Has there been a better invention for performers than the wireless microphone? It can do everything a wired microphone can do while giving you even more range and no cord to worry about. The right wireless microphones will transform your performance and take your next set to the next level.
I've rounded up and reviewed the top 5 wireless microphones available in 2024, highlighting the qualities that deserve your attention. I also threw in a buyer's guide at the end of the article so you know exactly what to look for on your hunt for a quality wireless microphone system.
After testing countless models, my #1 pick for the best overall wireless microphone is the Sennheiser EW 100 G4-845-S for its incredible operating range, phenomenal frequency response, and supercardioid polar pattern.
Keep reading to see if the Sennheiser EW 100 is the best wireless microphone system for your next gig or if the Rode Wireless Pro fits what you're looking for a little better.
Quick Summary of the Best Wireless Microphones
- Sennheiser EW 100 G4-845-S (Best Overall)
- Shure BLX24R/SM58 (Great Battery Life)
- Rode Wireless Pro (Best Wireless Lavalier Mic)
- Sennheiser EW 500 G4-KK205 (Best Premium Wireless Mic)
- DJI Mic 2 (Best Wireless Mic System)
Best Wireless Microphones Reviewed
Best Overall
SPECS
- System: Analog
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Frequency Response: 80Hz-18kHz
The Sennheiser EW 100 G4-845-S was an easy choice for me as the #1 overall wireless mic. It comes from one of the best companies in audio equipment in Sennheiser and has plenty of outstanding features that will make any performer more than happy.
For their wireless mic system, Sennheiser was sure to include a litany of user-friendly aspects that will allow you to use it with ease. The wireless mic comes with a high-contrast LCD display that I found very easy to read and comes with enough buttons to control the device without confusing you.
One of my favorite parts of the super-cardioid microphone is the operating range. At 300 feet, you'd be hard-pressed to find a venue where you'd need more room. It also comes with an automatic frequency scanner to make connecting to your other devices even easier.
If you want one of the pound-for-pound best wireless microphones online right now, the Sennheiser EW 100 G4-845-S has to be one of your best bets. It's one of the best wireless mics around and can rock just about any sound stage as well as any wired mic possibly could.
What Can Be Improved
- Not much; the EW 100 does just about everything right.
Great Battery Life
Shure is another one of the most respected names in audio equipment and their BLX24R/SM58 is the best wireless mic they make. At less than $500 at the time of writing, it's also one of the most affordable.
SPECS
- System: Analog
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-17kHz
The Shure BLX24R/SM58 is an excellent wireless microphone for someone who wants to get one of the longest battery lives on the market. At up to 14 hours of use with two AA batteries, there aren't many microphones around that can compete with the SM58 from Shure.
Shure included a ton of great features with their wireless microphone. One feature that I found especially compelling is their QuickScan feature which allows the mic to find the ultra-high frequency you're looking for in a matter of moments, saving you time and a possible headache.
Shure's wireless mic systems are also very easy to use. They're versatile and expandable, meaning you can throw this microphone in with most setups without worrying about compatibility. I'm also a fan of the extremely reliable 300 feet of operating range provided by the BLX24R/SM58.
If you want one of the best wireless mic kits that won't break the bank, we'll go ahead and point you in the direction of the Shure BLX24R/SM58. It's one of the best wireless systems on our list today and comes from one of the best companies in the field. Check it out if your next gig needs a high-quality sound you might not be able to find elsewhere.
What Can Be Improved
- Could come with some accessories
Best Wireless Lavalier Mic
The Rode Wireless Pro is one of the most impressive handheld microphones on our list. It comes with an astounding 850+ feet in operating range, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a great condenser pickup pattern.
SPECS
- System: Digital
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
The Rode Wireless Pro is a clip-on mic unlike any other. It comes from yet another giant in the field of quality audio manufacturers as well. Rode is known for their condenser microphones and their Wireless Pro is a great example of why the company has exploded in popularity over the last few years.
The audio quality of the Rode Wireless Pro is second to none. The digital transmission ensures that background noise is pushed away before it ever enters the system and the volume control gives you the perfect range over your sound.
Most of the mic models on our list feature a cardioid polar pattern. The Rode Wireless Pro actually has an omnidirectional pattern which is more likely to work out for someone looking to pick up sound in a 360-degree radius.
The Rode Wireless Pro microphone can get you clear audio and a great sound for the same price as many other budget choices. Don't let the price tag fool you though, as this wireless microphone is an excellent choice to provide you with a detailed sound at any live performance.
What Can Be Improved
- Not the best battery life on this list
Best Premium Wireless Mic
If you liked the Sennheiser EW 100, you'll love the Sennheiser EW 500 G4-KK205. It has a great LCD display, Sennheiser's top-tier build quality, and an easy mute switch that will make sure you're never caught in an embarrassing hot-mic moment.
SPECS
- System: Analog
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Frequency Response: 80Hz-18kHz
The Sennheiser EW 500 G4-KK205 is a wireless system sure to make any performer drool. It can operate with a whopping 32 simultaneous systems at once, by far the most out of any wireless system we've covered. The EW 500 is an excellent choice for anyone who doesn't care how much their next mic system costs.
There are almost too many things to cover when we talk about the Sennheiser EW 500. Even the transmitter operates on an 88MHz bandwidth which provides you with well over 3,000+ tunable frequencies in each of Sennheiser's designated frequency bands.
Sennheiser also built their EW 500 to be one of the most durable in their lineup. It comes with an excellent build quality that will see it last through your toughest road gigs. Sennheiser protects its microphone from the elements through rugged housing and materials built to protect against splashes and humidity.
If you want one of the best wireless microphones money can buy, check out the EW 500 from Sennheiser. It's another amazing choice for live performances as it can connect to over 30 devices at once and has a range of over 300 feet, giving you all the freedom you need for your next show.
What Can Be Improved
- Could have an improved battery life
Best Wireless Mic System
SPECS
- System: Digital
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-20kHz
The DJI Mic 2 is the perfect grab-and-go sound system for content creators and performers alike. DJI took everything customers loved about their first Mic and upgraded on it, creating a new type of wireless microphone that's taking the world of video creation on an all-new journey.
One of the best things DJI has done with their Mic 2 is the plethora of connection options. It comes with your standard Bluetooth connection that every wireless microphone on our list has, but also comes with a lightning port and a USB-C connector for even more options.
The DJI Mic 2 comes with a rechargeable carrying case that not only protects your wireless microphone from damage but it also provides you with even more battery life in the field. The DJI Mic 2 is also the only product we're covering that comes with more than one microphone.
If you want to throw your AA batteries in the past and get a cool charging case with your wireless microphone, the DJI Mic 2 is the system for you. It comes with two microphones, a charging case, and many more accessories you're sure to love.
What Can Be Improved
- Not much beyond the relatively short 6-hour battery life
Best Wireless Microphones Buyer's Guide
When you're in the market for a new wireless microphone, there are a couple of key features you can pay attention to to get the best product for your usage.
When testing the mics for this roundup, I checked out the microphone's connectivity options, the frequency range and channels, range and signal stability, battery life and power options, and its build quality and durability.
I recommend considering these same factors when shopping for the best wireless microphone for your specific needs. I'll dive into more detail in the buyer's guide below.
Compatibility
Before buying a wireless microphone, make sure it's compatible with your current setup. If it isn't, you may be forced to buy a new microphone or change your system entirely.
Most wireless microphones are going to be Bluetooth compatible, giving you plenty of options in the connection department. Other popular connection types include XLR, 1/4 inch, and mini-jack connection. Check before you buy to make sure your microphone is compatible with whatever equipment you already have.
Frequency Range and Channels
A microphone's frequency range and the amount of channels it can operate with at once largely impact how you can use the microphone. A broader frequency range provides more flexibility in choosing clear channels, especially in environments that have a lot of other RF interference.
Multiple channels allow for multiple microphones or devices to operate on a single channel.
Range and Signal Stability
Range dictates how far the microphone can move from what it's connected to and still provide reliable sound quality. While most wired microphones aren't much longer than 25 to 50 feet, wireless microphones can provide you with over 300 feet of range.
Making sure your signal has a stable connection is another huge piece of finding the best wireless microphones. A strong, stable signal is essential for getting the best broadcast-quality sound.
Battery Life and Power Options
Wireless microphones usually come with different power options, including rechargeable batteries or even AC power adaptors. Check to see what the microphone's overall battery life is before you buy it if long battery life is an important factor in your decision-making process.
Buying a wireless microphone with a longer battery life, like the Shure BLX24R/SM58, can be a great way to keep yourself from running out of battery when you least expect it. A long battery life can also prevent you from wasting money on batteries.
Build Quality and Durability
Check out a microphone's build quality to see if it'll last you for the long run. Most companies like Shure or Sennheiser build their microphones out of top-quality materials, adding to their lifespans. The best wireless microphones will last you for a while and will provide you with excellent sound quality while they work.
A great way to make sure that your wireless mic doesn't get too banged up is to buy a carrying case or to buy a wireless microphone system that comes with one. Cases can take the damage wireless mics were intended to, saving you from buying another.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many channels do I need?
Before you buy a new wireless microphone, make sure it has the right amount of channels for your intended use. The microphone's channels refer to how many other devices can operate at the same time without running into any interference.
Having a microphone that can handle multiple channels simultaneously is essential for performing in crowded environments where multiple systems are operating at once. The right microphone will give you the clear frequency you need to perform with panache.
Is the microphone compatible with my existing equipment?
This should go without saying, but a microphone that isn't compatible with the equipment you already have is annoyingly difficult to use, if you're able to use it at all. Before you get a new wireless microphone, make sure you can use it with whatever audio equipment is currently in your setup.
There are different ways to connect your mic to your system. You can use Bluetooth if it's wireless like the mics we included above or an XLR, 1/4 inch, or mini-jack connection if it comes with those.
How do I know if the microphone is durable enough?
Durability is an important factor when you're shopping for a good wireless microphone. Who wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a product that can break easily anyway? Make sure the microphone you're looking at is able to face the demands you ask of it.
A great way to make sure the microphone quality meets your standards is to look at the mic's construction materials, build quality, and any other features the company included to further increase the microphone's lifespan.
What accessories can I get with new wireless microphones?
While you can always get good accessories separately, it can be easy and convenient to get them with your microphone. Some of the most popular accessories that you may find handy include microphone clips, mounts, windscreens or pop filters to reduce noise, carrying cases, and more.
Again, you can always look online or at a local music store to see what accessories they have in stock, but getting accessories with your microphone is a good way to ensure that they'll be compatible with each other.
What is the microphone's range?
A wireless microphone's range is one of its most important features. If you're using the microphone at a festival or at a concert while you're performing, you'll want plenty of range to give you the freedom of movement you need for a stellar show.
Most wireless microphones have enough range for whatever you're using them for. The best wireless microphone on our list today, the Sennheiser EW 100 G4-845-S, has an incredible 330 feet of range. That's an entire football field's worth of wireless connection.
Conclusion
The right wireless mics will make you wonder how you ever used a wired mic in the first place. My #1 pick for the best overall wireless mic, the Sennheiser EW 100 G4-845-S, has a list of features that would make it a top-tier choice for expert performers and beginners alike.
If you have a little more room in your budget for one of the best wireless microphone systems Sennheiser makes, check out the Sennheiser EW 500 G4-KK205. It takes everything the Sennheiser EW 100 does well and turns it up a notch.
