Essential Mic Accessories for Streamers: What’s Actually Worth It?

Great audio doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. For new streamers and content creators, the right microphone accessories can make a huge difference in sound quality without requiring a full-blown studio setup. And the best part? You only need three: a boom arm, shock mount, and pop filter. These simple tools help your mic sound better, reduce unwanted noise, and make your setup look more professional—all without breaking the bank.

Let’s break down what each of these does, why they’re worth buying, and why you don’t need to overcomplicate your setup (especially when starting out).

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Why Accessories Matter More Than You Think

Before we dive into the gear, let’s quickly touch on why mic accessories even matter.

You could have the best USB microphone on the market, but if it’s picking up every desk bump, keyboard thud, or plosive “P” sound from your mouth, your audience won’t stick around. Audio quality plays a massive role in whether someone keeps watching—or tunes out.

The good news? You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to fix these issues. A few affordable accessories can instantly improve the sound of just about any mic, especially the popular plug-and-play USB ones like the Blue Yeti, Fifine K690, or Elgato Wave series.

🎤 1. Mic Boom Arm: Stability & Flexibility

Let’s start with one of the most impactful accessories: the boom arm.

What It Does:

A boom arm clamps to your desk and holds your mic in a floating position, giving you full control over its placement. You can bring it closer to your mouth when you’re live, then swing it out of the way when you’re done.

Why It’s Worth It:

Improved sound positioning – The closer your mic is to your mouth, the better the clarity (within reason). Boom arms make that easy without having your mic take up desk space.
Reduces noise from bumps and keyboard clatter – Your mic is off the desk, so it’s not affected every time you accidentally nudge your keyboard or mouse.
More professional look – A boom arm instantly gives your setup a cleaner, more legit appearance on camera.

What to Buy:

For most beginners, the InnoGear boom arm kit is a solid, budget-friendly choice that includes everything you need (more on that in a second). It’s not the most premium arm out there, but it gets the job done without hurting your wallet.

🔄 2. Shock Mount: Your Vibration Shield

A shock mount cradles your microphone and isolates it from low-frequency vibrations—like bumping your desk or even tapping your foot.

What It Does:

It acts like suspension for your mic, absorbing vibrations before they hit your audio. No more weird rumbling noises every time you adjust your chair or knock something on your desk.

Why It’s Worth It:

Eliminates annoying thumps and bumps – This is especially noticeable if you’re using a sensitive condenser mic.
Gives you peace of mind – You won’t have to worry about every tiny desk movement ruining your audio.

What to Buy:

Make sure your shock mount fits your specific mic model (many USB mics have unique shapes). Again, the InnoGear kit includes a universal-style shock mount that fits many beginner mics like the Blue Snowball/Yeti and certain Samson or Fifine models.

🫧 3. Pop Filter: Cleaner, Clearer Voice

You’ve probably heard streamers say “plosives” before—those harsh “P” and “B” sounds that spike your mic and sound awful to your audience. That’s where a pop filter comes in.

What It Does:

A pop filter sits between your mouth and the mic, dispersing the burst of air from hard consonants before they hit the mic capsule.

Why It’s Worth It:

Reduces harsh plosive sounds – Your voice sounds smoother and more balanced.
Protects your mic – Keeps spit and moisture off your mic’s internal components (gross, but true).
Makes you sound more professional – Constant pops and spikes in your audio will quickly irritate viewers, lowering their likelihood of sticking around to watch your stream or video.

What to Buy:

You can choose from mesh-style filters or foam windscreens that fit right over the microphone itself. Both work well, but mesh filters (which attach via a flexible arm) are more effective at taming plosives. Again, a decent one is included in the InnoGear kit, making it a one-stop shop for beginners.

💡 Why You Don’t Need More Than This (Yet)

You’ll often see streamers talking about XLR mics, audio interfaces, cloud lifters, and acoustic panels. And while that gear absolutely has its place for advanced setups, it’s not essential when you’re just getting started.

Here’s why you’re better off skipping that gear—at least for now:

Cost – An XLR setup (mic + interface + cables + accessories) can run $300+, which is a lot when you’re still growing your audience.
Complexity – USB mics are plug-and-play. XLR setups add a layer of technical setup and troubleshooting you might not want to deal with early on.
Return on investment – A $300+ mic setup won’t grow your channel faster than a $100 one if your content and consistency aren’t there yet.

Instead, focus on following mic best-practices, improving your content, and making your current gear sound as good as possible with simple, affordable upgrades. Then, if you eventually want to upgrade to something more advanced, you’ll be making that choice from a place of experience, not FOMO.

✅ Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Smart

If you’re using a standalone USB microphone and want better audio without spending a fortune, stick with the essentials:

🎙️ A boom arm for flexible positioning and less desk noise
🛡️ A shock mount to prevent rumbles and vibrations
🫧 A pop filter to eliminate harsh plosives

These three accessories can take your mic from “just okay” to “actually sounds great,” and they’re often available together in an all-in-one kit like the InnoGear mic accessory bundle.

When you’re getting started, the goal is to sound clean, not studio-perfect, and these accessories get you there.

Once you’ve got your accessories sorted, pairing them with the right mic makes all the difference. Check out our guide to the Best Microphones for Streaming & Content Creation to find the perfect match for your setup—whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up.