The Best Microphone Pop Filters + Budget Option
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.
Auphonix MPF-1
Most manufacturers of pop filters have clamps that generally fit with the standard mic stand, but are not compatible with desktop USB microphones like the Blue Yeti for example.
The clamping mechanism on the Auphonix MPF-1 was designed to be near-universal and compatible with desktop USB mics like the aforementioned Blue Yeti.
It also features a double mesh filter design and comes in a round shape that is 6" in diameter (also available in a smaller 4" version). It also features an adjustable gooseneck for precise and stable positioning.
Features
- Double Screen Mesh
- 6" Diameter Filter Screen
- Adjustable Gooseneck
- Designed for the Blue Yeti Microphone
- Also works with other desktop mics
Pros
Reviews for the Auphonix MPF-1 generally mention how affordable it is. Several newer reviews have shown that users appreciated the mounting options for desktop USB microphones as other pop filters in this price range don't usually clamp onto them.
Cons
The rubber cushion/pad on the clamp may wear over time as reported by some users. Not having adequate padding may cause the clamp to come loose or scratch your microphone's enclosure.
Overall
For home recording setups centered around USB Microphones, the Auphonix MPF-1 is an affordable and versatile pick.
Shure PS-6 Popper Stopper
The PS-6 Popper stopper offers 20db to 30db of plosive reduction.
The material also filters out around 3db at the 8kHz to 9kHz range to reduce harsh sibilance.
This makes it great for louder singers or more high-frequency sensitive microphones.
Features
- Diameter: 6"
- Gooseneck: 14"
- Four-layer screen
Pros
Users like the amount of attenuation it offers for even the most intense vocals. While not transparent, users say it's their go-to filter for more aggressive vocal styles. It is also said to be easy to set up by several reviewers.
Cons
Some people didn't like the fact that the high frequencies have some attenuation. Singers with lower registers and deeper voices do not benefit from it. The filter itself is slightly more opaque than most and may obscure the singer's view of the mic and lose track of where to position.
Overall
For ease of set up and ability to stand up to the most aggressive of vocal styles, the PS-6 Popper Stopper scores high marks for reliability. Bear in mind that the filter may color the sound to the detriment of singers with mellower tonalities.
Stedman Proscreen XL
The Stedman Proscreen XL Pop Filter features a 6" diameter filter that's made using a material that they designed and patented.
While they did not give the exact details, some have described the filter material to be more like metal, that louver plosives to stop them from reaching your microphone while keeping the sound uncolored. The company describes the material to be easy to clean and reliable.
Other features include a 13" flexible gooseneck and a nylon-tipped clamp that is meant to avoid scratches on your mic stand.
Finally, the Stedman Proscreen XL Pro Filter commands a premium price relative to many others, but it is still able to satisfy most of its users and achieve one of the top ratings.
Features
- Diameter: 6"
- Gooseneck: 13"
- Nylon-tip clamp
- Angled filter openings that force the plosive energy downwards away from the mic
- Washable filter
Pros
The Stedman Proscreen XL Pop Filter continues to get great feedback, with many reporting that it exceeded their expectations both in terms of performance and value for money. Many report that the unique material of this pop filter works well, resulting in cleaner recordings, while others found the adjustability and reliability to be well worth the extra investment.
Cons
Speaking of investment, a few users found the price to be too high for a pop filter, but they are easily overwhelmed by those who say otherwise. A small number of users said that it doesn't stop hard / loud plosives well with some reminding that proper vocal techniques are still required to get the most out of this premium filter.
Overall
If budget is not an issue and you're looking for a reliable non-fabric mesh, then this American-made high-quality pop filter is highly recommended.
Mikrofonen Hakan P110
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Microphone Pop Filter.
The Mikrofonen Hakan P110 is a premium pop filter for those who demand absolute transparency with their vocals.
The specially designed hydrophobic foam not only keeps plosives at bay but it also protects your microphones from moisture and saliva that may corrode and damage them.
Features
- Replaceable hydrophobic foam for moisture wicking
- Transparent Filter and Mount prevents tonal coloration
- 1" Mounting clamp and flexible gooseneck
Pros
Although the manufacturer states the filter does not "color" the sound, one user mentioned her voice sounded clearer and higher in fidelity than usual. Clarity is a recurring comment in reviews.
Cons
Some found it too expensive for a pop filter - this is aimed at the premium end of the market.
Overall
The Hakan P110 by Mikrofonen is a top of the line pop filter that's great for people who want absolute clarity with their vocal recordings.
JZ Microphones JZ PF
The JZ PF has a unique wave pattern on the filter mesh that the company designed to "reduc[e] unwanted reverberations, and kill the pops and blows effectively". The mesh is mounted on a 17.7" long gooseneck.
Features
- Diameter: 3.75’’
- Gooseneck: 17.7"
- Wave pattern filter distributes wind pressure to mitigate plosives
Pros
John Baccigaluppi from TapeOP magazine mentions in this review that "...The JZ PF is one such product — the best, most well-designed, and well-built pop filter I’ve ever used." Several user reviews also state the pop filter made them use fewer processing steps during the mixing phase because the voices sounded more controlled. The pop filter was effective in fixing the issue of plosives at the tracking phase without sacrificing low-frequency clarity.
Cons
The actual filter is small so singers that move around a lot may not benefit from it. Pricey.
Overall
Sometimes the best way to get great vocal tracks is to fix things as close to the source as possible. For some, it's the room, or the mics, or even the kind of cable. For many users, the JZ PF helped eliminate problems of plosives and clarity early on that they didn't have to use more processing than needed in the mix. This alone makes it a great investment if the budget allows.
Budget Option
Neewer NW(B-3)
The Neewer is a lesser-known brand for most people. However, the Gearank Rating, number of sources, and price of this product earned it a spot as our budget pick.
The NW(B-3) features a 6" diameter, dual mesh filter with a 14.8" gooseneck.
Features
- Diameter: 6"
- Gooseneck: 14.8"
- Nylon-tip clamp
Pros
Most reviewers noted it to be an affordable pop filter that "just works". For the price, the dual mesh filter equates to better plosive mitigation compared to other pop filters in its price range. "Surprisingly durable" for the price was how one user described it.
Cons
Its gooseneck was too long for some users, causing the filter to sag at times.
Overall
If you want a cheap but effective pop filter that does what it says on the package, lasts longer than others in the price range, and is readily available on the eventuality that it does outlive its usefulness, the NW(B-3) is a great, affordable choice.
Things to Consider When Buying a Pop Filter
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Filter Material
Most manufacturers choose to build their pop filters using nylon or other fabric materials, usually because they are cheaper and more importantly they get the job done. Others utilize woven or perforated metal, of which some claim to provide improved clarity and transparency, specifically in the upper frequencies. There is no definite answer as to which is better, many experienced users still prefer nylon mesh material, while more premium builders prefer metal.
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Filter Diameter
The standard filter diameter that many pop filters follow is 6", but there are smaller ones, with 4" being the most common among them. The bigger the pop filter diameter is, the more room for movement the vocalist has. This allows for natural body movements while recording, instead of being strictly in one position which can sometimes kill inspiration and vibe. Smaller pop filters are ideal for small mics and small recording spaces, they are also lighter, which reduces the stress on the gooseneck, resulting in increased stability.
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Gooseneck Quality
The length, flexibility, and stability of the filter's gooseneck play a very important role in positioning the filter. You don't want a filter that droops and requires constant adjustments, and you also don't want a neck that requires too much effort to bend into position.
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Mounting and Compatibility
Most pop filters come with clamping and mounting mechanisms that allow for secure attachment to mic stands, and they should be fine if you use stand-mounted mics. However, if you're using a desktop mounted mic, especially for home recording, you'll want a pop filter that can clip on the desk, or on the mic itself. Some USB mics might not have the mass to counterbalance the weight of the pop filter. In this case, choose a smaller pop filter with an adjustable clamp.
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Another Way to Use a Pop Filter
I sometimes use pop filters when miking bass amps for slap bass players. This playing style usually has really fast speaker movements, and I usually use dynamic mics, but when using a condenser I like using a pop filter as a means to smooth out the sudden rush of air (transients) from the speaker.
Best Pop Filter Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2016 and the latest edition was published on August 14, 2020.
First, we looked for pop filters that are readily available from US retailers. We then made a short-list of 17 models and compiled related data about them, including user ratings, reviews, forum discussions, expert opinions. You can view our short-list in the Music Gear Database. The data we gathered for this 2020 update tallied to over 14,500 sources -- over 4,500 more than the previous update. This large number of sources was then processed by the Gearank Algorithm to produce our ratings out of 100. We selected the highest rated from the list to recommend above. We also selected a good budget option. 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: Supplemental research, Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using photographs of the Shure PS-6, Stedman Proscreen XL and Auphonix MPF-1.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
Comments
Our August 2020 update
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Our August 2020 update resulted in the following pop filters coming off the recommended list above:
The following pop filters
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The following pop filters came off our recommended list above due to our recent update, but you can still read about them:
As a result of the recent
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of the recent update to this guide, there were 3 pop filters that were removed from the recommended list above, however you can still read about them here:
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