• Best Overall: RØDE Microphones VideoMic Me-L Microphone
• Most Versatile: Zoom iQ6
• Best Price: Movo PM10
• Best Deluxe Microphone: Shure MV88+ Video Kit with Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
• Best Presets: Shure MOTIV MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
• Best Pop Screen: Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield
• Best for Outdoors: Hisonic Microphone Windscreens
• Best Portable Sound Booth: Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield
• Best Universal Table Stand: InnoGear Upgraded Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand

Best Overall: RØDE Microphones VideoMic Me-L Microphone

RØDE's VideoMic Me-L is perfect for when you want to make iPhone audio better. It couldn't be simpler; just plug it directly into your iPhone's Lightning port and go. The microphone's directionality reduces surrounding noises. Monitor your audio as you shoot and playback your video via headphones plugged into the 3.5mm jack. You also get a furry windshield to block wind sounds and a mic clip to secure the microphone.

Most Versatile: Zoom iQ6

Record your surroundings effortlessly with this highly-rated, well-made microphone. This mic can adjust from 90 to 120 degrees, making it ideal for recording your surroundings in a variety of different weather conditions and environments. The stereo X/Y recording design enables you to capture a variety of sounds from several distances. Plus, the precise gain wheel lets you easily tweak and adjust your volume without having to unlock your phone and potentially mess up your recording. Use Zoom's proprietary app to smoothly and professionally record your audio.

Budget Option: Movo PM10

If you want an affordable, portable, omni-directional microphone for your iPhone, then take a gander at the convenient Movo PM10. It can easily be clipped onto a variety of clothing or surfaces and comes with a portable travel case, windshield, and lapel clip. This highly portable and easy-to-use microphone needs to have a Lightning to headphone jack adapter to use it with newer iPhones. Once you have the microphone set up, you'll be able to record some crystal clear vocals and sounds.

Best Deluxe Microphone: Shure MV88+ Video Kit with Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone

If it fits into your budget, consider the outstanding Shure MV88+ Video Kit with Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone. Get excellent sound quality when you pop this mic into your iPhone's Lightning port. Multiple stereo width and Polar pattern options give you ultimate flexibility.

It's Apple MFi-certified and is fully compatible with the native iOS camera app, GarageBand, and much more. The kit that comes with this mic includes a Manfrotto® PIXI tripod, phone clamp, and mount, plus iOS and USB-C cables, so you're always connected. The built-in headphone output lets you monitor your audio in real-time.

Best Presets: Shure MOTIV MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone

Shure makes incredible microphones, and the MOTIV MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone is no exception. There are five Digital Signal Processing (DSP) preset modes: Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic Instrument, Loud, so you don't need additional hardware or software to get the sound you want.

The EQ, compression, and limiting are automatically adjusted. The mic is Apple MFi-certified and plugs directly into your iPhone's Lightning port. It has matched cardioid and bi-directional one-centimeter cartridges plus mid-side architecture for optimal audio. The mic adjusts 90 degrees, so you can point it where you need it.

Additional accessories

Best Pop Screen: Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield

Having a reliable and convenient pop shield in your recording arsenal is a terrific idea, especially if you're someone who wants to record interviews with your iPhone. The Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield is a tripod with a pop shield that you can insert your small microphone into. The shield can be adjusted 360 degrees and can bend to suit a variety of different microphones. It's designed with a double layer of mesh for smoother recording capabilities.

Best for Outdoors: Hisonic Microphone Windscreens

If you're recording outside, the wind can be distracting and often ruin a recording. One thing that will keep your sound clear and free of distracting noises is a good windshield. Many microphones come with a windshield. But if yours doesn't, or the windshield gets lost or deteriorates, you'll need another one.

The Hisonic Microphone Windscreens come in a five-pack of colorful windshields that slip over the top of your portable microphone to keep your sound smooth and consistent. Using one of these will better protect your microphone while you're recording and allow for cleaner, smoother sound in windy environments.

Best Portable Sound Booth: Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield

In certain recording situations, you may find a sound booth to be helpful. Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield has acoustic foam on the front and a vented metal plate back, and the dual clamp mount attaches to mic stands or booms up to 1.25 inches in diameter.

It has a standard 3/8-inch microphone threaded mount and includes a 3/8- to 5/8-inch thread adapter. All tools needed for assembly and mounting are included. Folding sides give you different angles to work with or can be folded all the way in for storage.

Best Universal Table Stand: *InnoGear Upgraded Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand *

Regardless of which microphone you have, if you need a tabletop stand with no bells or whistles, InnoGear has you covered. The weighted base won't let your mic tip over, and the non-slip pads underneath prevent scratches. Rather than a snap-in clasp that can loosen over time, this one enables you to screw in your microphone. It comes with 3/8-inch female to 5/8-inch male screws for multi-purpose use. You can adjust the height from 10.6 to 15.4 inches.

Bottom line

Once you pick out your microphone and want to start recording, there are a few tricks you can use that'll make iPhone audio better and give you the sharpest recording possible.

If you're recording outside, do your best to face away from the wind and keep your microphone protected. If you have to record in the middle of a field, a lav mic is always a terrific option because it hugs close to a person's body for a clearer sound. Just be sure it isn't too close to the person's mouth.

Believe it or not, you can get terrific sound in a closet. Your clothing can act as a buffer and eliminate outside noises. There are plenty of YouTubers and podcasters who do this! Most importantly, try to keep your microphone as steady as possible. The more it moves and bounces around, the higher chance you have of getting spotty, broken sound.

Be sure to use the right tools for the job. While high-quality recording equipment can get expensive, you don't need to buy a full setup for every conceivable situation at once. A solid microphone such as the RØDE Microphones VideoMic Me-L Microphone is a good place to start; then you can see what accessories you need as you go.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide