The Best Studio Monitor Stands - Desk & Floor
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings, and also I play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Studio Monitor Stands - Floor
Hola! Music HPS-600MS Studio Monitor Speaker Stand (Pair)
Cons
- Plastic clasps are not as durable
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Non-slip isolation pads
- High quality tubing
- Good adjustability and range
The Hola! Music HPS-600MS is an affordable speaker stand with several features usually seen on more expensive stands.
The stand's load bearing capacity of 80 lbs. is from a combination of durable steel construction and secure height adjustment safety pins. The platform includes non-slip isolation pads for secure decoupling for your speakers.
Build quality is good, with high quality tubing that you normally don't find in this price range. It also has good adjustability and range, that allows for precise positioning.
The main downside of this stand is the plastic clasps, which may have potential long term durability issues.
All in all, the Hola! Music HPS-600MS is a good economical pick for those who are looking for a quality affordable speaker stand.
Specifications
- Height: Adjustable (29" to 53")
- Material: Steel
- Base Size (L x W): Not Specified
- Weight Capacity: 80 lbs.
- Weight: 19.41 lbs. (pair)
Pyle PSTND32 Studio Monitor Speaker Stand (Pair)
Cons
- Limited speaker platform space
Pros
- Versatile, high load capacity speaker stand
- Can double as PA speaker stand
- Adjustable and foldable design
- Easy to use and setup
The Pyle PSTND32 is a versatile and portable speaker stand that works just as well in the studio and on-stage, thanks to its adjustable height and foldable design.
For the price, the construction is pretty decent, and setting up is quite easy. It does the job really well, without any complexities.
It even features rubber grip speaker pads that prevent slippage and distributes the weight of the speaker evenly resulting in stable positioning. The pads also work together with the rubber cap feet used on the stand's foldable tripod base to reduce unwanted vibrations or resonance.
It works much like a PA speaker stand, with height adjustments for positioning. So you can use it as an outdoor PA stand if needed, which adds to its functionality and value.
Given its impressive load capacity of up to 90 lbs, it would've been nice if it hand a wider speaker platform to handle bigger speakers.
The PSTND32 from Pyle Audio is an affordable studio monitor stand that can double as a reliable PA speaker stand, definitely worth checking out.
Specifications
- Height: Adjustable (34" to 53")
- Material: Steel
- Base Size (L x W): 8.9" x 8.9"
- Weight Capacity: 90 lbs.
- Weight: 6.1 lbs.
Ultimate Support MS-90/36B 36" Floor Monitor Stand (Pair)
Cons
- Non-adjustable rubber pads
- Limited leveling adjustments
Pros
- Good sound-decoupling pads
- Cleaner high-end because of decoupling
- Stable structure and good overall quality
- Internal cabling allows for clean setups
The Ultimate Support MS-90/36B is especially designed to meet the space and isolation demands of studios. This particular model is 36" tall, and comes with four sound-decoupling pads that work well with many of the most in demand studio monitors.
It is crafted from aluminum with three internal channels, two of which are meant for neatly organizing audio and power cables, while the third one is meant to be filled with shot or sand for added stability. The overall quality of the construction is good, and the structure is stable. And it also helps that it looks nice and is great for achieving a clean home studio look. Note that leveling the speaker is a bit of hassle because the rubber pads are not adjustable.
Speaking of clean, the stand has internal cabling channels that help reduce cable clutter. This is a good stand for popular 8" studio monitors from Rokit, Yamaha, KRD and more.
If you need a medium height stand with good cable management options for your studio, the Ultimate Support MS-90/36B is a solid, aesthetically pleasing choice.
Specifications
- Height: 36"
- Material: Aluminum
- Top Plate Size (D x W): 10.25" x 12"
- Base Size (D x W): 19" x 19"
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
- Weight: 12.2 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Soundcast Studios | 96/100 |
Ultimate Support MS-90/45B 45" Floor Monitor Stand (Pair)
Cons
- Limited leveling adjustments.
Pros
- Excellent vibration isolation
- Clutter free internal cabling design
- Rock solid stability
- Great for high speaker setups.
The Ultimate Support MS-90/45B is a speaker stand designed for studio use, with emphasis on space saving, decluttering and vibration isolation. The MS-90/45B is similar to the 36B version, with the main difference being its taller profile, which is up to 45" high, allowing for higher speaker positioning.
These are crafted from aluminum with three hollow channels for running power and audio cables cleanly, and for adding in sand or shot for added weight and stability. Being able to hide the wires inside the stand allows for a much cleaner desktop.
More importantly, the stands feel rock solid, so you don't have to worry about stability issues. Various speakers from Focal, JB, Rokit and many more sit well on these stands. The main downside to this stand is its limited leveling adjustments.
If the 36" version is too low for your studio setup, then definitely consider getting the Ultimate Support MS-90/45B.
Finally, they come with four sound-decoupling pads that comfortably sit most studio monitors. And these pads make the MS-90/45B excellent at handling vibrations.
Specifications
- Height: 45"
- Material: Aluminum
- Top Plate Size (D x W): 10.25" x 12"
- Base Size (D x W): 19" x 19"
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
- Weight: 12.2 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Justin Tutor | 90/100 |
Studio Monitor Stands - Desktop
Gator Frameworks GFWSPKSTMNDSKCMP Clamp-On
Cons
- Tilt angle is quite shallow
Pros
- Good build quality
- Solid and stable clamp assembly
- Lifts up your speakers to free up desk space
This Clamp-On model is an alternative solution to straightforward desktop stands.
Instead of taking up space on the surface of your desk, a secure clamping mechanism attaches the platform assembly to the edge of your desk, freeing up space for other items or peripherals. The freed space results in a cleaner setup, and allows you to better align the speakers to your ears.
Build quality is good, and the clamp assembly feels solid, which makes this an easy and worry free addition to any desktop studio setup.
Tilt angle is quite shallow, and this limits the ability to angle the monitors towards your ears especially when you prefer monitors pointing down from above.
If desk real estate is low or you want more space on your desk for other peripherals, the Gator Frameworks Clamp-On monitor stand is your best bet.
Specifications
- Height: 10.12"-13.5"
- Material: Steel with Black Powder Coat
- Platform Size (L x W): 12" x 9"
- Weight Capacity: 60 lbs. each
- Weight: 5 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | James Gavin | 93/100 |
K&M 26772 Tabletop Stand (Single)
Street Price:
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Cons
- Limited positioning
Pros
- Simple design with height adjustment
- Tank tough and stable
- Easy to implement
Not everyone has the floor space to put up stands for their studio monitors. For those of us with limited real estate and a tight budget, the K&M 26772 is a tabletop stand meant to elevate your monitors and provide a measure of isolation.
What makes it special is its sturdy build, it's weighty and inspires confidence. It's stable and gets your speaker elevated without any problem. The K&M 26772 has a simple design with height adjustment. This limits what you can do in terms of positioning, but also makes it very straightforward to use. The design also allows for some extra space under the speakers.
If you're looking for an affordable tabletop stand that feels sturdy, looks good and is easily adjustable, look no further than the K&M 26772. With a stellar track record, it is a great pick if you need a good tabletop stand.
Specifications
- Height: 6.5"-10"
- Material: Steel
- Platform Size (L x W): 6.6" x 5.9"
- Base Size (L x W): 8.2" x 8.4"
- Weight Capacity: 33 lbs.
- Weight: 6.83 lbs.
IsoAcoustics ISO-155 Medium Acoustic Isolation Stands
Cons
- Not for big monitors
Pros
- Adjustable height and tilt
- Versatile speaker positioning
- Increased clarity with less cluttered midrange
- Good stereo imaging when positioned properly
The IsoAcoustics ISO-155 stands operate on the acoustic principles of Placement, Isolation and Focus.
With their adjustable height and tilt, minimal design to prevent reflections and vibration absorbing engineering, the ISO-155 enables you to place your monitors effectively without worrying about your desk resonating with the vibration.
Using this stand leads to increased clarity overall with less cluttered midrange, a more predictable low frequency response and better stereo imaging.
The minimalistic design also works with smaller desks, but it might not be stable enough for larger monitors. For this, we recommend looking at stands with platform bases.
The IsoAcoustics ISO-155 Isolation stand is a great pick for those who need better stereo separation from their monitors that are currently mounted on their desks.
Specifications
- Height: 8.75" (Maximum)
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (L x W): 7.5" x 6.1"
- Weight Capacity: 40 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Taylor Danley | 95/100 |
| CigiLovic | Osman Cenan Çiğil | 96/100 |
IsoAcoustics Aperta 200 Isolation Studio Monitor Stands (Pair)
Cons
- Takes desktop space
- Premium price tag
Pros
- Height and angle adjustments
- Legit vibration diffusion
- Substantially clearer sound
- Easy to setup
The IsoAcoustics Aperta 200 is a premium low-profile monitor stand crafted using solid aluminum which allows it to handle large speakers that weigh up to 75 lbs.
More importantly, it does so while keeping vibrations in check with its vibration diffusion capabilities. And this vibration diffusion is what makes it stand out from the competition, with real world results that improve overall listening experience. There's a noticeable reduction in low frequency resonance, resulting in a sound that's clearer and easier to listen to.
While vibration diffusion technology is complex, the Aperta 200 has it implemented in a way that does not complicate setup. It is surprisingly easy to use, and more importantly, it is quite solid and stable even when tilted. Speaking of tilt, built-into this stand is a tilting mechanism with markings for angle adjustments.
Given the research and development required to make the Aperta 200 a reality, having a premium price tag is a given - and this can be a barrier to some.
While some might not notice the changes with the IsoAcoustics Aperta 200, but for those that do even an incremental improvement is a leap.
Specifications
- Height: 3.5"
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (D x W): 7.8" x 10"
- Weight Capacity: 35 lbs.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | savagegeese | 80/100 |
Additional Option for Subwoofers
While you can place a subwoofer on a regular stand, this one is engineered specifically for decoupling and isolation.
IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub (Single)
Cons
- Does not work properly with downfiring speakers
- A bit small for those who use big subs
Pros
- Multiple placement options
- Decouples your subwoofer from the surface
- Noticeable improvement in bass clarity and cohesion
One of the hardest things to have under control are sub frequencies. They are omnidirectional, highly affected by parallel walls (standing waves) and resonate like crazy with a lot of different objects.
To take away at least one of these factors would be a great incremental improvement. This is why the IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub is on our list: Aside from having your monitors propped up to position and decoupling them from surfaces, subwoofers are usually an afterthought.
The ISO-200Sub shares the same engineering and philosophy as other IsoAcoustics gear in this guide with the exception of being specifically tailored for decoupling subwoofers from the floor and provide more placement options for optimal sound and synergy with your main speakers. This results in immediately noticeable improvement in bass clarity and cohesion. This decoupling is particularly important for people who live in apartments and buildings, the subs won't rattle the floor or surroundings.
There are some downsides though, like it being too small for big subwoofer types. It also won't work properly with down-firing subwoofers.
If you're a basshead that wants low frequency clarity from the sub itself and not your floor, walls or anything near the unit, the IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub is an essential pick.
Specifications
- Height: 5" Maximum
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (L x W): 10" x 7.8"
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
Things to Consider When Buying Studio Monitor Stands
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As the name implies, floor stands are meant to be used on the floor, usually in the form of a metal pole that elevates the speakers to a desired height. They are the most common type used on Public Address systems because they can secure and position bigger speakers, but the same principle also applies to studios. Floor stands are ideal because they lift the speakers far from vibrating and reflective materials - like the floor or your desk. But they do usually take a lot of space, and are not ideal for smaller studio monitor speakers (you don't want small speakers too far from the listener).
Desktop stands are meant for positioning and isolating smaller monitor speakers on a desk or tabletop. They are usually compact and serve as bottom base for the speakers. As such they don't have the positioning capabilities of a floor mount stand, and are usually limited to smaller speakers. More importantly, they isolate your speaker from your desk, which translates to a clearer sound.
Note that we left out other types of speaker stands, most notably wall mounts, in order to keep this guide focused on the types primarily used in home studios.
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Isolating or decoupling your speaker prevents unwanted vibration transfer to your desk or floor, resulting in less unwanted noise or frequency issues. This is usually achieved by rubber materials that absorb cabinet vibration, and these are usually placed on the speaker base and on the point where the stand meets the floor or desk.
Desktop speakers benefit the most from isolation because they are standing in close proximity to a solid object that reflects audio and transfers vibrations. This is the reason why many desktop stand users report improvements to their sound.
The stands featured above all have some sort of isolation mechanics built into them, but you can add in some more DIY style if needed.
- When considering studio speaker stands, you may want to carefully plan how you're going to lay out your cables to match your planned setup. Some speaker stands that have built-in cable management features. You may also want to extend your budget so you can get back up cables while you're at it.
- Modern studio speakers generally have wider sweetspots, so getting the speaker in appropriate position is no longer as hard as before. But to make the most of your speakers, you'll want them positioned in the right height and angle that matches your listening position best. This is where height and tilt adjustments come in handy. In general you'd want the tweeters at ear level and the distance between them the same as the distance to your ears, effectively forming an equilateral triangle with your listening position.
Floor and Desktop Stands
Isolation
Cabling
Positioning
Studio Monitor Stand Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2018 and the current edition was published on January 27, 2022.
We started by looking at speaker stands for studio monitor use, and decided to focus on floor and desktop stands which are the most common choice for home studios. We then short-listed 40 popular and highly rated stands that were readily available from US based music gear retailers - you can see the list in the Music Gear Database. We ended up gathering over 12,900 reviews, ratings and recommendations from experts and users, all of which were then processed using the Gearank Algorithm. This process gave us the rating scores out of 100 that we used to select the highest rated stands to recommend. Our recommendations are presented in two main categories: Floor and Desktop, as well as an extra section for subwoofers. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings, and also I play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Some of the recording gear I use in my studio includes the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Samson QH4 Headphone Amp and Cloudlifter CL-1. My mics include Aston Origin, Aston Element, Shure SM57, Rode NT1, Rode PodMic and MXL V67G.
Contributors
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using photographs of the Ultimate Support MS-90/45B, K&M 26772 and IsoAcoustics ISO-155.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
Comments
Publication of our January
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Publication of our January 2022 Edition resulted in the following stands coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
Our March 2021 update
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Our March 2021 update resulted in the following stands coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
As a result of our April 2020
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of our April 2020 update the following came off our recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of it: