Boya BY-M1From real comments

Verdict distilled from 53 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment68%
PROS 68%
CONS 32%

Rank based on 53 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a big voice-quality upgrade over your phone or camera's built-in mic for under $20
  • You need a long cable for interviews or guest setups without going wireless
  • You're okay troubleshooting TRRS/TRS adapters and device-specific settings

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need plug-and-play compatibility with no adapter or settings hassle
  • You're recording in a noisy environment and need strong background noise rejection
  • You need reliable live audio monitoring through the mic's headphone jack

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Budget
Boya BY-M1
Great value for the priceBetter than built-in micsLong cable for flexible setupsTRRS/TRS connection confusionDevice compatibility inconsistencyLow recording volume
Boya BY-M1
Great value for the price
Better than built-in mics
Long cable for flexible setups
TRRS/TRS connection confusion
Device compatibility inconsistency
Low recording volume

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality is a clear step up from built-in mics, especially on cameras. Multiple users found the BY-M1 sounded significantly better than their smartphone or GoPro's onboard mic, describing their own voice as more natural and tolerable to hear back. One long-term owner with six units and 500+ YouTube videos said the mics sound great and are consistent in quality. However, others noted big swings depending on device: amazing on a Canon 80D but terrible on a Samsung S6, and one user found their phone's own mic sounded more natural than the Boya.

Connectivity and volume issues frustrate many first-time buyers. A recurring theme is confusion over TRRS vs TRS jacks, wrong adapters, and mics not being detected on certain laptops or desktops despite driver reinstalls. Several users reported the recorded volume being too quiet, needing to boost gain or hold the mic near their mouth, while others described hissing or buzzing noises on Windows PCs. Camera versus smartphone switch settings caused additional confusion, with some getting no signal until switching modes.

Battery life and build are solid, though the cable has some durability complaints. Users confirmed the LR44/357 battery lasts a long time and that the mic can even work without a battery in certain modes. One owner with three years of near-daily use called it durable and a bargain for the price, and another reported an original battery still working after six months of school use. Still, some found the cable weak, developing crackling connections over time, or too long and unwieldy for everyday carrying despite the included velcro tie.

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