Boya Mini review: your super-cheap and super-tiny first wireless mic

New wireless mics for content creators continue to flood the market, but that doesn't stop the Boya Mini standing out from the crowd, chiefly because of its aggressive pricing. At less than half the price of leading alternatives such as the DJI Mic Mini and Rode Wireless Micro, it's an excellent first wireless mic, and the compromises for that price tag, namely its lesser 16-bit audio quality and plasticky components, are acceptable. It connects reliably, and has decent battery life and a discreet design, while its audio features ensure it punches above its 16-bit audio weight, making it an excellent first wireless mic for those on a shoestring.

Reliable, and quick startup. Super-tiny mic and receiver. All components pack away into charging case. Only 16-bit audio. Cheapish build quality. No audio monitoring. No option for 3.5mm connection with cameras. Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test. Beginner content creators on a shoestring budget who are looking to up their audio quality will struggle to find better value than that offered by the Boya Mini wireless mic. For less than half the price of leading models like the DJI Mic Mini you get a reliable twin-mic kit, and while the 16-bit audio is admittedly modest, it's quality is perfectly acceptable for the likes of TikTok and Youtube Reels.

Naturally, for such a low price, there are a few compromises; build quality is so-so, there's no option for a 3.5mm connection (just USB-C or Lightning, which counts out most dedicated cameras), nor is there audio monitoring of any kind, or manual control over levels. This is a simple plug-and-go mic that, much like the Rode Wireless Micro, is designed for smartphones, laptops, or even the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – basically any USB-C device. And for such users, the Boya Mini's simplicity works a treat.

The mics are super-tiny and weigh just 5g, so they don't tug on clothing. The receiver is also tiny, which means it doesn't get in the way when connected to your phone's charging port. I've found the mics quick to connect and reliable time and again, while the audio quality for vlogging is perfectly acceptable, and certainly much better than a phone's built-in mic. The fact that noise reduction features is a nice bonus too. If you're looking for a no-frills, reliable and cheap wireless mic, the Boya Mini is an easy recommendation.

The Boya Mini's list price is $45 / £52.99 / AU$83 at Amazon for the twin mic kit with charging case and USB-C connector. The kit is also available with Lightning connector instead, or in some regions for $59.99 / £69.99 with both connectors; or you can save money by opting for just a single mic and receiver kit. Should you click through to the Boya website, then you get redirected to a discount site where the price is even lower.

The mics feature clip-on foam covers, and all the components fit inside the charging case, while a soft case is also included. For the money, you'll struggle to find a better-value wireless mic. 'Mini' is doing a slight disservice to the Boya Mini wireless mic kit – It's billed as the world's tiniest wireless microphone, measuring just 31 x 15 x 16.4mm. And given that it weighs just 5g, it might just be the lightest of its kind too.

Such miniscule proportions are handy in two ways; the mics are discreet, and nor do they tug on clothing. The mics are clip-on only, unlike pricier rivals that feature versatile through-clothing magnetic mounting. That means you need to find an edge in clothing, like a collar or pocket or button hole to attach the mic to. The clip is metal, so if you source your own magnet you could fix the Boya Mini magnetically through clothing. The only reason I can think of why Boya didn't include magnets in the kit is that the mic and its clip are so small that it wouldn't be possible to securely fix it to clothing that way.

Build quality of the Boya Mini's components is so-so, and over the month or so testing the gear I've been conscious to treat it with care, especially the mic's clip, which is small enough to struggle to gain a secure hold on thicker clothing. I was using the Rode Wireless Micro alongside the Boya Mini, and there's an obvious gulf in build quality – the pricier Rode model looks and feels the business.

As mentioned, you can buy the Boya Mini as a complete kit which comprises two transmitters (mics), a receiver (you choose which type you need – USB-C, Lightning or both) and a charging case. The mics utilize clip-on foam covers to dampen audio that, handily, can remain in position on the mics and the components will still fit into the charging case. The Rode Wireless Micro comes with clip-on wind muffs, but these don't fit it in the case so, you'll have to find somewhere else to stow them when not in use. Boya has the practical advantage here.