Whether you’re just launching a new podcast or you’re an established pro, choosing the best mic stand for podcasting will set you up for a comfortable, professional workstation. In recent years, podcasts have really taken off—from the Joe Rogan Experience to Call Her Daddy.
While there are a number of microphones that are dedicated for podcasting (or at least their marketing is), there are some mic stands that are better for a podcasting setup than, let’s say, a recording studio.
Mic stands are amongst a class of gear easy to ignore but critical if you want to record professional-quality podcasts. Like shock mounts and pop filters, it’s easy to find bargain-basement options that will technically hold your mic up but won’t last long. It’s also easy to find high-quality options that could take an oversized bite out of your gear budget. In our search for the best mic stand for podcasting, we considered the value of both options.
If you’re serious about building a real audience for your podcast, then a mic stand is surely the first way to start…..just kidding.
It’s probably one of the last things you’re thinking about, and that’s a good thing—there are many more important factors to a successful podcast. But, as mundane as they may seem, good quality mic stands can play a critical part in securing your mic properly and gaining proper mic placement.
Regardless, here’s a list of the best mic stands for podcasting.
Best Mic Stand for Podcasts | Frequently Asked Questions
Before we move on to our list of competitors for the title of the best mic stand for podcasting, we will take a moment to address some frequently asked questions on the subject.
- Will All Mic Stands Work With All Mics?
- What Should I Look for in a Mic Stand?
- What Type of Mic Stand Should I Buy?
- Who Makes the Best Stand for Podcasting?
- Do I Really Need a Mic Stand?
1. Will All Mic Stands Work With All Mics?
You should check your microphone and make sure that if it came with its own stand, that it’s removable. Not all microphones are made to use 3rd party stands.
Furthermore, not all stands will work with every microphone. But there are usually adapters to fix that—and a good stand will come with them.
2. What Should I Look for in a Mic Stand?
There is a lot to consider when shopping for mic stands. Some main things to keep an eye out for are the size, style, weight, and materials used.
Most podcasters will either use a short table-mounted mic stand or a traditional mic stand with a boom. While straight and table-mounted stands can be lighter and more compact, boom stands will offer much more flexibility in mic placement.
Also, consider the quality of the plastics used on a mic stand. Good quality stands will use strong polymers that won’t break even after years of use and abuse.
3. What Type of Mic Stand Should I Buy?
Deciding between a boom stand, straight stand, and table-mounted stand is a choice that will come down to how and where you record. For podcasters working in a set place like a recording studio or home, an adjustable boom stand is a nice touch. Scissor arm stands, and swivel mounts will also help with getting the exact placement with the adjustable height that you need to optimize your home studio microphone pickup.
If you’re planning to travel and record podcasts on location, or spend a little less, a desk mic stand will do the trick, where a mounted boom stand would be difficult to assemble and disassemble regularly.
4. Who Makes the Best Mic Stand for Podcasting
There are tons of great options for mic stands that will work well for podcasts. Some of today’s top brands include On-Stage, Luling Arts, ammoon, VIMVIP, Bearstar, Neewer, Samson, InnoGear, LyxPro, and Heil Sound.
5. Do I Really Need a Mic Stand?
Without a mic stand, your microphone would need to be held. So, the short answer is, yes, you need a mic stand.
Holding a mic would be not only inconvenient but would result in unwanted noise, as the mic picks up your movements. Not to mention, the inconsistencies of proximity to your mouth would cause inconsistencies with your recorded volume.
How We Reviewed the Following Microphone Stands
For this review, we chose a range of mic stands from some top brands on the market to represent several price points and quality levels.
We consider each mic stand’s features, price, durability, versatility, availability, and warranty information. We also picked what we feel, overall, is the best mic stand for podcasting.
Our top pick may not be the ideal choice for every podcaster on the airwaves, but we feel it offers an excellent balance of price, functionality, and durability.
Overall Price Range of the Stands on This List
There can be a surprisingly wide range of prices on mic stands. For this review, we focused on stands that range between around $15 and around $100. The lower-end stands are usually simpler models that are straight mounted or desktop stands.
The may have lower-grade components like clamps and rubber grommets and may be less adjustable. Higher-end stands can offer better versatility for mic placement and will usually have better components and materials. This is especially true with boom stands that have more moving parts. Spending a bit more on a boom stand can save you money as you’ll avoid buying many replacements as years of abuse take their toll.
What Microphone Stands We Reviewed
- On-Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand
- Luling Arts Desktop Microphone Stand
- ammoon Foldable Tripod Desktop Microphone Stand
- VIMVIP 3-in-1 Recording MV Professional Phone Microphone Stand
- Bearstar Chrome Desktop Microphone Stand
- Neewer Foldable Desktop Microphone Tripod Stand
- Samson MD5 Desktop Microphone Stand
- InnoGear Heavy Duty Microphone Stand
- LyxPro DKS-1 Desktop Microphone Desk Stand
- Heil Sound CB-1 PTT Polished-Chrome Microphone Base Stand
On-Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand
Features
The On-Stage DS7200B offers a simple and affordable table-mounted option for podcasters who plan to record at home or in a studio.
This unit has a straight, adjustable neck that will rise between 9 inches and 13 inches in total height. It has a solid die-cast steel base that also offers two inches of height and provides two pounds of stability.
The base has rubber feet to prevent sliding, and the entire unit can be disassembled for easing travel.
Price $
Durability
With a solid die-cast body and few moving parts, this unit is ultra-durable.
Warranty
This unit is covered with a limited three-year warranty.
Luling Arts Desktop Microphone Stand
Features
The Luling Arts Desktop Microphone Stand kit offers tons of versatility for podcasters who need an all-in-one solution to hold their mic.
This kit includes a table-mounted boom mic stand, and an impressive mix of accessories include a pop filter, shock mounts for two styles of microphones, a phone holder, a gooseneck adapter, and a solid steel mounting clamp that will work with most tables.
This could be the best mic stand for podcasting, especially for users who are starting from scratch and need to build up a solid arsenal of gear.
Price $$
Durability
While this unit offers tons of options, the spring-loaded boom may be less durable than some competitors.
Warranty
This stand is covered with a 30-day warranty.
ammoon Foldable Tripod Desktop Microphone Stand
Features
Ammoon’s foldable tripod desktop mic stand is a low-cost and versatile option for podcasters who need packable performance.
Like the On-stage stand, this unit is made to be placed directly on a desk or table. What differentiates this stand is the folding leg design.
Each of the legs folds up against a central post in the middle of the stand, so it easily packs down for transport in backpacks and luggage.
This design also allows the base to expand and contract to accommodate small or large desktop surfaces. A 5/8″ male to 3/8″ female adapter is included for mic shock mounts, and rubber feet will help prevent unwanted movements.
Price $
Durability
Despite the ultra-low-cost, this unit should provide consistent performance for years.
Warranty
This unit is covered with a six-month warranty.
VIMVIP 3-in-1 Recording MV Professional Phone Microphone Stand
Features
Like the Luling Arts kit, the VIMVIP 3-in-1 Recording MV Professional Phone Microphone Stand offers tons of value for podcasters that need some extra accessories.
This unit features an angled adjuster with a 360-degree range of motion and includes a desktop boom mic stand, shock mount, pop filter, and mobile phone holder.
The phone holder on this unit is compatible with leading brands, including Apple, Samsung, HTC, Blackberry, LG, and ZTE.
And while a phone holder may not be at the top of your list of required features, it could be useful for reading notes and scripts during your podcast.
Price $$
Durability
This unit offers solid durability, but don’t expect it to last for decades.
Warranty
VIMVIP covers this mic stand with an 18-month warranty.
Bearstar Chrome Desktop Microphone Stand
Features
The Bearstar Chrome Desktop Microphone Stand could be the best mic stand for podcasting for users that value simple functionality.
This is a tiny, compact, and light option that will sit on a desk and also pack down to fit in a backpack. It has a tripod base featuring plastic legs that fold out individually to create a solid platform.
Unlike the ammoon option, the folding legs on this stand are plastic and will fold flush against the stand’s body. So they’ll not only cut down on weight but also lower the stand’s overall packed profile.
Price $
Durability
This is one of the lowest-cost stands on our list, but it should stand up for years with some care and gentle use.
Warranty
This unit is backed with a one-year limited warranty.
Neewer Foldable Desktop Microphone Tripod Stand
Features
The Neewer Foldable Desktop Microphone Tripod Stand offers similar versatility to the VIMVIP and Luling Arts kits but in a compact tripod configuration.
This kit comes with a shock mount and pop filter but sits on an ultra-compact tripod base made of three set-length legs. It could be a simple on-the-go option for podcasters who want the best mic stand for podcasting without carrying a lot of extra bulk.
The handsome chrome legs included with this kit will also give your session a nice kick of class. What’s more, the double-mesh pop filter can help reduce harsh plosive sounds and keep your mic clean from any unexpected saliva that may go flying during the recording process.
Price $$
Durability
While the stand itself will be rock-solid, it’s worth taking extra care while handling the shock mount and pop filter.
Warranty
This unit is backed by Neewer’s limited one-year warranty against defects.
Samson MD5 Desktop Microphone Stand
Features
Samson’s MD5 desktop mic stand is the best mic stand for podcasting for users who need minimal performance.
This stand offers a simple and durable base with a five-inch stem. It’s designed to hold any mic clip or shock mount on the threaded central tube and includes an oversized base plate to ensure total stability.
There are no add-ons like shock mounts or pop filters included.
Price $$
Durability
This stand is completely rock-solid and built to be heavy.
Warranty
Samson covers the MD5 mic stand with a limited two-year warranty.
InnoGear Heavy Duty Microphone Stand
Features
InnoGear’s Heavy Duty Microphone Stand is another high-value kit option that may appeal to podcasters who are just getting off the ground.
Like some other kits on the list, this unit includes a spring-mounted desktop boom stand, pop filter, and mic clip.
What sets this kit apart, however, is that InnoGear throws in a premium-quality 6.6-inch XLR cable.
Price $$
Durability
This unit will offer years of dependable use with careful handling.
Warranty
This mic stand is backed with a limited one-year warranty.
LyxPro DKS-1 Desktop Microphone Desk Stand
Features
Like the Samson stand, the LyxPro DKS-1 Desktop Microphone Desk Stand may be the ideal mic stand for users with a minimal approach.
It features a telescoping main beam adjustable between 9 and 14 inches.
A locking clutch will ensure that your mic will never unexpectedly drop while you’re recording, and a 3/8″ – 5/8″ threaded adapter should work perfectly with any shock mount.
LyxPro added a durable metal base with rubberized feet and a mic clip on the main beam to help keep your XLR and USB cables organized while recording.
Price $$
Durability
This is an ultra-durable stand without too many moving parts or accessories.
Warranty
LyxPro covers this stand with a limited one-year warranty.
Heil Sound CB-1 PTT Polished-Chrome Microphone Base Stand
Features
Heil’s CB-1 PTT offers an impressive combination of chrome finish and an integrated push-to-talk button.
This means your mic can plug directly into the stand allowing the PTT button to work as a kill switch if you need to cut the signal for unexpected coughs or sneezes.
Heil includes a 24-inch cable to connect your mic to the PTT button, and the main beam includes a standard 5/8” – 27 that should work with most shock mounts.
This may be the best mic stand for users that want complete control and flexibility over their signal at the touch of a button.
Price $$$
Durability
This is a premium-grade stand with excellent durability.
Warranty
Heil Sound backs this stand with a limited one-year warranty.
Our Verdict
Simplicity and Portability: The ammoon Foldable Tripod Desktop Microphone Stand
Our choice as the best mic stand for podcasting is the ammoon Foldable Tripod Desktop Microphone Stand.
While this ammoon stand doesn’t offer quite the same flexibility of a boom mic, it gives a podcaster everything necessary to secure a mic and record with confidence.
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Stationary: the InnoGear Heavy Duty Microphone Stand
While the InnoGear Heavy Duty Microphone Stand isn’t the easiest to set up, it’s definitely a much more convenient to use in a stationary studio.
Being able to adjust the microphone whenever you move to get more comfortable is a nice perk—especially when you’re sitting and talking for hours on end.
