The Best Mic Arms Reviewed and Compared [2023]

Last Updated on January 19, 2023 by IDS Team



If you’re building your own studio, it is of crucial importance to get good quality auxiliary gear like a nice microphone arm. It will give you the freedom and comfort you need to get your creations to the next level instantly.

Editor’s note: This list is always updated to always reflect the status of the market, so make sure you bookmark it and come back for your future purchases.

If you are playing an instrument like guitar or piano/keyboards and want to record your voice, you really can’t skip the microphone arm. The characteristics of this device are very important, in order to get the best recording possible without vibrations and jitter. A good microphone arm is also providing a feel of quality, staying in the position you set it with no complications.



And it’s not only about the rack-mounted effects, good computers or audio interfaces. You should never overlook the basic stuff, like having the very best mic arm you can.

For other software tools that complement your instrument and voice, make sure you check our constant updating list of best VST synths to get some more sounds in your music.

But the thing about boom microphone arms is that there are so many products to choose from these days that it’s getting hard to find the right one for you. We have selected the ones that are appealing for us, from Amazon’s current listings. There are actually three “winners”, one Budget Choice, which is about the cheapest you can get and still work with it fine, one Overall Choice and one Value Choice, the latter being the one you should get if you don’t have any special needs and can afford it.

And if you are also in the market for a good microphone for podcasts and youtube, you should definitely check our rundown, comparison and reviews for BEST Microphone for Podcasts and Youtube here.

Note: if you are on a mobile device, scroll left and right in the table to see all the entries, and up and down in the cells to see all the content.



Product Name Main Features Our Rating Price
Editor’s Value Choice
UPGRADED Neewer NW-35
– Clamp Mount
– Built in XLR Cable
– Shock Mount
– A lot of accesories
– Holds up to 53oz / 1.5kg
9.4 Arround 50$
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Editor’s Budget Choice
Regular Neewer NW-35
– Clamp Mount
– Built in XLR Cable
– Shock Mount
– Holds up to 53oz / 1.5kg
9.2 Under 50$
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Editor’s Overall Choice
Gator Frameworks Deluxe 2000 Series
– Spring-Loaded Articulating Arm
– Holds 2. 4lbs/1. 1kg
– 5/8” threads
– Surface support 2. 17”/55mm Thickness
9.5 Under 100$
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Professional Choice
K&M 23860 Professional Microphone Arm
– Steel construction
– Extremely good looking for Youtubers
– 37″ maximul extension
– Holds 3.2lbs/1.45kg
9.9 Under 300$
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Pyle Suspension Microphone Boom Stand Pro
– Clamp Mount
– Perfect for travel and quick setup.
– 5/8 inch microphone threading and adapter
– Integrated XLR cable
– Can hold the Blue Yeti microphone
8.7 Under 50$
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InnoGear Microphone Stand
– Clamp Mount
– Cable ties included
– Shock Mount
– Adapters for Blue Yeti and other models included
8.7 Arround 50$
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Rode NT1A Mic Stand with Pop Filter
– Dual suspension springs
– Clamp Mount
– Comes with Pop filter
– Compatible with most microphones
– Holds up to 56oz / 1.6kg
9.1 Under 50$
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Heil Sound PL-2T
– Clamp Mount
– Holds up to 56oz / 1.6kg
8.5 100$ to 150$
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Blue Compass Tube-Style Arm
– Clamp Mount
– Built in cable management
– Made specifically for the Blue Yeti
8.9 Under 100$
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Knox Gear Microphone Suspension Arm
– Clamp Mount
– High weight tolerance, for heavy microphones
– 5/8 to 3/8-inch thread adapter
8.4 Under 50$
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Over the last few years or so, we’ve seen the rise of famous YouTubers and it seems that many other people are trying their luck in this field.

They, or at least the ones that aspire for greatness are using good microphones in order to sound great, especially on headphones where a bad quality microphone can simply ruin the viewer’s overall experience. Especially true for podcasts and content where only the voice is heard.

But even a good microphone is not so good if it is not placed properly and if it not seated correctly on a firm surface. People use their hands for gestures and to manipulate other tools like the computer, to show the viewer’s their content, so it’s only logical to see the increased number of these products on the market.

In order to make it easier for everyone, we decided to do some digging and find the best microphone stands out there. Please note that this list is continually updated in order to reflect current market status.

Whether you’re doing regular studio work or are trying to find a perfect stand for your YouTube videos or podcasts, these will most definitely come in handy.

So without further ado, here’s a breakdown of our favorite mic stands:

#1 Gator Frameworks Deluxe 2000 Series [Editor’s Overall Choice]

Gator Frameworks Deluxe 2000 Series at a Glance

Price Range: $$
Mic Compatibility: Standard 5/8”-27 Mic Threads for Connecting Most Podcast and Vocal Microphones, Including Shure SM7B, Shure MV7 Models
Built in Cables Included: None, but it has a separate connection at the microphone end to prevent wear and tear on the mic connector.
Our Score: 9.5
Max Load Capacity: Spring-Loaded Articulating Arm with 2.4 lbs./1.1 kg Max Weight Capacity & 38.6“/980mm Max Extension
Mounting Options: Mounts or Clamps to Desks, Tables & Similar-Sized Surfaces 2. 17”/55mm Max in Thickness
Close Alternative Model:
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

After much deliberating, we’ve decided to award the Gator Frameworks Deluxe 2000 Series the title of best mic boom arm.

3 main characteristics made us choose the Gator Frameworks Deluxe 2000 Series microphone arm:

  • Firstly and foremost it’s a sturdy and durable arm. The kind of arm that you buy once and own for life
  • Its simple design looks good in any setup. It’s light, but can hold up mics weighing up to 2.4lbs (39oz or 1.1 kg).
  • Its a professional grade mic arm at a relatively affordable price.
  • It does not have an integrated XLR cable, which at first sounds like a con and not a pro, but believe is, integrated XLR cables are ok until they stop working, then replacing them is a nightmare.

Compared with some of the other models in this list, the ator Frameworks Deluxe 2000 Series microphone arm has more of a classic design, simple and timeless.

If you want a more modern, robust design, check out the 3000 series from the same company.

While the fact that there is no integrated cable may feel like an untidy solution to some, we found it provides way more flexibility and ease of use when switching up your setup and cables.

All in all, it’s a quality boom arm that allows stable operation, full 360 degree rotation, and a solid vertical and horizontal reach.

The Gator Frameworks Deluxe 2000 microphone arm is also fairly light, somewhere around 3.2 lbs./1.5 kg and it’s size is 22.25”/565mm (L), 7”/177mm (W), 1.63”/40mm (H).

Overall, it’s a solid choice for mid-range podcast and streaming setups plus of course recording your voice while you play your instrument for tracks, demos, etc.

The manufacturer’s website can be found here.

Here’s a video review for this product line (including all three products, 1000 series, 2000 series, 3000 series):

Also make sure to check our Amplitude versus Guitar Rig comparrison here.

#2 Neewer NW-35 and Upgraded NW-35 microphone arms [Editor’s Budget and Value Choice]

Neewer NW-35 at a Glance

Price Range: $
Mic Compatibility: Not compatible with Blue Yeti
Built in Cables: XLR Male to Female.
Our Score: 9.2
Max Load Capacity:53oz / 1.5KG
Mounting Options:
Clamp
Close Alternative Model:

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

This is somewhat of a cheaper product if you don’t feel like investing a lot of capital in a boom arm stand right away.

Before we being our analysis, it is important to note that this mic arm is not compatible with the Blue Yeti mic.

For Blue Yeti compatibility you should check our VALUE CHOICE, from the same company, the Neewer NW-35 UPGRADED. Plus, the UPGRADED version comes with a lot of accesories.

The NW-35 can come in a few different bundles. One of the versions features an integrated XLR cable which definitely comes in handy.

Overall, it’s a decently built boom arm that won’t fail on you and that will keep the microphone at the desired height.

We found it’s swivel mount to be quite smooth when adjusting from side to side, which is great for long and live recordings.

It comes with a solid table mounting clamp and a shock mount.

In terms of cables, the Neewer NW-35 comes with a XLR male to female cable built into the tubes of the stand, which is great since it hides all cables, however, please note that if you plan to use your computer to record the audio, you’ll need to plugin in an audio interface to convert the XLR cable to USB.

For this price, you’ll definitely be satisfied with the quality.

#3 Pyle Suspension Microphone Boom Stand Pro PMKSH04

Pyle PMKSH04 at a Glance

Price Range: $
Mic Compatibility: RØDE Microphones, Blue Yeti, and others compatible if bought with shock mount.
Built in Cables Included: XLR Male to Female.
Our Score: 8.7
Max Load Capacity: 35oz / 1 kg
Mounting Options: Clamp
Close Alternative Model:
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Another cheaper arm, the Pyle PMKSH04 is somewhat of a beginner to intermediate product that is a great solution for those looking for a budget friendly option.

Nothing too fancy really, as it features that standard classic design with springs on the outside.

However, it holds up well, the clamp is fairly solid, and it comes with a shock mount and a cable threaded through its construction.

And even though it’s a light stand, it can hold the famous Blue Yeti microphone, which is not light.

Those who use this boom arm are pretty satisfied with this Microphone Arm.

The PMKSH04 has some great features for the price of around $30.

And here is our post on Amp Simulator pedal comparisons.

#4 InnoGear Microphone Stand

Now, the InnoGear Mic Stand is a bit more serious.

Even though it’s well-built and supports even some heavier microphones, it weighs only 3.6 pounds.

What’s really great about this InnoGear microphone boom arm is that springs are inside of the square steel tube construction, and not the outside.

This not only gives it great looks but also makes it very stable. You won’t have any trouble keeping balance with this one. The 5/8-inch thread adapter is also included with the stand. Plus it comes with cable ties.

Pretty well-built, stable, flexible, and looks great.

We have one minor complaint: The swivel mount doesn’t really work well.

You have to loosen the screw of the base boom to adjust from left to right. Once you that it works fine though.

#5 Heil Sound PL-2T Microphone Arm – Best Home Studio Option

Heil Sound PL-2T is also another one of those arms with internal springs.

Although the brand is not well known, this microphone arm is a good bang for the buck.

One of its great features is that the top and the backplates can be removed for proper cable threading. It also comes with the standard C-clamp mount and can accept both shock mounts or 5/8-inch threaded clips.

This boom arm can hold microphones of up to 3.5 pounds (slightly below 1.6 kilograms), which is pretty impressive.

However, putting on just a little extra won’t do any harm either. It’s a fairly solid and stable piece that is relatively affordable.

#6 Blue Compass Premium – Designer Option

Up next, we have the Blue Compass Premium. It’s also an arm with both the springs and the cables hidden inside.

However, this one is a bit more practical since it features simplified construction.

This also gives it a very sleek design and allows you to keep things tidy.

The Blue Compass Premium is intended for Yeti or any other professional broadcast microphones and is compatible with standard shock mounts.

It allows full 360-degree rotation and a maximum horizontal reach of 32 inches. Since it has a very silent operation, it’s a popular boom arm for Twitch streamers and it’s fairly known within the YouTube creator community.

#7 Knox Gear Microphone Suspension Arm

Despite the affordable price, Knox Gear Microphone Suspension Arm stand is a pretty solid boom arm. Also it s a bit different than the rest due to its suspension arm design. We find in interesting and depending on your furniture setup, useful.

It’s considered to be an entry-level product, but it’s proven to be useful thanks to its internal spring construction, and stability.

The most impressive feature (and its strongest point) is the fact that it can hold microphones that weigh up to 5 pounds.

If you want to have a decent boom arm for heavier microphones without busting a bank, you should definitely look into this one.

However, it might be a bit of a downside that you have to attach the cable via velcro strips. On the up-side, it includes 5/8 to 3/8-inch thread adapter

#8 K&M 23860 Best Professional Microphone Arm

While significantly more expensive than the other stands on this list, the K&M 23860 is a fully professional microphone arm and represents the highest quality entry in this list.

It might not be a famous brand, but it’s certainly a high-end piece and some of the biggest YouTubers have been using it for some time.

It’s an all-tube steel stand with an XLR cable integrated into the construction.

The reach is pretty impressive, up to 37 inches, and it easily holds up microphones of up to 3.2 pounds with perfect stability. It might get a bit pricy, well over $200, but it’s most definitely worth every penny if you want to go pro.

#9 ON-STAGE MBS5000 microphone arm

The on-stage MBS5000 is our go to mic boom for podcasts and broadcasting.

From the products we tried, it was the best budget boom arm in terms of durability and build quality.

With two springs, it allows to fix mics and other devices (such as tablets) of up to 3.5lbs.

A common setup with this model is to buy a couple of them and have a tablet in one arm and a mic in the other.

It comes with a 10′ XLR cable, so if your mic setup is UBS, beware that you will have to have some interface or digital converter to plug into your laptop.

In terms of installation, the on-starage MBS500 comes with two options:

  • A C-Style clamp for surfaces up to 2″ thick
  • A flange mount for permanent fixtures

It’s a pretty durable boom arm with square tubing, and in our opinion, well-worth the 50 bucks it costs.

Final Thoughts on Microphone Arms

Microphone stands are a relatively cheap piece of gear that can be a great addition for podcast production, or any kind of voice-over work.

In our experience, the cheap mic boom arms tend to break easily, and we thus recommend going over the 100$ mark.

However, this is up to you. If you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes in the podcasting world, the entry level options such as the Newer N35 are still a great option.

As always, we welcome your feedback in the comment section.