The Best Action Camera Microphone Attachments 

Action cameras allow you to capture immersive footage of your adventures in crisp 4K resolution with detailed colors and stunning visuals. But to create a truly immersive video experience, you’ll need more than that.

Sound and audio add an extra sensory element that improves your overall footage and can help transform your videos into a deeper experience for your audience. Plenty of action cameras come with audio accessories and microphone attachments that will help you record detailed audio from the environment around you.

Whether it’s the revving of your engine as it roars to life or the cacophony of songbirds on your nature trail, these microphone attachments for your action camera will help you capture these minute details in high quality.

While some cameras like the GoPro series have in-built mics to capture sound, they also offer accessories like the Media Mod. Mods like this often have built-in microphones or allow you to attach external mics through an audio jack. 

In this article, we’ll explain the need for external mics as well as list the best action camera microphone attachments to record high-quality audio. Whether you’re adventuring through rough terrain or making a vlog, these microphone attachments will help you get the most out of your action cam!

What is A Microphone Attachment For Your Action Camera, And Why You Might Need One:

The primary goal of an action camera is to be portable and durable, to allow adventurers and adrenaline junkies to film videos anytime, anywhere. This means that more focus is given to video quality and stabilization, and the audio department often suffers as a consequence.

Many beginner-friendly action cameras do not have microphones built-in, and the ones that do are often sub-par at capturing good-quality audio. To make things worse, most don’t feature a 3.5mm audio port either. So what’s the solution? Action camera microphone adapters!

Most action cam models let you attach an external microphone via a microphone adapter. These versatile mods let you add an external mic through a 3.5mm audio port. Then there are also wireless options that use WiFi or Bluetooth to pair your mic with your action camera.

So now you’ve done the research, found a compatible microphone adapter, and have it hooked up to your action camera. What’s next, you ask? Finding an external microphone attachment, of course!

GoPros have the Media Mod, but most others will need you to buy a handy external mic that can capture rich audio and take your shooting to the next level. Worry not; we’ve looked high and low and found the best microphone attachments for you!

But before we start, let’s look at a brief explanation of some of the terms we’ll use to describe the various mic specifications in our list. 

1. Polar Patterns:

Simply put, the polar pattern of your mic describes how it picks up sounds from different directions. Some mics will allow you to switch between different polar patterns to create the desired audio effect, which includes:

• Omnidirectional: Picks up audio from every direction
• Unidirectional/Cardioid: Picks up sounds focused in front of the camera while ignoring audio from behind
• Shotgun/Bi-directional: Picks up sound in a figure-of-eight shape, both from the back and front

2. Windscreen Types:

Windscreens minimize background noise and noise caused by gusts of wind and are generally of two types:

• Foam: The most common and inexpensive type, they’re made of foam and help block out wind disturbance
• Deadcat: These windscreens are furry and resemble dead felines, hence the name!

3. Lavalier and Shotgun Mics:

Lavalier or lapel mics are compact clip-on mics that are lightweight and portable, and useful for recording dialogue or conversations.On the other hand, shotgun mics feature the eponymous polar pattern and are shaped long and thin, and can be mounted to your camera.

And now, with all the technical jargon out of the way, let us jump straight into our list of the best action camera microphone attachments!

The Best Microphone Attachment For Your Action Camera:

1. Rode Wireless Go II:

Our top pick for this list is the Rode Wireless Go II, an ultra-compact wireless microphone that is perfect for your action camera. This bi-directional mic system consists of a transmitter and receiver unit and features high-quality ⅛ inch-inbuilt mic inputs with a series IV 2.4GHz transmission and 128-bit encryption.

This nifty little device comes with either one or two transmitters and a dual-channel receiver. The receiver unit has a color LCD screen and attaches to your action camera via a 3.5mm audio port connection and then wirelessly collects audio from both transmitters. This is the perfect mic attachment for those who don’t like bulky wires getting in the way.

The clip-and-go design lets you attach the transmitter to your clothing, helmet, or virtually anywhere else. It also features built-in storage that can store several hours of audio content. The powerful 128-bit encryption also allows a recording range of nearly 200 meters in open space.

The Go II comes with a case, USB-C cable, and 3.5mm jack, as well as a furry deadcat windscreen for recording in windy conditions. The receiver’s display also shows connectivity status, audio levels, channel, channels, and gain.

This mic also pairs up with the Rode Central companion app for iOS and Android and lets you configure settings on the go. Overall, this is a compact and versatile microphone attachment that can be used by everyone.

Whether you’re looking for a clip-on mic for vlogging, or something fit for more challenging terrain, the Rode Wireless Go II has you covered and is an excellent choice for both amateurs and professionals.

Other Microphone Attachments For Your Action Camera:

2. Sennheiser Professional MKE 200:

Weighing in at just 48 grams, the Sennheiser Professional MKE 200 is a compact and lightweight shotgun-style microphone attachment that is compatible with both action cameras and mobile phones. The mic comes with a handy mobile kit, which includes a Manfrotto tripod and a cold shoe mount.

This mic attachment by Sennheiser has a shotgun-style outer body made of sturdy plastic and aluminum and has inbuilt shock mounts to reduce disturbances while recording. It also comes with two 3.5mm aux cables, one TRS cable for cameras and another TRRS cable which is exclusively for smartphones. That’s right, you can finally achieve your dreams of mobile directional sound capture!

This versatile plug-and-play mic completely eliminates the need for bulky audio equipment and comes with its own mini deadcat windscreen. The included cold shoe mount lets you directly attach it to your action camera or any other part of your setup, like a helmet or bike handle.

This nifty microphone will help you upgrade your sound quality without breaking the bank, and its integral adapter is perfect for mounting onto action cameras. If you’re looking for an entry-level microphone attachment that is simple to use and does the job well, give the MKE 200 a try.

3. Sennheiser Professional MKE 400:

Slightly bigger than the MKE 200, the Sennheiser Professional MKE 400 is the next microphone attachment on our list. The bigger size and price tag are justified by improved functionality as well as built-in controls for gain fine-tuning. 

This action camera-compatible directional mic uses a low-cut filter and 3-step gain sensitivity to help you fine-tune your recording preferences while shooting. It also comes with volume control for monitoring output via headphones and helps you dial in the perfect audio.

Just like the MKE 200, this version also comes with a host of accessories, including a Manfrotto tripod and a cold shoe mount. This lets you easily attach it to your action camera, DSLR, or mobile phone with the provided TRS and TRRS aux cables.

Powered by two triple-A batteries, this compact shotgun-style mic lets you capture nearly 100 hours of continuous audio. It also automatically powers on and off when connected to your device. 

A neat feature of this mic is its auto sensitivity adjustment, which switches sensitivity based on your distance from the source. This means that whether you’re recording a podcast or filming birds in a forest, you can be sure to record your subject with perfect precision.

The MKE 400 is also weather-proof with built-in vibration reduction and a waterproof design that lets you record in any weather condition. It also has integrated wind protection and comes with a deadcat windscreen. The internal suspension mount helps minimize handling noise and vibrational disturbances while recording audio.

If you want a run-and-gun mic that can be plugged into your action camera with ease, and offers professional features like adjusting gain controls and audio output monitoring, the Sennheiser Professional MKE 400 is a great choice.

4. DJI Mic:

If you have a bigger budget and are looking for a more professional quality microphone setup for your adventures, the DJI Mic does not disappoint. DJI’s super light wireless mic records clear audio with adjustable gains and is compatible with most devices, including action cameras.

This dual-channel wireless system comes with a receiver and two transmitters and can record audio from two sources simultaneously. What puts this mic ahead of its competition is the sturdy battery case that it comes with. This case holds your mic and receiver and charges them for up to 15 hours of uninterrupted recording. This charging case makes transporting, pairing, and charging all three units easier.

The receiver comes with a 0.95-inch OLED touchscreen for intuitive control of transmitter settings, including brightness, volume, battery level, and more. It also has onboard recording and a safety track fo -6dB to ensure you don’t lose your recordings during the action. 

While the DJI mic is specifically designed for the DJI Osmo Action camera series, it comes with a cold shoe adapter that lets you mount it onto any other action camera. The transmitters have a universal clip-on design, making two-person interviews or recording dialogues a breeze. If needed, they also have magnetic mounts for attaching them to other places like helmets.

Feature-wise, the DJI Mic does not disappoint, with amazing battery life and 8GB of internal memory that lets you record up to 14 hours of uncompressed audio. It also has an impressive recording range of 250 meters (820 feet!), making it ideal for recording in outdoor conditions, live streaming, and vlogging.

This versatile mic also comes with a host of accessories, including a 3.5mm cable, two deadcat windscreens for noise reduction, magnetic attachments, and a charging case. It also has all the USB cables you’ll need to hook it up to your DSLR or mobile device.

While costlier than other wireless options like the Rode Wireless Go II, this compact clip-on mic by DJI offers a lot more features. The battery case itself is one of the biggest advantages and makes pairing and charging the units a breeze. If you have a bigger budget and want to take your action camera recording to the next level, the portable DJI Mic will suit your needs perfectly.

5. Rode VideoMic Go II:

The Rode VideoMic Go II is an excellent entry-level mic that will allow you to capture broadcast-quality sound with minimal fuss. This directional shotgun-style mic attachment for your action camera doesn’t need any batteries to run and can be simply plugged in and used without any complicated switches or controls.

The VideoMic Go II uses a 3.5mm TRS cable to let you connect the mic to your action camera, DSLR, or even mobile device. Once connected, the Mic overrides your device’s internal microphone and lets you capture crisp quality sound from your surroundings. It also isolates background noise due to its directional pattern.

This mic comes with a foam windscreen that helps minimize wind disturbances while filming outdoors. It also has a USB-C port to let you connect the mic to a laptop or iOS device directly. So when you connect this mic via USB, the 3.5mm port becomes a headphone output, which you can use to monitor audio levels.

It also comes with an SM8-R Shockmount with both hot shoe and cold shoe compatibility. It also has ⅜-inch size tripod threading to let you screw it directly onto your tripod or camera plate. This fancy-looking orange mount helps absorb unwanted handling vibrations and allows you to pick up clearer audio.

The Rode VideoMic Go II can also be used with the Rode Connect companion app for iOS and Android, which contains a host of tools to let you record and stream. Using this software, you can connect multiple mics to your system, access DSP functions, and integrate professional studio-grade sound effects into your films.

With great sound quality and a lightweight, compact design, this mic is an excellent option for most use cases. Affordable yet well made, the mic and its accessories feel sturdy and offer a no-hassle on-the-go experience for your action camera adventures.

6. Rode VideoMicro II:

The Rode VideoMicro II is an ultra-compact shotgun-style microphone that can be directly mounted onto your action camera, DSLR, or smartphone. The shotgun design lets you use it to capture clear sound from the front while unwanted noise from the rear and sides.

Even though it weighs in at just 39 grams, this on-the-go mic is very sturdy with an aluminum body that can survive your action camera endeavors. This mic also comes with a complete kit to help you level up your audio recordings, including Rode’s HELIX Isolation Shockmount, which protects your audio from knocks, bumps, and handling noise.

The HELIX mount also has integrated cable management slots as well as a standard cold shoe mounting for universal use. The base of this Shockmount also has ⅜-inch threading for mounting onto tripods or stands. This means easy mounting anytime, anywhere, whether you’re vlogging from home or shooting wildlife through your action camera outdoors.

You also get a foam and deadcat windscreen with the kit, which helps with reducing ambient noise and wind disturbances. The TRS and TRSS cables let you connect all your devices, including action cameras, directly to the mic without needing any batteries or charging.

An upgrade from the original Rode Video Micro, this second version offers a new annular line tube redesign and improved circuitry that better audio sensitivity while minimizing noise. 

This is a great entry-level choice for beginners who want to upgrade from the inbuilt microphone audio of their devices without spending too much on fancy audio equipment. Compact, super lightweight, and budget-friendly, the Rode VideoMicro II is an excellent option for your action camera.

7. Movo VXR10 Pro:

This affordable and super lightweight microphone attachment by Movo uses a Supercardioid polar pattern to pick up sounds directly in front of you while ignoring the noise from the rear and sides. This directional mic is a great entry-level option for those looking to upgrade from their camera’s inbuilt mic quality.

The Movo VXR10 Pro comes with both a foam and deadcat windscreen to help block out even the strongest wind disturbances and help you record clear audio. Handling noise and vibrational disturbances are minimized by using the provided Rycote Lyre Shockmount. This mount also comes with threading to let you easily attach it to a tripod.

The mic uses a 3.5mm audio port to let you connect both TRS and TRRS cables for use with DSLRs, mobile phones, and of course, action cameras. Both these cables are provided in the kit, along with a hard shell case to store and transport everything. 

With no batteries, this versatile mic features plug-and-play performance, perfect for indoor activities like interviews or outdoor sports activities. The mic also has a headphone jack for monitoring audio, which can be useful for tuning in the perfect sound quality, depending on your environment.

Overall, this is a solid first mic for your action camera adventures, and its directional sound capture will definitely prove to be an upgrade over any inbuilt microphone. If you want an affordable yet quality product that delivers great run-and-gun performance for your action camera, go with the Movo VXR10 Pro.

7. Synco G2 A2:

The Synco G2 A2 is an omnidirectional dual wireless microphone system that comes with two transmitters and a receiver. This allows for seamless two-person dialogue recording as well as more flexibility in output modes. All three units feature a true-color TFT display that lets you view vital stats like recording mode and battery status.

This mic offering by Synco comes with the proprietary Syncoder Transmission Algorithm that enhances signal stability and lets you record in a range of up to 150 meters in free range. It also uses a DSP chip to deliver nearly zero latency transmission, which is great for immediate use and live streaming.

The microphone also comes with a kit that has useful accessories like a 3-in-1 USB charger that lets you charge both the transmitters and receiver at the same time from a single source. It charges pretty fast, and the battery offers nearly 8 hours of uncompressed audio recording. 

The audio quality is excellent, and the low cut, gain control, and real-time monitoring function gives you a wider range of adjustments. This allows the mic to work in different conditions and is great for outdoor use with an action camera.

Both transmitters are lavalier clip-on mics that can be attached to clothing or mounted onto various gear. It also comes with all the necessary cables, including the 3-in-1 USB charger, a TRS cable for cameras, and a TRRS cable for phones and other devices. All these components can fit snugly into the hard shell carry case provided with the mic.

The G2 A2 also comes with two mini-deadcat windscreens to minimize wind noise. The two additional wired lav mics also come with their own wind muffs. So even if you’re trying to capture outdoor audio while in motion, the Synco G2 A2 does not disappoint. 

Another nifty feature is the One-Button Mute, which is a handy switch that lets you mute your wireless mic for a short pause. This is greatly helpful for two-person audio recordings sessions like interviews or podcasts and saves you the hassle of repeatedly turning the mic on and off.

This is an excellent choice if you don’t want bulky wires getting in the way of your action camera filming. It also offers great audio quality with lots of features and customizability. The Synco G2 A2 is a great wireless lav microphone attachment for beginners and professionals alike.

8. GoPro Media Mod:

The final microphone attachment on our list is the GoPro Media Mod, an exclusive mic and accessory mod for the GoPro Hero 9, 10, and 11 Black. This is a great option for GoPro users who want to upgrade their mic quality, especially since these flagship models cannot be used directly with an external mic.

The Media Mod comes with a built-in directional mic with wind suppression, and it also helps reduce ambient noise while recording audio. It also has other features like an HDMI-out port that is useful for live streaming and uploading your footage and audio files.

If you need another dedicated mic, the Media Mod lets you attach one via a 3.5mm mic port. The form factor is also compact and lightweight, making shooting good-quality audio with your action camera a breeze.

The construction of this microphone attachment feels sturdy and durable, perfect for your outdoor GoPro adventures. It also comes with two cold shoe mounts that let you attach extra mics, lights, or LCD screens onto your GoPro. Other than compatible third-party accessories, the Media Mod also works with the GoPro Light Mod and Display Mod.

Whether you want to vlog, live stream, or film daring action stunts with your action cam, this microphone attachment-cum-media-mod delivers. If you’re looking to turn your GoPro into a production powerhouse while also getting better sound quality and a custom adapter for external mics, the Media Mod is an excellent option.