Boya Mini: one-minute evaluate
Newbie content material creators on a shoestring finances who wish to up their audio high quality will wrestle to seek out higher worth than that supplied by the Boya Mini wi-fi mic. For lower than half the worth of main fashions just like the DJI Mic Mini you get a dependable twin-mic package, and whereas the 16-bit audio is admittedly modest, it is high quality is completely acceptable for the likes of TikTok and Youtube Reels.
Naturally, for such a low worth, there are a number of compromises; construct high quality is so-so, there is no choice for a 3.5mm connection (simply USB-C or Lightning, which counts out most devoted cameras), neither is there audio monitoring of any variety, or guide management over ranges. It is a easy plug-and-go mic that, very like the Rode Wireless Micro, is designed for smartphones, laptops, and even the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – mainly any USB-C system. And for such customers, the Boya Mini’s simplicity works a deal with.
The mics are super-tiny and weigh simply 5g, so they do not tug on clothes. The receiver can be tiny, which implies it would not get in the way in which when linked to your telephone’s charging port. I’ve discovered the mics fast to attach and dependable again and again, whereas the audio high quality for vlogging is completely acceptable, and positively a lot better than a telephone’s built-in mic. The truth that noise discount options is a pleasant bonus too. When you’re in search of a no-frills, dependable and low-cost wi-fi mic, the Boya Mini is a straightforward suggestion.
Boya Mini: worth and launch date
- Costs begin at $45 / £52.99 / AU$83 for kits with charging case
- Out there in kits with USB-C and / or Lightning adaptors
- Out there now, in black or white finishes
The Boya Mini’s record worth is $45 / £52.99 / AU$83 at Amazon for the dual mic package with charging case and USB-C connector. The package can be out there with Lightning connector as an alternative, or in some areas for $59.99 / £69.99 with each connectors; or it can save you cash by choosing only a single mic and receiver package. Must you click on by way of to the Boya website, then you definitely get redirected to a reduction website the place the worth is even decrease.
The mics function clip-on foam covers, and all of the elements match contained in the charging case, whereas a mushy case can be included. For the cash, you will wrestle to discover a better-value wi-fi mic.
Boya Mini: specs
| Dimensions | Transmitter: 31 x 15 x 16.4mm (L x W x H) Charging case: 67.4 x 48.4 x 22.5mm (L x W x H) |
| Weight | 5g (transmitter), 29g (charging case) |
| Transmission vary | 100m |
| Connectivity | Receiver: USB-C or Lightning |
| Battery | 6 hours, plus 4 further costs from the case |
| Audio | 16-bit |
| Noise cancelling | Sure, one-click |
Boya Mini: Design
- World’s smallest and lightest wi-fi mic, weighing simply 5g
- Parts can be found in black or white finishes
- Tiny receiver, out there in USB-C or Lightning variations
‘Mini’ is doing a slight disservice to the Boya Mini wi-fi mic package – It is billed because the world’s tiniest wi-fi microphone, measuring simply 31 x 15 x 16.4mm. And provided that it weighs simply 5g, it’d simply be the lightest of its variety too.
Such miniscule proportions are helpful in two methods; the mics are discreet, and nor do they tug on clothes. The mics are clip-on solely, not like pricier rivals that function versatile through-clothing magnetic mounting. Which means it’s good to discover an edge in clothes, like a collar or pocket or button gap to connect the mic to.
The clip is metallic, so when you supply your individual magnet you possibly can repair the Boya Mini magnetically by way of clothes. The one purpose I can consider why Boya did not embrace magnets within the package is that the mic and its clip are so small that it would not be potential to securely repair it to clothes that manner.
Construct high quality of the Boya Mini’s elements is so-so, and over the month or so testing the gear I have been aware to deal with it with care, particularly the mic’s clip, which is sufficiently small to wrestle to realize a safe maintain on thicker clothes.
I used to be utilizing the Rode Wi-fi Micro alongside the Boya Mini, and there is an apparent gulf in construct high quality – the pricier Rode mannequin appears to be like and feels the enterprise.
As talked about, you should purchase the Boya Mini as a whole package which contains two transmitters (mics), a receiver (you select which sort you want – USB-C, Lightning or each) and a charging case.
The mics make the most of clip-on foam covers to dampen audio that, handily, can stay in place on the mics and the elements will nonetheless match into the charging case. The Rode Wi-fi Micro comes with clip-on wind muffs, however these do not match it within the case so, you will have to seek out someplace else to stow them when not in use. Boya has the sensible benefit right here.
Just like the mics, the receiver is super-tiny. It attaches to your telephone, laptop computer or pill’s charging port, and you may barely discover it is there whereas filming. You want the receiver for the mics to work as a result of, not like the DJI Mic Mini, they do not function Bluetooth connectivity.
When you’re a wi-fi mic first-timer, you will be up and working with mic’d audio very quickly in any respect. When you connect the receiver and choose the video choice in your digicam app, it’s best to get a immediate to pick the wired mic choice within the settings menu (slightly than the telephone’s built-in mic) – that is my expertise utilizing a Pixel 8 Professional. You then’re good to go.
The entire course of from unboxing to getting began is as straightforward as could be, and persistently dependable. It is likely to be low-cost, nevertheless it’s actually value it.
Boya Mini: Efficiency
- Transmission vary as much as 100m
- 6 hours working time, with an extra 4 costs from the charging case
- Three-level noise cancellation, plus a gimmicky Human Voice Enhancement mode
Regardless of its tiny measurement, battery life is virtually on a par with bulkier, pricier alternate options. You stand up to 6 hours report time per mic, and Boya says the charging case with its 260mAh battery gives further costs that whole 30 hours report time. That is sufficient juice for a number of days of reasonable vlogging.
Transmission vary is rated as much as 100m in clear sight. I have never personally examined the bounds of the Boya Mini’s transmission vary, however I can vouch for the soundness of the connection when vlogging. Word, you will get interference at a a lot nearer proximity than 100m in case your system and the mic lose line of website, for instance when you flip your again to the digicam.
The place the Boya Mini most clearly comes up brief as an affordable wi-fi mic is that audio bit-depth maxes out at 16-bit, and output is mono solely. Splash out thrice the money on a number one various, and you will be getting richer 24-bit audio with the choice for stereo output. Oh, and there is no low-cut filter, both, so low frequencies such because the hum of an air conditioner aren’t filtered out.
No low-cut filter is not a giant deal, although – the Boya Mini options one-click noise cancellation, activated by way of the one bodily button on the mic. There are three ranges of power, although truthfully I did not discover an enormous distinction in any of the settings. You will know when noise cancellation is lively as a result of the blue mild on the receiver that signifies an lively connection turns inexperienced.
There’s additionally Boya’s model of voice enhancement, which sounds spectacular however do not be fooled – it is a gimmick. Consider it as voice distortion – one setting makes your voice deep, one high-pitched, and one regular. It is likely to be a enjoyable function to play with a few times for the laughs, however that is the extent of it.
So what do I make of the audio high quality of the Boya Mini? I feel the utmost potential high quality has been squeezed out of its humble {hardware}.
When you’re an off-the-cuff vlogger, and wish clear and crisp vocals throughout a spread of eventualities, you will get that with the Boya Mini. It lacks the finesse of a 24-bit various, nevertheless it actually is a mark-up out of your smartphone’s mic. In reality, I have been glad sufficient with the standard that I’ve mic’d up with the Boya Mini for a number of movies that I’ve shot for TechRadar’s TikTok channel.
It is also versatile in that you need to use it simply with a digicam just like the Osmo Pocket 3 (particularly given how small the receiver is), with a laptop computer for work calls, and sure, together with your smartphone for capturing Youtube, TikTok and Instagram content material.
I would be remiss to not deal with the technically-minded, so listed below are a number of of the mics audio specs: it has a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency vary, a most 120db SPL, and a 80db signal-to-noise ratio. These are strong specs for such an affordable system.
Ought to I purchase the Boya Mini?
Purchase it if…
Don’t purchase it if…
Boya Mini: additionally contemplate
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Boya Mini | Rode Wi-fi Micro | DJI Mic Mini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension | Transmitter: 31 × 15 × 16.4 mm (L x W x H) Charging case: 67.4 × 48.4 × 22.5 mm (L x W x H) | Transmitter: 40 x 27 x 17mm (L x W x H)Receiver: 44 x 24 x 9mm (L x W x H) | Transmitter: 26.6 x 26.1 x 16mm (L x W x H)Receiver: 46.5 x 29.6 x 19.3mm (L x W x H) |
| Weight | 5g (transmitter), 29g (charging case) | 12g (transmitter, with out magnet), 102g for the entire package | 10g (transmitter, with out magnet) |
| Transmission vary | 100m | 100m | 400m |
| Connectivity | Receiver: USB-C or Lightning | Receiver: USB-C or Lightning | Receiver: USB-C or Lightning, 3.5mm jack |
| Battery | 6 hours, plus 4 further costs from the case | 7 hours (plus two further costs from the totally charged case for a complete of 21 hours) | 11.5 hours (transmitter), 10.5 hours (receiver), as much as 48 hours with totally charged case |
| Audio | 16-bit | 24-bit | 24-bit (drops to 16-bit by way of Bluetooth) |
| Noise cancelling | Sure, one-click | No | Two-level, auto |
| Bluetooth | No | No | Sure |
How I examined the Boya Mini
- I had the whole package with charging case, plus USB-C and Lightning connectors
- I used it frequently for a wide range of vlogs for over a month
- Examined alongside the rival Rode Wi-fi Micro
- Paired primarily with a Google Pixel 8 Professional
With its automated audio recording plus one-click noise discount and voice enhancement options, there’s not rather a lot to get your head round, and that is the great thing about easy wi-fi mics just like the Boya Mini.
I had the whole package with charging case, and located the package to be utterly dependable, with the receiver connecting securely to my Pixel 8 Professional telephone. I drained the battery of the mic and recharged it by way of the charging case to check the battery life.
I examined audio high quality in a spread of eventualities, each indoors and outside, and in quiet and noisy environments. I ran comparability checks with the Rode Wi-fi Micro.