Wireless microphones in the EU: which frequencies can you use?
Quick answer: for camera and content work, 2.4 GHz digital systems are the simplest choice across the EU. UHF systems in 470 to 694 MHz are not licence-free in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium or France. Avoid any system made for 694 to 862 MHz: those frequencies now belong to mobile networks.
Bands you can generally use without an individual licence
| Band | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | Shared licence-free band used by most compact digital camera kits | Shared with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so range drops in crowded places |
| 1785 to 1805 MHz (often called 1.8 GHz) | EU-harmonised band for wireless audio | Low power limits; available on a no-interference, no-protection basis |
| 823 to 832 MHz | EU-harmonised band in the gap between mobile network channels | Same no-interference, no-protection basis |
| 863 to 865 MHz | Short-range audio band | Very low power, suits simple systems and in-ear audio |
“No interference, no protection” means your microphone must not disturb other licensed users, and you cannot complain if they disturb you. The EU framework for these bands was updated by a new decision that applies from 1 July 2025; national rules still decide the exact details.
UHF 470 to 694 MHz: check the rules in your country
This range is shared with digital terrestrial television and is managed nationally. In the Netherlands (Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur), Germany (Bundesnetzagentur), Belgium (BIPT) and France (ANFR) it is used under licences, registrations or event assignments rather than as open licence-free spectrum. Professional UHF systems such as Sennheiser EW are excellent for stages and multi-channel productions, but plan the paperwork and choose frequencies that avoid local TV channels.
Bands you can no longer use
- 790 to 862 MHz (the 800 MHz band) was cleared for mobile broadband, with an EU deadline of 1 January 2013.
- 694 to 790 MHz (the 700 MHz band) has been open to mobile broadband since 30 June 2020.
Second-hand systems built for these ranges still circulate. Using them now risks interference with mobile networks and breaks the rules, so check the frequency range printed on the receiver before you buy used gear.
Which system suits which job
- Vlogs, interviews and single-camera shoots: a two-channel 2.4 GHz kit with on-board recording as a backup. See wireless microphones.
- Events, theatre and many channels at once: a professional UHF or 1.8 GHz system with proper frequency planning.
- Travelling between EU countries: 2.4 GHz kits avoid country-by-country UHF rules.
Getting the best range
Keep a clear line of sight between transmitter and receiver, mount the receiver high on the camera, and avoid placing it next to Wi-Fi routers or phones. Bodies absorb signal, so clip the transmitter where the antenna faces the receiver.
This guide is general information. Before using UHF frequencies, check the current rules with your national regulator. Browse microphones.
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