What Is the Difference Between a Pop Filter and a Windscreen?

From audio-technica:

Windscreens and pop filters are used in conjunction with microphones to assist in reducing excessive pressures on a microphone’s element. These pressures may come in the form of wind current, breath blasts and vocal plosives. Both windscreens and pop filters are common tools of the trade used in both live and studio applications. Similar in their performance, windscreens and pop filters can often be used interchangeably to accomplish the same task.

Windscreens (shown on the left in the above image) are usually made from a foam material and are designed to fit snugly over the microphone element casing. Many microphones incorporate an internal windscreen in the grill to protect the microphone element, but even these types of microphones can benefit from additional sound pressure protection in certain situations, so don’t be afraid to outfit them with another windscreen. One thing to note, a mic windscreen often will dampen higher frequencies more than a pop filter will.

Pop filters (shown on the right in the above image) usually consist of acoustically transparent foam and/or mesh and work by being placed in front of the microphone element. They are commonly used for recording vocals in a studio setting. The pop filter was originally implemented by using a hanger or embroidery ring to place stretched leg stockings between the audio source (vocalist) and the microphone element. This allowed for maximum sonic transparency while effectively reducing excessive plosives such as “p’s” and “b’s.” Pop filters are often used with higher end vocal condenser microphones.

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