8 Best Action Camera Microphone Attachments in 2024

Want to get perfect sound when recording with your action camera?

All GoPros cameras are fitted with integrated mics, which offer decent performance for everyday use. However, the quality of such microphones is far from perfect. This applies particularly to the most recent models with a water-resistant body.

Purchasing a camera microphone attachment is probably the best solution for producing the sound of excellent quality for your GoPro clips. By removing ambient sound, you can get clear and distinct voice recordings. Some external microphones for your GoPro cameras come at a moderate price of $20-50, whereas more professional options will cost you $100-250.

Before choosing a model, it is important to do a thorough investigation to define whether it is suitable for your preferred photoshoots, frequency range, as well as a power source. An advantage of all external microphones listed below is that they can not only be used as GoPro accessories but also attached to a range of other devices. In other words, the mics can work with your existing camera or phone eliminating the need to buy some extra expensive equipment.

Connector type: 3.5 mm jack, USB | Weight: 0.02 ounces | Power Source: Battery-powered | Frequency Range: 50 - 20,000 Hz | Polar pattern: Omnidirectional

The Rode VideoMic Pro is a small and lightweight external microphone that delivers the pro-level quality sound. Its compact design makes this model the best action camera microphone attachment for those photographers who are often on the go. Its ability to capture sound from several sources is another considerable advantage. This feature makes it easy to record two-person interviews and backup recordings. One of the most helpful GoPro tips is to opt for a microphone with a long-lasting battery. Another argument in favor of the Rode Wireless GO II is its internal storage that can keep up to 24 hours of compressed sound or up 7 hours of uncompressed recordings. Moreover, its body is made of solid materials, which makes the Rode VideoMic Pro the best solution for outdoor photographers. Another great feature is an integrated high-pass filter for minimizing ambient noise.

Connector type: 3.5 mm jack | Weight: | Power Source: AAA Batteries | Frequency Range: 50 - 20,000 Hz | Polar pattern: Super-cardioid

The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a highly directional microphone that has an abundance of strong points. One of them is a vibration-proof design. Moreover, its sturdy body is designed to minimize background noise. Coming with a jack plug with integrated control, this mic will make a perfect pair for an action camera that features a headphone jack as well.

It is possible to use this model even under harsh weather conditions as it has a water-resistant construction. Due to its slip-proof covering, this product is easy to grip and hold. The Sennheiser Professional MKE 400 comes with TRS to TRS microphone cables for a trouble-free connection to a camera. It is powered by two AAA batteries that allow you to record 100 hours of audio. Featuring a cold shoe mount, this mic can be paired with practically any shooting device.

Connector type: USB, 3.5 mm jack | Weight: 4.9 ounces | Power Source: Battery powered | Frequency Range: 60 - 60,000 Hz| Polar pattern: Omnidirectional

Although the Purple Panda might not be the best action camera microphone attachment, it has a wide range of features. Besides, this option is quite popular because of its moderate cost. Shooters also appreciate the quality of recorded sound, as well as the mic’s compact construction.

Featuring a simple and minimalist design, the Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel mic has a solid and long-lasting build that ensures many years of use. Despite its discreet look, this product captures audio of excellent quality. Another feature I like is effective background noise reduction, which allows it to minimize ambient noise by recording only the closest sound. Using a GoPro gimbal, you will get well-stabilized footage.

Connector type: 3.5 mm jack | Weight: 1.48 ounces | Power Source: Battery powered | Frequency Range: 100 - 20,000 Hz | Polar pattern: Unidirectional

The Rode VideoMicro is an action camera mic attachment that produces top-rated sound even outdoors. It is compatible with a variety of action cameras that are fitted with external mic inputs and can be even used as a smartphone microphone. Heavy-duty thermoplastic suspension reduces undesired vibrations coping with cable noise effectively.

The Rode VideoMicro comes with a Ricote Lyre shot mounting, as well as a furry windshield to reduce the background noise. Photographers also like that the mic does not have a battery and is powered by an action camera, so you won’t need to look for a socket for recharging the device.

Connector type: 3.5 mm jack | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Power Source: Battery powered | Frequency Range: 20 - 16,000 Hz | Polar pattern: Unidirectional

The MouKey MCm-1 is a highly functional camera mic geared to maximize the sound quality. When it comes to compatibility, this is probably the best action camera microphone attachment as it is compatible with all available camera models. This product is also an optimal solution for those who are looking for a cheap microphone. The absence of the battery is rather an advantage than a drawback. To turn on a mic and record a sound, you only need to attach it to a camera. The MouKey MCm-1 comes with a 3.5mm cable that can be used with your phone's own jack plug adapter.

Moreover, this model is fitted with a cardioid condenser capsule for reducing background noise and bringing a focus on a speaker. Having a shock muse embedded, the mic is sure to deliver polished sound unaffected by unwanted vibrations.

Connector type: 3.5 mm jack | Weight: 1.8 ounces | Power Source: Battery powered | Frequency Range: 36 - 18,000 Hz | Polar pattern: Unidirectional

The Movo VXR10-Pro answers all the criteria of the best action camera microphone attachment. This affordable model has a lightweight, compact design and many accessories. Besides, its body is made of aluminum and fitted with a shock mount that reduces ambient noise.

Another advantage is the absence of a battery that eliminates the need for constant recharging. The quality of sound will exceed your expectations. The VXR10-Pro shock mount is compatible with most DSLRs, action cameras, and smartphone holders.

Connector type: 3.5 mm jack | Weight: 0.212 ounces | Power Source: Corded electric | Frequency Range: 60 - 18,000 Hz | Polar pattern: Omnidirectional

The Rode SmartLav+ is a lightweight camera microphone attachment with a user-friendly clip-on system. The quality of sound is much better than the audio produced by the original Rode SmartLav. Besides, this model comes with a solid Kevlar-reinforced cable to provide you with maximum convenience when using a mic.

Many users appreciate the intuitive operation of this model. You just need to attach the Rode Smartlav+ to your phone or action camera and capture the sound to record perfect audio for your clip. Manufacturers offer the Rode app for a smartphone with various subscriptions. Keep in mind that a free version does not offer cutting-edge functions. Besides, it supports only a few formats.

Connector type: USB| Weight: 5 ounces | Power Source: Lithium battery | Frequency Range: 30 - 20,000 Hz | Polar pattern: Supercardioid

The Removu RM-M1+A1 is a long-range action camera mic attachment that can pick up crisp sound at a distance of 40 yards. The most recent Bluetooth technology allows it to capture sound from the long-distance. Photographers will also appreciate a 6-hour battery. Another benefit of this model is a waterproof construction that enables a trouble-free operation even underwater.

This model consists of both a receiver and a mic. Each component requires a separate battery. The Removu RM-M1+A1 is compatible with GoPro HERO3, HERO3 plus, and HERO4 only. However, it’s impossible to use it with the HERO 5 and the most recent models. You can use it with the BacPac housing.

Nowadays, there is an extensive range of external microphones on the market. To select the best model, you need to do thorough research. Before choosing a particular product, you need to think about the way it records sound, its type of connection, polar pattern, shape, and other specifications. Check out this short summary of different types of mics compatible with action cameras.

The main advantage of shotgun microphones is their shotgun barrel design, which makes them highly directional. This is the best option for eliminating ambient noise and bringing the focus to the sound source. Its sensitivity depends on the pickup pattern such as super-cardioid, hyper-cardioid, or ultra-cardioid.

The operation of dynamic microphones depends on how they capture audio. The conversion of sound is performed through electromagnetic waves which transform audio into an electrical signal. Extreme versatility is the key advantage of this model. Besides, you can acquire such a mic at a moderate cost and use it in studio setups without issues.

Lavalier microphones are compact models, which are also known as lapel mics or clip-on mics. This is probably the best action camera microphone attachment for broadcasting and shooting films with many dialogues, as it is attached to a person’s clothing. To get crisp and quality audio, this mic should be a maximum of 20-30cm away from a sound source.

Condenser mics have a high level of accuracy and offer better audio quality than dynamic mics. However, if you prefer this type of mics, you will need to splurge. Also notice that condenser mics can be omnidirectional or bidirectional.

Condenser microphones will be an ideal solution for professionals who work in quiet conditions, like in a studio, and want to focus on every sound detail while capturing vocals, acoustic guitars, drum overheads, and brass instruments. Coming with a lightweight membrane, such mics are sure to pick up every tune.