GoPro Microphones Guide 2021: Ten External Mics for Action Vlogs

GoPro cameras are great at capturing fast action, but their built-in microphones have a poor reputation among vloggers. This buyer's guide starts from that shared frustration and argued that any GoPro owner who cares about sound should add an external mic, whatever the model. It then gathered ten options of different types: clip-on lavaliers, tiny compact mics, shotgun mics and one wireless system.

Before the list itself, the guide flagged an essential accessory: the official GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. GoPro cameras do not have a standard microphone input, so any mic with a 3.5mm plug needs this adapter to connect at all. Several of the reviewed mics were explicitly described as working through it.

The ten microphones reviewed

• Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone – an editor's pick and the guide's choice for the GoPro 7. It has a super-cardioid pattern, a 9.8 ft cord and a kit with five accessories, and it was called ideal for motovlogging and gaming videos. Popping can occur.
• Movo GM100 – a compact omnidirectional lavalier that the review lists as working with the Hero 3, 3+, 4 and 5. It is plug and play through the adapter, well suited to motovlogs and backed by a one-year warranty. The short cord limits movement.
• PowerDeWise Lavalier Mic – recommended for the Hero 6. It has a lapel clip, an omnidirectional pattern and a 59-inch cord that can be extended, and it works with all GoPro models and phones. Popping and static noise when the cable moves were listed as weaknesses.
• Rode VideoMicro – picked for the Hero 7. A tiny cardioid mic with a shock mount and windscreen that connects via the adapter and was praised for durability in harsh conditions. Its only drawback in the review was the price.
• EDUTIGE ETM-001 – an extremely small, light omnidirectional mic with high sensitivity that works with GoPros, DSLRs and recorders. It does not work with iOS devices, and the build quality was criticised.
• Movo VXR10 – the second editor's pick, praised for universal compatibility with GoPros, Android phones, iPhones and DSLRs. It has an aluminium body and a one-year warranty, but its shock mount and windscreen were judged poorly made.
• Rode VideoMic GO – a directional shotgun mic powered by the camera, with no battery to charge and a shock mount that stops bumps. It is bulky and a bit pricey.
• BOYA BY-WM2G – the only wireless option, with a compact transmitter and receiver, super-cardioid pickup and a battery life of about 5 to 6 hours. The review named it the GoPro Bluetooth pick but noted the higher cost.
• PLOTURE Mic – a light super-cardioid mic with noise cancelling, real-time audio monitoring and support for GoPros, phones and DSLRs. Not a good fit for iPhones.
• EACHSHOT Video Mic – a cheap compact pick for the Hero 5 with a shock mount, a wind muffler and super-cardioid pickup. It does not work with the Canon Rebel T6.

How to narrow it down

The verdicts in the guide suggest a few deciding factors:

• Budget for the adapter. Without it, a 3.5mm mic simply will not connect to a GoPro.
• Lavalier or on-camera. Clip mics like the Purple Panda, Movo GM100 and PowerDeWise sit close to your mouth, while compact and shotgun mics mount on the camera and pick up what is in front of it.
• Motion and wind. Shock mounts, windscreens and muffs came up repeatedly as protection against bumps and wind during action shots.
• Wired or wireless. The BOYA system removes cables, at a higher cost and with a battery to manage.
• Other devices. If you also film on a phone or DSLR, universal models such as the Movo VXR10 or PLOTURE are worth a look.

The guide finished with three top recommendations: the Purple Panda lavalier for its compatibility with every GoPro, the Movo VXR10 for anyone shooting on GoPros, phones and DSLRs alike, and the Rode VideoMic GO for buyers who are not constrained by budget.