As you know, vlogging has been on the boom since last 5 years, and people are getting successful in it. So, if you’re looking to step into this field, you don’t need to buy expensive stuff. You can take the initiative with your iPhone. But an iPhone won’t suffice to create good content. You’ll have to buy kits to get the most out of it. In fact, a good vlogging kit can increase the quality of a vlog by up to 70%.
But you’re still struggling to find a suitable vlogging kit for your iPhone? Well, don’t worry, as I’m here to help you out. With my more than 7 years of experience as a vlogger, I’ll show you the best vlogging kits for iPhone.
In my guide, I’ve included kits suitable for every budget, plus I’ve also added some suggestions at the end of the blog post that can help you in your vlogging career. Be with me!
Best Vlogging Kits For iPhone Reviews:
Here is a quick overview of the best vlogging kits for iPhone
#1- Movo iVlogger- iPhone/Lightning Compatible Vlogging Kit:
Overview:
I had my first experience with the Movo iPhone vlogging kit last year while I was in New Brunswick. All I can say is that it is a comprehensive and really good vlogging kit, especially for the one who is a novice and is looking for something a bit inexpensive. It comes in a carrying case and is worth less than $100.
The kit is pretty easy to assemble; nothing messy here. At the top, The base strongly holds the microphone and the light. The hinge is aluminum and connects the smartphone holder with the base.
The led30 light is pretty bright and can make things visible up to a distance of 2 meters. Although, it doesn’t last long and runs out of time. You have to keep additional batteries in your backpack to avoid power cuts.
Apart from this, led light has 3 levels of brightness, low, medium, and high. Also, this light is mounted on an aluminum rotatory frame that lets it move in any direction.
Kit Quality:
The Movo iVlogger kit includes a shotgun microphone. It delivers some phenomenal unidirectional, clear, crisp sound. There is a slight problem that it does not come with an indicator that shows whether it is working.
Despite this, it is a plug-and-play mic. There are two buttons on the mic that the company didn’t explain the usage of. But, here I’m to tell you. The bent line button removes the background noise while the straight button picks up all the ambient sounds.
The microphone connects with the mobile via a 3.5 mm TRRS cable, already given in the box. You have to buy a lighting adapter to use the mic with your iPhone.
The phone clamp is a cold plastic shoe and supports all the latest iPhone models. It provides a pretty strong grip and is fitted on the ball head mount. I’ve also faced an issue that sometimes the ball head mount gets loose, so take proper care of it.
The table tripod stand is made of plastic but is pretty robust. It is a foldable stand and can also be used as a selfie stick and provides a decent grip.
Parts Included:
- Carrying case
- Shotgun microphone
- LED light
- A 3.5 mm TRRS headphone cable
- Micro-USB cable
- Phone clamp
- Tripod
Reason To Buy?
- Have reasonable prices
- Easy to use
Reason To Avoid?
- No manual guide in the book
- A short life of led light
#2- Smartphone Video Microphone Kit:
Overview:
The Smartphone video microphone kit is the simplest kit that I’ve ever used. It is a beginner-friendly kit, and even your vlogger kid can use it.
The led light is super bright and is adjustable. It needs two AA batteries (5) that don’t come in the box. Remember that you can’t put the batteries on while the power button is on; otherwise, it won’t turn on.
The light has 800-lumen brightness, and it is so gleaming that you can see hotspots on your subject. The little problem is that you may need to buy additional batteries as it is a very bright light and will run out of power very soon.
Microphone Quality:
Although the mic is of good quality, you have to come close to being heard clearly. It is a cardioid mic and has a windshield to mute ambient noise. No, you can’t directly plug the mic into the iPhone.
First, you have to connect it to the dongle and then put the dongle in the lightning port. In case there is no headphone jack on your iPhone, you have to buy an additional adapter.
Phone Mount:
Below the mic is the phone mount that also holds the led light. It is a cold shoe mount and can be adjusted as per the phone’s dimensions. It also allows you to hold the phone both vertically and horizontally.
The best part is that a vlogger can use this mount with any tripod stand with standard 1/4 screws. However, if you don’t screw it enough, you may lose your iPhone.
Just like the Movo vlogging kit, the smartphone video microphone kit has a tripod stand that can be used as a selfie handle. You can expand it up to 6 inches. Despite being made of plastic, this stand is quite strong and sturdy. There is a ball head on it that can support 360 degrees rotation.
Parts Included:
- A cardioid microphone
- 49 pcs led light
- A 3.5 mm TRRS headphone cable
- A windshield
- Tripod stand
- Cold shoe mount
- A shock mount for the mic
Reason To Buy?
- Have a reasonable price
- All in one package needed for a beginner vlogger
- Pre-added windshield to minimize background noise
Reason To Avoid?
- Need to buy an additional lighting adapter for iPhone 7 or higher models
- Need to carry extra batteries
#3- Shure MV88+ Video Kit:
Overview:
Shure MV88+ video kit is a sure-fire flagship kit with all-in-one accessories for vlogging. The price could be slightly higher, but the audio and build quality are bar none. The package comes in the shape of a roll-up, neoprene style.
The mic is the main highlight of the Shure MV88+ video kit. It is a high-res stereo plug-and-play mic. The back of the mic has two inputs, a USB-C cable port, and the other one is a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
In the center of both ports, there is a light indicator. If it’s green, your recording is fine, and the amber color warns about an error in the equipment.
In contrast, the flickering red color indicates audio clipping that you can rectify by either muting the mic or turning down the offending volume.
Compared to my iPhone 12 Pro Max, the mic has way better audio quality. It is probably the only kit on the list with a lightning cable included in the box. The mic directly draws its power from the smartphone, so there is no need to charge it.
Comes With Free Apps:
With the Shure MV88+ kit, you get two free apps, the ShurePlus Motiv app and the ShurePlus Motiv video. The latter one has many features like timecode adjustments, choosing between various bit-depth rate options, and adjustment of timecode. You can also customize the frame rates and resolution without losing the quality of the video.
The ShurePlus Motiv app is a comparatively easier version of its video editing counterpart and allows more control over your kit. It also allows you to record and view the live audio levels directly from your iPhone screen. This feature makes production much easier and more efficient.
Tripod:
Manfrotto Pixi sponsors the mini tripod stand, which is portable and lightweight. It has 3 legs that you can fold back in a single selfie holder. The stand is made of plastic and is stiff. I find it quite hard to open initially, but it gets easier to use with time.
The stand also has a smartphone holder to mount an iPhone. Although I find it a bit loose, it needs to be tightly closed.
Things Included:
- A mic with the condenser
- Manfrotto Pixi tripod
- Expandable phone mount
- A USB-C cable
- A lightning cable
Reason To Buy?
- Excellent audio quality
- Supports live audio listening and editing via a free app
Reason To Avoid?
- Compatibility issues with gimbals
- Cables are short
#4- JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit:
Overview:
Made just for enthusiast vloggers, JOBY GorrilaPod mobile vlogging kit has everything that a vlogger can expect. Being pricey at $190, it provides the quality and brings ease to the life of an iPhone vlogger.
The stand is strong and gives a sturdy feeling to the hand. The company calls it GorillaPod Mobile Rig Base. Its legs give Dr. Octopus-like appearance and can be moved in any direction.
Plus, you can also fold them to use as a selfie stand. The two extensions of the mainframe are used as holders for the light and the microphone.
Microphone:
The kit includes a Wavo microphone that has exceptional sound quality. I have an iPhone 12 Pro max, and even its built-in mic lags behind the kit’s microphone. Also, the mic is fitted on a shock absorber Roycote holder that absorbs sounds from movements like walking and running.
Another aspect of the mic is that it is also equipped with a dead cat furry that provides an additional noise cancellation. The mic connects to the phone with a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and if you have an iPhone 7 or higher model, you have to buy a separate lightning adapter.
LED Light:
The little Beamo LED light is my favorite part of the kit. It has a rechargeable battery, but it also has a USB-C port for charging purposes. Plus, you can also charge the LED wirelessly. It has decent battery power, though not very good. On 100% power, it works for 40 minutes, and on 50% power, it can last up to 100 minutes. Also, it is pretty bright and can go up to 1000 lumen.
Wireless Control:
Another benefit of using the JOBY kit is that it supports wireless control. Whereas the company also provides a JOBY app to control things like led light remotely.
Despite carrying these many things, this kit is pretty lightweight, portable, and easy to carry.
Things Included:
- Gorillapod mobile Rig with extensions
- Beamo LED light plus diffuser
- Wavo microphone with dead cat furry and windshield
- Microphone cables
- USB-C cable
- USB-C cable to 3.5mm headphone jack
Reason To Buy?
- Customizable and portable
- Very bright LED light
- Flexible stand
Reason To Avoid?
- Can be expensive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs:)
1- What is the Best iPhone kit for vlogging?
I’ll rank the Movo iVlogger vlogging kit as the best iPhone kit for vlogging. The reason is that it does not only save your money but also is beginner-friendly, as well as easy to use. Another way, if you want to have more professional experience with more budget, you can opt for JOBY GorrillaPod or Shure MV88+ vlogging kit.
2- What is the best iPhone model for vlogging?
You can kick start your vlogging journey with an iPhone 11 or higher variant. These models have features like high-quality 4K video, 12 MP ultra-wide camera, optical image stabilization, and a new night mode, which can really take your vlogging experience to the next level.
3- iPhone vs. DSLR camera? Which one is the best for vlogging?
If you already own an iPhone 11 or plus model, there is no need to invest in expensive DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Although these cameras provide best-in-class results, you can get most of your work done from an iPhone. Again, it depends on a person. If you want high-quality results on a low budget, the iPhone will suffice.
4- How do you start a vlog as a beginner?
As a beginner vlogger, you should keep the following things in your mind:
- Make a plan and create such content that is not only interesting but is also validated for the next 5 to 10 years
- Find your target audience and hit their pain points
- Your intro should be fascinating, and your outro should be memorable
- Never compromise on the quality of your vlog
- Engage with your viewers and always have a call to action button
- Post consistently
- Choose the right gears that satisfy your needs and budget
