Best Lavalier Microphones for Interviews: Picks and What to Look For

For most interviews, a compact wireless kit with clip-on lavalier microphones, such as the DJI Mic 2 or Mic 3, the Rode Wireless GO III with a Rode Lavalier II, or the Shure MoveMic, suits mobile reporters and creators; a wired lavalier such as the Rode Lavalier II or the Sony ECM-LV1 suits sit-down interviews near a camera or recorder; and a professional system such as the Sennheiser EW-D series suits crews who need dependable range and long runtimes. The right pick depends on whether the interview subject moves, whether you need to plug into a phone, camera or recorder, and how much money you can spend.

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At a Glance: Lavalier Options Compared

Specifications, supported devices and battery life differ by model and revision. Read the maker’s current product page before buying.

Wired vs Wireless Lavaliers

Wired

A wired lavalier plugs into a recorder, camera or phone. It has no battery to run out or radio to interfere, which makes it the most reliable option for sit-down interviews. The downsides are the cable and the limited distance between the subject and the recorder. It is cheap and a fine learning tool.

Wireless

A wireless kit gives the speaker freedom to move and keeps cables away from the camera. Modern systems from DJI, Rode, Shure and Sennheiser use digital links designed to resist interference. Some record internally as a backup, which is a useful safety net. The trade-off is more cost, battery management and the chance of dropouts in crowded radio environments.

What to Look For

• Pickup pattern: most lavaliers are omnidirectional, which pick up sound from all directions and are forgiving about placement.
• Size and discretion: small capsules are easy to hide under clothing, though cloth rustle must be controlled.
• Connector type: check whether the mic ends in a 3.5 mm TRS or TRRS plug, a locking connector, or a USB-C or Lightning adapter. A mismatched plug can lead to silence or a mono signal.
• Onboard recording: a transmitter with internal storage can save the interview if the wireless link fails.
• Battery life: look at the maker’s stated hours per charge and whether a charging case is included.
• Wind protection: a foam or fur cover reduces wind noise outdoors.
• Gain control: adjustable gain or a safety track prevents distortion when a guest laughs or raises their voice.

Individual Picks

DJI Mic 2 and Mic 3

DJI’s wireless microphone kits include transmitters with built-in capsules and a charging case that holds the receiver. DJI lists internal recording and an input for an external lavalier on the transmitter. They suit solo creators and reporters who want fast setup, though the built-in microphone is more visible on camera than a small lavalier. Confirm the exact features of the model you plan to buy.

Rode Wireless GO III with Rode Lavalier II

The Wireless GO III is a compact system that Rode lists with onboard recording and a 3.5 mm input for an external microphone. Paired with the Lavalier II, it gives a discreet look and flexibility between camera, phone and computer. It suits interviewers who work with different devices.

Shure MoveMic

Shure’s MoveMic is designed with phones in mind, using small wireless clip-on microphones. It suits mobile journalists who record directly into a phone app, though it is less flexible with a cameras and recorders than a general-purpose system.

Sennheiser EW-D series

Sennheiser’s EW-D is a digital wireless system used by professionals, with lavalier options and a stated emphasis on reliable range. It suits crews and productions where dropouts are unacceptable. It sits in the premium tier and has more parts to carry.

Sony ECM-LV1

This wired stereo lavalier set suits buyers on a budget who want two clip-on microphones for a two-person interview. It requires a recorder or camera with a compatible input.

Rode Lavalier II (standalone)

The Lavalier II is a small wired omnidirectional lavalier. It is often chosen for sit-down interviews when connected to a recorder with a good preamp, and also pairs with wireless transmitters from Rode.

Placement and Technique

• Clip the microphone to the center of the chest, about a hand’s width below the chin, for balanced voice pickup.
• Keep it away from necklaces, jackets and collars to reduce rubbing noise.
• Use a loop of cable or a tape strain relief so cable movement does not travel to the capsule.
• Record a short test and listen on headphones before the interview starts.
• Carry spare batteries or a power bank for wireless transmitters.
• Get consent to record, and follow local laws and the venue’s rules about recording.

Budget Tiers

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Alternatives

• Handheld interview microphones: a dynamic handheld microphone is easier to aim and handle, and visibly signals the interview.
• Shotgun microphones: good for a boom operator or on-camera use when the subject is nearby.
• Clip-on USB microphones for computers: useful for remote interviews.

Interview Workflow Tips

Good interviews begin before recording. Arrive early, choose a quiet room, and turn off fans, refrigerators and air conditioning where possible. Even the best lavalier picks up background hum, and fixing noise at the source is easier than removing it afterward. Ask the guest to speak a sentence or two at normal volume and set the gain so the loudest moments sit comfortably below distortion.

When using a wireless kit, pair the transmitters and receiver before the guest arrives, label which transmitter belongs to whom, and confirm that each channel records on its own track. Separate tracks make editing much easier, because you can lower one person’s noise without affecting the other. If your kit records on the transmitter as well, keep that backup file until the project is finished.

Keep the interview relaxed. Clip the microphone on yourself and the guest in a polite way, explain what the gear does, and avoid fiddling with it mid-conversation. Ask guests to avoid touching the clip or rustling a jacket, and remind them gently if they do.

After recording, listen back with headphones before leaving. Check for dropouts, wind noise, clothing rustle and uneven levels, and record a short retake if something is wrong. Store files in two places and name them clearly so they can be found later.

Finally, carry small spares: extra batteries or a power bank, a spare cable, foam covers, double-sided tape and a backup recorder or phone. These cost little and rescue many interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lavalier microphones good for interviews?

Yes. Their small size and close placement give clear voice pickup with little room noise, which is why broadcasters use them. Good placement matters as much as the model.

Do I need a wireless system?

Not always. A wired lavalier is fine for sit-down interviews and avoids battery or interference concerns. Wireless suits moving subjects.

Will a lavalier work with my phone?

Many do, but connectors differ. Check whether you need a TRRS plug, a USB-C adapter or a Lightning adapter, and follow the maker’s compatibility list.

How do I reduce clothing noise?

Place the microphone on smooth fabric, use a clip or tape to stop movement and avoid scarves or jewelry nearby. A foam or fur cover also helps against wind.

Should I record a backup?

Yes. Systems with onboard recording or a separate recorder protect you if the wireless link drops.

Is it legal to record an interview?

Recording laws vary by location, and some places require consent from all parties. Ask permission, and follow the law where you are.