The Best Boom Arms
Whether you're a musician, podcaster, video creator, or gamer, you'll want a good microphone. But you'll also need a way to hold that microphone in place. A boom arm is the ideal way to position your mic in just about any orientation you need. So if you speak or sing, your voice deserves to be heard. Below, we've rounded up the best microphone boom arms on the market.
What to Look For
To bring you this list of the best boom arms, we looked at three key aspects: size, installation, and quality of motion. So, for example, if you want a large boom arm for your desk, Samson’s extra-long desk arm is the way to go. It’s easy to install and offers more length than most other models. On the other hand, if you prioritize a sleek arm with the smoothest motion, Ixtech wins out. Their design almost makes the microphone feel like it’s gliding on air. Now, there’s a lot more to tell, so read on to learn more about these fantastic mic arms.
InnoGear Microphone Boom Arm
Easy to use, easy to afford
This is one of the top boom arms on the market for a reason. It holds up to three pounds steadily without wobbling. It has a fluid action thanks to the dual-spring system. And it’s compatible with a vast range of microphone models, including the Blue Yeti, Quadcast, and many more. For such an incredibly low price, this boom arm is tough to pass up.
Pros:
- This can also connect to many tripod-mountable webcams. You might need an adapter, but those are easy to find and inexpensive.
- This has an extensive range of motion thanks to the three different hinges. It’s easy to finely adjust the positioning as well.
Cons:
- Sound from bumps can travel down the arm, so you may want to combine this with a shock-absorbing microphone holder.
Amazon Basics Adjustable Boom Microphone Stand with Tripod Base
Sometimes, you just need a little extra reach for your microphone. This extending boom arm has you covered with its adjustable length that can reach up to three feet away and seven feet tall. It’s great for singing at the piano or recording a scene with a boom mic.
Pros:
- This can handle a decent amount of weight without tipping over. And if you use an extra-heavy mic, you can always add more counterweight to the boom end.
- This folds up neatly for travel, making it an excellent stand for performers.
Cons:
- We wish this came with a mic clip, but those are at least inexpensive and easy to find.
Aokeo AK-35 Suspension Boom Arm for Microphone
This is one of the stronger boom arms on the market. With a maximum capacity of about four pounds, it easily handles most consumer and professional microphones. It’s perfect for a desk studio setup and clamps to most desks in minutes. And while it doesn’t include a grommet mount for a permanent solution, it can be easily fitted to a third-party arm mount. At such an affordable price, this is an especially attractive mic arm if you’re on a budget.
Pros:
- The springs are durable and retain their tension after years of use.
- This boom arm also works well for webcams, as the angle adjustments can be manipulated in all three dimensions.
Cons:
- The springs can get a bit squeaky after a while, so some lubricant may be needed down the road.
Ixtech Adjustable Rotatable Microphone Boom Arm
The smooth operator
We want our boom arms to move with as little effort as possible. This one has a buttery-smooth action that’s a delight to use. When you’re ready for gaming or streaming, simply glide the microphone back to your ideal position. Another great feature about this boom arm is that it comes with two mounting options: the standard clamp design and a screw-in grommet. The grommet has a cleaner look but requires drilling and is more permanent. The clamp is super-easy to install, just taking a few minutes. No matter how you mount it, this will perform like a champ.
Pros:
- With the springs hidden, this arm is noticeably quieter than most boom arms, and it also has a sleeker, cleaner look.
- This arm folds up neat and compact and can fit into carry-on luggage, making it a great option for travel.
Cons:
- It might take a few tries to get the cable ties positioned just right, depending on your mic cable.
Samson 48-inch Microphone Boom Arm
Bigger studios generally require bigger gear. For an extra-long boom arm, Samson has your back. At four feet fully extended, this arm makes it easier to reach further for a more comfortable recording session. Or perhaps you have a larger desk. However it’s used, it glides freely and stays put when extended.
Pros:
- The hidden springs dampen the noise from moving the arm around.
- This option pairs well with a directional shotgun microphone since it can be positioned from a higher angle to keep it out of the shot.
Cons:
- It does take up a bit more room than smaller arms when folded up, but it’s still easy enough to position out of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of microphone is a boom mic?
A boom mic is technically any microphone attached to a boom arm. However, generally, shotgun mics are used for shooting videos. Meanwhile, you might use a cardioid condenser microphone for gaming and streaming.
What is a shotgun mic?
A shotgun microphone picks up sound from a narrow band. Wherever the mic points, it picks up sound from that source. This is great for capturing voices or instruments without other noises bleeding through.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.