BUYING GUIDE
Best Budget Shotgun Mics for Video
Eight on-camera shotgun mics that improve on a built-in mic without needing a full audio interface — all under $150.
Rode VideoMic GO II
Rode’s do-everything budget shotgun. It skips a battery entirely, drawing power over USB-C or straight from a camera’s 3.5mm input, and adds a USB-C output for plugging directly into a phone or computer.
Why it earns a spot
- No battery to forget or replace
- Works on cameras, phones, and computers with the same mic
- Rode’s reliable build quality and support
Rode VideoMicro II
A tiny on-camera shotgun that barely adds bulk to a mirrorless rig. It’s 3.5mm-only and battery-free, trading a few features for size and price.
Why it earns a spot
- Smallest, lightest option on this list
- No battery or menu to manage
- Rycote-style shock mount included
Boya BY-MM1+
A genuinely capable shotgun for well under $50, with a gain dial and a low-cut filter switch most mics in this price range skip entirely.
Why it earns a spot
- Physical gain control, rare at this price
- Works with cameras and phones via switchable output
- Strong reviews relative to cost
Comica CVM-VM10II
The mic to grab when the budget is genuinely tight. It’s a basic on-camera shotgun that covers the fundamentals without any extras.
Why it earns a spot
- Lowest price on this list
- No battery required
- Fine for casual and beginner use
Movo VXR10
Covers both camera and phone use out of the box with a switchable output cable, making it a flexible first mic for creators splitting time between devices.
Why it earns a spot
- Switchable output covers cameras and phones
- Foam and furry windscreens included
- Solid build for the price point
Synco Mic-M1
A no-frills entry point for anyone testing whether an external mic is worth the upgrade before spending more.
Why it earns a spot
- Rock-bottom price for a genuine upgrade over a built-in mic
- Simple, nothing to configure
- Good low-stakes way to test the format
Deity V-Mic D3
A step up in build and control, with a small LCD display, adjustable gain, and a headphone monitoring jack most budget shotguns don’t include.
Why it earns a spot
- Headphone monitoring output for real-time checks
- LCD display for battery and gain at a glance
- Metal body feels more durable than plastic competitors
Saramonic VMIC Mini
A small, well-reviewed shotgun that splits the difference between the ultra-cheap options and the feature-heavy Deity, with solid off-axis rejection for its size.
Why it earns a spot
- Good rejection of side and rear noise for a compact mic
- Lightweight enough to not unbalance small gimbals
- Includes both foam and furry windscreens
Wondering whether to skip the shotgun mic entirely and go XLR? See our USB mic vs. XLR interface comparison.
Frequently Asked
Do I need an audio interface for these mics?
No. Every mic on this list plugs directly into a camera’s 3.5mm input or a phone, no interface required.
What’s the difference between a shotgun mic and a lavalier?
A shotgun mic is directional and mounted on or near the camera, picking up sound from where it’s pointed. A lavalier clips to a subject’s clothing and stays close to their mouth regardless of camera position.
Will any of these work with a smartphone?
Several, including the Boya BY-MM1+ and Movo VXR10, include a switchable TRS/TRRS output specifically for phone compatibility.
Is a more expensive shotgun mic worth it?
Professional shotguns like the Sennheiser MKH416 offer noticeably better rejection and tonal quality, but for run-and-gun video work, any mic on this list is a real upgrade over a camera’s built-in mic.
Building Out Your Audio Kit?
A shotgun mic is one piece of the puzzle. Browse our equipment guides for the rest of a run-and-gun audio setup.