How I Fixed My Audio Problem for $75: Neewer CM28 Wireless Mic
Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by Erin Donahue
There’s a common saying in videography: people will tolerate low visual quality, but never low audio quality. I’ve been putting off investing in proper audio gear because 1. I’m not an audiophile, and 2. quality wireless mics typically cost $hmoney. As a content creator still building my business, that felt steep since my budget goes towards camera and studio gear.
That said, I discovered the Neewer CM28 wireless lavalier mic system on TikTok Shop for $75, and I finally copped some wireless lavalier mics.
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy (at no additional cost to you).
Why Did I Choose the Neewer CM28 Over Other Wireless Mics?
Honestly, I wanted the DJI Mic 2. Everyone raves about it, but at the time, the starting price sat at $219 for just one transmitter and one receiver. No charging case included. Since then, as of the writing of this article, you can now get two transmitters, one receiver, and the charging case for $219 because DJI released the Mic 3 in August 2025.
The Neewer CM28 gave me everything I needed for a fraction of that cost. It’s a complete kit which includes: a charging case, receiver, two transmitters, two windshields, adapters for USB-C and Lightning ports, auxiliary cables for cameras, and a USB-C charging cable.
With wireless microphone competition so fierce, retail price ranges from $7-$140 depending on where you shop, but I snagged mine during a TikTok Shop promotion. The deals on social commerce can be legitimately good if you catch them at the right time.
For my first wireless lav mic setup, spending $75 versus $219+ made the decision a no-brainer. I could test out wireless audio without the commitment, and if it worked well enough, I’d keep using it. If not, I wasn’t out hundreds of dollars.
Does the Neewer CM28 Actually Sound Good
Yes, the audio quality delivers for the price point. I tested these mics everywhere: walking around New York City, plugged into my iPhone 15, and even attached to my Insta360 X3 action camera.
The sound comes through when you clip it on your clothes, which is what defines a good lavalier mic. You shouldn’t need to hold it up to your face for decent audio pickup. I ran comparison tests with the mic clipped at chest level versus holding it near my mouth, and the difference was minimal.
What really impressed me was the plug-and-play experience. You connect the receiver to your phone or camera, the transmitters pair automatically, and you start recording. No app required and no complicated setup process.
Does Noise Canceling Work?
The Neewer CM28 markets one-click noise canceling as a major selling point, and in most scenarios, it works. I tested it in multiple environments and with my iPhone 15 (USB-C) and Sony a6400, and the noise-canceling functioned as advertised. One click, background noise drops significantly while keeping my voice clear.
How Long Does the Neewer CM28 Battery Last and What’s the Range Like?
Battery life: Neewer claims up to eight hours of operation when fully charged, which holds up in real-world use. I’ve taken these mics out for full-day shoots, and battery anxiety hasn’t been an issue. The charging case adds extra convenience. For most content creators shooting YouTube videos, Instagram reels, or TikToks, eight hours gives you plenty of runway. Even if you’re filming all day, you’re likely not recording continuously for eight straight hours.
Connectivity and range: The Neewer CM28 operates on a long-range frequency that reaches up to 656 feet in unobstructed areas. Obviously, real-world conditions vary based on location and obstacles, but I never experienced dropouts or connectivity issues during normal filming scenarios. That being said, I’m not rigorously testing these either.
Device compatibility caveat: I did run into issues with my iPhone 13, which has a Lightning port, and my Insta360 X3. The devices wouldn’t pick up the mic audio at all. Neewer mentions in their user manual that OTG needs to be turned on for certain devices, which I suspect was the problem. With my iPhone 15 (USB-C), everything worked instantly with no setup required. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re using older phones or specific action cameras that might need additional settings adjusted.
Does the Neewer CM28 Feel Premium? (And What Makes It Different?)
No, and that’s fine. The Neewer CM28 wireless lav mic system feels exactly like what you’d expect for the price point: lightweight plastic construction. However, I wouldn’t want to spend more for something built like this. The value proposition works because the quality matches the cost.
What I appreciate is how light the transmitters feel when clipped to your shirt. You’re not dealing with heavy equipment dragging down your collar. My one build quality concern centers on the phone adapters. Every time I pull them out of the receiver, I worry the plastic casing will snap off. That part feels genuinely cheap and could use reinforcement.
What sets Neewer CM28 apart:
Internal recording capacity. The Neewer CM28 includes up to four gigabytes of internal recording storage, which most budget wireless mics in this price range don’t offer. This means if your connection drops or something goes wrong with your camera’s audio input, you have a backup recording saved directly on the transmitter. That’s a legitimate differentiator that adds real value, especially when you’re filming important content you can’t easily reshoot.
Who Should Actually Buy the Neewer CM28?
This wireless mic system makes sense for:
- Content creators just starting out who need professional audio without the professional price tag. You’re building your setup piece by piece, and allocating $75-$100 to audio gives you immediate improvement without blowing your budget.
- Budget-conscious videographers who need reliable audio for client work but can’t justify $200+ systems yet. The Neewer CM28 delivers clean audio that clients won’t complain about.
- Anyone upgrading from built-in camera/phone mics who wants to immediately level up their production quality.
Is the Neewer CM28 Worth It?
Let’s go over the cons first:
- The bulky receiver design creates awkward setups with certain cameras. When I plugged it into my Insta360 X3, the receiver jutted out perpendicularly rather than sitting flush with the camera body. It works functionally, but it’s not elegant or streamlined.
- The phone adapter’s build quality needs reinforcement. I’m genuinely concerned one of these will break during normal use.
- Better documentation around the OTG requirements would help users troubleshoot.
All that being said, for under $100, absolutely! The Neewer CM28 wireless mic delivers on its core mission: clear, professional audio quality that transforms your content. It won’t replace a premium system like from Sennheiser, but that’s not what you’re buying.
I keep this kit with me on every shoot now as it’s become essential gear in my content creation setup. If you’re still relying on built-in camera or phone audio, the Neewer CM28 represents one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to improve your content quality immediately.
Watch My Neewer CM28 Review on YouTube
Have questions about the Neewer CM28 or want to see it in action? Check out my full video review above, where I test the mic in multiple real-world scenarios.
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