Boom arms
Best Microphone Arms (2026)
The best mic boom arms for podcasting and streaming, ranked by silence, strength, and desk footprint.
Our top picks at a glance
Best overall
Rode PSA1 Boom ArmPodcasters and streamers who want silent, stable, long-lasting mic positioning.
Best low-profile
Elgato Wave Mic ArmStreamers who want a sleek arm that stays out of the camera frame.
The Rode PSA1 is the standard for a reason. Choose the Elgato Wave Mic Arm when on-camera aesthetics matter.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Type | Reach | Load | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overallRode PSA1 Boom Arm | Articulating boom arm | 32 in horizontal | Up to ~2.4 lb | Check price |
| Best low-profileElgato Wave Mic Arm | Low-profile boom arm | 30 in horizontal | Up to ~2.2 lb | Check price |
Best overall
Rode PSA1 Boom Arm
The studio-standard mic arm.
Strengths
- Silent internal springs, no creaks on air
- Holds mics up to about 2.4 lb
- Durable build trusted in studios for years
Limitations
- Premium price for an arm
- Desk clamp needs a suitable edge
- No built-in cable channel on the original
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Stable and holds position once balanced
- Smooth reach across the desk
- Sturdy clamp
Common complaints
- Squeaks or grinds without lubrication
- Only holds mics in a certain weight range
- Strong springs can pinch fingers
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Type | Articulating boom arm |
|---|---|
| Reach | 32 in horizontal |
| Load | Up to ~2.4 lb |
| Mount | Desk clamp, 3/8 and 5/8 thread |
Best for: Podcasters and streamers who want silent, stable, long-lasting mic positioning.
Skip if: You need an arm for a very heavy broadcast mic.
Best low-profile
Elgato Wave Mic Arm
Low-profile arm built for streaming desks.
Strengths
- Low-profile design hides behind monitors
- Smooth, silent movement
- Integrated cable management
Limitations
- Premium price
- Best paired with lighter mics
- Riser extension sold separately
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Excellent build for the price
- Holds heavy mics like the SM7B
- Clean cable routing
Common complaints
- The LP version can sag over time
- Arm movement may transmit noise to the mic
- Needs careful tension adjustment
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Type | Low-profile boom arm |
|---|---|
| Reach | 30 in horizontal |
| Load | Up to ~2.2 lb |
| Mount | Desk clamp |
Best for: Streamers who want a sleek arm that stays out of the camera frame.
Skip if: You want the absolute cheapest arm.
Questions, answered
How much weight can arms hold?
Most quality arms handle 2 to 2.5 lb, covering nearly all USB and XLR mics. Heavy broadcast mics need checking.
Why do cheap arms creak?
Exposed springs and loose joints. Internal-spring designs like the PSA1 stay silent.
Can I mount an arm to any desk?
Most desks work with the included clamp. Glass or very thick desks may need an alternative mount.