Best Pop Filters for Recording Vocals

It’s a simple tool, with a simple job.

It blocks those ugly “plosives” and keeps singers from spitting all over your vocal mic.

And that’s it.

So naturally you assume that all pop filters are the same, right?

But are they really?

Well in today’s post, where I examine and compare 7 of the best pop filters on the market…

You may discover that some are better than others.

1. Nady MPF-6

Of all the pop filters in the world…

The Nady MPF-6 is easily the best-selling, and most widely know…

Mostly because it’s so damn cheap.

But that’s not the whole story.  Because among the dozens of other pop filters just as cheap, few sell nearly as well.

Most pop filters in this price range use goosenecks that don’t stay in place, and cheap materials that break within a week.

Among these inexpensive options, it seems the Nady MPF-6 is among the only ones that actually delivers on its promises.

• Click to see current price – (Amazon)

Now while the Nady MPF-6 offers great value for its price, the truth is…

You get what you pay for.  So keep reading, because the other 6 options get progressively more expensive as we move down the list.

Up next…

2. On-Stage Stands ASFSS6GB Dual-Screen

Compared to the Nady MPF-6, the On-Stage Stands ASFSS6GB differs in one key way…

Rather than using just ONE screen to block plosive sounds, the ASFSS6GB has TWO.

The first screen blocks air blasts as any pop filter normally would.

The gap in between then disperses any remaining air pressure, so by the time it passes the second screen, the blast is easily contained.

In theory, the idea is sound.  A double layer means double protection.

Some people believe however, that many two-screen pop filters block too much high frequency detail.

But according to it’s wealth of stellar online reviews by satisfied users, the ASFSS6GB does not suffer from this problem.

• Click to see current price – (Amazon/B&H)

Up next…

3. Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL

As you may know, pop filters come in two standard designs:

• the cheaper “panty-hose” screens, and…
• the pricier metal screens

The biggest problems with the “panty hose” screens are:

• they can tear, and..
• they aren’t easy to clean. 

That is why pricier metal pop filters such as the Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL are preferred by many.

With it’s unique patented material, the Proscreen XL takes an entirely different approach to the problem of popping.

Rather than simply blocking plosive sounds, the Proscreen XL uses angled slots in the filter to redirect the energy downwards, away from you microphone.

Personally, I find this model to be an ideal mix of quality and affordability.  For typical home studios, I’d recommend it above all other options on the list.

• Click to compare prices – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)

Up next…

4. Avantone PS-1 PRO-SHIELD

Breaking away from the standard “hoop” design…

The Avantone PS-1 takes an entirely different approach.

Rather than sitting out in front of the microphone, where it’s vulnerable to being bumped and snagged…

The PS-1 is designed to wrap snuggly around the microphone grill, so it’s out of the way.

This also avoids the problem of singers constantly readjusting it, which wastes time, and puts added wear and tear on the gooseneck.

Like the Proscreen XL, the PS-1 features a hard screen which is more durable and easier to clean than the panty hose types.

One of its unique claims is that it causes no noticeable loss in high-frequency detail…which is verified in a number of reviews.

• Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusiciansF)

Up next…

5. WindTech PopGuard 2000

Taking the wrap-around design of the PS-1 even further…

The WindTech PopGuard 2000 wraps tightly around your microphone…

But does so by mounting to the grill itself, rather than requiring an external gooseneck to hold it in place.

The only pop filter on this list with this design, the PopGuard 2000 holds the unique advantage of taking up almost no added space.

Once it’s mounted, you almost forget it’s even there. That’s the upside…

The downsides are:

1. You can’t adjust the distance between the screen and the microphone. 
2. While it fits on MOST large diaphragm condenser mics, it won’t fit on all of them, and it won’t fit on most dynamic mics, such as an SM58 for example.  

So it’s not ideal in every situation.  But for some people, it might be exactly what they need.

• Click to see current price – (Amazon/B&H)

Up next…

6. Blue Microphones The Pop

If you’re familiar with the Blue Microphones company, then you already know…

EVERYTHING they make, from their high-end tube mics, to their budget USB mics, is ALL awesome.

And their signature pop filter which they’ve simply named, “The Pop“, is no exception.

It’s easily the prettiest, most classy looking pop filter on the list.

And it’s not just for Blue Microphones either.  Like any standard pop filter, it has a gooseneck and a clip that attaches to your mic stand.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of this pop filter is…

With it’s strong metal frame, wire mesh grill, and ultra-sturdy gooseneck, it offers a level of durability unmatched by anything else we’ve seen.

• Click to compare prices – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)

Up next…

7. Pauly Ton Pauly Superscreen

Now so far, we’ve seen some pretty high-end pop filters…

Some with price tags as high as $50, which for a pop filter, is pretty damn expensive.

But that’s nothing compared to the sticker price of this last item: the Pauly Ton Pauly Superscreen.

• Click to see current price – (Amazon)

The first time I discovered this pop filter, I thought the same thing you’re probably thinking now…

You want me to pay HOW MUCH for a pop filter?

And many of the online comments agree.

Not surprisingly, there are few people in this world willing to pay that much for a pop filter when perfectly good options exist for as little as $15.

But there are SOME people.  And of the few people who bought and reviewed this item, it seems that almost all agree that it’s totally worth it.

Apparently the level of transparency achieved by its special screen is quite impressive.

Would I recommend it for average home studios?  Hell no.