The Best Studio Monitor Stands - Desk & Floor
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
An audio engineer of nearly 20 years who specializes in rock and metal recordings, he also plays guitar and produces original music for his band and other content creators.
Studio Monitor Stands - Floor
Pyle PSTND32 Studio Monitor Speaker Stand (Pair)
At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated Floor Mounted Studio Monitor Stand along with the Ultimate Support MS-90/36B.
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.
It features rubber grip speaker pads that prevent slippage and distributes the weight of the speaker evenly resulting in stable positioning.
The pads also works together with the rubber cap feet used on the stand's foldable tripod base to reduce unwanted vibrations or resonance.
Features:
- 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.
Pros
Most users are happy with overall construction and functionality, describing the PSTND32 as a solid speaker stand. Many also find its portability, adjustable height and built-in rubber mats to be commendable. And since it works just as well as a PA speaker stand, its double purpose adds even more value to its already affordable price tag.
Cons
There are some reports of missing parts out of the box, but these are more of a shipping issue than an actual product problem. Given that it can carry up to 90 lbs., some wish that the speaker platform was wider to handle bigger speakers.
Overall
If you're looking for an affordable studio monitor stand that can double as a reliable PA speaker stand, then check out the PSTND32 from Pyle Audio.
K&M 26720 Adjustable Monitor Stand (Single)
The 26720 is a sturdy stand with a locking screw and safety pin mechanism.
The thick shaft also enables cables to be routed internally for a cleaner look for your studio.
Rubber matting on the plate prevents movement and minimizes vibration transfer.
Features:
- Height: Adjustable from 26.8" to 44.9
- Material: Steel
- Base Size (L x W): 27.5" (diameter)
- Weight Capacity: 77.1 lbs.
- Weight: 10.4 lbs.
Pros
Users found it sturdy and reliable. The internal cable routing was the main selling point for a few.
Cons
None that we could find in user reports aside from retailer-specific issues.
Overall
Simple, sturdy and reliable, the K&M 26720 also keeps your studio looking neat with the internal cable routing.
K&M 26754 Tiltable Monitor Stand (Single)
To get your optimal placement, you usually have to take into account the vertical axis (speaker height) and horizontal axis (speaker distance and angle to listener) but adding another dimension, in this case tilting the monitors, adjusts the sweet spot slightly and changes the way the sound bounces around your room.
The K&M 26754 Tiltable Monitor Stand enables you to make these adjustments thanks to its clamping lever locking system and stable stop angles for tilting the tray.
Features:
- Height: 31.4"-51.1"
- Material: Steel
- Base Size (L x W): 23.6" (diameter)
- Weight Capacity: 77.1 lbs.
- Weight: 14.9 lbs.
Pros
As with many K&M products, owners of this stand praise its build quality and materials. Despite the tilting, users felt secure about placing their monitors on the tray thanks to its adequate rubber matting and catch lip. One user found it easier to center his monitors with this stand.
Cons
Tilt may be too much and cause smaller monitors to slide side to side with bassier songs.
Overall
If you have a less than optimal room and want to prevent the sound from bouncing from a wall behind you, tilting your monitors is an easy option to make the most of your space. At this price, the K&M 26754 is perfect for these applications.
Ultimate Support MS-90/36B 36" Floor Monitor Stand (Pair)
At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated Floor Mounted Studio Monitor Stand along with the Pyle PSTND32.
The Ultimate Support MS-90/36B is especially designed to meet the space and isolation demands of studios.
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.
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.
Features:
- 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.
Pros
Market response to the Ultimate Support MS-90/36B is overwhelmingly positive, most of which is from users who are impressed with its overall construction. The convenience of the internal cabling channels is also well appreciated, which many report to greatly reduce cable clutter. Aesthetic quality is also mentioned a number of times. 8" studio monitors from Rokit, KRK, Yamaha and many more are reported to be working well with this stand.
Cons
There are a few who reported minor finish blemishes, while others are looking for extras like adjustable rubber pads for easier leveling of the speaker.
Overall
If the K&M stands are outside your budget, then these are your next best option for going up to 36 inches.
Ultimate Support MS-90/45B 45" Floor Monitor Stand (Pair)
The MS-90/45B is similar to the 36B version above, with the main difference being its taller profile, which is up to 45" high.
As such, it is also designed for studio use, with emphasis on space saving, decluttering and vibration isolation.
These are crafted from the same aluminum material with three hollow channels for running power and audio cables cleanly, and for adding in sand or shot for added weight and stability.
Finally, they come with four sound-decoupling pads that comfortably sit most studio monitors.
Features:
- 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.
Pros
Esteemed for their rock solid build and excellent vibration handling, the Ultimate Support MS-90/45B's continue to gather rave reviews. Many also appreciate their aesthetic value, especially when considering how they help declutter studio space. Various speakers from Focal, JB, Rokit and many more have been reported to sit well on these stands.
Cons
Not many complaints other than a few who report minor cosmetic flaws.
Overall
If the 36" version is too low for your studio setup, then definitely consider getting the Ultimate Support MS-90/45B.
Studio Monitor Stands - Desktop
K&M 26772 Tabletop Stand (Single)
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Desktop Studio Monitor Stand.
Not everyone has the 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.
The design also allows for some extra space under the speakers.
Features:
- 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.
Pros
Many reviewers praise the 26772's simple but sturdy build. One user noted it as "weighty and confidence inspiring". The stability of the design was also seen as a plus.
Cons
None that we could find in user reports tied to the unit itself.
Overall
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 (the negatives only refer to the retailers), it is a great pick if you need a good tabletop stand.
Gator Frameworks GFWSPKSTMNDSKCMP Clamp-On
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.
Features:
- 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.
Pros
Users that gave positive reviews noted that the stands freed some space on their desks while providing a secure platform for their monitors. Several also noted the great build quality of the stands as well as the sturdy clamp assembly, giving them peace of mind placing their monitors on the platforms.
Cons
Tilt angle was noted to be shallow. This limits the ability to angle the monitors towards your ears especially when you prefer monitors pointing down from above.
Overall
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.
IsoAcoustics ISO-155 Medium Acoustic Isolation Stands
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.
Features:
- Height: 8.75" (Maximum)
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (L x W): 7.5" x 6.1"
- Weight Capacity: 40 lbs.
Pros
Users note that they perform just as advertised: 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.
Cons
Might not work for larger monitors in terms of stability. For this, we recommend looking at stands with platform bases.
Overall
With rave reviews from seasoned professionals, 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.
IsoAcoustics Aperta 200 Isolation Studio Monitor Stands (Pair)
The IsoAcoustics Aperta 200 is a premium low-profile monitor stand crafted using solid aluminum material 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.
Built-into this stand is a tilting mechanism with markings for angle adjustments.
Features:
- Height: 3.5"
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (D x W): 7.8" x 10"
- Weight Capacity: 35 lbs.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Pros
Users are impressed with how this simple stand improved their overall listening experience, so much so that even those who were critical at first find themselves more than satisfied. Reports are consistent in saying that they helped reduce low frequency resonance, resulting in a sound that's clearer and easier to listen to. Solid build and ease of use also received a number of commendations.
Cons
It's premium price tag may be a barrier to entry for some. Some users felt that they didn't notice any major difference in their setups.
Overall
If you want no less than the best premium quality desktop monitor stand, then check out the IsoAcoustics Aperta 200. Some might not notice the changes but for those that do, even an incremental improvement is a leap.
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)
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.
Features:
- Height: 5" Maximum
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (L x W): 10" x 7.8"
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
Pros
Rave reviews abound for the ISO-200Sub for the immediately noticeable improvement in bass clarity and cohesion. Among these were people who lived in apartments saying that their subs don't rattle the floor or surroundings as much while experiencing an improvement in overall sound.
Cons
Too small for many subwoofer types. Changes the sound of some down-firing subwoofers.
Overall
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.
Things to Consider When Buying Studio Monitor Stands
-
Floor and Desktop Stands
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 as attested to by many reviewers.
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.
-
Isolation
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.
-
Cabling
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. Interestingly, there are 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.
-
Positioning
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.
Studio Monitor Stand Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2018 and the latest edition was published on March 9, 2021.
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 32 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 6,800 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
An audio engineer of nearly 20 years who specializes in rock and metal recordings, he also plays guitar and produces original music for his band and other content creators.
Aside from endlessly window shopping and watching hours of gear reviews for leisure, he enjoys playing competitive FPS games, MMORPGs and caring for his 5 cats. He is primarily influenced by guitarists like Kurt Ballou and Paul Gilbert. His favorite pieces of gear are his Ibanez RG550RFR, Orange Brent Hinds Terror amplifier and EQD Acapulco Gold fuzz.
Contributors
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using photographs of the K&M 26754, 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
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: