So, you’re still rocking that trusty GoPro Hero 4 Black? Awesome! It’s a classic for a reason. But let’s be honest, while its video quality was groundbreaking, the built-in microphone… well, it left a bit to be desired, especially in windy conditions or when you’re trying to capture crystal-clear dialogue. If you’re serious about your vlogs, adventure footage, or any content where audio matters, investing in the best external microphone for GoPro Hero 4 Black is an absolute game-changer.
Adding an external mic vastly improves sound quality, reduces unwanted noise, and gives your videos that professional edge. No more muffled whispers or relentless wind noise! Since the Hero 4 Black doesn’t have a direct 3.5mm mic input, you’ll generally need the official GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (or a compatible third-party one) to connect these mics. Think of it as your audio gateway!
Ready to ditch that tinny sound? Let’s dive into some of the top picks to find the best external microphone for GoPro Hero 4 Black that suits your needs.
Movo GM100 Clip-on Lavalier Microphone
The Movo GM100 is a fantastic entry-level lavalier microphone designed to give your GoPro Hero 4 Black a significant audio boost. It’s super compact and incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for vloggers, interviewers, or anyone who wants to capture clear dialogue without fuss. Its omnidirectional pickup pattern means it captures sound from all directions, which is great for ensuring you don’t miss anything, while the included windscreen helps tame wind noise. Just plug it into your GoPro mic adapter, and you’re good to go!
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Key Features:
- CRISP AUDIO: Clearer audio recording compared to the built-in mic.
- PLUG AND PLAY: Compatible with GoPro mic adapter, no batteries required.
- CLEAR SOUND: Includes a mic windscreen for noise reduction.
- CONVENIENT: Compact and portable design.
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY: US-Based support for peace of mind.
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Pros:
- Significantly improves audio clarity.
- Very affordable and great value.
- Simple to use; truly plug-and-play with the adapter.
- Omnidirectional pickup is versatile.
- Lightweight and easy to clip on.
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Cons:
- Requires the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
- Cable length might be a bit short for some extended setups.
- Not designed for extreme weather conditions.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the GM100 for its straightforward operation and noticeable audio improvement over the stock GoPro mic. Many find it an essential accessory for vlogging and capturing interviews, highlighting its ease of use and surprising clarity for the price. It’s often recommended as a great starting point for better GoPro audio.
AKASO External Microphone EK7000/ EK7000 Pro/Brave 4//Brave
While primarily designed for AKASO action cameras, this external microphone can be a viable option for your GoPro Hero 4 Black if you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly mic that connects via a 3.5mm jack. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, and it offers a notable step up in audio quality compared to the GoPro’s internal microphone, especially when recording in less-than-ideal environments. Just remember, the crucial GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter is still needed to bridge the connection to your Hero 4 Black.
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Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight design.
- 3.5mm plug for broad compatibility (with adapter).
- Improves overall sound capture.
- Easy to connect and use.
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Pros:
- Affordable external microphone solution.
- Small footprint, easy to pack.
- Better than built-in audio for general use.
- Simple plug-and-play functionality (with adapter).
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Cons:
- No specific features or compatibility stated for GoPro Hero 4 Black (requires adapter).
- Might not offer the advanced noise reduction of higher-end mics.
- Limited information on its specific audio characteristics.
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User Impressions: Customers using this mic generally appreciate its simplicity and the immediate improvement in audio quality over their camera’s internal mic. It’s often seen as a good basic upgrade, especially for those on a tight budget who need something more reliable for their adventure captures or casual vlogging.
SPTSSWET Lavalier Microphone Compatible with GoPro HERO3,…
The SPTSSWET Lavalier Microphone is specifically designed with GoPro users in mind, boasting direct compatibility with the Hero 3, 3+, and 4 Black cameras (via adapter). This omnidirectional condenser microphone is perfect for capturing clear, crisp audio for interviews, vlogs, and any situation where voice clarity is paramount. Its lavalier design allows for discreet placement on clothing, ensuring your subjects’ voices are picked up clearly without the microphone being a distraction. No batteries are needed, making it a hassle-free choice for on-the-go recording.
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Key Features:
- Wide Compatibility: Explicitly supports GoPro HERO3, HERO3+, and HERO4 Black (with adapter).
- Lavalier Design: Mini metal clip for easy and discreet attachment.
- Plug and Play: No batteries required.
- Omnidirectional Condenser microphone: 360° voice clarity with less noise.
- Multipurpose Use: Ideal for YouTube, live streaming, podcasts, interviews, etc.
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Pros:
- Excellent voice clarity and noise reduction.
- Directly marketed for Hero 4 Black compatibility.
- Convenient lavalier clip for hands-free operation.
- Battery-free operation means less to worry about.
- Very portable and easy to set up.
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Cons:
- Still requires the official GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
- The cable might not be long enough for all setups (e.g., distant interviews).
- May pick up some clothing rustle if not positioned carefully.
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User Impressions: Users commend the SPTSSWET for its solid performance and true “plug-and-play” nature. Many reviewers specifically highlight its ability to capture clear voice audio for vlogging and interviews, significantly outperforming the GoPro’s internal mic. Its low cost and good performance make it a popular choice for those looking for a simple audio upgrade.
SOONSUN Frame Mount Housing Case with External Lavalier…
This SOONSUN offering isn’t just an external microphone; it’s a smart two-in-one solution that includes a protective frame mount explicitly designed for your GoPro Hero 4 Black, Hero 3+, and Hero 3 cameras. The frame ensures all your camera’s ports remain accessible, including the crucial one for your mic adapter. The integrated 6.6ft lavalier microphone means you get excellent audio quality with reduced wind noise, perfect for those motovlogging adventures, travel vlogs, or field interviews. It’s a convenient bundle that protects your camera while boosting its audio.
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Key Features:
- Compatibility: Fully compatible with HERO4 Black, HERO4 Silver, HERO3+, HERO3 cameras.
- Integrated Mic: Ultra-long 6.6ft lavalier microphone.
- Noise Reduction: Mic windscreen for superb audio quality without wind noise.
- Protective Frame: Standard frame mount protects your camera.
- Accessible Ports: Ultra-large openings for full access to all camera ports.
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Pros:
- Provides both protection and improved audio.
- Long microphone cable offers flexibility.
- Specifically designed for GoPro Hero 3/4 series.
- Easy access to all camera ports and battery/SD card.
- Great for outdoor and active use.
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Cons:
- Still requires the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
- The frame adds a bit of bulk compared to just a mic.
- The integrated mic is not detachable from the frame.
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the integrated design, finding it incredibly convenient for protecting their GoPro while simultaneously getting better audio. The long microphone cable is a frequently praised feature, offering versatility for different shooting scenarios. It’s seen as a robust and practical solution for adventure enthusiasts.
SOONSUN Skeleton Housing Protective Case with Quick Release…
Similar to its counterpart, the SOONSUN Skeleton Housing takes convenience to the next level by integrating an external microphone directly into a functional camera housing. This side-open design allows for full access to your GoPro Hero 4 Black’s ports – mini USB, micro HDMI, and even the memory card slot – without ever having to remove the housing. The built-in 6.5ft external lavalier microphone significantly enhances audio capture, especially for voice, and even has a reserved hole for the internal mic, allowing you to choose your audio source. This combination of protection and superior sound makes it a compelling option.
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Key Features:
- Side Open Housing: Full access to all ports and memory card slot.
- Skeleton Backdoor: Protects camera from overheating.
- Reserved Hole for Internal Mic: Ensures good recording even without the external mic.
- Ultra-long 6.5ft External Microphone: Convenient clip-on lavalier mic.
- Compatibility: Fully compatible with HERO4 Black, HERO4 Silver, HERO3+, HERO3.
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Pros:
- Excellent all-in-one solution for protection and audio.
- Unobstructed access to all camera features.
- Long microphone cable provides great reach.
- Aids in heat dissipation for the camera.
- Strong compatibility with Hero 4 Black.
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Cons:
- Requires the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for the external mic functionality.
- Adds some bulk to the camera.
- The microphone is permanently attached to the housing.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the thoughtfulness of the design, especially the port accessibility and the added heat protection. The integrated microphone is a standout feature, praised for delivering clearer audio for vlogging and general use. It’s considered a highly practical accessory for prolonged recording sessions where audio quality and camera protection are key.
Movo Lavalier Microphone for GoPro – Compatible with GoPro,…
The Movo Lavalier Microphone is a high-quality audio solution that, while explicitly listing newer GoPro models like Hero 9-12 with Media Mod compatibility, is also perfectly suited for your GoPro Hero 4 Black when used with the essential GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. This omnidirectional condenser microphone is built for superior sound quality, capturing crisp audio from all directions with high sensitivity and minimal noise. Its gold-plated 3.5mm TRS plug ensures a reliable connection, and the 6ft cable combined with a durable metal clip offers versatile placement. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for professional-grade audio for your GoPro, regardless of its generation.
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Key Features:
- GOPRO COMPATIBILITY: Works with Hero 4 Black via the 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
- SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY: Omnidirectional condenser mic for clear, sensitive audio.
- PREMIUM BUILD: 3.5mm TRS gold-plated plug, durable construction.
- EASY TO USE: 6ft cable, durable metal lavalier clip for flexible positioning.
- VERSATILE USE: Ideal for vlogging, extreme sports, presentations, and more.
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Pros:
- Delivers professional-grade audio quality.
- Robust construction with gold-plated connector.
- Long cable provides excellent reach.
- Omnidirectional pickup is highly effective.
- Highly versatile for various recording scenarios.
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Cons:
- Requires the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for Hero 4 Black.
- Higher price point than some basic lavalier mics.
- May be overkill for very casual users.
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User Impressions: Users consistently rate this Movo mic highly for its crystal-clear audio and robust build. Many highlight its effectiveness in cutting down ambient noise and capturing voices with remarkable clarity. It’s frequently recommended by content creators who need reliable, high-quality audio for their GoPro footage, making it a solid investment.
Important Note Regarding Product 5:
Please note that “AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera with EIS…” (Product 5 from the provided list) is an entire action camera, not an external microphone. Therefore, it has been excluded from this review focusing solely on external microphones for the GoPro Hero 4 Black.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need an external microphone for my GoPro Hero 4 Black?
A1: The built-in microphone on the GoPro Hero 4 Black is decent for ambient sounds, but it struggles with wind noise, capturing clear dialogue, or in noisy environments. An external microphone significantly improves audio quality, offering clearer sound, better noise reduction, and a more professional feel to your videos.
Q2: Does the GoPro Hero 4 Black have a dedicated mic input?
A2: No, the GoPro Hero 4 Black does not have a standard 3.5mm microphone input jack. To connect an external microphone, you must use the official GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (or a compatible third-party adapter) which plugs into the camera’s Mini-USB port.
Q3: What kind of external microphone is best for GoPro Hero 4 Black vlogging?
A3: For vlogging, a lavalier (lapel) microphone is often the best external microphone for GoPro Hero 4 Black. These clip onto your clothing close to your mouth, ensuring clear voice capture and minimizing ambient noise. Omnidirectional lavaliers are versatile, while unidirectional ones focus on your voice from one direction.
Q4: Can I use any 3.5mm microphone with my GoPro Hero 4 Black?
A4: Most standard 3.5mm microphones (TRS or TRRS, depending on the adapter) can be used with the GoPro Hero 4 Black, but only when paired with the correct GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. Always ensure your chosen microphone’s plug type is compatible with your adapter.
Q5: How do I reduce wind noise when using an external microphone with my GoPro?
A5: Many external microphones come with a foam windscreen or a “dead cat” (furry cover) to help reduce wind noise. Placing the microphone strategically out of direct wind, or even under clothing, can also help. Some higher-end microphones have built-in low-cut filters.
Q6: Are external microphones powered by the GoPro Hero 4 Black or do they need batteries?
A6: Most simple lavalier microphones designed for GoPros (like the Movo GM100 or SPTSSWET) are “plug-and-play” and do not require separate batteries. They draw power directly from the camera via the adapter. However, some professional or highly sensitive microphones might require their own power source (e.g., a small battery).
Q7: Will using an external microphone drain my GoPro Hero 4 Black’s battery faster?
A7: Yes, using the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter and an external microphone will typically lead to slightly increased battery drain compared to just using the internal mic, as the camera has to power the adapter and potentially the microphone. It’s always a good idea to carry spare batteries or a portable power bank for longer recording sessions.
