Are you a vocalist or someone who spends time recording vocals, wondering how you can improve the quality of your audio recordings? Sometimes we have problems with sudden popping sounds, crackling, and wind noise that make it onto our vocal recordings, and this can be frustrating. While it may seem mundane to be in search of the best pop filter, the pop filter is a very necessary accessory to your studio.
Whether you’re using Blue Microphones Blue Yeti, or an Audio Technica mic (or really any other mic), a functional, properly placed pop filter can clean up your audio recordings considerably right away. Once we cover some basic information and then evaluate a number of the best pop filters on the market today, you’ll want to purchase one and use it whenever you make a recording, whether you are podcasting, laying down your own music, or want quality audio results for some other purpose.
After presenting a broad range of options, we’ll reveal what our review team concluded as the overall best pop filter. Let’s get started with some straightforward, fundamental questions and answers.
Best Pop Filter | Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is a Microphone Pop Filter?
- What Features & Qualities Can Be Found in the Best Microphone Pop Filters?
- Do I Really Need a Pop Filter?
1. What Is a Microphone Pop Filter?
A pop filter is a tool that is often used while recording audio to shield the microphone and block out harsh sounds.
A typical microphone pop filter is some form of ring or frame, with a mesh screen in the middle, that is attached to a gooseneck extender and a clamp. There are many different pop filter styles and materials used for them, but those are the basics.
2. What Features & Qualities Can Be Found in the Best Microphone Pop Filters?
The best pop filters are built to last and do their jobs reliably. When recording your own voice or that of another person, “p” and “s” sounds, or “plosives” can overwhelm the mic, distorting your recording and annoying the listener.
Not only are our ears particularly sensitive to these sounds, but the way we pronounce them can make popping and hissing very noticeable on a recording.
In addition, if there is extraneous noise in the room or popping sounds anywhere nearby, these sounds are almost certain to be picked up by your mic. A pop filter is used to help prevent this, and the best pop filters do it extremely well.
3. Do I Really Need a Pop Filter?
Do you make or participate in audio recordings that you want to be of reasonably high quality? Maybe you own a home studio or do a regular podcast.
If so, using a pop filter is a definite must. That is why you’ll see them in nearly every professional recording studio, as well as most home studios. To create quality vocal recordings, you’ll want to equip yourself with one of the best pop filters.
How We Reviewed the Filters on This List
We reviewed these pop filters based on their construction, functionality, and price. Some key characteristics you may want in your pop filter are a strong clamp, a gooseneck that stays in place, a screen that is sturdy, and a fair price. We considered all of these factors while performing our research and feel we have come to a solid conclusion as to which of these pop filters is the best.
Overall Price Range the Pop Filters on This List
The price range of the 10 entries on our list of the best pop filter ranges from around $5 to about $75.
What Microphone Pop Filters We Reviewed
- Blue The Pop Universal Pop Filter
- Stedman Proscreen XL
- Dragonpad USA 6″ Microphone Studio Pop Filter
- Avantone PS-1 Pro-Shield Studio Pop Filter
- Stedman PS101
- Auphonix MPF-1 Microphone Pop Filter
- Samson PS01 Pop Filter
- Sywon Three-Layer Microphone Pop Filter
- eBerry Microphone Pop Filter
- IMAGE 6″ Flexible Studio Microphone Pop Filter
Blue Microphones The Pop Universal Pop Filter
Features
This little filter has got plenty of style. It’s a square-shaped metal filter with the striking Blue logo right on the front.
Another detail about its shape (which is rare for this product category) is that it has a curve to it, enabling it to wrap around your microphone to some extent.
Overall, this filter is unique and pleasing to the eye, which matters even more if you sometimes shoot video or still photos to accompany your recordings.
Price: $$
Durability & Overall Value
This filter is great for its appearance and novelty factor, but some experienced audio professionals prefer nylon or a softer mesh to the metal screen used here.
Some have done side-by-side comparisons and determined that softer mesh produced better sound overall. Some people love the way metal filters shape the sound, and some strongly prefer soft mesh. This is a durable pop filter and worth the price in that regard.
Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL
Features
The Stedman Proscreen XL is a metal pop filter featuring strong, tough construction that should last you a long time. Because the screen is metal, it can take more of a beating than nylon pop filters and continue working reliably.
This is great for those who record with numerous different people and/or in somewhat chaotic environments.
The screen itself is 6″ in diameter and attached to a 13″ flexible gooseneck arm that clamps securely to most mic stands. It’s a little pricey but definitely worth the money if you want clean recordings with minimal disruptive noise.
Price: $$$
Durability & Overall Value
Is this pro-level Stedman filter worth its higher-end price? Well, for some, “a pop filter is a pop filter,” but if you want the durability of materials that are much stronger than nylon, it’s a good buy.
The only issue concern a few reviewers noted about this pop filter is that, because the outer rim around the screen is made of rubber, some care is required to avoid bending the metal out of shape.
Dragonpad USA 6″ Microphone Studio Pop Filter
Features
This Dragonpad USA filter is a popular choice for many, due in part to its very affordable price.
It’s a 6″, dual-layered, nylon mesh filter with a standard gooseneck wire and clamp.
Most people will recognize the style of this filter. You’ve most likely seen one on TV or in a movie at some point in your life.
Some people like these because they have a traditional, unobtrusive appearance.
Price: $
Durability & Overall Value
This is a very reasonable price for a pop filter of this caliber. Is it one of the very best pop filters or simply an excellent value?
The gooseneck is not as sturdy as some other models, so it may require frequent adjustments and repositioning, but there is certainly solid value here for podcasters and other recording enthusiasts who do not demand extreme durability.
Avantone PS-1 Pro-Shield Studio Pop Filter
Features
The Avantone PS-1 is another great candidate for the best pop filter.
It has a shape that resembles a half-circle, and the grill is curved to wrap around the microphone.
The all-metal construction is highly durable, and Avantone covers the PS-1 with a five-year warranty.
If you do have any issues with it, you can simply ask for a replacement.
Price: $$
Durability & Overall Value
This is a durable microphone pop filter that we feel comes in at a reasonable price. The 5-year warranty is a major plus that will add to your peace of mind once you’ve made your purchasing decision.
Stedman PS101
Features
Here is another metal filter from Stedman that is definitely in the running to be the best pop filter overall.
It’s a bit different from the other Stedman Proscreen XL covered above, primarily due to the absence of an outer rim.
In addition, this unit is smaller than many pop filters with its diameter of just 4.5.”
This is great for recording where there is limited space, and it is somewhat easier to pack if you ever take your show on the road.
Price: $$
Durability & Overall Value
This mid-priced microphone pop filter is another option that should perform well and last you a long time.
Auphonix MPF-1 Microphone Pop Filter
Features
This is a basic pop filter that is the preferred choice of many.
Why? It does its job consistently and is very solidly constructed.
What more can you ask for?
The mesh vinyl screen is 6″ in diameter, making it perfect for a wide range of applications.
Price: $$
Durability & Overall Value
If your priorities include getting a pop filter that works reliably and won’t let you down, this is a great choice. Although the mesh screen may not withstand as much abuse as a metal one, this is a great choice that is well worth the modest investment.
Samson PS01 Pop Filter
Features
This Samson pop screen is quite similar in design and function to the Auphonix MPF-1, and it is in the same price neighborhood as well. This is a strong contender if you want an affordable option and prefer the sound you get from a mic shielded by a mesh screen.
Price: $$
Durability & Overall Value
A common theme people bring up when comparing pop filters is the strength of the gooseneck, and that is a concern some reviewers have raised because of the relatively thin metal used for that component of this product. Other aspects of the Samson PS01 are designed for durability, however, and the price is extremely reasonable.
Sywon Three-Layer Microphone Pop Filter
Features
This is an ultra-affordable microphone pop filter that provides three filter layers: foam, metal, and etamine.
It’s also shaped to surround your mic, allowing you to get as close to the mic as possible.
Considering the low price tag for this Sywon option, it’s surprising just how well it performs.
If you are on a tight budget but still demand quality results, this just might be the best pop filter for you.
Price: $
Durability & Overall Value
This Sywon pop filter delivers outstanding value, and the screen materials used should keep it intact for long-term use.
eBerry Microphone With Built-in Pop Filter
Features
(This is actually a microphone) This super inexpensive microphone from eBerry is another option that performs consistently well.
We know this list is for pop filters, but just in case you’re on the market for an extremely inexpensive USB microphone that doesn’t need a pop filter, look no further.
Price: $$
Durability & Overall Value
For the price you’ll pay to equip yourself with this eBerry filter, you really can’t go wrong… as long as you exercise some care when using it. Higher-end options in the category offer greater durability if that trait is crucial for your recording demands.
IMAGE 6″ Flexible Studio Microphone Pop Filter
Features
Our final contender for the best pop filter on the market today is 6″ in diameter and has a mesh screen.
This item is quite basic in design, and the price you’ll pay if you buy from a competitive online resource is among the lowest of all the options we reviewed.
Price: $
Durability & Overall Value
This model’s value is certainly solid, considering that low price point. One minor concern we noted with this best pop filter candidate is that the screw connected to the clamp may need occasional, careful tightening.
Clamp issues can lead to mic damage in some cases, so you will want to keep tabs on your IMAGE filter’s condition and replace it if you suspect the clamp might fail unexpectedly.
The Verdict: The Auphonix MPF-1
Our review team chose the Auphonix MPF-1 as the best pop filter in terms of value. We liked its simplicity, durable construction, and high levels of performance and reliability. Given the moderate price, it’s not every day you find a deal like this.
Check Price On Amazon
As we’ve seen, there are many diverse pop filters out there, but this one delivers on all of our key criteria. The bottom line is that this a solid, functional mesh pop filter. You can pay more for unique styling that suits your preferences better, or you may decide that you prefer the tone and other results you get with a perforated metal filter, but the MPF-1 is an outstanding choice.
