A flimsy microphone stand ruined my first podcast recording. The mic kept sliding down mid-conversation, forcing me to awkwardly reach forward and adjust it every few minutes. After testing dozens of stands over three years of content creation, I learned that stability matters more than anything.
The best microphone desk stand is the InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand for budget buyers needing a reliable weighted base with included thread adapters, while the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP is the best premium choice for podcasters and streamers wanting professional cable management and ultra-smooth adjustment.
In this guide, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the top desk stands and boom arms on the market. I’ve tested each with popular microphones like the Blue Yeti, Shure SM7B, and various USB mics to check real-world performance.
Our Top 3 Microphone Stand Picks
InnoGear Desktop Stand
- Weighted base
- Thread adapters included
- Height adjustable
- 5/8 to 3/8 adapter
Microphone Desk Stand Comparison Table
Compare all eight stands at a glance with key specifications and best-use cases.
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Detailed Microphone Desk Stand Reviews
1. InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand – Best Budget Desktop Stand
InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand, Upgraded…
Type: Weighted Desktop Base
Thread: 5/8 inch to 3/8 inch
Adjustment: Height telescoping
Best For: USB mics and podcasting
The InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand earned my top budget pick after surviving daily use in my home studio for six months. The weighted base prevents tipping even with heavier microphones like the Blue Yeti.
What sets this stand apart is the included 5/8 to 3/8 inch thread adapter. Most budget stands force you to buy adapters separately, but InnoGear includes both sizes right in the box. This means it works out of the box with Blue microphones, Audio-Technica AT2020, and most other popular mics.
The telescoping height adjustment uses a simple twist clutch. I found it secure enough to hold position, though the plastic components feel less premium than metal alternatives. After testing with a 1.2 pound Blue Yeti, the stand held firm without drooping.
At this price point, you’re getting reliability without frills. There’s no boom arm, no cable management, and no fancy features. But for a simple desktop stand that just works, the InnoGear delivers consistent performance.
Who Should Buy?
Podcasters on a budget, USB microphone users, and anyone needing a basic stand that won’t tip over. Perfect for Blue Yeti, Snowball, and similar medium-weight mics.
Who Should Avoid?
Content creators needing precise positioning, users wanting boom arm functionality, or those with microphones over 2 pounds.
2. On-Stage DS7200B – Best Weighted Base Design
On-Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desktop Mic…
Type: Round Weighted Base
Thread: 5/8-27
Base: 6 inch diameter
Best For: Studio and broadcast use
The On-Stage DS7200B brings professional studio construction to desktop use. The die-cast weighted base delivers exceptional stability that budget stands simply can’t match.
I tested this stand with a Shure SM7B weighing 1.7 pounds. The base held rock solid with zero wobble. The 6-inch diameter footprint provides enough surface area to prevent tipping even when fully extended.
The 5/8-27 threading follows industry standards. This means professional microphones attach directly without adapters. Broadcast and studio users will appreciate the familiar threading that matches their existing equipment.
Build quality feels noticeably premium compared to budget options. The black powder coat finish resists scratches, and all metal construction ensures longevity. After a year of regular use, my review unit shows no signs of wear.
Who Should Buy?
Studio owners, broadcast professionals, and users needing maximum stability with professional microphones.
Who Should Avoid?
Users seeking boom arm functionality or those wanting ultra-compact footprint for small desks.
3. FIFINE Desktop Microphone Stand – Best Heavy-Duty Build
FIFINE Desktop Microphone Stand, Heavy-Duty…
Type: Weighted Desktop
Thread: 5/8 to 3/8 adapter
Pads: 4 Non-slip feet
Best For: Heavy microphones
FIFINE built this desktop stand with durability in mind. The heavy-duty metal construction immediately sets it apart from plastic-heavy budget alternatives.
The four non-slip pads on the base deserve special mention. Unlike basic stands that slide around on smooth desks, these rubber feet grip surfaces securely. I tested on various desk materials including laminate, wood, and glass-finished surfaces.
The included 5/8 to 3/8 inch adapter feels more substantial than what typically comes with budget stands. Metal threading ensures secure attachment without stripping over time. This matters when you’re frequently swapping microphones for different recording scenarios.
FIFINE positions this as part of their BS1 series for recording and streaming. The design philosophy emphasizes reliability over features. There’s no boom arm, but the base delivers exceptional stability for any microphone under 2.5 pounds.
Who Should Buy?
Users with heavier microphones, content creators wanting rock-solid stability, and those frustrated by sliding stands on smooth desks.
Who Should Avoid?
Users needing extended reach or precise positioning flexibility that a boom arm provides.
4. Samson MD5 Desktop Microphone Stand – Best Compact Desktop Stand
Samson B-Stock MD5 Desktop Microphone Stand
Type: Compact Desktop
Base: Die-cast weighted
Thread: 5/8 inch
Best For: Small desk spaces
The Samson MD5 excels in situations where desk space is at a premium. The compact base design occupies minimal surface area while maintaining stability through strategic weight distribution.
I found this stand ideal for secondary recording spaces. Whether it’s a guest microphone on a podcast panel or a backup rig for travel, the MD5 delivers reliable performance without the bulk of full-sized stands.
The die-cast base provides surprising stability given its small size. Samson engineered the weight distribution carefully. The center of gravity sits low to the surface, preventing tipping even with off-center microphone placement.
Build quality reflects Samson’s decades of audio equipment experience. While not as premium as their high-end studio gear, the MD5 exceeds expectations for a desktop stand in this price range.
Who Should Buy?
Users with limited desk space, content creators needing multiple stands, and those setting up guest microphones.
Who Should Avoid?
Users with heavy microphones over 1.5 pounds or those needing extensive height adjustment range.
5. InnoGear Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand with Boom Arm – Best Boom Arm Value
InnoGear Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand,…
Type: Boom Arm Stand
Threads: 3/8 and 5/8 inch
Arm: Adjustable boom
Best For: Blue Yeti and Snowball
InnoGear’s boom arm stand bridges the gap between basic desktop stands and full professional boom arms. The integrated boom arm adds positioning flexibility that fixed-height stands can’t match.
The soft grip twist clutch deserves praise. Unlike cheaper stands with slippery plastic knobs, this clutch provides secure locking that stays in position. I tested with various microphone weights and found the clutch held firm without gradual slippage.
Both 3/8 and 5/8 inch threaded mounts are included. This dual compatibility makes the stand unusually versatile. Whether you’re mounting a Blue Yeti with its odd threading or a standard microphone, you’re covered without buying extra adapters.
The boom arm extends and retracts to suit different desk configurations. I found it particularly useful for getting the microphone exactly where needed without moving the entire base. This matters when you’ve dialed in your perfect desk setup.
Who Should Buy?
Blue microphone owners, users wanting boom arm flexibility without premium pricing, and content creators needing precise positioning.
Who Should Avoid?
Users with microphones over 2 pounds or those needing professional-grade boom arm durability.
6. Samson MBA28 Microphone Boom Arm – Best Budget Boom Arm
Samson MBA28 Microphone Boom Arm, 28"
Type: 28 inch Boom Arm
Mount: Desk clamp
Thread: 5/8 inch
Best For: Home studios
Samson’s MBA28 brings genuine boom arm functionality at an accessible price point. The 28-inch reach provides plenty of positioning options for desktop recording setups.
The desk clamp mechanism works reliably on desks up to 2 inches thick. I tested on various desk materials and found the clamp secure without marking surfaces. The rubber padding protects your desk while providing grip.
Adjustment smoothness impressed me during testing. The arm moves freely when loosened but locks securely when tightened. This balance of flexibility and stability is exactly what you want in a boom arm for daily use.
Samson’s long history in audio equipment shows in the design. While not as feature-rich as premium boom arms, the MBA28 covers the essentials well. Standard 5/8 inch threading accommodates most microphones directly.
Who Should Buy?
Home recordists upgrading from basic stands, podcasters needing boom positioning, and users with standard desk thickness.
Who Should Avoid?
Users with very thick desks over 2 inches, those needing flush mounting, or users with heavy microphones like the SM7B.
7. Aokeo AK-55 Desk Low Profile Mic Boom Arm – Best Low Profile Design
Microphone Arm,Aokeo AK-55 Desk Low Profile…
Type: Low Profile Boom Arm
Mount: Desk clamp compatible
Thread: 5/8 inch mount
Best For: Small desks
The Aokeo AK-55 addresses a specific problem: small desks where traditional boom arms feel too bulky. The low-profile design keeps your microphone accessible without dominating your workspace.
Compatibility with popular microphones makes this stand appealing. Aokeo specifically mentions Blue Yeti, Snowball, HyperX QuadCast, and Elgato Wave mics. I tested with a Blue Yeti and found the arm handled the 1.2 pound weight without issues.
The desk clamp mounting system works on most standard desks. Installation takes about five minutes. The clamp tightens securely and hasn’t shown any tendency to loosen during daily use.
This boom arm shines in compact setups. If you’re working with a shallow desk or need to maximize available surface area, the low-profile design makes a noticeable difference compared to bulkier alternatives.
Who Should Buy?
Users with small desks, streamers with limited surface area, and anyone wanting a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Who Should Avoid?
Users needing extended boom reach or those requiring professional-grade cable management solutions.
8. Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP – Best Premium Boom Arm
Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Premium Low…
Type: Premium Boom Arm
Cable Management: Integrated channels
Reach: 30 inches
Best For: Professional streaming
Elgato’s Wave Mic Arm LP represents the premium end of desktop microphone stands. The integrated cable management channels alone justify the investment for serious streamers and podcasters.
Cable clutter ruins the professional aesthetic of streaming setups. Elgato solves this with built-in channels that route your XLR or USB cable neatly through the arm. The result is a clean appearance that looks fantastic on camera.
The low-profile design keeps your microphone accessible without blocking your view. I found this particularly valuable for gaming streams where screen visibility matters. The arm tucks neatly to the side when not in active use.
Build quality feels exceptional throughout. Precision joints move smoothly without squeaks or wobble. The powder-coated finish resists fingerprints and maintains appearance through daily use. This is equipment designed for professional environments.
The desk clamp accommodates thicker desks than budget alternatives. Elgato includes proper mounting hardware and clear instructions. Installation takes about 10 minutes, and the result feels permanently secure.
Who Should Buy?
Professional streamers, serious podcasters, and users valuing aesthetics and cable management in their setup.
Who Should Avoid?
Budget-conscious users, casual podcasters, or anyone not needing premium features and cable management.
Understanding Microphone Desk Stands
A microphone desk stand is a mounting device designed to hold your microphone securely on a desk or table, providing stable positioning for recording, streaming, podcasting, or voiceover work while seated.
Quality desk stands improve audio quality by reducing vibrations and handling noise that travels through cheap stands. They also enable proper microphone positioning technique, which makes a significant difference in sound quality.
According to a 2024 survey by The Podcast Host, 36% of podcasters use boom arms for their microphones. This trend toward proper mounting reflects growing awareness of how equipment positioning affects audio quality.
Desk stands come in several varieties: weighted desktop bases, tripod designs, clamp-mounted boom arms, and scissor arms. Each type serves different needs and workspace constraints.
Boom Arm: A horizontally extending arm mounted to a desk edge or surface, allowing flexible positioning of the microphone while freeing up desk space.
Choosing the right stand involves considering your microphone weight, desk type and thickness, available space, and how often you adjust positioning during recording sessions.
How to Choose the Right Microphone Desk Stand?
Selecting the perfect microphone desk stand requires matching your specific needs to the right features. I’ve tested dozens of combinations and learned that matching matters more than buying the most expensive option.
Solving for Stability: Look for Weight Capacity
Stability is the foundation of a good microphone stand. A stand that droops or tips renders even the best microphone useless. Weight capacity ratings deserve your attention.
Popular microphone weights include: Blue Yeti at 1.2 pounds, Shure SM7B at 1.7 pounds, Samson Q2U at 0.7 pounds, and Rode Podcaster at 1.43 pounds. Always choose a stand rated for at least double your microphone’s weight.
I learned this lesson the hard way when a budget stand couldn’t handle my Blue Yeti. The microphone gradually drooped during recordings, forcing me to stop and readjust constantly. Upgrading to a properly rated stand solved the problem immediately.
Solving for Positioning: Consider Stand Type
How you position your microphone determines which stand type works best. Desktop weighted bases offer simplicity and stability. Boom arms provide flexibility and save desk space.
For podcasters who sit in one position, a weighted base works perfectly. Streamers who move around benefit from boom arms that keep the microphone accessible while leaving desk space free for keyboard and mouse movement.
Scissor arms offer the most precise positioning but typically cost more. They’re ideal for voiceover work requiring consistent microphone placement across multiple recording sessions.
Solving for Compatibility: Check Thread Sizes
Microphone threading causes more compatibility issues than any other factor. The industry standard is 5/8 inch threading, but some microphones use metric 3/8 inch threading.
Blue microphones like the Yeti and Snowball use proprietary threading that often requires adapters. Look for stands that include both 5/8 and 3/8 inch adapters to ensure compatibility with whatever microphone you own now or might buy in the future.
Solving for Desk Setup: Verify Mounting Options
Your desk type determines which mounting options work. Clamp-mounted boom arms require desk edges with enough overhang for the clamp mechanism. Flush mounts work when you can drill into your desk surface.
Desk thickness matters too. Most clamps work up to 2 inches thick. Thicker desks may require specialized mounting solutions or weighted desktop stands as an alternative.
| Desk Type | Best Mounting Option | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Standard wood/composite under 2 inch | Desk clamp boom arm | Nothing – works well |
| Thick desk over 2 inches | Weighted desktop stand | Standard clamps |
| Glass desk surface | Weighted desktop stand | All clamp types |
| Small/shallow desk | Low profile boom arm | Large footprint bases |
Frequently Asked Questions
What mic stand does Joe Rogan use?
Joe Rogan uses a professional-grade scissor boom arm, typically the Heil Sound PL-2T or similar broadcast-style boom arm mounted to his studio desk. These premium boom arms support heavier microphones like the Shure SM7B that Rogan uses, providing smooth adjustment and rock-solid stability for long recording sessions.
Where should I place my mic on my desk?
Position your microphone 6-8 inches from your mouth, slightly off-center to reduce plosive sounds. The ideal height places the microphone slightly above your mouth level, angled downward. A boom arm helps achieve this positioning while keeping your desk surface clear for other equipment and maintaining proper posture during long recording sessions.
Are expensive mic stands worth it?
Premium microphone stands offer better build quality, smoother adjustment, and integrated cable management. Budget stands under $25 work fine for casual use, but serious content creators benefit from stands in the $50-100 range that provide better stability with heavier microphones and professional features that enhance workflow and appearance on camera.
What types of mic stand are there?
The main types include weighted desktop bases with round or rectangular footprints, tripod desktop stands with three folding legs, boom arms that clamp to desk edges, and scissor arms that offer X-shaped articulated positioning. Each type serves different needs, with boom arms being most popular for podcasting and streaming due to their space-saving design.
What should I look for when buying a mic stand?
Consider weight capacity for your microphone, thread size compatibility with your specific mic model, desk thickness and type for clamp mounting, build quality of joints and adjustment mechanisms, and whether cable management features matter for your setup. Also check if the stand includes necessary thread adapters for your microphone.
Can I use a boom arm with a heavy microphone like the Shure SM7B?
Yes, but you need a boom arm rated for at least 2 pounds of weight capacity. Budget boom arms may struggle with the SM7B at 1.7 pounds, especially when adding shock mounts and cables. Premium boom arms from Rode, Elgato, or professional audio brands handle heavy microphones reliably without sagging or drooping during use.
Final Recommendations
After testing eight different microphone desk stands across various recording scenarios, my recommendations come down to matching your specific needs to the right product. The InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand offers exceptional value for budget-conscious users, while the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP delivers premium features for serious streamers and podcasters.
I’ve personally used the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP for my streaming setup since 2026, and the cable management alone has transformed my desk appearance. The investment pays off in both functionality and aesthetics if you’re regularly on camera.
Choose based on your microphone weight, desk type, and how frequently you adjust positioning. The right stand makes a bigger difference in audio quality and workflow than most content creators realize.