Rode VideoMic Pro+ vs Sennheiser MKE 400

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 16 published reviews

Rode

VideoMic Pro+

The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a feature-rich on-camera microphone with auto power, dual batteries, safety channel, and strong directionality, but its rear output jack, size, and plastic build may deter some users.

Best for: Run-and-gun filmmakers needing reliable auto power and clipping protection.
Skip it if: You need a true shotgun pattern or ultra-compact size.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Rode VideoMic Pro+

Sennheiser

MKE 400

The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a compact, affordable shotgun mic with strong directional audio and useful onboard controls, best for vloggers who prioritize portability and simplicity over advanced features.

Best for: Vloggers and beginners needing simple, portable on-camera audio
Skip it if: Need advanced controls, phantom power, or stereo recording

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Sennheiser MKE 400

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Specs side by side

Spec	Rode VideoMic Pro+	Sennheiser MKE 400
Capsule	Condenser	Condenser
Best for	Filming video	Filming video
Type	On-camera shotgun	On-camera shotgun
Boom arm	No	No
RGB	No	No

Rows where the two differ come first.

What reviewers like, and what they don't

Rode VideoMic Pro+

Auto power on/off syncs with camera 1 4 7
Dual battery options (AA/rechargeable) with USB charging 1 2 4 7
Onboard high-pass filters (75/150Hz) and adjustable gain 1 2 7
Safety channel records -10dB backup to prevent clipping 2 3 5
Supercardioid pattern rejects off-axis noise well 1 3 4 5
Rear-facing 3.5mm jack can hit forehead/EVF 1 2 7
Larger and heavier than many compact mics 1 2 7
Plastic build feels average; battery deck connector finicky 3 5

Sennheiser MKE 400

Compact, lightweight, easy to carry 1 2 3 4
Strong directional pickup, good off-axis rejection 1 2 3 4
Three-position gain switch and low-cut filter 1 2 3 4
Built-in headphone monitoring with volume control 3 5 6 8
Good wind protection with included windshield 1 2 3 5
Wind noise audible in strong winds 1 2 3 5
Basic controls, limited advanced features 1 2 3 4
Gain limited to three fixed positions 3 4
Requires batteries, no phantom power 3 5 6 8

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 16 published reviews, read on October 23, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.