The 10 Best Microphone Boom Arms (2023)
When positioning your microphone, a microphone boom arm can be extremely helpful. Boom arms are a super convenient way of setting up mics. This nifty accessory allows you to set your mic easily and move it away wheneer you don’t need it.
Even if you have the perfect mic for yourself, if you have to position yourself constantly to get the right sound, you won’t have a great time recording. This is why all those who are serious about audio production should consider getting mic booms.
My top recommended mic boom arm is the Rode PSA1. An overall great boom arm from one of the top microphone brands.
My second recommended mic boom arm is the InnoGear Microphone Arm, a convenient and user-friendly boom arm for everyone who’s on a budget.
Contents
- The Best Microphone Boom Arms (2023) – At A Glance
- 1. Rode PSA1
- 2. InnoGear Microphone Arm
- 3. Gator Frameworks Professional
- 4. Neewer Microphone Arm
- 5. TONOR Adjustable Suspension Boom
- 6. Aokeo AK-35 Microphone Arm
- 7. Blue Microphones Compass Premium
- 8. Eastshining Microphone Arm
- 9. Samson MBA
- 10. QuadCast Boom Arm
- What is a Microphone Boom Arm and is it worth it?
- Do you need a Shock Mount as well?
- Are all Microphone Boom Arms universal?
- What to look for in a Microphone Boom Arm when buying?
- Verdict
The Best Microphone Boom Arms (2023) – At A Glance
And now onto the full list:
1. Rode PSA1
Rode is a top microphone manufacturer in the world, so it isn’t surprising to see that they also produce high-quality mic accessories. In this case, it’s the PSA 1 boom arm. The Rode PSA 1 is a studio boom arm that’s a great option for podcasts, radio, broadcasts, or any other use in the studio or at home.
Pros
- Smooth and easy motion
- Has a decent, sturdy build
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Slight metallic squeaking
- Isn’t great for lighter mics
- Not the most durable
The arm is super convenient to use with a 360-degree rotation. It also has a vertical reach of 33 inches and a horizontal reach of 32.5 inches. You can move it around however you want without putting in any effort.
You can install it using either the desk clamp or desk insert attachment. It’s easy to do so both ways. The boom arm can handle a mic weight of up to 2.4 lbs, which means it’s good for most mics on the market. Additionally, it comes with hook-and-loop wraps for tucking your cables in.
| Dimensions | 20.9 x 8.4 x 3.2 inches |
| Maximum load | 2.4 lbs |
| Boom reach | 32.5” horizontal 33” vertical |
| Size compatibility | Universal |
| Cable management | Yes |
The Rode PSA 1 is a very helpful tool for podcasters or streamers to add comfort to their setup. On top of it, the boom arm also has support for a shock mount to add clarity to your mic audio.
2. InnoGear Microphone Arm
The InnoGear mic arm is specifically made for personal use at home. This InnoGear boom arm is perfect for amateur podcasters and streamers. One of the reasons is that it’s extremely affordable, no matter what your budget is.
Pros
- Provides a lot of flexibility
- Can handle a decent weight
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not durable
- Mic clamp is a bit loose
- Better options available for pro use
It has incredible flexibility, along with being compatible with a plethora of microphones on the market. You can choose any position you’re comfortable with. The arms go 135 degrees back and forth and can move 180 degrees up and down.
The 5/8″-27 male to 3/8″-16 female screw adapters allow you to fit a range of mics from Blue Yeti to Shure SM7B. It can hold up to 3.3 lbs comfortably. With some spring adjustments, you can increase its weight capacity.
| Dimensions | 15 x 1.5 x 4 inches |
| Maximum load | 3.3 lbs (can be increased) |
| Boom reach | 27.6 inches |
| Size compatibility | Medium |
| Cable management | No |
Along with all this, the arm itself sits nicely and tightly on your table with the table mounting clamp. And if you’re going on the road, you can carry it easily as the arms fold.
If you’re a serious broadcaster who works a lot in a studio, then this Gator Framework Professional microphone boom arm is one of the best out there. It might be a bit more pricey than others but it is worth it.
Pros
- Wide range of motion
- Very durable
- Is quite stable with good load capacity
Cons
- Pricey compared to other options
- Have to turn knobs to adjust settings
- XLR cable is poor quality
The Gator Frameworks Professional is a well-made arm that defines convenience and sturdiness. It offers 360-degree rotation with multiple knobs in different places for custom settings. And it does so with little to no noise.
The arm mounts very comfortably on surfaces 55 mm thick, while the body handles mics up to 4.4 pounds heavy. With a maximum extension of 32.25 inches, you can be at some distance and still move it around.
| Dimensions | 44 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Maximum load | 4.4 lbs |
| Boom reach | 32.25” |
| Size compatibility | Universal |
| Cable management | Yes |
There is a built-in LED indicator ring that tells you when you’re on the air. This is a nifty little addition that adds to its aesthetics. The arm also comes with an extension adapter and mic threads for further customization.
4. Neewer Microphone Arm
The Neewer microphone boom stand is another budget-friendly product that works great in a home studio setup. That’s because it offers a little bit of everything, including a durable, steel body.
Pros
- The build is quite nice
- Fairly affordable option
- Rubber padding for surface-protection
Cons
- No USB compatibility
- The rubber base is weak
As a mountable boom arm, it offers a wide range of motion with a decent reach. It can easily fit on desks up to 2” thick while keeping them scratch-free, thanks to the rubber padding. Just make sure the surface is flat.
It also comes with 5 cable straps for better cable organizing. This is a great addition as cables do get in the way most of the time, so keeping them neat and tucked helps out a lot.
| Dimensions | 16.3 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches |
| Maximum load | 3.3 lbs |
| Boom reach | 28” |
| Size compatibility | Medium |
| Cable management | Yes |
The boom arm has a max load capacity of 3.3 lbs with a 1.26” mic clip diameter. So, it should fit most of the common mics without any difficulty. All in all, it’s a neat boom arm for your personal setup and should last you a long time.
5. TONOR Adjustable Suspension Boom
TONOR has built a reputation for making high-quality, yet cost-effective audio products. And this adjustable microphone suspension boom arm is exactly that. It’s a budget-friendly boom arm with solid construction.
Pros
- All-steel body
- A wide base gives it sturdiness
- Comes with a pop filter and mic foam
Cons
- Not suitable for curved desktops
- Has compatibility issues with adapters
Despite the modest price, the TONOR Adjustable Suspension Boom has a lot of cool features that make it a worthwhile purchase. Starting with the build, it’s made of solid steel, making it very durable and sturdy.
With a reach of 27.6”, and a rotational angle of 360 degrees, you should be comfortable with it. Additionally, it also comes with cable management, so you’ll have a hassle-free broadcasting experience.
| Dimensions | 15.98 x 7.44 x 3.9 inches |
| Maximum load | 4 lbs |
| Boom reach | 27.6” |
| Size compatibility | Universal |
| Cable management | Yes |
The things that make this boom arm the most studio-friendly are the foam cover for your mic and a pop filter. There is no shock mount on this but you can always install one.
Almost all boom arms on this list accommodate the Blue Snowball, Blue Yeti, and HyperX Quadcast comfortably. The Aokeo AK-35 can be used with most other mics as well. That’s because of the 3/8″ microphone threaded mount and a 5/8″ thread adapter.
Pros
- Fits most mics and shock mounts
- Affordable option
- Steel body
Cons
- Arm is small
- The clamp and knobs are fragile
With the Aokeo AK-35 Microphone Arm, just detach the mic clip and use the threaded screw adapter and you’re good to go. It is adaptable to most shock mounts as well, so won’t face any problems there either.
The build on this thing is quite sturdy. A steel body gives it durability while super spring support gives it a wide range of motion. You can fix it to any angle you please. For the arm’s price, it’s a nice deal.
| Dimensions | 16 x 4 x 2 inches |
| Maximum load | 4.4 lbs |
| Boom reach | 28” |
| Size compatibility | Universal |
| Cable management | Yes |
For the given price, the Aokeo AK-35 Microphone Arm is a great investment. Along with a nice construction, this is well worth the consideration.
7. Blue Microphones Compass Premium
If you own a Blue Yeti, then this is the dream boom arm for you. It’s a sleek-looking product that goes well in any setup, whether at home or in the studio. Although, fret not. It works equally well with other mics as well. That’s thanks to the 3/8” thread adapter.
Pros
- Elegant design
- Cable management and springs are enclosed
- Easy to use
Cons
- The maximum load capacity is only 2.4 lbs
- Tightening the screws can be a hassle
- A bit pricey
The best thing about the Blue Compass Premium is that the cables and springs are all enclosed in a metal tub. So, you don’t have to put any effort into it. Also, you barely hear any squeaking of the apparatus, preventing any noise pick-up.
On the downside, it is a bit more pricey than most boom arms, and tightening the screws on this thing can be a bit tedious. But, probably the only major factor is the load capacity which is only 2.4 lbs.
| Dimensions | 43.9 x 2 x 2.5 inches |
| Maximum load | 2.4 lbs |
| Boom reach | 32” |
| Size compatibility | Universal |
| Cable management | Yes (internal) |
It’s a great tool when you’re streaming. The C-clamp fixes on a desk very nicely and the 360-degree rotation makes it easy to use at any angle.
8. Eastshining Microphone Arm
This Eastshining microphone arm is a great pick for those broadcasters who are looking for a pragmatic arm without spending too much. The simple and affordable design makes for a very good boom arm.
Pros
- Gets the jobs done very well
- Comes with a mic stabilizer
- Tight springs for stability
Cons
- Size is small
- Produces creeks on movement
- Has a lightweight build
The boom arm is made of fairly sturdy zinc alloy with a very tight spring support system. Because of this, the arm can handle mics up to 4.4 lbs heavy. The springs also prevent the mic from shaking, giving it a nice sturdiness. Another thing adding to the stability of this arm is the mic stabilizer, which can be adjusted to the mic’s diameter.
There is also an added mic clip that fits all mics in the market up to 1.77” thick. The base clamp isn’t the widest but it sits well on desktops 2.15” thick. So, if you switch mics or go from home to the studio often, this boom arm is a nice choice.
| Dimensions | 5 x 12 x 18 inches |
| Maximum load | 4.4 lbs |
| Boom reach | 27.6” |
| Size compatibility | Medium |
| Cable management | Yes |
Overall, the Eastshining Microphone Arm offers a great value-for-price ratio and makes for a simple yet effective microphone boom arm.
9. Samson MBA
The Samson MBA28 is a simple but heavy-duty boom arm that’s built for durability and stability. And it’s very clear from the fact that the body is made of iron with plastic knobs. A simple yet quality arm to consider.
Pros
- Built for heavy microphones
- C-clamp provides a sturdy base support
- Internal springs prevent squeaking
Cons
- No 3/8” threading
- No cable management
- The connecting stem doesn’t tighten enough
The stand is very easy to install. All you have to do is screw the standard C-clamp mount on a flat desktop and it should keep sturdy. With a maximum extension of 28”, it offers a decent reach, while smooth bearings and internal springs prevent any noise.
One thing that sets it apart is its load capacity. It easily fits mics weighing 5 lbs, giving you a lot of mic options to choose from.
| Dimensions | 17.52 x 7.09 x 1.57 inches |
| Maximum load | 5 lbs |
| Boom reach | 28” |
| Size compatibility | Medium |
| Cable management | No |
The one area where this arm falls short is a lack of a 3/8” thread adapter. It only offers 5/8” – 27 threading. So, make sure it fits your mic.
The Quadcast boom scissor arm is another bang-for-buck option for YouTube and Twitch streamers who work from their home studio. Despite its modest price tag, it has a lot of qualities that make this boom arm worth a shot.
Pros
- Wide range of motion
- Quite inexpensive
- Dual spring support on both arms
Cons
- No cable management
- Not ideal for pro studios
- Build is flimsy
It gives you a wide range of motion from 360-degree rotation to 180-degree flexibility for both boom arms and the mic clip. The knob-adjustment system makes it easy to move different parts of the arm without much effort.
Additionally, the arm can handle up to 3 lbs. It also has a 3/8″ to 5/8″ screw adapter. Thus, fitting with most microphones out there. You won’t have to worry too much about stability as the dual suspension springs on both arms keeps the mic in place.
| Dimensions | 16.22 x 4.61 x 1.81 inches |
| Maximum load | 3 lbs |
| Boom reach | 27.6” |
| Size compatibility | Universal |
| Cable management | No |
All in all, it’s a nice mic stand for the money you’re spending. It has a decent reach with a moderate load capacity but is very well worth it for the price.
What is a Microphone Boom Arm and is it worth it?
A boom arm is basically a flexible stand for microphones. It allows the mic to move back and forth, and up and down freely, without the user having to put too much effort.
Most boom arms are fairly cheap, so they’re often a worthwhile investment as they give you a lot of conveniences when you’re streaming. They’re also effortless to install on a desktop, so there’s no additional setup cost.
Do you need a Shock Mount as well?
The purpose of a shock mount is to prevent the mic from vibrating, thus reducing noise. On a poorly-built microphone stand, there can be a lot of noise due to instability. In such cases, it’s a good idea to have a shock mount as well.
Are all Microphone Boom Arms universal?
The universal nature of the boom arm depends on its width compatibility, its maximum load capacity, and screw adapters. Some microphones are definitely suitable for all mics on the market. However, others might not be. Before you buy a boom arm, make sure to check your mic specifications as well as that of the boom arms. That way, you won’t end up disappointed.
What to look for in a Microphone Boom Arm when buying?
An ideal boom arm needs to have great mobility, solid stability, be adaptable to different mics, and have a sturdy base. It also should be built of good material like a high-quality steel frame and should be able to bear good weight. So, watch out for these things.
A few more things to look out for is cable management. It might seem like a small deal, but messy cable wires get annoying really quickly. It is always nice to have a good reach too.
Verdict
With the streaming and podcasting community growing rapidly, there’s a huge market for mics and boom arms. Boom arms are great accessories for the modern podcaster, streamer, gamer, and so forth.
My top boom arm pick is the Rode PSA1. This is an overall great boom arm from one of the top microphone brands that offers optimal quality.
My budget boom arm pick is the InnoGear Microphone Arm. This is a convenient and user-friendly boom arm that sports a very affordable price tag.
