TechRadar Verdict
The Rode Wireless Micro is laser-focused for smartphone vloggers needing excellent quality audio on the fly, with minimal fuss, and for those users it's a flawless wireless mic. It's super-small, available in black or white, and you can be up and running reliably in seconds. The receiver design is excellent too, sitting flush along the underside of your phone. Audio quality is excellent, but audiophiles might be put off by the Wireless Micro's entirely automated functionality. There's no way to manually override audio levels, or monitor them for clipping. You simply have to trust that the connection is reliable and the quality useable, and thankfully it is (although you might want to run checks more regularly in busier environments). I hope Rode makes the components available individually in the future, while the lack of Bluetooth connectivity and noise reduction will be a pain for some. The rival DJI Mic Mini is more versatile and complete, but the Rode Wireless Micro is the better pick for smartphone-only vloggers.
Pros
Simple and reliable
Tiny receiver that sits flush along the underside of your phone
Excellent quality audio, minimal fuss
Cons
-
Components not available separately
-
No way to easily monitor audio
-
No Bluetooth connectivity
-
Connector is built in to the receiver so you need to select USB-C or Lightning
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No noise cancelling
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Rode Wireless Micro: one-minute review
Rode's Wireless Micro is its smallest-ever wireless mic system, designed squarely for smartphone content creators, especially vloggers. It's the audio giant's simplest wireless mic yet: you can be up and running within seconds and recording smartphone-beating audio quality, all the while being cable-free and discreet.
It's a complete kit that includes two mics (also called transmitters) with magnetic attachments, plus one receiver, all of which are stored in a charging case – these components are available in black or white finishes. Additionally, you get two windshields plus a charging cable, though neither of those fit in the case.
Collectively, the mics, receiver and charging case are a featherweight 3.6oz / 102g, with each mic weighing just 0.42oz / 12g and measuring 40 x 20 x 17mm. It's a properly tiny kit, and even though the mic units are physically larger than the rival DJI Mic Mini's, the whole kit is much smaller, and purpose-built for smartphones.
If you're looking for a compact, dedicated wireless mic that'll deliver excellent audio for your smartphone vlogs, the Rode Wireless Micro is hard to beat.
Rode Wireless Micro kit on a wooden table
The Rode Wireless Micro kit is tiny and weighs just 102g all told.(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Rode Wireless Micro: price and release date
$149 / £134 / AU$259 for the compete kit with 2x mics, receiver and charging case
Receiver available in USB-C and Lightning versions
Available now, in black or white finishes
The Rode Wireless Micro's list price is $149 / £134 / AU$259, and for that you get a compact charging case with two transmitters (mics, with magnetic attachments), plus one receiver, all in black or white. Also in the box are two wind shields and the necessary charging cable. You'll need to select which version of the receiver you need, USB-C or Lightning, because the connector is built-in.
Unlike the rival DJI Mic Mini, the components are not available separately, and I think Rode is missing a trick here, because not every user needs two mics. However, probably nine out of 10 users will want the complete kit, and for those the Rode Wireless Micro is excellent value.
Rode Wireless Micro transmitter in the hand, wooden table background
The transmitters (mics) are tiny and pack Rode's patent-pending acoustic chamber, though they don't have internal storage or Bluetooth connectivity(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Rode Wireless Micro: specs
Dimensions Transmitter: 40 x 27 x 17mm (L x W x H) Receiver: 44 x 24 x 9mm (L x W x H)
Weight 12g (transmitter, without magnet), 102g for the whole kit
Transmission range Over 100m
Connectivity Receiver: USB-C or Lightning
Battery 7 hours, plus two additional charges from the case
Audio 24-bit
Noise cancelling No
Rode Wireless Micro kit laid out on a wooden table
The Rode Wireless Micro is available as a complete kit only, with charging case, one receiver, two mics, charging cable and windshields(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Rode Wireless Micro: Design
The whole kit weighs just 102g and fits in a tiny charging case
Components are available in black or white finishes
Receiver has a USB-C or Lightning adapter built in
Rode has designed the Wireless Micro to be the most straightforward user experience possible for smartphone content creators, and it's done an excellent job of it – you couldn't hope for an easier-to-use and more reliable wireless mic.
The mics and receiver are automatically paired by virtue of living in the same charging hub. You simply plug the receiver into your phone and then follow the message that flashes up on your phone's screen.
If you have Rode's free app installed (available for iOS and Android) you'll be taken to the app, where you can pair the mics and receiver, and choose to how route the receiver input: split for left and right channels, or merge audio into one channel. You can also update the mic's firmware through the app and check sound levels.
For me, using a Google Pixel 6, I needed to select the wired mic option in my phone's video menu in the camera app (it otherwise automatically selects the phone's built-in mic). But once those options are all sorted, setup is complete and away you go.
You can be up and running in seconds after plugging the receiver into your smartphone's charging port, and armed with a wireless mic system that takes care of all the audio levels for you – Rode says its Intelligent GainAssist technology gets "perfect audio every time".
Rode Wireless Micro attached to phone and Rode's app on display
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
The mics can clip onto clothing, or attach magnetically with a strong hold through thin clothing, and they're available in black or white, so you can choose the finish that's likely to blend in with your clothing better.
The connection type is built in to the receiver, so you need to select the USB-C or Lightning version at the time or purchase, and there's full compatibility with both Android and iPhone models. The DJI Mic Mini, on the other hand, has a slot to fix the USB-C or Lightning connector into place, so you only need one receiver even if you use both connection types (though the Lightning adapter is a separate purchase).
The DJI Mic Mini also features Bluetooth connectivity, and you can therefore bypass the receiver altogether for 16-bit audio (although a receiver provides a stabler connection and, in the Mic Mini's case, 24-bit audio), whereas the Wireless Micro relies on its receiver.
Wind shields are built into the mics as part of Rode's patent-pending acoustic chamber design, plus there are additional furry windshields in the box that clip around the receiver for clearer outdoor recording on breezy days, although these additional windshields won't fit into the charging case.
Rode Wireless Micro transmitter attached to a bright orange jacket
It's been a couple of decades since my hair looked like this(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Rode Wireless Micro: Performance
Transmission range is over 100m
7 hours operating time, charging case can provide another two charges
No noise reduction, but Intelligent Gain Assist gets you clear vocals
My experience with the Rode Wireless Micro has been as headache-free as I could hope for. Once I had the Rode app installed (though you don't have to use the app to use the mic), I was up and running and capturing high-quality 24-bit audio with my Google Pixel 6 phone in a matter of seconds.
Rode says the Wireless Micro's transmission range is over 100m, which is harder than you might think to fully test in the real world; how often – and indeed, why – would you need to record audio onto a phone camera from over 100m away?
The upshot is that for vlogging, the Wireless Micro provides a stable and reliable connection, with an operating time for each mic being around seven hours.
That operating time can be extended through the charging case, which features a 490mAh battery and can charge a transmitter an additional two times, effectively delivering an overall operating time of 21 hours. In short, with a charged case you'll have enough juice for a weekend of vlogging.
Rode Wireless Micro transmitter in the hand, wooden table background
The Rode Wireless Micro has a patent-pending acoustic chamber design(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
If you want to know a few of the technicals, the Wireless Micro features 24-bit audio, a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, a maximum 135db SPL, a 73db signal-to-noise ratio and an A-Weighted equivalent noise of 21dBA. For reference, those specs are roughly similar to those of the Rode Wireless ME, a pricier wireless mic that also works with cameras.
Rode's 'Intelligent GainAssist' tech automatically controls audio levels for well-balanced sound, enhancing vocals, and freeing you to focus on creating. You miss out on noise reduction, but unless you're in particularly loud environments it's not a problem – I've been able to get clear recordings of my voice in a noisy soccer stadium, even if the animated crowd added to the video's feel.
I've recorded vlogs in a range of scenarios; indoors, outdoors, and in noisy environments, and I've been very happy with how crisp my voice sounds. Put simply, if you want better audio without the fuss, this Rode mic is sure to delight.
Should I buy the Rode Wireless Micro?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Rode Wireless Micro: also consider
Header Cell - Column 0 Rode Wireless Micro DJI Mic Mini DJI Mic 2
Dimension Transmitter: 40 x 27 x 17mm (L x W x H)Receiver: 44 x 24 x 9mm (L x W x H) Transmitter: 26.6 x 26.1 x 16mm (L x W x H)Receiver: 46.5 x 29.6 x 19.3mm (L x W x H) Transmitter: 46.1 x 31 x 21.8mm (L x W x H)Receiver: 54.2 x 28.4 x 22.5mm (L x W x H)
Weight 12g (transmitter, without magnet), 102g for the whole kit 10g (transmitter, without magnet) 28g (transmitter, without magnet)
Transmission range 100m 400m 250m
Connectivity Receiver: USB-C or Lightning Receiver: USB-C or Lightning, 3.5mm jack Receiver: USB-C, 3.5mm jack
Battery 7 hours (plus two additional charges from the fully charged case for a total of 21 hours) 11.5 hours (transmitter), 10.5 hours (receiver), up to 48 hours with fully charged case 6 hours (plus two additional charges from the fully charged case for a total of 18 hours)
Audio 24-bit 24-bit (drops to 16-bit via Bluetooth) 32-bit float, 24-bit
Noise cancelling No Two-level, auto AI
Bluetooth No Yes Yes
Rode Wireless Micro kit on a wooden table
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
How I tested the Rode Wireless Micro
Used regularly for over a month in quiet and noisy environments
Tested alongside the rival DJI Mic Mini
Paired primarily with a Google Pixel 6
There aren't a lot of ways in which you can test the Rode Wireless Micro: it handles audio levels, clipping and vocal enhancement automatically, and that's it appeal for most users. The mics and transmitter are auto-synced through the charging case, you plug the receiver into your phone, and away you go.
I did however make sure to test the audio quality of the Wireless Micro in mixed environments – the quiet indoors, the still outdoors, in wind, and in noisy environments. I was also reviewing the DJI Mic Mini at the same time, and so was able to run comparison tests to see which came out on top.
Almost all tests were done by pairing the Wireless Micro to my Google Pixel 6.
Cameras editor
Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.