What Does a Pop Filter Do?
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
A pop filter is a screen that sits between your mouth and the microphone and spreads out the burst of air from P and B sounds, so the burst does not hit the mic and make a popping sound in the recording. It also cuts the hiss on S sounds and keeps saliva and dust off the mic.
What a pop filter stops
Say P and B into your hand and you feel a puff of air. That puff is what hits the microphone and makes the pop. A pop filter spreads the puff across two layers of screen, so the air reaches the mic gently while the voice passes through. The first screen breaks up the blast, and the gap between the layers spreads what is left before it reaches the second screen.
Where to place the filter
Clip the filter to the microphone stand or to the mic itself, then bend the gooseneck until the screen sits between your mouth and the microphone. Leave a small gap between the screen and the mic so the air has room to spread. Sing or speak at your normal distance and adjust the angle until the pops stop without moving the mic.
How to pick a screen type
Pop filters use two layers of screen, either nylon mesh or metal mesh. The first layer breaks the blast and the second catches the rest, and the gap between the layers spreads the air pressure. A foam windscreen fits over the mic itself and traps saliva and dust as well. Pick a screen with a gooseneck that bends to any angle, so you can set the screen between your mouth and the mic.
When the pops are still there
If pops remain, move the screen a little farther from the mic and check that you are speaking through the center of the screen, not past its edge. Speak slightly across the mic instead of straight into it, and keep the screen between your mouth and the mic at all times. If the screen is torn or bent out of shape, replace it: a damaged screen cannot spread the air evenly.
What you need
YOUSHARES Blue Yeti Pop Filter Foam Windscreen
A 5.5 inch pop filter and foam windscreen made for the Blue Yeti, with six layers of metal mesh and sponge on a 360 degree adjustable gooseneck.
- Dual layer screen
- Metal mesh
- Gooseneck
NEEWER Professional Microphone Pop Filter Shield Compatible
A dual-layer pop screen with a flexible 360 degree gooseneck and a clamp that fits tubular booms or microphone stands, for the Blue Yeti and other mics.
- Dual layer screen
- Gooseneck
SAMSON PS04 Microphone Pop Filter Restock Deal
A dual-layer 4.75 inch nylon mesh screen on a flexible 8 inch gooseneck, with a universal mic stand adapter and a 1-year warranty.
- Dual layer screen
- Gooseneck
- 1-year warranty stated
Golden Pearl Professional Microphone Pop Filter Shield
A dual-layer pop screen with a flexible 360 degree gooseneck and an adjustable clamp that fixes to any mic stand, and it guards the mic against saliva.
- Dual layer screen
- Gooseneck
These come from our ranked list Best Pop Filter, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pop filter change how my voice sounds?
No. The screen spreads the burst of air from P and B sounds, and your voice passes through it. The words stay the same, and the pops are far less likely to reach the mic.
Do I need a pop filter for a USB microphone?
Yes, if you record vocals or speech close to the mic. A USB mic still picks up the burst of air from P and B sounds, and a pop filter sits between your mouth and the mic to spread it. The YOUSHARES filter is made for the Blue Yeti, and the NEEWER screen fits other mics too.
Can a pop filter stop sibilance on S sounds?
It helps. If the hiss stays strong, speak slightly across the mic and check that the screen sits between your mouth and the mic.
How do I clean a pop filter?
Wipe the screen with a soft dry cloth to take off dust. Do not use solvents, and do not bend a metal mesh screen out of shape.
Ranked pop filters lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.