Best Interview Microphones (Handheld, Shotgun & Lavalier) In 2025
There are many ways to record a podcast interview, inside, outside, standing, or sitting; make sure the audio or video quality is excellent.
For each type of scenario, you need different microphones. In general, most people use lavalier microphones to record planned podcast interviews.
In this article, we ranked and reviewed the top interview microphones to use in 2025( including handheld, shotgun, and lavalier).
What is the Best Interview Microphones (Handheld, Shotgun & Lavalier)?
Here is my top pick for the top interview microphones to use for recording podcasts and videos in this year.
- Rode smartLav+
- Sony ECM77B
- Audio-Technica ATR3350iS
- Rode RodeLink Kit
- Sennheiser MKH416
- Rode NTG4 Plus
- Audio-Technica AT4053B
- Rode VideoMic Pro
- Shure VP83F LensHopper
- Rode Reporter
- Electro-Voice RE50/B
- Beyerdynamic M58
- Audio-Technica AT8004L
- Sennheiser MD 46
- Electro-Voice 635NDB
- Rode i-XLR
- Shure VP64A
- Rode RODELink Newsshooter Kit
I will start with my favourite interview microphones for recording podcast and vidoes in 2025.
Rode smartLav+
The Rode smartLav+ is my #1 pick for the best professional-level Lavalier interview microphone for recording outdoor shoots or videos. It comes with a built-in TRRS Jack that is compatible with all iOS products.In case you want to record outdoor interviews for podcasts or videos using an iPhone, You definitely want a The Rode smartLav+ in your microphone collections.
Sony ECM77B
The Sony ECM77B is an awesome omnidirectional lavalier broadcast quality interview microphone that is specially designed for professional videographers. You get an AA battery to power the mic and it lasts more than 24 hrs with a single charge.However, this mic is considered one of the smallest lav mics to have in 20225.
Audio-Technica ATR3350iS
The Audio-Technica ATR3350iS is one of the most budget-friendly lavalier interview mics on this list. It costs under $30 and has an omnidirectional recording polar pattern to capture the sound.
You get an built in adapter with this mic, so you can use it to connect the mic with a smartphone.
Rode RodeLink Kit
The Rode RodeLink Filmmaker Kit is one of #1 wireless interview microphone choices in 2025.
This mic can be easily plugged into the camera or digital recorder to shoot outdoor video interviews on a regular basis.
It has both the transmitter and receiver running on two AA batteries. You will get an excellent sound quality lavalier microphone included with the KIT, making this mic worth more than it costs.
Sennheiser MKH416
The Sennheiser MKH416 is a professional shotgun interview microphone to use in film recording and broadcasting stations. Looking for the best interview microphone to record human speech and voiceover works? Then this mic is made for you.
Rode NTG4 Plus
The Rode NTG4 Plus is one of the best shotgun microphones listed on this post. It is a phantom-powered shotgun microphone that has widely been used to record TV ads and documentary projects. It has switchable frequency settings that control low-noise circuitry.
Audio-Technica AT4053B
The Audio-Technica AT4053B is a hyper-cardioid polar pattern condenser microphone designed for studio use. A switchable high-pass filter reduces low-frequency noise, and a -10 dB pad picks up loud sound sources.I have a separate post about the best on-camera shotgun mics. You should check it out if you are interested in it.so I am just highlighting a couple of my favorite shotgun mics here.
Rode VideoMic Pro
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is the brand new edition of the Rodes Video recording microphones category.It’s a shotgun microphone that is designed to use with camcorders and DSLR cameras.
However, this VideoMic Pro+ is powered by RØDE LB-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, 2 x AA Batteries. It has 2-Stage High Pass Filter to reduce low frequencies and 3-Stage Gain Control, with a +20dB function.
Shure VP83F LensHopper
The Shure VP83F LensHopper is one of the most direct competitors of the Rode VideoMic Pro+ microphone. It has a dedicated headphone jack and a self-contained recorder.
This shotgun mic is the favorite choice for mobile journalists, vloggers, and run and gun shooters.However, the integrated audio recorder allows you to capture 24-bit / 48 kHz WAV files. It has a metal body and comes with a built-in shock mount and a windscreen to reduce the noise level.
Rode Reporter
The Rode Reporter is an omnidirectional handheld interview microphone that includes an Ergonomic die-cast body. The frequency response range is 4 and 10 kHz, and it is tailored for speech. However, it is a great performer as a handheld mic, and the frequency response is ideal for capturing perfect sound.
Electro-Voice RE50/B
The Electro-Voice RE50/B is just another omnidirectional dynamic microphone designed to record news interviews. This mic is highly durable with its built-in shock mount. You will find an upgraded Electro-Voice RE50N/D-B with High Output, but it will cost a few $ more than the standard one.
Sennheiser MD 46
The Sennheiser MD 46 is a handheld cardioid polar pattern microphone perfectly optimized to record interviews like live reporting and broadcasting environments for rough use. This mic works great at reducing the background noise and delivers high-quality audio recordings.
Beyerdynamic M58
The Beyerdynamic M58 is another omnidirectional polar pattern dynamic microphone designed to record electronic newsgathering interviews.
However, its long handle and internal shock mount balance the noise extremely well.
Electro-Voice 635NDB
The Electro-Voice 635NDB is a dynamic handheld omnidirectional microphone built with Powerful Electro-Voice neodymium NDYM magnet to produce higher output levels.
Audio-Technica AT8004L
The Audio-Technica AT8004L is a Handheld Omnidirectional Dynamic long-handle Microphone designed for sports broadcasting and on-location interviews. This microphone is an excellent choice if you want to record more interviews outside the studio.
Shure VP64A
The Shure VP64A is a high-output omnidirectional handheld dynamic microphone designed for people who are serious about professional audio and video production. However, It comes with its built-in windscreen, Internal Isolation Mount, and a Swivel Adapter, making it a great choice as a podcast interview microphone.
Rode RODELink Newsshooter Kit
The Rode RODELink Newsshooter Kit is your all-in-one solution to start shooting Youtube videos wirelessly with XLR microphones. However, these tiny mics cover Up to 100 meters range and come with 128-bit encryption and Five level gain control.
The Rode RODELink Newsshooter Kit is extremely easy to set up and use. It is highly recommended.
Rode i-XLR
The Rode i-XLR allows you to use dynamic XLR microphones like Shure SM7B to record your voice right into your iPhone.
But for using handheld microphones, you don’t need these interfaces. Just check out my post on iPhone microphones to get more options you can choose.
Final Thoughts
In summary, When choosing the interview microphones, think ahead about what types of mic you want? Handheld, Shotgun or Lavalier).My recommendation is the Rode smartLav+ to use in 2025 as its one of the best lavalier microphones, you want to shoot outdoor videos or interviews.
