The Best Portable (Handheld) Microphones of 2022

Portable microphones are everywhere these days – in karaoke bars, on TV, at your work meetings, or school. Your friends probably have a few portable microphones too. Portable mics come in many shapes and sizes, but their most famous representatives are handheld microphones. Despite looking a little old school, most handheld mics are sturdy, compact, and have incredible audio performance.

Don’t worry if you’re looking for a good quality product but aren’t a fan of the traditional handheld mic design. You have many options! A portable mic doesn’t necessarily have to be a standard mic. There are plenty of wireless and portable mics out there that have developed a more modern look while maintaining excellent audio quality.

When looking for the best portable microphone, it’s essential to know what you’ll be using it for. Do you need a portable USB microphone to plug into your computer straight away? Something you can carry with you everywhere? Maybe you’re after a speaker and microphone set for a class or a small intimate concert? Before you go straight into shopping, it’s important to answer two questions: 

1. Why do you need a portable microphone? 
2. What is a handheld microphone?

By the time you’re done with this article, you’ll become a handheld mic pro. Let’s go ahead and talk about the handheld mic before we jump into the top 10 handheld portable microphones review!

What Is a Handheld Mic?

Grab your pens and open your notebooks on page 1, and let’s answer the most critical question: What is a handheld mic?

Judging by its name, this popular microphone type is designed to be held in hand, but it can also attach to a mic stand or boom arm. Handheld mics are designed to have a solid handgrip and typically have excellent wind suppression and pop block. They are also sturdy, and the best-quality mics will have an all-metal body and metal grille with little to no give in case of accidental drops.

Handheld microphones are designed to be excellent at vocal recording and are a go-to choice for singers, musicians, acoustic guitar recording, and speeches. They are widely used in the entertainment industry for TV broadcasting and can be used with or without a cable. Handheld mics are sometimes referred to as radio mics due to the radio wave transmitter located inside. A receiver in the vicinity accepts the waves and converts them, which results in an audible signal that we can all hear.

As far as polar patterns are concerned, handheld mics typically use a cardioid polar pattern. This is the most common pattern you’ll come across in voice-recording mics. It has the highest sensitivity to sound coming from the front or top of the mic head. Cardioid mics typically have excellent background noise isolation, as many people tend to use multiple handheld mics onstage and don’t want them picking up other vocals or instruments. They also have a short proximity effect of not picking up noise from too far away.

There are different types of handheld mics out there. The list below features handheld and portable mics for all purposes and budget ranges, so you can quickly sort through what you need. Now that you’re familiar with handheld mics, let’s jump in and take a look at the top 10 handheld portable mic reviews! You’ll notice that our list includes some classic handheld mics, as well as some exciting options, such as the Zoom mics (note they have nothing to do with the Zoom call application).

Best Portable Handheld Microphone at a Glance

In a hurry? Here are the best handheld and portable microphones at a glance:

1. Best Handheld Microphone for Live Speaking – Shure SM58
2. Best portable Handheld Microphone for Musicians – Sennheiser e935
3. Best Portable Interview Mic – Zoom H2N Handy
4. Best Karaoke Microphone – Shure BLX288/SM58
5. Best Budget Portable Microphone – Samson Go Microphone 
6. Best Portable Microphone and Speaker Set – ION AudioGlow Pro
7. Best Handheld Dynamic Microphone – Rode Reported Dynamic Mic
8. Best Cordless Microphone – Tascam DR-05
9. Best Portable USB Microphone – Blue Snowball USB Microphone 
10. Best Studio-Quality Portable Microphone – Apogee MiC Plus

Top 10 Best Handheld (Portable) Microphones – Reviews

Here are 10 of the best handheld microphones on the market today.

1. Shure SM58 – Best Handheld Microphone For Live Speaking

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Shure SM58 is a dynamic vocal mic that you can get for under $100. The box includes a microphone, a free mic clip, a 5/8 to 3/8 adapter for a mic stand and boom arm, and a zip pouch. You’ll know the Shure SM58 is something special the moment you hold it in your hands.

The build quality is above standard. If you don’t believe me, head over to YouTube, and search for “running over a Shure SM58 with a car.” Now you know. The mic has a metal body and spherical mesh grille, which wraps around some foam, designed to help neutralize plosives when you speak.

You don’t have to be overly protective of your Shure microphone. It’s highly durable and pretty much sets the golden standard for handheld microphones.

The Shure SM58 has a cardioid polar pattern. You get to decide what to use this mic for. It’s excellent for YouTubing, podcasting, public speaking, doing music demos, and so much more! The Shure mic is perfect if you’re planning on recording vocals. After all, it’s tuned for voice recording. Another critical factor that makes the Shure SM58 the best handheld microphone for live speaking and singing is the unbelievable background noise rejection, ideal for live entertainment and noisy environments.

2. Sennheiser e935 – Best Portable Handheld Microphone for Musicians

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sennheiser Evolution series e935 handheld dynamic microphone is a little more expensive than the Shure SM58 and also comes with a free mic mount straight out of the box. You also get a zip pouch, and much like its foreign cousin, the handheld mic has a sturdy all-metal body and metal mesh grill. The microphone itself is featureless, which is excellent for live speeches and performances. You also don’t have to worry about accidentally pressing a button and messing up with setting onstage.

The e935 had a cardioid polar pattern, and if you’re looking for a great portable mic for musicians, you’ll love the Sennheiser when recording electric and acoustic guitar. One mic can rarely perform so well when recording an electric and acoustic instrument.

The Sennheiser e935 also has superb off-axis rejection, which is ideal for stage performances. The same goes for plosives and handling noise rejection. You won’t be disappointed by this mic’s performance. Of course, this mic is tuned for voice recording, so you can use it for several other things like podcasting, YouTube recording, voiceovers, and anything that involves spoken word!

3. Zoom H2N Handy – Best Portable Interview Mic

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Zoom microphones are some of the most powerful portable mics out there. They look nothing like your traditional handheld wireless mic. They seem a lot more like something special agent Dale Cooper would use. In all seriousness, the Zoom H2N Handy is an incredibly versatile and compact wireless microphone, and it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a podcasting mic at a reasonable price.

There are two sets of microphones inside: a 90-degree mic and a mid-side microphone. You can adjust the pickup range of the second microphone to 150 degrees. This is perfect if you don’t want your mic to pick up noise from the whole room. You can also do a two-channel surround sound recording using the range from both microphones and recording them on a single track. Additionally, you can record them separately, giving you more opportunities for editing.

The Zoom H2N does have external audio input, but you won’t plug in an XLR. However, you can use the Zoom mic as an audio interface. This means that you can plug in a lavalier mic into the eighth-inch adapter. Plugging it in will save you from having to constantly hold the handheld wireless mic, save yourself an arm cramp, and have the superb audio quality of your YouTube videos. Even if you decide to use the mic as it is, you won’t be disappointed. The Zoom H2N has additional features like mic gain control, low-cut filter, speed playback, tuner, and many more. You get a lot of versatility for a completely reasonable price, so I recommend checking it out!

4. Shure BLX288/SM58 Wireless Microphone System – Best Professional Handheld Microphone System for Two Performers

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for a microphone system with a dual-channel receiver and wireless coverage, you may spend hours on Amazon and find many different products. Many of the items you’ll come across won’t be able to match the performance that the Shure BLX288/SM58 wireless microphone system can give you.

Let’s start with a disclaimer. This wireless handheld mic system is quite pricey, so if you’re using it for your home karaoke, you might have found the best karaoke mics. However, if you’re the owner of a music venue or a musician and live performer looking for an industry-standard mic system, you have come across something extraordinary.

We already spoke about the handheld wireless Shure SM58, and with this system, you get two of these iconic mics. You won’t need to plug them into anything because they’re entirely wireless! This makes for a tidy stage and provides incredible freedom for performers.

Whether you need the best wireless handheld microphone for church, singing, interviews, or comedy acts, you’ll love using this mic system. It has a 300-ft range, adjustable gain control, and 14 hours of constant use. With that, you can perform for hours consistently, whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

5. Samson Go Microphone – Best Budget Portable Microphone

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for a powerful microphone to upgrade your sound during video calls and meetings without having to carry a bulky device? Then I suggest you look at the Samson Go microphone. This small condenser mic has a unique fold-up design, making it easy to fit in your pocket or purse. It can also be clipped to your laptop or computer screen.

The microphone offers two pickup patterns – an omnidirectional and a unidirectional (cardioid). These settings are handy if you want to capture the whole room during a call or if you’d like to single out your voice when in a noisy environment. The Samson Go is highly user-friendly. All you need to do is plug the mic into the USB cable and start recording! Don’t worry – it’s compatible with both Mac and Windows.

Of course, don’t be fooled by thinking this mic is only suitable for video calls. I haven’t told you the best part. This is one of the cheapest microphones on the list, and you need to give it a chance for this price! You can easily record audio for your podcast. If you’re a vlogger or YouTuber, you’ll love the compact design. The microphone also comes with a -10dB pad, which you can switch on. Thus, if you’re one to project your voice, rest assured your audio won’t overload.

6. ION AudioGlow Pro 8–150W Wireless Speaker Portable PA System with Karaoke Microphone – Best Portable Microphone and Speaker Set

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It’s difficult to tell which portable microphone and speaker sets are the best. After looking for hours on the Internet, they all start blending into each other. If I can recommend brands to trust for speakers and microphones, ION will make it to the top of the list.

The ION Audio Glow Pro 8 is one of the best handheld karaoke microphone and speaker systems out there. It comes with an unforgettable loudspeaker that glows with multiple colors, making it great for parties, cookouts, weddings, and intimate performances. You can play all your digital music files, whether they’re on an SD card or flash drive. You can even tune in and play your favorite radio. Of course, you can also connect to the speaker with Bluetooth and stream any music from your phone!

This portable PA system has an echo effect, making it perfect for karaoke. The microphone itself isn’t wireless, but the PA system is. The speaker and mic have a rugged construction, making them highly durable. Expect clear and vibrant sound coming from the woofer, and you can control the volume from the free remote control included with your purchase. If you’re looking for more PA systems, check out our top ten portable speakers and microphone systems article!

7. Rode Reporter Dynamic Mic – Best Handheld Dynamic Microphone

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Rode Reporter is a dynamic omnidirectional handheld XLR microphone. It has an all-metal construction, and it feels sturdy and stable in your hands without being too heavy. On the inside of the microphone capsule, you’ll find a built-in internal shock mount. With this, you won’t hear a noticeable sound if you pass this mic from hand to hand. The extra-long handle allows you to reach interviewers easily without shoving the microphone in their faces.

The Rode Reporter has an omnidirectional polar pattern which has one flaw. It’s not the greatest at handling background noise. This mic is great for video interviewers and reporters. You can also use this mic for presentations in front of a large audience. It’s not surprising, though, that the Rode Reporter’s frequency response is tailored for voice recording, creating a crisp and clear sound at a great price.

8. Tascam DR-05 – Best Cordless Microphone

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tascam mics are similar to Zoom mics. These portable microphones are packed with tons of features and can easily connect to a lavalier mic. The Tascam DR-05 was created as a response to the Zoom H1, which became popular.

The Tascam DR-05 is a portable stereo microphone that is great for interview recording, podcasts, gaming, and YouTube. The build quality is excellent on this mic. It has a solid grip, and all settings and menu options are within a thumb’s reach. This is another perfect cordless mic, which needs two AA batteries to operate. It has a 17.5-hour battery life, which you can increase if you plug it into a battery pack.

The Tascam DR-05 has a 2GB micro SD card slot and a line-out headphone jack, which can be helpful if you want to plug in your lavalier mic or headphones and listen to your recording. You can navigate easily through the mic’s menu. Here, you can adjust the chromatic tuner for your guitar, keep an eye on the audio levels, adjust the backlight, delete and go through your recordings, monitor your battery life, and adjust your auto-shutoff. The great thing about this portable cordless mic is its price tag. It offers a lot of functionality for minimal cost!

9. Blue Snowball USB Microphone – Best Portable USB Microphone

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Blue Snowball is a great and affordable portable USB microphone. When not on its tripod, it looks like the most harmless Poke Ball. Don’t underestimate it, though. The Blue Snowball has two microphone capsules inside, which makes it different from the Blue Snowball Ice. The two mic capsules create two different polar patterns. The cardioid pattern picks up speech directly in front of it, while the omnidirectional pattern will allow you to speak around it.

The build quality isn’t as lovely as the previous mics on our list. It has a plastic body with a metal grille, which has a slightly cheap feeling to it. Included in your box, you’ll get a 6-foot USB cable, a tripod stand, and the microphone itself. The mic’s tripod is nice and sturdy, but it doesn’t offer any shock absorption. Thus, if you’re moving it around, you’ll hear a lot of banging and noise.

There are three settings on the back of the mic – a cardioid polar pattern, cardioid with a -10dB pad, which will decrease your volume slightly, and the omnidirectional pattern. The round mic “head” can rotate when positioned on the tripod further back by around 40 degrees, so you can adjust that if you want to record yourself as well as another person sitting across from you. It’s a great mic that really won’t cost you a lot, and it’s perfect if you’re often on the go and recording from different locations.

10. Apogee MiC Plus – Best Studio-Quality Portable Microphone

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Apogee MiC Plus is a small and portable professional-quality microphone. When you first open the box, you’ll get two separate cables – a USB to lightning cable, which you can easily connect to your iPhone or iPad, and a USB-A and USB-C cable for connectivity. You also get an adapter for a mic stand and a mini tripod to place it on.

The Apogee MiC Plus features a headphone blend setting, so it’s a great option to have if you’re looking for a portable streaming mic with a zero-latency response. You don’t need to install any additional software to use this. All you have to do is plug and play!

On the front of the mic, you’ll find three LED lights indicating if the mic is on and what your audio levels are. One small button underneath controls your blend, and a knob below can mute and unmute your portable microphone. These valuable features are excellent for streamers. They offer quick and easy controls during live recording. This microphone is also great for anyone into music. If they want to record themselves singing or playing an instrument, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this portable professional mic.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Portable Microphone or Handheld Microphone

There are a few essential factors everyone should think about before buying their portable or handheld mic. Try going through our shortlist of categories to figure out if you’re on the right path before you shop!

Sound Quality

Sound quality is essential, so make sure you’re getting a mic that sounds good on the voice. If you buy a mic made for recording live concerts and events, you won’t get the maximum from the device. You’ve also likely paid for a stereo mic that won’t give you the quality you expect. Try to go for mics with a cardioid pattern, which will isolate your voice and not catch background noises.

What Are You Going to Use It For?

The most important question of all is this: What will you use your handheld/portable mic for? Is it a broadcasting mic you’re after? Try with a handheld mic. Are you interviewing someone? Zoom mics, lavaliers, and handheld mics are your favorable options. Are you looking for a mic and speaker for events? Maybe a PA system with a mic should turn your head. Do you need a professional microphone? You might want to save up a bit of money to get a studio-quality mic.

Budget

Speaking of money, have you thought about your budget? You might have your eye on the most beautiful and lush microphone out there. However, if you can’t afford it, there’s nothing you can do. Think about your most needed features. Is there anything you can compromise on to lower your price?

Features

Features are important. Do you need metal, a sturdy body, and a metal grille, or can you go without? Do you desperately need a lot of settings and toggles on your mic body? That can start getting pricier. There are certain features you might find useless in a mic sometimes. Try looking for a different option. There is always a mic after your own heart – I promise! That will lower your price. Sometimes, you’ll find the perfect mic, and it will be a bit over your budget. Save up, and treat yourself!

Type of Mic

There are many different types of mics out there. The list doesn’t end with handheld or portable. If you want to get familiar with the different types of mics, head to our microphone types guide and expand your knowledge! The type of mic is usually determined by how it transfers sound waves into audible sound on your computer.

Glad You Made It So Far!

I hope you find this article helpful. It’s tough to find the right kind of mic when there’s such a massive abundance of choices out there. I’m a firm believer that you don’t need a degree in musical engineering or marketing to be able to shop! I hope you enjoyed our top ten handheld and portable microphones of 2022!

Best Selling Portable Microphones

Last update on 2024-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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