As technology continues to evolve, one thing that every brand strives for is wireless connectivity.
The ease of use and convenience that comes with wireless operation is unrivaled. And, once you’ve become accustomed to the freedom that comes with it, anything else seems archaic in comparison.
This is particularly true for audio recording and public speaking.
Whether you’re holding a conference, interviewing a panel of guests, or even speaking at a wedding, you want the flexibility to move around a stage without being restrained by cables.
There’s often some confusion surrounding wireless microphones, though. The seemingly difficult setup and technical jargon that comes with them can leave you scratching your head, giving up, and settling for a simpler set up.
But it doesn’t need to be this way! We’re here to help make things a little clearer, starting with a list of the best handheld wireless microphones available.
We’ve also put together a buying guide full of advice and tips on what to look out for when purchasing a wireless microphone system.
Let’s start by taking a look at our top pick.
Table of Contents
1. Bietrun UHF Handheld Wireless Microphone
With features high-sensitivity and a 50-meter connection range, the UHF Handheld Wireless Microphone from Bietrun gives you the ultimate freedom to move whilst ensuring you still achieve high-quality audio.
This is a set of two dynamic microphones, each of which operates with a cardioid pickup pattern.
This means that they concentrate solely on the sound coming from directly in front of them whilst simultaneously blocking out ambient noise, making them perfect for live performances and recording.
These microphones come with a wireless receiver that can be plugged into a speaker or recording device. This receiver allows the microphones to function wirelessly, only needing two AA batteries to power them.
The receiver is fully rechargeable and will give you up to 4 hours of use from a single charge.
Each microphone is constructed from aluminum alloy casting, which allows them to be super durable yet lightweight enough to hold for extended periods.
They are easy to use as well and feature a fully-lit display to indicate battery power and signal.
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Pros:
- A set of two dynamic handheld microphones that operate wirelessly
- The wireless receiver can be plugged into a wide range of devices and gives you up to 50-meters of wireless connection.
- Each microphone operates with a cardioid pickup pattern that concentrates on your vocals and blocks out background noise.
- Easy to use, and each microphone only requires 2xAA batteries to function. The wireless transmitter is fully rechargeable.
- Constructed from aluminum alloy for a durable yet lightweight microphone
Cons:
- Cannot be used with BlueTooth speakers or any device that doesn’t have a headphone jack
2. Shure BLX/288 Wireless Microphone System
Featuring one-touch QuickScan™ frequency selection, pairing the BLX/288 Wireless Microphone System with the included transmitter is quick and easy.
This innovative technology also works to find the best frequency possible to reduce interference and ensure your connection remains as strong as possible.
Each of the two microphones included feature dynamic capsules that operate with a cardioid pickup pattern.
This helps to ensure that any ambient noise doesn’t interfere with your audio and focuses solely on the sound coming from a 180º arch in front of the microphone. They also feature adjustable gain control.
The wireless receiver can be connected to your recording device or speaker through an XLR or ¼” output. It also has a huge, 91-meter connection range, which gives you even more flexibility over movement and setup.
Powered by two AA batteries, each microphone will give you up to 14 hours of use. The transmitter also features useful lights that give you a clear indication of when each microphone is on and ready to go.
Constructed from molded ABS plastic, these microphones are durable and reliable.
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Pros:
- Features one-touch QuickScan™ technology that finds the best wireless frequency and reduces the chances of interference
- Each of the two microphones is powered by 2xAA batteries and gives you 14 hours of use at a time.
- The wireless transmitter can be connected to a speaker or recording device with an XLR or ¼” connection.
- The connectivity distance between the microphones and transmitter is 91-meters.
- Operates with a cardioid pickup pattern to reduce ambient noise and focuses directly in front of the microphone
Cons:
- Sits at the higher end of the price scale for a handheld wireless microphone
3. Innopow Dual UHF Wireless Microphone System
The Dual UHF Wireless Microphone System from Innopow allows you to select from 40 different frequencies on each channel. This allows you to connect up to 10 microphones and 5 receivers at any time, making it the perfect choice for giving each guest on a large panel their own mic.
Each pack contains two microphones and one receiver. The unidirectional, cardioid pickup pattern they operate with is ideal for live or recorded vocals and will drown out any background noise to ensure your audio is as clear as possible. The microphones are durable and have a professional look to them too.
The connection range between the microphones and receiver is up to 240-feet. This allows you to move around freely or set the microphones at a fair distance without worrying about interference. It’s also super easy to pair the microphones to the receiver with just the push of a button.
Each microphone requires 2xAA batteries and will provide you with up to 17 hours of use at a time. There is also a specially designed sound-absorbing sponge built into each microphone’s head to eliminate plosives and keep audio clear and concise at all times.
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Pros:
- The transmitter lets you choose from 40 different frequencies per channel, making it perfect for larger setups.
- Includes two microphones that operate with a unidirectional, cardioid pickup pattern for clear vocal sound-quality
- A 240-feet connection range gives you more freedom to move around or distance yourself from your recording equipment.
- Each microphone features a built-in sound-absorbing sponge that helps to eliminate plosives.
- It will give you up to 17 hours of use per microphone from 2xAA batteries.
Cons:
- Some people that previously purchase this system noted that the microphones were heavier than they expected
4. Phenyx Pro Wireless Microphone System
With four microphones and a powerful receiver, this Wireless Microphone System from Pheynx Pro is ideal for hosting big events or live recordings with multiple guests.
Featuring a high-quality dynamic cartridge, you won’t have to worry about interference between any microphones.
The receiver is super simple to set up and can be attached to a speaker or recording device with an XLR cable.
It also operates with a 260-foot connection range, which means you’ll be able to position yourself away from your equipment without the audio quality being affected.
An on/off switch at the bottom of each mic is cleverly located away from where you would naturally hold it. This prevents you from accidentally turning it off whilst you’re speaking. There is also an easy to read screen on each microphone that changes color when the battery is running low.
Each microphone also operates with a unidirectional pickup pattern to emphasize the sound directly in front of it whilst ensuring that ambient noise isn’t picked up.
Synchronization between the receiver and microphones is easy and can be quickly established with a simple push of a button.
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Pros:
- Contains four microphones and a powerful receiver that is quick and easy to connect to
- The receiver can be connected to a speaker or recording device with an XLR cable and has a 260-foot connection range.
- Each microphone features an LCD that indicates when the battery is running low and lets you see what channel you’re on.
- A unidirectional pickup pattern reduces background noise and focuses on sound coming from directly in front of the microphone.
- The microphones also feature a cleverly located on/off switch that prevents you from accidentally switching it off when in use.
Cons:
- Works on fixed frequencies, so if there is any interference on one microphone, you’d need to pair it again.
5. Sawake Handheld Wireless Microphone
If there’s one thing that makes the Handheld Wireless Microphone from Sawake stand out from the crowd, it’s the BlueTooth connectivity.
This allows you to pair it wirelessly with BlueTooth compatible devices up to 100-feet away and reduces the risk of interference.
This microphone does include a receiver as well, though, which adds to its overall versatility. Simply plug into a ¼” mic input, connect to your microphone, and you’re all set!
The microphone also includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so you won’t have the extra ongoing expense of purchasing disposable batteries.
The cardioid pickup pattern makes it a great choice for vocal performances and podcasting as it will only focus on sound coming from in front of it.
This means that any background noise is never picked up, giving you perfect audio every time.
An easy-to-read LCD is located on the front of the microphone too. This gives you an indication of your battery power and what channel you’re on.
There is also a power button located just underneath the display built on a slight indent to prevent the microphone from being accidentally turned off when in use.
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Pros:
- Features BlueTooth connectivity to pair wirelessly with a wider range of devices
- It also includes a wireless receiver that can be plugged into any device with a ¼” output.
- Both the receiver and microphone are fully rechargeable.
- Operates with a cardioid pickup pattern to focus on vocals and eliminate ambient noise
- An LCD screen is located on the microphone and displays battery power and channel settings.
Cons:
- The wireless transmitter can only be connected to devices with a ¼” output. There are, however, adapters available for headphone jacks.
Buyer’s Guide
A handheld wireless microphone will give you the ability to move freely and speak confidently without having to worry about being restricted by cables. However, there are a few things you need to think about when it comes to purchasing one.
From vocal quality to connection range, we’ve highlighted some points below to keep in mind when you’re shopping.
Giving some consideration to each of these during the shopping process will help steer you in the right direction and find the best handheld wireless microphone for your needs.
Number of Microphones
The first thing you might want to consider is how many microphones you need. Are you hosting a podcast with a panel of guests? Or are you solo-speaking at an event?
Many handheld wireless microphone systems come with multiple microphones. This is a great option to go for if you’re interviewing and would like each guest to have their own microphone.
The receiver that comes with a multi-microphone system will also allow each mic to be tuned to a different frequency, so there’s less chance of interference, and each person’s voice will be picked up clearly.
If you’re taking to the stage by yourself and only need one microphone, look for a single microphone system. This will save you money as you won’t necessarily need the spare mics. Having said that, however, it can be useful to have some backups, too, just in case something goes wrong.
Transmission Range
It’s important to look at the transmission range between your receiver and microphone as well. This can vary between brands, so think about your set up and how much space you’ll need to keep a strong connection.
Many receivers can maintain a strong, secure connection to a microphone from a fair distance away. Some are even powerful enough to provide uninterrupted audio from up to 91-meters away, which is perfect for giving you even more freedom to move around as you speak.
Connection
Your receiver will need to be connected to a power source such as a speaker, recording device, or mixer to allow for a strong wireless connection. So it’s a good idea to check what type of connection you need to have.
The majority of wireless receivers connect with an XLR cable. This is perfect for securing a stable connection, and it’s harder to unplug accidentally. However, an XLR connection can limit the devices you pair your microphone with.
For example, most laptops won’t have an XLR port. You do have the potential to run a mixer or an audio interface into your computer and connect your wireless receiver to that, using it as a middle man between the two.
Some wireless receivers connect to speakers and recording devices through ¼” ports or headphone jacks. These give you much more versatility and allow you to connect to tablets, cell phones, laptops, and more.
They are generally smaller in size, making them perfect for taking out on the road and storing away compactly.
Pickup Pattern
Different types of microphones use different patterns to pick up sound. When you’re using a handheld wireless microphone, you’re most likely using your microphone to speak into. So, with that in mind, there’s really only one pickup pattern to look out for.
This is a cardioid pickup pattern. This is the best type for vocals because it focuses solely on a 180º arc directly in front of it and blocks out any background noise. This allows your audience to hear you clearly and also prevents any interference.
If you’re looking to place one microphone between two people, however, then an omnidirectional pickup pattern would be a good choice. This will pick up sound from all directions and make sure that each person is being heard loud and clear.
Power
Wireless microphones need independent power to function since they don’t have any wires or cables connecting them to a power source. There are a couple of options to look for here.
The most common power source for a wireless microphone is disposable batteries. These will generally give you somewhere between 12-17 hours of use and will last you a fairly long time, depending on how often you’re using the microphone.
Some microphones come with rechargeable batteries, which is useful as you won’t have to worry about having a stash of disposable batteries in your equipment bag. This also helps save you money in the long run and is a little more environmentally friendly.
Display
Finally, it’s a good idea to look for a wireless system that features a display on both the microphone and receiver. This gives you a clear indication of what’s going on at all times and ensures your connection stays strong and stable.
The microphone display will let you know what channel each mic is connected to and will correspond with the display or light on the receiver. This helps remove any confusion over who is speaking into which microphone.
You’ll also be able to see how much battery power each microphone has left. This is super useful for checking before you start using them and prevents them from dying on you halfway through a recording or performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a handheld wireless mic?
A handheld wireless microphone does exactly what it claims to. By connecting to a wireless receiver, plugged into a speaker or recording device, you’ll be able to speak into it without being restrained by any wires.
This makes them great for public speaking or for performance that requires movement as well as great audio.
