The Best Studio Monitor Stands 2024 – Desk & Floor

studio monitor stands


One of the main reasons for using studio monitors isn’t just the frequency response. Studio monitors represent the stereo image better than headphones. For that, you need the best studio monitor stands to space them out properly.

Yes, headphones are fine for mixing and adjustments. However, placing musical elements in a space is better perceived with an ideal studio monitor setup. Even with the best acoustic isolation, an improperly positioned pair of studio monitors. Thus, achieving a good stereo field with a solid phantom center and wide sweet spot is key if you want the best mixing environment.

Unlike regular speakers, studio monitors must be angled towards the listening position. This also means that the tweeters must be elevated to ear height for the widest sweet spot.

In order to achieve these, it’s important to prop up your best studio monitors on stands. Aside from proper placement, the best studio speaker stands decouple the speakers from objects that might resonate along with them, altering their frequency response. It also keeps table or console reflections to a manageable level.

These factors combined allow you to mix better, and faster as well.

The Best Studio Monitor Stands – 2024

Author & Contributors

Studio Monitor Stands - Floor

Below are the best in floor stands with two different bases. Depending on your studio space or speaker size, one will be more favorable to use than the other.

Hola! Music HPS-600MS (Pair)

96
GEARANK
96 out of 100. Incorporating 900+ ratings and reviews.
$58.99
Hola! Music
Hola! Music HPS-600MS Adjustable Height Studio Monitor Speaker Stands
At publication time this was the Best Studio Monitor Stand (Floor Stand) together with the Pyle PSTND32 (Pair).

Cons

  • Plastic clasps are not as durable

Pros

  • Durable steel construction
  • Non-slip isolation pads
  • High-quality tubing
  • Good adjustability and range

If there's one sentence I would associate Hola! Music HPS-600MS, I'd say: You're getting more than what you've paid for. As an affordable speaker stand, it has several features that you would see in more high-end brands.

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 the secure decoupling of your speakers.

Build quality is good--high-quality tubing that's that you normally don’t find in this price range. The upper shaft diameter is about 1.3 inches. Put in your studio monitors or even mini PAs, it will be there securing it in place.

It also has good adjustability and range, which allows for precise positioning. You can swivel to find the right angle or adjust it up and down.

The potential downside of these speaker monitor stands is the plastic clasps. In terms of durability, this is probably the first component to bog down. However, this studio stand wouldn't cause major issues since you're not going to constantly adjust and clamp in the recording studio anyway.

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

  • Adjustable Height: Adjustable (29″ to 53″)
  • Material: Steel
  • Top Plate Size (D x W): 10.25" x 12"
  • Base Size (D x W): Not Specified
  • Weight Capacity: 80 lbs.
  • Weight: 19.41 lbs. (pair)

Pyle PSTND32 Studio Monitor Speaker Stand (Pair)

96
GEARANK
96 out of 100. Incorporating 2400+ ratings and reviews.
$54.29
Pyle Pro
Pyle PSTND32 Studio Speaker Stand
At publication time this was the Best Studio Monitor Stand (Floor Stand) together with the Hola Music HPS-600MS.

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 highly recommended.

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.

Studio Monitor Stands - Desktop

Below are three different desktop stands that range from a simple but solid platform stand to an advanced vibration decoupler desktop stand. Get to know each to pick the one that fits your purpose and budget.

K&M 26772 Tabletop Stand (Single)

95
GEARANK
95 out of 100. Incorporating 450+ ratings and reviews.
$87.99
Konig and Meyer
K&M 26772 Tabletop Studio Monitor Stand - Single
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Desktop Studio Monitor Stand.

Cons

  • Limited positioning

Pros

  • Simple design with height adjustment
  • Tank tough and stable
  • Easy to install

Not everyone has the floor space for monitor speaker stands. 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 this speaker desk mount 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 speaker desk stands that feel 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.

Gator Frameworks GFWSPKSTMNDSKCMP Clamp-On

93
GEARANK
93 out of 100. Incorporating 1750+ ratings and reviews.
$69.99
Gator Frameworks
Gator Frameworks GFWSPKSTMNDSKCMP Clamp-On Studio Monitor Stands

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 desk stand for studio monitors.

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.

Rating Source Highlight

Website Source *Rating Value
YouTube James Gavin 93/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

IsoAcoustics ISO-200 Desktop Isolation Stands for Studio Monitors (Pair)

94
GEARANK
94 out of 100. Incorporating 350+ ratings and reviews.
$135.99
IsoAcoustics
IsoAcoustics ISO-200 Isolation Stands for Studio Monitors
At publication time this was the Equal Highest Rated Desktop Studio Monitor Stand along with the K&M 26772 and Gator Frameworks GFWSPKSTMNDSKCMP.

Cons

  • Needs space on your desk vs floor stands or clamps

Pros

  • Varied adjustability for angles and height
  • Decoupling keeps table from resonating for clearer sound
  • Easy setup

The IsoAcoustics ISO-200 is more than just a tool to prop up your speakers. It's also a decoupler and keeps the enclosure's vibrations from going to your table and preventing it from resonating. These speaker desk stands have an effect of reducing excess resonant bass from what you hear and helps make you perceive the actual low end better. This clarity makes your mixes translate better across different playback systems.

Despite being made of plastic, it still feels stable and you're not missing out from much compared to its aluminum sibling, the Aperta 200 - which also comes at a higher premium.

Another advantage of the ISO-200 over the higher priced Aperta 200 is that the latter has no height adjustment. This studio stand may be important for taller users that need the tweeters elevated to ear level.

The only thing I'd say is a con is that it takes up space on your desk. If your desk is smaller or has no platforms for speakers, desktop real estate may end up being a bit congested.

It works subtly but it's a large difference when you're made more aware of the limitations of your speakers. And if you can't yet tell the difference, getting it conditions your ears to better stereo separation and bass clarity.

Due to its decoupling and vibration attenuation, I'd say it's the best monitor stand options for desktops in the market. Be sure to check it out.

Specifications

  • Height: 3.5"
  • Material:ABS Plastic
  • Base Size (D x W): 7.8" x 10"
  • Weight Capacity: 60lbs

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)

92
GEARANK
92 out of 100. Incorporating 950+ ratings and reviews.
$69.00
IsoAcoustics
IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Subwoofer Studio Monitor Stand.

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 apartment 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 one of the best monitor stands out there.

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

Floor and Desktop Stands

Floor monitor speaker stands come in the form of a metal pole that elevates the speakers to a desired height. They are commonly used in Public Address systems (PA Systems) because they can secure and position bigger speakers. 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).

Speaker desk stands are meant for positioning and isolating smaller monitor speakers on a desk or tabletop. They are compact and serve as bottom base for small speakers, and have limited positioning capabilities. Still they isolate your speaker from your desk, which translates to a clearer sound.

Note that we left out other types of speaker stands and wall mounts for PA speakers and Stage Monitors, in order to keep this guide focused on the types primarily used in home studios.

Isolation

Isolating or decoupling your speaker is something important in any studio setup. Isolation 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. This is important when choosing between Studio Monitors vs Speakers since consumer speakers. Consumer speakers do not need isolation as much as a studio monitor does.

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. Some speaker stands that have built-in cable management features. A good cable management system links the different parts and members of your recording studio setup.

You may also want to extend your budget so you can get back up cables while you're at it. Good cabling reduces clutter, which in turn improves your music production experience. You can apply the same cable routing strategies used for lighting, computers, home theater systems, and more.

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 have to take proper positioning into account. You need the right height and angle that matches your listening position best. This is where height and degree tilt adjustment 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.

Best Studio Monitor Stands Selection Methodology

The first edition was published in 2018. The current edition was published on July 3, 2024

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 26,300 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 the best studio subwoofer stands. 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

Some of the recording gear I use in my home 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

Allen Articulo: Supplemental Writing and Product Research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.

Media

Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using photographs of the Ultimate Support MS-90/36B, 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.

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