It's easy to take and edit quick videos on the iPhone, but getting great audio isn't always as simple as pointing and shooting. Whether you have an iPhone 7, an iPhone X, or a fancy new iPhone XS, the iPhone microphone isn't too shabby at close distances. But when you're trying to film in a crowded room, it's not quite enough. Here are some tips to avoid tinny, awkward or terrible sound when shooting iPhone video, starting with great equipment like the Blue Spark Microphone!

Best Overall: Blue Spark Microphone

Blue Spark Microphone

If you're someone who wants the feel of a professional mic without whipping out your DSLR, this mic is for you. The Blue Spark Microphone is a portable, highly-rated little piece of gear that makes recording on-the-go effortless. Focus control allows you to record in two different modes: normal mode and focus mode for more precision and a sharper sound. Simply set up the microphone on a flat surface, plug it into your iPhone, and start your recording in just a couple of seconds: it's just that easy.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Portable
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Bulky
  • Not as convenient

Best Overall

Blue Spark Microphone

Keep your recordings crying clear and sounding fantastic with this external mic

You can record natural, pure sound with this mic, which connects directly to your iPhone through an included Lightning cable.

Best Portable: Zoom iQ6

Zoom iQ6 microphone

Record your surroundings effortlessly with this highly-rated, well-made microphone. This mic can adjust from 90 degrees to 120, 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. The microphone is more of a two in one and uses an app to smoothly and professionally record your audio.

Pros:

  • Double mic design
  • Easy to use
  • Portable

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Fragile

Best Portable

Zoom iQ6

Perfect for recording your surroundings

This small but mighty microphone allows you to easily connect and start recording some stellar sound via your iPhone's Lightning port.

Best Price: Movo PM10

Movo microphone

If you want an affordable, reliable, and portable microphone for your iPhone, then take a gander at convenient the Movo PM10. This affordable and convenient microphone is super minimal and portable. It can easily be clipped onto a variety of clothing or surfaces and comes with a portable travel case and a one year warranty just in case anything goes wrong. 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.

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Minimal
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Fragile
  • Limited range

Best Price

Movo PM10

Clear voice recording

The Movo PM10 is a small lavalier microphone that can be clipped onto your blazer, a table edge, or anywhere you need.

Best for Outdoors: Hisonic Microphone Windscreens

Hisonic microphone windshield

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 like rustling leaves and the wind is a good windscreen. The Hisonic Microphone Windscreens come in a five-pack of colorful windscreens that simply 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 particularly noisy environments.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Colorful
  • Convenient

Cons:

  • One size

Best for Outdoors

Hisonic Microphone Windscreens

Reduce noise clutter and save your sound from the wind

With the Hisonic Microphone Windscreens, you can minimize the noise clutter for a smoother, sharper sound.

Best for Interviews: Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield

Facmogu microphone stand

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 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 and can be set up with or without a microphone holder for a more convenient recording.

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Easy setup
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Bulky
  • Will not hold larger microphones

Best for Interviews

Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield

The perfect accessory for interviews and more

The Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield is easy to set up. It secures to your table with a tripod-like design.

Bottom line

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

If you're recording outside, do your best to face away from the wind, or keep your microphone secluded location. 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 clearer sound. Just be sure it isn't too close to their mouth.

Maybe you're just recording a podcast — 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 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 Blue Spark 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

Cella Lao Rousseau writes for iMore on social and photography. She's a true crime enthusiast, bestselling horror author, lipstick collector, buzzkill, and Sicilian. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @hellorousseau

Lory Gil is a renaissance woman, writing news, reviews, and how-to guides for iMore. She also fancies herself a bit of a rock star in her town and spends too much time reading comic books. If she's not typing away at her keyboard, you can probably find her at Disneyland or watching Star Wars (or both)

Karen Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, and family woman. She loves to travel, play with tech stuff, drink coffee, discover amazing new restaurants, and experience new things.

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