Your headphones are an important part of your life, be it for entertainment or productivity. Headphones and headsets are used more than ever these days with all the teleconferencing and virtual happenings, aside from all the great new music hitting the airwaves. So, congratulations on achieving the first step: owning a decent pair of headphones! But now what? Well, the natural next step is to give your functional audio darlings a home with their very own headphone or headset holder. There are many types of headphone stands and holders on the market that will be a welcome addition to your life. See our buying guide below with answers to commonly asked questions, followed by details to consider, and finally, recommendations for some of our favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are headset stands and headphone stands the same?
Essentially, products made to hold audio headphones or stands for 2-way headsets are the same thing. Headset and headphone stands allow your gear to hang by its center connecting band that goes over your head, and as long as your headphones or headset is balanced with an earpiece on both sides, a headphone holder will work well. Sometimes, in the case of one-ear headphone sets, the unit may not hang evenly due to one-sided weight distribution. However, most headphones and headsets are a good fit for holders and stands.
Why should I get a headphone stand?
Sure, it’s easy to throw your headphones in a box of stuff, or worse, on the floor, or in a crowded, messy drawer where they could get damaged. But wouldn’t a dedicated spot for your headphones be nice? Headphone stands offer better, safer storage that protects that delicate audio hardware inside. In addition, headphone stands make it quick and easy to find your headphones when you need them. After all, they’re always right there on their own stand, in plain view. Also, using a headphone stand frees up space in other places, because with a dedicated holder, your headphones are using the cubic inches of the open air near your desk instead of taking up significant volume in a drawer or on the table top. All in all, you should consider a headphone stand because it protects your electronics investment and also saves space.
Buying Guide
There are probably more types of headset and headphone holders than you might be aware of. Before you make your purchase of a new headphone holder, consider the following points:
- Placement: Headphone stands and holders are most often one of two types: tabletop or under desk/shelf. Many headphone holders consist of a base that sits on your desktop and gives you a neat and clean place to store your headphones while you’re not using them. Most bases of these tabletop holders are large enough to provide stability, but small enough to not take up too much surface area. Alternatively, some headphone holders are hangers that mount under your table or desk. This type of under-desk design has the obvious advantage of saving desktop space. However, with this type, you need adequate space under the table or desk to make sure that your legs won’t bump into the headphones hanging there.
- Functions: You might think that a headphone holder or stand has one function – to hold a pair of headphones – right? But actually, some headphone holders do more. Several manufacturers make headphones that double as a charging station, with either a wireless charging pad or USB ports in the base. Also, you can also find headphone holders or stands that hold more than one pair of headphones. While you’re shopping, think about whether you’d like something simple, or a fancy multifunctional design.
- Stability: Whether your headphone holder is a desktop stand or a mounter under-desk hanger, you need it to stay put. With tabletop units, look for a heavy base that’s wide enough to do the job and won’t tip over easily. Also, bases with a non-slip coating on the bottom are advantageous, too, and will keep the stand from sliding. In under-desk mounted units, look for either strong adhesive or the option to be able to screw the holder into your table, desk or shelf underside.
- Extras: Some headphone holders come with cool bells and whistles. For example, you can find headphone holders with color-changing LED lights, and stands with other compelling features, or maybe a unique look that complements your decor. While you’re perusing the options in headphone holders and stands, think about whether you want something basic or maybe a model with a little more pizzazz.
A headphone holder or headset stand is definitely a practical addition to your life, and will give a subtle little boost to your productivity with its inherent organization. Here are our top picks for the best headphone stands:
KAFRI Headphone Stand
Best Space-Saving Design
Features a small footprint to help declutter your desk space.
This headphone stand is designed to produce nine different lighting effects to create a cool gaming atmosphere. It comes equipped with a backside hook to conveniently wrap and store cables.
Pros:
- Includes one USB port for charging
- Compatible with most major brands
Cons:
- Plastic construction may feel too lightweight for some users
Lamicall Headphone Stand
Easiest Installation
Sticks to any flat surface
This headphone hook comes with a detachable silicone cable organizer to help keep your desktop more tidy. It also features a protective pad to prevent the hook from scratching the leather of your headset’s head beam.
Pros:
- Supports all sizes of headphones
- Rotatable for easy access to headphones
Cons:
- Adhesive may not be strong enough to hold heavier headphones
New Bee Headphone Stand
Broadest Compatibility
Designed to hold any type and brand of headphones
This universal headphone stand helps you to organize your desk and keep your headphones in great condition. It has a flexible headrest made with durable, elastic TPU rubber. It has a compact design and can be used on any desk.
Pros:
- Has an anti-slip base
- Supporting bar is made of durable aluminum
Cons:
- Not designed to keep cables neat and tidy
Havit RGB Headphones
Best Non-Slip Design
Rubberized base provides excellent stability
This cool headset stand has five exciting lighting modes to create a great gaming atmosphere. It includes two USB ports that can be used to transfer data or to charge mobile devices.
Pros:
- Has a simple plug-and-play design
- Comes with an analog input that supports full-range stereo or surround sound
Cons:
- RGB feature can only be used when plug into a PC
6amLifestyle Headphone Stand
Best Capacity
Can hold two headsets simultaneously
Keep your headphones organized and ready to use with this space-saving headset holder. It can be attached to any flat surface. It features smooth edges on both ends to protect your headphones from scratching.
Pros:
- Can hold up to 4.4 pounds
- Won’t cause damage to surfaces once installed
Cons:
- No space to keep cables or wires neatly stored
