Boom arms are an essential but often overlooked asset to a podcasting setup. Who wants to hold a microphone for the duration of an interview? It will leave everyone involved both tired and uncomfortable. On top of this, not having a boom arm may seriously compromise audio quality.
Unfortunately, there are very few definitive buying guides for budget arms. In this article we have put in the time and research on all things boom arms, so you don’t have to. We understand that not everybody can spend massive amounts on every piece of equipment, and so this buying guide will focus on the best boom arms Amazon has to offer, for under $50.
For the sake of transparency, and our wallet, it is important to note that these top picks are based on research as opposed to hands-on experience. Rest easy, however, as our selections are informed by the kind reviewers of Amazon, as well as brands we know you can trust.
Each boom arm will be judged in 3 main categories: Design, unique features, and the all-important price point. For the sake of fairness, we will be judging all our picks according to these 3 criteria, in the hope that this list will help you come to your own conclusion about which product is best for you.
If you’re in a rush, here are our winners at a glance. To learn more about each one and the full list of reasons we picked them, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Best Overall: TONOR Studio Suspension Scissor Boom Arm
Design
The TONOR Studio Boom Arm is our number 1 pick due to its absolutely solid construction for the price point. With a steel frame, a wider set scissor arm, and a huge desk clamp surface, this product will easily hold any microphone you attach to it and more. It has a reach of 94cm fully extended, meaning it can be planted at a distance from your set up, keeping your microphone well out of the way when not in use.
Unique Features
While the solid construction is the main reason this arm took our number 1 spot, it does also come with some handy accessories. One of the most useful of which is the TONOR brand cable ties. Especially with a product this big, an XLR cable hanging loose will become an immediate nuisance, by keeping your cables tight to the arm, you are better able to keep your setup looking clean and convenient. Along with the ties, it comes packaged with a windsock and pop filter. These serve as a cherry on top of what is already an incredible product.
Price Point
The TONOR Studio Boom Arm is one of the more expensive arms on this list but it still retails at a price point that’s significantly cheaper than the Rode PSA1. The sturdy build and additional accessories make this a steal for the price, and it’s clear to see how this product could elevate your podcasting setup.
Best budget: Aokeo AK-35 Microphone Stand
Design
Despite the low price point, the Aokeo AK-35 does not cut corners on design. The reach on this product is 70cm fully extended, which is plenty long enough to sit unobtrusively in a podcasting setup. The stand is a scissor arm design with a vice grip to mount to the side of a desk. If you are after a practical arm for a low price point, then you will have no complaints about this product.
Unique Features
With a budget arm such as this, it’s reliability and practicality is the biggest pull. The arm comes packaged with the standard 3/8” to 5/8” adapter, increasing functionality with a variety of microphones, which is a nice addition. Another unique feature for a budget product such as this is its lifetime warranty and 90-day return guarantee. Aokeo has gone the extra mile by including any form of warranty and return policy. If you are on the fence about the quality of this product, there is no reason you couldn’t buy and return if after a month it isn’t right for you.
Price Point
The Aokeo AK-35 Microphone Stand is our practical pick at a very low price point. From bootstrap podcast setups to those who are looking to dip their toes in without making a huge investment, this stand is the stand for you. Cheap, practical, and protected if unfit for purpose, the best budget boom arm is a wise choice for those undecided readers out there.
Runner up: Luling Arts Store Microphone Stand
Design
The not-quite budget, not quite best Luling Art Store Microphone Stand has all the practicality of the Aokeo AK-35 with the accessories of the TONOR Studio. The metal scissor arm reaches 70cm fully extended, however, one upgrade from the AK-35 is the inclusion of an adjustable load baring counterweight on the elbow. This is a nice inclusion as it allows for some customization making it versatile in different use cases.
Unique Features
The unique features are where this product shines. Along with 3 cable ties for cable management along the arm, the boom arm comes with a few great accessories that greatly increase its versatility. The 3/8” to 5/8” adapter is handy, but standard with most products on the market. The shock mount, however, is an excellent addition for any home podcasters. By mounting a microphone in the floating shock mount, you will lose a lot of mechanical transmission noises that are a nuisance to anyone recording in a domestic setting.
Price Point
The fact that this boom arm comes with multiple accessories for not much more money than the AK-35 is why it got our runner up position. A pop filter and shock mount combo will provide a marked improvement in audio clarity, and if you were to buy these attachments separately, they would run you much more than the extra you will be spending on top of the AK-35. This is the middle of the road pick for those who are looking for that all in one podcasting setup package.
Best of the rest
InnoGear Heavy Duty Microphone Stand
With a 70cm reach and an adjustable counterweight, the Innogear Heavy-Duty Microphone Stand is functionally identical to the Luling Art Store arm, except without some of the addons. This product ships with a pop filter and windsock. The Heavy-Duty Microphone Stand is cheaper than the Luling arm, on account of the fewer accessories.
If you like the design of the Luling with less of the addons, or like the look of the AK-35 but require a cheap and cheerful pop filter to aid in your audio clarity, then the InnoGear Heavy Duty Microphone Stand is the product for you.
Neewer Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom
The cheapest arm on this list, the Neewewer Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom is the most stripped-down and practical boom arm Amazon has to offer. The max load is less than the other more expensive products on this list (so check the weight of the microphone you intend to use it with before buying) but at this price point, it serves its function well.
It has a 3/8” mount (with 3/8” to 5/8” adapter) and a microphone clamp meaning both condenser and dynamic microphones will work with this stand. Unlike the AK-35, this arm ships with no warranty or returns policy. For the price, however, this product is the perfect choice for those who are after a bargain arm.
Neewer NW-35
Our final pick is another arm that leans on the pricier side. The NW-35 has the shortest maximum reach of any on the list, at 66cm. That being said it does have some convenient features and accessories. Built-in the scissor arm is an XLR cable, meaning that aside from the arm to the mixer, there are no messy cables to worry about. Another great addition is a shock mount.
This arm is all-steel construction and its wider set supports means it will be more durable in the long run. The NW-35 is a for those looking for a more compact version of the TONOR arm.
Summary
Whether you are after arms that are big and built to last, smaller and easily transported, or come with all the attachments you need to bring your podcast to the next level, this list should have you covered. Even if you are looking for something more specific to your tastes, by keeping our criterium for what makes a good boom arm in mind, you will have no trouble shopping around to find the right product for you.
These are just a few of the alternatives to the big brand arms on the market. We hope that this list has helped you to understand what Amazon has to offer when it comes to budget boom arms. While this list is clearly not exhaustive, hopefully, you are able to compare and contrast our picks and figure out which product is the best for your podcasting setup.
You’ve found your boom arm and are looking for more ways to take your podcast to the next level? Don’t worry because The Seasoned Podcaster has you covered. Click here to learn if a reflection filter is right for you.