What is the best microphone stand? Which stand should I buy to keep my microphone safe and secure? Now that you have your microphone and studio or live setup ready to go, you need a nice stand that will top it all off (unless you’re into holding your mic in the studio or on stage). Since there are a few different shapes, sizes and types of mic stands, we found a few more and listed their highlight features, specs, and why you should buy it to help provide some options.
Picking the best microphone stand
- Money – Although the best microphone stands aren’t expensive at all, the overall total of your microphone, stand, and other needed accessories may start to add up. We do recommend going with a higher-end model (like the Pyle-Pro) since it’s only a few bucks more than the super cheap stands out there, and it provides a lot better quality, will give you longevity, and keep your work flow going steady.
- Intended use – The two main differences in mic stand uses will be either recording in a studio or performing live (this assumes you travel with it as well). We give you our pick for each. Not so fast, however — there’s another great option for those who will be using their mics at their desks, which we list as well.
- Extra mic accessories? Pop filters, shock mounts, carrying cases and more. Which necessities do you also need to complete your setup? A lot of these only come with the mic stand, so keep that in mind. Some microphone packages already come with a stand a few other accessories, so if you still need a mic you may want to go that route to save some cash.
The best microphone stand
Pyle-Pro PMKS5
At number one, we feel the Pyle-Pro PMKS5 fits many microphone user’s needs (at least those looking for a traditional stand) and is also highly rated by many when it comes to the effectiveness of the build and features it provides. The PMKS5 holds a die-cast and steel construction, very nice sleek black finish, a decent light weight (not too light) at 8.8 lbs if you intend on traveling with it or need to move it around frequently, as well as an included mic holder (will definitely keep those condenser microphones sturdy).
In case you have multiple users, feel like sitting down at times or play multiple instruments, you also have a nifty height adjustment from 33.5″ to 60.24″. We love the Pyle-Pro PMKS5 because of its affordable price yet it isn’t too cheaply made as compared to some other low-budget mic boom stands out there. We feel that this is the best one to buy, especially if you’re in a studio (or perhaps perform live at times — otherwise, our next pick is the best for being on stage).
Samson MK-10
Here’s one of our top picks for the best microphone stand for performing live. Some other notable uses we’ve seen are karaoke, education, and house of worship. The style of the Samson MK-10 is a bit different from the previous model listed. The Pyle-Pro has a large, steel circular plate as the base (a bit harder to travel with), while this MK-10 model is a collapsible boom stand (makes it extremely easy to transport) down to 25″ (as seen in the photo).
The constructed design is also of steel and the nice black finish makes it aesthetically pleasing, regardless if it’s in your studio on the stage and it’s compatible with those popular dynamic microphones for those who perform. The package also comes with a mic clip for extra help. Also keep in mind that you won’t be forced to only perform live with it, and it’ll be more than feasible to use in your studio as well.
Neewer Suspension Scissor Arm Stand
Here’s an amazing solution for those who weren’t into the traditional tall microphone stand. If you’re planning on merely sitting at your desk and need to keep that microphone positioned well on your tabletop, here’s a great solution. The Neewer Scissor Arm Stand clamps (it comes with the clamp) to your desk wherever you’d like, has a max diameter of 32 mm, and has an adjustable scissor arm to help your custom needs (also makes it easy to travel with if you want).
This is one of the best microphone stands if your use doesn’t involve standing and you need some added convenience to your setup. It’s ideal for podcasting, vlogging, gaming, broadcasting video and phone chats and more (really anything you’ll foresee yourself doing while sitting down). You can also check out their Neewer NW-35 (a bit more expensive but it comes with a built-in XLR cable as well as shock mount).
On Stage Stands MS7701B
This a similar design to the previously listed MK-10 model, and it’s especially great for those who prefer the tripod bottoms that collapse. With the On Stage MS7701B, you have a boom length of 30″, height adjustment of 32″ to 62″, and a base spread of 24″. The midpoint crutch is steel and can lock to make sure it doesn’t fall on you during your recordings and performances. It provides us the essentials of the best mic stand: a solid build, some adjustable height, and folding mechanisms to help with travel or storage.
When it comes to this model vs. the previous Samson mic stand, we’d say grab whichever is cheaper at the moment. This is just another option for a traditional mic stand in case you weren’t feeling the previously listed models.
Hamilton Nu-Era KB810M
Up last, the Hamilton Nu-Era KB810M is another convenient solution for a desk top if that’s what you’re looking for in a microphone stand. Here’s one of the lightest (and cheapest) microphone stands worth taking a look at. The smaller and lighter size may actually be what you’re exactly looking for. You have an adjustment of 10″ to 16″, a weight of 10 ounces, and it also comes with a nice package: mic clip, mic pouch as well as bag are included.
If this thing is compatible with your microphone is really a question for you to consider — we’ve heard a lot of the popular condenser microphones not working with this since they’re too heavy (rightfully so, it only weighs 10 ounces), so keep in mind what mic you have (or mic you will be buying) and if they will be compatible with each other. If your microphone is going to be too heavy, we still recommend grabbing one of the other stands we listed, otherwise this may be the perfect solution for you if it’s suitable for what you have.