPro model is compatible with an external mic and then choose the compact one that suits you better.
Microphones for gopro usually work with other types of cameras too, so if you change your camera in the future, you’ll be good to go.
Happy hunting our next star.
Further Reading
Just in case none of the products mentioned above, there are other options for different purposes. Gooseneck Microphones are here for professional use and if you want peace and silence at work, check these Microphones For Noisy Offices.
Fifine is another superior brand that you should definitely check for their products.
Alternatively, microphones for foley, ASMR, deep voice, beatboxing, and dictation are worth taking a look at.
Mix & Mastering
I love to get my hands on all sorts of audio equipment, from headphones and speakers to audio interfaces. I love putting these products through their paces and seeing what they can do.
