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The way we use microphones has changed hugely in recent years. There was a time when the vast majority of mic stands were designed for studio use and on-stage stands. Now, we need all different kinds of stands including ones mounted on our desks for recording with USB mics and making podcasts. The need for boom mics has grown as more people are recording on their desktop or using their microphone for Zoom calls.
The types of microphones available has also changed, and famous YouTube and podcasting mics like the Blue Yeti even come with their own stand. However, they can be adapted for use on an adjustable suspension boom arm or with a traditional mic stand.
Below, we’ve reviewed the 15 best microphone stands in a variety of designs and with something to suit every price range.
Amazon Basics Tripod Boom Microphone Stand – Best Overall
The Amazon Basics brand continues to surprise people with the quality they have on offer when it comes to musical equipment and accessories. The Amazon Basics tripod boom stand is a fantastic design if you are using a relatively lightweight mic.Â
The microphone stand is lightweight in itself and folds up to a very small size, so you can transport it easily or store it away in one corner of your home studio.
The stand has a smart design which can be used with both mainstream types of adapter (â…ś inch and â…ť inch) and you can keep cords out of the way with the cable holder that comes with it.
It is only designed for use with lighter mics, rather than mics that are over 2 lbs in weight. If you do need to use a heavier mic, you may be able to balance it with a sandbag or a weight, which can keep the stand steady while you record. This isn’t ideal for recording on-the-go.
Pros:
- Works with both mainstream types of mic adapter
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not suitable for use with heavier microphones
Gator Frameworks Deluxe Broadcast Microphone – Premium Choice
This mic stand by Gator is incredibly hard-wearing. It’s a premium mic stand for those who want the assurance that virtually any mic will sit on top of the stand securely and not move around while you’re trying to record. The well-made Gator broadcast boom stand is ideal for podcasting or voiceover recording, even if you are using a heavier mic.
You need to use this with a desk, as it is not a free-standing mic stand. The clip is incredibly sturdy, and this is the kind of stand you might see used for a lot of mainstream podcasts.
The stand has a maximum weight of 4lb to accommodate the vast majority of microphones with ease. You can even move it around while recording with minimal noise. It has a 360 degree rotation.
It comes with an integrated XLR cable for connecting a number of different styles of dynamic mic and condenser mic, though it might not be as straightforward to use USB mics with this stand.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and hard-wearing
- 4.4 lbs maximum load weight
- 360 degree rotation
Cons:
- Not always easy to connect a USB mic like the Blue Yeti
PMKS5 Microphone Stand – Universal Mic Mount – Editor’s Choice
This stand is a fantastic choice for those who are looking to save some space. Rather than having a large base or a boom design that takes a lot of floor space, this stand is straight, and has a really compact round base. It even has a counterweight of almost 10lbs, which means that even a heavy mic will stay secure.
The height adjustment means that you can use this for a variety of instruments and vocalists of a variety of different heights. The 33.5″ inch to 60.24” height adjustment means that it comes in handy in many different situations.
The compact size and straight design is good for vocalists and especially useful for live performances. It also disassembles, making it easy to put in the trunk of a car with the rest of your music equipment, for instance.
This is an affordable stand that suits a variety of different situations, both live and in the studio. It is a good addition to most producers’ arsenals.
Pros:
- Compact size and takes up very little floor space
- Counterweight makes it sturdy even for heavier mics
Cons:
- Clutch is not as good quality as some other models
InnoGear Upgraded Mic Arm – Lightweight Mic Stand With Anti-Scratch Pad
This is a really affordable, yet high quality mic stand with a full boom arm. It’s similar to the Gator stand previously mentioned, with a little bit less in terms of durability and stability. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you aren’t using a mic that is particularly heavy.
This mic has a desk mount, and even has an anti-scratch pad to protect the desk or table you use. It’s got a wide mouth of 2 inches so if you have a thicker desk it will still be likely to fit.
The standard 5/8″-27 male to 3/8″ female adapter means that you can use either mainstream style of mic clip just as easily without having to worry about the compatibility.
The mic also has a clever folding arm so it will take up a lot less space when being transported. For example, you could put it in your equipment bag and take it to do a recording at someone else’s house.
A word of warning that the thread doesn’t always work perfectly with the Blue Yeti mic, and that rotating it by force may damage the thread of the screws.
Pros:
- Lightweight and efficient
- Very affordable
- Protects desks and surfaces with an anti-scratch pad
Cons:
- Rotating too quickly or forcefully can cause damage
TONOR Suspension Boom Scissor Mic Stand – Best Value
TONOR is another brand that makes some excellent budget audio equipment, including this scissor mic stand that is suitable for desktop use. It’s a hit among beginner podcasters and voiceover artists.
Made of steel, this has a good load bearing capacity, as mics up to 4lbs can be used with it. There is a large contact area to clip to desks up to 60mm thick, and this means that you can avoid damage on your desk, too, as the pressure is not confined to one area.
The mic stand offers a 700mm horizontal and vertical movement as well as 360 degree rotation so you can adjust to record your voice or instrument clearly.
The T20 comes with some added accessories too such as cable ties to keep it secure, and a pop filter to help with vocal recordings.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Holds mics up to 4lbs
- Totally adjustable
Cons:
- You need a desk with plenty of clearance underneath the surface and no round edges for the clamp to fit
Magicfun Mic Boom Desk Arm – Mic Stand With Phone Holder
This is a boom arm stand made with podcasters and media creators in mind. The Magicfun boom arm doesn’t just have space for your microphone, you can mount your phone on top for shooting video, too.
It comes with a table clamp, shock mount, mic clip and even a pop filter. It comes at such an affordable price when you consider all of these added extras.
The mic stand is good quality, it rotates 360 degrees, and it can be adapted to work with both of the main thread types of mic clips including â…ť and â…ś clips.
The shock mount can be adjusted so that even if the stand gets knocked while you are using it, it may not have too much of a negative impact on your recording. The mount itself isn’t the best quality as it is made of plastic, so you should only really trust it with cheap mics.
However, this can be a good choice for beginners or people on a budget. You don’t often find a mic stand with phone a holder on the market.
Pros:
- Complete kit including a pop filter, shock mount and camera adapter
- Fully rotates and fits both types of mic clip
Cons:
- Not the best quality mount, ensure you use lightweight mics
GLEAM Tripod Boom Stand – Best for Drums and Guitar Amps
A tripod boom stand like this one can be used without having to clip it onto a desk. While it is possible to use it for vocals, these sorts of mic stands are more commonly used for things like drums and guitar amps.
The stand is adjustable so you can set it up to record at just the right distance from your instrument, or angle a mic to get the best possible sound from your guitar amp.
One of the great things about the GLEAM boom stand is the fact that it has a unique design that can fold flat so you can use it as a straight mic stand rather than a boom stand. It’s also really lightweight which means that it is easy to transport in its own carrying bag.
It ships with a clip and three wire ferrules. You might find that this stand struggles a bit with heavier mics. Something like the SM57 is fine, and this is what people will often use for drums and guitar amps.
Pros:
- Comes with a carrying case
- Easy to set up around a drum set or guitar amp
Cons:
- May struggle with heavier mics
InnoGear Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand – Sturdy Desktop Stand
Some desk microphone stands really struggle to give you a sturdy base for your microphone, but the InnoGear manages exactly that. It doesn’t clip onto the desk, but instead sits on top of it, with a weighted finish and a rubber gasket so it stays steady and stable.
It doubles up for use with an amplifier or a kick drum if needed, and has a telescoping boom so you can adjust it to fit your instrument, or to reach the perfect height for your voice.Â
It can handle a load of up to 4.4lbs, which means the majority of microphones. Keep in mind that the stand can only go up to 16 inches from the surface it is on, so it may not be suitable for every use. For instance, you couldn’t easily use it to mic up a snare drum.
The stand is adjustable up to 360 degrees which means that you can point in a variety of angles. On top of that, the rubber base does a good job of absorbing some of the knocking sounds you might experience.
Pros:
- Very sturdy for a desktop stand
- 360 degree rotation
Cons:
- A short stand, so it has limited applications
Gator Frameworks Weighted Base Stand – Rugged Boom Stand
We’ve already referred to what a superb brand Gator is when it comes to making durable equipment. It’s what they are known for, and this short base stand is no different.
Although this boom stand has a compact base, it can be extended via a 16 inch boom. It has some vocal capabilities but actually it is much better for things like micing up a drum set or a guitar amp.
The base is weighted, as is the boom area, which makes it really easy to adjust without fear of tipping over, even with heavier mics. If you need heavy-duty then Gator stands are usually a good bet.
The small base and included cable management system make this fantastic for those looking to save some space in their studio, and to keep the cables from becoming messy and inconvenient.
You pay a little extra for the durability, but that may not be a problem, especially in professional studios.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Extendable weighted boom
Cons:
- More expensive than competing models
Hola! Music HPS-101RB – Most Versatile Boom Mic Stand
This boom stand is one of the most versatile on our list, as it can be used for a huge variety of applications. You can mic up a guitar, or a vocalist, or both! You can also use this mic stand for instruments, drum sets and much more. The design is a studio staple, and the fact that you can buy this mic in packs of two is even better if you are looking for value.
Though this is a sturdy mic stand, it has a relatively small and round base, which is weighted to keep it in place. Adjust the height of the mic easily using the clutch, and it can be up to 63 inches in height and usable both sitting on a stool or standing.
To further add to the versatility, the mic stand can be used without the boom if you wish. It also has clip-on cable holders and works with standard â…ť threads.
If you want to use this with a â…ś thread, you will have to find an adapter, which is one downside. If you plan to use a heavier mic while using the boom, the stand can also become less steady.
Pros:
- Very versatile and can be used for vocalists or instruments
- Easy to adjust
- Small footprint with a tiny rounded base
Cons:
- The boom can make this unsteady if you use a heavy mic
- No inbuilt adapter for â…ś thread mics and clips
Kasonic Microphone Stand – Space-Saving Collapsible Design
For those looking for a versatile tripod mic that can be used for vocalists and for instruments alike, the Kasonic can be a good option that doesn’t cost a huge amount of money, either. This isn’t the best-known brand in music technology and studio equipment, but it does a good job for beginners.
The mic stand is made out of steel, and the tripod design means it is nice and sturdy even with relatively heavy mics. The expandable design means it can rotate 360 degrees and also extend to up to 52 inches in height. Not quite as tall as some other models, but suitable for most vocalists.Â
The mic is totally collapsible so it is great for storing away when not in use, and for putting in a truck or the trunk of your car to take to a gig.
The Kasonic represents good value, and versatility for the price. It also comes with two mic clips that you can use to put your microphone in place.
Pros:
- Collapses for easy storage
- Rotates 360 degrees as required
- Comes with mic clips and cable storage
Cons:
- Hard to use with some USB mics
- Not as tall as some extendable tripod mics
Desktop Microphone Stand – Podcast Stand With Accessories
This desktop stand clips on to the side of your desk, and it is clearly designed with the Blue Snowball and Blue Yeti mics in mind. Some people have trouble attaching these microphones to their stand, but this takes both â…ś and â…ť inch designs with an adapter.
The clamp has a rubber stopper which prevents any scratching or damage to the desk or tabletop.
You can adjust this stand by moving it 135° back and forth, 180° up and down, and at 360° angle via the swivel mount. It’s extremely flexible and easy to move and suspend once you’ve put it in place.
As well as a 12-month warranty, you also get a free shock mount, pop filter and wind protector. These are useful accessories for use with your microphone.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Comes with multiple free accessories including shock mount and adapter
Cons:
- May struggle with heavier mics when fully extended
On Stage MS7201B Microphone Stand – Slimline Base
On Stage stands are designed for use… well, on stage.
This is a cleverly made stand with a round base that is weighted and sand-cast so that it can stay in place. It also reduces vibrations coming from the floor even in a bassy theatre or gig venue.
The manufacturers claim that this is “one of the most popular microphone stands ever made” and while it may be no-frills, it is great for touring musicians due to its rugged design. It has a clutch to adjust the height between 33 and 60 inches.
You can tell that it is well-made. The ⅝ thread is suitable for a lot of mics and mic clips but not perfect for every use. Some mics will need an adapter that doesn’t come included as standard.
If you’re looking to avoid a tripod stand that can get in the way of a singer or performer, this tiny base can be the answer you’re looking for.
Pros:
- The small yet sturdy base reduces the footprint while keeping your mic steady
- Rugged and well-made
Cons:
- You may need an adapter for some microphones
Ohuhu Tripod Stand with Mic Clips – Great for Multiple Mics
The slogan of this product is: “Two is better than one!”
That certainly stacks up. Plenty of people are looking to find a stand that can accommodate two mics. If you’ve ever tried to mic up a vocalist who also has a guitar, you’ll know that getting a good feed is easier with two different microphones.
The Ohuhu Boom stand has two universal clips, and you can use one for your instrument and the other to put a vocal microphone.
On top of that, there are a lot of other key features you’d expect including an extendable adjustable suspension boom arm up to 52 inches, and a further small arm for the other clip, this has the option to rotate 360 degrees..
The tripod stand keeps it sturdy, even under the load of two separate mics. This mic is even sturdy if there is an uneven surface below. All of the legs of the tripod design are adjustable so you can get your microphone completely level no matter what the floor is like in the venue.
If you do happen to put two heavy mics on this stand it might start to struggle somewhat, but microphones like those commonly used live (SM57 or SM58) will be absolutely fine.
Pros:
- Adjustable tripod for stability
- Can hold two mics at once
Cons:
- The materials used are not the best, the mic clips are a little flimsy
How tall should a mic stand be?
If you get a mic stand that is designed to stand on the floor then you should be looking for something between 30 and 60 inches in height. Remember that it depends what you need the stand for. For adult vocalists, you need to think about how tall they are. A 6ft vocalist can use a 60 inch stand with no problem, as the mic will be pointing slightly upward towards the mouth. This sort of height might also be suitable for a drum set, as you need to reach higher to mic up things like hi-hats.
What is a boom arm?
A boom arm is the extendable section of the stand. It juts out from the base to let you move your microphone around horizontally as well as vertically. Boom arms are popular among some of the clip-on desk and tabletop stands. They’re also good for reaching areas you might not otherwise be able to get to, such as the interior of a kick drum.
Do microphones come with a stand?
Traditionally, mics were not sold with any stands, but a lot of modern USB mics do have desktop stands. The Blue Yeti and Blue Snowball iCE are two examples of mics with small desktop stands. These aren’t very versatile, but they do a decent job for vocals.
How much do mic stands cost?
Mic stands can vary an incredible amount in cost. You may be able to find a decent stand for under $20. However, if you really want to go to the top end of the market and get a durable, flexible stand, you could spend hundreds of dollars.
Do mic stands need to be assembled?
Some stands need to be assembled. Obviously, they will come with instructions. Due to the adjustable nature of the stands, this can also make things a little bit difficult if you aren’t good at DIY. Luckily, plenty of mic stands can be purchased that don’t need any assembly, which means those that don’t feel comfortable assembling don’t have to.
How do you set up a pop filter?
Many pop filters can be easily set up alongside your microphone stand. They simply clip onto the boom arm section, or the upright section of the stand. A lot of pop filters have a bendy, adjustable design. This means it is really easy to get them in between vocalist and microphone.
Choosing a Mic Stand For Your Needs
Someone who needs a mic stand to record a podcast from their desk is going to need a very different stand compared to someone who needs to record their drum set. Likewise, everyone has a different budget and set of priorities on which key features they need.
All stands must be sturdy and durable to ensure that you don’t get vibration or distortion by knocking the microphone mid-recording. Other than that, features including size and whether the mic can rotate will be a matter of matching up the right stand to whatever you wish to record, and making sure you do a fantastic job.