Your built-in microphone is probably fine for recording a brief voice memo. However, they tend to capture everything — background noise, wind, even the distant rumble of your stomach — except what you actually want, which is clear and crisp audio. This is where the external microphone comes in. It goes directly into your Android phone, capturing your voice — or whatever you’re filming — loud and clear. This is a game changer for interviews, vlogs, or any video where good audio is key.

There are two major types of exterior mics for phones – lavalier mics and shotgun mics. Lavalier microphone are typically tiny clip-on type of microphone, while shotgun microphones are sleek looking directional mics. Lav mics, like this $21 Wireless USB-C Lavalier Microphone, are great for interviews. Meanwhile, shotguns like the Movo VXR10 Universal Shotgun Mic, priced at $40, can capture great audio from a distance.

Most external microphones plug straight into your phone’s headphone jack or USB-C port and work immediately. If you’re tired of dealing with awful sound quality, an external mic is a small investment with a big payoff.