DJI Mic 2 vs Hollyland Lark M2: Which One Gives the Most Bang for the Buck?
By Naila Syifa
Updated January 2024
DJI Mic 2 is a new wireless microphone system that promises high-quality audio recording for mobile filmmakers and content creators alike. At a more affordable price point, the Hollyland Lark M2 is a strong contender that offers equally impressive audio quality. Both options have their own unique strengths and limitations, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and budget.
In this article, we'll compare and contrast the two microphones across five important aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
Hollyland Lark M2 gives better value for money with its high-quality audio, ease of use, greater range, and longer battery life, all at a cheaper price. However, the DJI Mic 2 has some advanced features that the Lark M2 lacks, such as internal storage for on-board recording, a safety track, and Bluetooth connection.
DJI Mic 2
Pocket-Sized Pro Audio
✓ Omnidirectional Audio
✓ Intelligent Noise Cancelling
✓ Direct Bluetooth Connection
✓ Safety Channel
Hollyland Lark M2
Affordable but Reliable Microphone
✓ Omnidirectional Audio
✓ Environmental Noise Cancellation
✓ 300m Stable Transmission
✓ Lightweight at 9g
#1 Price
DJI Mic 2
The Hollyland Lark M2 has an advantage with its affordability. At only US$179, you can get the Combo Version which includes two transmitters, one charging case, three receivers for different use cases, and some other accessories. If you plan to use the microphone with a certain device only, you can have the price reduced even further. The Mobile (USB-C) Version costs only US$139, the Mobile (Lightning) Version costs only US$149, while the Camera Version costs US$159.
The DJI Mic 2, on the other hand, is more expensive. A set of two transmitters, one receiver, and one charging case retails for around US$349. A more affordable set of one transmitter and one receiver is available at US$219, which is still more expensive than the Lark M2. Another version, consisting of only one transmitter, costs quite cheaply at only US$99. However, without a receiver, you can only rely on its Bluetooth connectivity to record audio directly to your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
#2 Design
Hollyland Lark M2
The DJI Mic 2 is compact and lightweight at 28g, but the Hollyland Lark M2 is even smaller and lighter at only 9g. At the size of a button, the microphone is unobtrusive and discreet. You can even customize the look with the included transmitter stickers.
Wearing the Hollyland Lark M2 is also more comfortable with a variety of ways supported: clip it on with the back clip, attach it with a magnet, or use the included necklace for a more secure and stylish fit. The DJI Mic 2 also has a magnetic design and can be easily attached to clothing with the integrated back clip or magnet clip, but it doesn't come with the unique necklace-wearing option.
The receiver of the Lark M2 is available as 3 separate devices for different use cases (camera, USB-C, and Lightning), while the DJI Mic 2 has only one receiver that can connect to a variety of devices with the included cables or adapters. The receiver of the DJI Mic 2 has an advantage with the 1.1-inch OLED touchscreen paired with a precision dial, allowing for quick access to settings and adjustments. The receivers of the Lark M2, on the other hand, feature no screen, and only the Camera Version receiver features a knob for quick volume control.
#3 Audio Quality & Features
DJI Mic 2
The DJI Mic 2 and Hollyland Lark M2 produce an equally high-quality audio recording. They both can record high-fidelity audio of 48kHz 24-bit omnidirectionally and with built-in noise cancellation that you can enable or disable as needed. They also support both mono and stereo recording modes, so you can choose the one that suits your needs. Additionally, both microphones support instant playback through the phone speaker, so you can directly play your recording without unplugging the receiver first when recording with your phone.
However, they do have differences when it comes to some features. The DJI Mic 2 has an advantage with its 8 GB internal storage, which allows for up to 14 hours of recording without the need for an external device. The Lark M2, on the other hand, offers no internal storage and thus no on-board recording.
Hollyland Lark M2
The DJI Mic 2 also has some features that the Lark M2 lacks, such as Safety Track, which records a backup audio track at a lower volume level, and support for 32-bit Float audio recording for greater dynamic range and post-processing flexibility.
Those features are missing in the Lark M2, but it does have a distinct advantage when it comes to user control. By double-pressing the button on the transmitter, you can remotely start or stop video recording or photo taking when using the microphone with a smartphone. This can be a really great advantage for solo content creators who need to record from a distance.
#4 Connectivity & Range
DJI Mic 2
Both the DJI Mic 2 and Hollyland Lark M2 boast universal compatibility across a range of devices, including cameras, smartphones, and computers. For DJI Mic 2, you'll only need to connect the receiver to your devices with a compatible cable/adapter, while for the Lark M2, you'll only need to connect the compatible receiver to your devices.
One big advantage that the DJI Mic 2 has over the Lark M2 is its direct Bluetooth connection. With this feature, you can connect the microphone directly to your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices (like DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or DJI Osmo Action 4) without the need for a receiver/cable/adapter, making it a more convenient option for some users.
Read also: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
However, when it comes to range, the Hollyland Lark M2 takes the lead with its impressive 300-meter range, while the DJI Mic 2 has a range of up to 250 meters only. The Lark M2 also proves to have a more stable transmission, supported by its Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) antenna that ensures reliable communication even in challenging environments. This makes the Lark M2 a better option for long-distance recording.
#5 Battery Life
Hollyland Lark M2
The DJI Mic 2 has a larger battery capacity of 360 mAh compared to the Hollyland Lark M2 with only 97 mAh of battery. However, the Lark M2 strangely has a longer battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, while the DJI Mic 2 has a battery life of up to 6 hours.
With the charging case available for both microphones, you can further extend the battery life up to 18 hours for the DJI Mic 2 and up to 40 hours for the Lark M2. However, note that as the Lark M2 has three different receivers, the battery life of each receiver can vary.
DJI Mic 2 vs Hollyland Lark M2
Final Thoughts
DJI Mic 2
Considering the features and overall performance, the Hollyland Lark M2 proves to be a great value for its price. At a more affordable price, it has better battery life, greater range, more discreet design, and even supports remote video recording with a smartphone.
However, the DJI Mic 2 does offer some advanced features at a more expensive price, such as internal storage for on-board recording, support for 32-bit Float audio recording, and convenient Bluetooth connectivity.
If you're a content creator who prioritizes quality, affordability, portability, range, and battery, the Hollyland Lark M2 is the way to go. However, if you're a professional filmmaker who needs advanced features and can afford a higher price point, the DJI Mic 2 is a great option to consider.
If you like to read more about Wireless Microphone, check out our other relevant guides here:
DJI Mic 2 vs DJI Mic
DJI Mic 2 vs Rode Wireless Pro
DJI Mic 2 vs Rode Wireless Go II
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