How to Choose the Best Headphone Stands
Next to our smartphones, our headphones have become an integral part of our daily lives to the extent that we can’t step outside the house without them. Our gaming, TV watching, or music listening just don’t seem complete without them. The tricky part is finding the best place to store them when you need your ears free. Besides, leaving them sitting on the desk gathering dust is not only a bad idea for their longevity but also clutters your workspace. The solution: find a decent stand that not only keeps your headphones safe but also blends well on your desk. But with the plethora of choices in the market, choosing one can be tiring. You have to decide on the style and whether or not your headphones can actually match them. This is where we come in with advice on how to find the best headphone stand. Read on to find out which headphone stand is best for you and your setup!
Razer Base Station V2 Chroma
Key features
Type: Free-standing hanger Material: Aluminum Max headband width: 50mm Height: 278mm(10.94”) Weight: 450g (1 lbs) Base diameter: 120mm (4.72”) Additional features: Detachable base, RGB lighting, two USB 3.1 ports, & one 3.5mm combo port with built-in DAC with 7.1 surround sound
Razer is popularly known for its well-designed wireless gaming headsets such as the Kraken and Blackshark. As a company made up of gamers, it’s no surprise that they offer some of the finest selections of gaming paraphernalia, including the Razer Base Station V2 Chroma. Ultimately, this led to the invention of new designs, including free-standing hangers, arch stands, docks, and clamp hangers. Let’s breakdown each type to find out which you should go for:
Free-standing Hangers
Free-standing hangers are the most common type of headphone stands available on the market. As the name suggests, these types of headphone stands don’t need to be installed anywhere on your desk. Just leave it on a flat surface and it’s good to go! The design came from the idea of banana hangers so they can be used to accommodate almost any type of headphones without flexing /stretching the headband. Most come fully assembled, and a few models come with extra perks such as charging ports.
Arch Stand
An arch stand has a head-like design, which makes it one of the best stands for displaying a premium set of headphones. Most arch stands are typically made of wood for a lavish appearance. The head-shaped design mimics how your headphones sit on your head when you have them on. This makes it easier to break in a new set of headphones. While it may be an ingenious design, it may not be the best stand for every type of headphones. This is because the arch stretches the headband over time and consequently reduces the clamping force. Also, headphones with large ear pads that go over the edges of the stand can get deformed with time.
Dock
A few wireless gaming headphones and home theater headsets come with a dock or base station for supporting the headphones. With these, instead of compressing the headband, your headphones sit with the earcups resting on the floor of the stand. Take Neederland’s Truestand for example. It’s a simple but space-saving design that helps to maintain the quality of your headphones. It works for both wired and wireless headphones.
Clamp Hanger
Clamp hangers help you free up a lot of desk space since the headphones don’t have to sit on the desk. Instead, you only need to attach the hanger on/under your desk using clamps, screws, or even adhesives. However, most of these clamp hangers, especially ones made of plastic, come with weight limits. So you may want to choose one that can handle the weight of your headphones to avoid inconveniences. Take dock stands for example. They work better with wireless headphones since they have limited space to place your headphone cable. However, as for the headphone’s dimensions, the maximum height and width are worth considering when using docks. If your headphones are too wide for the dock, you may end up compressing and deforming the earpads. Plus, if they exceed the maximum height recommendations, they may end up toppling over. The good news is, most headphone stands’ product descriptions also include their maximum capacity in terms of size, the most common of which is the headband width. On the other hand, the stand’s maximum weight capacity is also an important factor to consider. A free-standing hanger may topple over if you hang bulky headphones that exceed its maximum weight capacity. As a general rule, don’t use headphones that have twice the weight as the stand. When it comes to safety, there are several factors to consider including:
Hanger Type
The type of hanger you choose depends on your headphones’ model. For example, you don’t want a hanger with thin metal support for your padded gaming headsets. The thin metal will gradually compress and dent the padding. If you have heavily padded headphones, a safe bet would be to go for a hanger with a broad and curved support surface. This ensures that minimal pressure is exerted on the padding at the point of contact.
Materials
Headphone stands come in varying materials, including hardwood, metal, and plastic. The materials are further designed with either a smooth or coarse finish. While a hardwood stand with a course finish can offer an appealing vintage look, the material can be too tough and can damage your headphones. You will notice scratches on your headphones, and the material covering the ear pads and headband will start to peel. In the same way, a metal stand with sharp edges can puncture the earpads or deform the headband. You are better off choosing a stand with a curved edge and a smooth finish. You can also find headphone stands with soft leather or foam paddings that help prevent compression damage to your headphones.
Stability
It’s a no-brainer that you need a stable stand to protect your headphones from accidental drops. For this reason, choose a free-standing hanger with a wide and weighted platform that doesn’t topple over even when you hang bulky headphones on it.
For clamp hangers, be sure to go for a clamp that attaches to your desk with screws for maximum stability.
Plastic clamp hangers may snap or get easily detached, especially if fixed with adhesive. They may not even carry the maximum weight capacity for a long period. This is because the adhesive tends to wear out with time and thins out even faster if your desk is next to a window that lets in plenty of sunlight.
The durability of the stand often depends on the type of material used. In this respect, metal stands with a corrosion-resistant finish are the best. They are tough enough to withstand accidental knocks or drops and are protected against rust.
Hardwood stands can also last for years if designed with a waterproof finish. On the other hand, plastic stands are not very long-lasting as the material can crack or snap if accidentally knocked over. If you have to go for a plastic stand, ensure that it’s made from hardened plastic such as impact-resistant ABS plastic.
For gaming, stands with modern designs and RGB lights are usually the best option.
Also, don’t forget to browse the colors and finishes available so you can get a stand that suits your taste or preferences.
USB ports and wireless charging functions offer a convenient charging hub for your devices.
Stands with audio jacks make it easier to listen to music without having to connect the headphones directly to an audio source such as your laptop. Not forgetting, most gaming headset stands even come with a built-in DAC and amplifier that help improve the quality of audio from your favorite games.
Lastly, RGB lighting is a welcome accessory for a gaming setup ― it decorates the room in a colorful mixture of red, green, and blue lights.
While specifically made for gaming, this headphone stand also has some of the most useful features for any purpose.
For one, this free-standing headphones hanger easily scoops the top spot due to its sturdy aluminum construction that can support headsets with a headband diameter of up to 50mm.
It’s further designed with a low center of gravity to keep the stand from shifting or toppling over. Plus, the base is fitted with a non-slip rubber pad for added stability. You can also detach the base for easy transportability in case you want to load it in your backpack and move it to a different station.
Best of all, this hanger also acts as a charging station. It comes with dual USB 3.1 SuperSpeed ports and a single 3.5mm combo port with built-in DAC so you can connect multiple devices on it.
Not to mention, its built-in DAC adds in a 7.1 surround sound feature on your headphones, to give you an immersive audio experience and keep you on top of FPS games.
Gamers will also appreciate the RGB lighting at the base, which you can customize using a cloud-based hardware configuration tool, the Razer Synapse 3.
Its biggest drawback is that it doesn’t offer proper cable management; there is no wire routing under the base. Plus, with all the ports at the front, you will also have all the cables at the front looking messy.
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Avantree TR902
Key features
Type: Free-standing hanger Material: Aluminum alloy and bamboo Maximum headband width: 50mm Height: 305mm (12”) Weight: 385g (0.04 lbs) Base size: 175mm (6.9”) Additional features: Cable holder & headband slot
Next to our best overall pick, the Avantree TR902 is a strong runner-up for its ergonomic free-standing design that includes a cable holder. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a simple and affordable stand that doesn’t compromise on its build and aesthetic quality. It’s a universal stand that can accommodate any type of headphone with a maximum headband width of up to 50mm. Plus, with a height of 305mm, it can even accommodate large headsets from major headphone brands for audiophiles and casuals. The bowl-shaped cable holder can also hold a few jack pins, cables, and even your glasses to help keep your workspace organized. What’s more, the headband slot on the hanger keeps your headphones from moving and falling off. As for the construction, this stand is made of a combination of bamboo (base and hanger) and high-grade aluminum alloy (stem) for enhanced stability. The wooden base provides a stable platform for holding your headphones while the wooden hanger has a smooth finish so it doesn’t scratch your headphones. Just note that while the headband slot may be convenient and aesthetic, it can cause indentations or creases on heavy headphones because of the lack of padding in the wooden hanger. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Lamicall H1 Headphone Stand
Key features
Type: Free-standing hanger Material: ABS plastic with aluminum Maximum headband width: 68mm Height: 304mm (12”) Weight: 330g (0.7 lbs) Base size: 130mm (5.1”) Additional features: Saddle-like hanger & weighted anti-slip base
Retailing at less than USD$20, the Lamicall H1 Headphone Stand earns our best budget spot for its affordable price tag. It’s a free-standing hanger that can accommodate almost all types of headsets. When it comes to design, it features an elegant but sleek profile so it can look aesthetically appealing while sitting on your desk. The construction includes a combination of aluminum alloy (pole) for enhanced stability and high-quality ABS plastic (base and hanger) to help make the stand lightweight. Its standout feature is the plastic, saddle-like headphones hanger with a curved design that protects the sponge of the headphones. The saddle is further designed with high-precision thread to help keep the headphones from moving around. It can accommodate headphones with a maximum headband width of 68mm, unlike the Avantree TR902 or the Razer Base Station V2 Chroma, which only have a 50mm headband width limit. The aluminum pole has a height of 304mm and provides a low center of gravity to keep the headphones stable on the stand. Lastly, the stand is designed with a weighted anti-slip base for optimal stability. However, while this stand may have a weighted, anti-slip base it can still be prone to toppling, especially when holding heavy headphones exceeding 0.75lbs. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Meze Audio Headphone Couch
Key features
Type: Couch Material: Soft vegan leather Maximum headband width: 120mm Height: 273mm (10.6”) Weight: 1.7kg (3.7 lbs) Base size: 192mm (7.6”) Additional features: Foldable & cushioned surface
Moving away from free-standing hangers, the Meze Audio Headphone Couch earns our best premium spot for its unique design that offers a wide, cushioned surface for your headphones to ‘rest’ comfortably. Every touchpoint on your headphones, including the headband and ear padding, is protected from damages such as dents and scratches. It’s a foldable stand that provides a sturdy platform for headphones with a maximum headband width of 120mm. This couch-shaped design helps to avoid unnecessary damage to your headphones, unlike arch-shaped stands that can affect the padding or clamping force. Adding to its aesthetics, this unit is made of soft vegan leather, which provides a soft cushion for your headphones to relax on. And, the black color blends in with almost any ongoing theme in your workspace. Not to mention, the base also includes extra cushioning to ensure it doesn’t scratch your desk. This stand comes fully assembled. Plus, the foldable design means that you can easily store it away in your drawer when it’s not in use. Overall, there’s not much to complain about the Meze Headphone Couch. But, considering there are not many additional features except the design, the price is its most significant drawback as it comes with a price tag that’s over USD $100. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Brainwavz Hengja
Key features
Type: Clamp hanger Material: All Metal Maximum headband width: 50mm Weight: 112g (0.24 lbs) Additional features: Screw-on design & adjustable
The Brainwavz Hengja is our most space-saving pick; this clamp hanger helps keep your headphones from cluttering your workspace. It’s easy to secure on your desk with the screws provided and you can further adjust its size to fit on desks with different thicknesses. Besides the all-metal construction, it has a lightweight profile that can support heavy headphones without breaking or bending. This desk clamp hanger comes with screws so you can easily fix it on your desk without dealing with the mess that comes with using glue or adhesive tape. Plus, it’s designed to accommodate headphones with a maximum headband width of 50 mm. Not to mention, the clamp is rotatable (with the help of an Allen key tool) so you can attach it on either a vertical or horizontal surface. Also, the clamp is adjustable whether in vertical or horizontal mode. You can expand the clamp to fix it on surfaces with a thickness ranging from 14 to 40 mm. Unfortunately, the hanger doesn’t have a hook to keep the headphones from slipping out in case you accidentally knocked them over. So you have to make sure they’re placed in a safe spot that won’t be vulnerable to sudden physical contact. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
ASUS ROG Throne
Key features
Type: Free-standing hanger Material: ABS and PC plastic construction Maximum headband width: 50mm Height: 190mm (7.5”) Weight: 380g (0.8 lbs) Base size: 138mm (5.4”) Additional features: Wireless charging, RGB lighting, anti-slip base, headphone jack, dual USB ports, & built-in amp.
The ASUS ROG Throne is our ‘Best for Gaming’ selection as it comes with a plethora of features that make it ideal for a gaming setup. Chief among them include the advanced customizable RGB lighting that enhances your gaming setup. On top of having 6 preset lighting effects, the Asus Aura Sync RGB lighting system lets you choose from an endless color spectrum. You can also sync the lighting effects with compatible devices such as PCs or headsets. This free-standing hanger is made of ABS and PC plastic and is fitted with an anti-slip rubber pad base for optimal stability. The hanger can accommodate headphones with a maximum headband width of 50mm. Best of all, this stand features wireless Qi charging for compatible devices. All you need to do is place the device on the ROG logo on the platform for up to 10 watts of fast charging power. An LED indicator also fitted on the base displays the charging status Also included on the base is a 3.5 mm jack to help you connect your headsets directly to the stand and dual-port USB 3.1 hub. Not to mention, it comes with a built-in ESS 9118 DAC/amp along with Armoury II software to help enhance your audio experience. Unfortunately, the dual USB ports on the unit boil down to only one usable port; you have to connect your laptop to the extra port. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Suguder 4-in-1 Headset Holder
Key features
Type: Free-standing hanger Material: ABS and PC plastic Maximum headband width: 70mm Height: 259mm (10.2”) Weight: 480g (1lb) Base size: 290mm (11.4”) Additional features: Wireless charging, heat dissipation holes, & detachable base
The Suguder 4-in-1 Headset Holder is one of the best stands for holding iOS devices. Your iPhone, Apple watch, Airpods’ charging case, iPhone, and even your Airpods Max can all be accommodated on this 4-in-1 free-standing hanger. This unit comes with a wireless charging station that includes 3 built-in chips for charging compatible Qi-enabled devices. So you can use it to charge your watch, Airpods, and even your phone. It also includes a Type C port for charging your AirPods Max. The base is detachable so you can use it as a charging station for the rest of your devices when using your headphones. Heat dissipation holes at the base help prevent overheating issues and the wireless charger will automatically stop working if the base overheats. However, you should know that the unit has a blue light indicator that can’t be turned off. It can be a bit distracting. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Tilted Nation RGB Headset Stand
Key features
Type: Arch stand Material: ABS & PC plastic Maximum headband width: 50mm Height: 250mm (9.8”) Weight: 560g (1.2 lbs) Base size: 120mm (4.7”) Additional features: Built-in mouse bungee, RGB lighting, non-slip grip pads & weighted metal base
The Tilted Nation RGB Headset Stand comes with a convenient 3-in-one design that supports your wired mouse on top of holding your headphones. The built-in mouse cable holder helps to keep your mouse tangle- and drag-free so you can move it easily as if it’s wireless. The mouse cable holder is also removable so you can decide to use your wired mouse as is to maintain the original cable range. It also includes a 2-port USB 3.0 hub so you can connect and charge your gaming accessories. It’s designed to add an elegant touch to your gaming station; it includes RGB lighting that lets you cycle through seven different colors. The lights are activated with a touch sensor. Also, this stand is built for durability with an ABS and PC plastic construction coupled with a weighted metal base. The base also includes non-slip grip pads for maximum stability. Overall, the unit can support most headphones with a maximum headband width of 50mm. Just note that while the mouse bungee makes it easy to use a wired mouse, it does lift the cord and that can limit the mouse range, especially for those with shorter cables. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
KAFRI H02
Key features
Type: Free-standing hanger Material: ABS and PC plastic Maximum headband width: 53mm Height: 250mm (9.8”) Weight: 400g (8.8 lbs) Base size: 140mm (5.5”) Additional features: RGB lighting, 3 USB charging ports, 2 AC outlets & multiple advanced safety features
The KAFRI H02 is our best choice for a dual headphone stand — it can hold two headphones with a maximum headband width of 53mm. It features a durable build made of a hardened plastic (ABS and PC plastic) outer shell that can support the weight of two headphones to ensure stability. Ideal for a gaming set-up, this unit is fitted with RGB lights at the base that can display 9 different lighting effects and up to 16.7 million colors. A touch switch located on the base makes it easy to switch between the different light modes. Also included on the 4.4- by 4.4-inch platform are 3 USB charging ports, including two USB-A ports and a single USB C port. It also comes with 2 AC outlets that are compatible with speakers, laptops, and a plethora of gaming accessories. Not to mention, the unit comes with multiple advanced safety features, including a fire-proof case, short circuit, and overload protection. But, this stand is not without fault. The USB ports are not fast charging so you may want to consider other alternatives if you need to charge your phone. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Neederland TrueStand
Key features
Type: Dock Material: Aluminum with vegan leather foam Maximum headband width: N/A Height: 64mm (2.5”) Weight: 433g (0.95lbs) Base size: 160mm (6.3”) Additional features: Bottom cutouts for wired headphones, non-porous material, & built-in magnets
If you are looking for a unique headphone stand that doesn’t compromise the quality of your headphones, then the Neederland TrueStand is a solid choice. It’s a dock stand made of a combination of corrosion-resistant aluminum and vegan leather foam. The foam helps to maintain the quality of the padding on your headphones. It is also easy to clean since it’s made of non-porous and tear-resistant material. The stand has a 140mm x 85mm infinity-shaped cut-out that can fit almost any type of headphones, including the AirPods Max. The stand is also designed with another 55mm x 24mm infinity-shaped cutout at the bottom, which makes it easy to store wired headphones. However, despite the foam padding, headphones with large ear cup padding may still get deformed. This is because you may be forced to squeeze them in to fit in the cutout and the applied pressure may deform the padding. CHECK LATEST PRICE AT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Master & Dynamic MP1000B
Key features
Type: Free-standing hanger Material: Machined steel with rubber foot pad Maximum headband width: 50mm Height: 280mm (11”) Weight: 745g (1.6lbs) Base size: 140mm (5.5”) Additional features: Weighted base & corrosion-resistant coating
Master & Dynamic is one of the best manufacturers of headphones and audio accessories, so you can expect its products to be of top-notch quality. This is why the Master & Dynamic MP1000B couldn’t miss out on our list as the most durable option. This free-standing hanger is made of alloy steel for optimal durability. It’s further coated with a durable finish for enhanced corrosion resistance. So, you can expect to use it for years without seeing signs of scratches or rust stains. Plus, to enhance its stability, it’s integrated with a weighted and electroplated steel base with a rubber foot. The stand is almost 12 inches tall and the hanger can accommodate headphones with a maximum headband width of 50mm. However, being a product from a high-end brand, it’s a bit more expensive than most frills-free free-standing hangers. Also, the thin hanger can dent heavily padded headphones. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
ONEGenug Headphone Stand
Key features
Type: Arch stand Material: Walnut wood with rubber feet Maximum headband width: 100 mm Height: 253mm (9.9”) Weight: 650g (1.4lbs) Base size:148mm (5.8”) Additional features: Eco-friendly & bridge platform
If you own a set of headphones with thick padding then the ONEGenug Headphone Stand is your best bet for maintaining the quality of your headphones. This bridge-shaped arch stand is made of retro-style walnut wood that’s smooth and eco-friendly. It can accommodate headphones with a maximum headband width of 100mm. Also, it has a wide 10-inch surface so the entire ear cup padding can rest on the wooden surface to prevent creased edges. The base is about an inch wider than the widest part of the arch. This combined with rubber feet helps keep the stand stable. Overall, the benefit of this stand is that it protects your headphones from dust and scratches. The wooden design will also look visually appealing on any desk. Plus, the space between the arch and base offers a convenient platform for storing your phone, cable, or even gamepad. Unfortunately, it’s only available in one wooden design. So you may have to seek other alternatives if you want a similar design but in a different color. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
