Best Boom Arms for Blue Yeti In 2025 (All budgets)
In the world of podcasting, streaming, and content creation, the Blue Yeti has established itself as one of the most popular USB microphones on the market. Its excellent sound quality and plug-and-play functionality make it accessible for beginners while still delivering professional-grade audio. However, pairing it with a quality boom arm is essential to truly maximizing your Blue Yeti’s potential.
A good boom arm eliminates desk vibrations, positions your microphone optimally for recording, frees up valuable desk space, and allows for quick adjustments during recording sessions. The problem is that the Blue Yeti is relatively heavy compared to other microphones (weighing approximately 1.2 pounds or 550 grams), which means not all boom arms can handle its weight.
Why You Need a Boom Arm for Your Blue Yeti
Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s explore why a boom arm is such a valuable addition to your Blue Yeti setup:
- Reduced Vibration Noise: When your Blue Yeti sits directly on your desk, it picks up vibrations from typing, mouse movements, or even a slight bump against the table. A boom arm suspends your microphone in the air, isolating it from these vibrations.
- Optimal Positioning: The Blue Yeti performs best when positioned correctly—typically 6-8 inches from your mouth. A boom arm makes it easy to maintain this ideal distance and angle.
- Desk Space Management: The Blue Yeti with its standard desktop stand takes up significant real estate on your desk. A boom arm clamps to the edge of your desk, freeing up valuable workspace.
- On-the-Fly Adjustments: During recordings or live streams, a boom arm allows you to reposition your microphone quickly without awkward pauses or handling noise.
- Professional Appearance: For video content creators, a boom arm creates a cleaner, more professional look by keeping the microphone positioned optimally while staying out of frame.
Top Boom Arms for the Blue Yeti
1. RØDE PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm
Price Range: $129-149
The RØDE PSA1+ is widely considered the gold standard for microphone boom arms, and for good reason. The “plus” version is an upgrade to the already excellent original PSA1, with several improvements specifically beneficial for heavier microphones like the Blue Yeti.
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: Supports microphones up to 2.2 pounds (1.0 kg)
- Horizontal reach: 32.5 inches (825mm)
- Vertical reach: 33 inches (840mm)
- Built-in cable management channels
- 360° rotation
- Innovative parallel spring design for smooth, silent operation
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality with premium materials
- Near-silent operation with no creaking or spring noise
- Superior stability that easily handles the Blue Yeti’s weight
- Holds position reliably without sagging
- Includes both desk clamp and grommet mounting options
- Enhanced internal cable management
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Overkill for casual users
If budget isn’t a major concern, the RØDE PSA1+ represents the best investment for your Blue Yeti. Its robust construction, silent operation, and ability to hold the Yeti’s weight securely make it the professional’s choice. This is particularly valuable for those who make frequent microphone adjustments during recording sessions.
2. Blue Compass Premium Broadcast Boom Arm
Price Range: $99-119
Designed by Blue specifically for their microphones, the Blue Compass offers a sleek, streamlined design that pairs beautifully with the Blue Yeti.
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: Supports microphones up to 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg)
- Horizontal reach: 32 inches (812mm)
- Hidden channel cable management
- All-tube, internal spring design
- 360° rotation
Pros:
- Purpose-built for Blue microphones
- Excellent weight capacity specifically tested with Blue Yeti
- Elegant, minimalist design
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Completely hidden cable management
- Hand-tightened mounting system requires no tools
Cons:
- Slightly less horizontal reach than some competitors
- Limited vertical adjustment range
- Some users report the tension adjustment can be finicky
The Blue Compass is an excellent mid-range option that offers a perfect aesthetic match with your Blue Yeti. Its internal spring design provides quiet operation, and the hidden cable management creates a clean, professional look. This boom arm represents excellent value, especially for those seeking a cohesive Blue-branded setup.
3. Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desktop Microphone Boom Stand
Price Range: $79-99
The Gator Frameworks Deluxe offers professional features at a more accessible price point than the premium options.
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: Supports microphones up to 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg)
- Horizontal reach: 36.5 inches (927mm)
- Integrated XLR cable management
- Adjustable tension springs
- Built-in 3/8″ to 5/8″ thread adapter
Pros:
- Exceptional weight capacity
- Outstanding reach
- Durable all-metal construction
- Stays in position reliably
- Excellent value for money
- Tool-free adjustment knobs
Cons:
- Not as aesthetically refined as premium options
- Spring mechanism can produce some noise during adjustments
- Bulkier appearance than some competitors
The Gator Frameworks Deluxe offers excellent functionality at a more budget-friendly price. Its impressive weight capacity and reach make it exceptionally versatile, while its durable construction ensures longevity. This is an excellent choice for content creators who prioritize functionality and value over the sleekest aesthetic.
4. TONOR T20 Microphone Arm Stand
Price Range: $40-60
For budget-conscious users, the TONOR T20 represents the best entry-level option capable of reliably supporting the Blue Yeti.
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: Supports microphones up to 1.8 pounds (0.8 kg)
- Horizontal reach: 28 inches (710mm)
- Steel construction with reinforced springs
- Includes suspension shock mount (not compatible with Blue Yeti, but useful for other mics)
- Built-in cable management clips
Pros:
- Impressive build quality for the price point
- Sufficient capacity for the Blue Yeti
- Velcro cable ties for cable management
- Adjustable tension springs
- Excellent stability for an economy option
Cons:
- Less smooth operation than premium options
- Springs may produce some noise during adjustments
- May require occasional re-tightening of joints
- More limited reach than premium models
The TONOR T20 offers remarkable value for those on a strict budget. While it lacks the refined operation and premium materials of more expensive options, it provides reliable performance and sufficient stability for the Blue Yeti at a fraction of the cost. It’s an excellent starter boom arm for those new to content creation.
5. Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom
Price Range: $120-140
The Heil Sound PL-2T is a premium option popular among broadcast professionals and serious podcasters.
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: Supports microphones up to 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg)
- Horizontal reach: 30 inches (762mm)
- Internal springs with adjustable tension
- Integrated cable channel
- C-clamp mount with up to 2″ thickness capacity
Pros:
- Professional-grade build quality
- Exceptional stability with minimal drift
- Very smooth, quiet operation
- Precise positioning capability
- Outstanding durability
Cons:
- Premium price point
- More industrial aesthetic
- Slightly complex initial setup
- Heavier than some competitors
The Heil Sound PL-2T is a professional-grade boom arm that offers exceptional stability and durability. Its higher price point is justified by its performance and longevity. This boom arm is ideal for professional podcasters and broadcasters who demand absolute reliability and are willing to invest in equipment that will last for years.
How to choose A Boom Arm for Blue Yeti
1. Weight Capacity
The Blue Yeti weighs approximately 1.2 pounds (550 grams) without accessories. When selecting a boom arm, ensure it has a rated capacity of at least 1.5 pounds (680 grams) to provide a safety margin. All the boom arms recommended above meet this requirement.
2. Mounting Options
Most boom arms offer two mounting options:
- C-clamp: Attaches to the edge of your desk
- Grommet mount: Requires a hole in your desk for a cleaner look
Consider your desk setup and which mounting method would work best for your situation. Premium options like the RØDE PSA1+ include both mounting options in the package.
3. Cable Management
Clean cable management is essential for a professional setup. Look for boom arms with internal cable channels or clips to keep your USB cable tidy and prevent it from getting tangled during adjustments.
4. Noise Suppression
Higher-quality boom arms use internal springs and dampening systems to minimize noise during adjustments. This is crucial if you’ll be making position changes during recordings.
5. Reach and Range of Motion
Consider the dimensions of your workspace and how much reach you need. A longer boom arm provides more flexibility but requires more space to operate. Also, check the vertical adjustment range if you plan to stand during recordings.
6. Compatibility with Shock Mounts
If you use or plan to use a shock mount with your Blue Yeti, ensure your chosen boom arm is compatible. Some boom arms come with included shock mounts that won’t fit the Blue Yeti, while others are designed to work specifically with Blue’s shock mount accessories.
How to Set Up Your Blue Yeti on a Boom Arm
To get the most out of your Blue Yeti and boom arm combination:
- Remove the desk stand from your Blue Yeti by unscrewing the base.
- Attach a thread adapter if needed. The Blue Yeti has a standard 5/8″ thread, while some boom arms use a 3/8″ thread. Many boom arms include an adapter.
- Consider adding a shock mount for additional vibration isolation. Blue makes the Radius III shock mount specifically designed for the Yeti.
- Manage your cables through the boom arm’s cable management system to prevent tangling and cable noise.
- Position the microphone correctly by placing it 6-8 inches from your mouth, with the Blue logo facing you (the Yeti is a side-address microphone).
- Adjust the gain settings on your Blue Yeti after mounting it on the boom arm, as the new position may change your optimal gain level.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality boom arm for your Blue Yeti microphone significantly enhances your recording experience and output quality. The options range from premium professional-grade arms like the RØDE PSA1+ to budget-friendly alternatives like the TONOR T20, with several excellent mid-range options in between.
The Blue Compass offers the best balance of quality, aesthetic matching, and value for most serious content creators. However, your specific needs and budget will ultimately determine the best choice for your setup.
Remember that even the most expensive boom arm costs significantly less than upgrading to a higher-end microphone. Correctly positioning your Blue Yeti with a quality boom arm will improve your audio quality more dramatically than many realize, making it one of the most cost-effective upgrades for your recording setup.