Head-to-head comparison
Boya BY-M1 Lavalier vs Heil PR40
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
Heil PR40
Pros
- Wider frequency response than typical dynamic
- Strong rear noise rejection
- Warm low end, articulate mids
Watch-outs
- Shock mount (PRSM) sold separately
- Less common than SM7B
- Needs clean preamp gain
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 Heil PR40 if
You’re building around . The Heil PR40 is a wider-response dynamic than typical, with rear noise rejection that punches above its price. Currently around $339-$379.
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Frequently asked
What does Boya BY-M1 Lavalier do better than Heil PR40?
Boya BY-M1 Lavalier's standout is "Works with phones, DSLRs, and laptops". Heil PR40 doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Wider frequency response than typical dynamic" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Boya BY-M1 Lavalier; if the second does, pick Heil PR40.
What are the trade-offs?
Boya BY-M1 Lavalier: omnidirectional grabs every room sound. Heil PR40: shock mount (prsm) sold separately. 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 Heil PR40 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 Heil PR40 for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.