Why can you rely on techradar
We review every product or service, we review, so you can make sure you are buying the best. Get more information about how we test.
Insta360 Mic Air: Two-minute review
Following the footsteps of DJI, Road, Sarmonic, Holland and more, Insta 360 brings us Insta 360 MIC Air, a compact, inexpensive wireless microphone designed with video creators – especially those who use the Insta 360 X5 or Insta 360 ES 2 action cameras.
The button-shaped, ultra-light mike air transmitter (aka TX) can connect any of the above 360 cameras by wirelessly, either a teaming or team with on-board MICS. The idea is that it adds a quick upgrade to sound quality, 48kHz / 24-bit audio, alternative noise reduction, and offer a cute attached shield to cut the noise of the air to distract.
After testing the mic air usually a day on the English coast, I am very happy with the results. With the windshield attached carefully, sometimes the noise was completely removed from the strong gust, as shown in the video below. I say “carefully” because the Insta360 has opted for a slightly unconventional method for attachment: the shield is applied on a rubber ring that slips on the edges of the TX, and something should be cared for something to ensure that it is sitting directly on top of the mic grill.
There is also a form of a decrease in the noisy noise by double tapping the power button of TX. This is quite effective, helps negative the background drone and Hums without excessive distorting the final audio. You can also accommodate the benefit of MIC in the menu screen of X5 or Ace Pro 2, and when you are recording a one-glass scene for the current benefit, there is an on-screen indicator.
The X5 or Ace Pro 2 is connected with a small range of Mike Air – about 30 to 50 meters. But add receiver (or RX) and things get too much rooms, the theoretical range is going up to 300 meters (real world results are less thanks to intervention and barriers).
Note – At the time of launch, the mike is compatible with only X5 and Ace Pro 2. Insta360 says that a firmware update for X4 is coming, while GO 3/3S will not be compatible with it. The X3 and Ace Pro are either not compatible, but may be below the line.
image 1 Of 5
The receiver, which is also small and light, has a USB-C connector that enables you to plug in smartphones, tablets, laptops and other products, such as the Flow range of the Insta 360 smartphone gym. This then establishes a wireless connection with the transmitter, so that when you hit the record button on your device, the recorded audio comes from the transmitter instead of your microphone of your device.
I still use an old iPhone model with Lightning, so I was not able to test this method on my smartphone (Insta360 has told me that a light version is a certain possibility for the future). While I understand that the decision not to offer an electrical option at the time of launch, it leaves some people out of the loop, as is the lack of 3.5 mm output for the connection of the cameras. Some other small, inexpensive mix, comprehensive connectivity such as DJI Mike Mini and Phulim X5M offer.
However, I poured the Insta360 mike through my pace for an Android tablet, and found a major improvement to the audio quality offered by the underlying mic. You do not only need to use it for video capture, either – it will also improve voice notes and recording, zoom call quality, and anything that requires the use of the mic.
One thing Insta360 has actually done well. Mikes are different types of growing options with air. The box has a button magnet, which lets you connect TX to thin clothes, as well as a clip magnet that can hold on collars, lapels, bag straps and even cap brims. I have seen those who have reviewed almost every wireless mike, but there is also a magnet pendant here, so the user can wear TX around his neck. It is good to have that additional option.
The magnet also is also used when recharging the TX battery, locks it in the position on its charging plate. The charging plate uses the USB-A, which surprised me a bit in 2025, where the USB-C is omnipresent, but I suspect that many people will struggle to find somewhere to plug it.
On the subject of the battery, the TX provides the use of about 10 hours on a full charge, slightly less than 11.5 hours of DJI Mike Mini, but still very respectable.
INSTA360 Mike Air: Spex
|
Dimensions: |
26.9 x 26.9 x 11.6 mm / 1.3 x 1.3 x 1.3 x 0.6 inch (TX) |
|
weight: |
7.9g / 3.7oz (TX) |
|
Category: |
Up to 300 meters |
|
Connectivity: |
USB-C |
|
Bluetooth: |
Yes |
|
Battery: |
10 hours |
|
noise Cancelling: |
Yes |
Insta360 mike air: price and availability
Insta360 Mic Air is now available, with two options available. For buyers who own an insta360 x5 or Ace Pro 2 camera and require a MIC transmitter to directly connect it, the cost of the Mic Air Transmitter package is $ 49.99 / £ 49.99 / AU $ 89.99. It comes with a single TX unit, charging base, button magnet, magnet pendant, clip magnet, windshield and carry case.
For people requiring more flexibility, the Insta360 Mic Air (1 TX + 1 RX Bundle), which includes all the above plus a USB-C receiver unit that can directly plug in smartphones, tablets, computers and more. It costs $ 69.99 / £ 69.99 / AU $ 129.99.
I find the value of the INSTA360 very appropriate, although the recent price fall has seen the DJI Mike Mini (1 TX + 1 RX) bundle with a lightening adapter with only $ 89 / £ 59 / AU $ 199, or £ 78 / $ 139. If you can find it, it is probably a better deal than the Insta360.
Should I buy Insta360 Mike Air?
Buy it if …
Do not buy it if …
Insta360 Mic Air: Consider also
How I tested Insta 360 Mike Air
- I used it for a week
- I tested it with Insta360 X5 camera and Android Tablet
- I used it indoors and outside
I tested a full production version of the Insta360 Mic Air during a week, used it with both Insta360 X5 and my OnePlus Pad Android Tablet. With X5, I went out on both calm and air days, as a means of testing its wind-negating and noisy abilities with the setup.
First July 2025 reviewed
