Best Microphone Stands: For Vocalists, Podcasters and Musicians

Microphone stands may not be the most exciting audio equipment to shop for, but we all need them. Whether you’re a vocalist in search of a budget tripod stand or a podcaster looking for a fancy boom arm for your desk, we’ve put together a list of the best mic stands in every category and price range. 

Tripod Stands for Vocalists

Vocalists looking for tripod stands may be overwhelmed by the number of options available. While they may all look the same, not all mic stands are created equal. Prices vary depending on the weight, build, ergonomics, range and reach. Still, you don’t have to spend tons of money on a decent model. Something like the MS-5230F from Auray is a fantastic option for under $30. It features a sturdy, steel build and has a 31.5” boom arm the allows you to angle the mic for other applications as well. 

If you’re purely using your stand for vocals and don’t need a boom arm, the Frameworks Tripod Mic Stand by Gator Cases is clean looking model that offers a rugged build for the price point. It features a collapsible tripod base, standard twist, compatibility with both US and European mic clips and cable management clips. Very straightforward without any compromises in quality.

Tabletop Stands

For those looking for a simple, yet sturdy stand for a desk, you’ll want to make sure that the base has some good weight to it and that the clutch is easy to twist, yet secure once fastened. For those on a budget, you can’t go wrong with Auray’s TT-6220. It has a weighted round base with nonslip rubber feet for additional stability. The height is adjustable from 8.3 inches to 13.5 inches, and the stand includes a microphone cable guide to keep your desk looking neat. 

For something more solid along the same line as the Auray model above, check out the Gator Frameworks Desktop Mic Stand. At 3 pounds it’s a bit heavier and should do an even better job of minimizing any vibration coming from your table or floor.

If room acoustics are an issue, you may want to consider a tabletop stand with an isolation filter. The Auray RF-C12R not only provides the vocalist with acoustic isolation but also reduces sonic coloration thanks to its vented back. Furthermore, it allows you adjust the microphone depth so that you can dial in the right amount of room ambiance. 

Compact Podcasting Stands

Podcasters or streamers will probably want to go with a desk stand that has a boom arm of some sort in order to be comfortably and consistently positioned from the mic. The RODE DS2 is a good choice for those who want something compact like the examples above, but need extra pivot points for positioning. The DS2 sports a heavy base designed to support microphones weighing up to almost 32 ounces. So, you won’t have to invest any extra cash in mounting equipment or clamps. 

A slightly more affordable option in this category is the Elgato Wave Desk Stand. It can rotate 360 degrees and features cable management to keep things looking tidy. It supports gear weighing up to 2 pounds; in addition to mounting mics, you can also hook up other equipment, like cameras, using the included adapters.

Suspension Broadcast Arms

If you’re a podcaster looking for maximum range and minimal vibration, consider a broadcasting/boom arm like the ones used in professional podcasting or radio studios. Especially for the few who use large diaphragm condenser mics for their podcasts, which are very sensitive to even the slightest noises, broadcast arms tend to be the safest bet. (And if you are using a condenser mic, we highly recommend adding a shockmount to your setup, as well as a pop-filter). A top seller in the broadcast arm category is the PSA1+ from RODE. It features a damped spring design to ensure smooth movement and silent operation. The PSA1+ is compatible with any shockmount or microphone, so you don’t necessarily have to go with a RODE mic. But if you already own a RODE mic and would like to buy a package deal, the PSA1+ is available to purchase with a Podcaster Shockmount and XLR cable. 

For a different type of look, check out the Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro. It also sports an effective suspension system with non-mechanical spring technology, giving your mic that free-floating feel. The mic cable is easy to conceal thanks to built-in hidden channels. And this model also comes with adapters to convert the ¼-inch thread to 3/8 or 5/8 inches, making it compatible with a wide range of mics.

If you’re on a budget, consider the Auray BA-XE4, which is a cheaper but worthy alternative to the two examples above. It may not look as sleek as the PSA1+, but it’s still fluid in its movement and is compatible with pretty much any broadcast-style microphone weighing up to 3.5 pounds.

There are even boom arms available for under 20 bucks, like the ikan HomeStream Adjustable Microphone Arm. This model may not be anything fancy, but it can support mics weighing up to 3.2 pounds, and it has a layer of padding on the inner clamp, ensuring no scratches to your table.

Boom Stands for Instruments

Drums and Guitar Amps

Kick drum stands and guitar cabinet stands tend to be the same. Like desktop stands, it’s important they have a weighted base to minimize vibration. A decent quality, affordable example is the 5.4 pound Auray MS-5340, which has a fixed 19.5 inch boom. You can angle and extend it for precise microphone placement, and the square shape of the weighted base allows for close positioning to the sound source.

Invest a little more and you can get something heavier and more solid, like the Gator Telescoping Boom Mic Stand. It weighs 14 pounds and features a boom counterweight, ensuring that even your heavier mics will be well supported. 

If you’re looking for a set of stands to mic your drums, you can opt for a reasonably priced kit like the Drum Set Stand and Mounting Pack, again from Auray. It includes a tripod stand with a fixed boom, a kick drum stand and four drum rim mic clips.

Pianos and Ensembles

When you’re working with long boom arm telescopes, it’s especially important to have some counterweight to the boom to maintain mic stability. For applications like pianos and ensemble performances/recording, an overhead microphone stand, like the K&M 21430 is often appropriate. It includes a counterweight for the long boom, which can extend up to about 79 inches. The stand also features a heavy steel rolling base that reduces vibrations and allows for flexible positioning. 

The Triad-Orbit Starbird SB-1 is perhaps the Mercedes of studio boom stands. It’s the third iteration of the legendary Model No. 180, which was designed for use in large broadcast environments. But it also remains an industry choice for the most famous studios in the world. The stand height ranges from 64 to 102 inches, while the boom arm telescopes from 55 to 98 inches, giving you ample reach. It has an incredible range of motion and is notably stable, even in less than favorable conditions. This model also employs an assisted-lift system that automatically and easily raises the stand and boom, which is ideal for those using heavy microphones. And to further offset the weight of heavy mics you can add additional ballast to the counterweight for optimal balance.

Finally, if you’re dealing with particularly light mic stands or heavy mics that require some extra weight to keep them stable, consider a simple sandbag, like the 15 pound Impact Filled Saddle Sandbag, which are great for stabilizing light tripod stands or booms.

For more information about the microphones mentioned above, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.