10 Best Shotgun Mics that will Blow Your Mind in 2023
Are you hunting for a high-quality shotgun mic to take your videos to the next level? Look no further; I’ve got you covered with my top picks for the best shotgun mics in 2023.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out with your DSLR camera, a vlogger on the go, or an experienced filmmaker conducting an interview or audio recording, there’s a shotgun mic out there for you.
Let’s jump in and check out these awesome mics that made the cut. From budget-friendly options to the best of the best, I’ve got all the details you need to know.
So, grab a cup of coffee (why do people always say that?) and get ready to upgrade your audio game with these top-of-the-line shotgun mics!
Table of Contents
What are the Best Shotgun Mics?
What are the best shotgun mics in 2023?
1. Rode VideoMic NTG – Most Versatile Shotgun Microphone ($249)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You want one shotgun microphone that can do everything. The shotgun mic you should choose if you only have one choice.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Transducer Type: Pressure gradient electret condenser
- Power Requirements: Internal batteries
- Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 18,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -26 dBV/Pa (50 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 120 dB
- Output Connection: 3.5 mm auto-sensing, USB-C
- Weight: 94g
- Accessories: SM7-R Rycote Lyre shock mount, TRRS to TRRS cable, 3.5mm to USB-C cable, 3.5mm to lightning cable, windshield
Features
- Internal rechargeable battery with 30+ hours of audio recording
- Variable stepless gain control knob
- Auto-sensing 3.5mm output
- Automatic on/off when connected to the camera
- Safety channel for recording a second track at -20dB
- USB-C port for direct connection to a computer
- 3.5mm jack doubles as a headphone output in USB mode
- -20db pad, 75Hz and 150Hz high-pass filter, and high-frequency boost
Pros
Cons

Rode VideoMic NTG
2. Deity V-Mic D4 – Best Value for Money ($99)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You want the best bang for your buck shotgun microphone.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Transducer Type: Pre-polarized condenser
- Power Requirements: Single AAA battery
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -42 dBV/Pa (7.9 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 130 dB
- Output Connection: USB-C
- Weight: 55g
- Accessories: V-Mic shock mount, foam pop filter, Deadcat windscreen, USB-C to USB-C Cable, USB-C to TRRS Cable, USB-C to TRRS Cable (Sony Compatible), 1/4” to 3/8” Thread Adapter, one AAA battery
Features
- Operates with a single replaceable AAA battery
- Variable stepless gain knob ranging from -5 to +10 db
- Automatic on/off when connected to the camera
Pros
Cons

Deity V-Mic D4
3. Rode NTG3 – Best of the Best Shotgun Mic ($699)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You need the best industry-grade broadcast shotgun mic for filmmaking, interviews, and content creation.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Transducer Type: Condenser RF biased
- Power Requirements: +48V phantom power
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -30 dBV/Pa (31.6 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 130 dB
- Output Connection: 3-pin XLR male
- Weight: 163g
- Accessories: stand mount, 5/8″ to 3/8″ mic stand adapter, zip pouch, windshield, aluminum storage cylinder
Features
- N/A
Pros
Cons

Rode NTG3
4. Sennheiser MKE 400 – Best Shotgun Mic for Vlogging ($199.95)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You want a high-quality and portable on-camera shotgun mic for outdoor vlogging.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Transducer Type: Pre-polarized condenser
- Power Requirements: 2 x AAA batteries
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -42 dBV/Pa (7.94 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 132 dB
- Output Connection: 3.5mm screwable jack
- Weight: 93.5g
- Accessories: locking TRS to TRS coiled cable, locking TRS to TRRS coiled cable, furry windshield, drawstring pouch
Features
- Integrated wind protection and shock mount
- 200 Hz low-cut filter
- 3-step sensitivity gain switch
- Headphone output jack
- Interchangeable 3.5 mm TRS and TRRS lockable connectors
- Automatic on/off when connected to the camera
- Replaceable AAA batteries
- Low battery indicator
Pros
Cons

Sennheiser MKE 400
5. Sennheiser MKE 440 – Best DSLR Microphone for Creating a Soundstage ($349.95)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You want to create videos with an immersive soundstage and realistic spatial perception.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Stereo supercardioid
- Transducer Type: Pre-polarized condenser
- Power Requirements: 2 x AAA batteries
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -42 dBV/Pa (7.94 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 132 dB
- Output Connection: 3.5mm jack plug
- Weight: 165g (without batteries)
- Accessories: 2 x AAA batteries
Features
- V-shaped dual mini shotgun mics
- Integrated wind protection and shock mount
- 200 Hz low-cut filter
- 3-step sensitivity gain switch
- Replaceable AAA batteries
- Low battery indicator
Pros
Cons

Sennheiser MKE 440
6. Sennheiser MKE 600 – Mid-Tier Professional Shotgun Microphone ($329.95)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You want a high-quality mid-tier shotgun microphone for professional indoor and outdoor recording.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid/lobar
- Transducer Type: Condenser
- Power Requirements: +48V phantom power or single AA battery
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -34.4 to -33.5 dBV/Pa (19 to 21 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 126 – 132 dB
- Output Connection: 3.5mm jack
- Weight: 128g (without batteries)
- Accessories: Shock mount, foam windshield, KA 600 XLR to TRS adapter cable, pouch
Features
- It can be operated by phantom power or a single AA battery
- 150 hours of battery life, low battery LED indicator with 8 hours left
- Low-cut filter at 100 Hz
Pros
Cons

Sennheiser MKE 600
7. Rode VideoMicro – Best Beginner Shotgun Mic ($49)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You are a beginner and want a cheap plug-and-play DSLR microphone without complicated controls.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Transducer Type: JFET impedance converter
- Power Requirements: N/A
- Frequency Response: 100 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -33 dBV/Pa (22 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 140 dB
- Output Connection: 3.5mm TRS
- Weight: 42g
- Accessories: TRS to TRS cable, furry windscreen, Rycote Lyre shock mount
Features
- N/A
Pros
Cons

Rode VideoMicro
8. Deity V-Mic D4 Mini – Best Budget Shotgun Mic ($49.95)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You just started out and are on a tight budget. You’re looking for an affordable on-camera external microphone that sounds decent.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Transducer Type: Prepolarized condenser
- Power Requirements: N/A
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -38 dBV/Pa (12.6 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 134 dB
- Output Connection: 3.5 mm TRS Female
- Input Connection: 3.5 mm TRS Female
- Weight: 1oz (28g)
- Accessories: TRS to TRS cable, TRS to TRRS cable, fur foam windscreen, Rycote Lyre shock mount
Features
- Mic input port for connecting a second microphone or lav mic
Pros
Cons

Deity D4 Mini
9. Sony ECM-B1M – Best DSLR Microphone for Sony Alpha Cameras ($348)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
You want the best DSLR microphone for your Sony Alpha camera.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid, cardioid, omnidirectional
- Transducer Type: Back electret condenser type
- Power Requirements: N/A
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: Info not available
- Max SPL: 120 dB
- Output Connection: Sony Multi-Interface Shoe
- Weight: 77.3g
- Accessories: windscreen
Features
- Three switchable polar patterns – supercardioid, cardioid, and omnidirectional
- 8 microphone capsules with beamforming technology
- Connection through Sony Multi-Interface Shoe
- Integrated shock mount
- Low-cut filter and noise cancellation filter
- 10db and 20db padding
- Adjustable gain dial
Pros
Cons

Sony ECM-B1M
10. Sennheiser MKH 416 – Honorable Mention ($999)
Why would you want this shotgun mic?
It is a top-notch industry-standard shotgun microphone recognized by everyone in the business. Some clients might even request that you use this microphone.
Product Info
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid/lobar
- Transducer Type: RF condenser microphone
- Power Requirements: +48V phantom power
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -32 dBV/Pa (25 mV/Pa) @1kHz
- Max SPL: 130 dB
- Output Connection: 3-pin XLR male
- Weight: 175g
- Accessories: microphone clamp, foam windshield, pouch
Features
- N/A
Pros
Cons

Sennheiser MKH 416