Rode SmartLav+ Review

Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones

140,312 reviews
rode.com
Rode
  • Low-Profile Lapel Mic
  • For ENG, EFP & Vlogging
  • Compatible with Built-In Mobile Apps
  • Broadcast-Quality Audio Capture
  • Windshield, Clip & Durable Cable
  • Omni Polar Pattern for Fuller Pickup
  • Tailor Made for RODE Reporter APP
  • Powered via Phone over TRRS Jack
  • App Allows Recording Media
  • App Available for iOS

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 140,312 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Rode SmartLav+. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Rode SmartLav+. For example, 76% of 61,188 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Rode SmartLav+ have given positive feedback.

76%
Value for money
76% of users are satisfied, based on 61,188 reviews
81%
Sound quality
81% of users are satisfied, based on 54,093 reviews
82%
Durability
82% of users are satisfied, based on 32,599 reviews
84%
Easy to use
84% of users are satisfied, based on 28,534 reviews
79%
Quality of material
79% of users are satisfied, based on 14,311 reviews
70%
Sheerness
70% of users are satisfied, based on 11,264 reviews
72%
Accuracy
72% of users are satisfied, based on 11,264 reviews
92%
Light weight
92% of users are satisfied, based on 7,136 reviews
82%
Comfort
82% of users are satisfied, based on 7,119 reviews
88%
Style
88% of users are satisfied, based on 7,104 reviews
88%
Versatility
88% of users are satisfied, based on 7,104 reviews
Average Rating (140,312 ratings)
87%
Amazon.de ( 11,264 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com ( 7,161 ratings )
86%
Amazon.co.uk ( 7,159 ratings )
88%
Amazon.ca ( 7,150 ratings )
82%
Amazon.fr ( 7,136 ratings )
90%
Amazon.sa ( 7,135 ratings )
88%
Amazon.ae ( 7,134 ratings )
88%
Amazon.eg ( 7,133 ratings )
88%
Amazon.es ( 7,119 ratings )
84%
Amazon.com.tr ( 7,107 ratings )
88%
Amazon.it ( 7,104 ratings )
88%
Amazon.com.mx ( 7,095 ratings )
88%
Amazon.com.au ( 7,095 ratings )
88%
Amazon.co.jp ( 7,093 ratings )
88%
Amazon.sg ( 7,093 ratings )
88%
Amazon.nl ( 7,092 ratings )
88%
Amazon.se ( 7,092 ratings )
88%
Amazon.pl ( 7,092 ratings )
88%
Amazon.com.br ( 7,089 ratings )
88%
B&H Photo Video ( 714 ratings )
90%
Thomann ( 211 ratings )
88%
Adorama ( 36 ratings )
86%
Guitar Center ( 6 ratings )
60%
Musicians Friend ( 1 ratings )
20%
Amazon.cn ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 41 to 60 of 244 Reviews

Works great in the outdoors!

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Sep 24, 2015

Reviewed by MLE on B&H Photo Video

I found that this mic works great outside. It picked up some birds chirping, but the voice came through very clear. In the settings, I am still trying to figure out how to adjust the mic gain and digital boost to get louder levels without distortion. The app in nice for this sort of setting. The app upgrade pops up a lot, I found that rather annoying when trying to set it up, but perhaps the purchase of the upgrade will help me get the the right levels.

Does not work!

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Aug 22, 2020

Reviewed by Dario on B&H Photo Video

I unpacked it, and it was cumbersome to add the clip to the microphone. Once I managed that, I connected it to the wireless rode microphone, that is connected to the transmitter. However, after following all the instructions and testing it several times, it did not work, it would not pick up my voice. Whereas I plugged into the wireless microphone device another lav. microphone and with that it worked perfectly. So, would not recommend this buy, unless you want to throw out money the window!

This is a must have for your audio kit!

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Jan 2, 2017

Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video

If you are looking for a backup mic solution or a good cheap Lav, the Rode smartLav+ is a great option. I have used this microphone all over the world. Sometimes as my primary mic. I always carry it as a back up in case my main lav goes down. It is that good. With proper placement and a good recorder this little mic will produce good sound. Pros: Cheap Quality Easy to Use Reliable Cons: The mic is a little bit noisier than more professional Lavs but it is a 3rd of the price, so get real.

Good performance, unexpected compatibility

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Apr 19, 2020

Reviewed by Eduardo on B&H Photo Video

The mic itself seems to work wonderfully for what it is meant to. I was surprised and disappointed at how it doesn't work with my Galaxy s7. The app that corresponded didn't work on it either. Could be the phone perhaps. I managed to get it to work on my other phone, a motog6, but only with the app. I couldn't get video footage with the mic which was the whole point for me.

Not As Good As Expected

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Apr 16, 2020

Reviewed by Tim on B&H Photo Video

I had high expectations for this microphone. Thought it would improve the sound quality drastically. I'd say it's slightly better at best. I would have expected a less expensive choice to do just as good. Overalli wouldn't spend the money on this microphone. Sound quality, okay. Cord length, really short.

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Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
$79
B&H Photo Video
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone Kit with SC3 3.5mm TRRS to TRS Adapter
$94
B&H Photo Video
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone Kit with SC3 3.5mm TRRS to TRS Adapter
Rode smartLav+ Two Person Lavalier Interviewer Kit for iOS Devices
$207.94
B&H Photo Video
Rode smartLav+ Two Person Lavalier Interviewer Kit for iOS Devices
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
$53.95
SweetWater
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
Rode SmartLav+
50€
Thomann
Rode SmartLav+
Rode Microphones SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
$79
Adorama
Rode Microphones SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Mic f/Smartphones W/20' TRRS Extension Cable/SC3 3.5mm
$119
Adorama
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Mic f/Smartphones W/20' TRRS Extension Cable/SC3 3.5mm
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Mic f/Smartphones W/20' Ext Cable/SC3 3.5mm/Mic Cable
$125
Adorama
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Mic f/Smartphones W/20' Ext Cable/SC3 3.5mm/Mic Cable
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
$79
Musicians Friend
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
RODE smartLav+ Smartphone Lavalier Microphone
$50.15
Reverb
RODE smartLav+ Smartphone Lavalier Microphone
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iOS
$52.95
Zzounds
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iOS
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
$79
Guitar Center
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones

It's cute, nicely made, and works great

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Jun 24, 2018

Reviewed by Olga on B&H Photo Video

I wanted to use it for the dictation while I am at home as well when I'm walking on the streets. Even on the noisiest streets I could make voice recordings very well. When I would try to use it for the speech to text apps, it would improve the quality of typing _very_ much if I was talking in the quiet room, but on the busy streets it will pick up many loud sounds, and app will type funny things in addition to what I'm saying. I use it with a Motorola phone.

Perfect for my use

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Jun 26, 2017

Reviewed by Jared on B&H Photo Video

I used this hooked up to my iPhone 6+ in the past, but since I upgraded to the 7+ with no headphone jack I've been using the mic hooked up to an audio recorder for my DSLR video. I use the extension cable and rode adapter for standard 3.5mm input and it works great. The sound is as good as I'll need it to be for interviews. I'd only upgrade to a nicer mic if this one breaks.

Excellent Product!

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Aug 8, 2016

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

The audio pick up is outstanding. I used the microphone for (video) interviews as well as audio only interviews and in both instances it exceeded my expectations. Perhaps the cable could be a bit longer. Nevertheless, an excellent piece of kit for the serious iPhone videographer and/or interviewer.

Great for new videographer...

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Jun 18, 2016

Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video

I'm just now beginning to get into creating YouTube videos and podcast. This microphone is definitely better for recording than my iPhone or iPhone headset. I wish the instructions showed you how to remove the plosives filter as I was trying to pull off the sponge part of the filter. I did not know it is glued to the little rubber base that slides over the mic. I can see myself using the smartLav a lot and love how compact it is. I will most like purchase a studio microphone someday.

Perfect for my use

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Jun 26, 2017

Reviewed by Jared on B&H Photo Video

I used this hooked up to my iPhone 6+ in the past, but since I upgraded to the 7+ with no headphone jack I've been using the mic hooked up to an audio recorder for my DSLR video (the recorder has phantom power). I use the extension cable and rode adapter for standard 3.5mm input and it works great. The sound is as good as I'll need it to be for interviews. I'd only upgrade to a nicer mic if this one breaks.

Perfect for my use

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Jun 26, 2017

Reviewed by Jared on B&H Photo Video

I used this hooked up to my iPhone in the past, but since I upgraded to the newest phone with no headphone jack I've been using the mic hooked up to an audio recorder for my DSLR video (the recorder has phantom power). I use the extension cable and rode adapter for standard 3.5mm input and it works great. The sound is as good as I'll need it to be for interviews. I'd only upgrade to a nicer mic if this one breaks.

Excellent sound quality

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

May 13, 2019

Reviewed by Udo on B&H Photo Video

If you use the apple headphone adapter, you can also use it with iPhone X

Good audio is very important!

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Oct 1, 2019

Reviewed by Larry on B&H Photo Video

The mic on my iPhone 8+ is pretty good, but when making a video of someone it is always a good idea to get the best audio quality by clipping this microphone on the subject. You will not believe the increase in audio quality by doing so! The price of the mic is very affordable, its size is very small, and your video will be perceived as being more professional because this mic was used instead of the phone mic.

On a budget? Use this instead of a wireless system.

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Aug 28, 2017

Reviewed by Mike on B&H Photo Video

Pleasantly surprised with the sound quality, either directly into my iPhone or (with the SC3 adapter) into a field recorder. This wired lav plus an iPhone is much more cost effective and reliable than a wireless system, and likely delivers better sound quality.

Greatly improved sound quality in my videos

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Jul 31, 2017

Reviewed by Bruce on B&H Photo Video

I love the improved sound quality this microphone gives my video productions. I have a You Tube video on my channel about this microphone. https://youtu.be/mze2H2eZ8DY. I asked B&H's permission to add this link. About half way through the video you will hear the much improved audio. I paid for this microphone and purchased it at B&H.

Easy to use

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Jan 4, 2015

Reviewed by Tim on B&H Photo Video

I use the smartLav+ Lavalier when I need to travel as light as possible to record a video interview. Sometimes it's not possible to go to a location with my full rig. I use this device to record audio to my smartphone while shooting the video with my DSLR, then sync the audio and video together during the editing phase of the project.

SmartLav+

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

May 6, 2015

Reviewed by lenny villegas on B&H Photo Video

I purchased the Lav to use with a H1 zoom, and it works perfectly aside from the fact that I needed to buy the RODE SC3 to get it to work together. The Audio it picks up is just what I needed without having to spend too much.

Great tool for any Photographer!

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Dec 27, 2015

Reviewed by Pastor Chris on B&H Photo Video

I'm using the mic with my iPhone and the app and so far it is working fantastic. Using the old trick of a hand clap to sync up the camera audio track and the audio recorded on the iPhone has made this a HUGE improvement in my videos. They even give a few pointers on how to cut down clothing noise. I've had it for a week now and it's been working without fail. Hoping it will last for a while, and the construction seems to indicate it will.

Must have for Weddings

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Oct 12, 2016

Reviewed by Nick on B&H Photo Video

I use this to mic up the groom or officiant during weddings. I downloaded an app called RecForge II Pro to work with my android phone. I put my phone on airplane mode and this has never failed me yet. I would purchase another one.

Great mic, easy to use

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections Review

Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections

Feb 1, 2017

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I bought this mic for video projects and it's nice and easy to use. I just use the voice recorder app on my iPhone and then airdrop it to my computer. Nice sound quality, affordable price.

Showing 41 to 60 of 244 Reviews