- Wireless microphones are increasing in popularity for their versatility.
- We help you navigate the world of wireless mics and give you our top picks.
- If you’re a live performer, you may also want to check out our guide to the best in-ear monitors!
There’s no dispute that wireless microphones are useful in a variety of settings – especially on the stage.
They sound great and help to clean up the clutter of cables going everywhere.
They also free up the vocalist to move around at will, strengthening their ability to put on a great performance.
What Are The Best Wireless Microphones for Singing?
The Shure ULXD2/KSM9 gets our vote as the top pick for wireless microphones. With a 330 ft line-of-sight operating range and interchangeable capsule technology, it’s easy to see why this mic is the go-to for so many singers worldwide. If you’re on a budget, the Audio Technica ATW 3212 is an excellent choice.
With that out of the way, here are the very best wireless microphones for singers available today:
- Shure ULXD2/KSM9 (Our Pick)
- Shure QLXD24/SM58
- AKG WMS470
- Audio Technica ATW 3212 (Best Value)
- Audix AP41 OM5
- Sennheiser EW500 G4-KK205
- Shure PGXD24
- Samson Go HXD2
1. Shure ULXD2/KSM9
Shure's ULXD2/KSM9 Handheld Transmitter integrates seamlessly with your ULXD2 wireless mic system to deliver clear, uninterrupted 24-bit digital signal transmission over its entire 330-foot operating range.
- High-quality and wireless
- Interchangeable capsule technology
- Durable
When it comes to the best professional wireless microphones for singing, this model is at the top. And it’s got quite the feature set.
The 24-bit audio is encrypted digitally so transmission is as secure as possible. A line-of-sight operating range of 330 feet means it’s ideal for even the largest stages.
No matter the voice it’s picking up, the interchangeable capsule technology lets you choose the best sound.
These nine different capsules are sold separately so you can make a deliberate decision on which is the best for your needs.
The KSM9 capsule has a frequency range of 30Hz to 20kHz and more than 120dB of dynamic range. It has a selectable polar pattern of cardioid or supercardioid.
Changes can be made on the fly via the LCD screen with a backlight. Display mode lets you change grouping and channel as well as frequency and battery life.
You can power it with two AA batteries or Shure’s rechargeable battery.
It’s certainly not cheap, but when it comes to the versatility of sound and durability it can’t be beaten.
2. Shure QLXD24/SM58
Thanks to its streamlined operation, the Shure QLXD24/SM58 handheld wireless microphone system is an excellent solution for wireless vocals in midsized presentation spaces.
- Interchangeable capsules
- Streamlined performance
- Rugged construction
It won’t come as a surprise that Shure makes some of the best professional wireless microphones. And the most infamous microphone of all time also comes in a professional wireless version.
Shure’s SM58 is the industry go-to when it comes to dynamic vocal mics. Perhaps this model’s coolest feature is the interchangeable capsules.
You can choose between the standard SM58, Beta 58A or 87A, and SM86. Each capsule provides unique benefits.
The Beta58A is a supercardioid, while the 87A is a condenser with a supercardioid polar pattern. The SM86 is a condenser capsule that provides terrific detail and clarity, great for adding intimacy to a vocal performance.
It’s well-built and versatile enough to work with any singer’s voice.
3. AKG WMS470
When you use the AKG WMS 470 Presenter wireless system, you'll enjoy easy operation, dependable performance, and fantastic audio quality.
- High-quality sound
- Easy to use
- Rack-mountable
AKG’s WMS470 is one of the best wireless mics for singing from one of the best microphone manufacturers in the industry.
It uses a C5 condenser capsule with a cardioid polar pattern for the utmost clarity and detail. And it can take quite a bit of sound pressure, as it’s rated at 140dB SPL.
The receiver is rack-mountable so you can keep the backline organized. It’s easy to set up due to automatic frequency technology.
And it can get up to 14 hours of battery life from its AA lithium battery. It’s designed for a quiet startup on band 7 (500.1MHz-530.5MHz), and can use up to 20 wireless channels in the same frequency band at the same time.
It can even go up to 48 channels if you combine bands.
Included in the purchase are the wireless transmitter, receiver, and microphone itself.
Also included are a rackmount kit, the power supply, and two ¼ wave antennas. The WMS470 comes in handheld and lavalier formats.
4. Audio Technica ATW 3212
The Audio-Technica ATW-3212/C510 Wireless Handheld Series from the 3000 Series has the kind of features that let you navigate this popular range while keeping your signal clear and uninterrupted.
- Great sound quality
- Rugged
- Affordable
With 300 feet of operating range, this model from Audio-Technica has a lot to offer.
With true diversity, it operates in the wide 60MHz UHF band. Auto-squelch means you don’t have to worry about your signal experiencing interference or dropouts.
And if something does happen there is a switch that quickly changes to a backup frequency. OLED screens provide an easy-to-read display so you can keep your mind on giving the best performance.
A ground lift switch kills any hum from ground loops, and the transmitters can be smart charged.
It’s got great sound quality, is ruggedly built, and is very affordable.
5. Audix AP41 OM5
Whether you're a singer, musician, performer, or presenter, the Audix AP41 OM5 is an excellent handheld wireless microphone system.
- Quick and painless setup
- Highly durable
- Portable
The OM5 is a highly durable, wide spectrum wireless handheld microphone. The 32MHz wide spectrum receiver operates in two frequency bands – 522MHz-554MHz and 554MHz-586MHz.
106 pre-coordinated frequencies make setup quick and painless. A single click of a button automatically searches for an open channel.
With 300 feet of operation, 144dB SPL, and 14 hours of runtime you’ll have no issues during any performance.
A lot of accessories are included. A wireless transmitter, diversity receiver, cable, batteries, power supply, rackmount hardware kit, mic clip, and two antennas get you up and running immediately.
It also comes with a carrying case, helping to keep everything organized and easily portable.
6. Sennheiser EW500 G4-KK205
The Sennheiser ew 500 G4-KK205 packs legendary Neumann sound in a tour-ready, secure wireless system, thanks to its KK 205 condenser capsule.
- Very clear sound
- Ruggedly built
- Supercardioid polar pattern
This model from Sennheiser was made for the stage. It’s got a Neumann KK 205 condenser capsule, providing a totally clear sound.
With this capsule, you’ll get the famed sound of the Neumann KMS 105 handheld condenser.
The shock-mounted supercardioid capsule has three basket layers which help to eliminate plosives that condensers are so sensitive to. It also helps to keep sibilance in check.
Operating on 88MHz bandwidth, it provides a staggering 3,520 frequencies through Sennheiser’s designated bands. It can work in up to 32 channels in parallel.
It’s great at rejecting sound thanks to its supercardioid polar pattern, which also helps to eliminate feedback.
The OLED display has indicator LEDs to let you know when it’s synced, a warning light, a mute switch, and auto-dimming.
It’s also built with increased protection against water and sweat. It’s got eight hours of operating life. A rack-mountable receiver helps to keep everything tidy behind the scenes.
Finally, it’s backward compatible with previous G1, 2, and 3 systems in the line adding to its value.
And like all of Sennheiser’s microphones, it’s ruggedly built to handle the stage environment.
7. Shure PGXD24
If you're looking for affordable and reliable wireless, check out Shure's PGXD24/SM58 handheld wireless system.
- Great sound quality
- Rugged
- Affordable
Affordability and quality are the main selling points of this wireless mic.
24-bit digital audio and a durable receiver and transmitter make this model a no-brainer if you’re looking for something basic that will just work. It’s an SM58 that transmits at 24-bit/48kHz fidelity.
The automatic frequency detection lets you find a clear channel immediately over its 200 feet of line-of-sight operating range.
A cardioid polar pattern provides great rejection and front address pickup. There is one-touch sync and “true digital diversity” meaning you won’t have to worry about how reliable the wireless signal is.
The receiver provides XLR and ¼” outputs for sending the signal into the next piece of gear in the chain.
Each frequency band has five channel compatibility. And it can run up to nine hours on just two AA batteries!
8. Samson Go HXD2
The Samson Go Mic Mobile wireless system makes it easier than ever to record pro-quality audio for mobile filmmaking, interviews, and YouTube video productions.
- Great for creating social media content
- Built-in windscreen
- Affordable
For the cost-conscious looking to move into the world of wireless mics, the Samson Go is a battery-powered option that is well worth checking out.
It operates a little differently than most.
Its dual-channel receiver integrates with your smartphone or camera, letting you mix audio on two separate channels. This makes it especially great for creating social media content.
It transmits in 2.4GHz at a range of up to 100 feet. There is a built-in windscreen and mode indicator.
An internal gain control takes a bit of finesse to change from the “optimal gain” setting that it comes with initially, but it’s a useful feature.
If you’re looking to get better audio quality for content creation, need an affordable wireless mic for presentations, or want to get your feet wet with how they work at under $100, this option is a great choice.
History of Wireless Microphones
This might come as a shock (it did to me), but wireless microphones have been around since the 1950s!
What won’t surprise you is that Shure and Sennheiser were two of the companies that helped to pioneer the technology.
But there were a number of organizations that were developing and patenting their own designs. These primitive systems only had a range of about 15 feet.
They were also bulky, cumbersome, and ran on large batteries (usually Ds). And to top it off they had a power life of about an hour and a half.
The 1970s is when this technology started to really move forward. Nady, who still makes wireless systems to this day, invented a modality called “companding”.
This essentially compresses the signal before it is sent to the receiver unit.
Across the next decade, the demand for wireless microphones skyrocketed. Musicians, theater, and even the business world all had a unique need for them.
Nowadays wireless mics, like everything else, operate in the digital world. This allows for better audio quality, wider frequency spectrums, and drastically reduced interference.
How Wireless Microphones Work
The concept is similar to a wired microphone. It really just consists of three components: the microphone itself, the wireless transmitter, and the receiver.
The microphone signal is sent to the transmitter. It’s then encoded into a carrier signal that the receiver picks up and decodes.
It then flows into the microphone input of a preamp, mixing console, or interface.
What to Look for in a Wireless Mic for Singing
Budget
Budget is always a factor when looking to buy new gear. You need to do your research to make the best purchase decision for what time of price range you’re in.
How Many Mics Can Be Used at Once
Most mid-level systems can operate up to four mics at once without experiencing any signal loss or degradation.
Some are designed for just one, but most allow you to add in more as needed.
Frequency Range
Wireless technology runs on two types of frequency ranges – very high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF).
VHF was the original standard, but since radio stations utilize this range as well it can lead to interference.
UHF is newer and operates at a much higher level. This helps to reduce interference and gives a better sound quality overall.
Operating Range
It’s the antenna that determines how much distance the wireless mic can operate. More antennas on the receiver mean a longer range.
In large sound reinforcement scenarios where there are often hundreds of feet between the stage and the sound booth, multiple antennas can help in reducing dropouts and increase quality.
FAQ’s
What makes wireless different than wired?
A lot of them have supercardioid polar patterns since they move around a lot.
Which Bluetooth mic is best for singing?
Bluetooth microphones have come a long way in recent years. While they don’t all offer the best of all features like operating range and noise reduction, there are many models that provide clarity and utility.
The model that offers the best of everything is the Archeer UHF. It’s a dual channel system with just under 100’ of range with a sound quality that will surprise you for the price.
Are wireless microphones any good
Do wireless microphones have worse sound quality?
This is a common misconception – the answer is no! Wireless microphones offer all of the sound quality of wired mics with the added benefit of not being weighed down by wires.
Why are wireless microphones so expensive?
Other than the obvious, there is a lot more technology that goes into their design.