(2024) Best Mic Stands for Podcasting

There are over 2 million podcasts available worldwide, serving over 100 million podcasts subscribers. That number grows every day with the increase in internet penetration.

So, how do you stand out as a podcaster?

There are several things you can do, but this post zooms in on your recording experience, and how you can improve it with a great choice of mic stand.

By the way, if you are looking for a way to get rid of filler words, dead air, and mouth sounds in your podcast recordings, feel free to check out how Cleanvoice can help.

What are the 5 most popular types of Mic Stands for Podcasters?

1) Desktop Mic Stand or Desk Mic Stand

This is the most popular mic stand with podcasters, primarily because ... well ... you likely already have a desk. It is shorter than most mic stands and has moveable necks, so you can adjust the microphone whichever way you want.

This mic stand is great for podcasters who don’t have a lot of room where they record or have a sedentary set-up. It is very easy to set up as the only thing you are required to do is mount the mic stand on your desk.

2) Overhead Stands

Overhead stands are the most expensive type of mic stands. They are usually very large and come in handy if you require different angles and heights when recording.

An overhead stand has an inbuilt mount that is more adjustable than any other stand mount. It also has wheels, so you can push the stand around rather than carry it. This type of stand is more suitable for really heavy microphones like the condenser microphone, and it is not as easy to find as other mic stands.

The overhead stand should probably be your last resort if you are shopping for a podcast mic unless you have a heavy mic or a large budget.

3) Tripod Stands

Tripod stands were designed to be used by anyone who requires a microphone stand. It’s a great choice for a the leader of a band, or a podcaster like you.

The design is very simple, and you have probably seen it at least once in your life. It has a straight pole with a mount at the top, and you can adjust the height any way you want.

It is also really easy to store and move around because it can be folded up.

Not only that, it is a really great mic stand to consider if you plan to do a lot of live shows standing up.

4) Boom Stands or Tripod Boom Stands

Boom stands are very similar to Tripod stands in terms of structure. The major difference between them is that boom stands come with attached boom arms. The microphone mount is located at the end of the boom arm, so you can position the mic farther away from the vertical stand.

The tripod boom stand offers better flexibility and adjustability. They come in handy if you want to record a podcast while seated and without a desk.

5) Specialty Stands

Specialty stands don’t represent a particular type; they are more of an umbrella term for mics that are made for a particular purpose, e.g., wall and ceiling mic stands.

Other specialty stands are mic stands with clip-on bases that you can clip onto something such as the edge of a desk. These are very lightweight and quick to set up, which makes them great for traveling.

Another great example of specialty stands are dual-mic stand holders, and neck brace mic holders which fit around your neck.

Specialty mics usually have very specific designs and are adjustable depending on what they were designed for.

What should you look out for when buying a mic stand?

Beautiful things are nice to have. However, when getting a mic stand, aesthetics should be the last thing to look out for.

You might not need to sacrifice having a great looking setup though. Once you have covered the principles below, any mic stand you choose would be practical enough to save you backaches.

1) Height Range and Adjustability of the Mic Stand

The height of your mic stands most times is dependent on where you plan to host your podcast. But you want to choose a mic stand whose height can be adjusted whether you are hosting your podcast on a stage or in front of your laptop.

You also want one whose height range can be adjusted to suit your sitting position. You don’t want to develop a backache simply because your mic stand is not positioned directly in front of you, and you are sitting uncomfortably.

Another reason to consider the height range of your microphone stand is that you might not always be the only one using it, and you need to adjust it to suit your guests or co-host. You really don’t want any of these people to be uncomfortable.

2) The Durability of the Mic Stand

Checking for durability is important because you don’t want to keep changing your mic stand every month. You don’t want to buy a cheap microphone simply because you are on a budget; that will end up costing you more in the long run.

Instead, you should get a mic stand that will last as long as possible and through the different conditions you put it through. The best way to do that is by conducting a ton of research. You can ask your friends or the podcast communities you belong to. You can also check online for suggestions with the best reviews.

Spending a lot of time on research and a bit more money than you originally planned might make a whole world of difference between changing your mic stand every few months and having one that lasts for years.

3) The Weight of the Mic Stand

Your mic stand needs to be able to support the weight of your microphone, so before buying a microphone stand, you need to note down the weight of your microphone or the microphone you plan to use it with.

Both microphones and mic stands are expensive investments, so you don’t want a situation where they don’t fit, and you can’t use them together. You also don’t want a force-fit, because that can lead to damage to the microphone or mic stand in the long run.

4) The Portability of the Mic Stand

Might you need to record outside your regular location? Do you see a chance you would need to move equipment around?

If yes, you might want to consider portability as you line up your choices of mic stands.

You already have enough load as it is with your camera, laptop, and microphone. We are guessing you don’t want anything that adds an extra burden or is not easily moveable.

5) The Number of Extra Accessories You Will Need

Some mic stands require additional accessories such as cables, pop shields, or shock mounts.

You want to choose a mic stand that has a lot of these accessories inbuilt to save you the extra cost or stress of having to find the best accessories.

6) The Twist and the Grip of the Clutch

The clutch on a microphone stand is the mechanism that is used to lock the height of the stand into place.

This is a major consideration because you want a mic stand with a clutch that tightens well so that the set height stays in place, and you don’t have to keep adjusting the mic.

7) The Base of the Mic

Most mic stands come with either a tripod or flat base.

If you are looking for a lightweight mic stand, most users recommend that you go for a mic stand with a tripod base. But if you are looking for a mic stand with better stability, the flat base is your best bet.

A tripod-based mic stand also has a wider array of options when compared to a flat-base mic stand.

8) Your Budget

The kind of mic stand you should have your eye on is largely dependent on how much you can afford to spend on a mic stand.

Mic stand prices range anything from $10 to $100 depending on if you want a mic on the basic end or on the high end.

With a budget, you also want to consider how much you are making from your podcast and what amount of investment in mic stands is worth it.

What are the Best Mic Stands for Podcasting? (Our Top Picks)

At the beginning of this article, we talked about how desktop mic stands are probably the best mics for podcasting because of how easily they fit into most podcast setups.

But what are the best ones to use that are also affordable? Well, here’s a look at our top 5 affordable picks:

1) Stability and Sleekness: On-Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand

If you are looking for a desktop mic that is easily adjustable and really stable on a desktop, the on-stage DS7200B is a good pick. It accommodates most standard mics and adjusts in height from 9 inches (22.86 cm) to 13 inches (33.02 cm).

It is really great because its shape doesn’t obstruct your view in any way, so you can see the screen of your laptop or the person sitting across from you easily.

The on-stage DS7200B also has a really heavy base that supports stability and balance for reliable mic support.

Downside

It has a flat base, so it might not be a perfect fit if you are looking for a lightweight microphone. It also has a very limited application, so you might not be able to use it outside a desk.

Key Specs

Price: $19.95

Height: 9 inches (22.86 cm) – 13 inches (33.02 cm)

Base weight: 2 pounds (0.91 kg)

Base diameter: 6 inches (15.24 cm)

Item weight: 2.205 pounds (1 kg)

Material: Rubber and Steel

Style: Adjustable

2) Angle and Height Adjustable: InnoGear Microphone Boom Suspension Stand

The InnoGear Microphone arm is perfect if you plan to carry your mic stand around because it is foldable. You can also adjust it to any angle or height that suits you. It accommodates most standard mics with its 3/8" to 5/8" Screw

It is suitable for podcasting, stage, studio recording, and TV stations.

It is also really easy to install and is designed for heavy duty carry.

Downside:

It cannot accommodate any microphone that is bigger than the 5/8" industry standard, but it gets around that by including a thread tape to wrap around the mounting screw on your shock mount.

Key Specs

Price: $27.75

Item dimensions: ‎38.1 x 3.81 x 10.16 cm

Item weight: 1.35 pounds

Material: Zinc Alloy

Style: Adjustable

3) Suitable for Many Microphones: InnoGear Upgraded Adjustable Desktop Mic Microphone

The InnoGear Upgraded Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand is perfect if you are looking for a mic stand that you can use with a lot of microphones. It has a 5/8" male to 3/8" female screw that can be adjusted to fit different microphones.

Although it is made of metal, it has non-slip pads at the bottom that ensure it doesn’t leave a scratch on your desk if you are particular about this sort of thing.

It is also really easy to install and is adjustable from 10.6 inches (26.92 cm) to 15.4 inches (39.12 cm).

Downside

It weighs almost 2 pounds, and while that makes it stable, it is not the most lightweight of microphones.

Key Specs

Price: $18.99

Height: 10.6 inches (26.92 cm) – 15.4 inches (39.12 cm).

Base weight: 1.85 pounds (0.84 kg)

Item dimensions: 5.12 × 10.63 × 5.12 inches

Item weight: 1.85 pounds (0.84 kg)

Material: Iron

Style: Adjustable

4) Regular Travel and Quick Setup: Pyle Suspension Microphone Boom Stand Pro - Desktop Scissor Mic Stand Spring Arm w/ Shock Mount, Adjustable and Extendable Arm

If you travel or move around a lot, the Pyle Boom Mic Stand will serve you well. It has an extendable boom arm that allows you to position your mic exactly where you want. It also has a really great angle and tilting adjustment. With the arm extending up to 4 feet (1.22 m), it is perfect for podcasting because the adjustable angles means it provides really quality sound.

It has a universal mount clamp, so it is not limited to just desks; it can also be used on shelves and counters.

It also comes with a USA standard 5/8 inch microphone threading and adapter for the universal mic holder mount, as well as a 9.8 ft connector cable with internal cable management.

Downside

While the microphone boom stand is made of top quality steel metal alloy and is triple braced for exceptional support and stability, the stability it offers can’t exactly be compared to that of a flat base.

Key Specs

Price: $23.56

Height: 22 inches (0.56 m)

Item dimensions: 6.25 × 3.5 × 22 inches

Item weight: 3.2 pounds (1.45 kg)

Material: Steel metal alloy

Style: Adjustable

5) Versatile and Convenient: Mictop Desktop Mic Stand Portable Foldable Tripod

If you are looking for an affordable mic that is also really portable, you should take a second look at the Mictop Foldable Tripod Mic Stand. It is really easy to use and only contains two parts: the tripod and the clip holder.

It is very stable and doesn’t easily roll over. It also has an anti-slip mechanism for all handheld microphones.

Apart from podcasting, it can be used for meetings, live interviews, and recording music.

Downside:

It supports a maximum weight of 6.6 pounds (2.99 kg), so you can’t mount any microphone that is heavier than 6.6 pounds on the Mictop Tripod.

Key Specs

Price: $13.99

Item dimensions: 7.6 × 2.91 × 2.83 inches

Item weight: 0.6 pounds (0.27 kg)

Material: Steel metal alloy

Style: Adjustable

Wrapping Up

Mic stands are really important in helping you stand out as a podcaster, whether you are a professional or a beginner. They help with the overall quality of your voice and improve your recording experience.

It is not something you should shirk because of money, because whatever your budget is, there is a mic stand for you out there.

In addition to getting a mic stand, there are other tips and tricks that can help you get better at podcasting. To find out what they are, you can check out our blog.

And if you are looking for a way to get rid of filler words, dead air, and mouth sounds in your podcast recordings, make sure you check out our website and how we can help you here!