Head-to-head comparison
Boya BY-M1 Lavalier vs Electro-Voice RE20
Two of the equipment tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Boya BY-M1 Lavalier
Pros
- Works with phones, DSLRs, and laptops
- Six-meter cord allows real range
- Includes windscreen out of the box
Watch-outs
- Omnidirectional grabs every room sound
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Cheap connector can develop crackle
Electro-Voice RE20
Pros
- Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)
- Broadcast-grade tone, used at major stations
- Built to last decades
Watch-outs
- $399-$499 puts it out of starter range
- 309A shock mount sold separately
- Needs ~60dB clean gain (Cloudlifter often helps)
Which one should you pick?
Pick Boya BY-M1 Lavalier if
You’re building around . The budget lavalier that's launched a thousand YouTube channels. Six-meter cord, omnidirectional, works with phones, DSLRs, and computers via a switch on the body.
Pick Electro-Voice RE20 if
You’re building around . The RE20 is the broadcast-industry standard for a reason — Variable-D pattern means proximity effect stays minimal even when you move close. Currently around $399-$499 at major retailers.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Boya BY-M1 Lavalier do better than Electro-Voice RE20?
Boya BY-M1 Lavalier's standout is "Works with phones, DSLRs, and laptops". Electro-Voice RE20 doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Boya BY-M1 Lavalier; if the second does, pick Electro-Voice RE20.
What are the trade-offs?
Boya BY-M1 Lavalier: omnidirectional grabs every room sound. Electro-Voice RE20: $399-$499 puts it out of starter range. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Boya BY-M1 Lavalier and Electro-Voice RE20 together?
Both are equipment tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Boya BY-M1 Lavalier for one show or episode type and Electro-Voice RE20 for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.