10 Security Microphones for CCTV, IP Cameras, and Surveillance

A camera gives you eyes on a scene, but audio fills in the gaps those eyes can’t see. That’s why a security microphone is such a useful addition to any surveillance setup.

Cameras have blind spots. Ears don’t.

Sound carries a ton of hidden context that video alone simply misses, from a quiet footstep to a conversation happening just out of frame.

Home, family, business, and any other space you care about all benefit from having an audio layer baked into your security system. The hard part is picking the right mic, since not all security microphones are built the same.

Sensitivity is one of the specs that matters most. It describes the electrical output a mic produces when hit with a standard 94 dB sound pressure level, and it’s what determines how quiet a sound can be before the mic stops hearing it.

Frequency response is the other big one. It’s the spread between the lowest and highest frequencies the mic can capture, and it directly shapes how much detail you get from any given recording.

Quick Comparison Chart

1. Two-Wire Surveillance Mic for Motorola — Best Overall

Leading off the list is the Two-Wire Surveillance Mic built for Motorola radios, and it’s one of the most reliable picks for anyone running covert comms. Signal transmission and reception are smooth, with practically zero interference, which is the whole point of a security mic in the first place.

The earpiece uses a soft, skin-friendly material that stays comfortable through long shifts and won’t irritate you during hours of wear. It includes a lapel PTT unit with an inline PTT/mic plus a metal clip, and the whole assembly feels built to last.

If you need something even harder to spot, we tested a bunch of hidden microphone options too.

The cable itself is PU reinforced with Kevlar, so it stays flexible while handling real-world abuse. Compatibility runs deep through the Motorola lineup, starting with 2-Pin models and the CP series (CP100, CP110, CP125, CP150, CP185, CP200, CP200D, CP200XLS).

It’s also compatible with the CLS series which includes CLS1110 and CLS1410, DTR series which includes DTR410, DTR550, DTR650, DLR1020, DLR1060.

Others are the RDX series which includes RDU2020, RDU2080, RDU4100, RDU4160D, RDV5100, RDV2020, RDV2080D.

The RM series includes RMU2040, RMU2043 (Canada), RMM2050, RMU2080, RMU2080D, RMV2080, and the Latin America series which includes DEP450, EP350, EP450, EP150, RVA50, and VLR150.

2. Motorola 1518 Surveillance Headset with — Runner Up

For stealth operations where you need to stay discreet, the Motorola 1518 Surveillance Headset with Push-To-Talk microphone is a natural fit, and it works with most Motorola Talkabout two-way radios.

The clear earpiece and coiled cord keep the fit snug and comfortable, and it even tucks cleanly under a motorcycle helmet when you need it to. Beyond covert use, it’s genuinely handy for hunting trips, theme park visits, or coordinating a wedding day, where it trades rugged looks for a more professional appearance.

Sound comes through crisp and clear even in noisy environments. Setup is as simple as it gets: plug it into your two-way radio and start talking.

The PTT mic clips to your clothing and tucks away behind the clip for a low-profile look.

This is a single-pronged headset that works with all Motorola Talkabout FRS/GMRS radios that support external headsets, including the T2xx, T4xx, T6xx, and T8xx Talkabout series.

3. CCTV Microphone Security Outdoor — Best Value

This CCTV security camera mic hooks up to any device with an AV input, including DVRs, TVs, VCRs, and low-frequency amplifiers. That broad compatibility is what makes it such a go-to for both home and business installs.

It ships with high gain, auto level adjustment, and a sensitivity control, so you can dial in the pickup area without fussing with your camera settings. The built-in preamp boosts the mic’s naturally low output voltage into something strong enough to feed into your recording chain.

Audio pickup is highly sensitive, and the mic is rated for more than 5,000 hours of continuous operation. It draws power through DC 6-12V and comes with a 13-inch cable terminated in three connectors, which means it’ll work with both residential and pro surveillance gear.

That high-sensitivity element catches even the quietest disturbances, keeping the noise floor low and fidelity high. You can run the audio cable as a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 depending on your system, and the only real install requirement is keeping the mic itself sheltered from direct rain or snow.

4. Cobra GA-SV01 Surveillance Headset — Top Pick

The Cobra GA-SV01 features a single-line PTT with a small, attractive design that won’t look out of place on a professional. It’s also waterproof and dustproof, with splash resistance from all directions, so the weather isn’t going to take it out of service.

The silicone ear tips can be swapped to suit your ear, and the fit cuts down on external noise while staying comfortable across long sessions. The PU cable is ROHS compliant and reinforced with high-intensity Kevlar, making it both strong and built for the field.

Compatibility covers all Cobra MicroTalk radios, and the acoustic tube delivers voice audio cleanly, free of the interference you’d get from less capable designs.

5. Amcrest Hi-Fi Audio Microphone — Top Pick

This CCTV microphone is equipped to give you the highest quality audio recordings.

Simply turn clockwise to increase volume and counterclockwise to decrease volume.

The knob is located on the rear part of the security microphone.

The microphone is recommended for indoor use only and does not feature weatherproofing of any kind.

This Hi-Fidelity microphone for security cameras is compatible with devices that have an RCA connection, such as DVRs, TVs, and some IP cameras.

Amcrest ensures the safety of their customers, their loved ones, homes, and businesses and offers lifetime support.

This IP camera microphone comes with lightning protection, power polarity transportation protection, and electrostatic protection.

Amcrest microphone is designed to be paired up with the following models. IP4M-1028EW or IP4M-1028EB, IP4M-1028W or IP4M-1028B, IP8M-2493EW or IP8M-2493EB, and IP8M-2454EW or IP8M-2454EB.

6. Tangxi’s HiFi Audio Pickup Surveillance — Worth Considering

Tangxi’s HiFi Audio Pickup is a high-sensitivity sound monitor built for TV monitoring, anti-theft alarms, and surveillance systems of all kinds. It’s tuned for typical room-scale monitoring and recording, with a pickup range that stretches up to 100 square meters in the right conditions.

Voice comes through clearly with low background noise and genuine high-fidelity playback, which makes it a natural fit for banks, examination rooms, shopping malls, and any other space where sound detail actually matters.

Installation is refreshingly simple, thanks to the compact size and plug-and-play wiring. The mini housing lets you tuck it into a small office or spread it across a larger indoor area without fighting for space.

7. BTECH QHM07 Premium Noise Cancelling — Worth Considering

Btech QHM01 3.5mm receive/listen only surveillance headset earpiece with clear acoustic coil tube earbud audio kit for two-way radios, transceivers, and radio speaker mics jacks.

This surveillance headset has a rugged design and is made with heavy-duty material that provides the best audio quality.

This surveillance headset is rugged in design and made with heavy-duty material that provides superb audio quality.

It’s fully compatible with all original equipment manufacturer parts and best for high noise level environments and discrete listening.

High impact casing and high-grade reinforced cabling, superb audio quality, rugged design.

It has a reinforced earphone clip that provides cable retention and removes strain from your ear.

8. Midland AVPH3 Transparent Security — Worth Considering

The Midland AVPH3 uses an over-the-ear wrap design that tends to be more comfortable than standard earbuds or bulky headsets, especially during long shifts. The inline switch lets you flip between VOX and Push-to-Talk modes on your radio, and a lapel clip keeps the mic unit close at hand and out of the way.

The transparent acoustic tube fits cleanly during wear and stays low-profile enough for discreet security work. Lightweight construction keeps the headset comfortable even during all-day wear, and the fit is stable once you’ve got it dialed in.

The security industry and hunters alike will find this a natural fit, and it’s designed to work with all Midland GMRS/FRS radios. The mic clips inside your shirt and picks up your voice effectively even when you’re not speaking directly into it.

Volume levels punch through surrounding noise, and comfort holds up even on 14-hour shifts. The cables are long enough that moving around doesn’t tug on the earpiece, and the whole setup looks professional enough to fit any uniform.

9. Retevis 2 Way Radio Headset with Mic — Worth Considering

It’s a 2-way radio earpiece with a transparent and ergonomic design with soft earbuds that fit snugly in the ears well, the sound quality is fair.

Sensitive built-in mic with PTT allows you for no-nonsense hands-free calls. You can have smooth communications with your partners, ideal for military police security bouncer warehouse paintball riding, etc.

Stainless steel clip that lets you clip it to your collar to adjust the mic close to your mouth and push to talk for hands-free calls.

The transparent tube connecting the earbud gives you a clear voice and protects your health from radio electromagnetic wave radiation.

It has 2 pins standard diameter ear 2.5mm and 3.5mm stereo. Space of two-pin 8mm for Baofeng Kenwood Retevis 2 way radios.

10. Tonton High Sensitive Weatherproof — Worth Considering

The Tonton is a super high-gain mini mic built to capture clear audio evidence for whatever you’ve got it pointed at. It connects to any device with AV input, including TVs, VCRs, and DVRs, and handles the bulk of consumer camera formats.

Waterproofing makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and it’s compatible with 960H/720P/1080P/5.0MP/8.0MP analog/CVI/AHD/TVI cameras. Positioning is flexible thanks to the included 60-foot cable and built-in preamp, which takes the mic’s naturally low output and boosts it to a usable level before it hits your recorder.

The high-gain pickup catches even the quietest sounds in the area, which is exactly what you want from a surveillance audio system. Installation is straightforward using the included audio and power cable, and since the mic can sit up to 60 feet from the DVR, you’ve got plenty of room to mount it wherever makes sense.

If you want to strengthen the audio side of an existing surveillance rig, the Tonton delivers the goods and stays within a sensible budget. Staying aware of both the visual and audio channels in your security system makes sure you never miss something important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a microphone to my existing security camera system?

Yes, most security cameras with an audio-in port or RCA connection can accept an external microphone. You simply connect the mic to the camera or DVR, and it will record audio alongside the video feed.

Check that your camera model supports audio input before purchasing.

Are surveillance earpiece microphones comfortable to wear all day?

Comfort varies by model, but most two-wire surveillance earpieces are designed for extended wear during long shifts. Look for models with flexible ear loops and soft silicone tips that don’t cause fatigue.

The Motorola 1518, for example, includes a comfortable acoustic tube that sits discreetly in your ear.

Do security microphones work outdoors in bad weather?

Weatherproof security microphones rated IP65 or higher can handle rain, snow, and temperature extremes without issues. Models like the Tonton High Sensitive Weatherproof mic are specifically built for outdoor surveillance and include UV-resistant housing.

Final Thoughts

The picks above are among the best security microphones you can buy online for keeping your home, family, or business safer. And since they all land at reasonable prices, upgrading the audio side of your setup doesn’t have to blow your budget.

If your current security camera doesn’t have a built-in mic, you now know where to start. For anyone who needs discreet radio comms at a public event, there are a handful of great options here too.

Just keep in mind that every mic on this list is built for a specific scenario, so match the pick to your actual use case before pulling the trigger.